Consolidated Statements Of Operations And Comprehensive Income (Loss) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
REVENUES:
Premiums earned	$ 470,445	$ 448,006
Net investment income	63,787	76,869
Net realized capital gains (losses):
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)
Other net realized capital gains (losses)	(4,050)	309,806
Total net realized capital gains (losses)	(4,050)	309,806
Other income (expense)	(3,055)	(9,661)
Total revenues	527,127	825,020
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses	278,046	268,641
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees	76,094	68,122
Other underwriting expenses	39,251	43,522
Corporate expenses	1,302	1,772
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense	7,436	12,616
Total claims and expenses	402,129	394,673
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES	124,998	430,347
Income tax expense (benefit)	38,532	144,696
NET INCOME (LOSS)	86,466	285,651
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax :
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities arising during the period	20,797	(5,606)
Less: reclassification adjustment for realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)	1,298	(1,358)
Total URA(D) on securities arising during the period	22,095	(6,964)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(7,836)	(7,596)
Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss) for the period
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of net (gain) loss included in net income (loss)	771	1,346
Total benefit plan net gain (loss) for the period	771	1,346
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	15,030	(13,214)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	$ 101,496	$ 272,437