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 March 31, 2015

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 April 29, 2015: 13,945,734

Markel Corporation

Form 10-Q

Index

		Page Number
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements
	Consolidated Balance Sheets—March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014	3
	Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income—Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014	4
	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity—Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 and 2014	6
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	7
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	23
	Critical Accounting Estimates	23
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	34
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	35
Safe Harbor and Cautionary Statement		36
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	38
Item 6.	Exhibits	38
Signatures		39
Exhibit Index		40

2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

MARKEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(dollars in thousands)

	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
	(unaudited)
ASSETS
Investments, available-for-sale, at estimated fair value:
Fixed maturities (amortized cost of $9,371,731 in 2015 and $9,929,137 in 2014)	$	9,971,814	$	10,422,882
Equity securities (cost of $2,096,586 in 2015 and $1,951,658 in 2014)	4,340,849		4,137,576
Short-term investments (estimated fair value approximates cost)	1,731,872		1,594,849
Total Investments	16,044,535		16,155,307
Cash and cash equivalents	1,958,087		1,960,169
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	550,610		522,225
Receivables	1,193,405		1,135,217
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	1,949,974		1,868,669
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	113,816		102,206
Deferred policy acquisition costs	369,632		353,410
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	365,496		365,458
Goodwill	1,039,911		1,049,115
Intangible assets	680,357		702,747
Other assets	987,566		985,834
Total Assets	$	25,253,389	$	25,200,357
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	10,280,037	$	10,404,152
Life and annuity benefits	1,189,140		1,305,818
Unearned premiums	2,316,508		2,245,690
Payables to insurance and reinsurance companies	286,102		276,122
Senior long-term debt and other debt (estimated fair value of $2,525,000 in 2015 and $2,493,000 in 2014)	2,249,554		2,253,594
Other liabilities	999,542		1,051,931
Total Liabilities	17,320,883		17,537,307
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	55,108		61,048
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	3,320,323		3,308,395
Retained earnings	2,753,963		2,581,866
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,795,372		1,704,557
Total Shareholders' Equity	7,869,658		7,594,818
Noncontrolling interests	7,740		7,184
Total Equity	7,877,398		7,602,002
Total Liabilities and Equity	$	25,253,389	$	25,200,357

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3

MARKEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
	(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
OPERATING REVENUES
Earned premiums	$	943,650		$	949,375
Net investment income	92,875			86,715
Net realized investment gains:
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	(5,092		)	—
Net realized investment gains, excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses	10,663			17,394
Net realized investment gains	5,571			17,394
Other revenues	260,058			186,171
Total Operating Revenues	1,302,154			1,239,655
OPERATING EXPENSES
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	446,995			542,303
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	340,685			355,505
Amortization of intangible assets	14,640			13,999
Other expenses	231,001			182,168
Total Operating Expenses	1,033,321			1,093,975
Operating Income	268,833			145,680
Interest expense	29,312			29,699
Income Before Income Taxes	239,521			115,981
Income tax expense	45,515			28,480
Net Income	194,006			87,501
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	3,014			(215		)
Net Income to Shareholders	$	190,992		$	87,716
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes:
Net holding gains arising during the period	$	121,022		$	147,296
Change in unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities arising during the period	167			(20		)
Reclassification adjustments for net gains included in net income	(9,053		)	(5,944		)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes	112,136			141,332
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes	(21,814		)	913
Change in net actuarial pension loss, net of taxes	463			319
Total Other Comprehensive Income	90,785			142,564
Comprehensive Income	284,791			230,065
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,984			(208		)
Comprehensive Income to Shareholders	$	281,807		$	230,273
NET INCOME PER SHARE
Basic	$	13.57		$	6.28
Diluted	$	13.49		$	6.25

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4

MARKEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)	Common Shares		Common Stock			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income		Total Shareholders' Equity			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity			Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
December 31, 2013	13,986		$	3,288,863		$	2,294,909		$	1,089,805	$	6,673,577		$	4,433		$	6,678,010		$	72,183
Net income (loss)						87,716			—		87,716			(324		)	87,392			109
Other comprehensive income						—			142,557		142,557			—			142,557			7
Comprehensive Income (Loss)											230,273			(324		)	229,949			116
Issuance of common stock	22		4,363			—			—		4,363			—			4,363			—
Repurchase of common stock	(39	)	—			(17,282		)	—		(17,282		)	—			(17,282		)	—
Restricted stock units expensed	—		8,421			—			—		8,421			—			8,421			—
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests	—		—			117			—		117			—			117			(117		)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	—		647			—			—		647			—			647			(18,405		)
Other	—		7			9			—		16			3,945			3,961			(862		)
March 31, 2014	13,969		$	3,302,301		$	2,365,469		$	1,232,362	$	6,900,132		$	8,054		$	6,908,186		$	52,915
December 31, 2014	13,962		$	3,308,395		$	2,581,866		$	1,704,557	$	7,594,818		$	7,184		$	7,602,002		$	61,048
Net income						190,992			—		190,992			511			191,503			2,503
Other comprehensive income (loss)						—			90,815		90,815			—			90,815			(30		)
Comprehensive Income											281,807			511			282,318			2,473
Issuance of common stock	5		429			—			—		429			—			429			—
Repurchase of common stock	(21	)	—			(17,548		)	—		(17,548		)	—			(17,548		)	—
Restricted stock units expensed	—		10,632			—			—		10,632			—			10,632			—
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests	—		—			(1,347		)	—		(1,347		)	—			(1,347		)	1,347
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	—		(903		)	—			—		(903		)	—			(903		)	(8,609		)
Other	—		1,770			—			—		1,770			45			1,815			(1,151		)
March 31, 2015	13,946		$	3,320,323		$	2,753,963		$	1,795,372	$	7,869,658		$	7,740		$	7,877,398		$	55,108

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

5

MARKEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015			2014
	(dollars in thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	194,006		$	87,501
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities	(171,174		)	(65,084		)
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities	22,832			22,417
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities and equity securities	71,721			660,447
Proceeds from maturities, calls and prepayments of fixed maturities	388,522			440,891
Cost of fixed maturities and equity securities purchased	(232,551		)	(1,114,736		)
Net change in short-term investments	(146,545		)	130,557
Proceeds from sales of equity method investments	15,003			82,518
Cost of equity method investments	(600		)	(8,050		)
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents	(40,841		)	152,897
Additions to property and equipment	(23,606		)	(10,725		)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	—			(153,735		)
Other	(441		)	384
Net Cash Provided By Investing Activities	30,662			180,448
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Additions to senior long-term debt and other debt	27,711			10,120
Repayment of senior long-term debt and other debt	(29,160		)	(8,608		)
Repurchases of common stock	(17,548		)	(17,282		)
Issuance of common stock	429			4,363
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(10,314		)	(17,758		)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(1,159		)	(1,168		)
Other	(3,407		)	(609		)
Net Cash Used By Financing Activities	(33,448		)	(30,942		)
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(22,128		)	971
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(2,082		)	172,894
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,960,169			1,978,526
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	1,958,087		$	2,151,420

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. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Markel Ventures, Inc. (Markel Ventures), 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 March 31, 2015 and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 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, 2014 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 its subsidiaries (the Company). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company consolidates the results of its Markel Ventures 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 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete description of the Company's business and accounting policies.

2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which creates a new comprehensive revenue recognition standard that will serve as a single source of revenue guidance for all companies in all industries. The guidance applies to all companies that either enter into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enter into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets, unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards, such as insurance contracts. ASU No. 2014-09's core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under the current guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. ASU No. 2014-09 becomes effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2017 and may be applied retrospectively or under a modified retrospective method where the cumulative effect is recognized at the date of initial application. Early application is not permitted. On April 29, 2015, the FASB proposed a one-year deferral of the effective date for ASU 2014-09. Early application would be permitted for all entities, but not before the original effective date for public business entities. The Company is currently evaluating ASU No. 2014-09 to determine the potential impact that adopting this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. Adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's insurance operations, but will impact the Company's non-insurance operations.

7

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which changes the way reporting enterprises evaluate whether (a) they should consolidate limited partnerships and similar entities, (b) fees paid to a decision maker or service provider are variable interests in a variable interest entity (VIE), and (c) variable interests in a VIE held by related parties of the reporting enterprise require the reporting enterprise to consolidate the VIE. It also eliminates the VIE consolidation model based on majority exposure to variability that applied to certain investment companies and similar entities. The ASU also significantly changes how to evaluate voting rights for entities that are not similar to limited partnerships when determining whether the entity is a VIE, which may affect entities for which the decision making rights are conveyed through a contractual arrangement. ASU No. 2015-02 becomes effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2016 and may be applied retrospectively or under a modified retrospective method where the cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings is recognized as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Reporting enterprises may also restate previously issued financial statements for one or more years with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first year restated. Early adoption is allowed. The Company is currently evaluating ASU No. 2015-02 to determine the potential impact that adopting this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

3. Investments

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

	March 31, 2015
(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	$	612,368	$	17,212	$	(764	)	$	—		$	628,816
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	3,956,064		251,023		(2,661		)	—			4,204,426
Foreign governments	1,336,176		213,901		(191		)	—			1,549,886
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	408,016		8,861		(1,255		)	—			415,622
Residential mortgage-backed securities	920,185		44,219		(1,774		)	(2,258		)	960,372
Asset-backed securities	77,341		73		(295		)	—			77,119
Corporate bonds	2,061,581		78,801		(3,198		)	(1,611		)	2,135,573
Total fixed maturities	9,371,731		614,090		(10,138		)	(3,869		)	9,971,814
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	588,140		798,628		(1,740		)	—			1,385,028
Industrial, consumer and all other	1,508,446		1,458,816		(11,441		)	—			2,955,821
Total equity securities	2,096,586		2,257,444		(13,181		)	—			4,340,849
Short-term investments	1,731,862		13		(3		)	—			1,731,872
Investments, available-for-sale	$	13,200,179	$	2,871,547	$	(23,322	)	$	(3,869	)	$	16,044,535

8

	December 31, 2014
(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	$	662,462	$	12,963	$	(2,163	)	$	—		$	673,262
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	4,075,748		245,158		(3,359		)	—			4,317,547
Foreign governments	1,458,255		154,707		(1,041		)	—			1,611,921
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	427,904		5,325		(2,602		)	—			430,627
Residential mortgage-backed securities	954,263		34,324		(3,482		)	(2,258		)	982,847
Asset-backed securities	100,073		99		(682		)	—			99,490
Corporate bonds	2,250,432		69,016		(10,441		)	(1,819		)	2,307,188
Total fixed maturities	9,929,137		521,592		(23,770		)	(4,077		)	10,422,882
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	523,739		789,717		(1,531		)	—			1,311,925
Industrial, consumer and all other	1,427,919		1,403,566		(5,834		)	—			2,825,651
Total equity securities	1,951,658		2,193,283		(7,365		)	—			4,137,576
Short-term investments	1,594,819		36		(6		)	—			1,594,849
Investments, available-for-sale	$	13,475,614	$	2,714,911	$	(31,141	)	$	(4,077	)	$	16,155,307

9

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

	March 31, 2015
	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	$	5,716	$	(3	)	$	125,651	$	(761	)	$	131,367	$	(764	)
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	95,257		(547		)	61,394		(2,114		)	156,651		(2,661		)
Foreign governments	16,965		(68		)	44,204		(123		)	61,169		(191		)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	51,673		(157		)	107,698		(1,098		)	159,371		(1,255		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	3,726		(2,277		)	167,295		(1,755		)	171,021		(4,032		)
Asset-backed securities	10,147		(17		)	45,378		(278		)	55,525		(295		)
Corporate bonds	74,273		(1,742		)	373,451		(3,067		)	447,724		(4,809		)
Total fixed maturities	257,757		(4,811		)	925,071		(9,196		)	1,182,828		(14,007		)
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	16,810		(1,740		)	—		—			16,810		(1,740		)
Industrial, consumer and all other	158,284		(11,441		)	—		—			158,284		(11,441		)
Total equity securities	175,094		(13,181		)	—		—			175,094		(13,181		)
Short-term investments	440,985		(3		)	—		—			440,985		(3		)
Total	$	873,836	$	(17,995	)	$	925,071	$	(9,196	)	$	1,798,907	$	(27,191	)

At March 31, 2015, the Company held 424 securities with a total estimated fair value of $1.8 billion and gross unrealized losses of $27.2 million. Of these 424 securities, 281 securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for one year or longer and had a total estimated fair value of $925.1 million and gross unrealized losses of $9.2 million. All 281 securities were fixed maturities. The Company does not intend to sell or believe it will be required to sell these fixed maturities before recovery of their amortized cost.

10

	December 31, 2014
	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	$	108,250	$	(62	)	$	163,359	$	(2,101	)	$	271,609	$	(2,163	)
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	58,583		(542		)	92,441		(2,817		)	151,024		(3,359		)
Foreign governments	18,856		(386		)	56,217		(655		)	75,073		(1,041		)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	45,931		(210		)	147,558		(2,392		)	193,489		(2,602		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	9,613		(2,285		)	207,374		(3,455		)	216,987		(5,740		)
Asset-backed securities	30,448		(20		)	45,160		(662		)	75,608		(682		)
Corporate bonds	141,176		(2,263		)	621,821		(9,997		)	762,997		(12,260		)
Total fixed maturities	412,857		(5,768		)	1,333,930		(22,079		)	1,746,787		(27,847		)
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	16,219		(1,531		)	—		—			16,219		(1,531		)
Industrial, consumer and all other	86,062		(5,834		)	—		—			86,062		(5,834		)
Total equity securities	102,281		(7,365		)	—		—			102,281		(7,365		)
Short-term investments	181,964		(6		)	—		—			181,964		(6		)
Total	$	697,102	$	(13,139	)	$	1,333,930	$	(22,079	)	$	2,031,032	$	(35,218	)

At December 31, 2014, the Company held 552 securities with a total estimated fair value of $2.0 billion and gross unrealized losses of $35.2 million. Of these 552 securities, 396 securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for one year or longer and had a total estimated fair value of $1.3 billion and gross unrealized losses of $22.1 million. All 396 securities were fixed maturities.

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. 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.

11

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 decisions to reposition the investment portfolio, potential sales of investments to meet cash flow needs and, ultimately, current market prices.

c)The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturities at March 31, 2015 are shown below by contractual maturity.

(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	617,588	$	620,740
Due after one year through five years	1,904,996		1,962,240
Due after five years through ten years	1,925,821		2,054,347
Due after ten years	3,517,784		3,881,374
	7,966,189		8,518,701
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	408,016		415,622
Residential mortgage-backed securities	920,185		960,372
Asset-backed securities	77,341		77,119
Total fixed maturities	$	9,371,731	$	9,971,814

d)The following table presents the components of net investment income.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2015			2014
Interest:
Municipal bonds (tax-exempt)	$	25,852		$	23,104
Municipal bonds (taxable)	14,100			8,996
Other taxable bonds	35,138			35,744
Short-term investments, including overnight deposits	1,251			1,474
Dividends on equity securities	19,024			16,856
Income from equity method investments	1,344			3,583
Other	61			1,179
	96,770			90,936
Investment expenses	(3,895		)	(4,221		)
Net investment income	$	92,875		$	86,715

12

e)Cumulative 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 were $10.7 million at March 31, 2015 and $12.7 million at December 31, 2014.

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2015			2014
Realized gains:
Sales of fixed maturities	$	1,586		$	4,583
Sales of equity securities	15,957			12,145
Other	1,307			9,955
Total realized gains	18,850			26,683
Realized losses:
Sales of fixed maturities	(142		)	(8,484		)
Sales of equity securities	(160		)	(146		)
Other-than-temporary impairments	(5,092		)	—
Other	(7,885		)	(659		)
Total realized losses	(13,279		)	(9,289		)
Net realized investment gains	$	5,571		$	17,394
Change in net unrealized gains on investments:
Fixed maturities	$	106,338		$	148,811
Equity securities	58,345			66,453
Short-term investments	(20		)	1
Net increase	$	164,663		$	215,265

Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income and included in net realized investment gains included losses attributable to equity securities totaling $5.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. There were no writedowns for other-than-temporary declines in the estimated fair value of investments for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

4. Fair Value Measurements

FASB 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.

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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, commercial mortgage-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities, asset-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 commercial mortgage-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities include the type of underlying assets, 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.

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.

14

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.

	March 31, 2015
(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	$	—	$	628,816	$	—	$	628,816
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		4,204,426		—		4,204,426
Foreign governments	—		1,549,886		—		1,549,886
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		415,622		—		415,622
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		960,372		—		960,372
Asset-backed securities	—		77,119		—		77,119
Corporate bonds	—		2,135,573		—		2,135,573
Total fixed maturities	—		9,971,814		—		9,971,814
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	1,385,028		—		—		1,385,028
Industrial, consumer and all other	2,955,821		—		—		2,955,821
Total equity securities	4,340,849		—		—		4,340,849
Short-term investments	1,618,657		113,215		—		1,731,872
Total investments available-for-sale	$	5,959,506	$	10,085,029	$	—	$	16,044,535

	December 31, 2014
(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	$	—	$	673,262	$	—	$	673,262
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		4,317,547		—		4,317,547
Foreign governments	—		1,611,921		—		1,611,921
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		430,627		—		430,627
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		982,847		—		982,847
Asset-backed securities	—		99,490		—		99,490
Corporate bonds	—		2,307,188		—		2,307,188
Total fixed maturities	—		10,422,882		—		10,422,882
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	1,311,925		—		—		1,311,925
Industrial, consumer and all other	2,825,651		—		—		2,825,651
Total equity securities	4,137,576		—		—		4,137,576
Short-term investments	1,469,975		124,874		—		1,594,849
Total investments available-for-sale	$	5,607,551	$	10,547,756	$	—	$	16,155,307

There were no transfers into or out of Level 1 and Level 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

The Company did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

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5. Segment Reporting Disclosures

The Company monitors and reports its ongoing underwriting operations in the following three segments: U.S. Insurance, International Insurance and Reinsurance. In determining how to aggregate and monitor its underwriting results, the Company considers many factors, including the geographic location and regulatory environment of the insurance entity underwriting the risk, the nature of the insurance product sold, the type of account written and the type of customer served. The U.S. Insurance segment includes all direct business and facultative placements written by the Company's insurance subsidiaries domiciled in the United States. The International Insurance segment includes all direct business and facultative placements written by the Company's insurance subsidiaries domiciled outside of the United States, including the Company's syndicate at Lloyd's of London. The Reinsurance segment includes all treaty reinsurance written across the Company. Results for lines of business discontinued prior to, or in conjunction with, acquisitions, including the results attributable to the run-off of life and annuity reinsurance business, are reported in the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment. All investing activities related to the Company's insurance operations are included in the Investing segment.

The Company's non-insurance operations include the Company's Markel Ventures operations, which primarily consist of controlling interests in various industrial and service businesses. The Company's non-insurance operations also include the results of the Company's legal and professional consulting services. For purposes of segment reporting, the Company's non-insurance operations are not considered to be a reportable segment.

Segment profit for the Investing segment is measured by net investment income and net realized investment gains or losses. Segment profit or loss for each of the Company's underwriting 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 or loss for the Company's underwriting segments also includes other revenues and other expenses, primarily related to the run-off of managing general agent operations that were discontinued in conjunction with acquisitions. Other revenues and other expenses in the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment are comprised of the results attributable to the run-off of life and annuity reinsurance business.

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 and investing assets are not allocated to the U.S. Insurance, International Insurance, Reinsurance or Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segments since the Company does not manage its assets by underwriting segment. The Company does not allocate capital expenditures for long-lived assets to any of its underwriting segments for management reporting purposes.

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

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Insurance			International Insurance			Reinsurance			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	585,365		$	289,227		$	377,837		$	44			$	—	$	1,252,473
Net written premiums	496,169			222,708			316,212			341				—		1,035,430
Earned premiums	514,554			205,961			222,754			381				—		943,650
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(316,757		)	(148,844		)	(148,740		)	—				—		(614,341		)
Prior accident years	67,581			76,650			26,387			(3,272		)		—		167,346
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(185,260		)	(78,794		)	(76,553		)	(78		)		—		(340,685		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	80,118			54,973			23,848			(2,969		)		—		155,970
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				92,875		92,875
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				5,571		5,571
Other revenues (insurance)	1,402			5,387			423			(23		)		—		7,189
Other expenses (insurance)	(905		)	(1,404		)	—			(7,349		)		—		(9,658		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	80,615		$	58,956		$	24,271		$	(10,341	)		$	98,446	$	251,947
Other revenues (non-insurance)																252,869
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(221,343		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(14,640		)
Interest expense																(29,312		)
Income before income taxes																$	239,521
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (1)	84		%	73		%	89		%	NM			(2)			83		%

⁽¹⁾  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.

⁽²⁾  NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

17

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Insurance			International Insurance			Reinsurance			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	575,233		$	294,236		$	489,961		$	327			$	—	$	1,359,757
Net written premiums	474,054			229,120			435,997			140				—		1,139,311
Earned premiums	483,735			222,147			243,315			178				—		949,375
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(312,413		)	(163,379		)	(173,900		)	—				—		(649,692		)
Prior accident years	43,554			42,297			28,200			(6,662		)		—		107,389
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(193,529		)	(80,009		)	(81,972		)	5				—		(355,505		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	21,347			21,056			15,643			(6,479		)		—		51,567
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				86,715		86,715
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				17,394		17,394
Other revenues (insurance)	2,110			7,348			2,136			43				—		11,637
Other expenses (insurance)	(1,647		)	(3,595		)	—			(8,615		)		—		(13,857		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	21,810		$	24,809		$	17,779		$	(15,051	)		$	104,109	$	153,456
Other revenues (non-insurance)																174,534
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(168,311		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(13,999		)
Interest expense																(29,699		)
Income before income taxes																$	115,981
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (1)	96		%	91		%	94		%	NM			(2)			95		%

⁽¹⁾  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.

⁽²⁾  NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

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

(dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
Segment assets:
Investing	$	18,450,247	$	18,531,150
Underwriting	5,584,980		5,422,445
Total segment assets	24,035,227		23,953,595
Non-insurance operations	1,218,162		1,246,762
Total assets	$	25,253,389	$	25,200,357

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6. Other Revenues and Other Expenses

The following table summarizes the components of other revenues and other expenses.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015					2014
(dollars in thousands)	Other Revenues			Other Expenses		Other Revenues		Other Expenses
Insurance:
Managing general agent operations	$	5,870		$	2,309	$	9,178	$	4,881
Life and annuity	(23		)	7,349		43		8,615
Other	1,342			—		2,416		361
	7,189			9,658		11,637		13,857
Non-Insurance:
Markel Ventures: Manufacturing	177,762			151,800		100,611		95,889
Markel Ventures: Non-Manufacturing	67,681			63,830		70,595		65,511
Other	7,426			5,713		3,328		6,911
	252,869			221,343		174,534		168,311
Total	$	260,058		$	231,001	$	186,171	$	182,168

The Company's Markel Ventures operations primarily consist of controlling interests in various industrial and service businesses and are viewed by management as separate and distinct from the Company's insurance operations. While each of the companies is operated independently from one another, management aggregates financial results into two industry groups: manufacturing and non-manufacturing.

7. Reinsurance

The following table summarizes the effect of reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance on premiums written and earned.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015						2014
(dollars in thousands)	Written			Earned			Written			Earned
Direct	$	801,580		$	844,570		$	795,311		$	828,292
Assumed	450,893			312,835			564,446			347,699
Ceded	(217,043		)	(213,755		)	(220,446		)	(226,616		)
Net premiums	$	1,035,430		$	943,650		$	1,139,311		$	949,375

The percentage of ceded earned premiums to gross earned premiums was 18% and 19%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The percentage of assumed earned premiums to net earned premiums was 33% and 37%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses were net of reinsurance recoverables (ceded incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses) of $88.8 million and $97.6 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

On March 9, 2015, the Company completed a retrospective reinsurance transaction to cede a portfolio of policies comprised of liabilities arising from asbestos and environmental exposures that originated before 1992 in exchange for payments totaling $89.0 million, which included cash paid at closing of $69.9 million. At the time of the transaction, reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses on the policies ceded totaled $94.1 million, resulting in a deferred gain of $5.1 million which will be recognized in earnings in future periods in proportion to actual reinsurance recoveries received pursuant to the transaction. The ceded reserves represented approximately 35% of our net asbestos and environmental reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses as of December 31, 2014.

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8. Income Taxes

The estimated annual effective tax rate was 19% and 25% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the estimated annual effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of tax-exempt investment income and foreign tax credits for foreign taxes paid. In previous periods, foreign taxes paid were not available for use as tax credits against the Company's U.S. provision for income taxes. Based on the Company's estimated earnings from foreign operations in 2015, the Company expects that significant foreign taxes paid, both in the current period and prior periods, will be available for use as credits against its U.S. provision for income taxes in 2015. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the estimated annual effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of tax-exempt investment income. The decrease in the estimated annual effective tax rate in 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to the impact of the foreign tax credits described above.

9. Net Income per Share

Net income per share was determined by dividing adjusted net income to shareholders by the applicable weighted average shares outstanding.Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing adjusted net income to shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2015			2014
Net income to shareholders	$	190,992		$	87,716
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(1,347		)	117
Adjusted net income to shareholders	$	189,645		$	87,833
Basic common shares outstanding	13,972			13,995
Dilutive potential common shares from conversion of options	10			11
Dilutive potential common shares from conversion of restricted stock	81			52
Diluted shares outstanding	14,063			14,058
Basic net income per share	$	13.57		$	6.28
Diluted net income per share	$	13.49		$	6.25

10. Other Comprehensive Income

Other comprehensive income includes net holding gains arising during the period, changes in unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities arising during the period and reclassification adjustments for net gains included in net income. Other comprehensive income also includes changes in foreign currency translation adjustments and changes in net actuarial pension loss.

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The following table presents the change in accumulated other comprehensive income by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interests, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

(dollars in thousands)	Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities			Foreign Currency			Net Actuarial Pension Loss			Total
December 31, 2013	$	1,131,507		$	(11,246	)	$	(30,456	)	$	1,089,805
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	147,276			906			—			148,182
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(5,944		)	—			319			(5,625		)
Total other comprehensive income	141,332			906			319			142,557
March 31, 2014	$	1,272,839		$	(10,340	)	$	(30,137	)	$	1,232,362
December 31, 2014	$	1,793,254		$	(43,491	)	$	(45,206	)	$	1,704,557
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	121,189			(21,784		)	—			99,405
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(9,053		)	—			463			(8,590		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	112,136			(21,784		)	463			90,815
March 31, 2015	$	1,905,390		$	(65,275	)	$	(44,743	)	$	1,795,372

The following table summarizes the tax expense (benefit) associated with each component of other comprehensive income.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2015			2014
Change in net unrealized gains on investments:
Net holding gains arising during the period	$	55,582		$	75,523
Change in unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities arising during the period	41			564
Reclassification adjustments for net gains included in net income	(3,096		)	(2,154		)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	52,527			73,933
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,039		)	342
Change in net actuarial pension loss	116			80
Total	$	51,604		$	74,355

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The following table presents the details of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income, by component.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2015			2014
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities:
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	$	(5,092	)	$	—
Net realized investment gains, excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses	17,241			8,098
Total before taxes	12,149			8,098
Income taxes	(3,096		)	(2,154		)
Reclassification of unrealized holding gains, net of taxes	$	9,053		$	5,944
Net actuarial pension loss:
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	$	(579	)	$	(399	)
Income taxes	116			80
Reclassification of net actuarial pension loss, net of taxes	$	(463	)	$	(319	)

11. Contingencies

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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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 its subsidiaries (the Company).

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 the following critical accounting estimates and assumptions quarterly: evaluating the adequacy of reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, life and annuity reinsurance benefit reserves, the reinsurance allowance for doubtful accounts and income tax liabilities, as well as analyzing the recoverability of deferred tax assets, estimating reinsurance premiums written and earned and evaluating the investment portfolio for other-than-temporary declines in estimated fair value. Critical accounting estimates and assumptions for goodwill and intangible assets are reviewed in conjunction with an acquisition and goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are reassessed at least annually for impairment. Actual results may differ materially from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Readers are urged to review our 2014 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. 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 also own interests in various industrial and service 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.

We monitor and report our ongoing underwriting operations in the following three segments: U.S. Insurance, International Insurance and Reinsurance. In determining how to aggregate and monitor our underwriting results, management considers many factors, including the geographic location and regulatory environment of the insurance entity underwriting the risk, the nature of the insurance product sold, the type of account written and the type of customer served. The U.S. Insurance segment includes all direct business and facultative placements written by our insurance subsidiaries domiciled in the United States. The International Insurance segment includes all direct business and facultative placements written by our insurance subsidiaries domiciled outside of the United States, including our syndicate at Lloyd's of London (Lloyd's). The Reinsurance segment includes all treaty reinsurance written across the Company. Results for lines of business discontinued prior to, or in conjunction with, acquisitions, are reported in the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment. All investing activities related to our insurance operations are included in the Investing segment.

Our U.S. Insurance segment includes both hard-to-place risks written outside of the standard market on an excess and surplus lines basis and unique and hard-to-place risks that must be written on an admitted basis due to marketing and regulatory reasons. The following products are included in this segment: catastrophe-exposed property, professional liability, products liability, general liability, commercial umbrella, marine, workers' compensation, classic automobiles, specialty program insurance for well-defined niche markets, personal property and liability coverages and other coverages tailored for unique exposures. Business in this segment is written through our Wholesale, Specialty and Global Insurance divisions. The Wholesale division writes commercial risks, primarily on an excess and surplus lines basis, using a network of wholesale brokers managed on a regional basis. The Specialty division writes program insurance and other specialty coverages for well-defined niche markets, primarily on an admitted basis. The Global Insurance division writes risks outside of the standard market on both an admitted and non-admitted basis. Global Insurance division business written by our U.S. insurance subsidiaries is included in this segment.

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Our International Insurance segment writes risks that are characterized by either the unique nature of the exposure or the high limits of insurance coverage required by the insured. Risks written in the International Insurance segment are written on either a direct basis or a subscription basis, the latter of which means that loss exposures brought into the market are typically insured by more than one insurance company or Lloyd's syndicate. When we write business in the subscription market, we prefer to participate as lead underwriter in order to control underwriting terms, policy conditions and claims handling. Products offered within our International Insurance segment include primary and excess of loss property, casualty, excess liability, professional liability, equine, marine, energy and trade credit insurance. Business included in this segment is produced through our Markel International and Global Insurance divisions. The Markel International division writes business worldwide from our London-based platform, which includes our syndicate at Lloyd's. Global Insurance division business written by our non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries, which primarily targets Fortune 1000 accounts, is included in this segment.

Our Reinsurance segment includes property, casualty and specialty treaty reinsurance products offered to other insurance and reinsurance companies globally through the broker market. Our treaty reinsurance offerings include both quota share and excess of loss reinsurance and are typically written on a participation basis, which means each reinsurer shares proportionally in the business ceded under the reinsurance treaty written. Principal lines of business include: property (including catastrophe-exposed property), general casualty, credit, surety, workers' compensation, professional liability, and marine and energy. Our reinsurance product offerings are underwritten by our Global Reinsurance division and our Markel International division.

For purposes of segment reporting, the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment includes lines of business that have been discontinued prior to, or in conjunction with, acquisitions. The lines were discontinued because we believed some aspect of the product, such as risk profile or competitive environment, would not allow us to earn consistent underwriting profits. The Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment also includes development on asbestos and environmental (A&E) loss reserves and the results attributable to the run-off of our life and annuity reinsurance business.

Through our wholly-owned subsidiary Markel Ventures, Inc. (Markel Ventures), 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 and are comprised of a diverse portfolio of companies from different industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, consumer and business and financial services. 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. While each of these companies is operated independently, we aggregate their financial results into two industry groups: manufacturing and non-manufacturing. Our strategy in making these 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.

In July 2014, we acquired 100% of the outstanding shares of Cottrell, Inc. (Cottrell), a privately held company headquartered in Gainesville, Georgia. Cottrell is a leading manufacturer of over-the-road car hauler equipment and related car hauler parts. Results attributable to Cottrell are included with the Company's non-insurance operations, which are not included in a reportable segment.

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, operating and investing results. We measure underwriting results by our underwriting profit or loss and combined ratio. We measure operating results from our Markel Ventures operations by earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), which is a non-GAAP financial measure, in conjunction with U.S. GAAP measures, including revenues and net income. Because EBITDA excludes interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, it provides an indicator of economic performance that is useful to both management and investors in evaluating our Markel Ventures businesses as it is not affected by levels of debt, interest rates, effective tax rates or levels of depreciation and amortization resulting from purchase accounting. We measure investing results by our taxable equivalent total investment return. Our quarterly performance measures are discussed below in greater detail under "Results of Operations."

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Results of Operations

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2015			2014
Underwriting profit	$	155,970		$	51,567
Net investment income	92,875			86,715
Net realized investment gains	5,571			17,394
Other revenues	260,058			186,171
Amortization of intangible assets	(14,640		)	(13,999		)
Other expenses	(231,001		)	(182,168		)
Interest expense	(29,312		)	(29,699		)
Income tax expense	(45,515		)	(28,480		)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	(3,014		)	215
Net income to shareholders	$	190,992		$	87,716

The components of net income to shareholders are discussed in detail under "Underwriting Results," "Investing Results," "Other Revenues and Other Expenses" 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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Consolidated

The following table presents selected data from our underwriting operations.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2015				2014
Gross premium volume	$	1,252,473			$	1,359,757
Net written premiums	1,035,430				1,139,311
Net retention	83		%		84		%
Earned premiums	943,650				949,375
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	446,995				542,303
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	340,685				355,505
Underwriting profit	155,970				51,567
U.S. GAAP Combined Ratios (1)
U.S. Insurance	84		%		96		%
International Insurance	73		%		91		%
Reinsurance	89		%		94		%
Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)	NM			(2)	NM			(2)
Markel Corporation (Consolidated)	83		%		95		%

⁽¹⁾  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. The U.S. GAAP combined ratio is the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio.The loss ratio represents the relationship of incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses to earned premiums. The expense ratio represents the relationship of underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses to earned premiums.

⁽²⁾  NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

Our combined ratio was 83% for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 compared to 95% for the same period of 2014. For the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the decrease in the consolidated combined ratio was driven by more favorable development on prior years' loss reserves in 2015 compared to 2014. The increase in prior year redundancies in 2015 was due in part to a decrease in the estimated volatility of our consolidated net reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses as a result of ceding a significant portion of our A&E exposures to a third party during the first quarter of 2015. As a result of this decrease in estimated volatility, our level of confidence in our net reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses increased. Therefore, management reduced prior years' loss reserves by $36.0 million, or approximately four points on the consolidated combined ratio, in order to maintain a consolidated confidence level in a range consistent with our historic levels. This reduction in prior years' loss reserves occurred in our U.S. Insurance and International Insurance segments.

Also contributing to the decrease in the consolidated combined ratio was a lower current accident year loss ratio and a lower expense ratio in 2015. The decrease in the current accident year loss ratio was due to lower attritional losses in our U.S. Insurance and Reinsurance segments in 2015 compared to 2014. The decrease in the expense ratio for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 is primarily due to lower general expenses in 2015 compared to 2014.

U.S. Insurance Segment

The combined ratio for the U.S. Insurance segment was 84% for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 compared to 96% for the same period of 2014. For the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the decrease in the combined ratio was due to a lower current accident year loss ratio, more favorable development of prior accident years' loss reserves and a lower expense ratio. The decrease in the current accident year loss ratio for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 was primarily due to lower attritional losses compared to 2014, primarily in our brokerage and binding property lines, as well as on our program business. The decrease in the expense ratio was due in part to lower general expenses in the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014.

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The U.S. Insurance segment's combined ratio for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 included $67.6 million of favorable development on prior years' loss reserves compared to $43.6 million for the same period in 2014. The increase in loss reserve redundancies in 2015 was driven by an increase in the confidence level of our consolidated net reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses during the first quarter of 2015, which resulted in a $36.0 million reduction to consolidated prior years' loss reserves, of which $19.0 million was in the U.S. Insurance segment (approximately four points on the segment combined ratio). Other favorable development on prior years' loss reserves experienced within the U.S. Insurance segment during 2015 was most significant on our casualty lines, across several accident years, our professional liability product lines, primarily on the 2013 accident year, and on our workers compensation product lines, primarily on the 2013 and 2014 accident years. In 2014, the redundancies on prior years' loss reserves were most significant on our casualty product lines across several accident years.

International Insurance Segment

The combined ratio for the International Insurance segment was 73% for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 compared to 91% for the same period of 2014. For the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the decrease in the combined ratio was driven by more favorable development on prior years' loss reserves. The combined ratio for the first quarter of 2015 also included a lower current accident year loss ratio, which was offset by a higher expense ratio, compared to the same period of 2014. The decrease in the current accident year loss ratio for the International Insurance segment in the first quarter of 2015 was due to lower attritional loss ratios in our Markel International division, primarily in our marine and energy and professional liability product lines, due to benign claims development. This improvement was partially offset by higher attritional loss ratios on our property product lines. The increase in the expense ratio for the International Insurance segment is due to higher general expenses, which were partially offset by a favorable impact from higher ceding commissions on our outwards reinsurance treaty renewals.

The International Insurance segment's combined ratio for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 included $76.7 million of favorable development on prior years' loss reserves compared to $42.3 million in 2014. The increase in loss reserve redundancies in 2015 was driven by an increase in the confidence level of our consolidated net reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses during the first quarter of 2015, which resulted in a $36.0 million reduction to consolidated prior years' loss reserves, of which $17.0 million was in the International Insurance segment (approximately eight points on the segment combined ratio). We also experienced favorable prior year development in the Global Insurance division in 2015, compared to adverse development in 2014, driven by reductions in case reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses on a small number of large general liability and professional liability claims. For the quarter ended March 31, 2015, the favorable development on prior years' loss reserves was most significant on our marine and energy and general liability product lines, on the 2012 to 2014 accident years. The favorable development on prior years' loss reserves in 2014 was primarily on our marine and energy, professional liability and general liability product lines within the Markel International division, on the 2006 to 2011 accident years.

Reinsurance Segment

The combined ratio for the Reinsurance segment was 89% for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 compared to 94% for the same period of 2014. For the quarter ended March 31, 2015 the decrease in the combined ratio was driven by a lower current accident year loss ratio compared to the same period of 2014. The decrease in the current accident year loss ratio for the Reinsurance segment was primarily due to lower property losses in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the first quarter of 2014. The Reinsurance segment's combined ratio for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 included $26.4 million of favorable development on prior years' loss reserves compared to $28.2 million of favorable development in the first quarter of 2014. The favorable development on prior years' loss reserves in 2015 was most significant on our casualty and short-tail property lines of business, on the 2013 accident year. For financial reporting purposes, development on pre-acquisition accident years' loss reserves attributable to business previously written by Alterra Capital Holdings Limited (Alterra) is included in the 2013 accident year. The favorable development on prior years' loss reserves in 2014 was across many lines of business, with the largest contribution from our short-tail property lines.

Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)

The Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment produced an underwriting loss of $3.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, compared to an underwriting loss of $6.5 million for the same period of 2014. The underwriting loss in both periods was primarily due to unfavorable development related to discontinued lines of business previously written by Alterra.

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Premiums and Net Retentions

We monitor the effect of movements in foreign currency exchange rates on gross premium volume and earned premiums. To the extent there are significant variations in foreign currency exchange rates between the U.S. dollar and the foreign currencies in which our insurance business is transacted, management uses the change in gross premium volume and earned premiums at a constant rate of exchange to evaluate trends in premium volume. The impact of foreign currency translation is excluded, when significant, as the effect of fluctuations in exchange rates could distort the analysis of trends. When excluding the effect of foreign currency translation on changes in premium, management uses the current period average exchange rates to translate both the current period and the prior period foreign currency denominated gross premiums written and earned premiums.

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

Gross Premium Volume
	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2015		2014
U.S. Insurance	$	585,365	$	575,233
International Insurance	289,227		294,236
Reinsurance	377,837		489,961
Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)	44		327
Total	$	1,252,473	$	1,359,757

Gross premium volume for the three months ended March 31, 2015 decreased 8% compared to the same period of 2014. At a constant rate of exchange, gross premium volume would have decreased 5% compared to 2014. This decrease was primarily attributable to lower gross premium volume in the Reinsurance segment, due in part to changes in our auto reinsurance book. During 2014, we ceased writing auto reinsurance in the United Kingdom. Additionally, we decreased our quota share percentage on our non-standard auto reinsurance business. Gross premium volume in our International Insurance segment decreased 2% in the first quarter of 2015 compared to the first quarter of 2014. At a constant rate of exchange, gross premium volume in the International Insurance segment would have increased 4% compared to 2014, driven by higher gross premium volume in our professional liability product lines, partially offset by lower gross written premiums in our marine and energy product lines.

We have continued to see modest price increases across many of our product lines during 2015. However, beginning in 2014 and continuing into 2015, we have experienced softening prices across most of our property product lines, as well as on our marine and energy lines. Our large account business is also subject to more pricing pressure. 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 when we alter our product offerings to maintain or improve underwriting profitability.

Net Written Premiums
	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2015		2014
U.S. Insurance	$	496,169	$	474,054
International Insurance	222,708		229,120
Reinsurance	316,212		435,997
Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)	341		140
Total	$	1,035,430	$	1,139,311

Net retention of gross premium volume for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was 83% compared to 84% for the same period of 2014. The decrease in net retention was driven by lower retentions on our property product lines within the Reinsurance segment, which comprised a larger portion of gross premiums written in 2015 compared to 2014. We purchase reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance in order to manage our net retention on individual risks and enable us to write policies with sufficient limits to meet policyholder needs.

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Earned Premiums
	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2015		2014
U.S. Insurance	$	514,554	$	483,735
International Insurance	205,961		222,147
Reinsurance	222,754		243,315
Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)	381		178
Total	$	943,650	$	949,375

Earned premiums for the three months ended March 31, 2015 decreased 1% compared to the same period of 2014. The decrease in earned premiums for the first quarter of 2015 was driven by the the effects of foreign currency exchange rate movements in our International Insurance and Reinsurance segments, which more than offset higher earned premiums in the U.S. Insurance segment. Lower earned premiums in the Reinsurance segment were also due to lower gross premium volume. The increase in earned premiums in our U.S. Insurance Segment was primarily due to organic growth across several product lines, primarily in the Wholesale and Specialty divisions. At a constant rate of exchange, earned premiums would have increased 1% compared to 2014.

Investing Results

We evaluate our investment performance by analyzing taxable equivalent total investment return. Taxable equivalent total investment return includes items that impact net income, such as coupon interest on fixed maturities, dividends on equity securities and realized investment gains or losses, as well as changes in unrealized gains or losses, which do not impact net income. Certain items that are included in net investment income have been excluded from the calculation of taxable equivalent total investment return, such as amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts on our fixed maturity portfolio, to provide a comparable basis for measuring our investment return against industry investment returns. The calculation of taxable equivalent total investment return also includes the current tax benefit associated with income on certain investments that is either taxed at a lower rate than the statutory income tax rate or is not fully included in federal taxable income. We believe the taxable equivalent total investment return is a better reflection of the economics of our decision to invest in certain asset classes. We focus on our long-term investment return, understanding that the level of realized and unrealized investment gains or losses may vary from one period to the next.

The following table summarizes our investment performance.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2015			2014
Net investment income	$	92,875		$	86,715
Net realized investment gains	$	5,571		$	17,394
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	$	164,663		$	215,265
Investment yield (1)	0.6		%	0.6		%
Taxable equivalent total investment return, before foreign currency effect	1.7		%	1.9		%
Taxable equivalent total investment return	0.5		%	2.0		%

⁽¹⁾  Investment yield reflects net investment income as a percentage of monthly average invested assets at amortized cost.

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The following table reconciles investment yield to taxable equivalent total investment return.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015		2014
Investment yield (1)	0.6	%	0.6	%
Adjustment of investment yield from book value to market value	(0.1	)%	(0.1	)%
Net amortization of net premium on fixed maturity securities	0.1	%	0.2	%
Net realized investment gains and change in net unrealized gains on investments	0.9	%	1.4	%
Taxable equivalent effect for interest and dividends (2)	0.1	%	0.1	%
Other (3)	(1.1	)%	(0.2	)%
Taxable equivalent total investment return	0.5	%	2.0	%

⁽¹⁾  Investment yield reflects net investment income as a percentage of monthly average invested assets at amortized cost.

⁽²⁾  Adjustment to tax-exempt interest and dividend income to reflect a taxable equivalent basis.

⁽³⁾  Adjustment to reflect the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and time-weighting the inputs to the calculation of taxable equivalent total investment return.

The increase in net investment income for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 was driven by higher bond income on our fixed maturity portfolio compared to the same period of 2014. During 2014, we replaced lower yielding fixed maturity corporate and mortgage-backed securities with higher yielding fixed maturity tax-exempt municipal securities as part of our effort to reposition the investment portfolio acquired through the Alterra acquisition. Higher net investment income was also attributable to increased dividend income on our equity portfolio due to higher equity security holdings in 2015 compared to 2014. See note 3(d) of the notes to consolidated financial statements for details regarding the components of net investment income. Net realized investment gains for the quarter ended March 31, 2015 included $5.1 million of write downs for other-than-temporary declines in the estimated fair value of investments. There were no write downs for other-than-temporary declines in the estimated fair value of investments for the quarter ended March 31, 2014.

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 March 31, 2015, we held securities with gross unrealized losses of $27.2 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 March 31, 2015. 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.

Other Revenues and Other Expenses

Markel Ventures Operations

Operating revenues and expenses associated with our Markel Ventures operations are included in other revenues and other expenses in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income. We consolidate our Markel Ventures operations on a one-month lag. The following table summarizes the operating revenues, net income to shareholders and EBITDA from our Markel Ventures operations.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2015		2014
Operating revenues	$	245,443	$	171,206
Net income to shareholders	$	10,510	$	1,067
EBITDA	$	33,589	$	14,111

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Revenues from our Markel Ventures operations increased $74.2 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the increase in revenues is primarily attributable to our acquisition of Cottrell in July 2014 and higher revenues within our other manufacturing operations, due in part to increased shipments in 2015 compared to 2014. Higher revenues in our manufacturing operations were partially offset by a decrease in revenues in our non-manufacturing operations, due to slower activity in our residential home sales during the first quarter of 2015 compared to 2014. Net income to shareholders and EBITDA from our Markel Ventures operations increased for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to the same period of 2014 primarily due to our acquisition of Cottrell and more favorable results within our manufacturing operations.

Markel Ventures EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. We use Markel Ventures EBITDA as an operating performance measure in conjunction with U.S. GAAP measures, including revenues and net income, to monitor and evaluate the performance of our Markel Ventures operations. Because EBITDA excludes interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, it provides an indicator of economic performance that is useful to both management and investors in evaluating our Markel Ventures businesses as it is not affected by levels of debt, interest rates, effective tax rates or levels of depreciation and amortization resulting from purchase accounting. The following table reconciles EBITDA of Markel Ventures, net of noncontrolling interests, to consolidated net income to shareholders.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2015			2014
Markel Ventures EBITDA - Manufacturing	$	27,833		$	7,408
Markel Ventures EBITDA - Non-Manufacturing	5,756			6,703
Markel Ventures EBITDA - Total	33,589			14,111
Interest expense (1)	(3,538		)	(2,381		)
Income tax expense	(6,170		)	(486		)
Depreciation expense	(7,027		)	(5,229		)
Amortization of intangible assets	(6,344		)	(4,948		)
Markel Ventures net income to shareholders	10,510			1,067
Net income from other Markel operations	180,482			86,649
Net income to shareholders	$	190,992		$	87,716

⁽¹⁾  Interest expense for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 includes intercompany interest expense of $2.6 million and $1.6 million, respectively.

Life and Annuity Benefits

The Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment for the three months ended March 31, 2015 included other expenses of $7.3 million compared to $8.6 million for the same period of 2014 related to the run-off of our life and annuity reinsurance business. The life and annuity benefit reserves were acquired as part of our acquisition of Alterra and are recorded on a discounted present value basis using assumptions that were determined as of May 1, 2013. The accretion of this discount is recognized in the statement of income and comprehensive income as other expenses. Invested assets and the related investment income that support the life and annuity reinsurance contracts are reported in the Investing segment. As a result, we expect the results reported in the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment attributable to our life and annuity business will continue to reflect losses in future periods due to the accretion of the discount on the life and annuity benefit reserves, which are forecasted to pay out over the next 40 to 50 years. Other revenues attributable to the life and annuity business included in the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment represent ongoing premium adjustments on existing contracts.

Interest Expense and Income Taxes

Interest expense was $29.3 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015, which is comparable to the three months ended March 31, 2014 with $29.7 million of interest expense.

31

The estimated annual effective tax rate was 19% and 25% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the estimated annual effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of tax-exempt investment income and foreign tax credits for foreign taxes paid. In previous periods, foreign taxes paid were not available for use as tax credits against our U.S. provision for income taxes and may not be available in future periods. Based on our estimated earnings from our foreign operations in 2015, we expect that significant foreign taxes paid, both in the current period and prior periods, will be available for use as credits against our U.S. provision for income taxes in 2015. Our anticipated recognition of these tax credits in 2015 has a favorable impact on our 2015 estimated annual effective tax rate of approximately 8%. We caution readers that a similar benefit may not be recognizable in future years. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the estimated annual effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of tax-exempt investment income. The decrease in the estimated annual effective tax rate in 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to the impact of the foreign tax credits described above.

Comprehensive Income to Shareholders

Comprehensive income to shareholders was $281.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $230.3 million for the same period of 2014. Comprehensive income to shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2015 included net income to shareholders of $191.0 million, an increase in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, of $112.1 million and a decrease in foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes, of $21.8 million. Comprehensive income to shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2014 included net income to shareholders of $87.7 million and an increase in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, of $141.3 million.

Financial Condition

Investments, cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents (invested assets) were $18.6 billion at both March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014. Net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, were $1.9 billion at March 31, 2015 compared to $1.8 billion at December 31, 2014. Equity securities were $4.3 billion, or 23% of invested assets, at March 31, 2015 compared to $4.1 billion, or 22% of invested assets, at December 31, 2014.

Net cash provided by operating activities was $22.8 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $22.4 million for the same period of 2014. Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 included higher cash flows attributable to our Markel Ventures operations and investing activities and lower payments for income taxes and employee profit sharing compared to the same period of 2014. Net cash provided by operating activities for the three months ended March 31, 2015 was net of a $69.9 million cash payment made in connection with a retrospective reinsurance transaction completed during the quarter in which we ceded a portfolio of policies comprised of liabilities arising from A&E exposures that originated before 1992 to a third party. At the time of the transaction, reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses on the policies ceded totaled $94.1 million. The net loss reserves underlying this transaction are expected to be formally transferred to the third party in 2015 by way of a Part VII transfer pursuant to the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 of the United Kingdom. Due to the unique aspects of A&E exposures, the ultimate estimated value of loss reserves is subject to greater uncertainty than other types of claims. Although we believe our loss reserves for these A&E exposures were adequate, this transaction eliminates the uncertainty regarding the potential for adverse development of estimated ultimate liabilities on the underlying policies. While we recognize that the use of funds for this transaction results in lower investment income in the short term, eliminating these exposures provides us with additional flexibility to allocate capital from our insurance operations to our holding company, where we believe we may have opportunities to invest capital at a higher rate of return.

Net cash provided by investing activities was $30.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $180.4 million for the same period of 2014. Due to the low interest rate environment, during 2015, we continued to purchase equity securities and limit our allocation of funds for purchases of fixed maturities. We also allocated more cash and cash equivalents to short-term investments to achieve higher returns while still maintaining adequate liquidity. 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 $33.4 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015 compared to $30.9 million for the same period of 2014. Cash of $17.5 million and $17.3 million was used to repurchase shares of our common stock during the first three months of 2015 and 2014, respectively.

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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 22% at March 31, 2015 and 23% at December 31, 2014. From time to time, our debt to capital ratio may increase due to business opportunities that may be 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 and senior credit facilities 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 $1.4 billion and $1.5 billion of invested assets at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively.

Shareholders' equity was $7.9 billion at March 31, 2015 and $7.6 billion at December 31, 2014. Book value per share increased to $564.29 at March 31, 2015 from $543.96 at December 31, 2014 primarily due to $281.8 million of comprehensive income to shareholders for the three months ended March 31, 2015.

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Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market Risk Disclosures

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. 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. Various companies within our Markel Ventures operations are subject to commodity risk; however, this risk is not material to the Company.

As of March 31, 2015, the carrying value of goodwill and intangible assets denominated in a foreign currency, which is not matched or hedged, was $244.3 million, compared to $262.9 million as of December 31, 2014. The decrease is primarily due to the impact of the strengthening of the U.S. dollar against the British pound sterling, the Canadian dollar and the euro during the first quarter of 2015. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, there were no other material changes to the market risk components described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Credit risk is the potential loss resulting from adverse changes in an issuer's ability to repay its debt obligations. General concern exists about municipalities that experience financial difficulties during periods of adverse economic conditions. 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 either general obligation or revenue bonds related to essential products and services.

We monitor our investment 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 97% 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 March 31, 2015, less than 1% of our fixed maturity portfolio was unrated or rated below investment grade. 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 ratings downgrades, political and financial changes and the widening of credit spreads. We believe that our fixed maturity portfolio is highly diversified and is comprised of high quality securities. During the three months ended March 31, 2015, there were no material changes in our foreign government fixed maturity holdings, other than a decrease attributable to changes in foreign currency exchange rates.

The estimated fair value of our investment portfolio at March 31, 2015 was $18.6 billion, 77% of which was invested in fixed maturities, short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents and 23% of which was invested in equity securities. At December 31, 2014, the estimated fair value of our investment portfolio was $18.6 billion, 78% of which was invested in fixed maturities, short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents and 22% 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.

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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 first quarter of 2015, we completed the final transition of the acquired Alterra operations to our general ledger accounting system, which allows for additional financial reporting functionality and efficiency. We also transitioned our United States insurance operations to a new payroll processing system, which provides additional scalability of operations.

There were no other changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the first quarter of 2015 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. Such statements may use words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "predict," "project" and similar expressions as they relate to us or our management.

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 2014 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;

• the effect of cyclical trends, including demand and pricing in the insurance and reinsurance markets;

• actions by competitors, including consolidation, and the effect of competition on market trends and pricing;

• we offer insurance and reinsurance 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 frequency and severity of man-made and natural catastrophes (including earthquakes and weather-related catastrophes) may exceed expectations, are 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, flood, drought or other adverse weather-related activity;

• emerging claim and coverage issues, changing legal and social trends, and inherent uncertainties (including but not limited to those uncertainties associated with our A&E reserves) in the loss estimation process can adversely impact the adequacy of our loss reserves and our allowance for reinsurance recoverables;

• reinsurance reserves are subject to greater uncertainty than insurance reserves, primarily because of reliance upon the original underwriting decisions made by ceding companies and the longer lapse of time from the occurrence of loss events to their reporting to the reinsurer for ultimate resolution;

• changes in the assumptions and estimates used in establishing reserves for our life and annuity reinsurance book (which is in runoff), for example, changes in assumptions and estimates of mortality, longevity, morbidity and interest rates, could result in material increases in our estimated loss reserves for such business;

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

• the failure of any loss limitation methods we employ;

• changes in the availability, costs and quality of reinsurance coverage, which may impact our ability to write certain lines of business;

• industry and economic conditions, deterioration in reinsurer credit quality and coverage disputes can affect the ability 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 our fixed maturities and equity securities, as well as the carrying value of our other assets and liabilities, and this impact may be heightened by market volatility;

• a number of factors may adversely affect the markets served by our Markel Ventures operations and negatively impact their revenues and profitability, including, among others: economic conditions; changes in government support for education, healthcare and infrastructure projects; changes in capital spending levels; changes in the housing market; and volatility in interest and foreign currency exchange rates;

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• economic conditions may adversely affect our access to capital and credit markets;

• we have substantial investments in municipal bonds (approximately $4.2 billion at March 31, 2015) and, although less than 15% of our municipal bond portfolio is tied to any one state, widespread defaults could adversely affect our results of operations and financial condition;

• the impacts of periods of slow economic growth; the continuing effects of government intervention into the markets to address financial downturns (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; material changes to the monetary policies of central banks, including the U.S. Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank; and the combined impact of the foregoing on our industry, business and investment portfolio;

• the impacts that the political and civil unrest in Ukraine and related sanctions imposed on Russia by the U.S. and other Western European governments may have on our businesses and the markets they serve or that any disruption in European or worldwide economic conditions generally arising from this situation may have on our business, industry or investment portfolio;

• the impacts that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict may have on our businesses and the markets they serve or that any disruptions in Middle Eastern or worldwide economic conditions generally arising from this conflict may have on our business, industry or investment portfolio;

• the impacts that health epidemics and pandemics may have on our business operations and claims activity;

• the impact of the implementation 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;

• we have recently completed a number of acquisitions, which may increase our operational and control risks for a period of time;

• we may not realize the contemplated benefits, including cost savings and synergies, of our acquisitions;

• any determination requiring the write-off of a significant portion of our goodwill and intangible assets;

• the loss of services of any executive officer or other key personnel could adversely impact our operations;

• our expanding international operations expose us to increased investment, political and economic risks, including foreign currency and credit risk;

• the effectiveness of our procedures for compliance with existing and ever increasing guidelines, policies and legal and regulatory standards, rules, laws and regulations; and

• adverse changes in our assigned financial strength or debt ratings could adversely 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 March 31, 2015.

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)
January 1, 2015 through January 31, 2015	—	—		—	$	279,485
February 1, 2015 through February 28, 2015	100	$	741.00	100	$	279,411
March 1, 2015 through March 31, 2015	16,259	$	743.73	16,259	$	267,319
Total	16,359	$	743.71	16,359	$	267,319

⁽¹⁾  The Board of Directors approved the repurchase of up to $300 million of our common stock pursuant to a share repurchase program publicly announced on November 21, 2013 (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 6^th day of May 2015.

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

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Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.	Document Description
3(i)	Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (3.1)a
3(ii)	Bylaws, as amended (3.1)b
4.1	Indenture dated as of June 5, 2001, between Markel Corporation and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee (4.1)c
4.2	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)d
4.3	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)e
4.4	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)f
4.5	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)g
4.6	Form of Eighth Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 8, 2013 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
4.7	Form of Ninth Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 8, 2013 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 (4.3)h
4.8	Indenture dated as of September 1, 2010, among Alterra Finance LLC, Alterra Capital Holdings Limited and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (4.14)i
4.9	First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 27, 2010 between Alterra Finance LLC, Alterra Capital Holdings Limited and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee, including the form of the securities as Exhibit A (4.15)i
4.10	Form of Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 30, 2014 among Alterra Finance LLC, Alterra Capital Holdings Limited and the Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (4.16)j
4.11	Form of Guaranty Agreement by Markel Corporation dated as of June 30, 2014 in connection with the Alterra Finance LLC 6.25% Senior Notes due 2020 (4.17)j
The registrant hereby agrees to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon request, a copy of all other instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the registrant and its subsidiaries.
10.1	Description of Non-Employee Director Compensation for Michael J. Schewel effective February 24, 2015k
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 March 31, 2015, filed on May 6, 2015, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income, (iii) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.*

* Filed with this report.

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.

40

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.

c. 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.

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 August 11, 2004.

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 September 21, 2009.

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 May 31, 2011.

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 June 29, 2012.

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 March 7, 2013.

i. 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 June 30, 2013.

j. 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 June 30, 2014.

k. Incorporated by reference from Item 5.02 in the Registrant's report on Form 8-K filed with the Commission on February 24, 2015.

41

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(s) 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 (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) 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(s) 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.

May 6, 2015	/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(s) 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 (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) 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(s) 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.

May 6, 2015	/s/ Anne G. Waleski
	Anne G. Waleski
	Executive 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 March 31, 2015 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, to my knowledge:

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

May 6, 2015

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 March 31, 2015 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the “Report”), I, Anne G. Waleski, Executive 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, to my knowledge:

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

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

May 6, 2015

XML

Net Income Per Share (Schedule Of Net Income Per Share) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Net income to shareholders	$ 190,992	$ 87,716
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(1,347)	117
Adjusted net income to shareholders	$ 189,645	$ 87,833
Basic common shares outstanding	13,972	13,995
Diluted shares outstanding	14,063	14,058
Basic net income per share	$ 13.57	$ 6.28
Diluted net income per share	$ 13.49	$ 6.25
Stock Options [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive potential common shares	10	11
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive potential common shares	81	52

XML

Segment Reporting Disclosures (Company's Segment Disclosures) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015 segment		Mar. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable ongoing underwriting segments	3
Gross premium volume	$ 1,252,473		$ 1,359,757
Net written premiums	1,035,430		1,139,311
Earned premiums	943,650		949,375
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, current accident year	(614,341)		(649,692)
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years	167,346		107,389
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(340,685)		(355,505)
Underwriting profit (loss)	155,970		51,567
Net investment income	92,875		86,715
Net realized investment gains	5,571		17,394
Other revenues (insurance)	7,189		11,637
Other expenses (insurance)	(9,658)		(13,857)
Segment profit (loss)	251,947		153,456
Other revenues (non-insurance)	252,869		174,534
Other expenses (non-insurance)	(221,343)		(168,311)
Amortization of intangible assets	(14,640)		(13,999)
Interest expense	(29,312)		(29,699)
Income Before Income Taxes	239,521		115,981
U.S. GAAP combined ratio	83.00%	[1]	95.00%	[1]
U.S. Insurance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premium volume	585,365		575,233
Net written premiums	496,169		474,054
Earned premiums	514,554		483,735
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, current accident year	(316,757)		(312,413)
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years	67,581		43,554
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(185,260)		(193,529)
Underwriting profit (loss)	80,118		21,347
Net investment income	0		0
Net realized investment gains	0		0
Other revenues (insurance)	1,402		2,110
Other expenses (insurance)	(905)		(1,647)
Segment profit (loss)	80,615		21,810
U.S. GAAP combined ratio	84.00%	[1]	96.00%	[1]
International Insurance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premium volume	289,227		294,236
Net written premiums	222,708		229,120
Earned premiums	205,961		222,147
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, current accident year	(148,844)		(163,379)
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years	76,650		42,297
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(78,794)		(80,009)
Underwriting profit (loss)	54,973		21,056
Net investment income	0		0
Net realized investment gains	0		0
Other revenues (insurance)	5,387		7,348
Other expenses (insurance)	(1,404)		(3,595)
Segment profit (loss)	58,956		24,809
U.S. GAAP combined ratio	73.00%	[1]	91.00%	[1]
Reinsurance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premium volume	377,837		489,961
Net written premiums	316,212		435,997
Earned premiums	222,754		243,315
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, current accident year	(148,740)		(173,900)
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years	26,387		28,200
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(76,553)		(81,972)
Underwriting profit (loss)	23,848		15,643
Net investment income	0		0
Net realized investment gains	0		0
Other revenues (insurance)	423		2,136
Other expenses (insurance)	0		0
Segment profit (loss)	24,271		17,779
U.S. GAAP combined ratio	89.00%	[1]	94.00%	[1]
Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premium volume	44		327
Net written premiums	341		140
Earned premiums	381		178
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, current accident year	0		0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years	(3,272)		(6,662)
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(78)		5
Underwriting profit (loss)	(2,969)		(6,479)
Net investment income	0		0
Net realized investment gains	0		0
Other revenues (insurance)	(23)		43
Other expenses (insurance)	(7,349)		(8,615)
Segment profit (loss)	(10,341)		(15,051)
U.S. GAAP combined ratio - not meaniningful	NM	[1],[2]	NM	[1],[2]
Investing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premium volume	0		0
Net written premiums	0		0
Earned premiums	0		0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, current accident year	0		0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years	0		0
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	0		0
Underwriting profit (loss)	0		0
Net investment income	92,875		86,715
Net realized investment gains	5,571		17,394
Other revenues (insurance)	0		0
Other expenses (insurance)	0		0
Segment profit (loss)	$ 98,446		$ 104,109

[1] 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.

[2] NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

XML

Investments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015 securities	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014 securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities in unrealized loss position, number of positions	424		552
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	$ 1,798,907,000		$ 2,031,032,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(27,191,000)		(35,218,000)
Number of available-for-sale securities positions in a continuous unrealized loss position for one year or longer at period end	281		396
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	925,071,000		1,333,930,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(9,196,000)		(22,079,000)
Cumulative credit losses recognized in net income	10,700,000		12,700,000
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income	(5,092,000)	0
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	1,182,828,000		1,746,787,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(14,007,000)		(27,847,000)
Number of available-for-sale securities positions in a continuous unrealized loss position for one year or longer at period end	281		396
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	925,071,000		1,333,930,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(9,196,000)		(22,079,000)
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	175,094,000		102,281,000
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(13,181,000)		(7,365,000)
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
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income	$ (5,100,000)

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Other Comprehensive Income (Reclassifications From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Into Income, By Component) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income	$ (5,092)	$ 0
Net realized investment gains, excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses	10,663	17,394
Income Before Income Taxes	239,521	115,981
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(340,685)	(355,505)
Income taxes	(45,515)	(28,480)
Net Income	194,006	87,501
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Unrealized Holding Gains On Available-For-Sale Securities [Member]
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income	(5,092)	0
Net realized investment gains, excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses	17,241	8,098
Income Before Income Taxes	12,149	8,098
Income taxes	(3,096)	(2,154)
Net Income	9,053	5,944
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Net Actuarial Pension Loss [Member]
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(579)	(399)
Income taxes	116	80
Net Income	$ (463)	$ (319)

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Reinsurance (Effect Of Reinsurance And Retrocessional Reinsurance On Premiums Written And Earned) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Direct premiums written	$ 801,580	$ 795,311
Direct premiums earned	844,570	828,292
Assumed premiums written	450,893	564,446
Assumed premiums earned	312,835	347,699
Ceded premiums written	(217,043)	(220,446)
Ceded premiums earned	(213,755)	(226,616)
Net premiums written	1,035,430	1,139,311
Net premiums earned	$ 943,650	$ 949,375

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Investments

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Investments

Investments

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

	March 31, 2015
(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	$	612,368	$	17,212	$	(764	)	$	—		$	628,816
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	3,956,064		251,023		(2,661		)	—			4,204,426
Foreign governments	1,336,176		213,901		(191		)	—			1,549,886
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	408,016		8,861		(1,255		)	—			415,622
Residential mortgage-backed securities	920,185		44,219		(1,774		)	(2,258		)	960,372
Asset-backed securities	77,341		73		(295		)	—			77,119
Corporate bonds	2,061,581		78,801		(3,198		)	(1,611		)	2,135,573
Total fixed maturities	9,371,731		614,090		(10,138		)	(3,869		)	9,971,814
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	588,140		798,628		(1,740		)	—			1,385,028
Industrial, consumer and all other	1,508,446		1,458,816		(11,441		)	—			2,955,821
Total equity securities	2,096,586		2,257,444		(13,181		)	—			4,340,849
Short-term investments	1,731,862		13		(3		)	—			1,731,872
Investments, available-for-sale	$	13,200,179	$	2,871,547	$	(23,322	)	$	(3,869	)	$	16,044,535

	December 31, 2014
(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	$	662,462	$	12,963	$	(2,163	)	$	—		$	673,262
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	4,075,748		245,158		(3,359		)	—			4,317,547
Foreign governments	1,458,255		154,707		(1,041		)	—			1,611,921
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	427,904		5,325		(2,602		)	—			430,627
Residential mortgage-backed securities	954,263		34,324		(3,482		)	(2,258		)	982,847
Asset-backed securities	100,073		99		(682		)	—			99,490
Corporate bonds	2,250,432		69,016		(10,441		)	(1,819		)	2,307,188
Total fixed maturities	9,929,137		521,592		(23,770		)	(4,077		)	10,422,882
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	523,739		789,717		(1,531		)	—			1,311,925
Industrial, consumer and all other	1,427,919		1,403,566		(5,834		)	—			2,825,651
Total equity securities	1,951,658		2,193,283		(7,365		)	—			4,137,576
Short-term investments	1,594,819		36		(6		)	—			1,594,849
Investments, available-for-sale	$	13,475,614	$	2,714,911	$	(31,141	)	$	(4,077	)	$	16,155,307

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

	March 31, 2015
	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	$	5,716	$	(3	)	$	125,651	$	(761	)	$	131,367	$	(764	)
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	95,257		(547		)	61,394		(2,114		)	156,651		(2,661		)
Foreign governments	16,965		(68		)	44,204		(123		)	61,169		(191		)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	51,673		(157		)	107,698		(1,098		)	159,371		(1,255		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	3,726		(2,277		)	167,295		(1,755		)	171,021		(4,032		)
Asset-backed securities	10,147		(17		)	45,378		(278		)	55,525		(295		)
Corporate bonds	74,273		(1,742		)	373,451		(3,067		)	447,724		(4,809		)
Total fixed maturities	257,757		(4,811		)	925,071		(9,196		)	1,182,828		(14,007		)
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	16,810		(1,740		)	—		—			16,810		(1,740		)
Industrial, consumer and all other	158,284		(11,441		)	—		—			158,284		(11,441		)
Total equity securities	175,094		(13,181		)	—		—			175,094		(13,181		)
Short-term investments	440,985		(3		)	—		—			440,985		(3		)
Total	$	873,836	$	(17,995	)	$	925,071	$	(9,196	)	$	1,798,907	$	(27,191	)

At March 31, 2015, the Company held 424 securities with a total estimated fair value of $1.8 billion and gross unrealized losses of $27.2 million. Of these 424 securities, 281 securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for one year or longer and had a total estimated fair value of $925.1 million and gross unrealized losses of $9.2 million. All 281 securities were fixed maturities. 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, 2014
	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	$	108,250	$	(62	)	$	163,359	$	(2,101	)	$	271,609	$	(2,163	)
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	58,583		(542		)	92,441		(2,817		)	151,024		(3,359		)
Foreign governments	18,856		(386		)	56,217		(655		)	75,073		(1,041		)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	45,931		(210		)	147,558		(2,392		)	193,489		(2,602		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	9,613		(2,285		)	207,374		(3,455		)	216,987		(5,740		)
Asset-backed securities	30,448		(20		)	45,160		(662		)	75,608		(682		)
Corporate bonds	141,176		(2,263		)	621,821		(9,997		)	762,997		(12,260		)
Total fixed maturities	412,857		(5,768		)	1,333,930		(22,079		)	1,746,787		(27,847		)
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	16,219		(1,531		)	—		—			16,219		(1,531		)
Industrial, consumer and all other	86,062		(5,834		)	—		—			86,062		(5,834		)
Total equity securities	102,281		(7,365		)	—		—			102,281		(7,365		)
Short-term investments	181,964		(6		)	—		—			181,964		(6		)
Total	$	697,102	$	(13,139	)	$	1,333,930	$	(22,079	)	$	2,031,032	$	(35,218	)

At December 31, 2014, the Company held 552 securities with a total estimated fair value of $2.0 billion and gross unrealized losses of $35.2 million. Of these 552 securities, 396 securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for one year or longer and had a total estimated fair value of $1.3 billion and gross unrealized losses of $22.1 million. All 396 securities were fixed maturities.

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. 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 decisions to reposition the investment portfolio, potential sales of investments to meet cash flow needs and, ultimately, current market prices.

c)The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturities at March 31, 2015 are shown below by contractual maturity.

(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	617,588	$	620,740
Due after one year through five years	1,904,996		1,962,240
Due after five years through ten years	1,925,821		2,054,347
Due after ten years	3,517,784		3,881,374
	7,966,189		8,518,701
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	408,016		415,622
Residential mortgage-backed securities	920,185		960,372
Asset-backed securities	77,341		77,119
Total fixed maturities	$	9,371,731	$	9,971,814

d)The following table presents the components of net investment income.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2015			2014
Interest:
Municipal bonds (tax-exempt)	$	25,852		$	23,104
Municipal bonds (taxable)	14,100			8,996
Other taxable bonds	35,138			35,744
Short-term investments, including overnight deposits	1,251			1,474
Dividends on equity securities	19,024			16,856
Income from equity method investments	1,344			3,583
Other	61			1,179
	96,770			90,936
Investment expenses	(3,895		)	(4,221		)
Net investment income	$	92,875		$	86,715

e)Cumulative 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 were $10.7 million at March 31, 2015 and $12.7 million at December 31, 2014.

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

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2015			2014
Realized gains:
Sales of fixed maturities	$	1,586		$	4,583
Sales of equity securities	15,957			12,145
Other	1,307			9,955
Total realized gains	18,850			26,683
Realized losses:
Sales of fixed maturities	(142		)	(8,484		)
Sales of equity securities	(160		)	(146		)
Other-than-temporary impairments	(5,092		)	—
Other	(7,885		)	(659		)
Total realized losses	(13,279		)	(9,289		)
Net realized investment gains	$	5,571		$	17,394
Change in net unrealized gains on investments:
Fixed maturities	$	106,338		$	148,811
Equity securities	58,345			66,453
Short-term investments	(20		)	1
Net increase	$	164,663		$	215,265

Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income and included in net realized investment gains included losses attributable to equity securities totaling $5.1 million for the three months ended March 31, 2015. There were no writedowns for other-than-temporary declines in the estimated fair value of investments for the three months ended March 31, 2014.

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Investments (Components Of Net Investment Income) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Municipal bonds (tax-exempt)	$ 25,852	$ 23,104
Short-term investments, including overnight deposits	1,251	1,474
Dividends on equity securities	19,024	16,856
Income from equity method investments	1,344	3,583
Other	61	1,179
Total investment income	96,770	90,936
Investment expenses	(3,895)	(4,221)
Net investment income	92,875	86,715
Taxable Municipal Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Taxable bonds	14,100	8,996
Other Taxable Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Taxable bonds	$ 35,138	$ 35,744

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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	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Due in one year or less, amortized cost	$ 617,588
Due after one year through five years, amortized cost	1,904,996
Due after five years through ten years, amortized cost	1,925,821
Due after ten years, amortized cost	3,517,784
Amortized cost, sub-total	7,966,189
Total fixed maturities, amortized cost	9,371,731	9,929,137
Due in one year or less, estimated fair value	620,740
Due after one year through five years, estimated fair value	1,962,240
Due after five years through ten years, estimated fair value	2,054,347
Due after ten years, estimated fair value	3,881,374
Estimated fair value, sub-total	8,518,701
Total fixed maturities, estimated fair value	9,971,814	10,422,882
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	408,016
Fixed maturities, estimated fair value	415,622
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	920,185
Fixed maturities, estimated fair value	960,372
Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	77,341
Fixed maturities, estimated fair value	$ 77,119

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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
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Realized gains	$ 18,850	$ 26,683
Realized losses	(13,279)	(9,289)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income	(5,092)	0
Net realized investment gains	5,571	17,394
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	164,663	215,265
Sales Of Fixed Maturities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Realized gains	1,586	4,583
Realized losses	(142)	(8,484)
Sales Of Equity Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Realized gains	15,957	12,145
Realized losses	(160)	(146)
Other [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Realized gains	1,307	9,955
Realized losses	(7,885)	(659)
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	106,338	148,811
Equity Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income	(5,100)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	58,345	66,453
Short-Term Investments [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	$ (20)	$ 1

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Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value, level 1 to level 2 transfers, amount	$ 0	$ 0
Fair value, level 2 to level 1 transfers, amount	0	0
Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	0	0
Liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	$ 0	$ 0

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which creates a new comprehensive revenue recognition standard that will serve as a single source of revenue guidance for all companies in all industries. The guidance applies to all companies that either enter into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enter into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets, unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards, such as insurance contracts. ASU No. 2014-09's core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under the current guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. ASU No. 2014-09 becomes effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2017 and may be applied retrospectively or under a modified retrospective method where the cumulative effect is recognized at the date of initial application. Early application is not permitted. On April 29, 2015, the FASB proposed a one-year deferral of the effective date for ASU 2014-09. Early application would be permitted for all entities, but not before the original effective date for public business entities. The Company is currently evaluating ASU No. 2014-09 to determine the potential impact that adopting this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. Adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a significant impact on the Company's insurance operations, but will impact the Company's non-insurance operations.

In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which changes the way reporting enterprises evaluate whether (a) they should consolidate limited partnerships and similar entities, (b) fees paid to a decision maker or service provider are variable interests in a variable interest entity (VIE), and (c) variable interests in a VIE held by related parties of the reporting enterprise require the reporting enterprise to consolidate the VIE. It also eliminates the VIE consolidation model based on majority exposure to variability that applied to certain investment companies and similar entities. The ASU also significantly changes how to evaluate voting rights for entities that are not similar to limited partnerships when determining whether the entity is a VIE, which may affect entities for which the decision making rights are conveyed through a contractual arrangement. ASU No. 2015-02 becomes effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2016 and may be applied retrospectively or under a modified retrospective method where the cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings is recognized as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Reporting enterprises may also restate previously issued financial statements for one or more years with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first year restated. Early adoption is allowed. The Company is currently evaluating ASU No. 2015-02 to determine the potential impact that adopting this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements.

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Fair Value Measurements (Balances Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	$ 9,971,814	$ 10,422,882
Total equity securities	4,340,849	4,137,576
Short-term investments	1,731,872	1,594,849
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	16,044,535	16,155,307
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	9,971,814	10,422,882
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]
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	628,816	673,262
Obligations Of States, Municipalities And Political Subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	4,204,426	4,317,547
Foreign Governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	1,549,886	1,611,921
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	415,622	430,627
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	960,372	982,847
Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	77,119	99,490
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	2,135,573	2,307,188
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	4,340,849	4,137,576
Insurance, Banks And Other Financial Institutions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	1,385,028	1,311,925
Industrial, Consumer And All Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	2,955,821	2,825,651
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	9,971,814	10,422,882
Total equity securities	4,340,849	4,137,576
Short-term investments	1,731,872	1,594,849
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	16,044,535	16,155,307
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	4,340,849	4,137,576
Short-term investments	1,618,657	1,469,975
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	5,959,506	5,607,551
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	9,971,814	10,422,882
Total equity securities	0	0
Short-term investments	113,215	124,874
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	10,085,029	10,547,756
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
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	628,816	673,262
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	628,816	673,262
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	4,204,426	4,317,547
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	4,204,426	4,317,547
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	1,549,886	1,611,921
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	1,549,886	1,611,921
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] | Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	415,622	430,627
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commercial 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] | Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	415,622	430,627
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commercial 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] | Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	960,372	982,847
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	960,372	982,847
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	77,119	99,490
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	77,119	99,490
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] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	2,135,573	2,307,188
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | 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] | Corporate Bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	2,135,573	2,307,188
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | 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, Banks And Other Financial Institutions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity securities	1,385,028	1,311,925
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Insurance, Banks And Other Financial Institutions [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity securities	1,385,028	1,311,925
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Insurance, Banks And Other Financial Institutions [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, Banks And Other Financial Institutions [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	2,955,821	2,825,651
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	2,955,821	2,825,651
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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Other Comprehensive Income (Change In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income By Component, Net Of Taxes And Noncontrolling Interest) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	$ 1,704,557	$ 1,089,805
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	99,405	148,182
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(8,590)	(5,625)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	90,815	142,557
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	1,795,372	1,232,362
Unrealized Holding Gains On Available-For-Sale Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	1,793,254	1,131,507
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	121,189	147,276
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(9,053)	(5,944)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	112,136	141,332
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	1,905,390	1,272,839
Foreign Currency [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	(43,491)	(11,246)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(21,784)	906
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(21,784)	906
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	(65,275)	(10,340)
Net Actuarial Pension Loss [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	(45,206)	(30,456)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	463	319
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	463	319
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	$ (44,743)	$ (30,137)

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
ASSETS
Fixed maturities (amortized cost of $9,371,731 in 2015 and $9,929,137 in 2014)	$ 9,971,814	$ 10,422,882
Equity securities (cost of $2,096,586 in 2015 and $1,951,658 in 2014)	4,340,849	4,137,576
Short-term investments (estimated fair value approximates cost)	1,731,872	1,594,849
Total Investments	16,044,535	16,155,307
Cash and cash equivalents	1,958,087	1,960,169
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	550,610	522,225
Receivables	1,193,405	1,135,217
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	1,949,974	1,868,669
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	113,816	102,206
Deferred policy acquisition costs	369,632	353,410
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	365,496	365,458
Goodwill	1,039,911	1,049,115
Intangible assets	680,357	702,747
Other assets	987,566	985,834
Total Assets	25,253,389	25,200,357
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	10,280,037	10,404,152
Life and annuity benefits	1,189,140	1,305,818
Unearned premiums	2,316,508	2,245,690
Payables to insurance and reinsurance companies	286,102	276,122
Senior long-term debt and other debt (estimated fair value of $2,525,000 in 2015 and $2,493,000 in 2014)	2,249,554	2,253,594
Other liabilities	999,542	1,051,931
Total Liabilities	17,320,883	17,537,307
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	55,108	61,048
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	3,320,323	3,308,395
Retained earnings	2,753,963	2,581,866
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,795,372	1,704,557
Total Shareholders' Equity	7,869,658	7,594,818
Noncontrolling interests	7,740	7,184
Total Equity	7,877,398	7,602,002
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 25,253,389	$ 25,200,357

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Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 194,006	$ 87,501
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities	(171,174)	(65,084)
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities	22,832	22,417
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities and equity securities	71,721	660,447
Proceeds from maturities, calls and prepayments of fixed maturities	388,522	440,891
Cost of fixed maturities and equity securities purchased	(232,551)	(1,114,736)
Net change in short-term investments	(146,545)	130,557
Proceeds from sales of equity method investments	15,003	82,518
Cost of equity method investments	(600)	(8,050)
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents	(40,841)	152,897
Additions to property and equipment	(23,606)	(10,725)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	0	(153,735)
Other	(441)	384
Net Cash Provided By Investing Activities	30,662	180,448
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Additions to senior long-term debt and other debt	27,711	10,120
Repayment of senior long-term debt and other debt	(29,160)	(8,608)
Repurchases of common stock	(17,548)	(17,282)
Issuance of common stock	429	4,363
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(10,314)	(17,758)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(1,159)	(1,168)
Other	(3,407)	(609)
Net Cash Used By Financing Activities	(33,448)	(30,942)
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(22,128)	971
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(2,082)	172,894
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	1,960,169	1,978,526
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$ 1,958,087	$ 2,151,420

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Other Revenues And Other Expenses (Summary Of Other Revenues And Other Expenses By Component) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Other Revenues and Other Expenses [Line Items]
Other revenues	$ 260,058	$ 186,171
Other expenses	231,001	182,168
Insurance Operations [Member]
Other Revenues and Other Expenses [Line Items]
Other revenues	7,189	11,637
Other expenses	9,658	13,857
Non-Insurance Operations [Member]
Other Revenues and Other Expenses [Line Items]
Other revenues	252,869	174,534
Other expenses	221,343	168,311
Managing General Agent Operations [Member] | Insurance Operations [Member]
Other Revenues and Other Expenses [Line Items]
Other revenues	5,870	9,178
Other expenses	2,309	4,881
Life And Annuity [Member] | Insurance Operations [Member]
Other Revenues and Other Expenses [Line Items]
Other revenues	(23)	43
Other expenses	7,349	8,615
Other Insurance [Member] | Insurance Operations [Member]
Other Revenues and Other Expenses [Line Items]
Other revenues	1,342	2,416
Other expenses	0	361
Manufacturing [Member] | Non-Insurance Operations [Member] | Markel Ventures Operations [Member]
Other Revenues and Other Expenses [Line Items]
Other revenues	177,762	100,611
Other expenses	151,800	95,889
Non-Manufacturing [Member] | Non-Insurance Operations [Member] | Markel Ventures Operations [Member]
Other Revenues and Other Expenses [Line Items]
Other revenues	67,681	70,595
Other expenses	63,830	65,511
Other Non-Insurance [Member] | Non-Insurance Operations [Member]
Other Revenues and Other Expenses [Line Items]
Other revenues	7,426	3,328
Other expenses	$ 5,713	$ 6,911

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Reinsurance (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]

Effect Of Reinsurance And Retrocessional Reinsurance On Premiums Written And Earned

The following table summarizes the effect of reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance on premiums written and earned.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015						2014
(dollars in thousands)	Written			Earned			Written			Earned
Direct	$	801,580		$	844,570		$	795,311		$	828,292
Assumed	450,893			312,835			564,446			347,699
Ceded	(217,043		)	(213,755		)	(220,446		)	(226,616		)
Net premiums	$	1,035,430		$	943,650		$	1,139,311		$	949,375

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Reinsurance (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Millions, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 09, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Percentage of ceded earned premiums to gross earned premiums	18.00%	19.00%
Percentage of assumed earned premiums to net earned premiums	33.00%	37.00%
Reinsurance recoverables	$ 88.8	$ 97.6
Total payment under retrospective reinsurance transaction on ceded asbestos and environmental policies			89.0
Cash paid at closing under retrospective reinsurance transaction on ceded asbestos and environmental policies			69.9
Cumulative amount of reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses on ceded asbestos and environmental policies			94.1
Deferred gain under retrospective reinsurance transaction on ceded asbestos and environmental policies			$ 5.1
Approximate percentage of ceded reserves under retrospective reinsurance transaction to net asbestos and environmental reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses				35.00%

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Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]

Change In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income By Component, Net Of Taxes And Noncontrolling Interest

The following table presents the change in accumulated other comprehensive income by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interests, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

(dollars in thousands)	Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities			Foreign Currency			Net Actuarial Pension Loss			Total
December 31, 2013	$	1,131,507		$	(11,246	)	$	(30,456	)	$	1,089,805
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	147,276			906			—			148,182
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(5,944		)	—			319			(5,625		)
Total other comprehensive income	141,332			906			319			142,557
March 31, 2014	$	1,272,839		$	(10,340	)	$	(30,137	)	$	1,232,362
December 31, 2014	$	1,793,254		$	(43,491	)	$	(45,206	)	$	1,704,557
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	121,189			(21,784		)	—			99,405
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(9,053		)	—			463			(8,590		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	112,136			(21,784		)	463			90,815
March 31, 2015	$	1,905,390		$	(65,275	)	$	(44,743	)	$	1,795,372

Summary Of Tax Expense (Benefit) Of Other Comprehensive Income

The following table summarizes the tax expense (benefit) associated with each component of other comprehensive income.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2015			2014
Change in net unrealized gains on investments:
Net holding gains arising during the period	$	55,582		$	75,523
Change in unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities arising during the period	41			564
Reclassification adjustments for net gains included in net income	(3,096		)	(2,154		)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	52,527			73,933
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,039		)	342
Change in net actuarial pension loss	116			80
Total	$	51,604		$	74,355

Reclassifications From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Into Income, By Component

The following table presents the details of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income, by component.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2015			2014
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities:
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	$	(5,092	)	$	—
Net realized investment gains, excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses	17,241			8,098
Total before taxes	12,149			8,098
Income taxes	(3,096		)	(2,154		)
Reclassification of unrealized holding gains, net of taxes	$	9,053		$	5,944
Net actuarial pension loss:
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	$	(579	)	$	(399	)
Income taxes	116			80
Reclassification of net actuarial pension loss, net of taxes	$	(463	)	$	(319	)

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Basis Of Presentation

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [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. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Markel Ventures, Inc. (Markel Ventures), 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 March 31, 2015 and the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income, changes in equity and cash flows for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 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, 2014 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 its subsidiaries (the Company). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company consolidates the results of its Markel Ventures 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 2014 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete description of the Company's business and accounting policies.

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	$ 9,371,731	$ 9,929,137
Equity securities, cost	2,096,586	1,951,658
Senior long-term debt and other debt, estimated fair value	$ 2,525,000	$ 2,493,000

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Contingencies

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Loss Contingency [Abstract]

Contingencies

Contingencies

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.

XML

Document And Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Apr. 29, 2015
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
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		13,945,734

XML

Investments (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Available-For-Sale Investments

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

	March 31, 2015
(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	$	612,368	$	17,212	$	(764	)	$	—		$	628,816
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	3,956,064		251,023		(2,661		)	—			4,204,426
Foreign governments	1,336,176		213,901		(191		)	—			1,549,886
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	408,016		8,861		(1,255		)	—			415,622
Residential mortgage-backed securities	920,185		44,219		(1,774		)	(2,258		)	960,372
Asset-backed securities	77,341		73		(295		)	—			77,119
Corporate bonds	2,061,581		78,801		(3,198		)	(1,611		)	2,135,573
Total fixed maturities	9,371,731		614,090		(10,138		)	(3,869		)	9,971,814
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	588,140		798,628		(1,740		)	—			1,385,028
Industrial, consumer and all other	1,508,446		1,458,816		(11,441		)	—			2,955,821
Total equity securities	2,096,586		2,257,444		(13,181		)	—			4,340,849
Short-term investments	1,731,862		13		(3		)	—			1,731,872
Investments, available-for-sale	$	13,200,179	$	2,871,547	$	(23,322	)	$	(3,869	)	$	16,044,535

	December 31, 2014
(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	$	662,462	$	12,963	$	(2,163	)	$	—		$	673,262
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	4,075,748		245,158		(3,359		)	—			4,317,547
Foreign governments	1,458,255		154,707		(1,041		)	—			1,611,921
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	427,904		5,325		(2,602		)	—			430,627
Residential mortgage-backed securities	954,263		34,324		(3,482		)	(2,258		)	982,847
Asset-backed securities	100,073		99		(682		)	—			99,490
Corporate bonds	2,250,432		69,016		(10,441		)	(1,819		)	2,307,188
Total fixed maturities	9,929,137		521,592		(23,770		)	(4,077		)	10,422,882
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	523,739		789,717		(1,531		)	—			1,311,925
Industrial, consumer and all other	1,427,919		1,403,566		(5,834		)	—			2,825,651
Total equity securities	1,951,658		2,193,283		(7,365		)	—			4,137,576
Short-term investments	1,594,819		36		(6		)	—			1,594,849
Investments, available-for-sale	$	13,475,614	$	2,714,911	$	(31,141	)	$	(4,077	)	$	16,155,307

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

	December 31, 2014
	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	$	108,250	$	(62	)	$	163,359	$	(2,101	)	$	271,609	$	(2,163	)
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	58,583		(542		)	92,441		(2,817		)	151,024		(3,359		)
Foreign governments	18,856		(386		)	56,217		(655		)	75,073		(1,041		)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	45,931		(210		)	147,558		(2,392		)	193,489		(2,602		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	9,613		(2,285		)	207,374		(3,455		)	216,987		(5,740		)
Asset-backed securities	30,448		(20		)	45,160		(662		)	75,608		(682		)
Corporate bonds	141,176		(2,263		)	621,821		(9,997		)	762,997		(12,260		)
Total fixed maturities	412,857		(5,768		)	1,333,930		(22,079		)	1,746,787		(27,847		)
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	16,219		(1,531		)	—		—			16,219		(1,531		)
Industrial, consumer and all other	86,062		(5,834		)	—		—			86,062		(5,834		)
Total equity securities	102,281		(7,365		)	—		—			102,281		(7,365		)
Short-term investments	181,964		(6		)	—		—			181,964		(6		)
Total	$	697,102	$	(13,139	)	$	1,333,930	$	(22,079	)	$	2,031,032	$	(35,218	)

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

	March 31, 2015
	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	$	5,716	$	(3	)	$	125,651	$	(761	)	$	131,367	$	(764	)
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	95,257		(547		)	61,394		(2,114		)	156,651		(2,661		)
Foreign governments	16,965		(68		)	44,204		(123		)	61,169		(191		)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	51,673		(157		)	107,698		(1,098		)	159,371		(1,255		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	3,726		(2,277		)	167,295		(1,755		)	171,021		(4,032		)
Asset-backed securities	10,147		(17		)	45,378		(278		)	55,525		(295		)
Corporate bonds	74,273		(1,742		)	373,451		(3,067		)	447,724		(4,809		)
Total fixed maturities	257,757		(4,811		)	925,071		(9,196		)	1,182,828		(14,007		)
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	16,810		(1,740		)	—		—			16,810		(1,740		)
Industrial, consumer and all other	158,284		(11,441		)	—		—			158,284		(11,441		)
Total equity securities	175,094		(13,181		)	—		—			175,094		(13,181		)
Short-term investments	440,985		(3		)	—		—			440,985		(3		)
Total	$	873,836	$	(17,995	)	$	925,071	$	(9,196	)	$	1,798,907	$	(27,191	)

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 March 31, 2015 are shown below by contractual maturity.

(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	617,588	$	620,740
Due after one year through five years	1,904,996		1,962,240
Due after five years through ten years	1,925,821		2,054,347
Due after ten years	3,517,784		3,881,374
	7,966,189		8,518,701
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	408,016		415,622
Residential mortgage-backed securities	920,185		960,372
Asset-backed securities	77,341		77,119
Total fixed maturities	$	9,371,731	$	9,971,814

Components Of Net Investment Income

The following table presents the components of net investment income.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2015			2014
Interest:
Municipal bonds (tax-exempt)	$	25,852		$	23,104
Municipal bonds (taxable)	14,100			8,996
Other taxable bonds	35,138			35,744
Short-term investments, including overnight deposits	1,251			1,474
Dividends on equity securities	19,024			16,856
Income from equity method investments	1,344			3,583
Other	61			1,179
	96,770			90,936
Investment expenses	(3,895		)	(4,221		)
Net investment income	$	92,875		$	86,715

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. 

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2015			2014
Realized gains:
Sales of fixed maturities	$	1,586		$	4,583
Sales of equity securities	15,957			12,145
Other	1,307			9,955
Total realized gains	18,850			26,683
Realized losses:
Sales of fixed maturities	(142		)	(8,484		)
Sales of equity securities	(160		)	(146		)
Other-than-temporary impairments	(5,092		)	—
Other	(7,885		)	(659		)
Total realized losses	(13,279		)	(9,289		)
Net realized investment gains	$	5,571		$	17,394
Change in net unrealized gains on investments:
Fixed maturities	$	106,338		$	148,811
Equity securities	58,345			66,453
Short-term investments	(20		)	1
Net increase	$	164,663		$	215,265

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Consolidated Statements Of Income And Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
OPERATING REVENUES
Earned premiums	$ 943,650	$ 949,375
Net investment income	92,875	86,715
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	(5,092)	0
Net realized investment gains, excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses	10,663	17,394
Net realized investment gains	5,571	17,394
Other revenues	260,058	186,171
Total Operating Revenues	1,302,154	1,239,655
OPERATING EXPENSES
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	446,995	542,303
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	340,685	355,505
Amortization of intangible assets	14,640	13,999
Other expenses	231,001	182,168
Total Operating Expenses	1,033,321	1,093,975
Operating Income	268,833	145,680
Interest expense	29,312	29,699
Income Before Income Taxes	239,521	115,981
Income tax expense	45,515	28,480
Net Income	194,006	87,501
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	3,014	(215)
Net Income to Shareholders	190,992	87,716
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
Net holding gains arising during the period	121,022	147,296
Change in unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities arising during the period	167	(20)
Reclassification adjustments for net gains included in net income	(9,053)	(5,944)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes	112,136	141,332
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes	(21,814)	913
Change in net actuarial pension loss, net of taxes	463	319
Total Other Comprehensive Income	90,785	142,564
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	284,791	230,065
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	2,984	(208)
Comprehensive Income to Shareholders	$ 281,807	$ 230,273
NET INCOME PER SHARE
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 13.57	$ 6.28
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 13.49	$ 6.25

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Other Revenues And Other Expenses

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Other Revenues And Other Expenses

Other Revenues and Other Expenses

The following table summarizes the components of other revenues and other expenses.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015					2014
(dollars in thousands)	Other Revenues			Other Expenses		Other Revenues		Other Expenses
Insurance:
Managing general agent operations	$	5,870		$	2,309	$	9,178	$	4,881
Life and annuity	(23		)	7,349		43		8,615
Other	1,342			—		2,416		361
	7,189			9,658		11,637		13,857
Non-Insurance:
Markel Ventures: Manufacturing	177,762			151,800		100,611		95,889
Markel Ventures: Non-Manufacturing	67,681			63,830		70,595		65,511
Other	7,426			5,713		3,328		6,911
	252,869			221,343		174,534		168,311
Total	$	260,058		$	231,001	$	186,171	$	182,168

The Company's Markel Ventures operations primarily consist of controlling interests in various industrial and service businesses and are viewed by management as separate and distinct from the Company's insurance operations. While each of the companies is operated independently from one another, management aggregates financial results into two industry groups: manufacturing and non-manufacturing.

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Segment Reporting Disclosures

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

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

Segment Reporting Disclosures

Segment Reporting Disclosures

The Company monitors and reports its ongoing underwriting operations in the following three segments: U.S. Insurance, International Insurance and Reinsurance. In determining how to aggregate and monitor its underwriting results, the Company considers many factors, including the geographic location and regulatory environment of the insurance entity underwriting the risk, the nature of the insurance product sold, the type of account written and the type of customer served. The U.S. Insurance segment includes all direct business and facultative placements written by the Company's insurance subsidiaries domiciled in the United States. The International Insurance segment includes all direct business and facultative placements written by the Company's insurance subsidiaries domiciled outside of the United States, including the Company's syndicate at Lloyd's of London. The Reinsurance segment includes all treaty reinsurance written across the Company. Results for lines of business discontinued prior to, or in conjunction with, acquisitions, including the results attributable to the run-off of life and annuity reinsurance business, are reported in the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment. All investing activities related to the Company's insurance operations are included in the Investing segment.

The Company's non-insurance operations include the Company's Markel Ventures operations, which primarily consist of controlling interests in various industrial and service businesses. The Company's non-insurance operations also include the results of the Company's legal and professional consulting services. For purposes of segment reporting, the Company's non-insurance operations are not considered to be a reportable segment.

Segment profit for the Investing segment is measured by net investment income and net realized investment gains or losses. Segment profit or loss for each of the Company's underwriting 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 or loss for the Company's underwriting segments also includes other revenues and other expenses, primarily related to the run-off of managing general agent operations that were discontinued in conjunction with acquisitions. Other revenues and other expenses in the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment are comprised of the results attributable to the run-off of life and annuity reinsurance business.

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 and investing assets are not allocated to the U.S. Insurance, International Insurance, Reinsurance or Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segments since the Company does not manage its assets by underwriting segment. The Company does not allocate capital expenditures for long-lived assets to any of its underwriting segments for management reporting purposes.

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

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Insurance			International Insurance			Reinsurance			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	585,365		$	289,227		$	377,837		$	44			$	—	$	1,252,473
Net written premiums	496,169			222,708			316,212			341				—		1,035,430
Earned premiums	514,554			205,961			222,754			381				—		943,650
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(316,757		)	(148,844		)	(148,740		)	—				—		(614,341		)
Prior accident years	67,581			76,650			26,387			(3,272		)		—		167,346
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(185,260		)	(78,794		)	(76,553		)	(78		)		—		(340,685		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	80,118			54,973			23,848			(2,969		)		—		155,970
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				92,875		92,875
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				5,571		5,571
Other revenues (insurance)	1,402			5,387			423			(23		)		—		7,189
Other expenses (insurance)	(905		)	(1,404		)	—			(7,349		)		—		(9,658		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	80,615		$	58,956		$	24,271		$	(10,341	)		$	98,446	$	251,947
Other revenues (non-insurance)																252,869
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(221,343		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(14,640		)
Interest expense																(29,312		)
Income before income taxes																$	239,521
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (1)	84		%	73		%	89		%	NM			(2)			83		%

⁽¹⁾  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.

⁽²⁾  NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Insurance			International Insurance			Reinsurance			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	575,233		$	294,236		$	489,961		$	327			$	—	$	1,359,757
Net written premiums	474,054			229,120			435,997			140				—		1,139,311
Earned premiums	483,735			222,147			243,315			178				—		949,375
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(312,413		)	(163,379		)	(173,900		)	—				—		(649,692		)
Prior accident years	43,554			42,297			28,200			(6,662		)		—		107,389
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(193,529		)	(80,009		)	(81,972		)	5				—		(355,505		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	21,347			21,056			15,643			(6,479		)		—		51,567
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				86,715		86,715
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				17,394		17,394
Other revenues (insurance)	2,110			7,348			2,136			43				—		11,637
Other expenses (insurance)	(1,647		)	(3,595		)	—			(8,615		)		—		(13,857		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	21,810		$	24,809		$	17,779		$	(15,051	)		$	104,109	$	153,456
Other revenues (non-insurance)																174,534
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(168,311		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(13,999		)
Interest expense																(29,699		)
Income before income taxes																$	115,981
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (1)	96		%	91		%	94		%	NM			(2)			95		%

⁽¹⁾  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.

⁽²⁾  NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

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

(dollars in thousands)	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
Segment assets:
Investing	$	18,450,247	$	18,531,150
Underwriting	5,584,980		5,422,445
Total segment assets	24,035,227		23,953,595
Non-insurance operations	1,218,162		1,246,762
Total assets	$	25,253,389	$	25,200,357

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Net Income Per Share (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule Of Net Income Per Share

Net income per share was determined by dividing adjusted net income to shareholders by the applicable weighted average shares outstanding.Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing adjusted net income to shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2015			2014
Net income to shareholders	$	190,992		$	87,716
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(1,347		)	117
Adjusted net income to shareholders	$	189,645		$	87,833
Basic common shares outstanding	13,972			13,995
Dilutive potential common shares from conversion of options	10			11
Dilutive potential common shares from conversion of restricted stock	81			52
Diluted shares outstanding	14,063			14,058
Basic net income per share	$	13.57		$	6.28
Diluted net income per share	$	13.49		$	6.25

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

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.

	March 31, 2015
(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	$	—	$	628,816	$	—	$	628,816
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		4,204,426		—		4,204,426
Foreign governments	—		1,549,886		—		1,549,886
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		415,622		—		415,622
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		960,372		—		960,372
Asset-backed securities	—		77,119		—		77,119
Corporate bonds	—		2,135,573		—		2,135,573
Total fixed maturities	—		9,971,814		—		9,971,814
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	1,385,028		—		—		1,385,028
Industrial, consumer and all other	2,955,821		—		—		2,955,821
Total equity securities	4,340,849		—		—		4,340,849
Short-term investments	1,618,657		113,215		—		1,731,872
Total investments available-for-sale	$	5,959,506	$	10,085,029	$	—	$	16,044,535

	December 31, 2014
(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	$	—	$	673,262	$	—	$	673,262
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		4,317,547		—		4,317,547
Foreign governments	—		1,611,921		—		1,611,921
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		430,627		—		430,627
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		982,847		—		982,847
Asset-backed securities	—		99,490		—		99,490
Corporate bonds	—		2,307,188		—		2,307,188
Total fixed maturities	—		10,422,882		—		10,422,882
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	1,311,925		—		—		1,311,925
Industrial, consumer and all other	2,825,651		—		—		2,825,651
Total equity securities	4,137,576		—		—		4,137,576
Short-term investments	1,469,975		124,874		—		1,594,849
Total investments available-for-sale	$	5,607,551	$	10,547,756	$	—	$	16,155,307

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Net Income Per Share

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

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.Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing adjusted net income to shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2015			2014
Net income to shareholders	$	190,992		$	87,716
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(1,347		)	117
Adjusted net income to shareholders	$	189,645		$	87,833
Basic common shares outstanding	13,972			13,995
Dilutive potential common shares from conversion of options	10			11
Dilutive potential common shares from conversion of restricted stock	81			52
Diluted shares outstanding	14,063			14,058
Basic net income per share	$	13.57		$	6.28
Diluted net income per share	$	13.49		$	6.25

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Reinsurance

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]

Reinsurance

Reinsurance

The following table summarizes the effect of reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance on premiums written and earned.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015						2014
(dollars in thousands)	Written			Earned			Written			Earned
Direct	$	801,580		$	844,570		$	795,311		$	828,292
Assumed	450,893			312,835			564,446			347,699
Ceded	(217,043		)	(213,755		)	(220,446		)	(226,616		)
Net premiums	$	1,035,430		$	943,650		$	1,139,311		$	949,375

The percentage of ceded earned premiums to gross earned premiums was 18% and 19%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014. The percentage of assumed earned premiums to net earned premiums was 33% and 37%, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses were net of reinsurance recoverables (ceded incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses) of $88.8 million and $97.6 million, respectively, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

On March 9, 2015, the Company completed a retrospective reinsurance transaction to cede a portfolio of policies comprised of liabilities arising from asbestos and environmental exposures that originated before 1992 in exchange for payments totaling $89.0 million, which included cash paid at closing of $69.9 million. At the time of the transaction, reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses on the policies ceded totaled $94.1 million, resulting in a deferred gain of $5.1 million which will be recognized in earnings in future periods in proportion to actual reinsurance recoveries received pursuant to the transaction. The ceded reserves represented approximately 35% of our net asbestos and environmental reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses as of December 31, 2014.

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Income Taxes

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The estimated annual effective tax rate was 19% and 25% for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. For the three months ended March 31, 2015, the estimated annual effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of tax-exempt investment income and foreign tax credits for foreign taxes paid. In previous periods, foreign taxes paid were not available for use as tax credits against the Company's U.S. provision for income taxes. Based on the Company's estimated earnings from foreign operations in 2015, the Company expects that significant foreign taxes paid, both in the current period and prior periods, will be available for use as credits against its U.S. provision for income taxes in 2015. For the three months ended March 31, 2014, the estimated annual effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of tax-exempt investment income. The decrease in the estimated annual effective tax rate in 2015 compared to 2014 was primarily due to the impact of the foreign tax credits described above.

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Other Comprehensive Income

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]

Other Comprehensive Income

Other Comprehensive Income

Other comprehensive income includes net holding gains arising during the period, changes in unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities arising during the period and reclassification adjustments for net gains included in net income. Other comprehensive income also includes changes in foreign currency translation adjustments and changes in net actuarial pension loss.

The following table presents the change in accumulated other comprehensive income by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interests, for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

(dollars in thousands)	Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities			Foreign Currency			Net Actuarial Pension Loss			Total
December 31, 2013	$	1,131,507		$	(11,246	)	$	(30,456	)	$	1,089,805
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	147,276			906			—			148,182
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(5,944		)	—			319			(5,625		)
Total other comprehensive income	141,332			906			319			142,557
March 31, 2014	$	1,272,839		$	(10,340	)	$	(30,137	)	$	1,232,362
December 31, 2014	$	1,793,254		$	(43,491	)	$	(45,206	)	$	1,704,557
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	121,189			(21,784		)	—			99,405
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(9,053		)	—			463			(8,590		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	112,136			(21,784		)	463			90,815
March 31, 2015	$	1,905,390		$	(65,275	)	$	(44,743	)	$	1,795,372

The following table summarizes the tax expense (benefit) associated with each component of other comprehensive income.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2015			2014
Change in net unrealized gains on investments:
Net holding gains arising during the period	$	55,582		$	75,523
Change in unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities arising during the period	41			564
Reclassification adjustments for net gains included in net income	(3,096		)	(2,154		)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	52,527			73,933
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,039		)	342
Change in net actuarial pension loss	116			80
Total	$	51,604		$	74,355

The following table presents the details of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income, by component.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
(dollars in thousands)	2015			2014
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities:
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	$	(5,092	)	$	—
Net realized investment gains, excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses	17,241			8,098
Total before taxes	12,149			8,098
Income taxes	(3,096		)	(2,154		)
Reclassification of unrealized holding gains, net of taxes	$	9,053		$	5,944
Net actuarial pension loss:
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	$	(579	)	$	(399	)
Income taxes	116			80
Reclassification of net actuarial pension loss, net of taxes	$	(463	)	$	(319	)

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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	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 25,253,389	$ 25,200,357
Non-Insurance Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,218,162	1,246,762
Segment Assets [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	24,035,227	23,953,595
Segment Assets [Member] | Investing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	18,450,247	18,531,150
Segment Assets [Member] | Underwriting [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 5,584,980	$ 5,422,445

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Other Revenues And Other Expenses (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Summary Of Other Revenues And Other Expenses By Component

The following table summarizes the components of other revenues and other expenses.

	Three Months Ended March 31,
	2015					2014
(dollars in thousands)	Other Revenues			Other Expenses		Other Revenues		Other Expenses
Insurance:
Managing general agent operations	$	5,870		$	2,309	$	9,178	$	4,881
Life and annuity	(23		)	7,349		43		8,615
Other	1,342			—		2,416		361
	7,189			9,658		11,637		13,857
Non-Insurance:
Markel Ventures: Manufacturing	177,762			151,800		100,611		95,889
Markel Ventures: Non-Manufacturing	67,681			63,830		70,595		65,511
Other	7,426			5,713		3,328		6,911
	252,869			221,343		174,534		168,311
Total	$	260,058		$	231,001	$	186,171	$	182,168

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Investments (Available-For-Sale Investments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	$ 13,200,179	$ 13,475,614
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	2,871,547	2,714,911
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(23,322)	(31,141)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	(3,869)	(4,077)
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	16,044,535	16,155,307
U.S. Treasury Securities And Obligations Of U.S. Government Agencies [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	612,368	662,462
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	17,212	12,963
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(764)	(2,163)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	628,816	673,262
Obligations Of States, Municipalities And Political Subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	3,956,064	4,075,748
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	251,023	245,158
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(2,661)	(3,359)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	4,204,426	4,317,547
Foreign Governments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	1,336,176	1,458,255
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	213,901	154,707
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(191)	(1,041)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	1,549,886	1,611,921
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	408,016	427,904
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	8,861	5,325
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(1,255)	(2,602)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	415,622	430,627
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	920,185	954,263
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	44,219	34,324
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(1,774)	(3,482)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	(2,258)	(2,258)
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	960,372	982,847
Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	77,341	100,073
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	73	99
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(295)	(682)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	77,119	99,490
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	2,061,581	2,250,432
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	78,801	69,016
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(3,198)	(10,441)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	(1,611)	(1,819)
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	2,135,573	2,307,188
Total Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	9,371,731	9,929,137
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	614,090	521,592
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(10,138)	(23,770)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	(3,869)	(4,077)
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	9,971,814	10,422,882
Insurance, Banks And Other Financial Institutions [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	588,140	523,739
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	798,628	789,717
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(1,740)	(1,531)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	1,385,028	1,311,925
Industrial, Consumer And All Other [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	1,508,446	1,427,919
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	1,458,816	1,403,566
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(11,441)	(5,834)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	2,955,821	2,825,651
Total Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	2,096,586	1,951,658
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	2,257,444	2,193,283
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(13,181)	(7,365)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	4,340,849	4,137,576
Short-Term Investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	1,731,862	1,594,819
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	13	36
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(3)	(6)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	$ 1,731,872	$ 1,594,849

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Other Comprehensive Income (Summary Of Tax Expense (Benefit) Of Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Net holding gains arising during the period	$ 55,582	$ 75,523
Change in unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities arising during the period	41	564
Reclassification adjustments for net gains included in net income	(3,096)	(2,154)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	52,527	73,933
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments	(1,039)	342
Change in net actuarial pension loss	116	80
Total	$ 51,604	$ 74,355

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Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Equity (USD $) In Thousands	Total	Total Equity [Member]	Total Shareholders' Equity [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Balance, redeemable noncontrolling interests at Dec. 31, 2013								$ 72,183
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013		6,678,010	6,673,577	3,288,863	2,294,909	1,089,805	4,433
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2013				13,986
Net income (loss)	87,501	87,392	87,716		87,716	0	(324)	109
Other comprehensive income (loss)	142,564	142,557	142,557		0	142,557	0	7
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	230,065	229,949	230,273				(324)	116
Issuance of common stock		4,363	4,363	4,363	0	0	0	0
Issuance of common stock, shares				22
Repurchase of common stock		(17,282)	(17,282)	0	(17,282)	0	0	0
Repurchase of common stock, shares				(39)
Restricted stock units expensed		8,421	8,421	8,421	0	0	0	0
Restricted stock units expensed, shares				0
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests		117	117	0	117	0	0	(117)
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests, shares				0
Purchase of noncontrolling interest		647	647	647	0	0	0	(18,405)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest, shares				0
Other		3,961	16	7	9	0	3,945	(862)
Other, shares				0
Balance, redeemable noncontrolling interests at Mar. 31, 2014								52,915
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014		6,908,186	6,900,132	3,302,301	2,365,469	1,232,362	8,054
Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2014				13,969
Balance, redeemable noncontrolling interests at Dec. 31, 2014	61,048							61,048
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	7,602,002	7,602,002	7,594,818	3,308,395	2,581,866	1,704,557	7,184
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014				13,962
Net income (loss)	194,006	191,503	190,992		190,992	0	511	2,503
Other comprehensive income (loss)	90,785	90,815	90,815		0	90,815	0	(30)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	284,791	282,318	281,807				511	2,473
Issuance of common stock		429	429	429	0	0	0	0
Issuance of common stock, shares				5
Repurchase of common stock		(17,548)	(17,548)	0	(17,548)	0	0	0
Repurchase of common stock, shares				(21)
Restricted stock units expensed		10,632	10,632	10,632	0	0	0	0
Restricted stock units expensed, shares				0
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests		(1,347)	(1,347)	0	(1,347)	0	0	1,347
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests, shares				0
Purchase of noncontrolling interest		(903)	(903)	(903)	0	0	0	(8,609)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest, shares				0
Other		1,815	1,770	1,770	0	0	45	(1,151)
Other, shares				0
Balance, redeemable noncontrolling interests at Mar. 31, 2015	55,108							55,108
Balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$ 7,877,398	$ 7,877,398	$ 7,869,658	$ 3,320,323	$ 2,753,963	$ 1,795,372	$ 7,740
Balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2015				13,946

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Fair Value Measurements

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

FASB 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, commercial mortgage-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities, asset-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 commercial mortgage-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities include the type of underlying assets, 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.

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.

	March 31, 2015
(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	$	—	$	628,816	$	—	$	628,816
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		4,204,426		—		4,204,426
Foreign governments	—		1,549,886		—		1,549,886
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		415,622		—		415,622
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		960,372		—		960,372
Asset-backed securities	—		77,119		—		77,119
Corporate bonds	—		2,135,573		—		2,135,573
Total fixed maturities	—		9,971,814		—		9,971,814
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	1,385,028		—		—		1,385,028
Industrial, consumer and all other	2,955,821		—		—		2,955,821
Total equity securities	4,340,849		—		—		4,340,849
Short-term investments	1,618,657		113,215		—		1,731,872
Total investments available-for-sale	$	5,959,506	$	10,085,029	$	—	$	16,044,535

	December 31, 2014
(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	$	—	$	673,262	$	—	$	673,262
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		4,317,547		—		4,317,547
Foreign governments	—		1,611,921		—		1,611,921
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		430,627		—		430,627
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		982,847		—		982,847
Asset-backed securities	—		99,490		—		99,490
Corporate bonds	—		2,307,188		—		2,307,188
Total fixed maturities	—		10,422,882		—		10,422,882
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	1,311,925		—		—		1,311,925
Industrial, consumer and all other	2,825,651		—		—		2,825,651
Total equity securities	4,137,576		—		—		4,137,576
Short-term investments	1,469,975		124,874		—		1,594,849
Total investments available-for-sale	$	5,607,551	$	10,547,756	$	—	$	16,155,307

There were no transfers into or out of Level 1 and Level 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

The Company did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014.

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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	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	$ 873,836	$ 697,102
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(17,995)	(13,139)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	925,071	1,333,930
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(9,196)	(22,079)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	1,798,907	2,031,032
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(27,191)	(35,218)
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	5,716	108,250
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(3)	(62)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	125,651	163,359
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(761)	(2,101)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	131,367	271,609
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(764)	(2,163)
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	95,257	58,583
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(547)	(542)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	61,394	92,441
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(2,114)	(2,817)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	156,651	151,024
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(2,661)	(3,359)
Foreign Governments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	16,965	18,856
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(68)	(386)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	44,204	56,217
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(123)	(655)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	61,169	75,073
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(191)	(1,041)
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	51,673	45,931
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(157)	(210)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	107,698	147,558
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(1,098)	(2,392)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	159,371	193,489
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(1,255)	(2,602)
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	3,726	9,613
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(2,277)	(2,285)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	167,295	207,374
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(1,755)	(3,455)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	171,021	216,987
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(4,032)	(5,740)
Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	10,147	30,448
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(17)	(20)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	45,378	45,160
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(278)	(662)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	55,525	75,608
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(295)	(682)
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	74,273	141,176
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(1,742)	(2,263)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	373,451	621,821
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(3,067)	(9,997)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	447,724	762,997
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(4,809)	(12,260)
Total Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	257,757	412,857
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(4,811)	(5,768)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	925,071	1,333,930
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(9,196)	(22,079)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	1,182,828	1,746,787
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(14,007)	(27,847)
Insurance, Banks And Other Financial Institutions [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	16,810	16,219
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(1,740)	(1,531)
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	16,810	16,219
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(1,740)	(1,531)
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	158,284	86,062
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(11,441)	(5,834)
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	158,284	86,062
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(11,441)	(5,834)
Total Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	175,094	102,281
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(13,181)	(7,365)
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	175,094	102,281
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(13,181)	(7,365)
Short-Term Investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	440,985	181,964
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(3)	(6)
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	440,985	181,964
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	$ (3)	$ (6)

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Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	19.00%	25.00%
U.S. statutory tax rate	35.00%	35.00%

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Segment Reporting Disclosures (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2015

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

Company's Segment Disclosures

The following tables summarize the Company's segment disclosures.

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2015
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Insurance			International Insurance			Reinsurance			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	585,365		$	289,227		$	377,837		$	44			$	—	$	1,252,473
Net written premiums	496,169			222,708			316,212			341				—		1,035,430
Earned premiums	514,554			205,961			222,754			381				—		943,650
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(316,757		)	(148,844		)	(148,740		)	—				—		(614,341		)
Prior accident years	67,581			76,650			26,387			(3,272		)		—		167,346
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(185,260		)	(78,794		)	(76,553		)	(78		)		—		(340,685		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	80,118			54,973			23,848			(2,969		)		—		155,970
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				92,875		92,875
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				5,571		5,571
Other revenues (insurance)	1,402			5,387			423			(23		)		—		7,189
Other expenses (insurance)	(905		)	(1,404		)	—			(7,349		)		—		(9,658		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	80,615		$	58,956		$	24,271		$	(10,341	)		$	98,446	$	251,947
Other revenues (non-insurance)																252,869
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(221,343		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(14,640		)
Interest expense																(29,312		)
Income before income taxes																$	239,521
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (1)	84		%	73		%	89		%	NM			(2)			83		%

⁽¹⁾  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.

⁽²⁾  NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

	Three Months Ended March 31, 2014
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Insurance			International Insurance			Reinsurance			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	575,233		$	294,236		$	489,961		$	327			$	—	$	1,359,757
Net written premiums	474,054			229,120			435,997			140				—		1,139,311
Earned premiums	483,735			222,147			243,315			178				—		949,375
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(312,413		)	(163,379		)	(173,900		)	—				—		(649,692		)
Prior accident years	43,554			42,297			28,200			(6,662		)		—		107,389
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(193,529		)	(80,009		)	(81,972		)	5				—		(355,505		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	21,347			21,056			15,643			(6,479		)		—		51,567
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				86,715		86,715
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				17,394		17,394
Other revenues (insurance)	2,110			7,348			2,136			43				—		11,637
Other expenses (insurance)	(1,647		)	(3,595		)	—			(8,615		)		—		(13,857		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	21,810		$	24,809		$	17,779		$	(15,051	)		$	104,109	$	153,456
Other revenues (non-insurance)																174,534
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(168,311		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(13,999		)
Interest expense																(29,699		)
Income before income taxes																$	115,981
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (1)	96		%	91		%	94		%	NM			(2)			95		%

⁽¹⁾  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.

⁽²⁾  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)	March 31, 2015		December 31, 2014
Segment assets:
Investing	$	18,450,247	$	18,531,150
Underwriting	5,584,980		5,422,445
Total segment assets	24,035,227		23,953,595
Non-insurance operations	1,218,162		1,246,762
Total assets	$	25,253,389	$	25,200,357