CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Revenues:
Net premiums earned	$ 5,690,130		$ 5,414,061	$ 5,706,840
Net investment income	1,137,769		1,198,038	1,319,823
Realized investment gains (losses):
Net realized gains (losses) on investments sold	(28,187)		(65,670)	(108,979)
Other-than-temporary impairments on investments	(174,102)		(170,643)	(992,202)
Other-than-temporary impairments on investments transferred to (from) other comprehensive income	13,930		(34,490)	179,744
Total net realized (losses) on investments	(188,359)		(270,803)	(921,437)
Net realized and unrealized (losses) on derivative instruments	(10,738)		(33,843)	(33,647)
Income (loss) from investment fund affiliates	26,253		51,102	78,867
Fee income and other	41,748		40,027	43,201
Total revenues	6,696,803		6,398,582	6,193,647
Expenses:
Net losses and loss expenses incurred	4,078,391		3,211,800	3,168,837
Claims and policy benefits	535,074		513,833	677,562
Acquisition costs	826,411		788,258	853,558
Operating expenses	1,082,479		971,105	1,055,823
Exchange (gains) losses	(40,640)		(10,161)	84,813
Interest expense	205,592		213,643	216,504
Loss on termination of guarantee	0		23,500	0
Impairment of goodwill	429,020	[1]	0	0
Amortization of intangible assets	1,438		1,858	1,836
Total expenses	7,117,765		5,713,836	6,058,933
Income (loss) before income tax and income (loss) from operating affiliates	(420,962)		684,746	134,714
Provision for income tax	59,707		162,737	120,307
Income (loss) from operating affiliates	76,786		121,372	60,480
Net income (loss)	(403,883)		643,381	74,887
Non-controlling interests	(70,877)		(39,831)	104
Net income (loss) attributable to XL Group plc	(474,760)		603,550	74,991
Preference share dividends	0		(34,694)	(80,200)
Gain on redemption of Redeemable Series C preference ordinary shares	0		16,616	211,816
Net income (loss) attributable to ordinary shareholders	$ (474,760)		$ 585,472	$ 206,607
Weighted average ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents outstanding – basic (in Shares)	312,896		336,283	340,612
Weighted average ordinary shares and ordinary share equivalents outstanding – diluted (in Shares)	312,896		337,709	340,966
Earnings (loss) per ordinary share and ordinary share equivalent – basic (in Dollars per share)	$ (1.52)		$ 1.74	$ 0.61
Earnings (loss) per ordinary share and ordinary share equivalent – diluted (in Dollars per share)	$ (1.52)		$ 1.73	$ 0.61

[1] Represents goodwill impairment charges recorded in the fourth quarter of 2011, associated with the Company's insurance operations.