10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

___________________________________________

FORM 10-Q

___________________________________________

x Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2012

or

¨ Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from _______ to _______

Commission File Number: 001-15811

___________________________________________

MARKEL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

___________________________________________

Virginia	54-1959284
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

4521 Highwoods Parkway, Glen Allen, Virginia 23060-6148

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(804) 747-0136

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

___________________________________________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x   No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes x No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  x Accelerated filer  o Non-accelerated filer  o Smaller reporting company  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Number of shares of the registrant’s common stock outstanding at August 1, 2012: 9,622,683

Markel Corporation

Form 10-Q

Index

		Page Number
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements
	Consolidated Balance Sheets—June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011	3
	Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income—Quarters and Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011	4
	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity—Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011	5
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Six Months Ended June 30, 2012 and 2011	6
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	7
Item 2.	Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	21
	Critical Accounting Estimates	22
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	29
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	30
Safe Harbor and Cautionary Statement		31
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	33
Item 6.	Exhibits	33
Signatures		34
Exhibit Index		35

2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

MARKEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
	(dollars in thousands)
ASSETS
Investments, available-for-sale, at estimated fair value:
Fixed maturities (amortized cost of $4,916,699 in 2012 and $5,172,952 in 2011)	$	5,326,511	$	5,538,174
Equity securities (cost of $1,313,186 in 2012 and $1,156,294 in 2011)	2,180,069		1,873,927
Short-term investments (estimated fair value approximates cost)	465,734		541,014
Total Investments	7,972,314		7,953,115
Cash and cash equivalents	837,208		775,032
Receivables	476,462		350,237
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	765,043		791,102
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	43,406		38,208
Deferred policy acquisition costs	174,274		194,674
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	112,399		97,074
Goodwill and intangible assets	991,430		867,558
Other assets	592,697		465,103
Total Assets	$	11,965,233	$	11,532,103
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	5,273,275	$	5,398,869
Unearned premiums	1,036,444		915,930
Payables to insurance companies	139,858		64,327
Senior long-term debt and other debt (estimated fair value of $1,446,000 in 2012 and $1,391,000 in 2011)	1,309,530		1,293,520
Other liabilities	463,222		397,111
Total Liabilities	8,222,329		8,069,757
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	87,613		74,231
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
Common stock	904,047		891,507
Retained earnings	1,957,778		1,835,086
Accumulated other comprehensive income	793,341		660,920
Total Shareholders’ Equity	3,655,166		3,387,513
Noncontrolling interests	125		602
Total Equity	3,655,291		3,388,115
Total Liabilities and Equity	$	11,965,233	$	11,532,103

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3

MARKEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

	Quarter Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011			2012			2011
	(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
OPERATING REVENUES
Earned premiums	$	513,056		$	490,201		$	1,042,652		$	953,312
Net investment income	63,602			64,253			143,396			134,352
Net realized investment gains:
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	(992		)	(1,707		)	(992		)	(1,707		)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	—			(3,168		)	—			(3,168		)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income	(992		)	(4,875		)	(992		)	(4,875		)
Net realized investment gains, excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses	9,208			6,219			21,117			17,459
Net realized investment gains	8,216			1,344			20,125			12,584
Other revenues	108,373			91,370			220,209			168,514
Total Operating Revenues	693,247			647,168			1,426,382			1,268,762
OPERATING EXPENSES
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	221,094			306,683			509,615			621,011
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	224,784			196,845			463,481			399,195
Amortization of intangible assets	8,315			5,555			17,119			11,563
Other expenses	97,719			79,473			198,123			147,968
Total Operating Expenses	551,912			588,556			1,188,338			1,179,737
Operating Income	141,335			58,612			238,044			89,025
Interest expense	22,209			21,898			44,376			40,860
Income Before Income Taxes	119,126			36,714			193,668			48,165
Income tax expense	28,358			5,065			45,187			6,655
Net Income	$	90,768		$	31,649		$	148,481		$	41,510
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,081			1,335			1,541			2,924
Net Income to Shareholders	$	89,687		$	30,314		$	146,940		$	38,586
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes:
Net holding gains (losses) arising during the period	$	(8,029	)	$	64,403		$	145,426		$	84,724
Unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities arising during the period	130			1,644			(8		)	1,468
Reclassification adjustments for net gains included in net income	(5,739		)	(827		)	(13,670		)	(7,291		)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes	(13,638		)	65,220			131,748			78,901
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes	(3,162		)	156			(339		)	2,595
Change in net actuarial pension loss, net of taxes	482			355			965			701
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(16,318		)	65,731			132,374			82,197
Comprehensive Income	$	74,450		$	97,380		$	280,855		$	123,707
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,034			1,335			1,494			2,924
Comprehensive Income to Shareholders	$	73,416		$	96,045		$	279,361		$	120,783
NET INCOME PER SHARE
Basic	$	8.44		$	3.12		$	14.38		$	3.97
Diluted	$	8.42		$	3.11		$	14.35		$	3.95

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4

MARKEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

	Common Stock		Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Total Shareholders’ Equity			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity			Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
	(dollars in thousands)
December 31, 2010	$	884,457	$	1,735,973		$	551,093		$	3,171,523		$	871		$	3,172,394		$	15,298
Net income			38,586			—			38,586			(136		)	38,450			3,060
Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes			—			78,901			78,901			—			78,901			—
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes			—			2,595			2,595			—			2,595			—
Change in net actuarial pension loss, net of taxes			—			701			701			—			701			—
Comprehensive Income									120,783			(136		)	120,647			3,060
Issuance of common stock	848		—			—			848			—			848			—
Repurchase of common stock	—		(13,492		)	—			(13,492		)	—			(13,492		)	—
Restricted stock units expensed	3,129		—			—			3,129			—			3,129			—
Acquisitions	—		—			—			—			—			—			47,292
Other	182		—			—			182			—			182			(1,279		)
June 30, 2011	$	888,616	$	1,761,067		$	633,290		$	3,282,973		$	735		$	3,283,708		$	64,371
December 31, 2011	$	891,507	$	1,835,086		$	660,920		$	3,387,513		$	602		$	3,388,115		$	74,231
Net income			146,940			—			146,940			(477		)	146,463			2,018
Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes			—			131,748			131,748			—			131,748			—
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes			—			(292		)	(292		)	—			(292		)	(47		)
Change in net actuarial pension loss, net of taxes			—			965			965			—			965			—
Comprehensive Income									279,361			(477		)	278,884			1,971
Issuance of common stock	8,413		—			—			8,413			—			8,413			—
Repurchase of common stock	—		(16,062		)	—			(16,062		)	—			(16,062		)	—
Restricted stock units expensed	3,806		—			—			3,806			—			3,806			—
Acquisitions	—		—			—			—			—			—			7,896
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests	—		(8,186		)	—			(8,186		)	—			(8,186		)	8,186
Other	321		—			—			321			—			321			(4,671		)
June 30, 2012	$	904,047	$	1,957,778		$	793,341		$	3,655,166		$	125		$	3,655,291		$	87,613

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

5

MARKEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2012			2011
	(dollars in thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	148,481		$	41,510
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities	(43,734		)	58,833
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities	104,747			100,343
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities and equity securities	143,429			107,131
Proceeds from maturities, calls and prepayments of fixed maturities	256,503			202,269
Cost of fixed maturities and equity securities purchased	(285,988		)	(312,173		)
Net change in short-term investments	75,539			(275,238		)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(143,620		)	(5,841		)
Additions to property and equipment	(22,885		)	(27,158		)
Cost of equity method investments	(38,250		)	(10,600		)
Other	(1,509		)	10,970
Net Cash Used By Investing Activities	(16,781		)	(310,640		)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Additions to senior long-term debt and other debt	73,705			295,352
Repayments of senior long-term debt and other debt	(71,529		)	(53,038		)
Repurchases of common stock	(16,062		)	(13,492		)
Other	(11,245		)	(1,017		)
Net Cash Provided (Used) By Financing Activities	(25,131		)	227,805
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(659		)	5,187
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	62,176			22,695
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	775,032			745,259
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	837,208		$	767,954

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

6

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Basis of Presentation

Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. Markel Corporation’s principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products and programs. Markel Corporation also owns interests in various industrial and service businesses that operate outside of the specialty insurance marketplace.

The consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2012, the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the quarters and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, and the consolidated statements of changes in equity and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for fair presentation of such consolidated financial statements have been included. Such adjustments consist only of normal, recurring items. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for the entire year. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011 was derived from Markel Corporation’s audited annual consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and include the accounts of Markel Corporation and all subsidiaries (the Company). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company consolidates the results of its non-insurance subsidiaries on a one-month lag. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ materially from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements and notes are presented as permitted by Form 10-Q and do not contain certain information included in the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements and notes. Readers are urged to review the Company’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete description of the Company’s business and accounting policies.

ParkLand Ventures, Inc. (ParkLand), a subsidiary of the Company, has formed subsidiaries for the purpose of acquiring and financing real estate (the real estate subsidiaries). The assets of the real estate subsidiaries, which are not material to the Company, are consolidated in accordance with U.S. GAAP but are not available to satisfy the debt and other obligations of the Company or any affiliates other than the real estate subsidiaries.

2. Net Income per Share

Net income per share was determined by dividing adjusted net income to shareholders by the applicable weighted average shares outstanding.

	Quarter Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2012		2011		2012		2011
Net income to shareholders	$	89,687	$	30,314	$	146,940	$	38,586
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests	8,186		—		8,186		—
Adjusted net income to shareholders	$	81,501	$	30,314	$	138,754	$	38,586
Basic common shares outstanding	9,651		9,717		9,646		9,720
Dilutive potential common shares	25		40		26		40
Diluted shares outstanding	9,676		9,757		9,672		9,760
Basic net income per share	$	8.44	$	3.12	$	14.38	$	3.97
Diluted net income per share	$	8.42	$	3.11	$	14.35	$	3.95

7

3. Reinsurance

The following tables summarize the effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned.

	Quarter Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012						2011
	Written			Earned			Written			Earned
Direct	$	530,144		$	490,607		$	508,006		$	461,962
Assumed	116,778			91,107			89,187			87,323
Ceded	(80,308		)	(68,658		)	(66,505		)	(59,084		)
Net premiums	$	566,614		$	513,056		$	530,688		$	490,201

	Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012						2011
	Written			Earned			Written			Earned
Direct	$	1,048,684		$	1,000,196		$	981,216		$	908,100
Assumed	246,856			174,949			206,760			168,773
Ceded	(147,760		)	(132,493		)	(138,276		)	(123,561		)
Net premiums	$	1,147,780		$	1,042,652		$	1,049,700		$	953,312

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses were net of reinsurance recoverables (ceded incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses) of $24.2 million and $45.3 million, respectively, for the quarters ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 and $64.3 million and $93.8 million, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

4. Investments

a) The following tables summarize the Company’s available-for-sale investments.

	June 30, 2012
(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Holding Gains		Gross Unrealized Holding Losses			Unrealized Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	312,540	$	21,330	$	(38	)	$	—		$	333,832
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	2,663,600		231,887		(409		)	—			2,895,078
Foreign governments	552,873		52,629		(32		)	—			605,470
Residential mortgage-backed securities	297,664		21,638		(3		)	(2,258		)	317,041
Asset-backed securities	15,069		629		—			—			15,698
Public utilities	64,132		5,093		—			—			69,225
All other corporate bonds	1,010,821		86,101		(130		)	(6,625		)	1,090,167
Total fixed maturities	4,916,699		419,307		(612		)	(8,883		)	5,326,511
Equity securities:
Insurance companies, banks and trusts	443,857		358,808		(488		)	—			802,177
Industrial, consumer and all other	869,329		515,267		(6,704		)	—			1,377,892
Total equity securities	1,313,186		874,075		(7,192		)	—			2,180,069
Short-term investments	465,739		1		(6		)	—			465,734
Investments, available-for-sale	$	6,695,624	$	1,293,383	$	(7,810	)	$	(8,883	)	$	7,972,314

8

	December 31, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Holding Gains		Gross Unrealized Holding Losses			Unrealized Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	299,413	$	22,789	$	(9	)	$	—		$	322,193
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	2,729,838		201,477		(794		)	—			2,930,521
Foreign governments	572,253		45,629		(1,068		)	—			616,814
Residential mortgage-backed securities	366,859		24,601		(18		)	(2,258		)	389,184
Asset-backed securities	16,096		731		(9		)	—			16,818
Public utilities	63,965		5,462		—			—			69,427
All other corporate bonds	1,124,528		78,053		(2,750		)	(6,614		)	1,193,217
Total fixed maturities	5,172,952		378,742		(4,648		)	(8,872		)	5,538,174
Equity securities:
Insurance companies, banks and trusts	389,421		296,648		(1,366		)	—			684,703
Industrial, consumer and all other	766,873		425,131		(2,780		)	—			1,189,224
Total equity securities	1,156,294		721,779		(4,146		)	—			1,873,927
Short-term investments	541,014		4		(4		)	—			541,014
Investments, available-for-sale	$	6,870,260	$	1,100,525	$	(8,798	)	$	(8,872	)	$	7,953,115

b) The following tables summarize gross unrealized investment losses by the length of time that securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position.

	June 30, 2012
	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
(dollars in thousands)	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	55,792	$	(35	)	$	3,483	$	(3	)	$	59,275	$	(38	)
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	9,387		(95		)	6,284		(314		)	15,671		(409		)
Foreign governments	14,270		(32		)	—		—			14,270		(32		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	856		(2,261		)	—		—			856		(2,261		)
All other corporate bonds	12,049		(6,698		)	3,920		(57		)	15,969		(6,755		)
Total fixed maturities	92,354		(9,121		)	13,687		(374		)	106,041		(9,495		)
Equity securities:
Insurance companies, banks and trusts	21,265		(488		)	—		—			21,265		(488		)
Industrial, consumer and all other	95,989		(6,574		)	17,499		(130		)	113,488		(6,704		)
Total equity securities	117,254		(7,062		)	17,499		(130		)	134,753		(7,192		)
Short-term investments	154,995		(6		)	—		—			154,995		(6		)
Total	$	364,603	$	(16,189	)	$	31,186	$	(504	)	$	395,789	$	(16,693	)

9

At June 30, 2012, the Company held 55 securities with a total estimated fair value of $395.8 million and gross unrealized losses of $16.7 million. Of these 55 securities, 12 securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for greater than one year and had a total estimated fair value of $31.2 million and gross unrealized losses of $0.5 million. Of these securities, 10 were fixed maturities and two were equity securities. The Company does not intend to sell or believe it will be required to sell these fixed maturities before recovery of their amortized cost.

	December 31, 2011
	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
(dollars in thousands)	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	32,384	$	(9	)	$	—	$	—		$	32,384	$	(9	)
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	1,016		(2		)	17,261		(792		)	18,277		(794		)
Foreign governments	40,340		(1,068		)	—		—			40,340		(1,068		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	489		(2,263		)	2,045		(13		)	2,534		(2,276		)
Asset-backed securities	—		—			32		(9		)	32		(9		)
All other corporate bonds	74,812		(7,829		)	7,923		(1,535		)	82,735		(9,364		)
Total fixed maturities	149,041		(11,171		)	27,261		(2,349		)	176,302		(13,520		)
Equity securities:
Insurance companies, banks and trusts	26,514		(1,366		)	—		—			26,514		(1,366		)
Industrial, consumer and all other	70,555		(2,774		)	18,525		(6		)	89,080		(2,780		)
Total equity securities	97,069		(4,140		)	18,525		(6		)	115,594		(4,146		)
Short-term investments	295,991		(4		)	—		—			295,991		(4		)
Total	$	542,101	$	(15,315	)	$	45,786	$	(2,355	)	$	587,887	$	(17,670	)

At December 31, 2011, the Company held 76 securities with a total estimated fair value of $587.9 million and gross unrealized losses of $17.7 million. Of these 76 securities, 17 securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for greater than one year and had a total estimated fair value of $45.8 million and gross unrealized losses of $2.4 million. Of these securities, 16 securities were fixed maturities and one was an equity security.

The Company completes a detailed analysis each quarter to assess whether the decline in the fair value of any investment below its cost basis is deemed other-than-temporary. All securities with unrealized losses are reviewed. The Company considers many factors in completing its quarterly review of securities with unrealized losses for other-than-temporary impairment, including the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been below cost and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. For equity securities, the ability and intent to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for anticipated recovery is considered. For fixed maturities, the Company considers whether it intends to sell the security or if it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery, the implied yield-to-maturity, the credit quality of the issuer and the ability to recover all amounts outstanding when contractually due.

10

For equity securities, a decline in fair value that is considered to be other-than-temporary is recognized in net income based on the fair value of the security at the time of assessment, resulting in a new cost basis for the security. For fixed maturities where the Company intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, a decline in fair value is considered to be other-than-temporary and is recognized in net income based on the fair value of the security at the time of assessment, resulting in a new cost basis for the security. If the decline in fair value of a fixed maturity below its amortized cost is considered to be other-than-temporary based upon other considerations, the Company compares the estimated present value of the cash flows expected to be collected to the amortized cost of the security. The extent to which the estimated present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost of the security represents the credit-related portion of the other-than-temporary impairment, which is recognized in net income, resulting in a new cost basis for the security. Any remaining decline in fair value represents the non-credit portion of the other-than-temporary impairment, which is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). The discount rate used to calculate the estimated present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is the effective interest rate implicit for the security at the date of purchase.

When assessing whether it intends to sell a fixed maturity or if it is likely to be required to sell a fixed maturity before recovery of its amortized cost, the Company evaluates facts and circumstances including, but not limited to, decisions to reposition the investment portfolio, potential sales of investments to meet cash flow needs and potential sales of investments to capitalize on favorable pricing. Additional information on the methodology and significant inputs, by security type, that the Company used to determine the amount of credit loss recognized on fixed maturities with declines in fair value below amortized cost that were considered to be other-than-temporary is provided below.

Residential mortgage-backed securities. For mortgage-backed securities, credit impairment is assessed by estimating future cash flows from the underlying mortgage loans and interest payments. The cash flow estimate incorporates actual cash flows from the mortgage-backed securities through the current period and then projects the remaining cash flows using a number of assumptions, including prepayment rates, default rates, recovery rates on foreclosed properties and loss severity assumptions. Management develops specific assumptions using market data and internal estimates, as well as estimates from rating agencies and other third party sources. Default rates are estimated by considering current underlying mortgage loan performance and expectations of future performance. Estimates of future cash flows are discounted to present value. If the present value of expected cash flows is less than the amortized cost, the Company recognizes the estimated credit loss in net income.

Corporate bonds. For corporate bonds, credit impairment is assessed by evaluating the underlying issuer. As part of this assessment, the Company analyzes various factors, including the following:

• fundamentals of the issuer, including current and projected earnings, current liquidity position and ability to raise capital;

• fundamentals of the industry in which the issuer operates;

• expectations of defaults and recovery rates;

• changes in ratings by rating agencies;

• other relevant market considerations; and

• receipt of interest payments

Default probabilities and recovery rates from rating agencies are key factors used in calculating the credit loss. Additional research of the industry and issuer is completed to determine if there is any current information that may affect the fixed maturity or its issuer in a negative manner and require an adjustment to the cash flow assumptions.

11

c) The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturities at June 30, 2012 are shown below by contractual maturity.

(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	308,649	$	314,640
Due after one year through five years	1,283,202		1,389,784
Due after five years through ten years	1,599,929		1,742,051
Due after ten years	1,412,186		1,547,297
	4,603,966		4,993,772
Residential mortgage-backed securities	297,664		317,041
Asset-backed securities	15,069		15,698
Total fixed maturities	$	4,916,699	$	5,326,511

d) The following table summarizes the activity for credit losses recognized in net income on fixed maturities where other-than-temporary impairment was identified and a portion of the other-than-temporary impairment was included in other comprehensive income (loss).

	Quarter Ended June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012		2011			2012		2011
Cumulative credit loss, beginning balance	$	21,370	$	10,307		$	21,370	$	10,307
Additions:
Increases related to other-than-temporary impairment losses previously recognized	—		4,875			—		4,875
Total additions	—		4,875			—		4,875
Reductions:
Sales of fixed maturities on which credit losses were recognized	—		(15		)	—		(15		)
Cumulative credit loss, ending balance	$	21,370	$	15,167		$	21,370	$	15,167

e) The following table presents net realized investment gains and the change in net unrealized gains on investments.

	Quarter Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Realized gains:
Sales of fixed maturities	$	3,570		$	2,877		$	5,422		$	10,858
Sales of equity securities	5,820			3,747			15,514			5,818
Other	134			94			655			1,519
Total realized gains	9,524			6,718			21,591			18,195
Realized losses:
Sales of fixed maturities	(316		)	(499		)	(474		)	(736		)
Other-than-temporary impairments	(992		)	(4,875		)	(992		)	(4,875		)
Total realized losses	(1,308		)	(5,374		)	(1,466		)	(5,611		)
Net realized investment gains	$	8,216		$	1,344		$	20,125		$	12,584
Change in net unrealized gains on investments:
Fixed maturities	$	27,921		$	80,819		$	44,590		$	64,423
Equity securities	(47,744		)	16,061			149,250			52,918
Short-term investments	(2		)	18			(5		)	21
Net increase (decrease)	$	(19,825	)	$	96,898		$	193,835		$	117,362

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f) The following table presents other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income and included in net realized investment gains by investment type.

	Quarter Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Fixed maturities:
Residential mortgage-backed securities	$	—		$	(4,875	)	$	—		$	(4,875	)
Total fixed maturities	—			(4,875		)	—			(4,875		)
Equity securities:
Insurance companies, banks and trusts	(992		)	—			(992		)	—
Total equity securities	(992		)	—			(992		)	—
Total	$	(992	)	$	(4,875	)	$	(992	)	$	(4,875	)

5. Segment Reporting Disclosures

The Company operates in three segments of the specialty insurance marketplace: the Excess and Surplus Lines, the Specialty Admitted and the London markets. The Company considers many factors, including the nature of its insurance products, production sources, distribution strategies and regulatory environment in determining how to aggregate operating segments.

All investing activities related to our insurance operations are included in the Investing segment. For purposes of segment reporting, the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment includes lines of business that have been discontinued in conjunction with acquisitions. The Company’s non-insurance operations primarily consist of controlling interests in various industrial and service businesses. For purposes of segment reporting, the Company’s non-insurance operations are not considered to be a reportable operating segment.

Segment profit or loss for each of the Company’s operating segments is measured by underwriting profit or loss. The property and casualty insurance industry commonly defines underwriting profit or loss as earned premiums net of losses and loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses. Underwriting profit or loss does not replace operating income or net income computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP as a measure of profitability. Underwriting profit or loss provides a basis for management to evaluate the Company’s underwriting performance. Segment profit for the Investing segment is measured by net investment income and net realized investment gains or losses.

For management reporting purposes, the Company allocates assets to its underwriting, investing and non-insurance operations. Underwriting assets are all assets not specifically allocated to the Investing segment or to the Company’s non-insurance operations. Underwriting assets are not allocated to the Excess and Surplus Lines, Specialty Admitted, London Insurance Market or Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segments since the Company does not manage its assets by operating segment. Invested assets related to our insurance operations are allocated to the Investing segment since these assets are available for payment of losses and expenses for all operating segments. The Company does not allocate capital expenditures for long-lived assets to any of its operating segments for management reporting purposes.

13

a) The following tables summarize the Company’s segment disclosures.

	Quarter Ended June 30, 2012
(dollars in thousands)	Excess and Surplus Lines			Specialty Admitted			London Insurance Market			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	229,906		$	180,150		$	236,874		$	(8	)		$	—	$	646,922
Net written premiums	193,291			169,276			204,054			(7		)		—		566,614
Earned premiums	189,668			144,695			178,699			(6		)		—		513,056
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(127,683		)	(101,378		)	(118,931		)	—				—		(347,992		)
Prior accident years	50,686			11,917			64,785			(490		)		—		126,898
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses:
Prospective adoption of ASU 2010-26 (1)	(6,040		)	(4,499		)	(3,732		)	—				—		(14,271		)
All other expenses	(81,345		)	(53,837		)	(74,947		)	(384		)		—		(210,513		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	25,286			(3,102		)	45,874			(880		)		—		67,178
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				63,602		63,602
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				8,216		8,216
Other revenues (insurance)	—			14,081			147			—				—		14,228
Other expenses (insurance)	—			(11,802		)	(778		)	—				—		(12,580		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	25,286		$	(823	)	$	45,243		$	(880	)		$	71,818	$	140,644
Other revenues (non-insurance)																94,145
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(85,139		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(8,315		)
Interest expense																(22,209		)
Income before income taxes																$	119,126
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (2)	87		%	102		%	74		%	NM			(3)			87		%

	Quarter Ended June 30, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Excess and Surplus Lines			Specialty Admitted			London Insurance Market			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	225,979		$	143,530		$	227,682		$	2			$	—	$	597,193
Net written premiums	194,048			136,292			200,472			(124		)		—		530,688
Earned premiums	187,206			131,364			171,754			(123		)		—		490,201
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(142,550		)	(94,324		)	(146,546		)	—				—		(383,420		)
Prior accident years	52,649			1,771			22,605			(288		)		—		76,737
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(82,932		)	(47,789		)	(65,835		)	(289		)		—		(196,845		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	14,373			(8,978		)	(18,022		)	(700		)		—		(13,327		)
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				64,253		64,253
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				1,344		1,344
Other revenues (insurance)	—			12,375			—			—				—		12,375
Other expenses (insurance)	—			(12,588		)	(39		)	—				—		(12,627		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	14,373		$	(9,191	)	$	(18,061	)	$	(700	)		$	65,597	$	52,018
Other revenues (non-insurance)																78,995
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(66,846		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(5,555		)
Interest expense																(21,898		)
Income before income taxes																$	36,714
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (2)	92		%	107		%	110		%	NM			(3)			103		%

(1) Effective January 1, 2012, the Company prospectively adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2010-26, Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts. At December 31, 2011, deferred policy acquisition costs included approximately $43 million of costs that no longer met the criteria for deferral as of January 1, 2012 and will be recognized into income primarily over the first nine months of 2012, consistent with policy terms. The quarter ended June 30, 2012 included $14.3 million of underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses that were deferred as of December 31, 2011 and no longer met the criteria for deferral as of January 1, 2012.

(2) The U.S. GAAP combined ratio is a measure of underwriting performance and represents the relationship of incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses to earned premiums.

(3) NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

14

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
(dollars in thousands)	Excess and Surplus Lines			Specialty Admitted			London Insurance Market			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	452,835		$	328,272		$	514,440		$	(7	)		$	—	$	1,295,540
Net written premiums	386,204			309,828			451,754			(6		)		—		1,147,780
Earned premiums	389,046			278,170			375,441			(5		)		—		1,042,652
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(255,750		)	(194,071		)	(250,677		)	—				—		(700,498		)
Prior accident years	81,273			16,243			86,250			7,117				—		190,883
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses:
Prospective adoption of ASU 2010-26 (1)	(14,527		)	(10,263		)	(9,769		)	—				—		(34,559		)
All other expenses	(167,202		)	(111,103		)	(149,950		)	(667		)		—		(428,922		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	32,840			(21,024		)	51,295			6,445				—		69,556
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				143,396		143,396
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				20,125		20,125
Other revenues (insurance)	—			24,529			4,530			—				—		29,059
Other expenses (insurance)	—			(23,003		)	(1,752		)	—				—		(24,755		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	32,840		$	(19,498	)	$	54,073		$	6,445			$	163,521	$	237,381
Other revenues (non-insurance)																191,150
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(173,368		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(17,119		)
Interest expense																(44,376		)
Income before income taxes																$	193,668
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (2)	92		%	108		%	86		%	NM			(3)			93		%

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Excess and Surplus Lines			Specialty Admitted			London Insurance Market			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	427,350		$	277,851		$	482,683		$	92			$	—	$	1,187,976
Net written premiums	369,585			263,531			416,611			(27		)		—		1,049,700
Earned premiums	368,263			253,840			331,237			(28		)		—		953,312
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(265,057		)	(172,794		)	(334,422		)	—				—		(772,273		)
Prior accident years	109,441			1,969			35,239			4,613				—		151,262
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(168,852		)	(97,262		)	(132,560		)	(521		)		—		(399,195		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	43,795			(14,247		)	(100,506		)	4,064				—		(66,894		)
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				134,352		134,352
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				12,584		12,584
Other revenues (insurance)	—			21,561			—			—				—		21,561
Other expenses (insurance)	—			(24,328		)	(47		)	—				—		(24,375		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	43,795		$	(17,014	)	$	(100,553	)	$	4,064			$	146,936	$	77,228
Other revenues (non-insurance)																146,953
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(123,593		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(11,563		)
Interest expense																(40,860		)
Income before income taxes																$	48,165
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (2)	88		%	106		%	130		%	NM			(3)			107		%

(1) Effective January 1, 2012, the Company prospectively adopted FASB ASU No. 2010-26, Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts. At December 31, 2011, deferred policy acquisition costs included approximately $43 million of costs that no longer met the criteria for deferral as of January 1, 2012 and will be recognized into income primarily over the first nine months of 2012, consistent with policy terms. The six months ended June 30, 2012 included $34.6 million of underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses that were deferred as of December 31, 2011 and no longer met the criteria for deferral as of January 1, 2012.

(2) The U.S. GAAP combined ratio is a measure of underwriting performance and represents the relationship of incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses to earned premiums.

(3) NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

15

b) The following table reconciles segment assets to the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

(dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Segment assets:
Investing	$	8,766,935	$	8,692,391
Underwriting	2,451,938		2,209,431
Total segment assets	$	11,218,873	$	10,901,822
Non-insurance operations	746,360		630,281
Total assets	$	11,965,233	$	11,532,103

6. Derivatives

The Company is a party to a credit default swap agreement, under which third party credit risk is transferred from a counterparty to the Company. The Company entered into the credit default swap agreement for investment purposes. At both June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the notional amount of the credit default swap was $33.1 million, which represented the Company’s aggregate exposure to losses if specified credit events involving third party reference entities occur. These third party reference entities are specified under the terms of the agreement and represent a portfolio of names upon which the Company has assumed credit risk from the counterparty. The Company’s exposure to loss from any one reference entity is limited to $20.0 million. The credit default swap has a scheduled termination date of December 2014.

The credit default swap is accounted for as a derivative instrument and is recorded at fair value with any changes in fair value recorded in net investment income. At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the credit default swap had a fair value of $17.1 million and $29.3 million, respectively. The fair value of the credit default swap is included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Net investment income for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 included favorable changes in the fair value of the credit default swap of $1.1 million and $12.2 million, respectively. For the quarter ended June 30, 2011, net investment income included an adverse change in the credit default swap of $1.0 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2011, net investment income included a favorable change in the credit default swap of $0.6 million.

The fair value of the credit default swap is determined by the Company using a Gaussian copula valuation model, a market standard model for valuing credit default swaps. The fair value is dependent upon several inputs, including changes in interest rates, credit spreads, expected default rates, changes in credit quality, future expected recovery rates and other market factors. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the credit default swap are expected default rates and future expected recovery rates. The Company determines these unobservable inputs based upon default rates and recovery rates used to price similar credit default swap indices. A significant increase in expected default rates in isolation results in a significantly higher fair value measurement, while a significant decrease in expected default rates results in a significantly lower fair value measurement. A significant increase in future expected recovery rates in isolation results in a significantly lower fair value measurement, while a significant decrease in future expected recovery rates results in a significantly higher fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for expected default rates is accompanied by a directionally opposite change in future expected recovery rates. The fair value measurement of the credit default swap at June 30, 2012 included expected default rates ranging between 2% and 30%, with a weighted-average expected default rate of 5%, and future expected recovery rates ranging between 20% and 40%, with a weighted-average future expected recovery rate of 39%. The fair value measurement of the credit default swap at December 31, 2011 included expected default rates ranging between 2% and 37%, with a weighted-average expected default rate of 9%, and future expected recovery rates ranging between 19% and 52%, with a weighted-average future expected recovery rate of 39%.

The Company's valuation policies and procedures for the credit default swap are determined by an internal investment manager with oversight provided by the Company's Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer. Fair value measurements are analyzed quarterly to ensure the change in fair value from prior periods is reasonable relative to recent market trends. Additionally, the reported fair value of the credit default swap is compared to results from similar valuation models.

The Company had no other material derivative instruments at June 30, 2012.

7. Employee Benefit Plans

a) Expenses relating to the Company’s defined contribution plans were $4.7 million and $9.3 million, respectively, for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 and $4.1 million and $8.5 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2011.

16

b) The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for the Terra Nova Pension Plan, a defined benefit plan.

	Quarter Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Service cost	$	89		$	346		$	179		$	683
Interest cost	1,693			1,811			3,386			3,579
Expected return on plan assets	(2,431		)	(2,504		)	(4,863		)	(4,947		)
Amortization of net actuarial pension loss	644			486			1,287			960
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$	(5	)	$	139		$	(11	)	$	275

The Company contributed $5.7 million to the Terra Nova Pension Plan during the six months ended June 30, 2012 and does not expect to make any additional contributions in 2012.

8. Commitments and Contingencies

The Company owns controlling interests in various non-insurance subsidiaries. Under the terms of certain of the acquisition agreements, the Company has the option to acquire the remaining equity interests and the remaining equity interests have the option to sell their interests to the Company in the future. The redemption value of the remaining equity interests is generally based on the respective company's earnings in specified periods preceding the redemption date. The redeemable noncontrolling interests generally become redeemable between 2012 and 2018.

The Company recognizes changes in the redemption value that exceed the carrying value of redeemable noncontrolling interests immediately through retained earnings as if the balance sheet date were also the redemption date. Changes in the redemption value also result in an adjustment to net income to shareholders in the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share. At June 30, 2012, the adjustment recorded to increase redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value was $8.2 million. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the redemption values of the redeemable noncontrolling interests were less than or approximated their carrying values.

Redeemable noncontrolling interests have been reclassified from other noncontrolling interests in the consolidated balance sheets and statements of changes in equity for all periods presented. The reclassification had no impact on previously reported shareholders' equity, net income or basic and diluted net income per share.

Contingencies arise in the normal course of the Company’s operations and are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

9. Fair Value Measurements

FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, establishes a three-level hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure the assets or liabilities fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability.

Classification of assets and liabilities within the hierarchy considers the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability and transparency of the assumptions used to determine fair value. The hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. The levels of the hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities traded in active markets.

Level 2 – Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and market-corroborated inputs.

17

Level 3 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable for the asset or liability and are significant to the fair value measurement.

In accordance with FASB ASC 820, the Company determines fair value based on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the Company uses various methods, including the market, income and cost approaches. The Company uses valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The following section describes the valuation methodologies used by the Company to measure assets and liabilities at fair value, including an indication of the level within the fair value hierarchy in which each asset or liability is generally classified.

Investments available-for-sale. Investments available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and include fixed maturities, equity securities and short-term investments. Short-term investments include certificates of deposit, commercial paper, discount notes and treasury bills with original maturities of one year or less. Fair value for investments available-for-sale is determined by the Company after considering various sources of information, including information provided by a third party pricing service. The pricing service provides prices for substantially all of the Company’s fixed maturities and equity securities. In determining fair value, the Company generally does not adjust the prices obtained from the pricing service. The Company obtains an understanding of the pricing service’s valuation methodologies and related inputs, which include, but are not limited to, reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids, offers, duration, credit ratings, estimated cash flows and prepayment speeds. The Company validates prices provided by the pricing service by reviewing prices from other pricing sources and analyzing pricing data in certain instances.

The Company has evaluated the various types of securities in its investment portfolio to determine an appropriate fair value hierarchy level based upon trading activity and the observability of market inputs. Level 1 investments include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange. Level 2 investments include U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies, municipal bonds, foreign government bonds, residential mortgage-backed securities and corporate debt securities.

Fair value for investments available-for-sale is measured based upon quoted prices in active markets, if available. Due to variations in trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices, fixed maturities are classified as Level 2 investments. The fair value of fixed maturities is normally derived through recent reported trades for identical or similar securities, making adjustments through the reporting date based upon available market observable data described above. If there are no recent reported trades, the fair value of fixed maturities may be derived through the use of matrix pricing or model processes, where future cash flow expectations are developed based upon collateral performance and discounted at an estimated market rate. Significant inputs used to determine the fair value of obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions, corporate bonds and obligations of foreign governments include reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids, offers, credit information and estimated cash flows. Significant inputs used to determine the fair value of residential mortgage-backed securities include the type of underlying mortgage loans, benchmark yields, prepayment speeds, collateral information, tranche type and volatility, estimated cash flows, credit information, default rates, recovery rates, issuer spreads and the year of issue.

Derivatives. Derivatives are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and include a credit default swap. The fair value of the credit default swap is measured by the Company using an external valuation model. See note 6 for a discussion of the valuation model for the credit default swap, including the key inputs and assumptions used in the model and a description of the valuation processes used by the Company. Due to the significance of unobservable inputs required in measuring the fair value of the credit default swap, the credit default swap has been classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

Senior long-term debt and other debt. Senior long-term debt and other debt is carried at amortized cost with the estimated fair value disclosed on the consolidated balance sheets. Senior long-term debt and other debt is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy due to variations in trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices. Fair value for senior long-term debt and other debt is generally derived through recent reported trades for identical securities, making adjustments through the reporting date, if necessary, based upon available market observable data including U.S. Treasury securities and implied credit spreads. Significant inputs used to determine the fair value of senior long-term debt and other debt include reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids and offers.

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The following tables present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy.

	June 30, 2012
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Investments available-for-sale:
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	—	$	333,832	$	—	$	333,832
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		2,895,078		—		2,895,078
Foreign governments	—		605,470		—		605,470
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		317,041		—		317,041
Asset-backed securities	—		15,698		—		15,698
Public utilities	—		69,225		—		69,225
All other corporate bonds	—		1,090,167		—		1,090,167
Total fixed maturities	—		5,326,511		—		5,326,511
Equity securities:
Insurance companies, banks and trusts	802,177		—		—		802,177
Industrial, consumer and all other	1,377,892		—		—		1,377,892
Total equity securities	2,180,069		—		—		2,180,069
Short-term investments	391,822		73,912		—		465,734
Total investments available-for-sale	2,571,891		5,400,423		—		7,972,314
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	$	—	$	—	$	17,130	$	17,130

	December 31, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Investments available-for-sale:
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	—	$	322,193	$	—	$	322,193
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		2,930,521		—		2,930,521
Foreign governments	—		616,814		—		616,814
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		389,184		—		389,184
Asset-backed securities	—		16,818		—		16,818
Public utilities	—		69,427		—		69,427
All other corporate bonds	—		1,193,217		—		1,193,217
Total fixed maturities	—		5,538,174		—		5,538,174
Equity securities:
Insurance companies, banks and trusts	684,703		—		—		684,703
Industrial, consumer and all other	1,189,224		—		—		1,189,224
Total equity securities	1,873,927		—		—		1,873,927
Short-term investments	477,348		63,666		—		541,014
Total investments available-for-sale	2,351,275		5,601,840		—		7,953,115
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	$	—	$	—	$	29,331	$	29,331

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The following table summarizes changes in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

	Quarter Ended June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011		2012			2011
Derivatives, beginning of period	$	18,270		$	23,567	$	29,331		$	25,228
Total losses (gains) included in:
Net income	(1,140		)	1,029		(12,201		)	(632		)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—			—		—			—
Transfers into Level 3	—			—		—			—
Transfers out of Level 3	—			—		—			—
Derivatives, end of period	$	17,130		$	24,596	$	17,130		$	24,596
Net unrealized losses (gains) included in net income relating to liabilities held at June 30, 2012 and 2011 (1)	$	(1,140	)	$	1,029	$	(12,201	)	$	(632	)

(1) Included in net investment income in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

There were no transfers into or out of Level 1 and Level 2 during the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011. The Company did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

10. Acquisitions

Insurance Acquisition. On January 1, 2012, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding membership units of Thompson Insurance Enterprises, LLC (THOMCO), a privately held program administrator headquartered in Kennesaw, Georgia that underwrites multi-line, industry-focused insurance programs. Results attributable to this acquisition are included in the Specialty Admitted segment.

Total consideration for this acquisition was $108.5 million, which included cash consideration of $100.5 million. The purchase price was allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities of THOMCO based on estimated fair values at the acquisition date. The Company recognized goodwill of $26.1 million, which is primarily attributable to synergies that are expected to result upon integration of THOMCO into the Company's insurance operations. All of the goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The Company also recognized other intangible assets of $81.2 million, including $68.5 million of customer relationships, $11.5 million of trade names and $1.0 million of technology. These intangible assets are expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of 23 years, 10 years and three years, respectively.

Non-insurance Acquisitions. On April 18, 2012, the Company acquired an 85% controlling interest in Havco WP LLC (Havco), a privately held company headquartered in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Havco is a leading manufacturer of laminated oak and composite wood flooring that is utilized in the assembly of truck trailers, intermodal containers and truck bodies. Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, the Company has the option to acquire the remaining equity interests in Havco and the remaining equity interests have the option to sell their interests to the Company in the future. The redemption value of the remaining equity interests is generally based on Havco's earnings in specified periods preceding the redemption date. Also during the second quarter, ParkLand completed the acquisition of several manufactured housing communities. Cash consideration for the Company's non-insurance acquisitions in the second quarter was $54.4 million. The purchase price was allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities of Havco and the acquired manufactured housing communities based on estimated fair values at the acquisition dates. The Company recognized goodwill of $11.5 million, other intangible assets of $17.4 million and redeemable noncontrolling interests of $7.9 million in connection with these acquisitions. Other intangible assets include $10.4 million of customer relationships, which are expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of 17 years.

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11. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2010-26, which addresses diversity in practice within the insurance industry regarding the interpretation of which costs relating to the acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts qualify for deferral. This guidance specifies that a cost must be directly related to the successful acquisition of a new or renewal insurance contract in order to be capitalized. The Company elected prospective adoption of ASU No. 2010-26. At December 31, 2011, deferred policy acquisition costs included approximately $43 million of costs that no longer met the criteria for deferral as of January 1, 2012 and will be recognized into income primarily over the first nine months of 2012, consistent with policy terms. Upon adoption of ASU No. 2010-26, the Company's policy is to defer commissions and premium taxes that meet the criteria for deferral under the new guidance. During the quarter ended June 30, 2012, the Company deferred $100.8 million of policy acquisition costs and amortized $108.3 million of policy acquisition costs. Under its previous policy, the Company would have deferred $130.2 million of policy acquisition costs and amortized $121.0 million of policy acquisition costs for the quarter ended June 30, 2012. During the six months ended June 30, 2012, the Company deferred $199.9 million of policy acquisition costs and amortized $220.3 million of policy acquisition costs. Under its previous policy, the Company would have deferred $256.8 million of policy acquisition costs and amortized $240.2 million of policy acquisition costs for the six months ended June 30, 2012.

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, which amends FASB ASC 820 to achieve a uniform framework for fair value measurement and disclosures in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards.ASU No. 2011-04prohibits the grouping of financial instruments for purposes of determining fair value, except when market and credit risks are managed on the basis of the Company's net exposure, and extends the prohibition against the use of block discounts to Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements. The guidance also requires expanded disclosures for Level 3 fair value measurements including quantitative information about unobservable inputs, the sensitivity of fair value measurements to a change in unobservable inputs and a description of the Company's valuation processes. Additionally, the guidance requires disclosure of the hierarchy classification for assets and liabilities not measured at fair value, but whose fair value is disclosed. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company has included the additional disclosures required by ASU No. 2011-04 in notes 6 and 9.

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income and FASB ASU No. 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05. ASU No. 2011-05 requires comprehensive income to be reported in either a single statement that presents the components of net income, the components of other comprehensive income and total comprehensive income, or in two consecutive statements, and it eliminates the option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity. This guidance also requires the presentation of separate line items on the statements of income for reclassification adjustments of items out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income. ASU No. 2011-12 deferred the requirement to present separate line items on the statements of income and instead requires the presentation of reclassification adjustments within other comprehensive income or in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. The adoption of ASU No. 2011-05 and ASU No. 2011-12 did not have an impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, cash flows or financial statement presentation.

12. Subsequent Events

On July 2, 2012, the Company issued $350 million of 4.90% unsecured senior notes due July 1, 2022. Net proceeds to the Company were $347.2 million. On August 1, 2012, the Company used a portion of these proceeds to redeem its 7.50% unsecured senior debentures due August 22, 2046 at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount, or $150 million. The proceeds from the July 2012 issuance are also being used to pre-fund the repayment of our 6.80% unsecured senior notes due 2013 at their maturity on February 15, 2013 ($246.7 million principal amount outstanding at June 30, 2012).

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and include the accounts of Markel Corporation and all subsidiaries.

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Critical Accounting Estimates

Critical accounting estimates are those estimates that both are important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require us to exercise significant judgment. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of material contingent assets and liabilities, including litigation contingencies. These estimates, by necessity, are based on assumptions about numerous factors.

We review our critical accounting estimates and assumptions quarterly. These reviews include evaluating the adequacy of reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, the reinsurance allowance for doubtful accounts and income tax liabilities, as well as analyzing the recoverability of deferred tax assets, assessing goodwill and intangible assets for impairment and evaluating the investment portfolio for other-than-temporary declines in estimated fair value. Actual results may differ materially from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Readers are urged to review our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete description of our critical accounting estimates.

Our Business

We are a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. Our principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products and programs. We believe that our specialty product focus and niche market strategy enable us to develop expertise and specialized market knowledge. We seek to differentiate ourselves from competitors by our expertise, service, continuity and other value-based considerations. We compete in three segments of the specialty insurance marketplace: the Excess and Surplus Lines, the Specialty Admitted and the London markets. We also own interests in various businesses that operate outside of the specialty insurance marketplace. Our financial goals are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value.

Our Excess and Surplus Lines segment writes property and casualty insurance outside of the standard market for hard-to-place risks including catastrophe-exposed property, professional liability, products liability, general liability, commercial umbrella and other coverages tailored for unique exposures. Our Excess and Surplus Lines segment is comprised of five regions, and each regional office is responsible for serving the wholesale producers located in its region. Our regional teams focus on customer service and marketing, underwriting and distributing our insurance solutions and provide customers easy access to our products.

Our Specialty Admitted segment writes risks that, although unique and hard-to-place in the standard market, must remain with an admitted insurance company for marketing and regulatory reasons. Our underwriting units in this segment write specialty program insurance for well-defined niche markets, personal and commercial property and liability coverages and workers' compensation insurance. Our Specialty Admitted segment is comprised of three underwriting units: the Markel Specialty and Markel American Specialty Personal and Commercial Lines units and our FirstComp workers' compensation insurance unit.

Our London Insurance Market segment writes specialty property, casualty, professional liability, equine, marine, energy and trade credit insurance and reinsurance on a worldwide basis. We participate in the London market through Markel International, which includes Markel Capital Limited and Markel International Insurance Company Limited, wholly-owned subsidiaries. Markel Capital Limited is the corporate capital provider for Markel Syndicate 3000 at Lloyd's, which is managed by Markel Syndicate Management Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary.

For purposes of segment reporting, the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment includes lines of business that have been discontinued in conjunction with acquisitions. This segment also includes development on asbestos and environmental loss reserves.

Through our wholly-owned subsidiary Markel Ventures, Inc., we own interests in various industrial and service businesses that operate outside of the specialty insurance marketplace. These businesses are viewed by management as separate and distinct from our insurance operations. Local management teams oversee the day-to-day operations of these companies, while strategic decisions are made in conjunction with members of our executive management team, principally our President and Chief Investment Officer. The financial results of those companies in which we own controlling interests have been consolidated in our financial statements. The financial results of those companies in which we hold a noncontrolling interest are accounted for under the equity method of accounting.

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Our strategy in making these private equity investments is similar to our strategy for purchasing equity securities. We seek to invest in profitable companies, with honest and talented management, that exhibit reinvestment opportunities and capital discipline, at reasonable prices. We intend to own the businesses acquired for a long period of time.

Our non-insurance operations are comprised of a diverse portfolio of industrial and service companies from various industries, including manufacturers of dredging equipment, high-speed bakery equipment, laminated furniture products, food processing equipment and laminated oak and composite wood flooring used in truck trailers, an owner and operator of manufactured housing communities, a real estate investment fund manager, a concierge medical and executive health services company, a retail intelligence services company, a company that manages behavioral health programs and a manufacturer and lessor of trailer tubes used by industrial, chemical and distribution companies to transport gas and liquids.

Key Performance Indicators

We measure financial success by our ability to compound growth in book value per share at a high rate of return over a long period of time. To mitigate the effects of short-term volatility, we measure ourselves over a five-year period. We believe that growth in book value per share is the most comprehensive measure of our success because it includes all underwriting and investing results. We measure underwriting results by our underwriting profit or loss and combined ratio. These measures are discussed in greater detail under “Results of Operations.”

Results of Operations

The following table presents the components of net income to shareholders.

	Quarter Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Underwriting profit (loss)	$	67,178		$	(13,327	)	$	69,556		$	(66,894	)
Net investment income	63,602			64,253			143,396			134,352
Net realized investment gains	8,216			1,344			20,125			12,584
Other revenues	108,373			91,370			220,209			168,514
Amortization of intangible assets	(8,315		)	(5,555		)	(17,119		)	(11,563		)
Other expenses	(97,719		)	(79,473		)	(198,123		)	(147,968		)
Interest expense	(22,209		)	(21,898		)	(44,376		)	(40,860		)
Income tax expense	(28,358		)	(5,065		)	(45,187		)	(6,655		)
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	(1,081		)	(1,335		)	(1,541		)	(2,924		)
Net income to shareholders	$	89,687		$	30,314		$	146,940		$	38,586

Net income to shareholders for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 increased primarily due to improved underwriting results compared to the same periods of 2011. The components of net income to shareholders are discussed in further detail under “Underwriting Results,” “Investing Results,” “Non-Insurance Operations” and “Interest Expense and Income Taxes.”

Underwriting Results

Underwriting profits are a key component of our strategy to grow book value per share. We believe that the ability to achieve consistent underwriting profits demonstrates knowledge and expertise, commitment to superior customer service and the ability to manage insurance risk. The property and casualty insurance industry commonly defines underwriting profit or loss as earned premiums net of losses and loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses. We use underwriting profit or loss as a basis for evaluating our underwriting performance.

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The following table presents selected data from our underwriting operations.

	Quarter Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Gross premium volume	$	646,922		$	597,193		$	1,295,540		$	1,187,976
Net written premiums	$	566,614		$	530,688		$	1,147,780		$	1,049,700
Net retention	88		%	89		%	89		%	88		%
Earned premiums	$	513,056		$	490,201		$	1,042,652		$	953,312
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	221,094		$	306,683		$	509,615		$	621,011
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses (1)	$	224,784		$	196,845		$	463,481		$	399,195
Underwriting profit (loss)	$	67,178		$	(13,327	)	$	69,556		$	(66,894	)
U.S. GAAP Combined Ratios (2)
Excess and Surplus Lines	87		%	92		%	92		%	88		%
Specialty Admitted	102		%	107		%	108		%	106		%
London Insurance Market	74		%	110		%	86		%	130		%
Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)	NM (3)			NM (3)			NM (3)			NM (3)
Markel Corporation (Consolidated)	87		%	103		%	93		%	107		%

(1) Effective January 1, 2012, we prospectively adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2010-26, Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts. At December 31, 2011, deferred acquisition costs included approximately $43 million of costs that no longer met the criteria for deferral as of January 1, 2012. Pursuant to the new guidance, these costs will be amortized primarily over the first nine months of 2012, consistent with policy terms. As a result of the prospective adoption of ASU No. 2010-26, underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 included $14.3 million and $34.6 million of costs that were deferred as of December 31, 2011 and no longer met the criteria for deferral.

(2) The U.S. GAAP combined ratio is a measure of underwriting performance and represents the relationship of incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses to earned premiums. A combined ratio less than 100% indicates an underwriting profit, while a combined ratio greater than 100% reflects an underwriting loss.

(3) NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

Our combined ratio was 87% and 93%, respectively, for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 103% and 107%, respectively, for the same periods in 2011. The prospective adoption of ASU No. 2010-26 increased our underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 by approximately $14.3 million, or three points on the combined ratio and $34.6 million, or three points on the combined ratio, respectively. The combined ratio for the second quarter of 2011 included $30.4 million, or six points, of underwriting loss related to U.S. storms and additional losses from the Japanese earthquake and tsunami (Japanese catastrophe) that occurred during the first quarter of 2011. The combined ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2011 included $99.0 million, or 10 points, of underwriting loss related to the U.S. storms, Australian floods, New Zealand earthquake and Japanese catastrophe. Excluding the impact of the prospective adoption of ASU No. 2010-26 in 2012 and the effects of the catastrophe losses in 2011, our combined ratio for both periods of 2012 improved due to a lower current accident year loss ratio and to more favorable development of prior years' loss reserves within the London Insurance Market segment compared to the same periods of 2011. The improvement in the current accident year loss ratio was primarily due to lower attritional losses in the Excess and Surplus Lines and London Insurance Market segments.

The combined ratio for the Excess and Surplus Lines segment was 87% and 92%, respectively, for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 92% and 88%, respectively, for the same periods in 2011. For the quarter ended June 30, 2012, a lower current accident year loss ratio was partially offset by less favorable development on prior years' loss reserves and a higher expense ratio compared to the same period of 2011. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, less favorable development on prior years' loss reserves and a higher expense ratio were partially offset by a lower current accident year loss ratio. For the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012, the increase in the expense ratio was attributable to the impact of prospective adoption of ASU No. 2010-26, which added approximately $6.0 million, or three points, and $14.5 million, or four points, respectively, to the segment's combined ratio. Excluding the impact of prospective adoption of ASU No. 2010-26 from the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012, the improvement in the expense ratio was primarily due to an increase in earned premium and to a reduction in general expenses compared to the same periods of 2011. The current accident year loss ratio for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2011 included $9.8 million, or five points and three points, respectively, of losses from U.S. storms that occurred during the second quarter of 2011. The improvement in the current accident year loss ratio also was due to lower attritional property losses during the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012. The Excess and

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Surplus Lines segment’s combined ratio for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 included $50.7 million and $81.3 million, respectively, of favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves compared to $52.6 million and $109.4 million of favorable development for the same periods in 2011. In the first quarter of 2011, we resolved a significant portion of our outstanding liabilities associated with an errors and omissions program for mortgage servicing companies and, as a result, reduced prior years' loss reserves by $15.8 million. The redundancies on prior years’ loss reserves experienced within the Excess and Surplus Lines segment during both periods of 2012 and 2011 were most significant on our professional and products liability programs.

The combined ratio for the Specialty Admitted segment was 102% and 108%, respectively, for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 107% and 106%, respectively, for the same periods of 2011. For the quarter ended June 30, 2012, the decrease in the combined ratio was primarily due to more favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves, which was partially offset by a higher expense ratio. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, the increase in the combined ratio was due to a higher current accident year loss ratio and a higher expense ratio, which were partially offset by more favorable development of prior years' loss reserves. For the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012, the increase in the expense ratio was primarily attributable to the impact of prospective adoption of ASU No. 2010-26, which added approximately $4.5 million, or three points, and $10.3 million, or four points, respectively, to the segment's combined ratio. Also contributing to the increase in the expense ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2012 was the write off of previously capitalized software development costs. These unfavorable impacts were partially offset by more favorable development of prior years' loss reserves in both periods of 2012. The Specialty Admitted segment’s combined ratio for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 included $11.9 million and $16.2 million, respectively, of favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves compared to $1.8 million and $2.0 million of favorable development for the same periods in 2011. The redundancies on prior years' loss reserves experienced within the Specialty Admitted segment during the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 were most notable on the 2011 accident year across several product lines. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, the higher current accident year loss ratio was primarily due to an increased frequency in large losses on our general liability product lines and to higher earned premiums on our workers' compensation product line (which carries a higher loss ratio) during 2012 compared to 2011. The Specialty Admitted segment included an underwriting loss of $21.4 million on our workers' compensation line for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to an underwriting loss of $12.2 million for the same period of 2011. The workers' compensation insurance market continues to be adversely impacted by high rates of unemployment, unfavorable economic conditions and a challenging pricing environment.

The combined ratio for the London Insurance Market segment was 74% and 86%, respectively, for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to 110% and 130%, respectively, for the same periods of 2011. For both the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012, the decrease in the combined ratio was due to a lower current accident year loss ratio and more favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves, which was partially offset by a higher expense ratio compared to the same periods of 2011. The combined ratio for the second quarter of 2011 included $17.0 million, or 10 points, of underwriting loss related to U.S. storms and additional losses from the Japanese catastrophe that occurred during the first quarter of 2011 and $10.0 million, or six points, of underwriting loss related to two large losses in the Marine and Energy division. The combined ratio for the six months ended June 30, 2011 included $84.0 million, or 25 points, of underwriting loss related to the Australian floods, the New Zealand earthquake, the Japanese catastrophe and U.S. storms and $23.0 million, or seven points, of underwriting loss related to two large losses in the Marine and Energy division. The London Insurance Market segment's combined ratio for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 included $64.8 million and $86.3 million, respectively, of favorable development on prior years’ loss reserves compared to $22.6 million and $35.2 million of favorable development for the same periods in 2011. Favorable development of prior years' loss reserves in 2012 was primarily on the 2008 and 2009 accident years and occurred in a variety of programs across each of our divisions. The loss reserve redundancies for the quarter and six months ended ended June 30, 2012 also included $14.8 million and $18.3 million, respectively, of favorable loss reserve development on the 2001 and prior accident years. For the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012, the increase in the expense ratio was primarily attributable to the impact of prospective adoption of ASU No. 2010-26, which added approximately $3.7 million, or two points, and $9.8 million, or three points, respectively, to the segment's combined ratio. For the quarter ended June 30, 2012, the increase in the expense ratio (excluding the impact of prospective adoption of ASU No. 2010-26) was due to higher profit sharing costs, partially offset by the impact of higher earned premiums compared to the same period of 2011.

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The Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment produced an underwriting loss of $0.9 million and an underwriting profit of $6.4 million for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012, respectively, compared to an underwriting loss of $0.7 million and an underwriting profit of $4.1 million for the same periods of 2011. Underwriting profits for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 were primarily due to the release of allowances for reinsurance bad debt related to discontinued lines of business originally written by Markel International.

Premiums and Net Retentions

The following tables summarize gross premium volume, net written premiums and earned premiums by segment.

Gross Premium Volume
Quarter Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
2012			2011		(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011
$	229,906		$	225,979	Excess and Surplus Lines	$	452,835		$	427,350
180,150			143,530		Specialty Admitted	328,272			277,851
236,874			227,682		London Insurance Market	514,440			482,683
(8		)	2		Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)	(7		)	92
$	646,922		$	597,193	Total	$	1,295,540		$	1,187,976

Gross premium volume for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 increased 8% and 9%, respectively compared to the same periods of 2011. The increase in gross premium volume in both periods of 2012 was attributable to higher gross premium volume in each of our three operating segments. For the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012, the Specialty Admitted segment included $62.5 million and $134.8 million, respectively, of gross premium volume attributable to our workers' compensation product line, compared to $51.7 million and $110.0 million for the same periods of 2011. For the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012, the Specialty Admitted segment also included $26.3 million of gross premium volume attributable to THOMCO, which was acquired in the first quarter of 2012. Foreign currency exchange rate movements did not have a significant impact on gross premium volume for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012.

During the latter part of 2011, we saw price declines stabilize and achieved modest price increases in several lines, most notably the marine and energy products within the London Insurance Market segment. In the first half of 2012, we generally saw flat to small single digit favorable rate changes compared to flat to small single digit rate declines in the same period of 2011.

When we believe the prevailing market price will not support our underwriting profit targets, the business is not written. As a result of our underwriting discipline, gross premium volume may vary depending on the competitive environment.

Net Written Premiums
Quarter Ended June 30,							Six Months Ended June 30,
2012			2011			(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011
$	193,291		$	194,048		Excess and Surplus Lines	$	386,204		$	369,585
169,276			136,292			Specialty Admitted	309,828			263,531
204,054			200,472			London Insurance Market	451,754			416,611
(7		)	(124		)	Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)	(6		)	(27		)
$	566,614		$	530,688		Total	$	1,147,780		$	1,049,700

Net retention of gross premium volume for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 was 88% and 89%, respectively, compared to 89% and 88%, respectively, for the same periods of 2011. As part of our underwriting philosophy, we seek to offer products with limits that do not require significant amounts of reinsurance. We purchase reinsurance in order to reduce our retention on individual risks and enable us to write policies with sufficient limits to meet policyholder needs.

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Earned Premiums
Quarter Ended June 30,							Six Months Ended June 30,
2012			2011			(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011
$	189,668		$	187,206		Excess and Surplus Lines	$	389,046		$	368,263
144,695			131,364			Specialty Admitted	278,170			253,840
178,699			171,754			London Insurance Market	375,441			331,237
(6		)	(123		)	Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)	(5		)	(28		)
$	513,056		$	490,201		Total	$	1,042,652		$	953,312

Earned premiums for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 increased 5% and 9%, respectively, compared to the same periods in 2011. The increase in earned premiums in both periods of 2012 was attributable to higher earned premiums in each of our three operating segments. For the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012, the Specialty Admitted segment included $58.9 million and $115.5 million, respectively, of earned premiums from FirstComp, compared to $48.6 million and $92.4 million for the same periods of 2011. Foreign currency exchange rate movements did not have a significant impact on earned premiums for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012.

Investing Results

Net investment income for the second quarter of 2012 was $63.6 million compared to $64.3 million for the second quarter of 2011. Net investment income was $143.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and $134.4 million for the six months ended June 30, 2011. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, net investment income included a favorable change in the fair value of our credit default swap of $12.2 million compared to $0.6 million for the same period in 2011. The fair value of our credit default swap is driven by observable and unobservable inputs as discussed in note 6 of our consolidated financial statements. During the first quarter of 2012, financial markets improved and credit spreads narrowed, which favorably impacted the fair value of the credit default swap. Changes in the fair value of this derivative instrument could be significant prior to its scheduled termination date of December 2014.

Net realized investment gains for the second quarter of 2012 were $8.2 million compared to $1.3 million for the second quarter of 2011. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, net realized investment gains were $20.1 million compared to $12.6 million for the same period of 2011. Net realized investment gains for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 included $1.0 million of write downs for other-than-temporary declines in the estimated fair value of investments compared to $4.9 million for the same periods of 2011.

We complete a detailed analysis each quarter to assess whether the decline in the fair value of any investment below its cost basis is deemed other-than-temporary. At June 30, 2012, we held securities with gross unrealized losses of $16.7 million, or less than 1% of invested assets. All securities with unrealized losses were reviewed, and we believe that there were no other securities with indications of declines in estimated fair value that were other-than-temporary at June 30, 2012. However, given the volatility in the debt and equity markets, we caution readers that further declines in fair value could be significant and may result in additional other-than-temporary impairment charges in future periods. Variability in the timing of realized and unrealized gains and losses is to be expected.

Non-Insurance Operations (Markel Ventures)

Our non-insurance operations, which are referred to collectively as Markel Ventures, are comprised of a diverse portfolio of industrial and service companies from various industries and include the results of AMF Bakery Systems, ParkLand Ventures, Inc., Panel Specialists, Inc., Ellicott Dredge Enterprises, LLC, Solbern, Inc., Markel Eagle Partners, LLC, RD Holdings, LLC, Diamond Healthcare Corporation, PartnerMD, LLC (acquired in July 2011) , Baking Technology Systems, Inc. (acquired in September 2011) and WI Holdings Inc. (acquired in October 2011). In April 2012, we acquired an 85% controlling interest in Havco WP LLC (Havco), a privately held company based in Cape Girardeau, Missouri that manufactures laminated oak and composite wood flooring that is utilized in the assembly of truck trailers, intermodal containers and truck bodies.

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We consolidate our non-insurance operations on a one-month lag. Operating revenues and expenses associated with our non-insurance operations are included in other revenues and other expenses in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. Revenues for our non-insurance operations were $94.1 million and $191.2 million for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $79.0 million and $147.0 million for the same periods in 2011. Net income to shareholders from our non-insurance operations was $0.2 million and $0.4 million for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $2.4 million and $4.7 million for the same periods in 2011. Revenues from our non-insurance operations increased for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to the same periods of 2011 primarily due to our acquisitions of Baking Technology Systems, Inc. and WI Holdings Inc. in late 2011 and Havco in 2012.

Interest Expense and Income Taxes

Interest expense for the second quarter of 2012 increased to $22.2 million from $21.9 million in the same period in 2011. Interest expense for the six months ended June 30, 2012 increased to $44.4 million from $40.9 million in the same period of 2011. For both periods of 2012, the increase in interest expense compared to the same periods of 2011 is due in part to the June 2011 issuance of our 5.35% unsecured senior notes.

The estimated annual effective tax rate was 23% and 14% as of June 30, 2012 and 2011, respectively. For both periods, the estimated annual effective tax rate differs from the statutory tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of tax-exempt investment income. The increase in the estimated annual effective tax rate was primarily due to anticipating a smaller tax benefit related to tax-exempt investment income, which resulted from having higher estimated income before income taxes in 2012 compared to 2011.

Comprehensive Income to Shareholders

Comprehensive income to shareholders was $73.4 million for the second quarter of 2012 compared to $96.0 million for the same period of 2011. Comprehensive income to shareholders for the second quarter of 2012 included a decrease in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, of $13.6 million and net income to shareholders of $89.7 million. Comprehensive income to shareholders for the second quarter of 2011 included an increase in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, of $65.2 million and net income to shareholders of $30.3 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2012, comprehensive income to shareholders was $279.4 million compared to $120.8 million for the same period of 2011. Comprehensive income to shareholders for the six months ended June 30, 2012 included an increase in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, of $131.7 million and net income to shareholders of $146.9 million. Comprehensive income to shareholders for the six months ended June 30, 2011 included an increase in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, of $78.9 million and net income to shareholders of $38.6 million.

Financial Condition

Invested assets were $8.8 billion at June 30, 2012 compared to $8.7 billion at December 31, 2011. Net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, were $836.5 million at June 30, 2012 compared to $704.7 million at December 31, 2011. Equity securities were $2.2 billion, or 25% of invested assets, at June 30, 2012 compared to $1.9 billion, or 21% of invested assets, at December 31, 2011.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $104.7 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $100.3 million for the same period of 2011. The increase in net cash provided by operating activities was due to higher cash flows from underwriting activities as a result of higher premium volume in each of our three operating segments, partially offset by increased claims settlement activity during the first quarter of 2012, primarily in the London Insurance Market segment.

Net cash used by investing activities was $16.8 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to $310.6 million for the same period of 2011. During the first six months of 2012, we used net cash of $143.6 million to acquire THOMCO and several non-insurance subsidiaries. See note 10 of our consolidated financial statements for a discussion of these acquisitions. Cash flow from investing activities is affected by various factors such as anticipated payment of claims, financing activity, acquisition opportunities and individual buy and sell decisions made in the normal course of our investment portfolio management.

Net cash used by financing activities was $25.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2012 compared to net cash provided by financing activities of $227.8 million for the same period of 2011. On June 1, 2011, we issued $250 million of 5.35% unsecured senior notes due June 1, 2021. Cash of $16.1 million and $13.5 million was used to repurchase shares of our common stock during the first six months of 2012 and 2011, respectively.

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On July 2, 2012, we issued $350 million of 4.90% unsecured senior notes due July 1, 2022. Net proceeds were $347.2 million. On August 1, 2012, we used a portion of these proceeds to redeem our 7.50% unsecured senior debentures due August 22, 2046 at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount, or $150 million. The proceeds from the July 2012 issuance are also being used to pre-fund the repayment of our 6.80% unsecured senior notes due 2013 at their maturity on February 15, 2013 ($246.7 million principal amount outstanding at June 30, 2012).

We seek to maintain prudent levels of liquidity and financial leverage for the protection of our policyholders, creditors and shareholders. Our target capital structure includes approximately 30% debt. Our debt to capital ratio was 26% at June 30, 2012 and 28% at December 31, 2011. From time to time, our debt to capital ratio may increase due to business opportunities that are financed in the short term with debt. Alternatively, our debt to capital ratio may fall below our target capital structure, which provides us with additional borrowing capacity to respond when future opportunities arise.

We have access to various capital sources, including dividends from certain of our insurance subsidiaries, holding company invested assets, undrawn capacity under our revolving credit facility and access to the debt and equity capital markets. We believe that we have sufficient liquidity to meet our capital needs.

Our holding company had $0.9 billion and $1.2 billion of invested assets at June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, respectively. The decrease in invested assets is primarily the result of acquisitions made during 2012.

Shareholders' equity was $3.7 billion at June 30, 2012 and $3.4 billion at December 31, 2011. Book value per share increased to $379.88 at June 30, 2012 from $352.10 at December 31, 2011 primarily due to $279.4 million of comprehensive income to shareholders for the six months ended June 30, 2012.

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market risk is the risk of economic losses due to adverse changes in the estimated fair value of a financial instrument as the result of changes in equity prices, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. Our consolidated balance sheets include assets and liabilities with estimated fair values that are subject to market risk. Historically, our primary market risks have been equity price risk associated with investments in equity securities, interest rate risk associated with investments in fixed maturities and foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with our international operations. We have no material commodity risk.

During the six months ended June 30, 2012, there were no material changes to the market risk components described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2011.

General concern has existed since the later half of 2010 about the number of municipalities experiencing financial difficulties in light of the adverse economic conditions experienced over the past several years. We manage the exposure to credit risk in our municipal bond portfolio by investing in high quality securities and by diversifying our holdings, which are typically general obligation or revenue bonds related to essential products and services.

We monitor our portfolio to ensure that credit risk does not exceed prudent levels. We have consistently invested in high credit quality, investment grade securities. Our fixed maturity portfolio has an average rating of “AA,” with approximately 94% rated “A” or better by at least one nationally recognized rating organization. Our policy is to invest in investment grade securities and to minimize investments in fixed maturities that are unrated or rated below investment grade. At June 30, 2012, less than 1% of our fixed maturity portfolio was unrated or rated below investment grade. While our fixed maturity portfolio includes securities issued with financial guaranty insurance, we purchase fixed maturities based on our assessment of the credit quality of the underlying assets without regard to insurance.

Our fixed maturity portfolio includes securities issued by foreign governments. General concern exists about the financial difficulties facing certain European countries in light of the adverse economic conditions experienced over the past several years. We monitor developments in foreign countries, currencies and issuers that could pose risks to our fixed maturity portfolio, including rating downgrades, political and financial changes and the widening of credit spreads. We believe our fixed maturity portfolio is highly diversified and is comprised of high quality securities. During the six months ended June 30, 2012, there were no material changes in the foreign exposures included in our fixed maturity portfolio.

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The estimated fair value of our investment portfolio at June 30, 2012 was $8.8 billion, 75% of which was invested in fixed maturities, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents and 25% of which was invested in equity securities. At December 31, 2011, the estimated fair value of our investment portfolio was $8.7 billion, 79% of which was invested in fixed maturities, short-term investments and cash and cash equivalents and 21% of which was invested in equity securities.

Our fixed maturities, equity securities and short-term investments are recorded at fair value, which is measured based upon quoted prices in active markets, if available. We determine fair value for these investments after considering various sources of information, including information provided by a third party pricing service. The pricing service provides prices for substantially all of our fixed maturities and equity securities. In determining fair value, we generally do not adjust the prices obtained from the pricing service. We obtain an understanding of the pricing service's valuation methodologies and related inputs, which include, but are not limited to, reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids, offers, duration, credit ratings, estimated cash flows and prepayment speeds. We validate prices provided by the pricing service by reviewing prices from other pricing sources and analyzing pricing data in certain instances.

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15 (Disclosure Controls). This evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

Our management, including the CEO and CFO, does not expect that our Disclosure Controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.

Based upon our controls evaluation, the CEO and CFO concluded that effective Disclosure Controls were in place to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.

During the second quarter of 2012, we implemented an internally developed data warehouse and related actuarial data mart which serves as a basis for the determination and recording of our incurred but not reported (IBNR) reserves for our Excess and Surplus Lines segment. This application allows us to more efficiently review claims development patterns across the multiple underwriting systems used within this segment, streamlining actuarial processes and enhancing the control environment related to IBNR reserves.

There were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the second quarter of 2012 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

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Safe Harbor and Cautionary Statement

This report contains statements concerning or incorporating our expectations, assumptions, plans, objectives, future financial or operating performance and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995.

There are risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from predicted results in forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ are often presented with the forward-looking statements themselves. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ from those predicted are set forth under “Risk Factors” and “Safe Harbor and Cautionary Statement” in our 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K or are included in the items listed below:

• our anticipated premium volume is based on current knowledge and assumes no significant man-made or natural catastrophes, no significant changes in products or personnel and no adverse changes in market conditions;

• we offer insurance coverage against terrorist acts in connection with some of our programs, and in other instances we are legally required to offer terrorism insurance; in both circumstances, we actively manage our exposure, but if there is a covered terrorist attack, we could sustain material losses;

• the impact of the events of September 11, 2001 will depend on the resolution of on-going insurance coverage litigation and arbitrations;

• the frequency and severity of catastrophic events (including earthquakes and weather-related catastrophes) is unpredictable and, in the case of weather-related catastrophes, may be exacerbated if, as many forecast, conditions in the oceans and atmosphere result in increased hurricane or other adverse weather-related activity;

• changing legal and social trends and inherent uncertainties (including but not limited to those uncertainties associated with our asbestos and environmental reserves) in the loss estimation process can adversely impact the adequacy of loss reserves and the allowance for reinsurance recoverables;

• adverse developments in insurance coverage litigation or other legal or administrative proceedings could result in material increases in our estimates of loss reserves;

• the loss estimation process may become more uncertain if we experience a period of rising inflation;

• the costs and availability of reinsurance may impact our ability to write certain lines of business;

• industry and economic conditions can affect the ability and/or willingness of reinsurers to pay balances due;

• after the commutation of ceded reinsurance contracts, any subsequent adverse development in the re-assumed loss reserves will result in a charge to earnings;

• regulatory actions can impede our ability to charge adequate rates and efficiently allocate capital;

• economic conditions, actual or potential defaults in sovereign debt obligations, volatility in interest and foreign currency exchange rates and changes in market value of concentrated investments can have a significant impact on the fair value of fixed maturities and equity securities, as well as the carrying value of other assets and liabilities, and this impact may be heightened by market volatility;

• economic conditions, changes in government support for education, healthcare and infrastructure projects and foreign currency exchange rates, among other factors, may adversely affect the markets served by our non-insurance operations and negatively impact their revenues and profitability;

• we have substantial investments in municipal bonds (approximately $2.9 billion at June 30, 2012) and, although no more than 10% of our municipal bond portfolio is tied to any one state, widespread defaults could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition;

• we cannot predict the extent and duration of the current economic slowdown; the effects of government actions to address the U.S. federal deficit and debt ceiling issues; the continuing effects of government intervention into the markets to address the financial crisis of 2008 and 2009 (including, among other things, the effects of the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and regulations adopted thereunder); the outcome of economic and currency concerns in the Eurozone; and their combined impact on our industry, business and investment portfolio;

• we cannot predict the impact of U.S. health care reform legislation and regulations under that legislation on our business;

• our business is dependent upon the successful functioning and security of our computer systems; if our information technology systems fail or suffer a security breach, our business or reputation could be adversely impacted;

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• we have recently completed a number of acquisitions and may engage in additional acquisition activity in the future, which may increase operational and control risks for a period of time;

• loss of services of any executive officers could impact our operations; and

• adverse changes in our assigned financial strength or debt ratings could impact our ability to attract and retain business or obtain capital.

Our premium volume, underwriting and investment results and results from our non-insurance operations have been and will continue to be potentially materially affected by these factors. By making forward-looking statements, we do not intend to become obligated to publicly update or revise any such statements whether as a result of new information, future events or other changes. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as at their dates.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 2. Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds

The following table summarizes our common stock repurchases for the quarter ended June 30, 2012.

Issuer Purchases of Equity Securities

	(a)	(b)		(c)	(d)
Period	Total Number of Shares Purchased	Average Price Paid per Share		Total Number of Shares Purchased as Part of Publicly Announced Plans or Programs(1)	Approximate Dollar Value of Shares that May Yet Be Purchased Under the Plans or Programs (in thousands)
April 1, 2012 through April 30, 2012	—	—		—	$	153,275
May 1, 2012 through May 31, 2012	20,200	$	437.02	20,200	$	144,447
June 1, 2012 through June 30, 2012	11,300	$	434.92	11,300	$	139,533
Total	31,500	$	436.27	31,500	$	139,533

(1) The Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $200 million of our common stock pursuant to a share repurchase program publicly announced on December 1, 2010 (the Program). Under the Program, we may repurchase outstanding shares of our common stock from time to time, primarily through open-market transactions. The Program has no expiration date but may be terminated by the Board of Directors at any time.

Item 6. Exhibits

See Exhibit Index for a list of exhibits filed as part of this report.

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Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this Report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, this 8^th day of August 2012.

Markel Corporation
By:	/s/ Alan I. Kirshner
	Alan I. Kirshner
	Chief Executive Officer and
	Chairman of the Board of Directors
By:	/s/ Anne G. Waleski
	Anne G. Waleski
	Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
	(Principal Financial Officer)

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Exhibit Index

Number	Description
3(i)	Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (3.1)a
3(ii)	Bylaws, as amended (3.1)b
4.1	Form of Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 23, 2011 among Markel Corporation, the lenders party thereto and SunTrust Bank, as Administrative Agent (4.1)c
4.2	Form of Consent dated as of June 25, 2012 regarding Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 23, 2011 among Markel Corporation, the lenders party thereto and SunTrust Bank, as Administrative Agent*
4.3	Indenture dated as of June 5, 2001, between Markel Corporation and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee (4.1)d
4.4	Form of Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of February 25, 2003 between Markel Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly known as The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee, including form of the securities as Exhibit A (4.1)e
4.5	Form of Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 13, 2004 between Markel Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly known as The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee, including form of the securities as Exhibit A (4.2)f
4.6	Form of Fourth Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 22, 2006 between Markel Corporation and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association (as successor to The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee, including form of the securities as Exhibit A (4.2)g
4.7	Form of Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 22, 2009 between Markel Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee, including form of the securities as Exhibit A (4.2)h
4.8	Form of Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 2011 between Markel Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee, including form of the securities as Exhibit A (4.2)i
4.9	Form of Seventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 2, 2012 between Markel Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee, including form of the securities as Exhibit A (4.2)j
	The registrant hereby agrees to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission a copy of all instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the registrant’s subsidiaries shown on the Consolidated Balance Sheet of the registrant at June 30, 2012 and the respective Notes thereto, included in this Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q.
10.1	Markel Corporation 2012 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan (Appendix A)k
10.2	Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Outside Directors*
31.1	Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)*
31.2	Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)*
32.1	Certification of Principal Executive Officer furnished Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350*
32.2	Certification of Principal Financial Officer furnished Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350*
101	The following consolidated financial statements from Markel Corporation’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2012, filed on August 8, 2012, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity, (iv) Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.*

a. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant’s report on Form 8-K filed on May 13, 2011.

b. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant’s report on Form 8-K filed on November 18, 2011.

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c. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2011.

d. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant’s report on Form 8-K filed on June 5, 2001.

e. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant’s report on Form 8-K filed on February 25, 2003.

f. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant’s report on Form 8-K filed on August 11, 2004.

g. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant’s report on Form 8-K filed on August 17, 2006.

h. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant’s report on Form 8-K filed on September 21, 2009.

i. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant’s report on Form 8-K filed on May 31, 2011.

j. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant's report on Form 8-K filed on June 29, 2012.

k. Incorporated by reference from the Appendix shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant's Proxy Statement and Definitive 14A filed March 16, 2012.

* Filed with this report.

36

EX-4.2

Exhibit 4.2

Form of Consent regarding Amended and Restated Credit Agreement

June 25, 2012

SunTrust Bank

303 Peachtree Street

Atlanta, Georgia 30308

Attention: Wanda Gregory

Re: Amended and Restated Credit Agreement dated as of September 23, 2011 among Markel Corporation, the banks and financial institutions party thereto and SunTrust Bank, as administrative agent and swingline lender (the “Credit Agreement”)

Ladies and Gentlemen:

The Borrower is proposing to issue approximately $350,000,000 in senior notes (the “New Notes”) in an underwritten public offering. The principal use of proceeds of the New Notes will be to repay at maturity on February 15, 2013 the entire principal amount of our 6.80% Senior Notes due 2013 (the “2013 Notes”).

In order to permit the issuance of the New Notes and take advantage of current market conditions, the Borrower requests that, solely for purposes of calculating the Leverage Ratio from the date the New Notes are issued until the repayment of the 2013 Notes, the principal amount of the 2013 Notes be excluded from Consolidated Indebtedness. Further, and notwithstanding Section 6.3 of the Credit Agreement, the Borrower covenants and agrees that it will not permit, as of any date on or after the Closing Date, Liquidity at any time to be less than (a) $200,000,000 plus  (b) (i) if the New Notes are not issued at least six (6) months prior to the final maturity of the 2013 Senior Notes, then on any date of determination on and after the date that is six (6) months prior to the final maturity of the 2013 Senior Notes, the aggregate principal face amount of the then outstanding 2013 Senior Notes or (ii) if the New Notes are issued six (6) or more months prior to the final maturity of the 2013 Senior Notes, then on and after the date of issuance of the New Notes until the date the aggregate principal face amount of the 2013 Senior Notes are paid in full, the aggregate principal face amount of the then outstanding 2013 Senior Notes.

Unless otherwise defined herein, all capitalized terms have the meanings given them in the Credit Agreement.

Each of the Lenders is requested to indicate its consent to the foregoing by its signature on a counterpart of this letter.

The foregoing consent is a one-time consent and is limited to the extent specifically set forth above. The Borrower acknowledges and agrees that the consent requested above shall not waive (or be deemed to be or constitute a waiver of) any other covenant, term or provision in the Credit Agreement or hinder, restrict or otherwise modify the rights and remedies of the Lenders and the Administrative Agent following the occurrence of any Default or Event of Default.

The Credit Agreement shall remain in full force and effect in accordance with its terms, and the Lenders and the Administrative Agent hereby require strict compliance with the terms and conditions of the Credit Agreement. The Borrower hereby restates, ratifies, confirms and reaffirms its liabilities, payment and performance obligations (contingent or otherwise) and each and every term, covenant and condition set forth in the Credit Agreement. The Administrative Agent's and the Lenders' agreement to the terms of this letter shall not be deemed to establish or create a custom or course of dealing among the Borrower, the Administrative Agent or the Lenders, or any of them.

The Borrower represents to the Administrative Agent and the Lenders that, both immediately before and after giving effect to this letter, no Default or Event of Default has occurred and is continuing.

This consent may be executed in any number of counterparts and by the different parties hereto on separate counterparts, each of which when so executed and delivered shall be an original, but all of which shall together constitute one and the same instrument. This consent shall be effective upon receipt by the Administrative Agent of counterparts signed by the Required Lenders.

	Sincerely,
	Markel Corporation
By:
	Anne G. Waleski
	Vice President and
	Chief Financial Officer

Agreed to:
SunTrust Bank, as Administrative Agent,
Swingline Lender and as a Lender
By:
	Authorized Officer
Wells Fargo Bank, National Association
By:
	Authorized Officer
Barclays Bank PLC
By:
	Authorized Officer
Branch Banking & Trust Company
By:
	Authorized Officer
Citibank, N.A.
By:
	Authorized Officer
The Northern Trust Company
By:
	Authorized Officer

EX-10.2

Exhibit 10.2

Form of Restricted Stock Award Agreement for Outside Directors

MARKEL CORPORATION

RESTRICTED STOCK AWARD AGREEMENT

FOR OUTSIDE DIRECTORS

To:_______________________

MARKEL CORPORATION (the "Company") hereby grants you (the “Director”) ____ shares of Restricted Stock (the “Shares”) under the Markel Corporation 2012 Equity Incentive Compensation Plan (the “Plan”). Shares that have not yet vested under Section 1 below, or as otherwise specifically provided herein, are forfeitable and nontransferable. The Company's Outside Directors will administer this Award Agreement, and any decision of the Outside Directors will be final and conclusive. Capitalized terms not defined herein have the meanings provided in the Plan.

The terms of your Award are:

1. Vesting of Shares. Except as otherwise provided in this Award Agreement, the Shares will become vested and nonforfeitable one year from the date hereof (the “Vesting Date”), provided that the Director remains a member of the Board of Directors until the earlier of the Vesting Date or the Company's next annual meeting of shareholders after the date hereof.

2. Forfeiture of Shares. If the Director ceases to be a member of the Board of Directors other than by reason of death or Disability (as defined below) before the Vesting Date, the Shares will be forfeited; provided, that the Outside Directors may determine in their sole discretion that forfeiture should not occur, in whole or in part, because the Director had an approved termination of his or her service as a member of the Board of Directors and may in such circumstances allow the Shares to vest, in whole or in part, on such terms as the Outside Directors deem appropriate. If the Director dies or incurs a Disability, the Shares will become fully vested and non-forfeitable on the date of the Director's death or Disability.

3. Change of Control. Any unvested Shares will become fully vested and non-forfeitable if, after a Change in Control (as defined in the Plan) and before the Vesting Date, the Director ceases to be a member of the Board of Directors for any reason other than voluntary resignation.

4. Transfer Restrictions. The Shares are not subject to sale, assignment, transfer, pledge, hypothecation or encumbrance.

5. Binding Effect. Subject to the limitations stated above, this Award Agreement will be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the Director's legatees, distributees, and personal representatives and the successors of the Company.

6. Interpretation. This Award Agreement will be construed under and be governed by the laws of the Commonwealth of Virginia. THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE EASTERN DISTRICT OF VIRGINIA OR THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR THE COUNTY OF HENRICO, VIRGINIA SHALL HAVE EXCLUSIVE JURISDICTION OVER ANY DISPUTES ARISING OUT OF OR RELATED TO THE PLAN OR THIS AWARD AGREEMENT.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the Company has caused this Restricted Stock Award Agreement to be signed, effective as of the award date shown below.

	MARKEL CORPORATION
____________, 201_
	By:
		Authorized Officer

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

I, Alan I. Kirshner, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Markel Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

August 8, 2012	/s/ Alan I. Kirshner
	Alan I. Kirshner
	Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

I, Anne G. Waleski, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Markel Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant’s disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant’s most recent fiscal quarter that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant’s other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant’s auditors and the audit committee of the registrant’s board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant’s ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant’s internal control over financial reporting.

August 8, 2012	/s/ Anne G. Waleski
	Anne G. Waleski
	Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

FURNISHED PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Markel Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Alan I. Kirshner, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Company, certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Alan I. Kirshner

Alan I. Kirshner

Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

August 8, 2012

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

FURNISHED PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Markel Corporation (the “Company”) on Form 10-Q for the period ended June 30, 2012 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Anne G. Waleski, Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Anne G. Waleski

Anne G. Waleski

Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

August 8, 2012

XML

Employee Benefit Plans (Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost Pension Plan) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 89	$ 346	$ 179	$ 683
Interest cost	1,693	1,811	3,386	3,579
Expected return on plan assets	(2,431)	(2,504)	(4,863)	(4,947)
Amortization of net actuarial pension loss	644	486	1,287	960
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$ (5)	$ 139	$ (11)	$ 275

XML

Subsequent Events Subsequent Events (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	1 Months Ended
	Aug. 08, 2012 4.90% Unsecured Senior Notes [Member] July 2, 2012 Issuance Of 4.90% Unsecured Senior Notes [Member]	Jul. 02, 2012 4.90% Unsecured Senior Notes [Member] July 2, 2012 Issuance Of 4.90% Unsecured Senior Notes [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 7.50% Unsecured Senior Debentures [Member] August 1, 2012 Redemption Of 7.50% Unsecured Senior Debentures [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 6.80% Unsecured Senior Notes [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		$ 350	$ 150
Debt instrument, interest rate, stated percentage		4.90%	7.50%	6.80%
Proceeds from issuance of unsecured debt	347.2
Debt instrument, redemption price, percentage of face amount			100.00%
Debt instrument, principal amount outstanding				$ 246.7

XML

Investments (Summary Of Net Realized Investment Gains And The Change In Net Unrealized Gains On Investments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Realized gains	$ 9,524	$ 6,718	$ 21,591	$ 18,195
Realized losses	(1,308)	(5,374)	(1,466)	(5,611)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income	(992)	(4,875)	(992)	(4,875)
Net realized investment gains	8,216	1,344	20,125	12,584
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	(19,825)	96,898	193,835	117,362
Sales Of Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Realized gains	3,570	2,877	5,422	10,858
Realized losses	(316)	(499)	(474)	(736)
Sales Of Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Realized gains	5,820	3,747	15,514	5,818
Other [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Realized gains	134	94	655	1,519
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	27,921	80,819	44,590	64,423
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	(47,744)	16,061	149,250	52,918
Short-Term Investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	$ (2)	$ 18	$ (5)	$ 21

XML

Net Income Per Share (Schedule Of Net Income Per Share To Shareholders) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net income to shareholders	$ 89,687	$ 30,314	$ 146,940	$ 38,586
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests	8,186	0	8,186	0
Adjusted net income to shareholders	$ 81,501	$ 30,314	$ 138,754	$ 38,586
Basic common shares outstanding	9,651	9,717	9,646	9,720
Dilutive potential common shares	25	40	26	40
Diluted shares outstanding	9,676	9,757	9,672	9,760
Basic net income per share	$ 8.44	$ 3.12	$ 14.38	$ 3.97
Diluted net income per share	$ 8.42	$ 3.11	$ 14.35	$ 3.95

XML

Fair Value Measurements (Balances Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	$ 5,326,511	$ 5,538,174
Total equity securities	2,180,069	1,873,927
Short-term investments	465,734	541,014
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	7,972,314	7,953,115
Derivative contracts	17,100	29,300
U.S. Treasury Securities And Obligations Of U.S. Government Agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	333,832	322,193
Obligations Of States, Municipalities And Political Subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	2,895,078	2,930,521
Foreign Governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	605,470	616,814
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	317,041	389,184
Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	15,698	16,818
Public Utilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	69,225	69,427
All Other Corporate Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	1,090,167	1,193,217
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity securities	2,180,069	1,873,927
Insurance Companies, Banks And Trusts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity securities	802,177	684,703
Industrial, Consumer And All Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity securities	1,377,892	1,189,224
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	5,326,511	5,538,174
Total equity securities	2,180,069	1,873,927
Short-term investments	465,734	541,014
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	7,972,314	7,953,115
Derivative contracts	17,130	29,331
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Total equity securities	2,180,069	1,873,927
Short-term investments	391,822	477,348
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	2,571,891	2,351,275
Derivative contracts	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	5,326,511	5,538,174
Total equity securities	0	0
Short-term investments	73,912	63,666
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	5,400,423	5,601,840
Derivative contracts	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Total equity securities	0	0
Short-term investments	0	0
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	0	0
Derivative contracts	17,130	29,331
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. Treasury Securities And Obligations Of U.S. Government Agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	333,832	322,193
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. Treasury Securities And Obligations Of U.S. Government Agencies [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. Treasury Securities And Obligations Of U.S. Government Agencies [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	333,832	322,193
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. Treasury Securities And Obligations Of U.S. Government Agencies [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Obligations Of States, Municipalities And Political Subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	2,895,078	2,930,521
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Obligations Of States, Municipalities And Political Subdivisions [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Obligations Of States, Municipalities And Political Subdivisions [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	2,895,078	2,930,521
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Obligations Of States, Municipalities And Political Subdivisions [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign Governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	605,470	616,814
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign Governments [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign Governments [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	605,470	616,814
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign Governments [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	317,041	389,184
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	317,041	389,184
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	15,698	16,818
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-Backed Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-Backed Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	15,698	16,818
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-Backed Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Public Utilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	69,225	69,427
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Public Utilities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Public Utilities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	69,225	69,427
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Public Utilities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | All Other Corporate Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	1,090,167	1,193,217
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | All Other Corporate Bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | All Other Corporate Bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	1,090,167	1,193,217
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | All Other Corporate Bonds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Insurance Companies, Banks And Trusts [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity securities	802,177	684,703
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Insurance Companies, Banks And Trusts [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity securities	802,177	684,703
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Insurance Companies, Banks And Trusts [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Insurance Companies, Banks And Trusts [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Industrial, Consumer And All Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity securities	1,377,892	1,189,224
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Industrial, Consumer And All Other [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity securities	1,377,892	1,189,224
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Industrial, Consumer And All Other [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Industrial, Consumer And All Other [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity securities	$ 0	$ 0

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Derivatives (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2011
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Credit default swap, notional value	$ 33,100,000		$ 33,100,000		$ 33,100,000
Credit default swap, exposure to loss, maximum per reference entity	20,000,000		20,000,000
Credit default swap, fair value	17,100,000		17,100,000		29,300,000
Gain on derivative instrument recognized in earnings	$ 1,100,000	$ (1,000,000)	$ 12,200,000	$ 600,000
Weighted average expected default rate	5.00%		5.00%		9.00%
Weighted average expected recovery rate	39.00%		39.00%		39.00%
Minimum [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Expected default rate	2.00%		2.00%		2.00%
Credit derivative expected recovery rate	20.00%		20.00%		19.00%
Maximum [Member]
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]
Expected default rate	30.00%		30.00%		37.00%
Credit derivative expected recovery rate	40.00%		40.00%		52.00%

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Reinsurance

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]

Reinsurance

Reinsurance

The following tables summarize the effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned.

	Quarter Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012						2011
	Written			Earned			Written			Earned
Direct	$	530,144		$	490,607		$	508,006		$	461,962
Assumed	116,778			91,107			89,187			87,323
Ceded	(80,308		)	(68,658		)	(66,505		)	(59,084		)
Net premiums	$	566,614		$	513,056		$	530,688		$	490,201

	Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012						2011
	Written			Earned			Written			Earned
Direct	$	1,048,684		$	1,000,196		$	981,216		$	908,100
Assumed	246,856			174,949			206,760			168,773
Ceded	(147,760		)	(132,493		)	(138,276		)	(123,561		)
Net premiums	$	1,147,780		$	1,042,652		$	1,049,700		$	953,312

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses were net of reinsurance recoverables (ceded incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses) of $24.2 million and $45.3 million, respectively, for the quarters ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 and $64.3 million and $93.8 million, respectively, for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

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Fair Value Measurements (Summary Of Changes In Level 3 Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Derivatives, beginning of period	$ 18,270		$ 23,567		$ 29,331		$ 25,228
Total losses (gains) included in net income	(1,140)		1,029		(12,201)		(632)
Total losses (gains) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0		0		0		0
Transfers into Level 3	0		0		0		0
Transfers out of Level 3	0		0		0		0
Derivatives, end of period	17,130		24,596		17,130		24,596
Net unrealized losses (gains) included in net income relating to liabilities held at June 30, 2012 and 2011	$ (1,140)	[1]	$ 1,029	[1]	$ (12,201)	[1]	$ (632)	[1]

[1] Included in net investment income in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

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Investments (Available-For-Sale Investments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	$ 4,916,699	$ 5,172,952
Equity securities, amortized cost	1,313,186	1,156,294
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	6,695,624	6,870,260
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	1,293,383	1,100,525
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(7,810)	(8,798)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	(8,883)	(8,872)
Total fixed maturities, estimated fair value	5,326,511	5,538,174
Total equity securities, estimated fair value	2,180,069	1,873,927
Short-term investments, estimated fair value	465,734	541,014
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	7,972,314	7,953,115
U.S. Treasury Securities And Obligations Of U.S. Government Agencies [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	312,540	299,413
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	21,330	22,789
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(38)	(9)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Total fixed maturities, estimated fair value	333,832	322,193
Obligations Of States, Municipalities And Political Subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	2,663,600	2,729,838
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	231,887	201,477
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(409)	(794)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Total fixed maturities, estimated fair value	2,895,078	2,930,521
Foreign Governments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	552,873	572,253
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	52,629	45,629
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(32)	(1,068)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Total fixed maturities, estimated fair value	605,470	616,814
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	297,664	366,859
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	21,638	24,601
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(3)	(18)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	(2,258)	(2,258)
Total fixed maturities, estimated fair value	317,041	389,184
Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	15,069	16,096
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	629	731
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	0	(9)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Total fixed maturities, estimated fair value	15,698	16,818
Public Utilities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	64,132	63,965
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	5,093	5,462
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	0	0
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Total fixed maturities, estimated fair value	69,225	69,427
All Other Corporate Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	1,010,821	1,124,528
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	86,101	78,053
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(130)	(2,750)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	(6,625)	(6,614)
Total fixed maturities, estimated fair value	1,090,167	1,193,217
Total Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	4,916,699	5,172,952
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	419,307	378,742
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(612)	(4,648)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	(8,883)	(8,872)
Total fixed maturities, estimated fair value	5,326,511	5,538,174
Insurance Companies, Banks And Trusts [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Equity securities, amortized cost	443,857	389,421
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	358,808	296,648
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(488)	(1,366)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Total equity securities, estimated fair value	802,177	684,703
Industrial, Consumer And All Other [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Equity securities, amortized cost	869,329	766,873
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	515,267	425,131
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(6,704)	(2,780)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Total equity securities, estimated fair value	1,377,892	1,189,224
Total Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Equity securities, amortized cost	1,313,186	1,156,294
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	874,075	721,779
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(7,192)	(4,146)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Total equity securities, estimated fair value	2,180,069	1,873,927
Short-Term Investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Short-term investments, amortized cost	465,739	541,014
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	1	4
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(6)	(4)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Short-term investments, estimated fair value	$ 465,734	$ 541,014

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Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012 securities	Dec. 31, 2011 securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities in unrealized loss position, number of positions	55	76
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	$ 395,789	$ 587,887
Gross unrealized losses	16,693	17,670
Number of available-for-sale securities positions in a continuous unrealized loss position for greater than one year at period end	12	17
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	31,186	45,786
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	504	2,355
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	106,041	176,302
Gross unrealized losses	9,495	13,520
Number of available-for-sale securities positions in a continuous unrealized loss position for greater than one year at period end	10	16
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	13,687	27,261
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	374	2,349
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	134,753	115,594
Gross unrealized losses	7,192	4,146
Number of available-for-sale securities positions in a continuous unrealized loss position for greater than one year at period end	2	1
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	17,499	18,525
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate losses	$ 130	$ 6

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Acquisitions (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified		6 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		6 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012 January 1, 2012 Thompson Insurance Enterprises, LLC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 January 1, 2012 Thompson Insurance Enterprises, LLC [Member] Customer Relationships [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 January 1, 2012 Thompson Insurance Enterprises, LLC [Member] Customer Relationships [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 January 1, 2012 Thompson Insurance Enterprises, LLC [Member] Trade Names [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 January 1, 2012 Thompson Insurance Enterprises, LLC [Member] Trade Names [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 January 1, 2012 Thompson Insurance Enterprises, LLC [Member] Unpatented Technology [Member]	Mar. 31, 2012 January 1, 2012 Thompson Insurance Enterprises, LLC [Member] Unpatented Technology [Member]	Apr. 18, 2012 April 18, 2012 Havco WP LLC [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Second Quarter 2012 Noninsurance Acquisitions [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Second Quarter 2012 Noninsurance Acquisitions [Member] Customer Relationships [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage of voting interests acquired	100.00%							85.00%
Total consideration	$ 108.5
Cash consideration	100.5								54.4
Goodwill recognized	26.1								11.5
Other intangible assets recognized	81.2		68.5		11.5		1.0		17.4	10.4
Redeemable noncontrolling interest recognized, fair value									$ 7.9
Weighted average amortization period, years		23 years		10 years		3 years				17 years

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Investments (Summary Of Gross Unrealized Investment Losses By Length Of Time That Securities Have Continuously Been In An Unrealized Loss Position) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	$ 364,603	$ 542,101
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(16,189)	(15,315)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	31,186	45,786
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(504)	(2,355)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	395,789	587,887
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(16,693)	(17,670)
U.S. Treasury Securities And Obligations Of U.S. Government Agencies [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	55,792	32,384
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(35)	(9)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	3,483	0
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(3)	0
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	59,275	32,384
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(38)	(9)
Obligations Of States, Municipalities And Political Subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	9,387	1,016
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(95)	(2)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	6,284	17,261
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(314)	(792)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	15,671	18,277
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(409)	(794)
Foreign Governments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	14,270	40,340
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(32)	(1,068)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	0	0
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	0	0
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	14,270	40,340
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(32)	(1,068)
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	856	489
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(2,261)	(2,263)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	0	2,045
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	0	(13)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	856	2,534
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(2,261)	(2,276)
Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months		0
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months		0
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer		32
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer		(9)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value		32
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses		(9)
All Other Corporate Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	12,049	74,812
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(6,698)	(7,829)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	3,920	7,923
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(57)	(1,535)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	15,969	82,735
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(6,755)	(9,364)
Total Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	92,354	149,041
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(9,121)	(11,171)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	13,687	27,261
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(374)	(2,349)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	106,041	176,302
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(9,495)	(13,520)
Insurance Companies, Banks And Trusts [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	21,265	26,514
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(488)	(1,366)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	0	0
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	0	0
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	21,265	26,514
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(488)	(1,366)
Industrial, Consumer And All Other [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	95,989	70,555
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(6,574)	(2,774)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	17,499	18,525
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(130)	(6)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	113,488	89,080
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(6,704)	(2,780)
Total Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	117,254	97,069
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(7,062)	(4,140)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	17,499	18,525
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(130)	(6)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	134,753	115,594
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(7,192)	(4,146)
Short-Term Investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	154,995	295,991
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(6)	(4)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	0	0
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	0	0
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	154,995	295,991
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	$ (6)	$ (4)

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Investments (Schedule Of Amortized Cost And Estimated Fair Value Of Fixed Maturities By Contractual Maturity Date) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Due in one year or less, amortized cost	$ 308,649
Due after one year through five years, amortized cost	1,283,202
Due after five years through ten years, amortized cost	1,599,929
Due after ten years, amortized cost	1,412,186
Amortized cost, sub-total	4,603,966
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	4,916,699	5,172,952
Due in one year or less, estimated fair value	314,640
Due after one year through five years, estimated fair value	1,389,784
Due after five years through ten years, estimated fair value	1,742,051
Due after ten years, estimated fair value	1,547,297
Estimated fair value, sub-total	4,993,772
Fixed maturities, estimated fair value	5,326,511	5,538,174
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	297,664	366,859
Fixed maturities, estimated fair value	317,041	389,184
Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	15,069	16,096
Fixed maturities, estimated fair value	$ 15,698	$ 16,818

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Net Income Per Share

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Net Income Per Share

Net Income per Share

Net income per share was determined by dividing adjusted net income to shareholders by the applicable weighted average shares outstanding.

	Quarter Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2012		2011		2012		2011
Net income to shareholders	$	89,687	$	30,314	$	146,940	$	38,586
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests	8,186		—		8,186		—
Adjusted net income to shareholders	$	81,501	$	30,314	$	138,754	$	38,586
Basic common shares outstanding	9,651		9,717		9,646		9,720
Dilutive potential common shares	25		40		26		40
Diluted shares outstanding	9,676		9,757		9,672		9,760
Basic net income per share	$	8.44	$	3.12	$	14.38	$	3.97
Diluted net income per share	$	8.42	$	3.11	$	14.35	$	3.95

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Investments (Summary Of Activity For Credit Losses Recognized ) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Investments [Abstract]
Cumulative credit loss, beginning balance	$ 21,370	$ 10,307	$ 21,370	$ 10,307
Increases related to other-than-temporary impairment losses previously recognized	0	4,875	0	4,875
Total additions	0	4,875	0	4,875
Sales of fixed maturities on which credit losses were recognized	0	(15)	0	(15)
Cumulative credit loss, ending balance	$ 21,370	$ 15,167	$ 21,370	$ 15,167

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Commitments And Contingencies Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests	$ 8.2

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Fixed maturities (amortized cost of $4,916,699 in 2012 and $5,172,952 in 2011)	$ 5,326,511	$ 5,538,174
Equity securities (cost of $1,313,186 in 2012 and $1,156,294 in 2011)	2,180,069	1,873,927
Short-term investments (estimated fair value approximates cost)	465,734	541,014
Total Investments	7,972,314	7,953,115
Cash and cash equivalents	837,208	775,032
Receivables	476,462	350,237
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	765,043	791,102
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	43,406	38,208
Deferred policy acquisition costs	174,274	194,674
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	112,399	97,074
Goodwill and intangible assets	991,430	867,558
Other assets	592,697	465,103
Total Assets	11,965,233	11,532,103
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	5,273,275	5,398,869
Unearned premiums	1,036,444	915,930
Payables to insurance companies	139,858	64,327
Senior long-term debt and other debt (estimated fair value of $1,446,000 in 2012 and $1,391,000 in 2011)	1,309,530	1,293,520
Other liabilities	463,222	397,111
Total Liabilities	8,222,329	8,069,757
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	87,613	74,231
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	904,047	891,507
Retained earnings	1,957,778	1,835,086
Accumulated other comprehensive income	793,341	660,920
Total Shareholders' Equity	3,655,166	3,387,513
Noncontrolling interests	125	602
Total Equity	3,655,291	3,388,115
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 11,965,233	$ 11,532,103

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Previous Accounting Guidance [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Policy acquisition costs deferred	$ 130.2	$ 256.8
Deferred policy acquisition cost, amortization expense	121.0	240.2
Accounting Standards Update 2010-26 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Costs expected to be recognized in income, effect of adoption			43
Policy acquisition costs deferred	100.8	199.9
Deferred policy acquisition cost, amortization expense	$ 108.3	$ 220.3

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Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 148,481	$ 41,510
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities	(43,734)	58,833
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities	104,747	100,343
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities and equity securities	143,429	107,131
Proceeds from maturities, calls and prepayments of fixed maturities	256,503	202,269
Cost of fixed maturities and equity securities purchased	(285,988)	(312,173)
Net change in short-term investments	75,539	(275,238)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(143,620)	(5,841)
Additions to property and equipment	(22,885)	(27,158)
Cost of equity method investments	(38,250)	(10,600)
Other	(1,509)	10,970
Net Cash Used By Investing Activities	(16,781)	(310,640)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Additions to senior long-term debt and other debt	73,705	295,352
Repayments of senior long-term debt and other debt	(71,529)	(53,038)
Repurchases of common stock	(16,062)	(13,492)
Other	(11,245)	(1,017)
Net Cash Provided (Used) By Financing Activities	(25,131)	227,805
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(659)	5,187
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	62,176	22,695
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	775,032	745,259
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$ 837,208	$ 767,954

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Segment Reporting Disclosures (Company's Segment Disclosures) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended				12 Months Ended	3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended				3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended				3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended				3 Months Ended				6 Months Ended				3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2011		Jun. 30, 2012 segment		Jun. 30, 2011		Dec. 31, 2012 Accounting Standards Update 2010-26 [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Excess And Surplus Lines [Member]		Jun. 30, 2011 Excess And Surplus Lines [Member]		Jun. 30, 2012 Excess And Surplus Lines [Member]		Jun. 30, 2011 Excess And Surplus Lines [Member]		Jun. 30, 2012 Specialty Admitted [Member]		Jun. 30, 2011 Specialty Admitted [Member]		Jun. 30, 2012 Specialty Admitted [Member]		Jun. 30, 2011 Specialty Admitted [Member]		Jun. 30, 2012 London Insurance Market [Member]		Jun. 30, 2011 London Insurance Market [Member]		Jun. 30, 2012 London Insurance Market [Member]		Jun. 30, 2011 London Insurance Market [Member]		Jun. 30, 2012 Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) [Member]		Jun. 30, 2011 Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) [Member]		Jun. 30, 2012 Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) [Member]		Jun. 30, 2011 Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) [Member]		Jun. 30, 2012 Investing [Member]		Jun. 30, 2011 Investing [Member]	Jun. 30, 2012 Investing [Member]		Jun. 30, 2011 Investing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of segments of the specialty insurance marketplace in which the Company operates					3
Gross premium volume	$ 646,922,000		$ 597,193,000		$ 1,295,540,000		$ 1,187,976,000			$ 229,906,000		$ 225,979,000		$ 452,835,000		$ 427,350,000		$ 180,150,000		$ 143,530,000		$ 328,272,000		$ 277,851,000		$ 236,874,000		$ 227,682,000		$ 514,440,000		$ 482,683,000		$ (8,000)		$ 2,000		$ (7,000)		$ 92,000		$ 0		$ 0	$ 0		$ 0
Net written premiums	566,614,000		530,688,000		1,147,780,000		1,049,700,000			193,291,000		194,048,000		386,204,000		369,585,000		169,276,000		136,292,000		309,828,000		263,531,000		204,054,000		200,472,000		451,754,000		416,611,000		(7,000)		(124,000)		(6,000)		(27,000)		0		0	0		0
Earned premiums	513,056,000		490,201,000		1,042,652,000		953,312,000			189,668,000		187,206,000		389,046,000		368,263,000		144,695,000		131,364,000		278,170,000		253,840,000		178,699,000		171,754,000		375,441,000		331,237,000		(6,000)		(123,000)		(5,000)		(28,000)		0		0	0		0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, current accident year	(347,992,000)		(383,420,000)		(700,498,000)		(772,273,000)			(127,683,000)		(142,550,000)		(255,750,000)		(265,057,000)		(101,378,000)		(94,324,000)		(194,071,000)		(172,794,000)		(118,931,000)		(146,546,000)		(250,677,000)		(334,422,000)		0		0		0		0		0		0	0		0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years	126,898,000		76,737,000		190,883,000		151,262,000			50,686,000		52,649,000		81,273,000		109,441,000		11,917,000		1,771,000		16,243,000		1,969,000		64,785,000		22,605,000		86,250,000		35,239,000		(490,000)		(288,000)		7,117,000		4,613,000		0		0	0		0
Prospective adoption of ASU 2010-26	(14,271,000)	[1]			(34,559,000)	[2]				(6,040,000)	[1]			(14,527,000)	[2]			(4,499,000)	[1]			(10,263,000)	[2]			(3,732,000)	[1]			(9,769,000)	[2]			0	[1]			0	[2]			0	[1]		0	[2]
All other expenses	(210,513,000)				(428,922,000)					(81,345,000)				(167,202,000)				(53,837,000)				(111,103,000)				(74,947,000)				(149,950,000)				(384,000)				(667,000)				0			0
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(224,784,000)		(196,845,000)		(463,481,000)		(399,195,000)					(82,932,000)				(168,852,000)				(47,789,000)				(97,262,000)				(65,835,000)				(132,560,000)				(289,000)				(521,000)				0			0
Underwriting profit (loss)	67,178,000		(13,327,000)		69,556,000		(66,894,000)			25,286,000		14,373,000		32,840,000		43,795,000		(3,102,000)		(8,978,000)		(21,024,000)		(14,247,000)		45,874,000		(18,022,000)		51,295,000		(100,506,000)		(880,000)		(700,000)		6,445,000		4,064,000		0		0	0		0
Net investment income	63,602,000		64,253,000		143,396,000		134,352,000			0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0		63,602,000		64,253,000	143,396,000		134,352,000
Net realized investment gains	8,216,000		1,344,000		20,125,000		12,584,000			0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0		0		8,216,000		1,344,000	20,125,000		12,584,000
Other revenues (insurance)	14,228,000		12,375,000		29,059,000		21,561,000			0		0		0		0		14,081,000		12,375,000		24,529,000		21,561,000		147,000		0		4,530,000		0		0		0		0		0		0		0	0		0
Other expenses (insurance)	(12,580,000)		(12,627,000)		(24,755,000)		(24,375,000)			0		0		0		0		(11,802,000)		(12,588,000)		(23,003,000)		(24,328,000)		(778,000)		(39,000)		(1,752,000)		(47,000)		0		0		0		0		0		0	0		0
Segment profit (loss)	140,644,000		52,018,000		237,381,000		77,228,000			25,286,000		14,373,000		32,840,000		43,795,000		(823,000)		(9,191,000)		(19,498,000)		(17,014,000)		45,243,000		(18,061,000)		54,073,000		(100,553,000)		(880,000)		(700,000)		6,445,000		4,064,000		71,818,000		65,597,000	163,521,000		146,936,000
Other revenues (non-insurance)	94,145,000		78,995,000		191,150,000		146,953,000
Other expenses (non-insurance)	(85,139,000)		(66,846,000)		(173,368,000)		(123,593,000)
Amortization of intangible assets	(8,315,000)		(5,555,000)		(17,119,000)		(11,563,000)
Interest expense	(22,209,000)		(21,898,000)		(44,376,000)		(40,860,000)
Income before income taxes	119,126,000		36,714,000		193,668,000		48,165,000
U.S. GAAP combined ratio	87.00%	[3]	103.00%	[3]	93.00%	[3]	107.00%	[3]		87.00%	[3]	92.00%	[3]	92.00%	[3]	88.00%	[3]	102.00%	[3]	107.00%	[3]	108.00%	[3]	106.00%	[3]	74.00%	[3]	110.00%	[3]	86.00%	[3]	130.00%	[3]
U.S. GAAP combined ratio - not meaniningful																																		NM	[3],[4]	NM	[3],[4]	NM	[3],[4]	NM	[3],[4]
Costs expected to be recognized in income, effect of adoption									$ 43,000,000

[1] Effective January 1, 2012, the Company prospectively adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2010-26, Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts. At December 31, 2011, deferred policy acquisition costs included approximately $43 million of costs that no longer met the criteria for deferral as of January 1, 2012 and will be recognized into income primarily over the first nine months of 2012, consistent with policy terms. The quarter ended June 30, 2012 included $14.3 million of underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses that were deferred as of December 31, 2011 and no longer met the criteria for deferral as of January 1, 2012.

[2] Effective January 1, 2012, the Company prospectively adopted FASB ASU No. 2010-26, Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts. At December 31, 2011, deferred policy acquisition costs included approximately $43 million of costs that no longer met the criteria for deferral as of January 1, 2012 and will be recognized into income primarily over the first nine months of 2012, consistent with policy terms. The six months ended June 30, 2012 included $34.6 million of underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses that were deferred as of December 31, 2011 and no longer met the criteria for deferral as of January 1, 2012.

[3] The U.S. GAAP combined ratio is a measure of underwriting performance and represents the relationship of incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses to earned premiums.

[4] NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

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Segment Reporting Disclosures (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract]

Company's Segment Disclosures

The following tables summarize the Company’s segment disclosures.

	Quarter Ended June 30, 2012
(dollars in thousands)	Excess and Surplus Lines			Specialty Admitted			London Insurance Market			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	229,906		$	180,150		$	236,874		$	(8	)		$	—	$	646,922
Net written premiums	193,291			169,276			204,054			(7		)		—		566,614
Earned premiums	189,668			144,695			178,699			(6		)		—		513,056
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(127,683		)	(101,378		)	(118,931		)	—				—		(347,992		)
Prior accident years	50,686			11,917			64,785			(490		)		—		126,898
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses:
Prospective adoption of ASU 2010-26 (1)	(6,040		)	(4,499		)	(3,732		)	—				—		(14,271		)
All other expenses	(81,345		)	(53,837		)	(74,947		)	(384		)		—		(210,513		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	25,286			(3,102		)	45,874			(880		)		—		67,178
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				63,602		63,602
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				8,216		8,216
Other revenues (insurance)	—			14,081			147			—				—		14,228
Other expenses (insurance)	—			(11,802		)	(778		)	—				—		(12,580		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	25,286		$	(823	)	$	45,243		$	(880	)		$	71,818	$	140,644
Other revenues (non-insurance)																94,145
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(85,139		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(8,315		)
Interest expense																(22,209		)
Income before income taxes																$	119,126
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (2)	87		%	102		%	74		%	NM			(3)			87		%

	Quarter Ended June 30, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Excess and Surplus Lines			Specialty Admitted			London Insurance Market			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	225,979		$	143,530		$	227,682		$	2			$	—	$	597,193
Net written premiums	194,048			136,292			200,472			(124		)		—		530,688
Earned premiums	187,206			131,364			171,754			(123		)		—		490,201
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(142,550		)	(94,324		)	(146,546		)	—				—		(383,420		)
Prior accident years	52,649			1,771			22,605			(288		)		—		76,737
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(82,932		)	(47,789		)	(65,835		)	(289		)		—		(196,845		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	14,373			(8,978		)	(18,022		)	(700		)		—		(13,327		)
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				64,253		64,253
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				1,344		1,344
Other revenues (insurance)	—			12,375			—			—				—		12,375
Other expenses (insurance)	—			(12,588		)	(39		)	—				—		(12,627		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	14,373		$	(9,191	)	$	(18,061	)	$	(700	)		$	65,597	$	52,018
Other revenues (non-insurance)																78,995
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(66,846		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(5,555		)
Interest expense																(21,898		)
Income before income taxes																$	36,714
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (2)	92		%	107		%	110		%	NM			(3)			103		%

(1) Effective January 1, 2012, the Company prospectively adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2010-26, Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts. At December 31, 2011, deferred policy acquisition costs included approximately $43 million of costs that no longer met the criteria for deferral as of January 1, 2012 and will be recognized into income primarily over the first nine months of 2012, consistent with policy terms. The quarter ended June 30, 2012 included $14.3 million of underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses that were deferred as of December 31, 2011 and no longer met the criteria for deferral as of January 1, 2012.

(2) The U.S. GAAP combined ratio is a measure of underwriting performance and represents the relationship of incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses to earned premiums.

(3) NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
(dollars in thousands)	Excess and Surplus Lines			Specialty Admitted			London Insurance Market			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	452,835		$	328,272		$	514,440		$	(7	)		$	—	$	1,295,540
Net written premiums	386,204			309,828			451,754			(6		)		—		1,147,780
Earned premiums	389,046			278,170			375,441			(5		)		—		1,042,652
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(255,750		)	(194,071		)	(250,677		)	—				—		(700,498		)
Prior accident years	81,273			16,243			86,250			7,117				—		190,883
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses:
Prospective adoption of ASU 2010-26 (1)	(14,527		)	(10,263		)	(9,769		)	—				—		(34,559		)
All other expenses	(167,202		)	(111,103		)	(149,950		)	(667		)		—		(428,922		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	32,840			(21,024		)	51,295			6,445				—		69,556
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				143,396		143,396
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				20,125		20,125
Other revenues (insurance)	—			24,529			4,530			—				—		29,059
Other expenses (insurance)	—			(23,003		)	(1,752		)	—				—		(24,755		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	32,840		$	(19,498	)	$	54,073		$	6,445			$	163,521	$	237,381
Other revenues (non-insurance)																191,150
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(173,368		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(17,119		)
Interest expense																(44,376		)
Income before income taxes																$	193,668
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (2)	92		%	108		%	86		%	NM			(3)			93		%

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Excess and Surplus Lines			Specialty Admitted			London Insurance Market			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	427,350		$	277,851		$	482,683		$	92			$	—	$	1,187,976
Net written premiums	369,585			263,531			416,611			(27		)		—		1,049,700
Earned premiums	368,263			253,840			331,237			(28		)		—		953,312
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(265,057		)	(172,794		)	(334,422		)	—				—		(772,273		)
Prior accident years	109,441			1,969			35,239			4,613				—		151,262
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(168,852		)	(97,262		)	(132,560		)	(521		)		—		(399,195		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	43,795			(14,247		)	(100,506		)	4,064				—		(66,894		)
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				134,352		134,352
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				12,584		12,584
Other revenues (insurance)	—			21,561			—			—				—		21,561
Other expenses (insurance)	—			(24,328		)	(47		)	—				—		(24,375		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	43,795		$	(17,014	)	$	(100,553	)	$	4,064			$	146,936	$	77,228
Other revenues (non-insurance)																146,953
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(123,593		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(11,563		)
Interest expense																(40,860		)
Income before income taxes																$	48,165
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (2)	88		%	106		%	130		%	NM			(3)			107		%

(1) Effective January 1, 2012, the Company prospectively adopted FASB ASU No. 2010-26, Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts. At December 31, 2011, deferred policy acquisition costs included approximately $43 million of costs that no longer met the criteria for deferral as of January 1, 2012 and will be recognized into income primarily over the first nine months of 2012, consistent with policy terms. The six months ended June 30, 2012 included $34.6 million of underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses that were deferred as of December 31, 2011 and no longer met the criteria for deferral as of January 1, 2012.

(2) The U.S. GAAP combined ratio is a measure of underwriting performance and represents the relationship of incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses to earned premiums.

(3) NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

Reconciliation Of Segment Assets To The Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets

The following table reconciles segment assets to the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

(dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Segment assets:
Investing	$	8,766,935	$	8,692,391
Underwriting	2,451,938		2,209,431
Total segment assets	$	11,218,873	$	10,901,822
Non-insurance operations	746,360		630,281
Total assets	$	11,965,233	$	11,532,103

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Segment Reporting Disclosures (Reconciliation Of Segment Assets To The Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	$ 11,965,233	$ 11,532,103
Non-Insurance Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	746,360	630,281
Segment Assets [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	11,218,873	10,901,822
Segment Assets [Member] | Investing [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	8,766,935	8,692,391
Segment Assets [Member] | Underwriting [Member]
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Assets	$ 2,451,938	$ 2,209,431

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Balances Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis

The following tables present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy.

	June 30, 2012
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Investments available-for-sale:
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	—	$	333,832	$	—	$	333,832
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		2,895,078		—		2,895,078
Foreign governments	—		605,470		—		605,470
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		317,041		—		317,041
Asset-backed securities	—		15,698		—		15,698
Public utilities	—		69,225		—		69,225
All other corporate bonds	—		1,090,167		—		1,090,167
Total fixed maturities	—		5,326,511		—		5,326,511
Equity securities:
Insurance companies, banks and trusts	802,177		—		—		802,177
Industrial, consumer and all other	1,377,892		—		—		1,377,892
Total equity securities	2,180,069		—		—		2,180,069
Short-term investments	391,822		73,912		—		465,734
Total investments available-for-sale	2,571,891		5,400,423		—		7,972,314
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	$	—	$	—	$	17,130	$	17,130

	December 31, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Investments available-for-sale:
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	—	$	322,193	$	—	$	322,193
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		2,930,521		—		2,930,521
Foreign governments	—		616,814		—		616,814
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		389,184		—		389,184
Asset-backed securities	—		16,818		—		16,818
Public utilities	—		69,427		—		69,427
All other corporate bonds	—		1,193,217		—		1,193,217
Total fixed maturities	—		5,538,174		—		5,538,174
Equity securities:
Insurance companies, banks and trusts	684,703		—		—		684,703
Industrial, consumer and all other	1,189,224		—		—		1,189,224
Total equity securities	1,873,927		—		—		1,873,927
Short-term investments	477,348		63,666		—		541,014
Total investments available-for-sale	2,351,275		5,601,840		—		7,953,115
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	$	—	$	—	$	29,331	$	29,331

Summary Of Changes In Level 3 Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis

The following table summarizes changes in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

	Quarter Ended June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011		2012			2011
Derivatives, beginning of period	$	18,270		$	23,567	$	29,331		$	25,228
Total losses (gains) included in:
Net income	(1,140		)	1,029		(12,201		)	(632		)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—			—		—			—
Transfers into Level 3	—			—		—			—
Transfers out of Level 3	—			—		—			—
Derivatives, end of period	$	17,130		$	24,596	$	17,130		$	24,596
Net unrealized losses (gains) included in net income relating to liabilities held at June 30, 2012 and 2011 (1)	$	(1,140	)	$	1,029	$	(12,201	)	$	(632	)

(1) Included in net investment income in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

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Basis Of Presentation

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]

Basis Of Presentation

Basis of Presentation

Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. Markel Corporation’s principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products and programs. Markel Corporation also owns interests in various industrial and service businesses that operate outside of the specialty insurance marketplace.

The consolidated balance sheet as of June 30, 2012, the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income for the quarters and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011, and the consolidated statements of changes in equity and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for fair presentation of such consolidated financial statements have been included. Such adjustments consist only of normal, recurring items. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for the entire year. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2011 was derived from Markel Corporation’s audited annual consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and include the accounts of Markel Corporation and all subsidiaries (the Company). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company consolidates the results of its non-insurance subsidiaries on a one-month lag. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ materially from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements and notes are presented as permitted by Form 10-Q and do not contain certain information included in the Company’s annual consolidated financial statements and notes. Readers are urged to review the Company’s 2011 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete description of the Company’s business and accounting policies.

ParkLand Ventures, Inc. (ParkLand), a subsidiary of the Company, has formed subsidiaries for the purpose of acquiring and financing real estate (the real estate subsidiaries). The assets of the real estate subsidiaries, which are not material to the Company, are consolidated in accordance with U.S. GAAP but are not available to satisfy the debt and other obligations of the Company or any affiliates other than the real estate subsidiaries.

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	$ 4,916,699	$ 5,172,952
Equity securities, cost	1,313,186	1,156,294
Senior long-term debt and other debt (estimated fair value)	$ 1,446,000	$ 1,391,000

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2010-26, which addresses diversity in practice within the insurance industry regarding the interpretation of which costs relating to the acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts qualify for deferral. This guidance specifies that a cost must be directly related to the successful acquisition of a new or renewal insurance contract in order to be capitalized. The Company elected prospective adoption of ASU No. 2010-26. At December 31, 2011, deferred policy acquisition costs included approximately $43 million of costs that no longer met the criteria for deferral as of January 1, 2012 and will be recognized into income primarily over the first nine months of 2012, consistent with policy terms. Upon adoption of ASU No. 2010-26, the Company's policy is to defer commissions and premium taxes that meet the criteria for deferral under the new guidance. During the quarter ended June 30, 2012, the Company deferred $100.8 million of policy acquisition costs and amortized $108.3 million of policy acquisition costs. Under its previous policy, the Company would have deferred $130.2 million of policy acquisition costs and amortized $121.0 million of policy acquisition costs for the quarter ended June 30, 2012. During the six months ended June 30, 2012, the Company deferred $199.9 million of policy acquisition costs and amortized $220.3 million of policy acquisition costs. Under its previous policy, the Company would have deferred $256.8 million of policy acquisition costs and amortized $240.2 million of policy acquisition costs for the six months ended June 30, 2012.

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRSs, which amends FASB ASC 820 to achieve a uniform framework for fair value measurement and disclosures in U.S. GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards.ASU No. 2011-04prohibits the grouping of financial instruments for purposes of determining fair value, except when market and credit risks are managed on the basis of the Company's net exposure, and extends the prohibition against the use of block discounts to Level 2 and Level 3 fair value measurements. The guidance also requires expanded disclosures for Level 3 fair value measurements including quantitative information about unobservable inputs, the sensitivity of fair value measurements to a change in unobservable inputs and a description of the Company's valuation processes. Additionally, the guidance requires disclosure of the hierarchy classification for assets and liabilities not measured at fair value, but whose fair value is disclosed. The adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows. The Company has included the additional disclosures required by ASU No. 2011-04 in notes 6 and 9.

Effective January 1, 2012, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2011-05, Comprehensive Income and FASB ASU No. 2011-12, Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05. ASU No. 2011-05 requires comprehensive income to be reported in either a single statement that presents the components of net income, the components of other comprehensive income and total comprehensive income, or in two consecutive statements, and it eliminates the option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of changes in equity. This guidance also requires the presentation of separate line items on the statements of income for reclassification adjustments of items out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income. ASU No. 2011-12 deferred the requirement to present separate line items on the statements of income and instead requires the presentation of reclassification adjustments within other comprehensive income or in the notes to the consolidated financial statements. The adoption of ASU No. 2011-05 and ASU No. 2011-12 did not have an impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations, cash flows or financial statement presentation.

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Document And Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Aug. 01, 2012
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Jun. 30, 2012
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2012
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q2
Entity Registrant Name	MARKEL CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0001096343
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		9,622,683

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Subsequent Events

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events

On July 2, 2012, the Company issued $350 million of 4.90% unsecured senior notes due July 1, 2022. Net proceeds to the Company were $347.2 million. On August 1, 2012, the Company used a portion of these proceeds to redeem its 7.50% unsecured senior debentures due August 22, 2046 at a redemption price equal to 100% of their principal amount, or $150 million. The proceeds from the July 2012 issuance are also being used to pre-fund the repayment of our 6.80% unsecured senior notes due 2013 at their maturity on February 15, 2013 ($246.7 million principal amount outstanding at June 30, 2012).

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Consolidated Statements Of Income And Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
OPERATING REVENUES
Earned premiums	$ 513,056	$ 490,201	$ 1,042,652	$ 953,312
Net investment income	63,602	64,253	143,396	134,352
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	(992)	(1,707)	(992)	(1,707)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	(3,168)	0	(3,168)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income	(992)	(4,875)	(992)	(4,875)
Net realized investment gains, excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses	9,208	6,219	21,117	17,459
Net realized investment gains	8,216	1,344	20,125	12,584
Other revenues	108,373	91,370	220,209	168,514
Total Operating Revenues	693,247	647,168	1,426,382	1,268,762
OPERATING EXPENSES
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	221,094	306,683	509,615	621,011
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	224,784	196,845	463,481	399,195
Amortization of intangible assets	8,315	5,555	17,119	11,563
Other expenses	97,719	79,473	198,123	147,968
Total Operating Expenses	551,912	588,556	1,188,338	1,179,737
Operating Income	141,335	58,612	238,044	89,025
Interest expense	22,209	21,898	44,376	40,860
Income Before Income Taxes	119,126	36,714	193,668	48,165
Income tax expense	28,358	5,065	45,187	6,655
Net Income	90,768	31,649	148,481	41,510
Net income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,081	1,335	1,541	2,924
Net Income to Shareholders	89,687	30,314	146,940	38,586
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Net holding gains (losses) arising during the period	(8,029)	64,403	145,426	84,724
Unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities arising during the period	130	1,644	(8)	1,468
Reclassification adjustments for net gains included in net income	(5,739)	(827)	(13,670)	(7,291)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes	(13,638)	65,220	131,748	78,901
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes	(3,162)	156	(339)	2,595
Change in net actuarial pension loss, net of taxes	482	355	965	701
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	(16,318)	65,731	132,374	82,197
Comprehensive Income	74,450	97,380	280,855	123,707
Comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,034	1,335	1,494	2,924
Comprehensive Income to Shareholders	$ 73,416	$ 96,045	$ 279,361	$ 120,783
NET INCOME PER SHARE
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 8.44	$ 3.12	$ 14.38	$ 3.97
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 8.42	$ 3.11	$ 14.35	$ 3.95

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Derivatives

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Summary of Derivative Instruments [Abstract]

Derivatives

Derivatives

The Company is a party to a credit default swap agreement, under which third party credit risk is transferred from a counterparty to the Company. The Company entered into the credit default swap agreement for investment purposes. At both June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the notional amount of the credit default swap was $33.1 million, which represented the Company’s aggregate exposure to losses if specified credit events involving third party reference entities occur. These third party reference entities are specified under the terms of the agreement and represent a portfolio of names upon which the Company has assumed credit risk from the counterparty. The Company’s exposure to loss from any one reference entity is limited to $20.0 million. The credit default swap has a scheduled termination date of December 2014.

The credit default swap is accounted for as a derivative instrument and is recorded at fair value with any changes in fair value recorded in net investment income. At June 30, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the credit default swap had a fair value of $17.1 million and $29.3 million, respectively. The fair value of the credit default swap is included in other liabilities on the consolidated balance sheets. Net investment income for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 included favorable changes in the fair value of the credit default swap of $1.1 million and $12.2 million, respectively. For the quarter ended June 30, 2011, net investment income included an adverse change in the credit default swap of $1.0 million. For the six months ended June 30, 2011, net investment income included a favorable change in the credit default swap of $0.6 million.

The fair value of the credit default swap is determined by the Company using a Gaussian copula valuation model, a market standard model for valuing credit default swaps. The fair value is dependent upon several inputs, including changes in interest rates, credit spreads, expected default rates, changes in credit quality, future expected recovery rates and other market factors. The significant unobservable inputs used in the fair value measurement of the credit default swap are expected default rates and future expected recovery rates. The Company determines these unobservable inputs based upon default rates and recovery rates used to price similar credit default swap indices. A significant increase in expected default rates in isolation results in a significantly higher fair value measurement, while a significant decrease in expected default rates results in a significantly lower fair value measurement. A significant increase in future expected recovery rates in isolation results in a significantly lower fair value measurement, while a significant decrease in future expected recovery rates results in a significantly higher fair value measurement. Generally, a change in the assumption used for expected default rates is accompanied by a directionally opposite change in future expected recovery rates. The fair value measurement of the credit default swap at June 30, 2012 included expected default rates ranging between 2% and 30%, with a weighted-average expected default rate of 5%, and future expected recovery rates ranging between 20% and 40%, with a weighted-average future expected recovery rate of 39%. The fair value measurement of the credit default swap at December 31, 2011 included expected default rates ranging between 2% and 37%, with a weighted-average expected default rate of 9%, and future expected recovery rates ranging between 19% and 52%, with a weighted-average future expected recovery rate of 39%.

The Company's valuation policies and procedures for the credit default swap are determined by an internal investment manager with oversight provided by the Company's Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer. Fair value measurements are analyzed quarterly to ensure the change in fair value from prior periods is reasonable relative to recent market trends. Additionally, the reported fair value of the credit default swap is compared to results from similar valuation models.

The Company had no other material derivative instruments at June 30, 2012.

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Segment Reporting Disclosures

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract]

Segment Reporting Disclosures

Segment Reporting Disclosures

The Company operates in three segments of the specialty insurance marketplace: the Excess and Surplus Lines, the Specialty Admitted and the London markets. The Company considers many factors, including the nature of its insurance products, production sources, distribution strategies and regulatory environment in determining how to aggregate operating segments.

All investing activities related to our insurance operations are included in the Investing segment. For purposes of segment reporting, the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment includes lines of business that have been discontinued in conjunction with acquisitions. The Company’s non-insurance operations primarily consist of controlling interests in various industrial and service businesses. For purposes of segment reporting, the Company’s non-insurance operations are not considered to be a reportable operating segment.

Segment profit or loss for each of the Company’s operating segments is measured by underwriting profit or loss. The property and casualty insurance industry commonly defines underwriting profit or loss as earned premiums net of losses and loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses. Underwriting profit or loss does not replace operating income or net income computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP as a measure of profitability. Underwriting profit or loss provides a basis for management to evaluate the Company’s underwriting performance. Segment profit for the Investing segment is measured by net investment income and net realized investment gains or losses.

For management reporting purposes, the Company allocates assets to its underwriting, investing and non-insurance operations. Underwriting assets are all assets not specifically allocated to the Investing segment or to the Company’s non-insurance operations. Underwriting assets are not allocated to the Excess and Surplus Lines, Specialty Admitted, London Insurance Market or Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segments since the Company does not manage its assets by operating segment. Invested assets related to our insurance operations are allocated to the Investing segment since these assets are available for payment of losses and expenses for all operating segments. The Company does not allocate capital expenditures for long-lived assets to any of its operating segments for management reporting purposes.

a) The following tables summarize the Company’s segment disclosures.

	Quarter Ended June 30, 2012
(dollars in thousands)	Excess and Surplus Lines			Specialty Admitted			London Insurance Market			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	229,906		$	180,150		$	236,874		$	(8	)		$	—	$	646,922
Net written premiums	193,291			169,276			204,054			(7		)		—		566,614
Earned premiums	189,668			144,695			178,699			(6		)		—		513,056
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(127,683		)	(101,378		)	(118,931		)	—				—		(347,992		)
Prior accident years	50,686			11,917			64,785			(490		)		—		126,898
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses:
Prospective adoption of ASU 2010-26 (1)	(6,040		)	(4,499		)	(3,732		)	—				—		(14,271		)
All other expenses	(81,345		)	(53,837		)	(74,947		)	(384		)		—		(210,513		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	25,286			(3,102		)	45,874			(880		)		—		67,178
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				63,602		63,602
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				8,216		8,216
Other revenues (insurance)	—			14,081			147			—				—		14,228
Other expenses (insurance)	—			(11,802		)	(778		)	—				—		(12,580		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	25,286		$	(823	)	$	45,243		$	(880	)		$	71,818	$	140,644
Other revenues (non-insurance)																94,145
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(85,139		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(8,315		)
Interest expense																(22,209		)
Income before income taxes																$	119,126
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (2)	87		%	102		%	74		%	NM			(3)			87		%

	Quarter Ended June 30, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Excess and Surplus Lines			Specialty Admitted			London Insurance Market			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	225,979		$	143,530		$	227,682		$	2			$	—	$	597,193
Net written premiums	194,048			136,292			200,472			(124		)		—		530,688
Earned premiums	187,206			131,364			171,754			(123		)		—		490,201
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(142,550		)	(94,324		)	(146,546		)	—				—		(383,420		)
Prior accident years	52,649			1,771			22,605			(288		)		—		76,737
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(82,932		)	(47,789		)	(65,835		)	(289		)		—		(196,845		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	14,373			(8,978		)	(18,022		)	(700		)		—		(13,327		)
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				64,253		64,253
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				1,344		1,344
Other revenues (insurance)	—			12,375			—			—				—		12,375
Other expenses (insurance)	—			(12,588		)	(39		)	—				—		(12,627		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	14,373		$	(9,191	)	$	(18,061	)	$	(700	)		$	65,597	$	52,018
Other revenues (non-insurance)																78,995
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(66,846		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(5,555		)
Interest expense																(21,898		)
Income before income taxes																$	36,714
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (2)	92		%	107		%	110		%	NM			(3)			103		%

(1) Effective January 1, 2012, the Company prospectively adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2010-26, Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts. At December 31, 2011, deferred policy acquisition costs included approximately $43 million of costs that no longer met the criteria for deferral as of January 1, 2012 and will be recognized into income primarily over the first nine months of 2012, consistent with policy terms. The quarter ended June 30, 2012 included $14.3 million of underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses that were deferred as of December 31, 2011 and no longer met the criteria for deferral as of January 1, 2012.

(2) The U.S. GAAP combined ratio is a measure of underwriting performance and represents the relationship of incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses to earned premiums.

(3) NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2012
(dollars in thousands)	Excess and Surplus Lines			Specialty Admitted			London Insurance Market			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	452,835		$	328,272		$	514,440		$	(7	)		$	—	$	1,295,540
Net written premiums	386,204			309,828			451,754			(6		)		—		1,147,780
Earned premiums	389,046			278,170			375,441			(5		)		—		1,042,652
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(255,750		)	(194,071		)	(250,677		)	—				—		(700,498		)
Prior accident years	81,273			16,243			86,250			7,117				—		190,883
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses:
Prospective adoption of ASU 2010-26 (1)	(14,527		)	(10,263		)	(9,769		)	—				—		(34,559		)
All other expenses	(167,202		)	(111,103		)	(149,950		)	(667		)		—		(428,922		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	32,840			(21,024		)	51,295			6,445				—		69,556
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				143,396		143,396
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				20,125		20,125
Other revenues (insurance)	—			24,529			4,530			—				—		29,059
Other expenses (insurance)	—			(23,003		)	(1,752		)	—				—		(24,755		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	32,840		$	(19,498	)	$	54,073		$	6,445			$	163,521	$	237,381
Other revenues (non-insurance)																191,150
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(173,368		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(17,119		)
Interest expense																(44,376		)
Income before income taxes																$	193,668
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (2)	92		%	108		%	86		%	NM			(3)			93		%

	Six Months Ended June 30, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Excess and Surplus Lines			Specialty Admitted			London Insurance Market			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	427,350		$	277,851		$	482,683		$	92			$	—	$	1,187,976
Net written premiums	369,585			263,531			416,611			(27		)		—		1,049,700
Earned premiums	368,263			253,840			331,237			(28		)		—		953,312
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(265,057		)	(172,794		)	(334,422		)	—				—		(772,273		)
Prior accident years	109,441			1,969			35,239			4,613				—		151,262
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(168,852		)	(97,262		)	(132,560		)	(521		)		—		(399,195		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	43,795			(14,247		)	(100,506		)	4,064				—		(66,894		)
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				134,352		134,352
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				12,584		12,584
Other revenues (insurance)	—			21,561			—			—				—		21,561
Other expenses (insurance)	—			(24,328		)	(47		)	—				—		(24,375		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	43,795		$	(17,014	)	$	(100,553	)	$	4,064			$	146,936	$	77,228
Other revenues (non-insurance)																146,953
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(123,593		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(11,563		)
Interest expense																(40,860		)
Income before income taxes																$	48,165
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (2)	88		%	106		%	130		%	NM			(3)			107		%

(1) Effective January 1, 2012, the Company prospectively adopted FASB ASU No. 2010-26, Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts. At December 31, 2011, deferred policy acquisition costs included approximately $43 million of costs that no longer met the criteria for deferral as of January 1, 2012 and will be recognized into income primarily over the first nine months of 2012, consistent with policy terms. The six months ended June 30, 2012 included $34.6 million of underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses that were deferred as of December 31, 2011 and no longer met the criteria for deferral as of January 1, 2012.

(2) The U.S. GAAP combined ratio is a measure of underwriting performance and represents the relationship of incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses to earned premiums.

(3) NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

b) The following table reconciles segment assets to the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

(dollars in thousands)	June 30, 2012		December 31, 2011
Segment assets:
Investing	$	8,766,935	$	8,692,391
Underwriting	2,451,938		2,209,431
Total segment assets	$	11,218,873	$	10,901,822
Non-insurance operations	746,360		630,281
Total assets	$	11,965,233	$	11,532,103

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Employee Benefit Plans (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]

Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost For The Terra Nova Pension Plan

The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for the Terra Nova Pension Plan, a defined benefit plan.

	Quarter Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Service cost	$	89		$	346		$	179		$	683
Interest cost	1,693			1,811			3,386			3,579
Expected return on plan assets	(2,431		)	(2,504		)	(4,863		)	(4,947		)
Amortization of net actuarial pension loss	644			486			1,287			960
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$	(5	)	$	139		$	(11	)	$	275

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Net Income Per Share (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule Of Net Income Per Share To Shareholders

Net income per share was determined by dividing adjusted net income to shareholders by the applicable weighted average shares outstanding.

	Quarter Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2012		2011		2012		2011
Net income to shareholders	$	89,687	$	30,314	$	146,940	$	38,586
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests	8,186		—		8,186		—
Adjusted net income to shareholders	$	81,501	$	30,314	$	138,754	$	38,586
Basic common shares outstanding	9,651		9,717		9,646		9,720
Dilutive potential common shares	25		40		26		40
Diluted shares outstanding	9,676		9,757		9,672		9,760
Basic net income per share	$	8.44	$	3.12	$	14.38	$	3.97
Diluted net income per share	$	8.42	$	3.11	$	14.35	$	3.95

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Fair Value Measurements

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

FASB Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, establishes a three-level hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure the assets or liabilities fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability.

Classification of assets and liabilities within the hierarchy considers the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability and transparency of the assumptions used to determine fair value. The hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. The levels of the hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities traded in active markets.

Level 2 – Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and market-corroborated inputs.

Level 3 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable for the asset or liability and are significant to the fair value measurement.

In accordance with FASB ASC 820, the Company determines fair value based on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the Company uses various methods, including the market, income and cost approaches. The Company uses valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The following section describes the valuation methodologies used by the Company to measure assets and liabilities at fair value, including an indication of the level within the fair value hierarchy in which each asset or liability is generally classified.

Investments available-for-sale. Investments available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and include fixed maturities, equity securities and short-term investments. Short-term investments include certificates of deposit, commercial paper, discount notes and treasury bills with original maturities of one year or less. Fair value for investments available-for-sale is determined by the Company after considering various sources of information, including information provided by a third party pricing service. The pricing service provides prices for substantially all of the Company’s fixed maturities and equity securities. In determining fair value, the Company generally does not adjust the prices obtained from the pricing service. The Company obtains an understanding of the pricing service’s valuation methodologies and related inputs, which include, but are not limited to, reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids, offers, duration, credit ratings, estimated cash flows and prepayment speeds. The Company validates prices provided by the pricing service by reviewing prices from other pricing sources and analyzing pricing data in certain instances.

The Company has evaluated the various types of securities in its investment portfolio to determine an appropriate fair value hierarchy level based upon trading activity and the observability of market inputs. Level 1 investments include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange. Level 2 investments include U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies, municipal bonds, foreign government bonds, residential mortgage-backed securities and corporate debt securities.

Fair value for investments available-for-sale is measured based upon quoted prices in active markets, if available. Due to variations in trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices, fixed maturities are classified as Level 2 investments. The fair value of fixed maturities is normally derived through recent reported trades for identical or similar securities, making adjustments through the reporting date based upon available market observable data described above. If there are no recent reported trades, the fair value of fixed maturities may be derived through the use of matrix pricing or model processes, where future cash flow expectations are developed based upon collateral performance and discounted at an estimated market rate. Significant inputs used to determine the fair value of obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions, corporate bonds and obligations of foreign governments include reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids, offers, credit information and estimated cash flows. Significant inputs used to determine the fair value of residential mortgage-backed securities include the type of underlying mortgage loans, benchmark yields, prepayment speeds, collateral information, tranche type and volatility, estimated cash flows, credit information, default rates, recovery rates, issuer spreads and the year of issue.

Derivatives. Derivatives are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and include a credit default swap. The fair value of the credit default swap is measured by the Company using an external valuation model. See note 6 for a discussion of the valuation model for the credit default swap, including the key inputs and assumptions used in the model and a description of the valuation processes used by the Company. Due to the significance of unobservable inputs required in measuring the fair value of the credit default swap, the credit default swap has been classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy.

Senior long-term debt and other debt. Senior long-term debt and other debt is carried at amortized cost with the estimated fair value disclosed on the consolidated balance sheets. Senior long-term debt and other debt is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy due to variations in trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices. Fair value for senior long-term debt and other debt is generally derived through recent reported trades for identical securities, making adjustments through the reporting date, if necessary, based upon available market observable data including U.S. Treasury securities and implied credit spreads. Significant inputs used to determine the fair value of senior long-term debt and other debt include reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids and offers.

The following tables present the balances of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy.

	June 30, 2012
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Investments available-for-sale:
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	—	$	333,832	$	—	$	333,832
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		2,895,078		—		2,895,078
Foreign governments	—		605,470		—		605,470
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		317,041		—		317,041
Asset-backed securities	—		15,698		—		15,698
Public utilities	—		69,225		—		69,225
All other corporate bonds	—		1,090,167		—		1,090,167
Total fixed maturities	—		5,326,511		—		5,326,511
Equity securities:
Insurance companies, banks and trusts	802,177		—		—		802,177
Industrial, consumer and all other	1,377,892		—		—		1,377,892
Total equity securities	2,180,069		—		—		2,180,069
Short-term investments	391,822		73,912		—		465,734
Total investments available-for-sale	2,571,891		5,400,423		—		7,972,314
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	$	—	$	—	$	17,130	$	17,130

	December 31, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Investments available-for-sale:
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	—	$	322,193	$	—	$	322,193
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		2,930,521		—		2,930,521
Foreign governments	—		616,814		—		616,814
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		389,184		—		389,184
Asset-backed securities	—		16,818		—		16,818
Public utilities	—		69,427		—		69,427
All other corporate bonds	—		1,193,217		—		1,193,217
Total fixed maturities	—		5,538,174		—		5,538,174
Equity securities:
Insurance companies, banks and trusts	684,703		—		—		684,703
Industrial, consumer and all other	1,189,224		—		—		1,189,224
Total equity securities	1,873,927		—		—		1,873,927
Short-term investments	477,348		63,666		—		541,014
Total investments available-for-sale	2,351,275		5,601,840		—		7,953,115
Liabilities:
Derivative contracts	$	—	$	—	$	29,331	$	29,331

The following table summarizes changes in Level 3 liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

	Quarter Ended June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011		2012			2011
Derivatives, beginning of period	$	18,270		$	23,567	$	29,331		$	25,228
Total losses (gains) included in:
Net income	(1,140		)	1,029		(12,201		)	(632		)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—			—		—			—
Transfers into Level 3	—			—		—			—
Transfers out of Level 3	—			—		—			—
Derivatives, end of period	$	17,130		$	24,596	$	17,130		$	24,596
Net unrealized losses (gains) included in net income relating to liabilities held at June 30, 2012 and 2011 (1)	$	(1,140	)	$	1,029	$	(12,201	)	$	(632	)

(1) Included in net investment income in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income.

There were no transfers into or out of Level 1 and Level 2 during the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011. The Company did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the six months ended June 30, 2012 and 2011.

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Employee Benefit Plans

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans

a) Expenses relating to the Company’s defined contribution plans were $4.7 million and $9.3 million, respectively, for the quarter and six months ended June 30, 2012 and $4.1 million and $8.5 million, respectively, for the same periods in 2011.

b) The following table presents the components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for the Terra Nova Pension Plan, a defined benefit plan.

	Quarter Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Service cost	$	89		$	346		$	179		$	683
Interest cost	1,693			1,811			3,386			3,579
Expected return on plan assets	(2,431		)	(2,504		)	(4,863		)	(4,947		)
Amortization of net actuarial pension loss	644			486			1,287			960
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$	(5	)	$	139		$	(11	)	$	275

The Company contributed $5.7 million to the Terra Nova Pension Plan during the six months ended June 30, 2012 and does not expect to make any additional contributions in 2012.

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Commitments And Contingencies

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

Commitments And Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies

The Company owns controlling interests in various non-insurance subsidiaries. Under the terms of certain of the acquisition agreements, the Company has the option to acquire the remaining equity interests and the remaining equity interests have the option to sell their interests to the Company in the future. The redemption value of the remaining equity interests is generally based on the respective company's earnings in specified periods preceding the redemption date. The redeemable noncontrolling interests generally become redeemable between 2012 and 2018.

The Company recognizes changes in the redemption value that exceed the carrying value of redeemable noncontrolling interests immediately through retained earnings as if the balance sheet date were also the redemption date. Changes in the redemption value also result in an adjustment to net income to shareholders in the calculation of basic and diluted net income per share. At June 30, 2012, the adjustment recorded to increase redeemable noncontrolling interests to redemption value was $8.2 million. At March 31, 2012 and December 31, 2011, the redemption values of the redeemable noncontrolling interests were less than or approximated their carrying values.

Redeemable noncontrolling interests have been reclassified from other noncontrolling interests in the consolidated balance sheets and statements of changes in equity for all periods presented. The reclassification had no impact on previously reported shareholders' equity, net income or basic and diluted net income per share.

Contingencies arise in the normal course of the Company’s operations and are not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s financial condition or results of operations.

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Acquisitions

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Business Combination, Description [Abstract]

Acquisitions

Acquisitions

Insurance Acquisition. On January 1, 2012, the Company acquired 100% of the outstanding membership units of Thompson Insurance Enterprises, LLC (THOMCO), a privately held program administrator headquartered in Kennesaw, Georgia that underwrites multi-line, industry-focused insurance programs. Results attributable to this acquisition are included in the Specialty Admitted segment.

Total consideration for this acquisition was $108.5 million, which included cash consideration of $100.5 million. The purchase price was allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities of THOMCO based on estimated fair values at the acquisition date. The Company recognized goodwill of $26.1 million, which is primarily attributable to synergies that are expected to result upon integration of THOMCO into the Company's insurance operations. All of the goodwill recognized is expected to be deductible for income tax purposes. The Company also recognized other intangible assets of $81.2 million, including $68.5 million of customer relationships, $11.5 million of trade names and $1.0 million of technology. These intangible assets are expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of 23 years, 10 years and three years, respectively.

Non-insurance Acquisitions. On April 18, 2012, the Company acquired an 85% controlling interest in Havco WP LLC (Havco), a privately held company headquartered in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Havco is a leading manufacturer of laminated oak and composite wood flooring that is utilized in the assembly of truck trailers, intermodal containers and truck bodies. Under the terms of the acquisition agreement, the Company has the option to acquire the remaining equity interests in Havco and the remaining equity interests have the option to sell their interests to the Company in the future. The redemption value of the remaining equity interests is generally based on Havco's earnings in specified periods preceding the redemption date. Also during the second quarter, ParkLand completed the acquisition of several manufactured housing communities. Cash consideration for the Company's non-insurance acquisitions in the second quarter was $54.4 million. The purchase price was allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities of Havco and the acquired manufactured housing communities based on estimated fair values at the acquisition dates. The Company recognized goodwill of $11.5 million, other intangible assets of $17.4 million and redeemable noncontrolling interests of $7.9 million in connection with these acquisitions. Other intangible assets include $10.4 million of customer relationships, which are expected to be amortized over a weighted average period of 17 years.

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Investments (Summary Of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Losses Recognized In Net Income And In Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) By Investment Type) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income	$ (992)	$ (4,875)	$ (992)	$ (4,875)
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income	0	(4,875)	0	(4,875)
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income	0	(4,875)	0	(4,875)
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income	(992)	0	(992)	0
Equity Securities [Member] | Insurance Companies, Banks And Trusts [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income	$ (992)	$ 0	$ (992)	$ 0

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Investments (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Investments [Abstract]

Available-For-Sale Investments

The following tables summarize the Company’s available-for-sale investments.

	June 30, 2012
(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Holding Gains		Gross Unrealized Holding Losses			Unrealized Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	312,540	$	21,330	$	(38	)	$	—		$	333,832
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	2,663,600		231,887		(409		)	—			2,895,078
Foreign governments	552,873		52,629		(32		)	—			605,470
Residential mortgage-backed securities	297,664		21,638		(3		)	(2,258		)	317,041
Asset-backed securities	15,069		629		—			—			15,698
Public utilities	64,132		5,093		—			—			69,225
All other corporate bonds	1,010,821		86,101		(130		)	(6,625		)	1,090,167
Total fixed maturities	4,916,699		419,307		(612		)	(8,883		)	5,326,511
Equity securities:
Insurance companies, banks and trusts	443,857		358,808		(488		)	—			802,177
Industrial, consumer and all other	869,329		515,267		(6,704		)	—			1,377,892
Total equity securities	1,313,186		874,075		(7,192		)	—			2,180,069
Short-term investments	465,739		1		(6		)	—			465,734
Investments, available-for-sale	$	6,695,624	$	1,293,383	$	(7,810	)	$	(8,883	)	$	7,972,314

	December 31, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Holding Gains		Gross Unrealized Holding Losses			Unrealized Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	299,413	$	22,789	$	(9	)	$	—		$	322,193
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	2,729,838		201,477		(794		)	—			2,930,521
Foreign governments	572,253		45,629		(1,068		)	—			616,814
Residential mortgage-backed securities	366,859		24,601		(18		)	(2,258		)	389,184
Asset-backed securities	16,096		731		(9		)	—			16,818
Public utilities	63,965		5,462		—			—			69,427
All other corporate bonds	1,124,528		78,053		(2,750		)	(6,614		)	1,193,217
Total fixed maturities	5,172,952		378,742		(4,648		)	(8,872		)	5,538,174
Equity securities:
Insurance companies, banks and trusts	389,421		296,648		(1,366		)	—			684,703
Industrial, consumer and all other	766,873		425,131		(2,780		)	—			1,189,224
Total equity securities	1,156,294		721,779		(4,146		)	—			1,873,927
Short-term investments	541,014		4		(4		)	—			541,014
Investments, available-for-sale	$	6,870,260	$	1,100,525	$	(8,798	)	$	(8,872	)	$	7,953,115

Summary Of Gross Unrealized Investment Losses By Length Of Time That Securities Have Continuously Been In An Unrealized Loss Position

The following tables summarize gross unrealized investment losses by the length of time that securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position.

	June 30, 2012
	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
(dollars in thousands)	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	55,792	$	(35	)	$	3,483	$	(3	)	$	59,275	$	(38	)
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	9,387		(95		)	6,284		(314		)	15,671		(409		)
Foreign governments	14,270		(32		)	—		—			14,270		(32		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	856		(2,261		)	—		—			856		(2,261		)
All other corporate bonds	12,049		(6,698		)	3,920		(57		)	15,969		(6,755		)
Total fixed maturities	92,354		(9,121		)	13,687		(374		)	106,041		(9,495		)
Equity securities:
Insurance companies, banks and trusts	21,265		(488		)	—		—			21,265		(488		)
Industrial, consumer and all other	95,989		(6,574		)	17,499		(130		)	113,488		(6,704		)
Total equity securities	117,254		(7,062		)	17,499		(130		)	134,753		(7,192		)
Short-term investments	154,995		(6		)	—		—			154,995		(6		)
Total	$	364,603	$	(16,189	)	$	31,186	$	(504	)	$	395,789	$	(16,693	)

	December 31, 2011
	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
(dollars in thousands)	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	32,384	$	(9	)	$	—	$	—		$	32,384	$	(9	)
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	1,016		(2		)	17,261		(792		)	18,277		(794		)
Foreign governments	40,340		(1,068		)	—		—			40,340		(1,068		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	489		(2,263		)	2,045		(13		)	2,534		(2,276		)
Asset-backed securities	—		—			32		(9		)	32		(9		)
All other corporate bonds	74,812		(7,829		)	7,923		(1,535		)	82,735		(9,364		)
Total fixed maturities	149,041		(11,171		)	27,261		(2,349		)	176,302		(13,520		)
Equity securities:
Insurance companies, banks and trusts	26,514		(1,366		)	—		—			26,514		(1,366		)
Industrial, consumer and all other	70,555		(2,774		)	18,525		(6		)	89,080		(2,780		)
Total equity securities	97,069		(4,140		)	18,525		(6		)	115,594		(4,146		)
Short-term investments	295,991		(4		)	—		—			295,991		(4		)
Total	$	542,101	$	(15,315	)	$	45,786	$	(2,355	)	$	587,887	$	(17,670	)

Schedule Of Amortized Cost And Estimated Fair Value Of Fixed Maturities By Contractual Maturity Date

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturities at June 30, 2012 are shown below by contractual maturity.

(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	308,649	$	314,640
Due after one year through five years	1,283,202		1,389,784
Due after five years through ten years	1,599,929		1,742,051
Due after ten years	1,412,186		1,547,297
	4,603,966		4,993,772
Residential mortgage-backed securities	297,664		317,041
Asset-backed securities	15,069		15,698
Total fixed maturities	$	4,916,699	$	5,326,511

Summary Of Activity For Credit Losses

The following table summarizes the activity for credit losses recognized in net income on fixed maturities where other-than-temporary impairment was identified and a portion of the other-than-temporary impairment was included in other comprehensive income (loss).

	Quarter Ended June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012		2011			2012		2011
Cumulative credit loss, beginning balance	$	21,370	$	10,307		$	21,370	$	10,307
Additions:
Increases related to other-than-temporary impairment losses previously recognized	—		4,875			—		4,875
Total additions	—		4,875			—		4,875
Reductions:
Sales of fixed maturities on which credit losses were recognized	—		(15		)	—		(15		)
Cumulative credit loss, ending balance	$	21,370	$	15,167		$	21,370	$	15,167

Summary Of Net Realized Investment Gains And The Change In Net Unrealized Gains On Investments

The following table presents net realized investment gains and the change in net unrealized gains on investments.

	Quarter Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Realized gains:
Sales of fixed maturities	$	3,570		$	2,877		$	5,422		$	10,858
Sales of equity securities	5,820			3,747			15,514			5,818
Other	134			94			655			1,519
Total realized gains	9,524			6,718			21,591			18,195
Realized losses:
Sales of fixed maturities	(316		)	(499		)	(474		)	(736		)
Other-than-temporary impairments	(992		)	(4,875		)	(992		)	(4,875		)
Total realized losses	(1,308		)	(5,374		)	(1,466		)	(5,611		)
Net realized investment gains	$	8,216		$	1,344		$	20,125		$	12,584
Change in net unrealized gains on investments:
Fixed maturities	$	27,921		$	80,819		$	44,590		$	64,423
Equity securities	(47,744		)	16,061			149,250			52,918
Short-term investments	(2		)	18			(5		)	21
Net increase (decrease)	$	(19,825	)	$	96,898		$	193,835		$	117,362

Summary Of Other-Than-Temporary Impairment Losses Recognized In Net Income And In Net Realized Investment Gains By Investment Type

The following table presents other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income and included in net realized investment gains by investment type.

	Quarter Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Fixed maturities:
Residential mortgage-backed securities	$	—		$	(4,875	)	$	—		$	(4,875	)
Total fixed maturities	—			(4,875		)	—			(4,875		)
Equity securities:
Insurance companies, banks and trusts	(992		)	—			(992		)	—
Total equity securities	(992		)	—			(992		)	—
Total	$	(992	)	$	(4,875	)	$	(992	)	$	(4,875	)

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Reinsurance (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Reinsurance recoverables	$ 24.2	$ 45.3	$ 64.3	$ 93.8

XML

Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value level 1 to level 2 transfers amount	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Fair value level 2 to level 1 transfers amount	0	0	0	0
Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	0	0	0	0
Liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

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Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Equity (USD $) In Thousands	Total	Total Equity [Domain]	Total Shareholders' Equity [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010		$ 3,172,394	$ 3,171,523	$ 884,457	$ 1,735,973	$ 551,093	$ 871	$ 15,298
Net income	41,510	38,450	38,586		38,586	0	(136)	3,060
Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes	78,901	78,901	78,901		0	78,901	0	0
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes	2,595	2,595	2,595		0	2,595	0	0
Change in net actuarial pension loss, net of taxes	701	701	701		0	701	0	0
Comprehensive Income	123,707	120,647	120,783				(136)	3,060
Issuance of common stock		848	848	848	0	0	0	0
Repurchase of common stock		(13,492)	(13,492)	0	(13,492)	0	0	0
Restricted stock units expensed		3,129	3,129	3,129	0	0	0	0
Acquisitions		0	0	0	0	0	0	47,292
Other		182	182	182	0	0	0	(1,279)
Balance at Jun. 30, 2011		3,283,708	3,282,973	888,616	1,761,067	633,290	735	64,371
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	3,388,115	3,388,115	3,387,513	891,507	1,835,086	660,920	602	74,231
Net income	148,481	146,463	146,940		146,940	0	(477)	2,018
Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes	131,748	131,748	131,748		0	131,748	0	0
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes	(339)	(292)	(292)		0	(292)	0	(47)
Change in net actuarial pension loss, net of taxes	965	965	965		0	965	0	0
Comprehensive Income	280,855	278,884	279,361				(477)	1,971
Issuance of common stock		8,413	8,413	8,413	0	0	0	0
Repurchase of common stock		(16,062)	(16,062)	0	(16,062)	0	0	0
Restricted stock units expensed		3,806	3,806	3,806	0	0	0	0
Acquisitions		0	0	0	0	0	0	7,896
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests	8,200	(8,186)	(8,186)	0	(8,186)	0	0	8,186
Other		321	321	321	0	0	0	(4,671)
Balance at Jun. 30, 2012	$ 3,655,291	$ 3,655,291	$ 3,655,166	$ 904,047	$ 1,957,778	$ 793,341	$ 125	$ 87,613

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Investments

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Investments [Abstract]

Investments

Investments

a) The following tables summarize the Company’s available-for-sale investments.

	June 30, 2012
(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Holding Gains		Gross Unrealized Holding Losses			Unrealized Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	312,540	$	21,330	$	(38	)	$	—		$	333,832
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	2,663,600		231,887		(409		)	—			2,895,078
Foreign governments	552,873		52,629		(32		)	—			605,470
Residential mortgage-backed securities	297,664		21,638		(3		)	(2,258		)	317,041
Asset-backed securities	15,069		629		—			—			15,698
Public utilities	64,132		5,093		—			—			69,225
All other corporate bonds	1,010,821		86,101		(130		)	(6,625		)	1,090,167
Total fixed maturities	4,916,699		419,307		(612		)	(8,883		)	5,326,511
Equity securities:
Insurance companies, banks and trusts	443,857		358,808		(488		)	—			802,177
Industrial, consumer and all other	869,329		515,267		(6,704		)	—			1,377,892
Total equity securities	1,313,186		874,075		(7,192		)	—			2,180,069
Short-term investments	465,739		1		(6		)	—			465,734
Investments, available-for-sale	$	6,695,624	$	1,293,383	$	(7,810	)	$	(8,883	)	$	7,972,314

	December 31, 2011
(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Holding Gains		Gross Unrealized Holding Losses			Unrealized Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	299,413	$	22,789	$	(9	)	$	—		$	322,193
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	2,729,838		201,477		(794		)	—			2,930,521
Foreign governments	572,253		45,629		(1,068		)	—			616,814
Residential mortgage-backed securities	366,859		24,601		(18		)	(2,258		)	389,184
Asset-backed securities	16,096		731		(9		)	—			16,818
Public utilities	63,965		5,462		—			—			69,427
All other corporate bonds	1,124,528		78,053		(2,750		)	(6,614		)	1,193,217
Total fixed maturities	5,172,952		378,742		(4,648		)	(8,872		)	5,538,174
Equity securities:
Insurance companies, banks and trusts	389,421		296,648		(1,366		)	—			684,703
Industrial, consumer and all other	766,873		425,131		(2,780		)	—			1,189,224
Total equity securities	1,156,294		721,779		(4,146		)	—			1,873,927
Short-term investments	541,014		4		(4		)	—			541,014
Investments, available-for-sale	$	6,870,260	$	1,100,525	$	(8,798	)	$	(8,872	)	$	7,953,115

b) The following tables summarize gross unrealized investment losses by the length of time that securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position.

	June 30, 2012
	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
(dollars in thousands)	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	55,792	$	(35	)	$	3,483	$	(3	)	$	59,275	$	(38	)
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	9,387		(95		)	6,284		(314		)	15,671		(409		)
Foreign governments	14,270		(32		)	—		—			14,270		(32		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	856		(2,261		)	—		—			856		(2,261		)
All other corporate bonds	12,049		(6,698		)	3,920		(57		)	15,969		(6,755		)
Total fixed maturities	92,354		(9,121		)	13,687		(374		)	106,041		(9,495		)
Equity securities:
Insurance companies, banks and trusts	21,265		(488		)	—		—			21,265		(488		)
Industrial, consumer and all other	95,989		(6,574		)	17,499		(130		)	113,488		(6,704		)
Total equity securities	117,254		(7,062		)	17,499		(130		)	134,753		(7,192		)
Short-term investments	154,995		(6		)	—		—			154,995		(6		)
Total	$	364,603	$	(16,189	)	$	31,186	$	(504	)	$	395,789	$	(16,693	)

At June 30, 2012, the Company held 55 securities with a total estimated fair value of $395.8 million and gross unrealized losses of $16.7 million. Of these 55 securities, 12 securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for greater than one year and had a total estimated fair value of $31.2 million and gross unrealized losses of $0.5 million. Of these securities, 10 were fixed maturities and two were equity securities. The Company does not intend to sell or believe it will be required to sell these fixed maturities before recovery of their amortized cost.

	December 31, 2011
	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
(dollars in thousands)	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	32,384	$	(9	)	$	—	$	—		$	32,384	$	(9	)
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	1,016		(2		)	17,261		(792		)	18,277		(794		)
Foreign governments	40,340		(1,068		)	—		—			40,340		(1,068		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	489		(2,263		)	2,045		(13		)	2,534		(2,276		)
Asset-backed securities	—		—			32		(9		)	32		(9		)
All other corporate bonds	74,812		(7,829		)	7,923		(1,535		)	82,735		(9,364		)
Total fixed maturities	149,041		(11,171		)	27,261		(2,349		)	176,302		(13,520		)
Equity securities:
Insurance companies, banks and trusts	26,514		(1,366		)	—		—			26,514		(1,366		)
Industrial, consumer and all other	70,555		(2,774		)	18,525		(6		)	89,080		(2,780		)
Total equity securities	97,069		(4,140		)	18,525		(6		)	115,594		(4,146		)
Short-term investments	295,991		(4		)	—		—			295,991		(4		)
Total	$	542,101	$	(15,315	)	$	45,786	$	(2,355	)	$	587,887	$	(17,670	)

At December 31, 2011, the Company held 76 securities with a total estimated fair value of $587.9 million and gross unrealized losses of $17.7 million. Of these 76 securities, 17 securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for greater than one year and had a total estimated fair value of $45.8 million and gross unrealized losses of $2.4 million. Of these securities, 16 securities were fixed maturities and one was an equity security.

The Company completes a detailed analysis each quarter to assess whether the decline in the fair value of any investment below its cost basis is deemed other-than-temporary. All securities with unrealized losses are reviewed. The Company considers many factors in completing its quarterly review of securities with unrealized losses for other-than-temporary impairment, including the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been below cost and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. For equity securities, the ability and intent to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for anticipated recovery is considered. For fixed maturities, the Company considers whether it intends to sell the security or if it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery, the implied yield-to-maturity, the credit quality of the issuer and the ability to recover all amounts outstanding when contractually due.

For equity securities, a decline in fair value that is considered to be other-than-temporary is recognized in net income based on the fair value of the security at the time of assessment, resulting in a new cost basis for the security. For fixed maturities where the Company intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, a decline in fair value is considered to be other-than-temporary and is recognized in net income based on the fair value of the security at the time of assessment, resulting in a new cost basis for the security. If the decline in fair value of a fixed maturity below its amortized cost is considered to be other-than-temporary based upon other considerations, the Company compares the estimated present value of the cash flows expected to be collected to the amortized cost of the security. The extent to which the estimated present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost of the security represents the credit-related portion of the other-than-temporary impairment, which is recognized in net income, resulting in a new cost basis for the security. Any remaining decline in fair value represents the non-credit portion of the other-than-temporary impairment, which is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). The discount rate used to calculate the estimated present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is the effective interest rate implicit for the security at the date of purchase.

When assessing whether it intends to sell a fixed maturity or if it is likely to be required to sell a fixed maturity before recovery of its amortized cost, the Company evaluates facts and circumstances including, but not limited to, decisions to reposition the investment portfolio, potential sales of investments to meet cash flow needs and potential sales of investments to capitalize on favorable pricing. Additional information on the methodology and significant inputs, by security type, that the Company used to determine the amount of credit loss recognized on fixed maturities with declines in fair value below amortized cost that were considered to be other-than-temporary is provided below.

Residential mortgage-backed securities. For mortgage-backed securities, credit impairment is assessed by estimating future cash flows from the underlying mortgage loans and interest payments. The cash flow estimate incorporates actual cash flows from the mortgage-backed securities through the current period and then projects the remaining cash flows using a number of assumptions, including prepayment rates, default rates, recovery rates on foreclosed properties and loss severity assumptions. Management develops specific assumptions using market data and internal estimates, as well as estimates from rating agencies and other third party sources. Default rates are estimated by considering current underlying mortgage loan performance and expectations of future performance. Estimates of future cash flows are discounted to present value. If the present value of expected cash flows is less than the amortized cost, the Company recognizes the estimated credit loss in net income.

Corporate bonds. For corporate bonds, credit impairment is assessed by evaluating the underlying issuer. As part of this assessment, the Company analyzes various factors, including the following:

• fundamentals of the issuer, including current and projected earnings, current liquidity position and ability to raise capital;

• fundamentals of the industry in which the issuer operates;

• expectations of defaults and recovery rates;

• changes in ratings by rating agencies;

• other relevant market considerations; and

• receipt of interest payments

Default probabilities and recovery rates from rating agencies are key factors used in calculating the credit loss. Additional research of the industry and issuer is completed to determine if there is any current information that may affect the fixed maturity or its issuer in a negative manner and require an adjustment to the cash flow assumptions.

c) The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturities at June 30, 2012 are shown below by contractual maturity.

(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	308,649	$	314,640
Due after one year through five years	1,283,202		1,389,784
Due after five years through ten years	1,599,929		1,742,051
Due after ten years	1,412,186		1,547,297
	4,603,966		4,993,772
Residential mortgage-backed securities	297,664		317,041
Asset-backed securities	15,069		15,698
Total fixed maturities	$	4,916,699	$	5,326,511

d) The following table summarizes the activity for credit losses recognized in net income on fixed maturities where other-than-temporary impairment was identified and a portion of the other-than-temporary impairment was included in other comprehensive income (loss).

	Quarter Ended June 30,					Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012		2011			2012		2011
Cumulative credit loss, beginning balance	$	21,370	$	10,307		$	21,370	$	10,307
Additions:
Increases related to other-than-temporary impairment losses previously recognized	—		4,875			—		4,875
Total additions	—		4,875			—		4,875
Reductions:
Sales of fixed maturities on which credit losses were recognized	—		(15		)	—		(15		)
Cumulative credit loss, ending balance	$	21,370	$	15,167		$	21,370	$	15,167

e) The following table presents net realized investment gains and the change in net unrealized gains on investments.

	Quarter Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Realized gains:
Sales of fixed maturities	$	3,570		$	2,877		$	5,422		$	10,858
Sales of equity securities	5,820			3,747			15,514			5,818
Other	134			94			655			1,519
Total realized gains	9,524			6,718			21,591			18,195
Realized losses:
Sales of fixed maturities	(316		)	(499		)	(474		)	(736		)
Other-than-temporary impairments	(992		)	(4,875		)	(992		)	(4,875		)
Total realized losses	(1,308		)	(5,374		)	(1,466		)	(5,611		)
Net realized investment gains	$	8,216		$	1,344		$	20,125		$	12,584
Change in net unrealized gains on investments:
Fixed maturities	$	27,921		$	80,819		$	44,590		$	64,423
Equity securities	(47,744		)	16,061			149,250			52,918
Short-term investments	(2		)	18			(5		)	21
Net increase (decrease)	$	(19,825	)	$	96,898		$	193,835		$	117,362

f) The following table presents other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income and included in net realized investment gains by investment type.

	Quarter Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012			2011			2012			2011
Fixed maturities:
Residential mortgage-backed securities	$	—		$	(4,875	)	$	—		$	(4,875	)
Total fixed maturities	—			(4,875		)	—			(4,875		)
Equity securities:
Insurance companies, banks and trusts	(992		)	—			(992		)	—
Total equity securities	(992		)	—			(992		)	—
Total	$	(992	)	$	(4,875	)	$	(992	)	$	(4,875	)

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Reinsurance (Effect Of Reinsurance On Premiums Written And Earned) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Direct premiums written	$ 530,144	$ 508,006	$ 1,048,684	$ 981,216
Direct premiums earned	490,607	461,962	1,000,196	908,100
Assumed premiums written	116,778	89,187	246,856	206,760
Assumed premiums earned	91,107	87,323	174,949	168,773
Ceded premiums written	(80,308)	(66,505)	(147,760)	(138,276)
Ceded premiums earned	(68,658)	(59,084)	(132,493)	(123,561)
Net premiums written	566,614	530,688	1,147,780	1,049,700
Net premiums earned	$ 513,056	$ 490,201	$ 1,042,652	$ 953,312

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Employee Benefit Plans (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Defined Benefit Pension Plans and Defined Benefit Postretirement Plans Disclosure [Abstract]
Expenses relating to defined contribution plans	$ 4.7	$ 4.1	$ 9.3	$ 8.5
Contributions to pension plan			5.7
Estimated future employer contributions, current fiscal year	$ 0		$ 0

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Reinsurance (Tables)

6 Months Ended

Jun. 30, 2012

Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]

Effect Of Reinsurance On Premiums Written And Earned

The following tables summarize the effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned.

	Quarter Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012						2011
	Written			Earned			Written			Earned
Direct	$	530,144		$	490,607		$	508,006		$	461,962
Assumed	116,778			91,107			89,187			87,323
Ceded	(80,308		)	(68,658		)	(66,505		)	(59,084		)
Net premiums	$	566,614		$	513,056		$	530,688		$	490,201

	Six Months Ended June 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2012						2011
	Written			Earned			Written			Earned
Direct	$	1,048,684		$	1,000,196		$	981,216		$	908,100
Assumed	246,856			174,949			206,760			168,773
Ceded	(147,760		)	(132,493		)	(138,276		)	(123,561		)
Net premiums	$	1,147,780		$	1,042,652		$	1,049,700		$	953,312