XML 36 R10.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT v2.3.0.15
Fair Value Option
9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2011
Fair Value Option [Abstract] 
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 (losses) gains 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 of investments that are measured at fair value pursuant to application of the fair value option:

 

     Three Months Ended September 30,      Nine Months Ended September 30,  
     2011     2010      2011     2010  
     (Amounts in thousands)  

Fixed maturity securities

   $ 25,525      $ 46,316       $ 49,834      $ 73,933   

Equity securities

     (87,009     40,720         (69,858     2,204   

Short-term investments

     (2,828     611         (2,854     (88
  

 

 

   

 

 

    

 

 

   

 

 

 

Total

   $ (64,312   $ 87,647       $ (22,878   $ 76,049