Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
ASSETS:
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value (amortized cost: 2011, $11,618,929; 2010, $12,011,336)	$ 12,154,232	$ 12,450,469
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value	120,597	180,482
Equity securities - available for sale, at market value (cost: 2011, $457,075; 2010, $363,283)	435,699	363,736
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value	1,138,670	721,449
Short-term investments	834,871	785,279
Other invested assets (cost: 2011, $586,142; 2010, $603,681)	586,142	605,196
Cash	443,706	258,408
Total investments and cash	15,713,917	15,365,019
Accrued investment income	129,805	148,990
Premiums receivable	1,009,653	844,832
Reinsurance receivables	589,320	684,718
Funds held by reinsureds	271,691	379,616
Deferred acquisition costs	362,741	383,769
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	83,954	133,007
Deferred tax asset	198,692	149,101
Federal income taxes recoverable	146,668	147,988
Other assets	229,147	170,931
TOTAL ASSETS	18,735,588	18,407,971
LIABILITIES:
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses	9,979,984	9,340,183
Future policy benefit reserve	61,971	63,002
Unearned premium reserve	1,380,937	1,455,219
Funds held under reinsurance treaties	1,971	99,213
Commission reserves	37,818	45,936
Other net payable to reinsurers	32,150	47,519
Revolving credit borrowings		50,000
5.4% Senior notes due 10/15/2014	249,847	249,812
6.6% Long term notes due 5/1/2067	238,353	238,351
Junior subordinated debt securities payable	329,897	329,897
Accrued interest on debt and borrowings	12,092	4,793
Equity index put option liability	77,740	58,467
Other liabilities	240,987	142,062
Total liabilities	12,643,747	12,124,454
Commitments and contingencies (Note 8)
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred shares, par value: $0.01; 50,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding
Common shares, par value: $0.01; 200,000 shares authorized; (2011) 66,403 and (2010) 66,017 outstanding before treasury shares	664	660
Additional paid-in capital	1,884,492	1,863,031
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $127,236 at 2011 and $102,868 at 2010	402,946	332,258
Treasury shares, at cost; 12,614 shares (2011) and 11,589 shares (2010)	(1,065,719)	(981,480)
Retained earnings	4,869,458	5,069,048
Total shareholders' equity	6,091,841	6,283,517
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 18,735,588	$ 18,407,971