Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Cash flows from operating activities
Net earnings	$ 794,856	$ 105,580
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	358,606	19,899
Net realized capital (gains) losses	(119,829)	(63,888)
Other than temporary impairment losses	2,907	2,756
(Increase) decrease in reinsurance recoverables, net of reinsurance payable	80,965	19,114
(Increase) decrease in premium balances receivable	147,158	(6,064)
(Increase) decrease in ceded unearned premiums	(21,835)	(7,829)
(Increase) decrease in deferred acquisition costs	(215,067)	(4,659)
Increase (decrease) in unearned premiums	99,104	53,716
Increase (decrease) in loss and loss adjustment expenses	(32,443)	(575)
Change in unrealized foreign exchange (losses) gains	(50,523)
Gain on bargain purchase	(494,940)
Other, net	(114,621)	(10,888)
Net adjustments	(360,518)	1,582
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	434,338	107,162
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of debt securities	(2,848,504)	(571,365)
Purchases of equity securities	(1,085,187)	(589,868)
Sales of debt securities	1,258,361	261,668
Maturities and redemptions of debt securities	1,097,258	263,932
Sales of equity securities	677,359	535,630
Net (purchase) sale in short-term investments	998,304	88,202
Purchases of property and equipment	(3,731)	(5,274)
Purchase of subsidiary, net of cash acquired	(477,075)
Other, net	39,388	(827)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(343,827)	(17,902)
Cash flows from financing activities
Proceeds from issuance of Senior Notes	399,592
Debt issue costs paid	(3,600)
Treasury stock acquisitions		(76,410)
Tax benefit on stock based compensation	295	645
Other, net	374	243
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	396,661	(75,522)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(608)
Net increase (decrease) in cash	486,564	13,738
Cash at beginning of period	84,749	76,741
Cash at end of period	571,313	90,479
Cash paid during the period for:
Interest paid	50,051	16,641
Income taxes paid (refunds received)	$ 150,191	$ 34,362