Reinsurance (Premiums And Losses Ceded By The Company To Affiliate) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010
Bermuda Re [Member]
Ceded written premiums	$ 1,649,473		$ 1,627,298		$ 1,375,778
Ceded earned premiums	1,701,811		1,565,561		1,282,720
Ceded losses and LAE	1,095,331	[1]	1,226,832	[1]	923,123	[1]
Everest International [Member]
Ceded written premiums	1,828		885		48,128
Ceded earned premiums	3,535		18,238		99,731
Ceded losses and LAE	(2,815)		5,084		93,648
Everest Canada [Member]
Assumed written premiums	17,216		388
Assumed earned premiums	15,455		94
Assumed losses and LAE	$ 9,489		$ 57

[1] (a) 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).