Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Cash flows from operating activities
Net earnings	$ 231,913	$ 308,567
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	74,753	86,493
Net realized capital (gains) losses	(89,905)	(129,311)
Other than temporary impairment losses	26,487	59,598
(Increase) decrease in reinsurance recoverables, net of reinsurance payable	53,007	(28,472)
(Increase) decrease in premium balances receivable	(121,075)	(159,195)
(Increase) decrease in ceded unearned premiums	(12,470)	(14,702)
(Increase) decrease in deferred acquisition costs	(46,276)	(32,215)
(Increase) decrease in funds held under reinsurance agreements	(244,868)	41,428
Increase (decrease) in unearned premiums	188,427	145,139
Increase (decrease) in loss and loss adjustment expenses	244,552	(133,655)
Change in unrealized foreign exchange losses (gains)	91,281	106,318
Other, net	(74,203)	78,977
Net adjustments	89,710	20,403
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	321,623	328,970
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchases of debt securities	(3,578,694)	(4,145,599)
Purchases of equity securities	(999,284)	(2,461,698)
Sales of debt securities	3,263,695	3,100,866
Maturities and redemptions of debt securities	588,638	794,611
Sales of equity securities	1,125,114	2,155,293
Net (purchase) sale in short-term investments	(286,695)	109,187
Purchases of property and equipment	(9,043)	(13,355)
Purchase of subsidiary, net of cash acquired	(122,365)	(47,469)
Other, net	(213,160)	273,495
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(231,794)	(234,669)
Cash flows from financing activities
Treasury stock acquisitions	(53,288)	(40,546)
Other, net	(6,699)	259
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(59,987)	(40,287)
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	5,710	(11,372)
Net increase (decrease) in cash	35,552	42,642
Cash at beginning of period	475,267	605,259
Cash at end of period	510,819	647,901
Cash paid during period for:
Interest paid	40,307	51,283
Income taxes paid (refund received)	$ 15,197	$ 31,036