Consolidated Statements Of Operations And Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
REVENUES:
Premiums earned	$ 2,143,760	$ 2,113,726	$ 2,006,361
Net investment income	273,253	290,310	$ 296,996
Net realized capital gains (losses):
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities	$ (78,833)	$ (38,912)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)
Realized gain on sale of subsidiary	$ 94,704
Other net realized capital gains (losses)	34,464	$ 245,591	$ 723,149
Total net realized capital gains (losses)	50,335	206,679	723,149
Other income (expense)	29,256	(22,278)	(7,714)
Total revenues	2,496,604	2,588,437	3,018,792
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses	1,319,561	1,354,093	1,272,156
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees	315,069	339,402	293,922
Other underwriting expenses	214,819	192,032	193,499
Corporate expenses	7,179	7,252	8,262
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense	35,434	37,970	45,452
Total claims and expenses	1,892,062	1,930,749	1,813,291
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES	604,542	657,688	1,205,501
Income tax expense (benefit)	191,889	203,562	407,238
NET INCOME (LOSS)	412,653	454,126	798,263
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax :
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities arising during the period	(23,157)	(44,902)	(99,241)
Less: reclassification adjustment for realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)	(817)	27,073	(2,465)
Total URA(D) on securities arising during the period	(23,974)	(17,829)	(101,706)
Foreign currency translation adjustments	(54,578)	(29,210)	(19,128)
Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss) for the period	5,681	(39,110)	17,837
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of net (gain) loss included in net income (loss)	6,216	3,020	5,778
Total benefit plan net gain (loss) for the period	11,897	(36,090)	23,615
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	(66,655)	(83,129)	(97,219)
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	$ 345,998	$ 370,997	$ 701,044