Loss and Loss Expense Reserves (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

Loss and Loss Expense Reserves [Abstract]

Summary of activity in reserves for losses and loss expenses

Activity in the reserves for losses and loss expenses is summarized as follows. All amounts are shown net of reinsurance, unless otherwise indicated.

		2012		2011		2010
Reserves at the beginning of the year		$ 290,092		$ 218,629		$ 203,253
Provision for losses and loss expenses:
Claims occurring during the current year		147,963		225,251		154,775
Claims occurring during prior years		(9,875)		(9,696)		(8,823)
Total incurred		138,088		215,555		145,952
Loss and loss expense payments:
Claims occurring during the current year		44,942		71,699		56,394
Claims occurring during prior years		94,002		72,393		74,182
Total paid		138,944		144,092		130,576
Reserves at the end of the year		289,236		290,092		218,629
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses at the end of the year	166,218		131,464		125,891
Reserves, gross of reinsurance
recoverable, at the end of the year		$ 455,454		$ 421,556		$ 344,520

Major components of developments of claims' (savings) deficiency

The major components of the developments shown above are as follows for the years ended December 31:

	2012			2011			2010
Property and casualty insurance	$	(7,111	)	$	(7,417	)	$	(6,567	)
Reinsurance		(2,764	)		(2,279	)		(2,256	)
Totals	$	(9,875	)	$	(9,696	)	$	(8,823	)