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Fair Value Option
6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Fair Value Option  
Fair Value Option

4. Fair Value Option

Gains and losses due to changes in fair value for items measured at fair value pursuant to application of the fair value option are included in net realized investment gains (losses) in the Company's consolidated statements of operations, while interest and dividend income on the investment holdings are recognized on an accrual basis on each measurement date and are included in net investment income in the Company's consolidated statements of operations. The primary reasons for electing the fair value option were simplification and cost-benefit considerations as well as expansion of use of fair value measurement consistent with the long-term measurement objectives of the FASB for accounting for financial instruments.

The following table presents gains (losses) due to changes in fair value for items measured at fair value pursuant to application of the fair value option:

 

     Three Months Ended June 30,     Six Months Ended June 30,  
     2011     2010     2011     2010  
     (Amounts in thousands)  

Fixed maturity securities

   $ 33,879      $ 14,350      $ 24,309      $ 27,617   

Equity securities

     (13,237     (44,241     17,151        (38,516

Short-term investments

     (45     (646     (26     (699
  

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ 20,597      $ (30,537   $ 41,434      $ (11,598