Summary of Written Premium (Detail) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct									$ 929,778	$ 916,817	$ 966,251
Assumed									178,438	70,384	78,667
Ceded									(354,418)	(333,263)	(343,663)
Net	$ 202,002	$ 175,357	$ 183,363	$ 193,076	$ 141,809	$ 157,807	$ 165,005	$ 189,317	$ 753,798	$ 653,938	$ 701,255

Total consideration paid and payable by direct policyholders for insurance contracts sold by the Entity during the period. This amount does not include premium assumed from or ceded to other insurers.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 17

-Article 12

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 113

-Paragraph 27

-Subparagraph a, b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 605

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b),(c)(1)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6486672&loc=d3e27261-158547

Name:	us-gaap_DirectPremiumsWritten
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	credit
Period Type:	duration