Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Fixed maturities (amortized cost of $4,833,249 in 2012 and $5,172,952 in 2011)	$ 5,280,549	$ 5,538,174
Equity securities (cost of $1,375,406 in 2012 and $1,156,294 in 2011)	2,341,253	1,873,927
Short-term investments (estimated fair value approximates cost)	729,042	541,014
Total Investments	8,350,844	7,953,115
Cash and cash equivalents	834,828	775,032
Receivables	446,773	350,237
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	748,864	791,102
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	42,224	38,208
Deferred policy acquisition costs	167,185	194,674
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	114,354	97,074
Goodwill and intangible assets	997,834	867,558
Other assets	680,511	465,103
Total Assets	12,383,417	11,532,103
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	5,306,045	5,398,869
Unearned premiums	1,053,135	915,930
Payables to insurance companies	100,079	64,327
Senior long-term debt and other debt (estimated fair value of $1,692,000 in 2012 and $1,391,000 in 2011)	1,510,598	1,293,520
Other liabilities	519,903	397,111
Total Liabilities	8,489,760	8,069,757
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	87,738	74,231
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	905,841	891,507
Retained earnings	2,009,133	1,835,086
Accumulated other comprehensive income	891,142	660,920
Total Shareholders' Equity	3,806,116	3,387,513
Noncontrolling interests	(197)	602
Total Equity	3,805,919	3,388,115
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 12,383,417	$ 11,532,103