Related-Party Transactions (Premiums And Losses Ceded By The Company To Affiliate) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013		Mar. 31, 2012
Bermuda Re [Member]
Ceded written premiums	$ 477,131		$ 399,068
Ceded earned premiums	454,382		398,032
Ceded losses and LAE	231,531	[1]	256,375	[1]
Everest International [Member]
Ceded written premiums	(135)		255
Ceded earned premiums	61		1,092
Ceded losses and LAE	40		(2,099)
Everest Canada [Member]
Assumed written premiums	2,838		3,167
Assumed earned premiums	3,770		3,852
Assumed losses and LAE	$ 2,226		$ 2,311

[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).