Supplemental Financial Statement Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Supplemental Financial Statement Data [Abstract]

Schedule of Other Operating Cost and Expense, by Component

Other operating costs and expenses consist of the following:

(Dollars in thousands)	2011			2010		2009
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	$	1,034,400		$	917,217	$	903,154
Other underwriting expenses	398,532			397,266		345,309
Service company expenses	75,231			72,372		78,331
Net foreign currency (gains) losses	(1,884		)	2,126		4,213
Other costs and expenses	115,050			107,381		109,831
Total	$	1,621,329		$	1,496,362	$	1,440,838