Related-Party Transactions (Premiums And Losses Ceded By The Company To Affiliate) (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
Bermuda Re [Member]
Ceded written premiums	$ 448,656		$ 445,601		$ 1,188,944		$ 1,195,023
Ceded earned premiums	412,390		398,561		1,237,883		1,158,961
Ceded losses and LAE	263,990	[1]	238,405	[1]	732,170	[1]	1,023,482	[1]
Everest International [Member]
Ceded written premiums	361		31		1,055		670
Ceded earned premiums	583		2,448		2,550		16,489
Ceded losses and LAE	832		(1,005)		(744)		5,908
Everest Canada [Member]
Assumed written premiums	4,170				12,813
Assumed earned premiums	3,963				11,329
Assumed losses and LAE	$ 2,378				$ 6,798

[1] Ceded losses and LAE include the Mt. McKinley loss portfolio transfer that constitutes losses ceded under retroactive reinsurance and therefore, in accordance with FASB guidance, a deferred gain on retroactive reinsurance is reflected in other expenses on the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss).