Investments (Fixed Maturities Proceeds)(Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Available For Sale
Proceeds from sales	$ 186,603	$ 10,700	$ 380,099	$ 562,602
Proceeds from maturities/repayments	282,052	146,615	655,857	376,721
Gross investment gains from sales	2,233	7,734	16,266	53,698
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Losses	109	216	133	216
Fixed maturity and equity security impairments
Net writedowns for other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities recognized in earnings	(71)	(559)	(223)	(858)
Writedowns for impairments on equity securities	$ 0	$ 3,500	$ 0	$ 4,250

The cash inflow associated with maturities (principal being due), prepayments and calls (requests of early payments) on securities not classified as either held-to-maturity securities or trading securities which are classified as available-for-sale securities.

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

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Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher OTS

-Name Federal Regulation (FR)

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Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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+ Details

- Definition

The cash inflow associated with the sale of debt securities classified as available-for-sale securities.

+ References

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

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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6871852&loc=d3e26853-111562

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-Publisher FASB

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.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 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.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.

+ Details