Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
ASSETS:
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value (amortized cost: 2014, $12,708,891; 2013, $12,391,164)	$ 13,019,176	$ 12,636,907
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value		19,388
Equity securities - available for sale, at market value (cost: 2014, $156,000; 2013, $148,342)	153,822	144,081
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value	1,398,430	1,462,079
Short-term investments	1,363,852	1,214,199
Other invested assets (cost: 2014, $485,771; 2013, $508,447)	485,771	508,447
Cash	385,404	611,382
Total investments and cash	16,806,455	16,596,483
Accrued investment income	116,910	119,058
Premiums receivable	1,427,171	1,453,114
Reinsurance receivables	653,109	540,883
Funds held by reinsureds	224,961	228,000
Deferred acquisition costs	375,393	363,721
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	78,305	81,779
Income taxes	136,513	178,334
Other assets	293,578	246,664
TOTAL ASSETS	20,112,395	19,808,036
LIABILITIES:
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses	9,611,114	9,673,240
Future policy benefit reserve	58,089	59,512
Unearned premium reserve	1,658,734	1,579,945
Funds held under reinsurance treaties	2,706	2,692
Commission reserves	57,312	66,160
Other net payable to reinsurers	116,883	116,387
Losses in course of payment	439,708	332,631
5.4% Senior notes due 10/15/2014	249,971	249,958
6.6% Long term notes due 5/1/2067	238,361	238,361
Accrued interest on debt and borrowings	12,092	4,781
Equity index put option liability	37,083	35,423
Unsettled securities payable	95,322	53,867
Other liabilities	182,341	333,425
Total liabilities	12,759,716	12,746,382
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS:
Redeemable noncontrolling interest - MT. Logan Re	315,168	93,378
Commitments and contingencies (Note 9)
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; (2014) 68,171 and (2013) 67,965 outstanding before treasury shares	682	680
Additional paid-in capital	2,036,320	2,029,774
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $65,137 at 2014 and $57,661 at 2013	211,207	157,728
Treasury shares, at cost; 22,114 shares (2014) and 20,422 shares (2013)	(2,235,856)	(1,985,873)
Retained earnings	7,025,158	6,765,967
Total shareholders' equity attributable to Everest Re Group	7,037,511	6,968,276
TOTAL LIABILITIES, NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 20,112,395	$ 19,808,036