Reinsurance (Details 1) (USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Components of reinsurance recoverables
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	$ 55,778	$ 75,262
Reinsurance recoverable on outstanding losses	475,671	452,882
Reinsurance recoverable on incurred but not reported losses	542,049	481,204
Reserve for uncollectible reinsurance	(2,232)	(2,493)	(2,945)	(2,945)
Total reinsurance recoverables	$ 1,071,266	$ 1,006,855

The sum for all reinsurance arrangements of the known and estimated amount recoverable as of the balance sheet date from a given reinsurer for claims paid or incurred by the ceding insurer and associated claims settlement expenses for each reinsurance arrangement (or, the sum of all cases determined individually, probably applying different assumptions to each arrangement).

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 310

-Section 45

-Paragraph 5

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6485522&loc=d3e21409-158489

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

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 210

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-03.6)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879938&loc=d3e572229-122910

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

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 7

-Section 03

-Paragraph 6

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 113

-Paragraph 14

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.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 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 310

-Section 45

-Paragraph 6

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6485522&loc=d3e21412-158489

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Data Type:	xbrli:monetaryItemType
Balance Type:	debit
Period Type:	instant