Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 200,155	$ 96,179
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities	39,390	164,929
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities	239,545	261,108
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities and equity securities	193,514	204,821
Proceeds from maturities, calls and prepayments of fixed maturities	354,489	255,951
Cost of fixed maturities and equity securities purchased	(390,927)	(526,058)
Net change in short-term investments	(183,748)	(168,057)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(246,182)	(20,319)
Additions to property and equipment	(33,489)	(43,511)
Cost of equity method investments	(38,650)	(10,600)
Other	(8,996)	13,290
Net Cash Used By Investing Activities	(353,989)	(294,483)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Additions to senior long-term debt and other debt	461,360	302,829
Repayments of senior long-term debt and other debt	(263,120)	(57,393)
Repurchases of common stock	(16,062)	(33,436)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(4,821)	(2,419)
Other	(6,730)	1,235
Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities	170,627	210,816
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	3,613	(2,507)
Increase in cash and cash equivalents	59,796	174,934
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	775,032	745,259
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$ 834,828	$ 920,193