10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

___________________________________________

FORM 10-Q

___________________________________________

x Quarterly report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016

or

¨ Transition report pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 for the transition period from _______ to _______

Commission File Number: 001-15811

___________________________________________

MARKEL CORPORATION

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

___________________________________________

Virginia	54-1959284
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

4521 Highwoods Parkway, Glen Allen, Virginia 23060-6148

(Address of principal executive offices)

(Zip Code)

(804) 747-0136

(Registrant's telephone number, including area code)

___________________________________________

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.    Yes  x   No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Website, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).    Yes x No  ¨

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer or a smaller reporting company. See the definitions of "large accelerated filer," "accelerated filer" and "smaller reporting company" in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer  x Accelerated filer  o Non-accelerated filer  o Smaller reporting company  o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).    Yes  ¨    No  x

Number of shares of the registrant's common stock outstanding at October 25, 2016: 13,991,499

Markel Corporation

Form 10-Q

Index

		Page Number
PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements
	Consolidated Balance Sheets—September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015	3
	Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Loss)—Quarters and Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015	4
	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity—Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015	5
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows—Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016 and 2015	6
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	7
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	29
	Critical Accounting Estimates	29
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	46
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	47
Safe Harbor and Cautionary Statement		48
PART II. OTHER INFORMATION
Item 1A.	Risk Factors	50
Item 6.	Exhibits	50
Signatures		51
Exhibit Index		52

2

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements

MARKEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Balance Sheets

(dollars in thousands)

	September 30, 2016		December 31, 2015
	(unaudited)
ASSETS
Investments, available-for-sale, at estimated fair value:
Fixed maturities (amortized cost of $9,563,157 in 2016 and $9,038,158 in 2015)	$	10,318,487	$	9,394,468
Equity securities (cost of $2,424,757 in 2016 and $2,208,834 in 2015)	4,510,427		4,074,475
Short-term investments (estimated fair value approximates cost)	1,989,305		1,642,261
Total Investments	16,818,219		15,111,204
Cash and cash equivalents	2,156,398		2,630,009
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	383,971		440,132
Receivables	1,312,685		1,113,703
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	2,041,928		2,016,665
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	62,254		50,123
Deferred policy acquisition costs	409,195		352,756
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	354,186		322,362
Goodwill	1,165,892		1,167,844
Intangible assets	733,415		792,372
Other assets	965,502		941,945
Total Assets	$	26,403,645	$	24,939,115
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	10,258,290	$	10,251,953
Life and annuity benefits	1,155,672		1,123,275
Unearned premiums	2,474,277		2,166,105
Payables to insurance and reinsurance companies	256,793		224,921
Senior long-term debt and other debt (estimated fair value of $2,847,000 in 2016 and $2,403,000 in 2015)	2,589,350		2,239,271
Other liabilities	1,064,328		1,030,023
Total Liabilities	17,798,710		17,035,548
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	70,660		62,958
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	3,365,750		3,342,357
Retained earnings	3,433,891		3,137,285
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,727,642		1,354,508
Total Shareholders' Equity	8,527,283		7,834,150
Noncontrolling interests	6,992		6,459
Total Equity	8,534,275		7,840,609
Total Liabilities and Equity	$	26,403,645	$	24,939,115

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

3

MARKEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Loss)

(Unaudited)

	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016			2015			2016			2015
	(dollars in thousands, except per share data)
OPERATING REVENUES
Earned premiums	$	974,244		$	963,675		$	2,882,789		$	2,864,882
Net investment income	93,147			87,060			279,437			270,521
Net realized investment gains (losses):
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	—			(18,281		)	(12,080		)	(23,373		)
Net realized investment gains, excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses	27,416			3,574			77,916			20,342
Net realized investment gains (losses)	27,416			(14,707		)	65,836			(3,031		)
Other revenues	336,475			306,736			955,339			817,151
Total Operating Revenues	1,431,282			1,342,764			4,183,401			3,949,523
OPERATING EXPENSES
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	579,405			484,737			1,564,925			1,467,926
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	372,521			365,619			1,112,789			1,085,956
Amortization of intangible assets	17,010			18,914			51,474			50,503
Other expenses	309,713			290,749			862,715			763,986
Total Operating Expenses	1,278,649			1,160,019			3,591,903			3,368,371
Operating Income	152,633			182,745			591,498			581,152
Interest expense	33,152			30,064			97,690			88,664
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			—			44,100			—
Income Before Income Taxes	119,481			152,681			449,708			492,488
Income tax expense	36,060			48,271			121,968			101,619
Net Income	83,421			104,410			327,740			390,869
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(375		)	1,891			4,777			5,989
Net Income to Shareholders	$	83,796		$	102,519		$	322,963		$	384,880
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes:
Net holding gains (losses) arising during the period	$	23,098		$	(149,266	)	$	411,394		$	(258,386	)
Change in unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities arising during the period	(17		)	(8		)	(40		)	111
Reclassification adjustments for net gains (losses) included in net income	(9,758		)	6,000			(33,308		)	(8,037		)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes	13,323			(143,274		)	378,046			(266,312		)
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes	(8,349		)	(10,854		)	(6,141		)	(22,283		)
Change in net actuarial pension loss, net of taxes	390			475			1,247			1,407
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	5,364			(153,653		)	373,152			(287,188		)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	88,785			(49,243		)	700,892			103,681
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(376		)	1,900			4,795			5,942
Comprehensive Income (Loss) to Shareholders	$	89,161		$	(51,143	)	$	696,097		$	97,739
NET INCOME PER SHARE
Basic	$	5.62		$	7.43		$	22.27		$	27.76
Diluted	$	5.60		$	7.39		$	22.16		$	27.60

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

4

MARKEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity

(Unaudited)

(in thousands)	Common Shares		Common Stock			Retained Earnings			Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income			Total Shareholders' Equity			Noncontrolling Interests			Total Equity			Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests
December 31, 2014	13,962		$	3,308,395		$	2,581,866		$	1,704,557		$	7,594,818		$	7,184		$	7,602,002		$	61,048
Net income						384,880			—			384,880			745			385,625			5,244
Other comprehensive loss						—			(287,141		)	(287,141		)	—			(287,141		)	(47		)
Comprehensive Income												97,739			745			98,484			5,197
Issuance of common stock	20		3,971			—			—			3,971			—			3,971			—
Repurchase of common stock	(32	)	—			(27,262		)	—			(27,262		)	—			(27,262		)	—
Restricted stock units expensed	—		19,983			—			—			19,983			—			19,983			—
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests	—		—			3,091			—			3,091			—			3,091			(3,091		)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	—		(1,447		)	—			—			(1,447		)	—			(1,447		)	(8,224		)
Other	—		4,306			31			—			4,337			348			4,685			(4,346		)
September 30, 2015	13,950		$	3,335,208		$	2,942,606		$	1,417,416		$	7,695,230		$	8,277		$	7,703,507		$	50,584
December 31, 2015	13,959		$	3,342,357		$	3,137,285		$	1,354,508		$	7,834,150		$	6,459		$	7,840,609		$	62,958
Net income						322,963			—			322,963			605			323,568			4,172
Other comprehensive income						—			373,134			373,134			—			373,134			18
Comprehensive Income												696,097			605			696,702			4,190
Issuance of common stock	48		4,531			—			—			4,531			—			4,531			—
Repurchase of common stock	(16	)	—			(15,503		)	—			(15,503		)	—			(15,503		)	—
Restricted stock units expensed	—		18,512			—			—			18,512			—			18,512			—
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests	—		—			(10,909		)	—			(10,909		)	—			(10,909		)	10,909
Purchase of noncontrolling interest	—		350			—			—			350			—			350			(3,517		)
Other	—		—			55			—			55			(72		)	(17		)	(3,880		)
September 30, 2016	13,991		$	3,365,750		$	3,433,891		$	1,727,642		$	8,527,283		$	6,992		$	8,534,275		$	70,660

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

5

MARKEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Unaudited)

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016			2015
	(dollars in thousands)
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	327,740		$	390,869
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities	(3,383		)	159,516
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities	324,357			550,385
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities and equity securities	330,110			211,479
Proceeds from maturities, calls and prepayments of fixed maturities	734,010			1,162,500
Cost of fixed maturities and equity securities purchased	(1,728,396		)	(928,601		)
Net change in short-term investments	(340,742		)	(687,673		)
Proceeds from sales of equity method investments	9,325			22,204
Cost of equity method investments	(4,226		)	(21,464		)
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents	61,071			136,203
Additions to property and equipment	(49,565		)	(62,055		)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(5,762		)	—
Other	(392		)	(761		)
Net Cash Used By Investing Activities	(994,567		)	(168,168		)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Additions to senior long-term debt and other debt	553,537			49,771
Repayment of senior long-term debt and other debt	(260,086		)	(55,743		)
Premiums and fees related to early extinguishment of debt	(43,691		)	—
Repurchases of common stock	(15,503		)	(27,262		)
Issuance of common stock	4,531			3,971
Payment of contingent consideration	(14,219		)	(9,263		)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(3,167		)	(12,474		)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(3,931		)	(3,724		)
Other	(14,478		)	(1,957		)
Net Cash Provided (Used) By Financing Activities	202,993			(56,681		)
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(6,394		)	(24,504		)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(473,611		)	301,032
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	2,630,009			1,960,169
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$	2,156,398		$	2,261,201

See accompanying notes to consolidated financial statements.

6

MARKEL CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

1. Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

a) Basis of Presentation. Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. Markel Corporation's principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products and programs. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Markel Ventures, Inc. (Markel Ventures), Markel Corporation also owns interests in various industrial and service businesses that operate outside of the specialty insurance marketplace.

The consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2016, the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income (loss) for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and the consolidated statements of changes in equity and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for fair presentation of such consolidated financial statements have been included. Such adjustments consist only of normal, recurring items. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for the entire year. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 was derived from Markel Corporation's audited annual consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and include the accounts of Markel Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, as well as any variable interest entities (VIEs) that meet the requirements for consolidation (the Company). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company consolidates the results of its Markel Ventures subsidiaries on a one-month lag. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ materially from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements and notes are presented as permitted by Form 10-Q and do not contain certain information included in the Company's annual consolidated financial statements and notes. In addition to the policies set forth below, readers are urged to review the Company's 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete description of the Company's business and accounting policies.

b) Variable Interest Entities. The Company determines whether it has relationships with entities defined as VIEs in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 810, Consolidation. Under this guidance, a VIE is consolidated by the variable interest holder that is determined to be the primary beneficiary.

An entity in which the Company holds a variable interest is a VIE if any of the following conditions exist: (a) the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, (b) as a group, the holders of equity investment at risk lack either the direct or indirect ability through voting rights or similar rights to make decisions about an entity's activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance or the obligation to absorb the expected losses or right to receive the expected residual returns, or (c) the voting rights of some investors are disproportionate to their obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, their rights to receive the expected residual returns of the entity, or both and substantially all of the entity's activities either involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor with disproportionately few voting rights.

The primary beneficiary is defined as the variable interest holder that is determined to have the controlling financial interest as a result of having both (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

The Company determines whether an entity is a VIE at the inception of our variable interest in the entity and upon the occurrence of certain reconsideration events. The Company continually reassesses whether it is the primary beneficiary of VIEs in which it holds a variable interest.

7

c) Revenue Recognition.

Investment Management and Performance Fees

Investment management fee income is recognized over the period in which investment management services are provided and is calculated and billed monthly based on the net asset value of the accounts managed. Performance fee arrangements entitle the Company to participate, on a fixed-percentage basis, in any net income generated in excess of an agreed-upon threshold as established by the underlying investment management agreements. In general, net income is calculated at the end of each calendar year and performance fees are payable annually. Following the preferred method identified in the ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, such performance fee income is recorded at the conclusion of the contractual performance period, when all contingencies are resolved.

2. Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Effective January 1, 2016, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which changes the way reporting enterprises evaluate whether (a) they should consolidate limited partnerships and similar entities, (b) fees paid to a decision maker or service provider are variable interests in a VIE, and (c) variable interests in a VIE held by related parties of the reporting enterprise require the reporting enterprise to consolidate the VIE. It also eliminates the VIE consolidation model based on majority exposure to variability that applied to certain investment companies and similar entities. The ASU also significantly changes how to evaluate voting rights for entities that are not similar to limited partnerships when determining whether the entity is a VIE, which may affect entities for which the decision making rights are conveyed through a contractual arrangement. The adoption of this guidance did not result in any changes to our previous consolidation conclusions.

Effective January 1, 2016, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. ASU No. 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the debt liability, similar to the presentation of debt discounts. The cost of issuing debt is no longer recorded as a separate asset on the balance sheet. The amortization of debt issuance costs continues to be included in interest expense. ASU No. 2015-03 was applied retrospectively to all periods presented. As a result, debt issuance costs totaling $2.2 million were reclassified from other assets to senior long-term debt and other debt as of December 31, 2015. The adoption of this ASU did not have an impact on the Company's results of operations or cash flows.

Effective January 1, 2016, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2015-05, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement, which clarifies that software licenses contained in a cloud computing arrangement should be capitalized if the customer has the right to take possession of the software and the ability to run the software outside of the cloud computing arrangement. The adoption of this ASU did not have an impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Effective January 1, 2016, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. ASU No. 2015-16 eliminates the requirement to retrospectively adjust the financial statements for measurement-period adjustments that occur in periods after a business combination is consummated. The adoption of this ASU did not have an impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows and will be applied on a prospective basis, as applicable.

During the second quarter of 2016, the Company early adopted FASB ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which changes several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions. Under the new guidance, all excess tax benefits or deficiencies associated with share-based payment award transactions are required to be recognized as an income tax benefit or expense in net income when the awards vest or are settled, with the corresponding cash flows recognized as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows. Excess tax benefits and deficiencies are no longer recognized in additional paid-in-capital. The new guidance also allows an employer to repurchase more of an employee's shares for tax witholding purposes without triggering liability accounting and to make a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimating forfeitures upon issuance of the award. Upon adoption of ASU No. 2016-09, the Company elected to account for forfeitures as they occur, which had no impact on the consolidated financial statements. The provisions of ASU No. 2016-09 were adopted as of January 1, 2016 on a prospective basis and did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

8

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which creates a new comprehensive revenue recognition standard that will serve as a single source of revenue guidance for all companies in all industries. The guidance applies to all companies that either enter into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enter into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets, unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards, such as insurance contracts. ASU No. 2014-09's core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under the current guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Deferral of the Effective Date, which deferred the original effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 by one year. As a result, ASU No. 2014-09 becomes effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2018 and may be applied retrospectively or under a modified retrospective method where the cumulative effect is recognized at the date of initial application. Early application is permitted, but not before the first quarter of 2017. ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Consideration (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing and ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients were issued in March, April and May 2016, respectively, as amendments to ASU No. 2014-09. These amendments will be evaluated and adopted in conjunction with ASU No. 2014-09. The Company is currently evaluating ASU No. 2014-09, and the related amendments, to determine the potential impact that adopting this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. Adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's insurance operations, but may have a material impact on the Company's non-insurance operations.

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-09, Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944): Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts. The ASU requires significant new disclosures for insurers relating to short-duration insurance contract claims and the unpaid claims liability rollforward for long and short-duration contracts. The guidance requires annual tabular disclosure, on a disaggregated basis, of undiscounted incurred and paid claim and allocated claim adjustment expense development by accident year, on a net basis after reinsurance, for up to 10 years. Tables must also include the total incurred but not reported claims liabilities, plus expected development on reported claims, and claims frequency for each accident year. A description of estimation methodologies and any significant changes in methodologies and assumptions used to calculate the liability and frequency is also required. Based on the disaggregated claims information in the tables, disclosure of historical average annual percentage payout of incurred claims is also required. Interim period disclosures must include a tabular rollforward and related qualitative information for the liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses. Annual disclosures required by ASU No. 2015-09 become effective for the Company during 2016, with interim disclosures required beginning in the first quarter of 2017. The ASU must be applied retrospectively by providing comparative disclosures for each period presented. Early application is permitted. The adoption of this ASU will not have an impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows, but will expand the nature and extent of its insurance contract disclosures, as described above.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. The ASU changes the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to lower of cost and net realizable value and eliminates the requirement to consider replacement cost or net realizable value less an approximately normal profit margin when measuring inventory. ASU No. 2015-11 becomes effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2017 and will be applied prospectively. Adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

9

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments (Topic 825): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The ASU significantly changes the income statement impact of equity investments and the recognition of changes in fair value of financial liabilities attributable to an entity's own credit risk when the fair value option is elected. The ASU requires equity instruments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method to be measured at fair value and to recognize any changes in fair value in net income rather than other comprehensive income (loss). ASU No. 2016-01 becomes effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2018 and will be applied using a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The provisions related to equity investments without a readily determinable fair value will be applied prospectively to equity investments as of the adoption date. Early adoption is permitted for certain provisions of the ASU. The Company is currently evaluating ASU No. 2016-01 to determine the potential impact that adopting this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements. Adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position, cash flows, or total comprehensive income (loss), but will have a significant impact on the Company's results of operations as changes in fair value will be presented in net income rather than other comprehensive income (loss).

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The ASU requires lessees to put most leases on their balance sheets as a lease liability with a corresponding right-of-use asset, but continue to recognize the related leasing expense within net income. The guidance also eliminates the real estate-specific provisions for all entities. For lessors, the guidance modifies the classification criteria and the accounting for sales-type and direct financing leases. ASU No. 2016-02 becomes effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2019 and will be applied under a modified retrospective approach for leases that exist or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the financial statements. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating ASU No. 2016-02 to determine the potential impact that adopting this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting. The ASU eliminates the requirement for an investor to retroactively apply the equity method when its increase in ownership interest or degree of influence in an investee triggers equity method accounting. ASU No. 2016-07 becomes effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2017 and will be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted. Adoption of this ASU is not expected to have an impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The ASU replaces the current incurred loss model used to measure impairment losses with an expected loss model for trade, reinsurance, and other receivables as well as financial instruments measured at amortized cost. For available-for-sale debt securities, the ASU requires entities to record impairments as an allowance, rather than a reduction of the amortized cost, as is currently required under the other-than-temporary impairment model. ASU No. 2016-13 becomes effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2020 and will be applied using a modified-retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. The Company is currently evaluating ASU No. 2016-13 to determine the potential impact that adopting this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. Some of the topics covered by the ASU include the classification of debt prepayment and extinguishment costs, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination and distributions from equity method investees. ASU No. 2016-15 becomes effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2018 and will be applied using a retrospective transition approach. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating ASU No. 2016-15 to determine the potential impact that adopting this standard will have on the consolidated statements of cash flows. Adoption of this ASU will not impact the Company's financial position or results of operations and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows.

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3. Acquisitions

In December 2015, the Company acquired 80% of the outstanding shares of CapTech Ventures, Inc. (CapTech), a privately held company headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. CapTech is a management and IT consulting firm, providing services and solutions to a wide array of customers. Total consideration for the CapTech acquisition was $60.6 million, which included the estimated fair value of contingent consideration the Company expected to pay based on CapTech's earnings, as defined in the stock purchase agreement, through 2018. As of December 31, 2015, the purchase price was preliminarily allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities based on the estimated fair values at the acquisition date. During the first quarter of 2016, the Company completed the process of determining the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired with CapTech. There were no material adjustments to the provisional estimates recorded as of December 31, 2015. However, during the third quarter of 2016, the Company increased its estimate of the contingent consideration it expects to pay based on an increase in the estimate of CapTech's earnings beyond the initial projection, which resulted in a charge to other expenses of $10.3 million. Results attributable to this acquisition are included with the Company's non-insurance operations, which are not included in a reportable segment.

4. Investments

a)The following tables summarize the Company's available-for-sale investments.

	September 30, 2016
(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Holding Gains		Gross Unrealized Holding Losses			Unrealized Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	659,539	$	24,943	$	(99	)	$	—		$	684,383
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	4,259,553		318,183		(3,081		)	—			4,574,655
Foreign governments	1,334,364		237,498		(15		)	—			1,571,847
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	981,613		46,791		(396		)	—			1,028,008
Residential mortgage-backed securities	780,631		49,568		(586		)	(2,258		)	827,355
Asset-backed securities	27,911		83		(16		)	—			27,978
Corporate bonds	1,519,546		87,459		(1,071		)	(1,673		)	1,604,261
Total fixed maturities	9,563,157		764,525		(5,264		)	(3,931		)	10,318,487
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	841,416		807,430		(9,770		)	—			1,639,076
Industrial, consumer and all other	1,583,341		1,295,784		(7,774		)	—			2,871,351
Total equity securities	2,424,757		2,103,214		(17,544		)	—			4,510,427
Short-term investments	1,989,124		181		—			—			1,989,305
Investments, available-for-sale	$	13,977,038	$	2,867,920	$	(22,808	)	$	(3,931	)	$	16,818,219

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	December 31, 2015
(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Holding Gains		Gross Unrealized Holding Losses			Unrealized Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	695,652	$	9,836	$	(4,781	)	$	—		$	700,707
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	3,817,136		204,302		(8,225		)	—			4,013,213
Foreign governments	1,302,329		115,809		(1,681		)	—			1,416,457
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	657,670		6,867		(4,999		)	—			659,538
Residential mortgage-backed securities	837,964		22,563		(4,022		)	(2,258		)	854,247
Asset-backed securities	36,462		15		(406		)	—			36,071
Corporate bonds	1,690,945		41,123		(16,209		)	(1,624		)	1,714,235
Total fixed maturities	9,038,158		400,515		(40,323		)	(3,882		)	9,394,468
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	651,002		690,271		(6,551		)	—			1,334,722
Industrial, consumer and all other	1,557,832		1,227,052		(45,131		)	—			2,739,753
Total equity securities	2,208,834		1,917,323		(51,682		)	—			4,074,475
Short-term investments	1,642,103		167		(9		)	—			1,642,261
Investments, available-for-sale	$	12,889,095	$	2,318,005	$	(92,014	)	$	(3,882	)	$	15,111,204

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b)The following tables summarize gross unrealized investment losses by the length of time that securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position.

	September 30, 2016
	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
(dollars in thousands)	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	26,599	$	(96	)	$	7,700	$	(3	)	$	34,299	$	(99	)
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	156,618		(1,404		)	42,834		(1,677		)	199,452		(3,081		)
Foreign governments	7,159		(10		)	5,015		(5		)	12,174		(15		)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	14,318		(45		)	43,475		(351		)	57,793		(396		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	7,473		(2,311		)	85,864		(533		)	93,337		(2,844		)
Asset-backed securities	6,312		(5		)	6,236		(11		)	12,548		(16		)
Corporate bonds	73,320		(1,736		)	95,302		(1,008		)	168,622		(2,744		)
Total fixed maturities	291,799		(5,607		)	286,426		(3,588		)	578,225		(9,195		)
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	22,769		(1,456		)	37,751		(8,314		)	60,520		(9,770		)
Industrial, consumer and all other	23,713		(2,315		)	138,245		(5,459		)	161,958		(7,774		)
Total equity securities	46,482		(3,771		)	175,996		(13,773		)	222,478		(17,544		)
Total	$	338,281	$	(9,378	)	$	462,422	$	(17,361	)	$	800,703	$	(26,739	)

At September 30, 2016, the Company held 220 securities with a total estimated fair value of $800.7 million and gross unrealized losses of $26.7 million. Of these 220 securities, 118 securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for one year or longer and had a total estimated fair value of $462.4 million and gross unrealized losses of $17.4 million. Of these securities, 101 securities were fixed maturities and 17 were equity securities. The Company does not intend to sell or believe it will be required to sell these fixed maturities before recovery of their amortized cost. The Company has the ability and intent to hold these equity securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for the anticipated recovery of their fair value.

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	December 31, 2015
	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
(dollars in thousands)	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	427,003	$	(3,648	)	$	92,552	$	(1,133	)	$	519,555	$	(4,781	)
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	169,362		(4,864		)	70,101		(3,361		)	239,463		(8,225		)
Foreign governments	51,328		(249		)	40,345		(1,432		)	91,673		(1,681		)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	289,058		(3,600		)	95,843		(1,399		)	384,901		(4,999		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	78,814		(2,858		)	137,100		(3,422		)	215,914		(6,280		)
Asset-backed securities	6,228		(54		)	24,315		(352		)	30,543		(406		)
Corporate bonds	470,694		(9,509		)	343,737		(8,324		)	814,431		(17,833		)
Total fixed maturities	1,492,487		(24,782		)	803,993		(19,423		)	2,296,480		(44,205		)
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	63,873		(6,384		)	6,247		(167		)	70,120		(6,551		)
Industrial, consumer and all other	344,857		(44,879		)	2,907		(252		)	347,764		(45,131		)
Total equity securities	408,730		(51,263		)	9,154		(419		)	417,884		(51,682		)
Short-term investments	129,473		(9		)	—		—			129,473		(9		)
Total	$	2,030,690	$	(76,054	)	$	813,147	$	(19,842	)	$	2,843,837	$	(95,896	)

At December 31, 2015, the Company held 659 securities with a total estimated fair value of $2.8 billion and gross unrealized losses of $95.9 million. Of these 659 securities, 271 securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for one year or longer and had a total estimated fair value of $813.1 million and gross unrealized losses of $19.8 million. Of these securities, 264 securities were fixed maturities and seven were equity securities.

The Company completes a detailed analysis each quarter to assess whether the decline in the fair value of any investment below its cost basis is deemed other-than-temporary. All securities with unrealized losses are reviewed. The Company considers many factors in completing its quarterly review of securities with unrealized losses for other-than-temporary impairment, including the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been below cost and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. For equity securities, the ability and intent to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for anticipated recovery is considered. For fixed maturities, the Company considers whether it intends to sell the security or if it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery, the implied yield-to-maturity, the credit quality of the issuer and the ability to recover all amounts outstanding when contractually due.

For equity securities, a decline in fair value that is considered to be other-than-temporary is recognized in net income based on the fair value of the security at the time of assessment, resulting in a new cost basis for the security. For fixed maturities where the Company intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, a decline in fair value is considered to be other-than-temporary and is recognized in net income based on the fair value of the security at the time of assessment, resulting in a new cost basis for the security. If the decline in fair value of a fixed maturity below its amortized cost is considered to be other-than-temporary based upon other considerations, the Company compares the estimated present value of the cash flows expected to be collected to the amortized cost of the security. The extent to which the estimated present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost of the security represents the credit-related portion of the other-than-temporary impairment, which is recognized in net income, resulting in a new cost basis for the security. Any remaining decline in fair value represents the non-credit portion of the other-than-temporary impairment, which is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). The discount rate used to calculate the estimated present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is the effective interest rate implicit for the security at the date of purchase.

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When assessing whether it intends to sell a fixed maturity or if it is likely to be required to sell a fixed maturity before recovery of its amortized cost, the Company evaluates facts and circumstances including decisions to reposition the investment portfolio, potential sales of investments to meet cash flow needs and, ultimately, current market prices.

c)The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturities at September 30, 2016 are shown below by contractual maturity.

(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	798,670	$	803,039
Due after one year through five years	1,292,802		1,349,605
Due after five years through ten years	1,650,289		1,791,219
Due after ten years	4,031,241		4,491,283
	7,773,002		8,435,146
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	981,613		1,028,008
Residential mortgage-backed securities	780,631		827,355
Asset-backed securities	27,911		27,978
Total fixed maturities	$	9,563,157	$	10,318,487

d)The following table presents the components of net investment income.

	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Interest:
Municipal bonds (tax-exempt)	$	22,136		$	21,979		$	66,621		$	72,124
Municipal bonds (taxable)	16,710			14,667			48,820			42,917
Other taxable bonds	36,697			34,368			108,975			103,519
Short-term investments, including overnight deposits	2,878			1,287			7,823			3,654
Dividends on equity securities	17,308			17,887			51,718			55,544
Income (loss) from equity method investments	1,232			(4		)	4,900			3,052
Other	(60		)	37			2,614			577
	96,901			90,221			291,471			281,387
Investment expenses	(3,754		)	(3,161		)	(12,034		)	(10,866		)
Net investment income	$	93,147		$	87,060		$	279,437		$	270,521

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e)The following table presents net realized investment gains (losses) and the change in net unrealized gains on investments. 

	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Realized gains:
Sales of fixed maturities	$	3,698		$	435		$	4,658		$	2,769
Sales of equity securities	18,418			11,329			63,931			34,285
Other	423			1,026			1,117			3,297
Total realized gains	22,539			12,790			69,706			40,351
Realized losses:
Sales of fixed maturities	(60		)	(3,730		)	(608		)	(3,947		)
Sales of equity securities	(4,187		)	(400		)	(6,672		)	(672		)
Other-than-temporary impairments	—			(18,281		)	(12,080		)	(23,373		)
Other	(55		)	(279		)	(2,972		)	(364		)
Total realized losses	(4,302		)	(22,690		)	(22,332		)	(28,356		)
Gains (losses) on securities measured at fair value through net income	9,179			(4,807		)	18,462			(15,026		)
Net realized investment gains (losses)	$	27,416		$	(14,707	)	$	65,836		$	(3,031	)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments included in other comprehensive income (loss):
Fixed maturities	$	(53,962	)	$	102,844		$	399,020		$	(77,369	)
Equity securities	80,285			(313,075		)	220,029			(319,522		)
Short-term investments	58			45			23			36
Net increase (decrease)	$	26,381		$	(210,186	)	$	619,072		$	(396,855	)

There were no write downs for other-than-temporary declines in the estimated fair value of investments for the quarter ended September 30, 2016. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income and included in net realized investment gains totaled $12.1 million and were attributable to 21 equity securities. The write downs for the nine-month period included $10.8 million related to equities in industrial, consumer, or other types of businesses and $1.3 million related to equities in insurance, banks, and other financial institutions. For the quarter ended September 30, 2015, other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income and included in net realized investment losses totaled $18.3 million and were attributable to eight equity securities. The write downs for the quarter included $14.3 million related to equities in industrial, consumer, or other types of businesses and $4.0 million related to equities in insurance, banks, and other financial institutions. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income and included in net realized investment losses totaled $23.4 million and were attributable to 16 equity securities. The write downs for the nine-month period included $18.8 million related to equities in industrial, consumer, or other types of businesses and $4.6 million related to equities in insurance, banks, and other financial institutions.

5. Fair Value Measurements

FASB ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, establishes a three-level hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure the assets or liabilities fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability.

Classification of assets and liabilities within the hierarchy considers the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability and transparency of the assumptions used to determine fair value. The hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. The levels of the hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities traded in active markets.

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Level 2 – Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and market-corroborated inputs.

Level 3 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable for the asset or liability and are significant to the fair value measurement.

In accordance with FASB ASC 820, the Company determines fair value based on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the Company uses various methods, including the market, income and cost approaches. The Company uses valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The following section describes the valuation methodologies used by the Company to measure assets and liabilities at fair value, including an indication of the level within the fair value hierarchy in which each asset or liability is generally classified.

Investments available-for-sale. Investments available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and include fixed maturities, equity securities and short-term investments. Short-term investments include certificates of deposit, commercial paper, discount notes and treasury bills with original maturities of one year or less. Fair value for investments available-for-sale is determined by the Company after considering various sources of information, including information provided by a third party pricing service. The pricing service provides prices for substantially all of the Company's fixed maturities and equity securities. In determining fair value, the Company generally does not adjust the prices obtained from the pricing service. The Company obtains an understanding of the pricing service's valuation methodologies and related inputs, which include, but are not limited to, reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids, offers, duration, credit ratings, estimated cash flows and prepayment speeds. The Company validates prices provided by the pricing service by reviewing prices from other pricing sources and analyzing pricing data in certain instances.

The Company has evaluated the various types of securities in its investment portfolio to determine an appropriate fair value hierarchy level based upon trading activity and the observability of market inputs. Level 1 investments include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange. Level 2 investments include U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies, municipal bonds, foreign government bonds, commercial mortgage-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and corporate debt securities. Level 3 investments include the Company's investments in insurance-linked securities funds (the ILS Funds), as further described in note 12, which are not traded on an active exchange and are valued using unobservable inputs.

Fair value for investments available-for-sale is measured based upon quoted prices in active markets, if available. Due to variations in trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices, fixed maturities are classified as Level 2 investments. The fair value of fixed maturities is normally derived through recent reported trades for identical or similar securities, making adjustments through the reporting date based upon available market observable data described above. If there are no recent reported trades, the fair value of fixed maturities may be derived through the use of matrix pricing or model processes, where future cash flow expectations are developed based upon collateral performance and discounted at an estimated market rate. Significant inputs used to determine the fair value of obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions, corporate bonds and obligations of foreign governments include reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids, offers, credit information and estimated cash flows. Significant inputs used to determine the fair value of commercial mortgage-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities include the type of underlying assets, benchmark yields, prepayment speeds, collateral information, tranche type and volatility, estimated cash flows, credit information, default rates, recovery rates, issuer spreads and the year of issue.

Due to the significance of unobservable inputs required in measuring the fair value of the Company's investments in the ILS Funds, these investments are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Changes in fair value of the ILS Funds are included in net realized gains (losses) in net income. The fair value of the securities are derived using their reported net asset value (NAV) as the primary input, as well as other observable and unobservable inputs as deemed necessary by management. Management has obtained an understanding of the inputs, assumptions, process, and controls used to determine NAV, which is calculated by an independent third party. Unobservable inputs to the NAV calculations include assumptions around premium earnings patterns and loss reserve estimates for the underlying securitized reinsurance contracts in which the ILS Funds invest. Significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of these investments include an adjustment to include the fair value of the equity that was issued by one of the ILS Funds in exchange for notes receivable, rather than cash, which is excluded from NAV. The Company's investments in the ILS Funds are redeemable annually as of January 1^st of each calendar year.

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The Company's valuation policies and procedures for Level 3 investments are determined by management. Fair value measurements are analyzed quarterly to ensure the change in fair value from prior periods is reasonable relative to management's understanding of the underlying investments, recent market trends and external market data, which includes the price of a comparable security and an insurance-linked security index.

Senior long-term debt and other debt. Senior long-term debt and other debt is carried at amortized cost with the estimated fair value disclosed on the consolidated balance sheets. Senior long-term debt and other debt is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy due to variations in trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices. Fair value for senior long-term debt and other debt is generally derived through recent reported trades for identical securities, making adjustments through the reporting date, if necessary, based upon available market observable data including U.S. Treasury securities and implied credit spreads. Significant inputs used to determine the fair value of senior long-term debt and other debt include reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids and offers.

The following tables present the balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy.

	September 30, 2016
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Investments available-for-sale:
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	—	$	684,383	$	—	$	684,383
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		4,574,655		—		4,574,655
Foreign governments	—		1,571,847		—		1,571,847
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		1,028,008		—		1,028,008
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		827,355		—		827,355
Asset-backed securities	—		27,978		—		27,978
Corporate bonds	—		1,604,261		—		1,604,261
Total fixed maturities	—		10,318,487		—		10,318,487
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	1,448,672		—		190,404		1,639,076
Industrial, consumer and all other	2,871,351		—		—		2,871,351
Total equity securities	4,320,023		—		190,404		4,510,427
Short-term investments	1,903,399		85,906		—		1,989,305
Total investments available-for-sale	$	6,223,422	$	10,404,393	$	190,404	$	16,818,219

18

	December 31, 2015
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Investments available-for-sale:
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	—	$	700,707	$	—	$	700,707
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		4,013,213		—		4,013,213
Foreign governments	—		1,416,457		—		1,416,457
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		659,538		—		659,538
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		854,247		—		854,247
Asset-backed securities	—		36,071		—		36,071
Corporate bonds	—		1,714,235		—		1,714,235
Total fixed maturities	—		9,394,468		—		9,394,468
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	1,334,722		—		—		1,334,722
Industrial, consumer and all other	2,739,753		—		—		2,739,753
Total equity securities	4,074,475		—		—		4,074,475
Short-term investments	1,529,924		112,337		—		1,642,261
Total investments available-for-sale	$	5,604,399	$	9,506,805	$	—	$	15,111,204

The following table summarizes changes in Level 3 investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

	Quarter Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2016		2015		2016			2015
Equity securities, beginning of period	$	183,523	$	—	$	—		$	—
Purchases	—		—		195,250			—
Sales	—		—		(25,000		)	—
Total gains included in:
Net income	6,881		—		20,154			—
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—		—		—			—
Transfers into Level 3	—		—		—			—
Transfers out of Level 3	—		—		—			—
Equity securities, end of period	$	190,404	$	—	$	190,404		$	—
Net unrealized gains included in net income relating to assets held at September 30, 2016 and 2015 (1)	$	6,881	$	—	$	20,154		$	—

⁽¹⁾Included in net realized investment gains in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income (loss).

There were no transfers into or out of Level 1 and Level 2 during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

The Company did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

19

6. Segment Reporting Disclosures

The Company monitors and reports its ongoing underwriting operations in the following three segments: U.S. Insurance, International Insurance and Reinsurance. In determining how to aggregate and monitor its underwriting results, the Company considers many factors, including the geographic location and regulatory environment of the insurance entity underwriting the risk, the nature of the insurance product sold, the type of account written and the type of customer served. The U.S. Insurance segment includes all direct business and facultative placements written by the Company's insurance subsidiaries domiciled in the United States. The International Insurance segment includes all direct business and facultative placements written by the Company's insurance subsidiaries domiciled outside of the United States, including the Company's syndicate at Lloyd's of London. The Reinsurance segment includes all treaty reinsurance written across the Company. Results for lines of business discontinued prior to, or in conjunction with, acquisitions, including the results attributable to the run-off of life and annuity reinsurance business, are reported in the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment. All investing activities related to the Company's insurance operations are included in the Investing segment.

The Company's non-insurance operations include the Company's Markel Ventures operations, which primarily consist of controlling interests in various industrial and service businesses. The Company's non-insurance operations also include the results of the Company's legal and professional consulting services, and, effective December 8, 2015, the results of the Company's investment management services attributable to Markel CATCo Investment Management Ltd. For purposes of segment reporting, the Company's non-insurance operations are not considered to be a reportable segment.

Segment profit for the Investing segment is measured by net investment income and net realized investment gains or losses. Segment profit or loss for each of the Company's underwriting segments is measured by underwriting profit or loss. The property and casualty insurance industry commonly defines underwriting profit or loss as earned premiums net of losses and loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses. Underwriting profit or loss does not replace operating income or net income computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP as a measure of profitability. Underwriting profit or loss provides a basis for management to evaluate the Company's underwriting performance. Segment profit or loss for the Company's underwriting segments also includes other revenues and other expenses, primarily related to the run-off of managing general agent operations that were discontinued in conjunction with acquisitions. Other revenues and other expenses in the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment are comprised of the results attributable to the run-off of life and annuity reinsurance business.

For management reporting purposes, the Company allocates assets to its underwriting, investing and non-insurance operations. Underwriting assets are all assets not specifically allocated to the Investing segment or to the Company's non-insurance operations. Underwriting and investing assets are not allocated to the U.S. Insurance, International Insurance, Reinsurance or Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segments since the Company does not manage its assets by underwriting segment. The Company does not allocate capital expenditures for long-lived assets to any of its underwriting segments for management reporting purposes.

20

a)The following tables summarize the Company's segment disclosures.

	Quarter Ended September 30, 2016
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Insurance			International Insurance			Reinsurance			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	663,196		$	269,093		$	196,948		$	536			$	—	$	1,129,773
Net written premiums	562,215			209,656			157,043			469				—		929,383
Earned premiums	548,792			218,968			206,018			466				—		974,244
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(370,435		)	(159,812		)	(129,875		)	—				—		(660,122		)
Prior accident years	21,471			42,705			19,135			(2,594		)		—		80,717
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(206,628		)	(82,791		)	(82,490		)	(612		)		—		(372,521		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	(6,800		)	19,070			12,788			(2,740		)		—		22,318
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				93,147		93,147
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				27,416		27,416
Other revenues (insurance)	1,285			419			—			466				—		2,170
Other expenses (insurance)	(670		)	(677		)	—			(4,232		)		—		(5,579		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	(6,185	)	$	18,812		$	12,788		$	(6,506	)		$	120,563	$	139,472
Other revenues (non-insurance)																334,305
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(304,134		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(17,010		)
Interest expense																(33,152		)
Income before income taxes																$	119,481
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (1)	101		%	91		%	94		%	NM			(2)			98		%

	Quarter Ended September 30, 2015
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Insurance			International Insurance			Reinsurance			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing			Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	635,926		$	284,576		$	239,094		$	(1,232	)		$	—		$	1,158,364
Net written premiums	536,285			213,423			204,336			(860		)		—			953,184
Earned premiums	534,615			225,034			204,825			(799		)		—			963,675
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(357,400		)	(162,024		)	(128,428		)	—				—			(647,852		)
Prior accident years	74,976			57,860			24,241			6,038				—			163,115
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(200,272		)	(92,680		)	(72,449		)	(218		)		—			(365,619		)
Underwriting profit	51,919			28,190			28,189			5,021				—			113,319
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				87,060			87,060
Net realized investment losses	—			—			—			—				(14,707		)	(14,707		)
Other revenues (insurance)	(41		)	1,096			246			42				—			1,343
Other expenses (insurance)	(960		)	(1,379		)	—			(6,913		)		—			(9,252		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	50,918		$	27,907		$	28,435		$	(1,850	)		$	72,353		$	177,763
Other revenues (non-insurance)																	305,393
Other expenses (non-insurance)																	(281,497		)
Amortization of intangible assets																	(18,914		)
Interest expense																	(30,064		)
Income before income taxes																	$	152,681
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (1)	90		%	87		%	86		%	NM			(2)				88		%

⁽¹⁾  The U.S. GAAP combined ratio is a measure of underwriting performance and represents the relationship of incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses to earned premiums.

⁽²⁾  NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

21

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Insurance			International Insurance			Reinsurance			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	2,000,454		$	879,078		$	920,038		$	515			$	—	$	3,800,085
Net written premiums	1,694,193			680,691			786,450			555				—		3,161,889
Earned premiums	1,614,588			637,365			630,151			685				—		2,882,789
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(1,038,860		)	(451,741		)	(413,044		)	—				—		(1,903,645		)
Prior accident years	126,457			111,359			90,140			10,764				—		338,720
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(617,006		)	(267,959		)	(227,138		)	(686		)		—		(1,112,789		)
Underwriting profit	85,179			29,024			80,109			10,763				—		205,075
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				279,437		279,437
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				65,836		65,836
Other revenues (insurance)	3,662			5,149			—			1,407				—		10,218
Other expenses (insurance)	(2,078		)	(4,368		)	—			(19,432		)		—		(25,878		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	86,763		$	29,805		$	80,109		$	(7,262	)		$	345,273	$	534,688
Other revenues (non-insurance)																945,121
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(836,837		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(51,474		)
Interest expense																(97,690		)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt																(44,100		)
Income before income taxes																$	449,708
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (1)	95		%	95		%	87		%	NM			(2)			93		%

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Insurance			International Insurance			Reinsurance			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing			Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	1,890,144		$	911,962		$	875,676		$	(1,159	)		$	—		$	3,676,623
Net written premiums	1,587,092			700,260			736,068			(462		)		—			3,022,958
Earned premiums	1,569,615			654,936			640,719			(388		)		—			2,864,882
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(1,015,492		)	(479,764		)	(431,791		)	—				—			(1,927,047		)
Prior accident years	211,177			177,883			65,746			4,315				—			459,121
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(597,388		)	(266,091		)	(222,172		)	(305		)		—			(1,085,956		)
Underwriting profit	167,912			86,964			52,502			3,622				—			311,000
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				270,521			270,521
Net realized investment losses	—			—			—			—				(3,031		)	(3,031		)
Other revenues (insurance)	3,564			7,398			1,138			369				—			12,469
Other expenses (insurance)	(3,149		)	(4,101		)	—			(17,610		)		—			(24,860		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	168,327		$	90,261		$	53,640		$	(13,619	)		$	267,490		$	566,099
Other revenues (non-insurance)																	804,682
Other expenses (non-insurance)																	(739,126		)
Amortization of intangible assets																	(50,503		)
Interest expense																	(88,664		)
Income before income taxes																	$	492,488
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (1)	89		%	87		%	92		%	NM			(2)				89		%

⁽¹⁾  The U.S. GAAP combined ratio is a measure of underwriting performance and represents the relationship of incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses to earned premiums.

⁽²⁾  NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

22

b) The following table reconciles segment assets to the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2016		December 31, 2015
Segment assets:
Investing	$	19,235,156	$	18,056,947
Underwriting	5,681,650		5,385,126
Total segment assets	24,916,806		23,442,073
Non-insurance operations	1,486,839		1,497,042
Total assets	$	26,403,645	$	24,939,115

7. Senior Long-Term Debt

In the second quarter of 2016, the Company issued $500 million of 5.0% unsecured senior notes due April 5, 2046. Net proceeds to the Company were $493.1 million. The Company used a portion of these proceeds to purchase $70.2 million of principal on its 7.35% Senior Notes due 2034 and $108.8 million of principal on its 7.125% Senior Notes due 2019 through a tender offer at a total purchase price of $95.0 million and $126.4 million, respectively. The Company also expects to use the proceeds from this issuance to retire its 7.20% unsecured senior notes, when they come due April 14, 2017 ($90.6 million aggregate principal amount of those notes was outstanding at September 30, 2016), and the remainder for general corporate purposes.

In connection with the tender offer and purchase, the Company recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $44.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

8. Other Revenues and Other Expenses

The following tables summarize the components of other revenues and other expenses.

	Quarter Ended September 30,
	2016				2015
(dollars in thousands)	Other Revenues		Other Expenses		Other Revenues		Other Expenses
Insurance:
Managing general agent operations	$	1,704	$	1,347	$	1,055	$	2,339
Life and annuity	466		4,232		42		6,913
Other	—		—		246		—
	2,170		5,579		1,343		9,252
Non-Insurance:
Markel Ventures: Manufacturing	203,909		171,595		216,057		192,707
Markel Ventures: Non-Manufacturing	117,433		115,529		83,098		83,104
Investment management	8,297		10,385		—		—
Other	4,666		6,625		6,238		5,686
	334,305		304,134		305,393		281,497
Total	$	336,475	$	309,713	$	306,736	$	290,749

23

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016				2015
(dollars in thousands)	Other Revenues		Other Expenses		Other Revenues		Other Expenses
Insurance:
Managing general agent operations	$	8,811	$	6,446	$	10,043	$	7,250
Life and annuity	1,407		19,432		369		17,610
Other	—		—		2,057		—
	10,218		25,878		12,469		24,860
Non-Insurance:
Markel Ventures: Manufacturing	589,752		491,188		567,960		513,087
Markel Ventures: Non-Manufacturing	315,863		295,647		216,191		209,947
Investment management	22,820		31,151		—		—
Other	16,686		18,851		20,531		16,092
	945,121		836,837		804,682		739,126
Total	$	955,339	$	862,715	$	817,151	$	763,986

The Company's Markel Ventures operations primarily consist of controlling interests in various industrial and service businesses and are viewed by management as separate and distinct from the Company's insurance operations. While each of the companies is operated independently from one another, management aggregates financial results into two industry groups: manufacturing and non-manufacturing.

9. Reinsurance

The following tables summarize the effect of reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance on premiums written and earned.

	Quarter Ended September 30,
	2016						2015
(dollars in thousands)	Written			Earned			Written			Earned
Direct	$	888,009		$	883,687		$	878,269		$	881,512
Assumed	241,764			292,951			280,095			293,481
Ceded	(200,390		)	(202,394		)	(205,180		)	(211,318		)
Net premiums	$	929,383		$	974,244		$	953,184		$	963,675

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016						2015
(dollars in thousands)	Written			Earned			Written			Earned
Direct	$	2,724,341		$	2,617,074		$	2,631,734		$	2,601,458
Assumed	1,075,744			878,882			1,044,889			910,640
Ceded	(638,196		)	(613,167		)	(653,665		)	(647,216		)
Net premiums	$	3,161,889		$	2,882,789		$	3,022,958		$	2,864,882

The percentage of ceded earned premiums to gross earned premiums was 17% and 18%, respectively, for the quarters ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and 18% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. The percentage of assumed earned premiums to net earned premiums was 30% for the quarters ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and 30% and 32%, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses were net of reinsurance recoverables (ceded incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses) of $83.3 million and $53.8 million, respectively, for the quarters ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and $289.4 million and $285.9 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

24

10. Life and Annuity Benefits

Life and annuity benefits are compiled on a reinsurance contract-by-contract basis and are discounted using standard actuarial techniques and cash flow models. Since the development of the life and annuity reinsurance reserves is based upon cash flow projection models, the Company must make estimates and assumptions based on cedent experience, industry mortality tables, and expense and investment experience, including a provision for adverse deviation. The assumptions used to determine policy benefit reserves are generally locked-in for the life of the contract unless an unlocking event occurs. Loss recognition testing is performed to determine if existing policy benefit reserves, together with the present value of future gross premiums and expected investment income earned thereon, are adequate to cover the present value of future benefits, settlement and maintenance costs. If the existing policy benefit reserves are not sufficient, the locked-in assumptions are revised to current best estimate assumptions and a charge to earnings for life and annuity benefits is recognized at that time.

Life and annuity benefits are also adjusted to the extent unrealized gains on the investments supporting the policy benefit reserves would result in a reserve deficiency if those gains were realized. During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recognized a reserve deficiency resulting from decreases in the market yield on the investment portfolio supporting the policy benefit reserves by increasing life and annuity benefits by $9.6 million and $57.5 million, respectively, and decreasing the change in net unrealized holding gains included in other comprehensive income by a corresponding amount. As of September 30, 2016, the cumulative adjustment to life and annuity benefits attributable to unrealized gains on the underlying investment portfolio totaled $57.5 million.

11. Income Taxes

The effective tax rate was 27% and 21% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of tax-exempt investment income. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of foreign tax credits for foreign taxes paid and tax-exempt investment income. The Company's recognition of foreign tax credits in 2015 had a favorable impact on its effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 of 8%. The increase in the effective tax rate in 2016 compared to 2015 was primarily due to the 2015 impact of foreign tax credits described above and a decrease in estimated annual earnings attributable to foreign operations that are taxed at a lower rate in 2016 compared to 2015.

During the first quarter of 2016, the Internal Revenue Service completed its examination of the Company’s 2012 federal income tax return. There were no adjustments to our income tax liabilities as a result of this examination.

12. Variable Interest Entities

In December 2015, the Company formed Markel CATCo Investment Management Ltd. (MCIM), a wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary. MCIM is an insurance-linked securities investment fund manager and insurance manager headquartered in Bermuda. Results attributable to MCIM are included with the Company's non-insurance operations, which are not included in a reportable segment.

In December 2015, the Company also formed a mutual fund company and reinsurance company, both of which were organized under Bermuda law and are managed by MCIM. The mutual fund company issues multiple classes of nonvoting, redeemable preference shares to investors through its funds (the Funds) and the Funds are primarily invested in nonvoting shares of the reinsurance company. The underwriting results of the reinsurance company are attributed to the Funds through the issuance of nonvoting preference shares.

The Funds and the reinsurance company are considered VIEs, as their preference shareholders have no voting rights. MCIM has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of these entities, but does not have a variable interest in any of the entities. Except as described below, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the Funds or the reinsurance company, as the Company’s involvement is generally limited to that of an investment or insurance manager, receiving fees that are at market and commensurate with the level of effort required. The Company is the sole investor in one of the Funds, the Markel Diversified Fund, and consolidates that fund as its primary beneficiary. The Company also holds an investment in another one of the Funds ($26.0 million as of September 30, 2016) but does not have the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE, and therefore does not consolidate that Fund.

25

As of September 30, 2016, total assets of the Markel Diversified Fund were $166.9 million and total liabilities were $63.8 million. The assets of the Markel Diversified Fund are available for use only by the Markel Diversified Fund, and are not available for use by the Company. Total assets of the Markel Diversified Fund include an investment in one of the unconsolidated Funds totaling $164.4 million as of September 30, 2016, which represents 6% of the outstanding preference shares of that fund. This investment is included in equity securities (available-for-sale) on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Total liabilities of the Markel Diversified Fund include a $62.5 million note payable delivered as part of the consideration provided for its investment. This note payable is included in senior long-term debt and other debt on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Other than the note payable, any liabilities held by the Markel Diversified Fund have no recourse to the Company’s general credit.

The Company’s exposure to risk from the unconsolidated Funds and reinsurance company is generally limited to its investment and any earned but uncollected fees. The Company has not issued any investment performance guarantees to these VIEs or their investors. As of September 30, 2016, total investment and insurance assets under management of MCIM for unconsolidated VIEs were $3.4 billion.

13. Net Income per Share

Net income per share was determined by dividing adjusted net income to shareholders by the applicable weighted average shares outstanding.Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing adjusted net income to shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period.

	Quarter Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2016			2015		2016			2015
Net income to shareholders	$	83,796		$	102,519	$	322,963		$	384,880
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(4,928		)	1,376		(10,909		)	3,091
Adjusted net income to shareholders	$	78,868		$	103,895	$	312,054		$	387,971
Basic common shares outstanding	14,033			13,983		14,013			13,977
Dilutive potential common shares from conversion of options	3			8		4			9
Dilutive potential common shares from conversion of restricted stock	49			71		62			70
Diluted shares outstanding	14,085			14,062		14,079			14,056
Basic net income per share	$	5.62		$	7.43	$	22.27		$	27.76
Diluted net income per share	$	5.60		$	7.39	$	22.16		$	27.60

26

14. Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other comprehensive income (loss) includes net holding gains (losses) arising during the period, changes in unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities arising during the period and reclassification adjustments for net gains included in net income. Other comprehensive income (loss) also includes changes in foreign currency translation adjustments and changes in net actuarial pension loss.

The following table presents the change in accumulated other comprehensive income by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interests, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

(dollars in thousands)	Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities			Foreign Currency			Net Actuarial Pension Loss			Total
December 31, 2014	$	1,793,254		$	(43,491	)	$	(45,206	)	$	1,704,557
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(258,275		)	(22,236		)	—			(280,511		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(8,037		)	—			1,407			(6,630		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(266,312		)	(22,236		)	1,407			(287,141		)
September 30, 2015	$	1,526,942		$	(65,727	)	$	(43,799	)	$	1,417,416
December 31, 2015	$	1,472,762		$	(72,696	)	$	(45,558	)	$	1,354,508
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	411,354			(6,159		)	—			405,195
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(33,308		)	—			1,247			(32,061		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	378,046			(6,159		)	1,247			373,134
September 30, 2016	$	1,850,808		$	(78,855	)	$	(44,311	)	$	1,727,642

The following table summarizes the tax expense (benefit) associated with each component of other comprehensive income (loss).

	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Change in net unrealized gains on investments:
Net holding gains (losses) arising during the period	$	8,309		$	(71,549	)	$	196,189		$	(129,546	)
Change in unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities arising during the period	(3		)	(10		)	(9		)	28
Reclassification adjustments for net gains (losses) included in net income	(4,811		)	4,647			(12,621		)	(1,025		)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	3,495			(66,912		)	183,559			(130,543		)
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments	2,847			829			1,152			1,662
Change in net actuarial pension loss	86			119			274			352
Total	$	6,428		$	(65,964	)	$	184,985		$	(128,529	)

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The following table presents the details of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income, by component.

	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities:
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	$	—		$	(18,281	)	$	(12,080	)	$	(23,373	)
Net realized investment gains, excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses	14,569			7,634			58,009			32,435
Total before taxes	14,569			(10,647		)	45,929			9,062
Income taxes	(4,811		)	4,647			(12,621		)	(1,025		)
Reclassification of unrealized holding gains (losses), net of taxes	$	9,758		$	(6,000	)	$	33,308		$	8,037
Net actuarial pension loss:
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	$	(476	)	$	(594	)	$	(1,521	)	$	(1,759	)
Income taxes	86			119			274			352
Reclassification of net actuarial pension loss, net of taxes	$	(390	)	$	(475	)	$	(1,247	)	$	(1,407	)

15. Contingencies

Contingencies arise in the normal course of the Company's operations and are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

16. Subsequent Events

After the end of the third quarter of 2016, the Caribbean and southeastern and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States sustained losses from Hurricane Matthew. Based on information currently available, the Company estimates its range of net incurred losses on this event is between $40 million and $100 million before income taxes. This estimated range of losses was derived based on preliminary industry loss estimates, policy level reviews and direct contact with insureds and brokers when possible. However, we are still gathering loss data from our policy holders and cedents and do not expect that all losses have been reported at this time. Potential losses associated with business interruption are also not yet clear. The Company continues to closely monitor reported claims to refine its estimate of losses, which will be recorded in the fourth quarter of 2016.

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Item 2. Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

The accompanying consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and include the accounts of Markel Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, as well as any variable interest entities (VIEs) that meet the requirements for consolidation (the Company).

Critical Accounting Estimates

Critical accounting estimates are those estimates that both are important to the portrayal of our financial condition and results of operations and require us to exercise significant judgment. The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires us to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of material contingent assets and liabilities, including litigation contingencies. These estimates, by necessity, are based on assumptions about numerous factors.

We review the following critical accounting estimates and assumptions quarterly: evaluating the adequacy of reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, life and annuity reinsurance benefit reserves, the reinsurance allowance for doubtful accounts and income tax liabilities, as well as analyzing the recoverability of deferred tax assets, estimating reinsurance premiums written and earned and evaluating the investment portfolio for other-than-temporary declines in estimated fair value. Critical accounting estimates and assumptions for goodwill and intangible assets are reviewed in conjunction with an acquisition and goodwill and indefinite-lived intangible assets are reassessed at least annually for impairment. Actual results may differ materially from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

Readers are urged to review our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete description of our critical accounting estimates.

Effective January 1, 2016, we adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which changes the way reporting enterprises evaluate whether (a) they should consolidate limited partnerships and similar entities, (b) fees paid to a decision maker or service provider are variable interests in a VIE, and (c) variable interests in a VIE held by related parties of the reporting enterprise require the reporting enterprise to consolidate the VIE. It also eliminates the VIE consolidation model based on majority exposure to variability that applied to certain investment companies and similar entities. The ASU also significantly changes how to evaluate voting rights for entities that are not similar to limited partnerships when determining whether the entity is a VIE, which may affect entities for which the decision making rights are conveyed through a contractual arrangement. The adoption of this guidance did not result in any changes to our previous consolidation conclusions.

During the second quarter of 2016, we early adopted FASB ASU No. 2016-09, Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which changes several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions. Under the new guidance, all excess tax benefits or deficiencies associated with share-based payment award transactions are required to be recognized as an income tax benefit or expense in net income when the awards vest or are settled, with the corresponding cash flows recognized as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows. Excess tax benefits and deficiencies are no longer recognized in additional paid-in-capital. The new guidance also allows an employer to repurchase more of an employee's shares for tax witholding purposes without triggering liability accounting and to make a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimating forfeitures upon issuance of the award. Upon adoption of ASU No. 2016-09, we elected to account for forfeitures as they occur, which had no impact on the consolidated financial statements. The provisions of ASU No. 2016-09 were adopted as of January 1, 2016 on a prospective basis and did not have a material impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

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In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which creates a new comprehensive revenue recognition standard that will serve as a single source of revenue guidance for all companies in all industries. The guidance applies to all companies that either enter into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enter into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets, unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards, such as insurance contracts. ASU No. 2014-09's core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under the current guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Deferral of the Effective Date, which deferred the original effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 by one year. As a result, ASU No. 2014-09 becomes effective for us during the first quarter of 2018 and may be applied retrospectively or under a modified retrospective method where the cumulative effect is recognized at the date of initial application. Early application is permitted, but not before the first quarter of 2017. ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Consideration (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing and ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients were issued in March, April and May 2016, respectively, as amendments to ASU No. 2014-09. These amendments will be evaluated and adopted in conjunction with ASU No. 2014-09. We are currently evaluating ASU No. 2014-09, and related amendments, to determine the potential impact that adopting this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements. Adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on our insurance operations, but may have a material impact on our non-insurance operations.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments (Topic 825): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The ASU significantly changes the income statement impact of equity investments and the recognition of changes in fair value of financial liabilities attributable to an entity's own credit risk when the fair value option is elected. The ASU requires equity instruments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method to be measured at fair value and to recognize any changes in fair value in net income rather than other comprehensive income (loss). ASU No. 2016-01 becomes effective for us during the first quarter of 2018 and will be applied using a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The provisions related to equity investments without a readily determinable fair value will be applied prospectively to equity investments as of the adoption date. Early adoption is permitted for certain provisions of the ASU. We are currently evaluating ASU No. 2016-01 to determine the potential impact that adopting this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements. Adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on our financial position, cash flows, or total comprehensive income (loss), but will have a significant impact on our results of operations as changes in fair value will be presented in net income rather than other comprehensive income (loss).

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The ASU requires lessees to put most leases on their balance sheets as a lease liability with a corresponding right-of-use asset, but continue to recognize the related leasing expense within net income. The guidance also eliminates the real estate-specific provisions for all entities. For lessors, the guidance modifies the classification criteria and the accounting for sales-type and direct financing leases. ASU No. 2016-02 becomes effective for us during the first quarter of 2019 and will be applied under a modified retrospective approach for leases that exist or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the financial statements. Early adoption is permitted. We are currently evaluating ASU No. 2016-02 to determine the potential impact that adopting this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The ASU replaces the current incurred loss model used to measure impairment losses with an expected loss model for trade, reinsurance, and other receivables as well as financial instruments measured at amortized cost. For available-for-sale debt securities, the ASU requires entities to record impairments as an allowance, rather than a reduction of the amortized cost, as is currently required under the other-than-temporary impairment model. ASU No. 2016-13 becomes effective for us during the first quarter of 2020 and will be applied using a modified-retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. We are currently evaluating ASU No. 2016-13 to determine the potential impact that adopting this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements.

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Our Business

We are a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. Our principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products. We believe that our specialty product focus and niche market strategy enable us to develop expertise and specialized market knowledge. We seek to differentiate ourselves from competitors by our expertise, service, continuity and other value-based considerations. We also own interests in various industrial and service businesses that operate outside of the specialty insurance marketplace. Our financial goals are to earn consistent underwriting and operating profits and superior investment returns to build shareholder value.

We monitor and report our ongoing underwriting operations in the following three segments: U.S. Insurance, International Insurance and Reinsurance. In determining how to aggregate and monitor our underwriting results, management considers many factors, including the geographic location and regulatory environment of the insurance entity underwriting the risk, the nature of the insurance product sold, the type of account written and the type of customer served. The U.S. Insurance segment includes all direct business and facultative placements written by our insurance subsidiaries domiciled in the United States. The International Insurance segment includes all direct business and facultative placements written by our insurance subsidiaries domiciled outside of the United States, including our syndicate at Lloyd's of London (Lloyd's). The Reinsurance segment includes all treaty reinsurance written across the Company. Results for lines of business discontinued prior to, or in conjunction with, acquisitions are reported in the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment. All investing activities related to our insurance operations are included in the Investing segment.

Our U.S. Insurance segment includes both hard-to-place risks written outside of the standard market on an excess and surplus lines basis and unique and hard-to-place risks that must be written on an admitted basis due to marketing and regulatory reasons. The following products are included in this segment: general liability, professional liability, catastrophe-exposed property, personal property, workers' compensation, specialty program insurance for well-defined niche markets, and liability coverages and other coverages tailored for unique exposures. Business in this segment is written through our Wholesale, Specialty and Global Insurance divisions. The Wholesale division writes commercial risks, primarily on an excess and surplus lines basis, using a network of wholesale brokers managed on a regional basis. The Specialty division writes program insurance and other specialty coverages for well-defined niche markets, primarily on an admitted basis. The Global Insurance division writes risks outside of the standard market on both an admitted and non-admitted basis. Global Insurance division business written by our U.S. insurance subsidiaries is included in this segment.

Our International Insurance segment writes risks that are characterized by either the unique nature of the exposure or the high limits of insurance coverage required by the insured. Risks written in the International Insurance segment are written on either a direct basis or a subscription basis, the latter of which means that loss exposures brought into the market are typically insured by more than one insurance company or Lloyd's syndicate. When we write business in the subscription market, we prefer to participate as lead underwriter in order to control underwriting terms, policy conditions and claims handling. Products offered within our International Insurance segment include primary and excess of loss property, excess liability, professional liability, marine and energy and liability coverages and other coverages tailored for unique exposures. Business included in this segment is produced through our Markel International and Global Insurance divisions. The Markel International division writes business worldwide from our London-based platform, which includes our syndicate at Lloyd's. Global Insurance division business written by our non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries, which primarily targets Fortune 1000 accounts, is included in this segment.

Our Reinsurance segment includes property, casualty and specialty treaty reinsurance products offered to other insurance and reinsurance companies globally through the broker market. Our treaty reinsurance offerings include both quota share and excess of loss reinsurance and are typically written on a participation basis, which means each reinsurer shares proportionally in the business ceded under the reinsurance treaty written. Principal lines of business include: property (including catastrophe-exposed property), professional liability, general casualty, credit, surety, auto, and workers' compensation. Our reinsurance product offerings are underwritten by our Global Reinsurance division and our Markel International division.

For purposes of segment reporting, the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment includes lines of business that have been discontinued prior to, or in conjunction with, acquisitions. The lines were discontinued because we believed some aspect of the product, such as risk profile or competitive environment, would not allow us to earn consistent underwriting profits. The Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment also includes development on asbestos and environmental (A&E) loss reserves and the results attributable to the run-off of our life and annuity reinsurance business.

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In December 2015, we completed the acquisition of substantially all of the assets of CATCo Investment Management Ltd. (CATCo IM) and CATCo-Re Ltd. CATCo IM was an insurance-linked securities investment fund manager and reinsurance manager headquartered in Bermuda focused on building and managing highly diversified, collateralized retrocession and reinsurance portfolios covering global property catastrophe risks. Following the acquisition, we are operating this business through Markel CATCo Investment Management Ltd. (MCIM). MCIM receives management fees for its investment management and insurance management services, as well as performance fees based on the annual performance of the investment funds that it manages. Results attributable to MCIM are included with our non-insurance operations, which are not included in a reportable segment.

Through our wholly-owned subsidiary Markel Ventures, Inc. (Markel Ventures), we own interests in various industrial and service businesses that operate outside of the specialty insurance marketplace. These businesses are viewed by management as separate and distinct from our insurance operations and are comprised of a diverse portfolio of businesses from various industries, including manufacturers of transportation and industrial equipment, and providers of healthcare, housing, data and consulting services. Local management teams oversee the day-to-day operations of these companies, while strategic decisions are made in conjunction with members of our executive management team. While each of these businesses is operated independently, we aggregate their financial results into two industry groups: manufacturing and non-manufacturing. Our strategy in making these investments is similar to our strategy for purchasing equity securities. We seek to invest in profitable companies, with honest and talented management, that exhibit reinvestment opportunities and capital discipline, at reasonable prices. We intend to own the businesses acquired for a long period of time.

In December 2015, we acquired 80% of the outstanding shares of CapTech Ventures, Inc. (CapTech), a privately held company headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. CapTech is a management and IT consulting firm, providing services and solutions to a wide array of customers. Results attributable to CapTech are included with our non-insurance operations, which are not included in a reportable segment. Due to the one month lag in consolidating the results of our Markel Ventures operations, the financial results for CapTech are included in our consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income (loss) beginning in January 2016.

Key Performance Indicators

We measure financial success by our ability to compound growth in book value per share at a high rate of return over a long period of time. To mitigate the effects of short-term volatility, we measure ourselves over a five-year period. We believe that growth in book value per share is the most comprehensive measure of our success because it includes all underwriting, investing and operating results. We measure underwriting results by our underwriting profit or loss and combined ratio. We measure investing results by our taxable equivalent total investment return. We measure our other operating results, which primarily consist of our Markel Ventures operations, by our revenues and net income (loss), as well as earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA). Our quarterly performance measures are discussed below in greater detail under "Results of Operations."

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Results of Operations

The following table presents the components of net income to shareholders.

	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Underwriting profit	$	22,318		$	113,319		$	205,075		$	311,000
Net investment income	93,147			87,060			279,437			270,521
Net realized investment gains (losses)	27,416			(14,707		)	65,836			(3,031		)
Other revenues	336,475			306,736			955,339			817,151
Amortization of intangible assets	(17,010		)	(18,914		)	(51,474		)	(50,503		)
Other expenses	(309,713		)	(290,749		)	(862,715		)	(763,986		)
Interest expense	(33,152		)	(30,064		)	(97,690		)	(88,664		)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	—			—			(44,100		)	—
Income tax expense	(36,060		)	(48,271		)	(121,968		)	(101,619		)
Net (income) loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	375			(1,891		)	(4,777		)	(5,989		)
Net income to shareholders	$	83,796		$	102,519		$	322,963		$	384,880

The components of net income to shareholders are discussed in detail under "Underwriting Results," "Investing Results," "Other Revenues and Other Expenses" and "Interest Expense, Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt and Income Taxes."

Underwriting Results

Underwriting profits are a key component of our strategy to grow book value per share. We believe that the ability to achieve consistent underwriting profits demonstrates knowledge and expertise, commitment to superior customer service and the ability to manage insurance risk. The property and casualty insurance industry commonly defines underwriting profit or loss as earned premiums net of losses and loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses. We use underwriting profit or loss as a basis for evaluating our underwriting performance.

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Consolidated

The following table presents selected data from our underwriting operations.

	Quarter Ended September 30,								Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2016				2015				2016				2015
Gross premium volume	$	1,129,773			$	1,158,364			$	3,800,085			$	3,676,623
Net written premiums	929,383				953,184				3,161,889				3,022,958
Net retention	82		%		82		%		83		%		82		%
Earned premiums	974,244				963,675				2,882,789				2,864,882
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	579,405				484,737				1,564,925				1,467,926
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	372,521				365,619				1,112,789				1,085,956
Underwriting profit	22,318				113,319				205,075				311,000
U.S. GAAP Combined Ratios (1)
U.S. Insurance	101		%		90		%		95		%		89		%
International Insurance	91		%		87		%		95		%		87		%
Reinsurance	94		%		86		%		87		%		92		%
Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)	NM			(2)	NM			(2)	NM			(2)	NM			(2)
Markel Corporation (Consolidated)	98		%		88		%		93		%		89		%

⁽¹⁾  The U.S. GAAP combined ratio is a measure of underwriting performance and represents the relationship of incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses to earned premiums. A combined ratio less than 100% indicates an underwriting profit, while a combined ratio greater than 100% reflects an underwriting loss. The U.S. GAAP combined ratio is the sum of the loss ratio and the expense ratio.The loss ratio represents the relationship of incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses to earned premiums. The expense ratio represents the relationship of underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses to earned premiums.

⁽²⁾  NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

Our combined ratio was 98% and 93%, respectively, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to 88% and 89%, respectively, for the same periods of 2015.

The combined ratio for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 included $50.1 million, or five points on the consolidated combined ratio, of losses and loss adjustment expenses resulting from management actions during the third quarter in response to claim trends noted by our actuaries in our medical malpractice and specified medical product lines within the U.S. Insurance segment. Of this amount, $36.5 million represents reserve strengthening on prior accident years. The adverse development on both of these product lines was driven by an increase in the proportion of business written on classes with higher claim frequencies relative to other classes of business within these product lines over the last several years, including correctional facilities and contract physician staffing. Beginning in late 2015, we saw an increase in claim frequencies on these classes, which was inconsistent with the historical trends indicated by our actuarial analyses. In recent quarters, we have continued to see steady increases in claim frequencies, as well as increases in claims payments on these classes of business. As a result, we have given more credibility to this new trend, and management increased loss reserves accordingly. In response, we have taken corrective actions for business written in the affected classes. We also experienced less favorable development of prior years' loss reserves across various other product lines within each of our ongoing underwriting segments in the third quarter of 2016 compared to the same period of 2015.

The current accident year loss ratio for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 increased slightly compared to 2015. Higher attritional losses within our U.S. Insurance segment, due in part to higher losses on our medical malpractice and specified medical product lines, and International Insurance segment were largely offset by a decrease in ultimate loss ratios across various product lines. Following the completion of two retroactive reinsurance transactions in 2015, we have less variability in our consolidated loss reserves.  Additionally, management continues to gain confidence in the actuarial projections on product lines previously written by Alterra Capital Holdings Limited, which we acquired in 2013.  As a result, management’s best estimate of the ultimate loss ratios on various product lines across all three of our ongoing underwriting segments has decreased compared to the same period of 2015. We continue to maintain a consolidated confidence level in a range consistent with our historic levels.

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The increase in the consolidated combined ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was driven by less favorable development on prior years' loss reserves, partially offset by a lower current accident year loss ratio in 2016 compared to 2015.

The decrease in prior year redundancies for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was attributable to our U.S. Insurance and International Insurance segments. In 2016, redundancies on prior years' loss reserves in our U.S. Insurance segment included $71.4 million, or two points on the consolidated combined ratio, of adverse development on our medical malpractice and specified medical product lines. Redundancies on prior years' loss reserves in 2015 included $36.0 million, or one point on the consolidated combined ratio, of favorable development attributable to a decrease in the estimated volatility of our consolidated net reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, as a result of ceding a significant portion of our A&E exposures to a third party. As a result of this decrease in estimated volatility, our level of confidence in our net reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses increased. Therefore, management reduced prior years' loss reserves in order to maintain a consolidated confidence level in a range consistent with our historic levels. This reduction in prior years' loss reserves during 2015 occurred in our U.S. Insurance and International Insurance segments.

The consolidated current accident year loss ratio included $26.1 million, or one point on the consolidated combined ratio, of underwriting loss related to the Canadian wildfires that occurred in the second quarter of 2016. The impact of these losses on the 2016 consolidated current accident year loss ratio was more than offset by lower loss ratios across several other product lines resulting from a decrease in management's best estimate of ultimate loss ratios in 2016, as described above.

U.S. Insurance Segment

The combined ratio for the U.S. Insurance segment was 101% and 95%, respectively, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to 90% and 89%, respectively, for the same periods of 2015.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2016, the increase in the combined ratio was driven by less favorable development of prior accident years' loss reserves.

• The current accident year loss ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2016 increased slightly compared to 2015. During 2016, we experienced higher attritional losses on our professional liability product lines, most notably our medical malpractice and specified medical product lines, as previously discussed, and on our property product lines compared to 2015. We also experienced more large loss events in 2016 than 2015. These increases were offset by lower attritional losses on our general liability product lines and a favorable impact resulting from a decrease in management's best estimate of ultimate loss ratios on various product lines, as previously discussed.

• The U.S. Insurance segment's combined ratio for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 included $21.5 million of favorable development on prior years' loss reserves compared to $75.0 million for the same period in 2015. The decrease in redundancies on prior years' loss reserves was driven by adverse development on our medical malpractice and specified medical product lines in 2016 and less favorable development on our property product lines in 2016 compared to 2015. For the quarter ended September 30, 2016, the combined adverse development on our medical malpractice and specified medical product lines totaled $36.5 million, or seven points on the segment combined ratio, primarily on the 2013 to 2015 accident years. Adverse development on these product lines in 2016 was more than offset by favorable development on prior years' loss reserves across several other product lines, most notably our general liability lines across several accident years. During the third quarter of 2015, favorable development on prior years' loss reserves was most significant on our general liability and property product lines.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the increase in the combined ratio was driven by less favorable development of prior accident years' loss reserves.

• The current accident year loss ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was flat compared to 2015. Higher attritional losses, primarily on our medical malpractice and specified medical product lines were largely offset by lower attritional losses, primarily on our general liability product lines, and the favorable impact resulting from a decrease in management's best estimate of ultimate loss ratios on various product lines, as previously discussed.

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• The U.S. Insurance segment's combined ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 included $126.5 million of favorable development on prior years' loss reserves compared to $211.2 million for the same period in 2015. The decrease in loss reserve redundancies was driven by adverse development on certain of our professional liability product lines in 2016 and less favorable development on our property product lines in 2016 compared to 2015. Additionally, redundancies on prior years' loss reserves in 2015 included $19.0 million, or one point on the segment combined ratio, attributable to the decrease in the volatility of our consolidated net reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses during the first quarter of 2015, as previously discussed. The favorable development on prior years' loss reserves in 2016 was most significant on our general liability product lines across several accident years, on our workers' compensation product line on the 2012 through 2015 accident years, and on our property product lines on the 2013 and 2014 accident years. Favorable development on prior years' loss reserves in 2016 was partially offset by adverse development on our medical malpractice and specified medical product lines, primarily on the 2010 through 2015 accident years, as previously discussed. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the combined adverse development on these product lines totaled $71.4 million, or four points on the segment combined ratio. During 2015, favorable development on prior years' loss reserves was most significant on our general liability, property and workers' compensation product lines.

International Insurance Segment

The combined ratio for the International Insurance segment was 91% and 95%, respectively, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to 87% for both the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2015.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2016, the increase in the combined ratio was driven by less favorable development of prior accident years' loss reserves and a higher current accident year loss ratio, partially offset by a lower expense ratio compared to the same period of 2015.

• The increase in the current accident year loss ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2016 was driven by higher attritional losses and large losses in 2016 compared to 2015, primarily on our marine and energy product lines, partially offset by a decrease in management's best estimate of ultimate loss ratios on various product lines, as previously discussed.

• The International Insurance segment's combined ratio for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 included $42.7 million of favorable development on prior years' loss reserves compared to $57.9 million in 2015. In 2016, the favorable development on prior years' loss reserves was most significant on our professional liability product lines across several accident years. The favorable development in 2015 was most significant on our professional liability, general liability and marine and energy product lines. The decrease in favorable development on prior years' loss reserves in the third quarter of 2016 compared to the third quarter of 2015 was driven by less favorable development across various product lines.

• The decrease in the expense ratio was primarily due to lower profit sharing in 2016 compared to 2015 and a favorable impact from a reallocation of expenses between the International Insurance segment and Reinsurance segment in the third quarter of 2016. These movements were partially offset by the impact of higher broker commissions in 2016.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the increase in the combined ratio was driven by less favorable development on prior years' loss reserves and a higher expense ratio, partially offset by a lower current accident year loss ratio compared to the same period of 2015.

• The decrease in the current accident year loss ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was driven by a decrease in management's best estimate of ultimate loss ratios on various product lines, as previously discussed. We also experienced lower attritional losses across various product lines in 2016, which were largely offset by higher attritional and large losses on our marine and energy product lines. The current accident year loss ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 also included $4.9 million, or one point on the segment combined ratio, of underwriting loss related to the Canadian wildfires that occurred in the second quarter.

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• The International Insurance segment's combined ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 included $111.4 million of favorable development on prior years' loss reserves compared to $177.9 million in 2015. The decrease in loss reserve redundancies in 2016 compared to 2015 was driven by less favorable development on our marine and energy product lines in 2016. Additionally, redundancies on prior years' loss reserves in 2015 included $17.0 million, or three points on the segment combined ratio, attributable to the decrease in the volatility of our consolidated net reserves for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses during the first quarter of 2015, as previously discussed. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the favorable development on prior years' loss reserves was most significant on our professional liability product lines across several accident years and our marine and energy product lines, primarily on the 2012 through 2015 accident years. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the favorable development on prior years' loss reserves occurred across several product lines, but was most significant on our marine and energy, professional liability and general liability product lines.

• The increase in the expense ratio was attributable to higher broker commissions in 2016 and the write off of previously capitalized software development costs in the second quarter of 2016. These increases were partially offset by lower profit sharing costs in 2016 compared to 2015.

Reinsurance Segment

The combined ratio for the Reinsurance segment was 94% and 87%, respectively, for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to 86% and 92%, respectively, for the same periods of 2015.

For the quarter ended September 30, 2016 the increase in the combined ratio was driven by a higher expense ratio and less favorable development on prior years' loss reserves compared to the same period of 2015.

• The Reinsurance segment's combined ratio for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 included $19.1 million of favorable development on prior years' loss reserves compared to $24.2 million in 2015. The decrease in loss reserve redundancies was driven by adverse development on our professional liability lines in 2016 compared to favorable development in 2015, partially offset by more favorable development on our general liability product lines. The favorable development on prior years' loss reserves in 2016 was across several product lines but was most significant on our property product lines, primarily on the 2012 through 2015 accident years, and on our general liability product lines across several accident years. Adverse development on our professional liability lines in 2016 was driven by unfavorable claims experience across multiple accident years. The favorable development on prior years' loss reserves in 2015 was most significant on our property lines of business.

• The increase in the expense ratio was primarily due to an unfavorable impact from a reallocation of expenses between the Reinsurance segment and International Insurance segment in the third quarter of 2016, as well as higher profit sharing expenses in 2016 compared to 2015.

For the nine months ended September 30, 2016 the decrease in the combined ratio was driven by more favorable development on prior years' loss reserves and a lower current accident year loss ratio, partially offset by a higher expense ratio compared to the same period of 2015.

• The current accident year loss ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 included $21.2 million, or three points on the segment combined ratio, of underwriting loss related to the Canadian wildfires that occurred in the second quarter. The impact of these losses on the 2016 current accident year loss ratio was more than offset by lower attritional losses and a decrease in management's best estimate of ultimate loss ratios on various product lines, as previously discussed.

• The Reinsurance segment's combined ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 included $90.1 million of favorable development on prior years' loss reserves compared to $65.7 million in 2015. The increase in loss reserve redundancies in 2016 compared to 2015 was driven by more favorable development on our workers' compensation and property product lines. The favorable development on prior years' loss reserves in 2016 was across several product lines but was most significant on our property product lines, primarily on the 2012 through 2015 accident years, and on our workers' compensation product lines across several accident years. The favorable development on prior years' loss reserves in 2015 was most significant on our general liability and property lines of business.

• The increase in the expense ratio was primarily due to higher profit sharing expenses in 2016 compared to 2015.

Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)

The Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment produced an underwriting loss of $2.7 million and an underwriting profit of $10.8 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to an underwriting profit of $5.0 million and $3.6 million, respectively, for the same periods of 2015. The underwriting profit in the first nine months of 2016 was driven by a commutation that was completed during the period.

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We complete an annual review of A&E exposures during the third quarter of the year unless circumstances suggest an earlier review is appropriate. During our 2015 and 2016 reviews, we determined that no adjustment to loss reserves was required.

A&E loss reserves are subject to significant uncertainty due to potential loss severity and frequency resulting from an uncertain and unfavorable legal climate. Our A&E reserves are not discounted to present value and are forecasted to pay out over the next 40 to 50 years. We seek to establish appropriate reserve levels for A&E exposures; however, these reserves could be subject to increases in the future. As of September 30, 2016, our reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses for A&E exposures was 63% of our gross reserves for A&E exposures.

Premiums and Net Retentions

The following tables summarize gross premium volume, net written premiums and earned premiums by segment.

Gross Premium Volume
	Quarter Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2016		2015			2016		2015
U.S. Insurance	$	663,196	$	635,926		$	2,000,454	$	1,890,144
International Insurance	269,093		284,576			879,078		911,962
Reinsurance	196,948		239,094			920,038		875,676
Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)	536		(1,232		)	515		(1,159		)
Total	$	1,129,773	$	1,158,364		$	3,800,085	$	3,676,623

Gross premium volume decreased 2% for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 and increased 3% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to the same periods of 2015. The decrease in gross premium volume for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 was attributable to the Reinsurance and International Insurance segments, partially offset by higher gross premium volume in our U.S. Insurance segment. The increase in gross premium volume for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was attributable to the U.S. Insurance and Reinsurance segments, partially offset by lower gross premium volume in our International Insurance segment.

Gross premium volume in our U.S. Insurance segment increased 4% and 6% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. The increase in gross premium volume for the three months ended September 30, 2016 was driven by growth within our personal and general liability lines of business. The increase for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was driven by an additional week of gross premium volume during the first quarter of 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 based on differences in the timing of our underwriting systems closings. The timing of our underwriting systems closings has a negligible impact on our premium earnings. The increase in gross premium volume in the U.S. Insurance segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was also attributable to higher premium volumes, primarily within our general liability and personal lines of business.

Gross premium volume in our International Insurance segment decreased 5% and 4% for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. The decrease in gross premium volume for both periods was primarily due to an unfavorable impact from foreign currency exchange rate movements, as well as lower premium volume within our marine and energy and credit and surety product lines.

Gross premium volume in our Reinsurance segment decreased 18% for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 and increased 5% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. For the quarter ended September 30, 2016, the decrease was driven by lower gross premium volume in our credit and surety product line as a result of a contract that was re-written and extended during the third quarter of 2015. Also contributing to the decrease in gross premium volume for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, were lower gross premium volume from our general liability, workers' compensation and auto product lines. These decreases were partially offset by an increase in gross premium volume from our property product line as a result of new business, as well as a favorable impact from the timing of renewals on multi-year contracts, which were higher in the third quarter of 2016 compared to 2015. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the increase in gross premium volume was driven by our general liability and property lines, due to new business and a favorable impact from the timing of renewals on multi-year contracts in 2016 compared to 2015. These increases were partially offset by lower gross premium volume within our auto, professional liability and credit and surety product lines.

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We have seen small price decreases across many of our product lines during 2016, especially in our international business across most of our property product lines, as well as on our marine and energy lines. Our large account business is also subject to more pricing pressure. Competition remains strong in the reinsurance market, however the rate of price decline has slowed and in a few cases stabilized. When we believe the prevailing market price will not support our underwriting profit targets, the business is not written. As a result of our underwriting discipline, gross premium volume may vary when we alter our product offerings to maintain or improve underwriting profitability.

Net Written Premiums
	Quarter Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2016		2015			2016		2015
U.S. Insurance	$	562,215	$	536,285		$	1,694,193	$	1,587,092
International Insurance	209,656		213,423			680,691		700,260
Reinsurance	157,043		204,336			786,450		736,068
Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)	469		(860		)	555		(462		)
Total	$	929,383	$	953,184		$	3,161,889	$	3,022,958

Net retention of gross premium volume for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was 82% and 83%, respectively, compared to 82% for both the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2015. The increase in net retention for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 was driven by higher retention within the U.S. Insurance and Reinsurance segments. These increases are largely due to changes in mix of business.

Earned Premiums
	Quarter Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2016		2015			2016		2015
U.S. Insurance	$	548,792	$	534,615		$	1,614,588	$	1,569,615
International Insurance	218,968		225,034			637,365		654,936
Reinsurance	206,018		204,825			630,151		640,719
Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)	466		(799		)	685		(388		)
Total	$	974,244	$	963,675		$	2,882,789	$	2,864,882

Earned premiums for both the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016 increased 1%, compared to the same periods of 2015. For the quarter ended September 30, 2016, higher earned premiums in our U.S. Insurance segment were partially offset by lower earned premiums in our International Insurance segment. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, higher earned premiums in our U.S. Insurance segment more than offset lower earned premiums in our International Insurance and Reinsurance segments. The increase in earned premiums in our U.S. Insurance segment for both periods of 2016 was primarily due to the increases in gross premium volume as described above. The decrease in earned premiums in our International Insurance segment for both the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to an unfavorable impact from movements in foreign currency exchange rates. The decrease in earned premiums in our Reinsurance segment for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was primarily due to lower earned premiums in our auto business, partially offset by the increase in gross premium volume in our property product line as described above. In late 2014, we ceased writing auto reinsurance in the United Kingdom. At the same time, a decision was made to decrease our quota share percentages on our non-standard auto reinsurance business in the United States.

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Investing Results

The following table summarizes our investment performance.

	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Net investment income	$	93,147		$	87,060		$	279,437		$	270,521
Net realized investment gains (losses)	$	27,416		$	(14,707	)	$	65,836		$	(3,031	)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	$	26,381		$	(210,186	)	$	619,072		$	(396,855	)
Investment yield (1)	0.6		%	0.6		%	1.8		%	1.8		%
Taxable equivalent total investment return, before foreign currency effect							5.8		%	(0.3		)%
Taxable equivalent total investment return							5.8		%	(1.2		)%

⁽¹⁾  Investment yield reflects net investment income as a percentage of monthly average invested assets at amortized cost.

The increase in net investment income for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 was driven by higher bond income on our fixed maturity portfolio due to increased holdings of fixed maturity securities. See note 4(d) of the notes to consolidated financial statements for details regarding the components of net investment income. There were no write downs for other-than-temporary declines in the estimated fair value of investments for the quarter ended September 30, 2016. Net realized investment gains for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 were net of $12.1 million of write downs for other-than-temporary declines in the estimated fair value of investments, all of which were attributable to equity securities. Net realized investment losses for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2015 included write downs for other-than-temporary declines in the estimated fair value of investments of $18.3 million and $23.4 million, respectively, all of which were attributable to equity securities.

We complete a detailed analysis each quarter to assess whether the decline in the fair value of any investment below its cost basis is deemed other-than-temporary. At September 30, 2016, we held securities with gross unrealized losses of $26.7 million, or less than 1% of invested assets. All securities with unrealized losses were reviewed, and we believe that there were no other securities with indications of declines in estimated fair value that were other-than-temporary at September 30, 2016. However, given the volatility in the debt and equity markets, we caution readers that further declines in fair value could be significant and may result in additional other-than-temporary impairment charges in future periods. Variability in the timing of realized and unrealized gains and losses is to be expected.

We evaluate our investment performance by analyzing taxable equivalent total investment return, which is a non-GAAP financial measure. Taxable equivalent total investment return includes items that impact net income, such as coupon interest on fixed maturities, dividends on equity securities and realized investment gains or losses, as well as changes in unrealized gains or losses, which do not impact net income. Certain items that are included in net investment income have been excluded from the calculation of taxable equivalent total investment return, such as amortization and accretion of premiums and discounts on our fixed maturity portfolio, to provide a comparable basis for measuring our investment return against industry investment returns. The calculation of taxable equivalent total investment return also includes the current tax benefit associated with income on certain investments that is either taxed at a lower rate than the statutory income tax rate or is not fully included in federal taxable income. We believe the taxable equivalent total investment return is a better reflection of the economics of our decision to invest in certain asset classes. We focus on our long-term investment return, understanding that the level of realized and unrealized investment gains or losses may vary from one period to the next.

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The following table reconciles investment yield to taxable equivalent total investment return.

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016		2015
Investment yield (1)	1.8	%	1.8	%
Adjustment of investment yield from book value to market value	(0.3	)%	(0.3	)%
Net amortization of net premium on fixed maturity securities	0.3	%	0.4	%
Net realized investment gains and change in net unrealized gains on investments	3.8	%	(2.2	)%
Taxable equivalent effect for interest and dividends (2)	0.3	%	0.3	%
Other (3)	(0.1	)%	(1.2	)%
Taxable equivalent total investment return	5.8	%	(1.2	)%

⁽¹⁾  Investment yield reflects net investment income as a percentage of monthly average invested assets at amortized cost.

⁽²⁾  Adjustment to tax-exempt interest and dividend income to reflect a taxable equivalent basis.

⁽³⁾  Adjustment to reflect the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and time-weighting the inputs to the calculation of taxable equivalent total investment return.

Other Revenues and Other Expenses

Markel Ventures Operations

Operating revenues and expenses associated with our Markel Ventures operations are included in other revenues and other expenses in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income (loss). We consolidate our Markel Ventures operations on a one-month lag. The following table summarizes the operating revenues, net income to shareholders and EBITDA from our Markel Ventures operations.

	Quarter Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2016		2015		2016		2015
Operating revenues	$	321,342	$	299,155	$	905,615	$	784,151
Net income to shareholders	$	13,490	$	6,398	$	49,520	$	14,354
EBITDA	$	41,800	$	29,502	$	133,842	$	76,271

Revenues from our Markel Ventures operations increased $22.2 million and $121.5 million for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to the same periods of 2015. For the quarter ended September 30, 2016, the increase in revenues was primarily attributable to higher revenues in our non-manufacturing operations, primarily due to our December 2015 acquisition of CapTech, partially offset by lower revenues in our manufacturing operations, due to decreased sales volumes in several of these businesses in 2016 compared to the same period of 2015. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the increase in revenues was primarily due to the inclusion of CapTech in our 2016 results and to higher sales volume from one of our transportation related businesses.

Net income to shareholders and EBITDA for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 were impacted by increases in our estimates of contingent consideration obligations. During the third quarter of 2016, operating expenses for our non-manufacturing operations included $10.3 million of expense as a result of an increase in our estimate of the contingent consideration obligation related to the acquisition of CapTech. A portion of the purchase consideration for CapTech is based on post-acquisition earnings through 2018, as defined in the purchase agreement. During the third quarter of 2016, our estimate of CapTech's earnings increased beyond our initial projection. As of September 30, 2016, the fair value of our outstanding contingent consideration obligation was $15.6 million, which we expect to pay over the next three years. While this obligation is subject to further changes based on CapTech's actual results through December 31, 2018, we do not believe the impact of such an adjustment would be material to our results of operations or cash flows. During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2015, operating expenses for our manufacturing operations included $9.0 million and $26.6 million, respectively, of expense as a result of an increase in our estimate of the contingent consideration obligation related to the July 2014 acquisition of Cottrell. This obligation was paid in full during the third quarter of 2016.

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Net income to shareholders and EBITDA from our Markel Ventures operations also increased for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to the same period of 2015 due to higher sales volumes in one of our transportation related businesses, improved results across our non-manufacturing business and the contribution of earnings from CapTech, which were largely offset by the impact of the contingent consideration adjustment previously discussed.

Markel Ventures EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure. We use Markel Ventures EBITDA as an operating performance measure in conjunction with U.S. GAAP measures, including revenues and net income, to monitor and evaluate the performance of our Markel Ventures operations. Because EBITDA excludes interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization, it provides an indicator of economic performance that is useful to both management and investors in evaluating our Markel Ventures businesses as it is not affected by levels of debt, interest rates, effective tax rates or levels of depreciation and amortization resulting from purchase accounting. The following table reconciles EBITDA of Markel Ventures, net of noncontrolling interests, to consolidated net income to shareholders.

	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Markel Ventures EBITDA - Manufacturing	$	35,082		$	26,410		$	105,600		$	62,504
Markel Ventures EBITDA - Non-Manufacturing	6,718			3,092			28,242			13,767
Markel Ventures EBITDA - Total	41,800			29,502			133,842			76,271
Interest expense (1)	(4,005		)	(3,404		)	(11,610		)	(10,272		)
Income tax expense	(9,368		)	(4,308		)	(28,431		)	(9,339		)
Depreciation expense	(8,247		)	(8,715		)	(24,075		)	(22,957		)
Amortization of intangible assets	(6,690		)	(6,677		)	(20,206		)	(19,349		)
Markel Ventures net income to shareholders	13,490			6,398			49,520			14,354
Income before income taxes from other Markel operations	96,708			140,015			365,806			462,797
Income tax expense from other Markel operations	(26,402		)	(43,894		)	(92,363		)	(92,271		)
Net income to shareholders	$	83,796		$	102,519		$	322,963		$	384,880

⁽¹⁾  Interest expense for the quarters ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 includes intercompany interest expense of $2.7 million and $2.1 million, respectively. Interest expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 includes intercompany interest expense of $7.4 million and $7.2 million, respectively.

Interest Expense, Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt and Income Taxes

Interest Expense

Interest expense was $33.2 million and $97.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to $30.1 million and $88.7 million for the same periods of 2015. The increase in interest expense for both periods of 2016 was due to interest expense associated with our 5.0% unsecured senior notes which were issued in the second quarter of 2016, partially offset by the partial purchase of our 7.125% unsecured senior notes and our 7.35% unsecured senior notes in the second quarter of 2016.

Loss on Early Extinguishment of Debt

In the second quarter of 2016, we issued $500 million of 5.0% unsecured senior notes due April 5, 2046. Net proceeds were $493.1 million. We used a portion of these proceeds to purchase $70.2 million of principal on our 7.35% Senior Notes due 2034 and $108.8 million of principal on our 7.125% Senior Notes due 2019 through a tender offer at a total purchase price of $95.0 million and $126.4 million, respectively. We also expect to use the proceeds from this issuance to retire our 7.20% unsecured senior notes, when they come due April 14, 2017 ($90.6 million aggregate principal amount of those notes was outstanding at September 30, 2016), and the remainder for general corporate purposes.

In connection with the tender offer and purchase, we recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $44.1 million during the second quarter of 2016. Replacing this debt with our 5.0% unsecured senior notes due April 5, 2046 extended the average term of our senior notes at a more favorable interest rate.

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Income Taxes

The effective tax rate was 27% and 21% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of tax-exempt investment income. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory rate of 35% primarily as a result of foreign tax credits for foreign taxes paid and tax-exempt investment income. Our recognition of foreign tax credits in 2015 had a favorable impact on our 2015 effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 of 8%. The increase in the effective tax rate in 2016 compared to 2015 was primarily due to the 2015 impact of foreign tax credits described above and a decrease in estimated annual earnings attributable to foreign operations that are taxed at a lower rate in 2016 compared to 2015. Foreign tax credits of the magnitude recognized in 2015 are not expected in future periods.

Our effective tax rate, which is based upon the estimated annual effective tax rate, may fluctuate from period to period based on the relative mix of income or loss reported by jurisdiction and the varying tax rates in each jurisdiction.

Comprehensive Income (Loss) to Shareholders

Comprehensive income to shareholders was $89.2 million for the third quarter of 2016 compared to a comprehensive loss to shareholders of $51.1 million for the same period of 2015. Comprehensive income to shareholders for the third quarter of 2016 included net income to shareholders of $83.8 million, an increase in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, of $13.3 million and unfavorable foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes, of $8.3 million. Comprehensive loss to shareholders for the third quarter of 2015 included net income to shareholders of $102.5 million, a decrease in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, of $143.3 million and unfavorable foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes, of $10.9 million.

Comprehensive income to shareholders was $696.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $97.7 million for the same period of 2015. Comprehensive income to shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 included net income to shareholders of $323.0 million, an increase in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, of $378.0 million and unfavorable foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes, of $6.1 million. Comprehensive income to shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 included net income to shareholders of $384.9 million, a decrease in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, of $266.3 million and unfavorable foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes, of $22.3 million.

The increase in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 was attributable to an increase in the fair value of our equity portfolio, partially offset by a decrease in the fair value of our fixed maturity portfolio compared to June 30, 2016. The increase in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was attributable to an increase in the fair value of both our fixed maturity and equity portfolios compared to December 31, 2015. The increase in net unrealized gains on investments for both the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016 were net of an adjustment of $9.6 million and $57.5 million, respectively, to reclassify unrealized gains on the investments supporting future policy benefits to life and annuity benefit reserves. See note 10 of the notes to consolidated financial statements for further discussion of this adjustment.

The decrease in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, for both the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2015 was attributable to a decrease in the fair value of our equity portfolio as of September 30, 2015 compared to June 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively. The nine months ended September 30, 2015 also reflected the impact of a decline in the fair value of our fixed maturity portfolio.

Financial Condition

Investments, cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents (invested assets) were $19.4 billion at September 30, 2016 compared to $18.2 billion at December 31, 2015. Net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes, were $1.9 billion at September 30, 2016 compared to $1.5 billion at December 31, 2015. Equity securities were $4.5 billion, or 23% of invested assets, at September 30, 2016 compared to $4.1 billion, or 22% of invested assets, at December 31, 2015.

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Net cash provided by operating activities was $324.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared $550.4 million for the same period of 2015. Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 included higher claims payments in the U.S. Insurance segment, in particular on our professional liability lines of business, and higher payments for employee profit sharing compared to the same period of 2015. Net cash provided by operating activities for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 was net of a $51.9 million payment made in connection with a commutation that was completed during the period. Cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 also included payments totaling $47.0 million to settle contingent purchase consideration obligations, of which $32.9 million was included in operating activities.

Net cash used by investing activities was $994.6 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $168.2 million for the same period of 2015. During 2016, we increased our purchases of fixed maturities and also allocated funds for purchases of equity securities. Cash flows from investing activities are affected by various factors such as anticipated payment of claims, financing activity, acquisition opportunities and individual buy and sell decisions made in the normal course of our investment portfolio management.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $203.0 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to net cash used by financing activities of $56.7 million for the same period of 2015. During the second quarter of 2016, we issued $500 million of 5.0% unsecured senior notes due April 5, 2046. Net proceeds were $493.1 million. We used a portion of these proceeds to purchase $70.2 million of principal on our 7.35% Senior Notes due 2034 and $108.8 million of principal on our 7.125% Senior Notes due 2019 through a tender offer at a total purchase price $95.0 million and $126.4 million, respectively. Cash of $15.5 million and $27.3 million was used to repurchase shares of our common stock during the first nine months of 2016 and 2015, respectively.

We seek to maintain prudent levels of liquidity and financial leverage for the protection of our policyholders, creditors and shareholders. Our target capital structure includes approximately 30% debt. Our debt to capital ratio was 23% at September 30, 2016 and 22% at December 31, 2015. From time to time, our debt to capital ratio may increase due to business opportunities that may be financed in the short term with debt. Alternatively, our debt to capital ratio may fall below our target capital structure, which provides us with additional borrowing capacity to respond when future opportunities arise.

We have access to various capital sources, including dividends from certain of our insurance subsidiaries, holding company invested assets, undrawn capacity under our revolving credit facility and access to the debt and equity capital markets. We believe that we have sufficient liquidity to meet our capital needs.

Our holding company had $2.0 billion and $1.6 billion of invested assets at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. The increase in invested assets was primarily the result of net proceeds from the net issuance of long-term debt during the second quarter of 2016 and repayment of an intercompany note during the third quarter of 2016.

Shareholders' equity was $8.5 billion at September 30, 2016 and $7.8 billion at December 31, 2015. Book value per share increased to $609.48 at September 30, 2016 from $561.23 at December 31, 2015, primarily due to $696.1 million of comprehensive income to shareholders for the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

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Disclosure of Certain Activities Relating to Iran

Under the Iran Threat Reduction and Syria Human Rights Act of 2012, non-U.S. entities owned or controlled by U.S. persons have been prohibited from engaging in activities, transactions or dealings with Iran to the same extent as U.S. persons. Effective January 16, 2016, the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury adopted General License H, which authorizes non-U.S. entities that are owned or controlled by a U.S. person to engage in most activities with Iran permitted for other non-U.S. entities so long as they meet certain requirements.

Section 13(r) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 requires reporting of certain Iran-related activities that are now permitted under General License H, including underwriting, insuring and reinsuring certain activities related to the importation of refined petroleum products by Iran and vessels involved in the transportation of crude oil from Iran.

Certain of our non-U.S. insurance operations underwrite global marine hull policies and global marine hull war policies that provide coverage for vessels or fleets navigating into and out of ports worldwide, potentially including Iran. Under a global marine hull war policy, the insured is required to give notice before entering designated areas, including Iran. During the quarter ended September 30, 2016 we have received notice(s) that one or more vessels covered by a global marine hull war policy were entering Iranian waters. However, no additional premium is required under global marine hull policies or global marine hull war policies for calling into Iran. During the quarter ended September 30, 2016, we have not been asked to cover a specific voyage into or out of Iran that would result in a separate, allocable premium for that voyage.

Certain of our non-U.S. reinsurance operations underwrite marine, energy, aviation and trade credit treaties on a worldwide basis and, as a result, it is possible that the underlying insurance portfolios may have exposure to the Iranian petroleum industry and its related products and service providers.

We provide two energy construction reinsurance contracts in Iran through our syndicate at Lloyd’s. We expect our portion of the premium for both contracts to be approximately $2 million in the aggregate. Except for these two contracts, we are not aware of any premium apportionment with respect to underwriting, insurance or reinsurance activities of our non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries reportable under Section 13(r). Should any such risks have entered into the stream of commerce covered by the insurance portfolios underlying our reinsurance treaties, we believe that the premiums associated with such business would be immaterial.

Our non-U.S. insurance subsidiaries intend to continue to provide insurance and reinsurance for coverage of Iran-related risks, if at all, only to the extent permitted under, and in accordance with, General License H or other applicable economic or trade sanctions requirements or licenses.

45

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Market Risk Disclosures

Market risk is the risk of economic losses due to adverse changes in the estimated fair value of a financial instrument as the result of changes in equity prices, interest rates, foreign currency exchange rates and commodity prices. Our consolidated balance sheets include assets and liabilities with estimated fair values that are subject to market risk. Our primary market risks have been equity price risk associated with investments in equity securities, interest rate risk associated with investments in fixed maturities and foreign currency exchange rate risk associated with our international operations. Various companies within our Markel Ventures operations are subject to commodity risk; however, this risk is not material to the Company. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, there were no material changes to the market risk components described in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015.

The estimated fair value of our investment portfolio at September 30, 2016 was $19.4 billion, 77% of which was invested in fixed maturities, short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents and 23% of which was invested in equity securities. At December 31, 2015, the estimated fair value of our investment portfolio was $18.2 billion, 78% of which was invested in fixed maturities, short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash and cash equivalents and 22% of which was invested in equity securities.

Credit risk is the potential loss resulting from adverse changes in an issuer's ability to repay its debt obligations. We monitor our investment portfolio to ensure that credit risk does not exceed prudent levels. We have consistently invested in high credit quality, investment grade securities. Our fixed maturity portfolio has an average rating of "AA," with approximately 97% rated "A" or better by at least one nationally recognized rating organization. Our policy is to invest in investment grade securities and to minimize investments in fixed maturities that are unrated or rated below investment grade. At September 30, 2016, approximately 1% of our fixed maturity portfolio was unrated or rated below investment grade. Our fixed maturity portfolio includes securities issued with financial guaranty insurance. We purchase fixed maturities based on our assessment of the credit quality of the underlying assets without regard to insurance.

Our fixed maturity portfolio includes securities issued by foreign governments and non-sovereign foreign institutions. General concern exists about the financial difficulties facing certain foreign countries in light of the adverse economic conditions experienced over the past several years. We monitor developments in foreign countries, currencies and issuers that could pose risks to our fixed maturity portfolio, including ratings downgrades, political and financial changes and the widening of credit spreads. We believe that our fixed maturity portfolio is highly diversified and is comprised of high quality securities. During the nine months ended September 30, 2016, there were no material changes in our foreign government fixed maturity holdings.

General concern also exists about municipalities that experience financial difficulties during periods of adverse economic conditions. We manage the exposure to credit risk in our municipal bond portfolio by investing in high quality securities and by diversifying our holdings, which are typically either general obligation or revenue bonds related to essential products and services.

Our fixed maturities, equity securities and short-term investments are recorded at fair value, which is measured based upon quoted prices in active markets, if available. We determine fair value for these investments after considering various sources of information, including information provided by a third-party pricing service. The pricing service provides prices for substantially all of our fixed maturities and equity securities. In determining fair value, we generally do not adjust the prices obtained from the pricing service. We obtain an understanding of the pricing service's valuation methodologies and related inputs, which include, but are not limited to, reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids, offers, duration, credit ratings, estimated cash flows and prepayment speeds. We validate prices provided by the pricing service by reviewing prices from other pricing sources and analyzing pricing data in certain instances.

46

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

As of the end of the period covered by this quarterly report, we carried out an evaluation of the effectiveness of the design and operation of our disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Securities Exchange Act Rule 13a-15 (Disclosure Controls). This evaluation was conducted under the supervision and with the participation of our management, including the Principal Executive Officer (PEO) and the Principal Financial Officer (PFO).

Our management, including the PEO and PFO, does not expect that our Disclosure Controls will prevent all error and all fraud. A control system, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met. Further, the design of a control system must reflect the fact that there are resource constraints, and the benefits of controls must be considered relative to their costs. Because of the inherent limitations in all control systems, no evaluation of controls can provide absolute assurance that all control issues and instances of fraud, if any, have been detected. These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. The design of any system of controls also is based in part upon certain assumptions about the likelihood of future events, and there can be no assurance that any design will succeed in achieving its stated goals under all potential future conditions.

Based upon our controls evaluation, the PEO and PFO concluded that effective Disclosure Controls were in place to ensure that the information required to be disclosed in reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the Securities and Exchange Commission's rules and forms.

There were no changes in our internal control over financial reporting during the third quarter of 2016 that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, our internal control over financial reporting.

47

Safe Harbor and Cautionary Statement

This report contains statements concerning or incorporating our expectations, assumptions, plans, objectives, future financial or operating performance and other statements that are not historical facts. These statements are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements may use words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "predict," "project" and similar expressions as they relate to us or our management.

There are risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from predicted results in forward-looking statements. Factors that may cause actual results to differ are often presented with the forward-looking statements themselves. Additional factors that could cause actual results to differ from those predicted are set forth under "Risk Factors" and "Safe Harbor and Cautionary Statement" in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K, Item 1A in Part II of this report or are included in the items listed below:

• our anticipated premium volume is based on current knowledge and assumes no significant man-made or natural catastrophes, no significant changes in products or personnel and no adverse changes in market conditions;

• the effect of cyclical trends, including demand and pricing in the insurance and reinsurance markets;

• actions by competitors, including consolidation, and the effect of competition on market trends and pricing;

• we offer insurance and reinsurance coverage against terrorist acts in connection with some of our programs, and in other instances we are legally required to offer terrorism insurance; in both circumstances, we actively manage our exposure, but if there is a covered terrorist attack, we could sustain material losses;

• the frequency and severity of man-made and natural catastrophes (including earthquakes and weather-related catastrophes) may exceed expectations, are unpredictable and, in the case of weather-related catastrophes, may be exacerbated if, as many forecast, conditions in the oceans and atmosphere result in increased hurricane, flood, drought or other adverse weather-related activity;

• emerging claim and coverage issues, changing legal and social trends, and inherent uncertainties in the loss estimation process can adversely impact the adequacy of our loss reserves and our allowance for reinsurance recoverables;

• reinsurance reserves are subject to greater uncertainty than insurance reserves, primarily because of reliance upon the original underwriting decisions made by ceding companies and the longer lapse of time from the occurrence of loss events to their reporting to the reinsurer for ultimate resolution;

• changes in the assumptions and estimates used in establishing reserves for our life and annuity reinsurance book (which is in runoff), for example, changes in assumptions and estimates of mortality, longevity, morbidity and interest rates, could result in material increases in our estimated loss reserves for such business;

• adverse developments in insurance coverage litigation or other legal or administrative proceedings could result in material increases in our estimates of loss reserves;

• the failure or inadequacy of any loss limitation methods we employ;

• changes in the availability, costs and quality of reinsurance coverage, which may impact our ability to write or continue to write certain lines of business;

• industry and economic conditions, deterioration in reinsurer credit quality and coverage disputes can affect the ability or willingness of reinsurers to pay balances due;

• after the commutation of ceded reinsurance contracts, any subsequent adverse development in the re-assumed loss reserves will result in a charge to earnings;

• regulatory actions can impede our ability to charge adequate rates and efficiently allocate capital;

• general economic and market conditions and industry specific conditions, including extended economic recessions or expansions; prolonged periods of slow economic growth; inflation or deflation; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, commodity and energy prices and interest rates; volatility in the credit and capital markets; and other factors;

• economic conditions, actual or potential defaults in municipal bonds or sovereign debt obligations, volatility in interest and foreign currency exchange rates and changes in market value of concentrated investments can have a significant impact on the fair value of our fixed maturities and equity securities, as well as the carrying value of our other assets and liabilities, and this impact may be heightened by market volatility;

48

• economic conditions may adversely affect our access to capital and credit markets;

• the effects of government intervention, including material changes in the monetary policies of central banks, to address financial downturns and economic and currency concerns;

• the impacts that political and civil unrest and regional conflicts may have on our businesses and the markets they serve or that any disruptions in regional or worldwide economic conditions generally arising from these situations may have on our businesses, industries or investments;

• the impacts that health epidemics and pandemics may have on our business operations and claims activity;

• the impact of the implementation of U.S. health care reform legislation and regulations under that legislation on our businesses;

• we are dependent upon the successful functioning and security of our computer systems; if our information technology systems fail or suffer a security breach, our businesses or reputation could be adversely impacted;

• our acquisition of insurance and non-insurance businesses may increase our operational and control risks for a period of time;

• we may not realize the contemplated benefits, including cost savings and synergies, of our acquisitions;

• any determination requiring the write-off of a significant portion of our goodwill and intangible assets;

• the loss of services of any executive officer or other key personnel could adversely impact one or more of our operations;

• our expanding international operations expose us to increased investment, political and economic risks, including foreign currency exchange rate and credit risk;

• the vote by the United Kingdom to leave the European Union, which could have adverse consequences for our businesses, particularly our London-based international insurance operations;

• our ability to raise third party capital for existing or new investment vehicles and risks related to our management of third party capital;

• the effectiveness of our procedures for compliance with existing and ever increasing guidelines, policies and legal and regulatory standards, rules, laws and regulations;

• the impact of economic and trade sanctions and embargo programs on our businesses, including instances in which the requirements and limitations applicable to the global operations of U.S. companies and their affiliates are more restrictive than those applicable to non-U.S. companies and their affiliates;

• a number of additional factors may adversely affect our Markel Ventures operations, and the markets they serve, and negatively impact their revenues and profitability, including, among others: changes in government support for education, healthcare and infrastructure projects; changes in capital spending levels; changes in the housing market; and volatility in interest and foreign currency exchange rates; and

• adverse changes in our assigned financial strength or debt ratings could adversely impact our ability to attract and retain business or obtain capital.

Our premium volume, underwriting and investment results and results from our non-insurance operations have been and will continue to be potentially materially affected by these factors. By making forward-looking statements, we do not intend to become obligated to publicly update or revise any such statements whether as a result of new information, future events or other changes. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which speak only as at their dates.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1A. Risk Factors

Other than the risk factor discussed below, there have been no material changes with regard to the risk factors previously disclosed in our 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K. For other factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in any forward-looking statement contained in this report, see "Safe Harbor and Cautionary Statement."

The United Kingdom’s vote to leave, and the eventual exit of the United Kingdom from, the European Union could adversely affect us. On June 23, 2016, the United Kingdom (U.K.) voted to exit the European Union (E.U.) (Brexit). The U.K. has not yet given official notice of its intention to leave the E.U. Once that notice is given, a minimum two-year period would commence during which the U.K. and the E.U. would negotiate the future terms of the U.K.’s relationship with the E.U., including the terms of trade between the U.K. and the E.U. After Brexit terms are agreed, Brexit could be implemented in stages over a multi-year period. The effects of Brexit will depend on any agreements the U.K. makes to retain access to E.U. markets either during a transitional period or more permanently. Brexit could impair the ability of both Markel International Insurance Company Limited (MIICL) and our Lloyd's syndicate to transact business in E.U. countries and the basis on which MIICL’s branches can operate in the E.U. could be limited or cease. We may decide to relocate certain of our European operations to a member country of the E.U. in order to continue transacting business in the E.U. The Brexit vote has had immediate adverse effects on global financial markets, including foreign currency markets, and could continue to contribute to instability in global financial markets and in European and worldwide economic or market conditions, both during and after the Brexit process. In addition, Brexit could lead to legal uncertainty and potentially divergent national laws and regulations as the U.K. determines which E.U. laws to replace or replicate. Any of these effects of Brexit, and others we cannot anticipate, could adversely affect our business, business opportunities, results of operations, financial condition and cash flows.

Item 6. Exhibits

See Exhibit Index for a list of exhibits filed as part of this report.

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Signatures

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, this 1^st day of November 2016.

Markel Corporation
By:	/s/ Alan I. Kirshner
	Alan I. Kirshner
	Executive Chairman
	(Principal Executive Officer)
By:	/s/ Anne G. Waleski
	Anne G. Waleski
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
	(Principal Financial Officer)

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Exhibit Index

Exhibit No.	Document Description
3(i)	Amended and Restated Articles of Incorporation (3.1)a
3(ii)	Bylaws, as amended (3.1)b
4.1	Indenture dated as of June 5, 2001, between Markel Corporation and The Chase Manhattan Bank, as Trustee (4.1)c
4.2	Form of Third Supplemental Indenture dated as of August 13, 2004 between Markel Corporation and JPMorgan Chase Bank (formerly known as The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee, including form of the securities as Exhibit A (4.2)d
4.3	Form of Fifth Supplemental Indenture dated as of September 22, 2009 between Markel Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee, including form of the securities as Exhibit A (4.2)e
4.4	Form of Sixth Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 1, 2011 between Markel Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee, including form of the securities as Exhibit A (4.2)f
4.5	Form of Seventh Supplemental Indenture dated as of July 2, 2012 between Markel Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee, including form of the securities as Exhibit A (4.2)g
4.6	Form of Eighth Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 8, 2013 between Markel Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee, including form of the securities as Exhibit A (4.2)h
4.7	Form of Ninth Supplemental Indenture dated as of March 8, 2013 between Markel Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee, including form of the securities as Exhibit A (4.3)h
4.8	Form of Tenth Supplemental Indenture dated as of April 5, 2016 between Markel Corporation and The Bank of New York Mellon (as successor to The Chase Manhattan Bank), as Trustee, including form of the securities as Exhibit A (4.2)i
4.9	Indenture dated as of September 1, 2010, among Alterra Finance LLC, Alterra Capital Holdings Limited and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (4.14)j
4.10	First Supplemental Indenture, dated as of September 27, 2010 between Alterra Finance LLC, Alterra Capital Holdings Limited and The Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee, including the form of the securities as Exhibit A (4.15)j
4.11	Form of Second Supplemental Indenture dated as of June 30, 2014 among Alterra Finance LLC, Alterra Capital Holdings Limited and the Bank of New York Mellon, as Trustee (4.16)k
4.12	Form of Guaranty Agreement by Markel Corporation dated as of June 30, 2014 in connection with the Alterra Finance LLC 6.25% Senior Notes due 2020 (4.17)k
The registrant hereby agrees to furnish to the Securities and Exchange Commission, upon request, a copy of all other instruments defining the rights of holders of long-term debt of the registrant and its subsidiaries.
31.1	Certification of Principal Executive Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)*
31.2	Certification of Principal Financial Officer Pursuant to Rule 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)*
32.1	Certification of Principal Executive Officer furnished Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350*
32.2	Certification of Principal Financial Officer furnished Pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350*
101	The following consolidated financial statements from Markel Corporation's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended September 30, 2016, filed on November 1, 2016, formatted in XBRL: (i) Consolidated Balance Sheets, (ii) Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Loss), (iii) Consolidated Statements of Changes in Equity, (iv) Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows and (v) Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.*

52

* Filed with this report.

a. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant's report on Form 8-K filed on May 13, 2011.

b. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant's report on Form 8-K filed on November 20, 2015.

c. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant's report on Form 8-K filed on June 5, 2001.

d. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant's report on Form 8-K filed on August 11, 2004.

e. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant's report on Form 8-K filed on September 21, 2009.

f. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant's report on Form 8-K filed on May 31, 2011.

g. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant's report on Form 8-K filed on June 29, 2012.

h. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant's report on Form 8-K filed on March 7, 2013.

i. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant's report on Form 8-K filed on March 31, 2016.

j. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2013.

k. Incorporated by reference from the Exhibit shown in parentheses filed with the Commission in the Registrant's report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2014.

53

EX-31.1

Exhibit 31.1

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

I, Alan I. Kirshner, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Markel Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

November 1, 2016	/s/ Alan I. Kirshner
	Alan I. Kirshner
	Executive Chairman
	(Principal Executive Officer)

EX-31.2

Exhibit 31.2

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-14(a)/15d-14(a)

I, Anne G. Waleski, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this quarterly report on Form 10-Q of Markel Corporation;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a) Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b) Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c) Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d) Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer(s) and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of the registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a) All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b) Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

November 1, 2016	/s/ Anne G. Waleski
	Anne G. Waleski
	Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
	(Principal Financial Officer)

EX-32.1

Exhibit 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICER

FURNISHED PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Markel Corporation (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2016 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Alan I. Kirshner, Executive Chairman of the Company, certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Alan I. Kirshner

Alan I. Kirshner

Executive Chairman

(Principal Executive Officer)

November 1, 2016

EX-32.2

Exhibit 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF PRINCIPAL FINANCIAL OFFICER

FURNISHED PURSUANT TO 18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350

In connection with the Quarterly Report of Markel Corporation (the "Company") on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2016 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on the date hereof (the "Report"), I, Anne G. Waleski, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of the Company, certify pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, that, to my knowledge:

1. The Report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934; and

2. The information contained in the Report fairly presents, in all material respects, the financial condition and results of operations of the Company.

/s/ Anne G. Waleski

Anne G. Waleski

Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial Officer)

November 1, 2016

XML

Document And Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 25, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Entity Registrant Name	MARKEL CORP
Entity Central Index Key	0001096343
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		13,991,499

XML

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
ASSETS
Fixed maturities (amortized cost of $9,563,157 in 2016 and $9,038,158 in 2015)	$ 10,318,487	$ 9,394,468
Equity securities (cost of $2,424,757 in 2016 and $2,208,834 in 2015)	4,510,427	4,074,475
Short-term investments (estimated fair value approximates cost)	1,989,305	1,642,261
Total Investments	16,818,219	15,111,204
Cash and cash equivalents	2,156,398	2,630,009
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	383,971	440,132
Receivables	1,312,685	1,113,703
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	2,041,928	2,016,665
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	62,254	50,123
Deferred policy acquisition costs	409,195	352,756
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	354,186	322,362
Goodwill	1,165,892	1,167,844
Intangible assets	733,415	792,372
Other assets	965,502	941,945
Total Assets	26,403,645	24,939,115
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	10,258,290	10,251,953
Life and annuity benefits	1,155,672	1,123,275
Unearned premiums	2,474,277	2,166,105
Payables to insurance and reinsurance companies	256,793	224,921
Senior long-term debt and other debt (estimated fair value of $2,847,000 in 2016 and $2,403,000 in 2015)	2,589,350	2,239,271
Other liabilities	1,064,328	1,030,023
Total Liabilities	17,798,710	17,035,548
Redeemable noncontrolling interests	70,660	62,958
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	3,365,750	3,342,357
Retained earnings	3,433,891	3,137,285
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,727,642	1,354,508
Total Shareholders' Equity	8,527,283	7,834,150
Noncontrolling interests	6,992	6,459
Total Equity	8,534,275	7,840,609
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 26,403,645	$ 24,939,115

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Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	$ 9,563,157	$ 9,038,158
Equity securities, cost	2,424,757	2,208,834
Senior long-term debt and other debt, estimated fair value	$ 2,847,000	$ 2,403,000

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Consolidated Statements Of Income And Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
OPERATING REVENUES
Earned premiums	$ 974,244	$ 963,675	$ 2,882,789	$ 2,864,882
Net investment income	93,147	87,060	279,437	270,521
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	(18,281)	(12,080)	(23,373)
Net realized investment gains, excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses	27,416	3,574	77,916	20,342
Net realized investment gains (losses)	27,416	(14,707)	65,836	(3,031)
Other revenues	336,475	306,736	955,339	817,151
Total Operating Revenues	1,431,282	1,342,764	4,183,401	3,949,523
OPERATING EXPENSES
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	579,405	484,737	1,564,925	1,467,926
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	372,521	365,619	1,112,789	1,085,956
Amortization of intangible assets	17,010	18,914	51,474	50,503
Other expenses	309,713	290,749	862,715	763,986
Total Operating Expenses	1,278,649	1,160,019	3,591,903	3,368,371
Operating Income	152,633	182,745	591,498	581,152
Interest expense	33,152	30,064	97,690	88,664
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	0	0	44,100	0
Income Before Income Taxes	119,481	152,681	449,708	492,488
Income tax expense	36,060	48,271	121,968	101,619
Net Income	83,421	104,410	327,740	390,869
Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(375)	1,891	4,777	5,989
Net Income to Shareholders	83,796	102,519	322,963	384,880
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Net holding gains (losses) arising during the period	23,098	(149,266)	411,394	(258,386)
Change in unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities arising during the period	(17)	(8)	(40)	111
Reclassification adjustments for net gains (losses) included in net income	(9,758)	6,000	(33,308)	(8,037)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes	13,323	(143,274)	378,046	(266,312)
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments, net of taxes	(8,349)	(10,854)	(6,141)	(22,283)
Change in net actuarial pension loss, net of taxes	390	475	1,247	1,407
Total Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	5,364	(153,653)	373,152	(287,188)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	88,785	(49,243)	700,892	103,681
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests	(376)	1,900	4,795	5,942
Comprehensive Income (Loss) to Shareholders	$ 89,161	$ (51,143)	$ 696,097	$ 97,739
NET INCOME PER SHARE
Basic (in dollars per share)	$ 5.62	$ 7.43	$ 22.27	$ 27.76
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 5.60	$ 7.39	$ 22.16	$ 27.60

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Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Equity - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Total	Total Equity [Member]	Total Shareholders' Equity [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Noncontrolling Interests [Member]	Redeemable Noncontrolling Interests [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014		$ 7,602,002	$ 7,594,818	$ 3,308,395	$ 2,581,866	$ 1,704,557	$ 7,184
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014				13,962
Balance, redeemable noncontrolling interests at Dec. 31, 2014								$ 61,048
Net income	$ 390,869	385,625	384,880		384,880	0	745	5,244
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(287,188)	(287,141)	(287,141)		0	(287,141)	0	(47)
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	103,681	98,484	97,739				745	5,197
Issuance of common stock		3,971	3,971	$ 3,971	0	0	0	0
Issuance of common stock, shares				20
Repurchase of common stock		(27,262)	(27,262)	$ 0	(27,262)	0	0	0
Repurchase of common stock, shares				(32)
Restricted stock units expensed		19,983	19,983	$ 19,983	0	0	0	0
Restricted stock units expensed, shares				0
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests		3,091	3,091	$ 0	3,091	0	0	(3,091)
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests, shares				0
Purchase of noncontrolling interest		(1,447)	(1,447)	$ (1,447)	0	0	0	(8,224)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest, shares				0
Other		4,685	4,337	$ 4,306	31	0	348	(4,346)
Other, shares				0
Balance at Sep. 30, 2015		7,703,507	7,695,230	$ 3,335,208	2,942,606	1,417,416	8,277
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2015				13,950
Balance, redeemable noncontrolling interests at Sep. 30, 2015								50,584
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	7,840,609	7,840,609	7,834,150	$ 3,342,357	3,137,285	1,354,508	6,459
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2015				13,959
Balance, redeemable noncontrolling interests at Dec. 31, 2015	62,958							62,958
Net income	327,740	323,568	322,963		322,963	0	605	4,172
Other comprehensive income (loss)	373,152	373,134	373,134		0	373,134	0	18
Comprehensive Income (Loss)	700,892	696,702	696,097				605	4,190
Issuance of common stock		4,531	4,531	$ 4,531	0	0	0	0
Issuance of common stock, shares				48
Repurchase of common stock		(15,503)	(15,503)	$ 0	(15,503)	0	0	0
Repurchase of common stock, shares				(16)
Restricted stock units expensed		18,512	18,512	$ 18,512	0	0	0	0
Restricted stock units expensed, shares				0
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests		(10,909)	(10,909)	$ 0	(10,909)	0	0	10,909
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests, shares				0
Purchase of noncontrolling interest		350	350	$ 350	0	0	0	(3,517)
Purchase of noncontrolling interest, shares				0
Other		(17)	55	$ 0	55	0	(72)	(3,880)
Other, shares				0
Balance at Sep. 30, 2016	8,534,275	$ 8,534,275	$ 8,527,283	$ 3,365,750	$ 3,433,891	$ 1,727,642	$ 6,992
Balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2016				13,991
Balance, redeemable noncontrolling interests at Sep. 30, 2016	$ 70,660							$ 70,660

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Condensed Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 327,740	$ 390,869
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities	(3,383)	159,516
Net Cash Provided By Operating Activities	324,357	550,385
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities and equity securities	330,110	211,479
Proceeds from maturities, calls and prepayments of fixed maturities	734,010	1,162,500
Cost of fixed maturities and equity securities purchased	(1,728,396)	(928,601)
Net change in short-term investments	(340,742)	(687,673)
Proceeds from sales of equity method investments	9,325	22,204
Cost of equity method investments	(4,226)	(21,464)
Change in restricted cash and cash equivalents	61,071	136,203
Additions to property and equipment	(49,565)	(62,055)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(5,762)	0
Other	(392)	(761)
Net Cash Used By Investing Activities	(994,567)	(168,168)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Additions to senior long-term debt and other debt	553,537	49,771
Repayment of senior long-term debt and other debt	(260,086)	(55,743)
Premiums and fees related to early extinguishment of debt	(43,691)	0
Repurchases of common stock	(15,503)	(27,262)
Issuance of common stock	4,531	3,971
Payment of contingent consideration	(14,219)	(9,263)
Purchase of noncontrolling interests	(3,167)	(12,474)
Distributions to noncontrolling interests	(3,931)	(3,724)
Other	(14,478)	(1,957)
Net Cash Provided (Used) By Financing Activities	202,993	(56,681)
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	(6,394)	(24,504)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(473,611)	301,032
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	2,630,009	1,960,169
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$ 2,156,398	$ 2,261,201

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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

a) Basis of Presentation. Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. Markel Corporation's principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products and programs. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Markel Ventures, Inc. (Markel Ventures), Markel Corporation also owns interests in various industrial and service businesses that operate outside of the specialty insurance marketplace.

The consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2016, the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income (loss) for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and the consolidated statements of changes in equity and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for fair presentation of such consolidated financial statements have been included. Such adjustments consist only of normal, recurring items. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for the entire year. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 was derived from Markel Corporation's audited annual consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and include the accounts of Markel Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, as well as any variable interest entities (VIEs) that meet the requirements for consolidation (the Company). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company consolidates the results of its Markel Ventures subsidiaries on a one-month lag. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ materially from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements and notes are presented as permitted by Form 10-Q and do not contain certain information included in the Company's annual consolidated financial statements and notes. In addition to the policies set forth below, readers are urged to review the Company's 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete description of the Company's business and accounting policies.

b) Variable Interest Entities. The Company determines whether it has relationships with entities defined as VIEs in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 810, Consolidation. Under this guidance, a VIE is consolidated by the variable interest holder that is determined to be the primary beneficiary.

An entity in which the Company holds a variable interest is a VIE if any of the following conditions exist: (a) the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, (b) as a group, the holders of equity investment at risk lack either the direct or indirect ability through voting rights or similar rights to make decisions about an entity's activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance or the obligation to absorb the expected losses or right to receive the expected residual returns, or (c) the voting rights of some investors are disproportionate to their obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, their rights to receive the expected residual returns of the entity, or both and substantially all of the entity's activities either involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor with disproportionately few voting rights.

The primary beneficiary is defined as the variable interest holder that is determined to have the controlling financial interest as a result of having both (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

The Company determines whether an entity is a VIE at the inception of our variable interest in the entity and upon the occurrence of certain reconsideration events. The Company continually reassesses whether it is the primary beneficiary of VIEs in which it holds a variable interest.

c) Revenue Recognition.

Investment Management and Performance Fees

Investment management fee income is recognized over the period in which investment management services are provided and is calculated and billed monthly based on the net asset value of the accounts managed. Performance fee arrangements entitle the Company to participate, on a fixed-percentage basis, in any net income generated in excess of an agreed-upon threshold as established by the underlying investment management agreements. In general, net income is calculated at the end of each calendar year and performance fees are payable annually. Following the preferred method identified in the ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, such performance fee income is recorded at the conclusion of the contractual performance period, when all contingencies are resolved.

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Effective January 1, 2016, the Company adopted Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis, which changes the way reporting enterprises evaluate whether (a) they should consolidate limited partnerships and similar entities, (b) fees paid to a decision maker or service provider are variable interests in a VIE, and (c) variable interests in a VIE held by related parties of the reporting enterprise require the reporting enterprise to consolidate the VIE. It also eliminates the VIE consolidation model based on majority exposure to variability that applied to certain investment companies and similar entities. The ASU also significantly changes how to evaluate voting rights for entities that are not similar to limited partnerships when determining whether the entity is a VIE, which may affect entities for which the decision making rights are conveyed through a contractual arrangement. The adoption of this guidance did not result in any changes to our previous consolidation conclusions.

Effective January 1, 2016, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2015-03, Interest-Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs. ASU No. 2015-03 requires that debt issuance costs related to a recognized debt liability be presented on the balance sheet as a direct deduction from the debt liability, similar to the presentation of debt discounts. The cost of issuing debt is no longer recorded as a separate asset on the balance sheet. The amortization of debt issuance costs continues to be included in interest expense. ASU No. 2015-03 was applied retrospectively to all periods presented. As a result, debt issuance costs totaling $2.2 million were reclassified from other assets to senior long-term debt and other debt as of December 31, 2015. The adoption of this ASU did not have an impact on the Company's results of operations or cash flows.

Effective January 1, 2016, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2015-05, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other-Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement, which clarifies that software licenses contained in a cloud computing arrangement should be capitalized if the customer has the right to take possession of the software and the ability to run the software outside of the cloud computing arrangement. The adoption of this ASU did not have an impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Effective January 1, 2016, the Company adopted FASB ASU No. 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments. ASU No. 2015-16 eliminates the requirement to retrospectively adjust the financial statements for measurement-period adjustments that occur in periods after a business combination is consummated. The adoption of this ASU did not have an impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows and will be applied on a prospective basis, as applicable.

During the second quarter of 2016, the Company early adopted FASB ASU No. 2016-09, Compensation - Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Improvements to Employee Share-Based Payment Accounting, which changes several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment award transactions. Under the new guidance, all excess tax benefits or deficiencies associated with share-based payment award transactions are required to be recognized as an income tax benefit or expense in net income when the awards vest or are settled, with the corresponding cash flows recognized as an operating activity in the statement of cash flows. Excess tax benefits and deficiencies are no longer recognized in additional paid-in-capital. The new guidance also allows an employer to repurchase more of an employee's shares for tax witholding purposes without triggering liability accounting and to make a policy election to account for forfeitures as they occur, rather than estimating forfeitures upon issuance of the award. Upon adoption of ASU No. 2016-09, the Company elected to account for forfeitures as they occur, which had no impact on the consolidated financial statements. The provisions of ASU No. 2016-09 were adopted as of January 1, 2016 on a prospective basis and did not have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU No. 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), which creates a new comprehensive revenue recognition standard that will serve as a single source of revenue guidance for all companies in all industries. The guidance applies to all companies that either enter into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enter into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets, unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards, such as insurance contracts. ASU No. 2014-09's core principle is that a company will recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. In doing so, companies will need to use more judgment and make more estimates than under the current guidance. These may include identifying performance obligations in the contract, estimating the amount of variable consideration to include in the transaction price and allocating the transaction price to each separate performance obligation. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), Deferral of the Effective Date, which deferred the original effective date of ASU No. 2014-09 by one year. As a result, ASU No. 2014-09 becomes effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2018 and may be applied retrospectively or under a modified retrospective method where the cumulative effect is recognized at the date of initial application. Early application is permitted, but not before the first quarter of 2017. ASU No. 2016-08, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Principal versus Agent Consideration (Reporting Revenue Gross versus Net), ASU No. 2016-10, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Identifying Performance Obligations and Licensing and ASU No. 2016-12, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Narrow-Scope Improvements and Practical Expedients were issued in March, April and May 2016, respectively, as amendments to ASU No. 2014-09. These amendments will be evaluated and adopted in conjunction with ASU No. 2014-09. The Company is currently evaluating ASU No. 2014-09, and the related amendments, to determine the potential impact that adopting this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. Adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's insurance operations, but may have a material impact on the Company's non-insurance operations.

In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-09, Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944): Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts. The ASU requires significant new disclosures for insurers relating to short-duration insurance contract claims and the unpaid claims liability rollforward for long and short-duration contracts. The guidance requires annual tabular disclosure, on a disaggregated basis, of undiscounted incurred and paid claim and allocated claim adjustment expense development by accident year, on a net basis after reinsurance, for up to 10 years. Tables must also include the total incurred but not reported claims liabilities, plus expected development on reported claims, and claims frequency for each accident year. A description of estimation methodologies and any significant changes in methodologies and assumptions used to calculate the liability and frequency is also required. Based on the disaggregated claims information in the tables, disclosure of historical average annual percentage payout of incurred claims is also required. Interim period disclosures must include a tabular rollforward and related qualitative information for the liability for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses. Annual disclosures required by ASU No. 2015-09 become effective for the Company during 2016, with interim disclosures required beginning in the first quarter of 2017. The ASU must be applied retrospectively by providing comparative disclosures for each period presented. Early application is permitted. The adoption of this ASU will not have an impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows, but will expand the nature and extent of its insurance contract disclosures, as described above.

In July 2015, the FASB issued ASU No. 2015-11, Inventory (Topic 330): Simplifying the Measurement of Inventory. The ASU changes the measurement principle for inventory from the lower of cost or market to lower of cost and net realizable value and eliminates the requirement to consider replacement cost or net realizable value less an approximately normal profit margin when measuring inventory. ASU No. 2015-11 becomes effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2017 and will be applied prospectively. Adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-01, Financial Instruments (Topic 825): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities. The ASU significantly changes the income statement impact of equity investments and the recognition of changes in fair value of financial liabilities attributable to an entity's own credit risk when the fair value option is elected. The ASU requires equity instruments that do not result in consolidation and are not accounted for under the equity method to be measured at fair value and to recognize any changes in fair value in net income rather than other comprehensive income (loss). ASU No. 2016-01 becomes effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2018 and will be applied using a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The provisions related to equity investments without a readily determinable fair value will be applied prospectively to equity investments as of the adoption date. Early adoption is permitted for certain provisions of the ASU. The Company is currently evaluating ASU No. 2016-01 to determine the potential impact that adopting this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements. Adoption of this ASU is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position, cash flows, or total comprehensive income (loss), but will have a significant impact on the Company's results of operations as changes in fair value will be presented in net income rather than other comprehensive income (loss).

In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842). The ASU requires lessees to put most leases on their balance sheets as a lease liability with a corresponding right-of-use asset, but continue to recognize the related leasing expense within net income. The guidance also eliminates the real estate-specific provisions for all entities. For lessors, the guidance modifies the classification criteria and the accounting for sales-type and direct financing leases. ASU No. 2016-02 becomes effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2019 and will be applied under a modified retrospective approach for leases that exist or are entered into after the beginning of the earliest comparative period in the financial statements. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating ASU No. 2016-02 to determine the potential impact that adopting this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements.

In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-07, Investments - Equity Method and Joint Ventures (Topic 323): Simplifying the Transition to the Equity Method of Accounting. The ASU eliminates the requirement for an investor to retroactively apply the equity method when its increase in ownership interest or degree of influence in an investee triggers equity method accounting. ASU No. 2016-07 becomes effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2017 and will be applied prospectively. Early adoption is permitted. Adoption of this ASU is not expected to have an impact on the Company's financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments. The ASU replaces the current incurred loss model used to measure impairment losses with an expected loss model for trade, reinsurance, and other receivables as well as financial instruments measured at amortized cost. For available-for-sale debt securities, the ASU requires entities to record impairments as an allowance, rather than a reduction of the amortized cost, as is currently required under the other-than-temporary impairment model. ASU No. 2016-13 becomes effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2020 and will be applied using a modified-retrospective approach through a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective. The Company is currently evaluating ASU No. 2016-13 to determine the potential impact that adopting this standard will have on the consolidated financial statements.

In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments, which is intended to reduce diversity in practice in how certain transactions are classified in the statement of cash flows. Some of the topics covered by the ASU include the classification of debt prepayment and extinguishment costs, contingent consideration payments made after a business combination and distributions from equity method investees. ASU No. 2016-15 becomes effective for the Company during the first quarter of 2018 and will be applied using a retrospective transition approach. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating ASU No. 2016-15 to determine the potential impact that adopting this standard will have on the consolidated statements of cash flows. Adoption of this ASU will not impact the Company's financial position or results of operations and is not expected to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated statements of cash flows.

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Acquisitions

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Acquisitions

Acquisitions

In December 2015, the Company acquired 80% of the outstanding shares of CapTech Ventures, Inc. (CapTech), a privately held company headquartered in Richmond, Virginia. CapTech is a management and IT consulting firm, providing services and solutions to a wide array of customers. Total consideration for the CapTech acquisition was $60.6 million, which included the estimated fair value of contingent consideration the Company expected to pay based on CapTech's earnings, as defined in the stock purchase agreement, through 2018. As of December 31, 2015, the purchase price was preliminarily allocated to the acquired assets and liabilities based on the estimated fair values at the acquisition date. During the first quarter of 2016, the Company completed the process of determining the fair value of the assets and liabilities acquired with CapTech. There were no material adjustments to the provisional estimates recorded as of December 31, 2015. However, during the third quarter of 2016, the Company increased its estimate of the contingent consideration it expects to pay based on an increase in the estimate of CapTech's earnings beyond the initial projection, which resulted in a charge to other expenses of $10.3 million. Results attributable to this acquisition are included with the Company's non-insurance operations, which are not included in a reportable segment.

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Investments

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Investments

Investments

a)The following tables summarize the Company's available-for-sale investments.

	September 30, 2016
(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Holding Gains		Gross Unrealized Holding Losses			Unrealized Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	659,539	$	24,943	$	(99	)	$	—		$	684,383
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	4,259,553		318,183		(3,081		)	—			4,574,655
Foreign governments	1,334,364		237,498		(15		)	—			1,571,847
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	981,613		46,791		(396		)	—			1,028,008
Residential mortgage-backed securities	780,631		49,568		(586		)	(2,258		)	827,355
Asset-backed securities	27,911		83		(16		)	—			27,978
Corporate bonds	1,519,546		87,459		(1,071		)	(1,673		)	1,604,261
Total fixed maturities	9,563,157		764,525		(5,264		)	(3,931		)	10,318,487
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	841,416		807,430		(9,770		)	—			1,639,076
Industrial, consumer and all other	1,583,341		1,295,784		(7,774		)	—			2,871,351
Total equity securities	2,424,757		2,103,214		(17,544		)	—			4,510,427
Short-term investments	1,989,124		181		—			—			1,989,305
Investments, available-for-sale	$	13,977,038	$	2,867,920	$	(22,808	)	$	(3,931	)	$	16,818,219

	December 31, 2015
(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Holding Gains		Gross Unrealized Holding Losses			Unrealized Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	695,652	$	9,836	$	(4,781	)	$	—		$	700,707
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	3,817,136		204,302		(8,225		)	—			4,013,213
Foreign governments	1,302,329		115,809		(1,681		)	—			1,416,457
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	657,670		6,867		(4,999		)	—			659,538
Residential mortgage-backed securities	837,964		22,563		(4,022		)	(2,258		)	854,247
Asset-backed securities	36,462		15		(406		)	—			36,071
Corporate bonds	1,690,945		41,123		(16,209		)	(1,624		)	1,714,235
Total fixed maturities	9,038,158		400,515		(40,323		)	(3,882		)	9,394,468
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	651,002		690,271		(6,551		)	—			1,334,722
Industrial, consumer and all other	1,557,832		1,227,052		(45,131		)	—			2,739,753
Total equity securities	2,208,834		1,917,323		(51,682		)	—			4,074,475
Short-term investments	1,642,103		167		(9		)	—			1,642,261
Investments, available-for-sale	$	12,889,095	$	2,318,005	$	(92,014	)	$	(3,882	)	$	15,111,204

b)The following tables summarize gross unrealized investment losses by the length of time that securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position.

	September 30, 2016
	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
(dollars in thousands)	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	26,599	$	(96	)	$	7,700	$	(3	)	$	34,299	$	(99	)
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	156,618		(1,404		)	42,834		(1,677		)	199,452		(3,081		)
Foreign governments	7,159		(10		)	5,015		(5		)	12,174		(15		)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	14,318		(45		)	43,475		(351		)	57,793		(396		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	7,473		(2,311		)	85,864		(533		)	93,337		(2,844		)
Asset-backed securities	6,312		(5		)	6,236		(11		)	12,548		(16		)
Corporate bonds	73,320		(1,736		)	95,302		(1,008		)	168,622		(2,744		)
Total fixed maturities	291,799		(5,607		)	286,426		(3,588		)	578,225		(9,195		)
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	22,769		(1,456		)	37,751		(8,314		)	60,520		(9,770		)
Industrial, consumer and all other	23,713		(2,315		)	138,245		(5,459		)	161,958		(7,774		)
Total equity securities	46,482		(3,771		)	175,996		(13,773		)	222,478		(17,544		)
Total	$	338,281	$	(9,378	)	$	462,422	$	(17,361	)	$	800,703	$	(26,739	)

At September 30, 2016, the Company held 220 securities with a total estimated fair value of $800.7 million and gross unrealized losses of $26.7 million. Of these 220 securities, 118 securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for one year or longer and had a total estimated fair value of $462.4 million and gross unrealized losses of $17.4 million. Of these securities, 101 securities were fixed maturities and 17 were equity securities. The Company does not intend to sell or believe it will be required to sell these fixed maturities before recovery of their amortized cost. The Company has the ability and intent to hold these equity securities for a period of time sufficient to allow for the anticipated recovery of their fair value.

	December 31, 2015
	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
(dollars in thousands)	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	427,003	$	(3,648	)	$	92,552	$	(1,133	)	$	519,555	$	(4,781	)
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	169,362		(4,864		)	70,101		(3,361		)	239,463		(8,225		)
Foreign governments	51,328		(249		)	40,345		(1,432		)	91,673		(1,681		)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	289,058		(3,600		)	95,843		(1,399		)	384,901		(4,999		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	78,814		(2,858		)	137,100		(3,422		)	215,914		(6,280		)
Asset-backed securities	6,228		(54		)	24,315		(352		)	30,543		(406		)
Corporate bonds	470,694		(9,509		)	343,737		(8,324		)	814,431		(17,833		)
Total fixed maturities	1,492,487		(24,782		)	803,993		(19,423		)	2,296,480		(44,205		)
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	63,873		(6,384		)	6,247		(167		)	70,120		(6,551		)
Industrial, consumer and all other	344,857		(44,879		)	2,907		(252		)	347,764		(45,131		)
Total equity securities	408,730		(51,263		)	9,154		(419		)	417,884		(51,682		)
Short-term investments	129,473		(9		)	—		—			129,473		(9		)
Total	$	2,030,690	$	(76,054	)	$	813,147	$	(19,842	)	$	2,843,837	$	(95,896	)

At December 31, 2015, the Company held 659 securities with a total estimated fair value of $2.8 billion and gross unrealized losses of $95.9 million. Of these 659 securities, 271 securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for one year or longer and had a total estimated fair value of $813.1 million and gross unrealized losses of $19.8 million. Of these securities, 264 securities were fixed maturities and seven were equity securities.

The Company completes a detailed analysis each quarter to assess whether the decline in the fair value of any investment below its cost basis is deemed other-than-temporary. All securities with unrealized losses are reviewed. The Company considers many factors in completing its quarterly review of securities with unrealized losses for other-than-temporary impairment, including the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been below cost and the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer. For equity securities, the ability and intent to hold the security for a period of time sufficient to allow for anticipated recovery is considered. For fixed maturities, the Company considers whether it intends to sell the security or if it is more likely than not that it will be required to sell the security before recovery, the implied yield-to-maturity, the credit quality of the issuer and the ability to recover all amounts outstanding when contractually due.

For equity securities, a decline in fair value that is considered to be other-than-temporary is recognized in net income based on the fair value of the security at the time of assessment, resulting in a new cost basis for the security. For fixed maturities where the Company intends to sell the security or it is more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost, a decline in fair value is considered to be other-than-temporary and is recognized in net income based on the fair value of the security at the time of assessment, resulting in a new cost basis for the security. If the decline in fair value of a fixed maturity below its amortized cost is considered to be other-than-temporary based upon other considerations, the Company compares the estimated present value of the cash flows expected to be collected to the amortized cost of the security. The extent to which the estimated present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost of the security represents the credit-related portion of the other-than-temporary impairment, which is recognized in net income, resulting in a new cost basis for the security. Any remaining decline in fair value represents the non-credit portion of the other-than-temporary impairment, which is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). The discount rate used to calculate the estimated present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is the effective interest rate implicit for the security at the date of purchase.

When assessing whether it intends to sell a fixed maturity or if it is likely to be required to sell a fixed maturity before recovery of its amortized cost, the Company evaluates facts and circumstances including decisions to reposition the investment portfolio, potential sales of investments to meet cash flow needs and, ultimately, current market prices.

c)The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturities at September 30, 2016 are shown below by contractual maturity.

(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	798,670	$	803,039
Due after one year through five years	1,292,802		1,349,605
Due after five years through ten years	1,650,289		1,791,219
Due after ten years	4,031,241		4,491,283
	7,773,002		8,435,146
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	981,613		1,028,008
Residential mortgage-backed securities	780,631		827,355
Asset-backed securities	27,911		27,978
Total fixed maturities	$	9,563,157	$	10,318,487

d)The following table presents the components of net investment income.

	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Interest:
Municipal bonds (tax-exempt)	$	22,136		$	21,979		$	66,621		$	72,124
Municipal bonds (taxable)	16,710			14,667			48,820			42,917
Other taxable bonds	36,697			34,368			108,975			103,519
Short-term investments, including overnight deposits	2,878			1,287			7,823			3,654
Dividends on equity securities	17,308			17,887			51,718			55,544
Income (loss) from equity method investments	1,232			(4		)	4,900			3,052
Other	(60		)	37			2,614			577
	96,901			90,221			291,471			281,387
Investment expenses	(3,754		)	(3,161		)	(12,034		)	(10,866		)
Net investment income	$	93,147		$	87,060		$	279,437		$	270,521

e)The following table presents net realized investment gains (losses) and the change in net unrealized gains on investments. 

	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Realized gains:
Sales of fixed maturities	$	3,698		$	435		$	4,658		$	2,769
Sales of equity securities	18,418			11,329			63,931			34,285
Other	423			1,026			1,117			3,297
Total realized gains	22,539			12,790			69,706			40,351
Realized losses:
Sales of fixed maturities	(60		)	(3,730		)	(608		)	(3,947		)
Sales of equity securities	(4,187		)	(400		)	(6,672		)	(672		)
Other-than-temporary impairments	—			(18,281		)	(12,080		)	(23,373		)
Other	(55		)	(279		)	(2,972		)	(364		)
Total realized losses	(4,302		)	(22,690		)	(22,332		)	(28,356		)
Gains (losses) on securities measured at fair value through net income	9,179			(4,807		)	18,462			(15,026		)
Net realized investment gains (losses)	$	27,416		$	(14,707	)	$	65,836		$	(3,031	)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments included in other comprehensive income (loss):
Fixed maturities	$	(53,962	)	$	102,844		$	399,020		$	(77,369	)
Equity securities	80,285			(313,075		)	220,029			(319,522		)
Short-term investments	58			45			23			36
Net increase (decrease)	$	26,381		$	(210,186	)	$	619,072		$	(396,855	)

There were no write downs for other-than-temporary declines in the estimated fair value of investments for the quarter ended September 30, 2016. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income and included in net realized investment gains totaled $12.1 million and were attributable to 21 equity securities. The write downs for the nine-month period included $10.8 million related to equities in industrial, consumer, or other types of businesses and $1.3 million related to equities in insurance, banks, and other financial institutions. For the quarter ended September 30, 2015, other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income and included in net realized investment losses totaled $18.3 million and were attributable to eight equity securities. The write downs for the quarter included $14.3 million related to equities in industrial, consumer, or other types of businesses and $4.0 million related to equities in insurance, banks, and other financial institutions. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income and included in net realized investment losses totaled $23.4 million and were attributable to 16 equity securities. The write downs for the nine-month period included $18.8 million related to equities in industrial, consumer, or other types of businesses and $4.6 million related to equities in insurance, banks, and other financial institutions.

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Fair Value Measurements

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Fair Value Measurements

Fair Value Measurements

FASB ASC 820-10, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures, establishes a three-level hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure the assets or liabilities fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the classification is based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability.

Classification of assets and liabilities within the hierarchy considers the markets in which the assets and liabilities are traded and the reliability and transparency of the assumptions used to determine fair value. The hierarchy requires the use of observable market data when available. The levels of the hierarchy are defined as follows:

Level 1 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are quoted prices (unadjusted) for identical assets or liabilities traded in active markets.

Level 2 – Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in markets that are not active, inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability and market-corroborated inputs.

Level 3 – Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable for the asset or liability and are significant to the fair value measurement.

In accordance with FASB ASC 820, the Company determines fair value based on the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. In determining fair value, the Company uses various methods, including the market, income and cost approaches. The Company uses valuation techniques that maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs. The following section describes the valuation methodologies used by the Company to measure assets and liabilities at fair value, including an indication of the level within the fair value hierarchy in which each asset or liability is generally classified.

Investments available-for-sale. Investments available-for-sale are recorded at fair value on a recurring basis and include fixed maturities, equity securities and short-term investments. Short-term investments include certificates of deposit, commercial paper, discount notes and treasury bills with original maturities of one year or less. Fair value for investments available-for-sale is determined by the Company after considering various sources of information, including information provided by a third party pricing service. The pricing service provides prices for substantially all of the Company's fixed maturities and equity securities. In determining fair value, the Company generally does not adjust the prices obtained from the pricing service. The Company obtains an understanding of the pricing service's valuation methodologies and related inputs, which include, but are not limited to, reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids, offers, duration, credit ratings, estimated cash flows and prepayment speeds. The Company validates prices provided by the pricing service by reviewing prices from other pricing sources and analyzing pricing data in certain instances.

The Company has evaluated the various types of securities in its investment portfolio to determine an appropriate fair value hierarchy level based upon trading activity and the observability of market inputs. Level 1 investments include those traded on an active exchange, such as the New York Stock Exchange. Level 2 investments include U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies, municipal bonds, foreign government bonds, commercial mortgage-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities, asset-backed securities and corporate debt securities. Level 3 investments include the Company's investments in insurance-linked securities funds (the ILS Funds), as further described in note 12, which are not traded on an active exchange and are valued using unobservable inputs.

Fair value for investments available-for-sale is measured based upon quoted prices in active markets, if available. Due to variations in trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices, fixed maturities are classified as Level 2 investments. The fair value of fixed maturities is normally derived through recent reported trades for identical or similar securities, making adjustments through the reporting date based upon available market observable data described above. If there are no recent reported trades, the fair value of fixed maturities may be derived through the use of matrix pricing or model processes, where future cash flow expectations are developed based upon collateral performance and discounted at an estimated market rate. Significant inputs used to determine the fair value of obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions, corporate bonds and obligations of foreign governments include reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids, offers, credit information and estimated cash flows. Significant inputs used to determine the fair value of commercial mortgage-backed securities, residential mortgage-backed securities and asset-backed securities include the type of underlying assets, benchmark yields, prepayment speeds, collateral information, tranche type and volatility, estimated cash flows, credit information, default rates, recovery rates, issuer spreads and the year of issue.

Due to the significance of unobservable inputs required in measuring the fair value of the Company's investments in the ILS Funds, these investments are classified as Level 3 within the fair value hierarchy. Changes in fair value of the ILS Funds are included in net realized gains (losses) in net income. The fair value of the securities are derived using their reported net asset value (NAV) as the primary input, as well as other observable and unobservable inputs as deemed necessary by management. Management has obtained an understanding of the inputs, assumptions, process, and controls used to determine NAV, which is calculated by an independent third party. Unobservable inputs to the NAV calculations include assumptions around premium earnings patterns and loss reserve estimates for the underlying securitized reinsurance contracts in which the ILS Funds invest. Significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation of these investments include an adjustment to include the fair value of the equity that was issued by one of the ILS Funds in exchange for notes receivable, rather than cash, which is excluded from NAV. The Company's investments in the ILS Funds are redeemable annually as of January 1^st of each calendar year.

The Company's valuation policies and procedures for Level 3 investments are determined by management. Fair value measurements are analyzed quarterly to ensure the change in fair value from prior periods is reasonable relative to management's understanding of the underlying investments, recent market trends and external market data, which includes the price of a comparable security and an insurance-linked security index.

Senior long-term debt and other debt. Senior long-term debt and other debt is carried at amortized cost with the estimated fair value disclosed on the consolidated balance sheets. Senior long-term debt and other debt is classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy due to variations in trading volumes and the lack of quoted market prices. Fair value for senior long-term debt and other debt is generally derived through recent reported trades for identical securities, making adjustments through the reporting date, if necessary, based upon available market observable data including U.S. Treasury securities and implied credit spreads. Significant inputs used to determine the fair value of senior long-term debt and other debt include reported trades, benchmark yields, issuer spreads, bids and offers.

The following tables present the balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy.

	September 30, 2016
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Investments available-for-sale:
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	—	$	684,383	$	—	$	684,383
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		4,574,655		—		4,574,655
Foreign governments	—		1,571,847		—		1,571,847
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		1,028,008		—		1,028,008
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		827,355		—		827,355
Asset-backed securities	—		27,978		—		27,978
Corporate bonds	—		1,604,261		—		1,604,261
Total fixed maturities	—		10,318,487		—		10,318,487
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	1,448,672		—		190,404		1,639,076
Industrial, consumer and all other	2,871,351		—		—		2,871,351
Total equity securities	4,320,023		—		190,404		4,510,427
Short-term investments	1,903,399		85,906		—		1,989,305
Total investments available-for-sale	$	6,223,422	$	10,404,393	$	190,404	$	16,818,219

	December 31, 2015
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Investments available-for-sale:
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	—	$	700,707	$	—	$	700,707
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		4,013,213		—		4,013,213
Foreign governments	—		1,416,457		—		1,416,457
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		659,538		—		659,538
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		854,247		—		854,247
Asset-backed securities	—		36,071		—		36,071
Corporate bonds	—		1,714,235		—		1,714,235
Total fixed maturities	—		9,394,468		—		9,394,468
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	1,334,722		—		—		1,334,722
Industrial, consumer and all other	2,739,753		—		—		2,739,753
Total equity securities	4,074,475		—		—		4,074,475
Short-term investments	1,529,924		112,337		—		1,642,261
Total investments available-for-sale	$	5,604,399	$	9,506,805	$	—	$	15,111,204

The following table summarizes changes in Level 3 investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

	Quarter Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2016		2015		2016			2015
Equity securities, beginning of period	$	183,523	$	—	$	—		$	—
Purchases	—		—		195,250			—
Sales	—		—		(25,000		)	—
Total gains included in:
Net income	6,881		—		20,154			—
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—		—		—			—
Transfers into Level 3	—		—		—			—
Transfers out of Level 3	—		—		—			—
Equity securities, end of period	$	190,404	$	—	$	190,404		$	—
Net unrealized gains included in net income relating to assets held at September 30, 2016 and 2015 (1)	$	6,881	$	—	$	20,154		$	—

⁽¹⁾Included in net realized investment gains in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income (loss).

There were no transfers into or out of Level 1 and Level 2 during the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

The Company did not have any assets or liabilities measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

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Segment Reporting Disclosures

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract]

Segment Reporting Disclosures

Segment Reporting Disclosures

The Company monitors and reports its ongoing underwriting operations in the following three segments: U.S. Insurance, International Insurance and Reinsurance. In determining how to aggregate and monitor its underwriting results, the Company considers many factors, including the geographic location and regulatory environment of the insurance entity underwriting the risk, the nature of the insurance product sold, the type of account written and the type of customer served. The U.S. Insurance segment includes all direct business and facultative placements written by the Company's insurance subsidiaries domiciled in the United States. The International Insurance segment includes all direct business and facultative placements written by the Company's insurance subsidiaries domiciled outside of the United States, including the Company's syndicate at Lloyd's of London. The Reinsurance segment includes all treaty reinsurance written across the Company. Results for lines of business discontinued prior to, or in conjunction with, acquisitions, including the results attributable to the run-off of life and annuity reinsurance business, are reported in the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment. All investing activities related to the Company's insurance operations are included in the Investing segment.

The Company's non-insurance operations include the Company's Markel Ventures operations, which primarily consist of controlling interests in various industrial and service businesses. The Company's non-insurance operations also include the results of the Company's legal and professional consulting services, and, effective December 8, 2015, the results of the Company's investment management services attributable to Markel CATCo Investment Management Ltd. For purposes of segment reporting, the Company's non-insurance operations are not considered to be a reportable segment.

Segment profit for the Investing segment is measured by net investment income and net realized investment gains or losses. Segment profit or loss for each of the Company's underwriting segments is measured by underwriting profit or loss. The property and casualty insurance industry commonly defines underwriting profit or loss as earned premiums net of losses and loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses. Underwriting profit or loss does not replace operating income or net income computed in accordance with U.S. GAAP as a measure of profitability. Underwriting profit or loss provides a basis for management to evaluate the Company's underwriting performance. Segment profit or loss for the Company's underwriting segments also includes other revenues and other expenses, primarily related to the run-off of managing general agent operations that were discontinued in conjunction with acquisitions. Other revenues and other expenses in the Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segment are comprised of the results attributable to the run-off of life and annuity reinsurance business.

For management reporting purposes, the Company allocates assets to its underwriting, investing and non-insurance operations. Underwriting assets are all assets not specifically allocated to the Investing segment or to the Company's non-insurance operations. Underwriting and investing assets are not allocated to the U.S. Insurance, International Insurance, Reinsurance or Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) segments since the Company does not manage its assets by underwriting segment. The Company does not allocate capital expenditures for long-lived assets to any of its underwriting segments for management reporting purposes.

a)The following tables summarize the Company's segment disclosures.

	Quarter Ended September 30, 2016
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Insurance			International Insurance			Reinsurance			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	663,196		$	269,093		$	196,948		$	536			$	—	$	1,129,773
Net written premiums	562,215			209,656			157,043			469				—		929,383
Earned premiums	548,792			218,968			206,018			466				—		974,244
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(370,435		)	(159,812		)	(129,875		)	—				—		(660,122		)
Prior accident years	21,471			42,705			19,135			(2,594		)		—		80,717
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(206,628		)	(82,791		)	(82,490		)	(612		)		—		(372,521		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	(6,800		)	19,070			12,788			(2,740		)		—		22,318
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				93,147		93,147
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				27,416		27,416
Other revenues (insurance)	1,285			419			—			466				—		2,170
Other expenses (insurance)	(670		)	(677		)	—			(4,232		)		—		(5,579		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	(6,185	)	$	18,812		$	12,788		$	(6,506	)		$	120,563	$	139,472
Other revenues (non-insurance)																334,305
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(304,134		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(17,010		)
Interest expense																(33,152		)
Income before income taxes																$	119,481
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (1)	101		%	91		%	94		%	NM			(2)			98		%

	Quarter Ended September 30, 2015
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Insurance			International Insurance			Reinsurance			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing			Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	635,926		$	284,576		$	239,094		$	(1,232	)		$	—		$	1,158,364
Net written premiums	536,285			213,423			204,336			(860		)		—			953,184
Earned premiums	534,615			225,034			204,825			(799		)		—			963,675
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(357,400		)	(162,024		)	(128,428		)	—				—			(647,852		)
Prior accident years	74,976			57,860			24,241			6,038				—			163,115
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(200,272		)	(92,680		)	(72,449		)	(218		)		—			(365,619		)
Underwriting profit	51,919			28,190			28,189			5,021				—			113,319
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				87,060			87,060
Net realized investment losses	—			—			—			—				(14,707		)	(14,707		)
Other revenues (insurance)	(41		)	1,096			246			42				—			1,343
Other expenses (insurance)	(960		)	(1,379		)	—			(6,913		)		—			(9,252		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	50,918		$	27,907		$	28,435		$	(1,850	)		$	72,353		$	177,763
Other revenues (non-insurance)																	305,393
Other expenses (non-insurance)																	(281,497		)
Amortization of intangible assets																	(18,914		)
Interest expense																	(30,064		)
Income before income taxes																	$	152,681
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (1)	90		%	87		%	86		%	NM			(2)				88		%

⁽¹⁾  The U.S. GAAP combined ratio is a measure of underwriting performance and represents the relationship of incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses to earned premiums.

⁽²⁾  NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Insurance			International Insurance			Reinsurance			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	2,000,454		$	879,078		$	920,038		$	515			$	—	$	3,800,085
Net written premiums	1,694,193			680,691			786,450			555				—		3,161,889
Earned premiums	1,614,588			637,365			630,151			685				—		2,882,789
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(1,038,860		)	(451,741		)	(413,044		)	—				—		(1,903,645		)
Prior accident years	126,457			111,359			90,140			10,764				—		338,720
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(617,006		)	(267,959		)	(227,138		)	(686		)		—		(1,112,789		)
Underwriting profit	85,179			29,024			80,109			10,763				—		205,075
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				279,437		279,437
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				65,836		65,836
Other revenues (insurance)	3,662			5,149			—			1,407				—		10,218
Other expenses (insurance)	(2,078		)	(4,368		)	—			(19,432		)		—		(25,878		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	86,763		$	29,805		$	80,109		$	(7,262	)		$	345,273	$	534,688
Other revenues (non-insurance)																945,121
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(836,837		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(51,474		)
Interest expense																(97,690		)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt																(44,100		)
Income before income taxes																$	449,708
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (1)	95		%	95		%	87		%	NM			(2)			93		%

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Insurance			International Insurance			Reinsurance			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing			Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	1,890,144		$	911,962		$	875,676		$	(1,159	)		$	—		$	3,676,623
Net written premiums	1,587,092			700,260			736,068			(462		)		—			3,022,958
Earned premiums	1,569,615			654,936			640,719			(388		)		—			2,864,882
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(1,015,492		)	(479,764		)	(431,791		)	—				—			(1,927,047		)
Prior accident years	211,177			177,883			65,746			4,315				—			459,121
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(597,388		)	(266,091		)	(222,172		)	(305		)		—			(1,085,956		)
Underwriting profit	167,912			86,964			52,502			3,622				—			311,000
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				270,521			270,521
Net realized investment losses	—			—			—			—				(3,031		)	(3,031		)
Other revenues (insurance)	3,564			7,398			1,138			369				—			12,469
Other expenses (insurance)	(3,149		)	(4,101		)	—			(17,610		)		—			(24,860		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	168,327		$	90,261		$	53,640		$	(13,619	)		$	267,490		$	566,099
Other revenues (non-insurance)																	804,682
Other expenses (non-insurance)																	(739,126		)
Amortization of intangible assets																	(50,503		)
Interest expense																	(88,664		)
Income before income taxes																	$	492,488
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (1)	89		%	87		%	92		%	NM			(2)				89		%

⁽¹⁾  The U.S. GAAP combined ratio is a measure of underwriting performance and represents the relationship of incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses to earned premiums.

⁽²⁾  NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

b) The following table reconciles segment assets to the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2016		December 31, 2015
Segment assets:
Investing	$	19,235,156	$	18,056,947
Underwriting	5,681,650		5,385,126
Total segment assets	24,916,806		23,442,073
Non-insurance operations	1,486,839		1,497,042
Total assets	$	26,403,645	$	24,939,115

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Senior Long-Term Debt

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Debt Disclosure [Abstract]

Senior Long-Term Debt

Senior Long-Term Debt

In the second quarter of 2016, the Company issued $500 million of 5.0% unsecured senior notes due April 5, 2046. Net proceeds to the Company were $493.1 million. The Company used a portion of these proceeds to purchase $70.2 million of principal on its 7.35% Senior Notes due 2034 and $108.8 million of principal on its 7.125% Senior Notes due 2019 through a tender offer at a total purchase price of $95.0 million and $126.4 million, respectively. The Company also expects to use the proceeds from this issuance to retire its 7.20% unsecured senior notes, when they come due April 14, 2017 ($90.6 million aggregate principal amount of those notes was outstanding at September 30, 2016), and the remainder for general corporate purposes.

In connection with the tender offer and purchase, the Company recognized a loss on early extinguishment of debt of $44.1 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2016.

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Other Revenues And Other Expenses

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Other Revenues And Other Expenses

Other Revenues and Other Expenses

The following tables summarize the components of other revenues and other expenses.

	Quarter Ended September 30,
	2016				2015
(dollars in thousands)	Other Revenues		Other Expenses		Other Revenues		Other Expenses
Insurance:
Managing general agent operations	$	1,704	$	1,347	$	1,055	$	2,339
Life and annuity	466		4,232		42		6,913
Other	—		—		246		—
	2,170		5,579		1,343		9,252
Non-Insurance:
Markel Ventures: Manufacturing	203,909		171,595		216,057		192,707
Markel Ventures: Non-Manufacturing	117,433		115,529		83,098		83,104
Investment management	8,297		10,385		—		—
Other	4,666		6,625		6,238		5,686
	334,305		304,134		305,393		281,497
Total	$	336,475	$	309,713	$	306,736	$	290,749

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016				2015
(dollars in thousands)	Other Revenues		Other Expenses		Other Revenues		Other Expenses
Insurance:
Managing general agent operations	$	8,811	$	6,446	$	10,043	$	7,250
Life and annuity	1,407		19,432		369		17,610
Other	—		—		2,057		—
	10,218		25,878		12,469		24,860
Non-Insurance:
Markel Ventures: Manufacturing	589,752		491,188		567,960		513,087
Markel Ventures: Non-Manufacturing	315,863		295,647		216,191		209,947
Investment management	22,820		31,151		—		—
Other	16,686		18,851		20,531		16,092
	945,121		836,837		804,682		739,126
Total	$	955,339	$	862,715	$	817,151	$	763,986

The Company's Markel Ventures operations primarily consist of controlling interests in various industrial and service businesses and are viewed by management as separate and distinct from the Company's insurance operations. While each of the companies is operated independently from one another, management aggregates financial results into two industry groups: manufacturing and non-manufacturing.

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Reinsurance

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]

Reinsurance

Reinsurance

The following tables summarize the effect of reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance on premiums written and earned.

	Quarter Ended September 30,
	2016						2015
(dollars in thousands)	Written			Earned			Written			Earned
Direct	$	888,009		$	883,687		$	878,269		$	881,512
Assumed	241,764			292,951			280,095			293,481
Ceded	(200,390		)	(202,394		)	(205,180		)	(211,318		)
Net premiums	$	929,383		$	974,244		$	953,184		$	963,675

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016						2015
(dollars in thousands)	Written			Earned			Written			Earned
Direct	$	2,724,341		$	2,617,074		$	2,631,734		$	2,601,458
Assumed	1,075,744			878,882			1,044,889			910,640
Ceded	(638,196		)	(613,167		)	(653,665		)	(647,216		)
Net premiums	$	3,161,889		$	2,882,789		$	3,022,958		$	2,864,882

The percentage of ceded earned premiums to gross earned premiums was 17% and 18%, respectively, for the quarters ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and 18% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015. The percentage of assumed earned premiums to net earned premiums was 30% for the quarters ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and 30% and 32%, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses were net of reinsurance recoverables (ceded incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses) of $83.3 million and $53.8 million, respectively, for the quarters ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 and $289.4 million and $285.9 million, respectively, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

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Life And Annuity Benefits

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Liability for Future Policy Benefits [Abstract]

Life And Annuity Benefits

Life and Annuity Benefits

Life and annuity benefits are compiled on a reinsurance contract-by-contract basis and are discounted using standard actuarial techniques and cash flow models. Since the development of the life and annuity reinsurance reserves is based upon cash flow projection models, the Company must make estimates and assumptions based on cedent experience, industry mortality tables, and expense and investment experience, including a provision for adverse deviation. The assumptions used to determine policy benefit reserves are generally locked-in for the life of the contract unless an unlocking event occurs. Loss recognition testing is performed to determine if existing policy benefit reserves, together with the present value of future gross premiums and expected investment income earned thereon, are adequate to cover the present value of future benefits, settlement and maintenance costs. If the existing policy benefit reserves are not sufficient, the locked-in assumptions are revised to current best estimate assumptions and a charge to earnings for life and annuity benefits is recognized at that time.

Life and annuity benefits are also adjusted to the extent unrealized gains on the investments supporting the policy benefit reserves would result in a reserve deficiency if those gains were realized. During the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2016, the Company recognized a reserve deficiency resulting from decreases in the market yield on the investment portfolio supporting the policy benefit reserves by increasing life and annuity benefits by $9.6 million and $57.5 million, respectively, and decreasing the change in net unrealized holding gains included in other comprehensive income by a corresponding amount. As of September 30, 2016, the cumulative adjustment to life and annuity benefits attributable to unrealized gains on the underlying investment portfolio totaled $57.5 million.

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Income Taxes

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

The effective tax rate was 27% and 21% for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of tax-exempt investment income. For the nine months ended September 30, 2015, the effective tax rate differs from the U.S. statutory tax rate of 35% primarily as a result of foreign tax credits for foreign taxes paid and tax-exempt investment income. The Company's recognition of foreign tax credits in 2015 had a favorable impact on its effective tax rate for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 of 8%. The increase in the effective tax rate in 2016 compared to 2015 was primarily due to the 2015 impact of foreign tax credits described above and a decrease in estimated annual earnings attributable to foreign operations that are taxed at a lower rate in 2016 compared to 2015.

During the first quarter of 2016, the Internal Revenue Service completed its examination of the Company’s 2012 federal income tax return. There were no adjustments to our income tax liabilities as a result of this examination.

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Variable Interest Entities

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities

In December 2015, the Company formed Markel CATCo Investment Management Ltd. (MCIM), a wholly-owned consolidated subsidiary. MCIM is an insurance-linked securities investment fund manager and insurance manager headquartered in Bermuda. Results attributable to MCIM are included with the Company's non-insurance operations, which are not included in a reportable segment.

In December 2015, the Company also formed a mutual fund company and reinsurance company, both of which were organized under Bermuda law and are managed by MCIM. The mutual fund company issues multiple classes of nonvoting, redeemable preference shares to investors through its funds (the Funds) and the Funds are primarily invested in nonvoting shares of the reinsurance company. The underwriting results of the reinsurance company are attributed to the Funds through the issuance of nonvoting preference shares.

The Funds and the reinsurance company are considered VIEs, as their preference shareholders have no voting rights. MCIM has the power to direct the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of these entities, but does not have a variable interest in any of the entities. Except as described below, the Company is not the primary beneficiary of the Funds or the reinsurance company, as the Company’s involvement is generally limited to that of an investment or insurance manager, receiving fees that are at market and commensurate with the level of effort required. The Company is the sole investor in one of the Funds, the Markel Diversified Fund, and consolidates that fund as its primary beneficiary. The Company also holds an investment in another one of the Funds ($26.0 million as of September 30, 2016) but does not have the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE, and therefore does not consolidate that Fund.

As of September 30, 2016, total assets of the Markel Diversified Fund were $166.9 million and total liabilities were $63.8 million. The assets of the Markel Diversified Fund are available for use only by the Markel Diversified Fund, and are not available for use by the Company. Total assets of the Markel Diversified Fund include an investment in one of the unconsolidated Funds totaling $164.4 million as of September 30, 2016, which represents 6% of the outstanding preference shares of that fund. This investment is included in equity securities (available-for-sale) on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Total liabilities of the Markel Diversified Fund include a $62.5 million note payable delivered as part of the consideration provided for its investment. This note payable is included in senior long-term debt and other debt on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet. Other than the note payable, any liabilities held by the Markel Diversified Fund have no recourse to the Company’s general credit.

The Company’s exposure to risk from the unconsolidated Funds and reinsurance company is generally limited to its investment and any earned but uncollected fees. The Company has not issued any investment performance guarantees to these VIEs or their investors. As of September 30, 2016, total investment and insurance assets under management of MCIM for unconsolidated VIEs were $3.4 billion.

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Net Income Per Share

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Net Income Per Share

Net Income per Share

Net income per share was determined by dividing adjusted net income to shareholders by the applicable weighted average shares outstanding.Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing adjusted net income to shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period.

	Quarter Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2016			2015		2016			2015
Net income to shareholders	$	83,796		$	102,519	$	322,963		$	384,880
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(4,928		)	1,376		(10,909		)	3,091
Adjusted net income to shareholders	$	78,868		$	103,895	$	312,054		$	387,971
Basic common shares outstanding	14,033			13,983		14,013			13,977
Dilutive potential common shares from conversion of options	3			8		4			9
Dilutive potential common shares from conversion of restricted stock	49			71		62			70
Diluted shares outstanding	14,085			14,062		14,079			14,056
Basic net income per share	$	5.62		$	7.43	$	22.27		$	27.76
Diluted net income per share	$	5.60		$	7.39	$	22.16		$	27.60

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Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

Other comprehensive income (loss) includes net holding gains (losses) arising during the period, changes in unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities arising during the period and reclassification adjustments for net gains included in net income. Other comprehensive income (loss) also includes changes in foreign currency translation adjustments and changes in net actuarial pension loss.

The following table presents the change in accumulated other comprehensive income by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interests, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

(dollars in thousands)	Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities			Foreign Currency			Net Actuarial Pension Loss			Total
December 31, 2014	$	1,793,254		$	(43,491	)	$	(45,206	)	$	1,704,557
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(258,275		)	(22,236		)	—			(280,511		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(8,037		)	—			1,407			(6,630		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(266,312		)	(22,236		)	1,407			(287,141		)
September 30, 2015	$	1,526,942		$	(65,727	)	$	(43,799	)	$	1,417,416
December 31, 2015	$	1,472,762		$	(72,696	)	$	(45,558	)	$	1,354,508
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	411,354			(6,159		)	—			405,195
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(33,308		)	—			1,247			(32,061		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	378,046			(6,159		)	1,247			373,134
September 30, 2016	$	1,850,808		$	(78,855	)	$	(44,311	)	$	1,727,642

The following table summarizes the tax expense (benefit) associated with each component of other comprehensive income (loss).

	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Change in net unrealized gains on investments:
Net holding gains (losses) arising during the period	$	8,309		$	(71,549	)	$	196,189		$	(129,546	)
Change in unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities arising during the period	(3		)	(10		)	(9		)	28
Reclassification adjustments for net gains (losses) included in net income	(4,811		)	4,647			(12,621		)	(1,025		)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	3,495			(66,912		)	183,559			(130,543		)
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments	2,847			829			1,152			1,662
Change in net actuarial pension loss	86			119			274			352
Total	$	6,428		$	(65,964	)	$	184,985		$	(128,529	)

The following table presents the details of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income, by component.

	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities:
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	$	—		$	(18,281	)	$	(12,080	)	$	(23,373	)
Net realized investment gains, excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses	14,569			7,634			58,009			32,435
Total before taxes	14,569			(10,647		)	45,929			9,062
Income taxes	(4,811		)	4,647			(12,621		)	(1,025		)
Reclassification of unrealized holding gains (losses), net of taxes	$	9,758		$	(6,000	)	$	33,308		$	8,037
Net actuarial pension loss:
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	$	(476	)	$	(594	)	$	(1,521	)	$	(1,759	)
Income taxes	86			119			274			352
Reclassification of net actuarial pension loss, net of taxes	$	(390	)	$	(475	)	$	(1,247	)	$	(1,407	)

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Contingencies

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Loss Contingency [Abstract]

Contingencies

Contingencies

Contingencies arise in the normal course of the Company's operations and are not expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial condition or results of operations.

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Subsequent Events

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Subsequent Events [Abstract]

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events

After the end of the third quarter of 2016, the Caribbean and southeastern and mid-Atlantic regions of the United States sustained losses from Hurricane Matthew. Based on information currently available, the Company estimates its range of net incurred losses on this event is between $40 million and $100 million before income taxes. This estimated range of losses was derived based on preliminary industry loss estimates, policy level reviews and direct contact with insureds and brokers when possible. However, we are still gathering loss data from our policy holders and cedents and do not expect that all losses have been reported at this time. Potential losses associated with business interruption are also not yet clear. The Company continues to closely monitor reported claims to refine its estimate of losses, which will be recorded in the fourth quarter of 2016.

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Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Basis of Presentation

Basis of Presentation. Markel Corporation is a diverse financial holding company serving a variety of niche markets. Markel Corporation's principal business markets and underwrites specialty insurance products and programs. Through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Markel Ventures, Inc. (Markel Ventures), Markel Corporation also owns interests in various industrial and service businesses that operate outside of the specialty insurance marketplace.

The consolidated balance sheet as of September 30, 2016, the related consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income (loss) for the quarters and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, and the consolidated statements of changes in equity and cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all adjustments necessary for fair presentation of such consolidated financial statements have been included. Such adjustments consist only of normal, recurring items. Interim results are not necessarily indicative of results of operations for the entire year. The consolidated balance sheet as of December 31, 2015 was derived from Markel Corporation's audited annual consolidated financial statements.

The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (U.S. GAAP) and include the accounts of Markel Corporation and its consolidated subsidiaries, as well as any variable interest entities (VIEs) that meet the requirements for consolidation (the Company). All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The Company consolidates the results of its Markel Ventures subsidiaries on a one-month lag. Certain prior year amounts have been reclassified to conform to the current presentation.

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results may differ materially from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.

The consolidated financial statements and notes are presented as permitted by Form 10-Q and do not contain certain information included in the Company's annual consolidated financial statements and notes. In addition to the policies set forth below, readers are urged to review the Company's 2015 Annual Report on Form 10-K for a more complete description of the Company's business and accounting policies.

Variable Interest Entities

Variable Interest Entities. The Company determines whether it has relationships with entities defined as VIEs in accordance with Accounting Standards Codification (ASC) Topic 810, Consolidation. Under this guidance, a VIE is consolidated by the variable interest holder that is determined to be the primary beneficiary.

An entity in which the Company holds a variable interest is a VIE if any of the following conditions exist: (a) the total equity investment at risk is not sufficient to permit the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support, (b) as a group, the holders of equity investment at risk lack either the direct or indirect ability through voting rights or similar rights to make decisions about an entity's activities that most significantly impact the entity’s economic performance or the obligation to absorb the expected losses or right to receive the expected residual returns, or (c) the voting rights of some investors are disproportionate to their obligation to absorb the expected losses of the entity, their rights to receive the expected residual returns of the entity, or both and substantially all of the entity's activities either involve or are conducted on behalf of an investor with disproportionately few voting rights.

The primary beneficiary is defined as the variable interest holder that is determined to have the controlling financial interest as a result of having both (a) the power to direct the activities of a VIE that most significantly impact the economic performance of the VIE and (b) the obligation to absorb losses or right to receive benefits from the VIE that could potentially be significant to the VIE.

The Company determines whether an entity is a VIE at the inception of our variable interest in the entity and upon the occurrence of certain reconsideration events. The Company continually reassesses whether it is the primary beneficiary of VIEs in which it holds a variable interest.

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition.

Investment Management and Performance Fees

Investment management fee income is recognized over the period in which investment management services are provided and is calculated and billed monthly based on the net asset value of the accounts managed. Performance fee arrangements entitle the Company to participate, on a fixed-percentage basis, in any net income generated in excess of an agreed-upon threshold as established by the underlying investment management agreements. In general, net income is calculated at the end of each calendar year and performance fees are payable annually. Following the preferred method identified in the ASC Topic 605, Revenue Recognition, such performance fee income is recorded at the conclusion of the contractual performance period, when all contingencies are resolved.

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Investments (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Available-For-Sale Investments

The following tables summarize the Company's available-for-sale investments.

	September 30, 2016
(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Holding Gains		Gross Unrealized Holding Losses			Unrealized Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	659,539	$	24,943	$	(99	)	$	—		$	684,383
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	4,259,553		318,183		(3,081		)	—			4,574,655
Foreign governments	1,334,364		237,498		(15		)	—			1,571,847
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	981,613		46,791		(396		)	—			1,028,008
Residential mortgage-backed securities	780,631		49,568		(586		)	(2,258		)	827,355
Asset-backed securities	27,911		83		(16		)	—			27,978
Corporate bonds	1,519,546		87,459		(1,071		)	(1,673		)	1,604,261
Total fixed maturities	9,563,157		764,525		(5,264		)	(3,931		)	10,318,487
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	841,416		807,430		(9,770		)	—			1,639,076
Industrial, consumer and all other	1,583,341		1,295,784		(7,774		)	—			2,871,351
Total equity securities	2,424,757		2,103,214		(17,544		)	—			4,510,427
Short-term investments	1,989,124		181		—			—			1,989,305
Investments, available-for-sale	$	13,977,038	$	2,867,920	$	(22,808	)	$	(3,931	)	$	16,818,219

	December 31, 2015
(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized Holding Gains		Gross Unrealized Holding Losses			Unrealized Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	695,652	$	9,836	$	(4,781	)	$	—		$	700,707
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	3,817,136		204,302		(8,225		)	—			4,013,213
Foreign governments	1,302,329		115,809		(1,681		)	—			1,416,457
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	657,670		6,867		(4,999		)	—			659,538
Residential mortgage-backed securities	837,964		22,563		(4,022		)	(2,258		)	854,247
Asset-backed securities	36,462		15		(406		)	—			36,071
Corporate bonds	1,690,945		41,123		(16,209		)	(1,624		)	1,714,235
Total fixed maturities	9,038,158		400,515		(40,323		)	(3,882		)	9,394,468
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	651,002		690,271		(6,551		)	—			1,334,722
Industrial, consumer and all other	1,557,832		1,227,052		(45,131		)	—			2,739,753
Total equity securities	2,208,834		1,917,323		(51,682		)	—			4,074,475
Short-term investments	1,642,103		167		(9		)	—			1,642,261
Investments, available-for-sale	$	12,889,095	$	2,318,005	$	(92,014	)	$	(3,882	)	$	15,111,204

Summary Of Gross Unrealized Investment Losses By Length Of Time That Securities Have Continuously Been In An Unrealized Loss Position

The following tables summarize gross unrealized investment losses by the length of time that securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position.

	September 30, 2016
	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
(dollars in thousands)	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	26,599	$	(96	)	$	7,700	$	(3	)	$	34,299	$	(99	)
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	156,618		(1,404		)	42,834		(1,677		)	199,452		(3,081		)
Foreign governments	7,159		(10		)	5,015		(5		)	12,174		(15		)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	14,318		(45		)	43,475		(351		)	57,793		(396		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	7,473		(2,311		)	85,864		(533		)	93,337		(2,844		)
Asset-backed securities	6,312		(5		)	6,236		(11		)	12,548		(16		)
Corporate bonds	73,320		(1,736		)	95,302		(1,008		)	168,622		(2,744		)
Total fixed maturities	291,799		(5,607		)	286,426		(3,588		)	578,225		(9,195		)
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	22,769		(1,456		)	37,751		(8,314		)	60,520		(9,770		)
Industrial, consumer and all other	23,713		(2,315		)	138,245		(5,459		)	161,958		(7,774		)
Total equity securities	46,482		(3,771		)	175,996		(13,773		)	222,478		(17,544		)
Total	$	338,281	$	(9,378	)	$	462,422	$	(17,361	)	$	800,703	$	(26,739	)

	December 31, 2015
	Less than 12 months					12 months or longer					Total
(dollars in thousands)	Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses			Estimated Fair Value		Gross Unrealized Holding and Other-Than- Temporary Impairment Losses
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	427,003	$	(3,648	)	$	92,552	$	(1,133	)	$	519,555	$	(4,781	)
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	169,362		(4,864		)	70,101		(3,361		)	239,463		(8,225		)
Foreign governments	51,328		(249		)	40,345		(1,432		)	91,673		(1,681		)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	289,058		(3,600		)	95,843		(1,399		)	384,901		(4,999		)
Residential mortgage-backed securities	78,814		(2,858		)	137,100		(3,422		)	215,914		(6,280		)
Asset-backed securities	6,228		(54		)	24,315		(352		)	30,543		(406		)
Corporate bonds	470,694		(9,509		)	343,737		(8,324		)	814,431		(17,833		)
Total fixed maturities	1,492,487		(24,782		)	803,993		(19,423		)	2,296,480		(44,205		)
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	63,873		(6,384		)	6,247		(167		)	70,120		(6,551		)
Industrial, consumer and all other	344,857		(44,879		)	2,907		(252		)	347,764		(45,131		)
Total equity securities	408,730		(51,263		)	9,154		(419		)	417,884		(51,682		)
Short-term investments	129,473		(9		)	—		—			129,473		(9		)
Total	$	2,030,690	$	(76,054	)	$	813,147	$	(19,842	)	$	2,843,837	$	(95,896	)

Schedule Of Amortized Cost And Estimated Fair Value Of Fixed Maturities By Contractual Maturity Date

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturities at September 30, 2016 are shown below by contractual maturity.

(dollars in thousands)	Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	798,670	$	803,039
Due after one year through five years	1,292,802		1,349,605
Due after five years through ten years	1,650,289		1,791,219
Due after ten years	4,031,241		4,491,283
	7,773,002		8,435,146
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	981,613		1,028,008
Residential mortgage-backed securities	780,631		827,355
Asset-backed securities	27,911		27,978
Total fixed maturities	$	9,563,157	$	10,318,487

Components Of Net Investment Income

The following table presents the components of net investment income.

	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Interest:
Municipal bonds (tax-exempt)	$	22,136		$	21,979		$	66,621		$	72,124
Municipal bonds (taxable)	16,710			14,667			48,820			42,917
Other taxable bonds	36,697			34,368			108,975			103,519
Short-term investments, including overnight deposits	2,878			1,287			7,823			3,654
Dividends on equity securities	17,308			17,887			51,718			55,544
Income (loss) from equity method investments	1,232			(4		)	4,900			3,052
Other	(60		)	37			2,614			577
	96,901			90,221			291,471			281,387
Investment expenses	(3,754		)	(3,161		)	(12,034		)	(10,866		)
Net investment income	$	93,147		$	87,060		$	279,437		$	270,521

Summary Of Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) And The Change In Net Unrealized Gains On Investments

The following table presents net realized investment gains (losses) and the change in net unrealized gains on investments. 

	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Realized gains:
Sales of fixed maturities	$	3,698		$	435		$	4,658		$	2,769
Sales of equity securities	18,418			11,329			63,931			34,285
Other	423			1,026			1,117			3,297
Total realized gains	22,539			12,790			69,706			40,351
Realized losses:
Sales of fixed maturities	(60		)	(3,730		)	(608		)	(3,947		)
Sales of equity securities	(4,187		)	(400		)	(6,672		)	(672		)
Other-than-temporary impairments	—			(18,281		)	(12,080		)	(23,373		)
Other	(55		)	(279		)	(2,972		)	(364		)
Total realized losses	(4,302		)	(22,690		)	(22,332		)	(28,356		)
Gains (losses) on securities measured at fair value through net income	9,179			(4,807		)	18,462			(15,026		)
Net realized investment gains (losses)	$	27,416		$	(14,707	)	$	65,836		$	(3,031	)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments included in other comprehensive income (loss):
Fixed maturities	$	(53,962	)	$	102,844		$	399,020		$	(77,369	)
Equity securities	80,285			(313,075		)	220,029			(319,522		)
Short-term investments	58			45			23			36
Net increase (decrease)	$	26,381		$	(210,186	)	$	619,072		$	(396,855	)

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Fair Value Measurements (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Balances Of Assets Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis

The following tables present the balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis by level within the fair value hierarchy.

	September 30, 2016
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Investments available-for-sale:
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	—	$	684,383	$	—	$	684,383
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		4,574,655		—		4,574,655
Foreign governments	—		1,571,847		—		1,571,847
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		1,028,008		—		1,028,008
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		827,355		—		827,355
Asset-backed securities	—		27,978		—		27,978
Corporate bonds	—		1,604,261		—		1,604,261
Total fixed maturities	—		10,318,487		—		10,318,487
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	1,448,672		—		190,404		1,639,076
Industrial, consumer and all other	2,871,351		—		—		2,871,351
Total equity securities	4,320,023		—		190,404		4,510,427
Short-term investments	1,903,399		85,906		—		1,989,305
Total investments available-for-sale	$	6,223,422	$	10,404,393	$	190,404	$	16,818,219

	December 31, 2015
(dollars in thousands)	Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
Assets:
Investments available-for-sale:
Fixed maturities:
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies	$	—	$	700,707	$	—	$	700,707
Obligations of states, municipalities and political subdivisions	—		4,013,213		—		4,013,213
Foreign governments	—		1,416,457		—		1,416,457
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		659,538		—		659,538
Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		854,247		—		854,247
Asset-backed securities	—		36,071		—		36,071
Corporate bonds	—		1,714,235		—		1,714,235
Total fixed maturities	—		9,394,468		—		9,394,468
Equity securities:
Insurance, banks and other financial institutions	1,334,722		—		—		1,334,722
Industrial, consumer and all other	2,739,753		—		—		2,739,753
Total equity securities	4,074,475		—		—		4,074,475
Short-term investments	1,529,924		112,337		—		1,642,261
Total investments available-for-sale	$	5,604,399	$	9,506,805	$	—	$	15,111,204

Summary Of Changes In Level 3 Investments Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis

The following table summarizes changes in Level 3 investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis.

	Quarter Ended September 30,				Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2016		2015		2016			2015
Equity securities, beginning of period	$	183,523	$	—	$	—		$	—
Purchases	—		—		195,250			—
Sales	—		—		(25,000		)	—
Total gains included in:
Net income	6,881		—		20,154			—
Other comprehensive income (loss)	—		—		—			—
Transfers into Level 3	—		—		—			—
Transfers out of Level 3	—		—		—			—
Equity securities, end of period	$	190,404	$	—	$	190,404		$	—
Net unrealized gains included in net income relating to assets held at September 30, 2016 and 2015 (1)	$	6,881	$	—	$	20,154		$	—

⁽¹⁾Included in net realized investment gains in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income (loss).

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Segment Reporting Disclosures (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Segment Reporting, Disclosure of Entity's Reportable Segments [Abstract]

Company's Segment Disclosures

The following tables summarize the Company's segment disclosures.

	Quarter Ended September 30, 2016
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Insurance			International Insurance			Reinsurance			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	663,196		$	269,093		$	196,948		$	536			$	—	$	1,129,773
Net written premiums	562,215			209,656			157,043			469				—		929,383
Earned premiums	548,792			218,968			206,018			466				—		974,244
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(370,435		)	(159,812		)	(129,875		)	—				—		(660,122		)
Prior accident years	21,471			42,705			19,135			(2,594		)		—		80,717
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(206,628		)	(82,791		)	(82,490		)	(612		)		—		(372,521		)
Underwriting profit (loss)	(6,800		)	19,070			12,788			(2,740		)		—		22,318
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				93,147		93,147
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				27,416		27,416
Other revenues (insurance)	1,285			419			—			466				—		2,170
Other expenses (insurance)	(670		)	(677		)	—			(4,232		)		—		(5,579		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	(6,185	)	$	18,812		$	12,788		$	(6,506	)		$	120,563	$	139,472
Other revenues (non-insurance)																334,305
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(304,134		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(17,010		)
Interest expense																(33,152		)
Income before income taxes																$	119,481
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (1)	101		%	91		%	94		%	NM			(2)			98		%

	Quarter Ended September 30, 2015
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Insurance			International Insurance			Reinsurance			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing			Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	635,926		$	284,576		$	239,094		$	(1,232	)		$	—		$	1,158,364
Net written premiums	536,285			213,423			204,336			(860		)		—			953,184
Earned premiums	534,615			225,034			204,825			(799		)		—			963,675
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(357,400		)	(162,024		)	(128,428		)	—				—			(647,852		)
Prior accident years	74,976			57,860			24,241			6,038				—			163,115
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(200,272		)	(92,680		)	(72,449		)	(218		)		—			(365,619		)
Underwriting profit	51,919			28,190			28,189			5,021				—			113,319
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				87,060			87,060
Net realized investment losses	—			—			—			—				(14,707		)	(14,707		)
Other revenues (insurance)	(41		)	1,096			246			42				—			1,343
Other expenses (insurance)	(960		)	(1,379		)	—			(6,913		)		—			(9,252		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	50,918		$	27,907		$	28,435		$	(1,850	)		$	72,353		$	177,763
Other revenues (non-insurance)																	305,393
Other expenses (non-insurance)																	(281,497		)
Amortization of intangible assets																	(18,914		)
Interest expense																	(30,064		)
Income before income taxes																	$	152,681
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (1)	90		%	87		%	86		%	NM			(2)				88		%

⁽¹⁾  The U.S. GAAP combined ratio is a measure of underwriting performance and represents the relationship of incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses to earned premiums.

⁽²⁾  NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2016
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Insurance			International Insurance			Reinsurance			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing		Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	2,000,454		$	879,078		$	920,038		$	515			$	—	$	3,800,085
Net written premiums	1,694,193			680,691			786,450			555				—		3,161,889
Earned premiums	1,614,588			637,365			630,151			685				—		2,882,789
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(1,038,860		)	(451,741		)	(413,044		)	—				—		(1,903,645		)
Prior accident years	126,457			111,359			90,140			10,764				—		338,720
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(617,006		)	(267,959		)	(227,138		)	(686		)		—		(1,112,789		)
Underwriting profit	85,179			29,024			80,109			10,763				—		205,075
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				279,437		279,437
Net realized investment gains	—			—			—			—				65,836		65,836
Other revenues (insurance)	3,662			5,149			—			1,407				—		10,218
Other expenses (insurance)	(2,078		)	(4,368		)	—			(19,432		)		—		(25,878		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	86,763		$	29,805		$	80,109		$	(7,262	)		$	345,273	$	534,688
Other revenues (non-insurance)																945,121
Other expenses (non-insurance)																(836,837		)
Amortization of intangible assets																(51,474		)
Interest expense																(97,690		)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt																(44,100		)
Income before income taxes																$	449,708
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (1)	95		%	95		%	87		%	NM			(2)			93		%

	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2015
(dollars in thousands)	U.S. Insurance			International Insurance			Reinsurance			Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines)				Investing			Consolidated
Gross premium volume	$	1,890,144		$	911,962		$	875,676		$	(1,159	)		$	—		$	3,676,623
Net written premiums	1,587,092			700,260			736,068			(462		)		—			3,022,958
Earned premiums	1,569,615			654,936			640,719			(388		)		—			2,864,882
Losses and loss adjustment expenses:
Current accident year	(1,015,492		)	(479,764		)	(431,791		)	—				—			(1,927,047		)
Prior accident years	211,177			177,883			65,746			4,315				—			459,121
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(597,388		)	(266,091		)	(222,172		)	(305		)		—			(1,085,956		)
Underwriting profit	167,912			86,964			52,502			3,622				—			311,000
Net investment income	—			—			—			—				270,521			270,521
Net realized investment losses	—			—			—			—				(3,031		)	(3,031		)
Other revenues (insurance)	3,564			7,398			1,138			369				—			12,469
Other expenses (insurance)	(3,149		)	(4,101		)	—			(17,610		)		—			(24,860		)
Segment profit (loss)	$	168,327		$	90,261		$	53,640		$	(13,619	)		$	267,490		$	566,099
Other revenues (non-insurance)																	804,682
Other expenses (non-insurance)																	(739,126		)
Amortization of intangible assets																	(50,503		)
Interest expense																	(88,664		)
Income before income taxes																	$	492,488
U.S. GAAP combined ratio (1)	89		%	87		%	92		%	NM			(2)				89		%

⁽¹⁾  The U.S. GAAP combined ratio is a measure of underwriting performance and represents the relationship of incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses to earned premiums.

⁽²⁾  NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

Reconciliation Of Segment Assets To The Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets

The following table reconciles segment assets to the Company's consolidated balance sheets.

(dollars in thousands)	September 30, 2016		December 31, 2015
Segment assets:
Investing	$	19,235,156	$	18,056,947
Underwriting	5,681,650		5,385,126
Total segment assets	24,916,806		23,442,073
Non-insurance operations	1,486,839		1,497,042
Total assets	$	26,403,645	$	24,939,115

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Other Revenues And Other Expenses (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Other Income and Expenses [Abstract]

Summary Of Other Revenues And Other Expenses By Component

The following tables summarize the components of other revenues and other expenses.

	Quarter Ended September 30,
	2016				2015
(dollars in thousands)	Other Revenues		Other Expenses		Other Revenues		Other Expenses
Insurance:
Managing general agent operations	$	1,704	$	1,347	$	1,055	$	2,339
Life and annuity	466		4,232		42		6,913
Other	—		—		246		—
	2,170		5,579		1,343		9,252
Non-Insurance:
Markel Ventures: Manufacturing	203,909		171,595		216,057		192,707
Markel Ventures: Non-Manufacturing	117,433		115,529		83,098		83,104
Investment management	8,297		10,385		—		—
Other	4,666		6,625		6,238		5,686
	334,305		304,134		305,393		281,497
Total	$	336,475	$	309,713	$	306,736	$	290,749

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016				2015
(dollars in thousands)	Other Revenues		Other Expenses		Other Revenues		Other Expenses
Insurance:
Managing general agent operations	$	8,811	$	6,446	$	10,043	$	7,250
Life and annuity	1,407		19,432		369		17,610
Other	—		—		2,057		—
	10,218		25,878		12,469		24,860
Non-Insurance:
Markel Ventures: Manufacturing	589,752		491,188		567,960		513,087
Markel Ventures: Non-Manufacturing	315,863		295,647		216,191		209,947
Investment management	22,820		31,151		—		—
Other	16,686		18,851		20,531		16,092
	945,121		836,837		804,682		739,126
Total	$	955,339	$	862,715	$	817,151	$	763,986

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Reinsurance (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]

Effect Of Reinsurance And Retrocessional Reinsurance On Premiums Written And Earned

The following tables summarize the effect of reinsurance and retrocessional reinsurance on premiums written and earned.

	Quarter Ended September 30,
	2016						2015
(dollars in thousands)	Written			Earned			Written			Earned
Direct	$	888,009		$	883,687		$	878,269		$	881,512
Assumed	241,764			292,951			280,095			293,481
Ceded	(200,390		)	(202,394		)	(205,180		)	(211,318		)
Net premiums	$	929,383		$	974,244		$	953,184		$	963,675

	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2016						2015
(dollars in thousands)	Written			Earned			Written			Earned
Direct	$	2,724,341		$	2,617,074		$	2,631,734		$	2,601,458
Assumed	1,075,744			878,882			1,044,889			910,640
Ceded	(638,196		)	(613,167		)	(653,665		)	(647,216		)
Net premiums	$	3,161,889		$	2,882,789		$	3,022,958		$	2,864,882

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Net Income Per Share (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Earnings Per Share [Abstract]

Schedule Of Net Income Per Share

Net income per share was determined by dividing adjusted net income to shareholders by the applicable weighted average shares outstanding.Diluted net income per share is computed by dividing adjusted net income to shareholders by the weighted average number of common shares and dilutive potential common shares outstanding during the period.

	Quarter Ended September 30,					Nine Months Ended September 30,
(in thousands, except per share amounts)	2016			2015		2016			2015
Net income to shareholders	$	83,796		$	102,519	$	322,963		$	384,880
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(4,928		)	1,376		(10,909		)	3,091
Adjusted net income to shareholders	$	78,868		$	103,895	$	312,054		$	387,971
Basic common shares outstanding	14,033			13,983		14,013			13,977
Dilutive potential common shares from conversion of options	3			8		4			9
Dilutive potential common shares from conversion of restricted stock	49			71		62			70
Diluted shares outstanding	14,085			14,062		14,079			14,056
Basic net income per share	$	5.62		$	7.43	$	22.27		$	27.76
Diluted net income per share	$	5.60		$	7.39	$	22.16		$	27.60

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Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]

Change In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income By Component, Net Of Taxes And Noncontrolling Interest

The following table presents the change in accumulated other comprehensive income by component, net of taxes and noncontrolling interests, for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.

(dollars in thousands)	Unrealized Holding Gains on Available-for-Sale Securities			Foreign Currency			Net Actuarial Pension Loss			Total
December 31, 2014	$	1,793,254		$	(43,491	)	$	(45,206	)	$	1,704,557
Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications	(258,275		)	(22,236		)	—			(280,511		)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(8,037		)	—			1,407			(6,630		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(266,312		)	(22,236		)	1,407			(287,141		)
September 30, 2015	$	1,526,942		$	(65,727	)	$	(43,799	)	$	1,417,416
December 31, 2015	$	1,472,762		$	(72,696	)	$	(45,558	)	$	1,354,508
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	411,354			(6,159		)	—			405,195
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(33,308		)	—			1,247			(32,061		)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	378,046			(6,159		)	1,247			373,134
September 30, 2016	$	1,850,808		$	(78,855	)	$	(44,311	)	$	1,727,642

Summary Of Tax Expense (Benefit) Of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)

The following table summarizes the tax expense (benefit) associated with each component of other comprehensive income (loss).

	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Change in net unrealized gains on investments:
Net holding gains (losses) arising during the period	$	8,309		$	(71,549	)	$	196,189		$	(129,546	)
Change in unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities arising during the period	(3		)	(10		)	(9		)	28
Reclassification adjustments for net gains (losses) included in net income	(4,811		)	4,647			(12,621		)	(1,025		)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	3,495			(66,912		)	183,559			(130,543		)
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments	2,847			829			1,152			1,662
Change in net actuarial pension loss	86			119			274			352
Total	$	6,428		$	(65,964	)	$	184,985		$	(128,529	)

Reclassifications From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Into Income, By Component

The following table presents the details of amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income into income, by component.

	Quarter Ended September 30,						Nine Months Ended September 30,
(dollars in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities:
Other-than-temporary impairment losses	$	—		$	(18,281	)	$	(12,080	)	$	(23,373	)
Net realized investment gains, excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses	14,569			7,634			58,009			32,435
Total before taxes	14,569			(10,647		)	45,929			9,062
Income taxes	(4,811		)	4,647			(12,621		)	(1,025		)
Reclassification of unrealized holding gains (losses), net of taxes	$	9,758		$	(6,000	)	$	33,308		$	8,037
Net actuarial pension loss:
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	$	(476	)	$	(594	)	$	(1,521	)	$	(1,759	)
Income taxes	86			119			274			352
Reclassification of net actuarial pension loss, net of taxes	$	(390	)	$	(475	)	$	(1,247	)	$	(1,407	)

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Recent Accounting Pronouncements (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Accounting Standards Update 2015-03 [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Debt issuance costs reclassified from other assets to senior long-term debt and other debt	$ 2.2

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Acquisitions (Narrative) (Details) - CapTech Ventures Inc [Member] - USD ($) $ in Millions	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Percentage acquired	80.00%
Total consideration	$ 60.6
Material adjustments to the provisional estimates recorded			$ 0.0
Increase in estimate of contingent consideration		$ 10.3

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Investments (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) securities	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) securities	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) securities	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($) securities	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) securities
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities in unrealized loss position, number of positions | securities	220		220		659
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	$ 800,703		$ 800,703		$ 2,843,837
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	$ (26,739)		$ (26,739)		$ (95,896)
Number of available-for-sale securities positions in a continuous unrealized loss position for one year or longer at period end | securities	118		118		271
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	$ 462,422		$ 462,422		$ 813,147
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(17,361)		(17,361)		(19,842)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income	0	$ (18,281)	(12,080)	$ (23,373)
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	578,225		578,225		2,296,480
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	$ (9,195)		$ (9,195)		$ (44,205)
Number of available-for-sale securities positions in a continuous unrealized loss position for one year or longer at period end | securities	101		101		264
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	$ 286,426		$ 286,426		$ 803,993
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(3,588)		(3,588)		(19,423)
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	222,478		222,478		417,884
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	$ (17,544)		$ (17,544)		$ (51,682)
Number of available-for-sale securities positions in a continuous unrealized loss position for one year or longer at period end | securities	17		17		7
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	$ 175,996		$ 175,996		$ 9,154
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(13,773)		(13,773)		(419)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income		$ (18,300)	$ (12,100)	$ (23,400)
Other than temporary impairment losses recognized in earnings, number of investment positions | securities		8	21	16
Industrial, Consumer And All Other [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	161,958		$ 161,958		347,764
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(7,774)		(7,774)		(45,131)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	138,245		138,245		2,907
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(5,459)		(5,459)		(252)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income		$ (14,300)	(10,800)	$ (18,800)
Insurance, Banks And Other Financial Institutions [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	60,520		60,520		70,120
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(9,770)		(9,770)		(6,551)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	37,751		37,751		6,247
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	$ (8,314)		(8,314)		$ (167)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income		$ (4,000)	$ (1,300)	$ (4,600)

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Investments (Available-For-Sale Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	$ 13,977,038	$ 12,889,095
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	2,867,920	2,318,005
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(22,808)	(92,014)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	(3,931)	(3,882)
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	16,818,219	15,111,204
U.S. Treasury Securities And Obligations Of U.S. Government Agencies [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	659,539	695,652
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	24,943	9,836
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(99)	(4,781)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	684,383	700,707
Obligations Of States, Municipalities And Political Subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	4,259,553	3,817,136
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	318,183	204,302
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(3,081)	(8,225)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	4,574,655	4,013,213
Foreign Governments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	1,334,364	1,302,329
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	237,498	115,809
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(15)	(1,681)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	1,571,847	1,416,457
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	981,613	657,670
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	46,791	6,867
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(396)	(4,999)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	1,028,008	659,538
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	780,631	837,964
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	49,568	22,563
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(586)	(4,022)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	(2,258)	(2,258)
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	827,355	854,247
Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	27,911	36,462
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	83	15
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(16)	(406)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	27,978	36,071
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	1,519,546	1,690,945
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	87,459	41,123
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(1,071)	(16,209)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	(1,673)	(1,624)
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	1,604,261	1,714,235
Total Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	9,563,157	9,038,158
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	764,525	400,515
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(5,264)	(40,323)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	(3,931)	(3,882)
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	10,318,487	9,394,468
Insurance, Banks And Other Financial Institutions [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	841,416	651,002
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	807,430	690,271
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(9,770)	(6,551)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	1,639,076	1,334,722
Industrial, Consumer And All Other [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	1,583,341	1,557,832
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	1,295,784	1,227,052
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(7,774)	(45,131)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	2,871,351	2,739,753
Total Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	2,424,757	2,208,834
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	2,103,214	1,917,323
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	(17,544)	(51,682)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	4,510,427	4,074,475
Short-Term Investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, amortized cost	1,989,124	1,642,103
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding gains	181	167
Available-for-sale investments, gross unrealized holding losses	0	(9)
Available-for-sale investments, unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses	0	0
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	$ 1,989,305	$ 1,642,261

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Investments (Summary Of Gross Unrealized Investment Losses By Length Of Time That Securities Have Continuously Been In An Unrealized Loss Position) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	$ 338,281	$ 2,030,690
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(9,378)	(76,054)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	462,422	813,147
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(17,361)	(19,842)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	800,703	2,843,837
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(26,739)	(95,896)
U.S. Treasury Securities And Obligations Of U.S. Government Agencies [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	26,599	427,003
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(96)	(3,648)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	7,700	92,552
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(3)	(1,133)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	34,299	519,555
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(99)	(4,781)
Obligations Of States, Municipalities And Political Subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	156,618	169,362
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(1,404)	(4,864)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	42,834	70,101
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(1,677)	(3,361)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	199,452	239,463
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(3,081)	(8,225)
Foreign Governments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	7,159	51,328
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(10)	(249)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	5,015	40,345
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(5)	(1,432)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	12,174	91,673
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(15)	(1,681)
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	14,318	289,058
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(45)	(3,600)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	43,475	95,843
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(351)	(1,399)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	57,793	384,901
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(396)	(4,999)
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	7,473	78,814
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(2,311)	(2,858)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	85,864	137,100
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(533)	(3,422)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	93,337	215,914
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(2,844)	(6,280)
Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	6,312	6,228
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(5)	(54)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	6,236	24,315
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(11)	(352)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	12,548	30,543
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(16)	(406)
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	73,320	470,694
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(1,736)	(9,509)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	95,302	343,737
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(1,008)	(8,324)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	168,622	814,431
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(2,744)	(17,833)
Total Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	291,799	1,492,487
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(5,607)	(24,782)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	286,426	803,993
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(3,588)	(19,423)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	578,225	2,296,480
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(9,195)	(44,205)
Insurance, Banks And Other Financial Institutions [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	22,769	63,873
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(1,456)	(6,384)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	37,751	6,247
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(8,314)	(167)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	60,520	70,120
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(9,770)	(6,551)
Industrial, Consumer And All Other [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	23,713	344,857
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(2,315)	(44,879)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	138,245	2,907
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(5,459)	(252)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	161,958	347,764
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	(7,774)	(45,131)
Total Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months	46,482	408,730
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months	(3,771)	(51,263)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer	175,996	9,154
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer	(13,773)	(419)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value	222,478	417,884
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses	$ (17,544)	(51,682)
Short-Term Investments [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, less than 12 months		129,473
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, less than 12 months		(9)
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value, 12 months or longer		0
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses, 12 months or longer		0
Available-for-sale securities, estimated fair value		129,473
Available-for-sale securities, gross unrealized holding and other-than-temporary impairment losses		$ (9)

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Investments (Schedule Of Amortized Cost And Estimated Fair Value Of Fixed Maturities By Contractual Maturity Date) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Due in one year or less, amortized cost	$ 798,670
Due after one year through five years, amortized cost	1,292,802
Due after five years through ten years, amortized cost	1,650,289
Due after ten years, amortized cost	4,031,241
Amortized cost, sub-total	7,773,002
Total fixed maturities, amortized cost	9,563,157	$ 9,038,158
Due in one year or less, estimated fair value	803,039
Due after one year through five years, estimated fair value	1,349,605
Due after five years through ten years, estimated fair value	1,791,219
Due after ten years, estimated fair value	4,491,283
Estimated fair value, sub-total	8,435,146
Total fixed maturities, estimated fair value	10,318,487	$ 9,394,468
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	981,613
Fixed maturities, estimated fair value	1,028,008
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	780,631
Fixed maturities, estimated fair value	827,355
Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	27,911
Fixed maturities, estimated fair value	$ 27,978

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Investments (Components Of Net Investment Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Municipal bonds (tax-exempt)	$ 22,136	$ 21,979	$ 66,621	$ 72,124
Short-term investments, including overnight deposits	2,878	1,287	7,823	3,654
Dividends on equity securities	17,308	17,887	51,718	55,544
Income (loss) from equity method investments	1,232	(4)	4,900	3,052
Other	(60)	37	2,614	577
Total investment income	96,901	90,221	291,471	281,387
Investment expenses	(3,754)	(3,161)	(12,034)	(10,866)
Net investment income	93,147	87,060	279,437	270,521
Taxable Municipal Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Taxable bonds	16,710	14,667	48,820	42,917
Other Taxable Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Taxable bonds	$ 36,697	$ 34,368	$ 108,975	$ 103,519

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Investments (Summary Of Net Realized Investment Gains (Losses) And The Change In Net Unrealized Gains On Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Realized gains	$ 22,539	$ 12,790	$ 69,706	$ 40,351
Realized losses	(4,302)	(22,690)	(22,332)	(28,356)
Gains (losses) on securities measured at fair value through net income	9,179	(4,807)	18,462	(15,026)
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income	0	(18,281)	(12,080)	(23,373)
Net realized investment gains (losses)	27,416	(14,707)	65,836	(3,031)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments included in other comprehensive income (loss)	26,381	(210,186)	619,072	(396,855)
Sales Of Fixed Maturities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Realized gains	3,698	435	4,658	2,769
Realized losses	(60)	(3,730)	(608)	(3,947)
Sales Of Equity Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Realized gains	18,418	11,329	63,931	34,285
Realized losses	(4,187)	(400)	(6,672)	(672)
Other [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Realized gains	423	1,026	1,117	3,297
Realized losses	(55)	(279)	(2,972)	(364)
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Change in net unrealized gains on investments included in other comprehensive income (loss)	(53,962)	102,844	399,020	(77,369)
Equity Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income		(18,300)	(12,100)	(23,400)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments included in other comprehensive income (loss)	80,285	(313,075)	220,029	(319,522)
Short-Term Investments [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Change in net unrealized gains on investments included in other comprehensive income (loss)	$ 58	$ 45	$ 23	$ 36

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Fair Value Measurements (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair value, level 1 to level 2 transfers, amount	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Fair value, level 2 to level 1 transfers, amount	0	0	0	0
Assets measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	0	0	0	0
Liabilities measured at fair value on a nonrecurring basis	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

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Fair Value Measurements (Balances Of Assets Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	$ 10,318,487	$ 9,394,468
Total equity securities	4,510,427	4,074,475
Short-term investments	1,989,305	1,642,261
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	16,818,219	15,111,204
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	10,318,487	9,394,468
U.S. Treasury Securities And Obligations Of U.S. Government Agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	684,383	700,707
Obligations Of States, Municipalities And Political Subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	4,574,655	4,013,213
Foreign Governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	1,571,847	1,416,457
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	1,028,008	659,538
Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	827,355	854,247
Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	27,978	36,071
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	1,604,261	1,714,235
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	4,510,427	4,074,475
Insurance, Banks And Other Financial Institutions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	1,639,076	1,334,722
Industrial, Consumer And All Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	2,871,351	2,739,753
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	10,318,487	9,394,468
Total equity securities	4,510,427	4,074,475
Short-term investments	1,989,305	1,642,261
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	16,818,219	15,111,204
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Total equity securities	4,320,023	4,074,475
Short-term investments	1,903,399	1,529,924
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	6,223,422	5,604,399
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	10,318,487	9,394,468
Total equity securities	0	0
Short-term investments	85,906	112,337
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	10,404,393	9,506,805
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Total equity securities	190,404	0
Short-term investments	0	0
Available-for-sale investments, estimated fair value	190,404	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. Treasury Securities And Obligations Of U.S. Government Agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	684,383	700,707
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. Treasury Securities And Obligations Of U.S. Government Agencies [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. Treasury Securities And Obligations Of U.S. Government Agencies [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	684,383	700,707
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | U.S. Treasury Securities And Obligations Of U.S. Government Agencies [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Obligations Of States, Municipalities And Political Subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	4,574,655	4,013,213
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Obligations Of States, Municipalities And Political Subdivisions [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Obligations Of States, Municipalities And Political Subdivisions [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	4,574,655	4,013,213
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Obligations Of States, Municipalities And Political Subdivisions [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign Governments [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	1,571,847	1,416,457
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign Governments [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign Governments [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	1,571,847	1,416,457
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Foreign Governments [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	1,028,008	659,538
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	1,028,008	659,538
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	827,355	854,247
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	827,355	854,247
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Residential Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	27,978	36,071
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-Backed Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-Backed Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	27,978	36,071
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Asset-Backed Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	1,604,261	1,714,235
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	1,604,261	1,714,235
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Corporate Bonds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Insurance, Banks And Other Financial Institutions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity securities	1,639,076	1,334,722
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Insurance, Banks And Other Financial Institutions [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity securities	1,448,672	1,334,722
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Insurance, Banks And Other Financial Institutions [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Insurance, Banks And Other Financial Institutions [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity securities	190,404	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Industrial, Consumer And All Other [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity securities	2,871,351	2,739,753
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Industrial, Consumer And All Other [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity securities	2,871,351	2,739,753
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Industrial, Consumer And All Other [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity securities	0	0
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Industrial, Consumer And All Other [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Total equity securities	$ 0	$ 0

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Fair Value Measurements (Summary Of Changes In Level 3 Investments Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Equity securities, beginning of period		$ 183,523	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Purchases		0	0	195,250	0
Sales		0	0	(25,000)	0
Total gains included in net income		6,881	0	20,154	0
Total gains included in other comprehensive income (loss)		0	0	0	0
Transfers into level 3		0	0	0	0
Transfers out of level 3		0	0	0	0
Equity securities, end of period		190,404	0	190,404	0
Net unrealized gains included in net income relating to assets held at September 30, 2016 and 2015	[1]	$ 6,881	$ 0	$ 20,154	$ 0

[1] Included in net realized investment gains in the consolidated statements of income and comprehensive income (loss).

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Segment Reporting Disclosures (Company's Segment Disclosures) (Details) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) segment	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable ongoing underwriting segments | segment				3
Gross premium volume		$ 1,129,773	$ 1,158,364	$ 3,800,085	$ 3,676,623
Net written premiums		929,383	953,184	3,161,889	3,022,958
Earned premiums		974,244	963,675	2,882,789	2,864,882
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, current accident year		(660,122)	(647,852)	(1,903,645)	(1,927,047)
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years		80,717	163,115	338,720	459,121
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses		(372,521)	(365,619)	(1,112,789)	(1,085,956)
Underwriting profit (loss)		22,318	113,319	205,075	311,000
Net investment income		93,147	87,060	279,437	270,521
Net realized investment gains (losses)		27,416	(14,707)	65,836	(3,031)
Other revenues (insurance)		2,170	1,343	10,218	12,469
Other expenses (insurance)		(5,579)	(9,252)	(25,878)	(24,860)
Segment profit (loss)		139,472	177,763	534,688	566,099
Other revenues (non-insurance)		334,305	305,393	945,121	804,682
Other expenses (non-insurance)		(304,134)	(281,497)	(836,837)	(739,126)
Amortization of intangible assets		(17,010)	(18,914)	(51,474)	(50,503)
Interest expense		(33,152)	(30,064)	(97,690)	(88,664)
Loss on early extinguishment of debt		0	0	(44,100)	0
Income Before Income Taxes		$ 119,481	$ 152,681	$ 449,708	$ 492,488
U.S. GAAP combined ratio	[1]	98.00%	88.00%	93.00%	89.00%
U.S. Insurance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premium volume		$ 663,196	$ 635,926	$ 2,000,454	$ 1,890,144
Net written premiums		562,215	536,285	1,694,193	1,587,092
Earned premiums		548,792	534,615	1,614,588	1,569,615
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, current accident year		(370,435)	(357,400)	(1,038,860)	(1,015,492)
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years		21,471	74,976	126,457	211,177
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses		(206,628)	(200,272)	(617,006)	(597,388)
Underwriting profit (loss)		(6,800)	51,919	85,179	167,912
Net investment income		0	0	0	0
Net realized investment gains (losses)		0	0	0	0
Other revenues (insurance)		1,285	(41)	3,662	3,564
Other expenses (insurance)		(670)	(960)	(2,078)	(3,149)
Segment profit (loss)		$ (6,185)	$ 50,918	$ 86,763	$ 168,327
U.S. GAAP combined ratio	[1]	101.00%	90.00%	95.00%	89.00%
International Insurance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premium volume		$ 269,093	$ 284,576	$ 879,078	$ 911,962
Net written premiums		209,656	213,423	680,691	700,260
Earned premiums		218,968	225,034	637,365	654,936
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, current accident year		(159,812)	(162,024)	(451,741)	(479,764)
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years		42,705	57,860	111,359	177,883
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses		(82,791)	(92,680)	(267,959)	(266,091)
Underwriting profit (loss)		19,070	28,190	29,024	86,964
Net investment income		0	0	0	0
Net realized investment gains (losses)		0	0	0	0
Other revenues (insurance)		419	1,096	5,149	7,398
Other expenses (insurance)		(677)	(1,379)	(4,368)	(4,101)
Segment profit (loss)		$ 18,812	$ 27,907	$ 29,805	$ 90,261
U.S. GAAP combined ratio	[1]	91.00%	87.00%	95.00%	87.00%
Reinsurance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premium volume		$ 196,948	$ 239,094	$ 920,038	$ 875,676
Net written premiums		157,043	204,336	786,450	736,068
Earned premiums		206,018	204,825	630,151	640,719
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, current accident year		(129,875)	(128,428)	(413,044)	(431,791)
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years		19,135	24,241	90,140	65,746
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses		(82,490)	(72,449)	(227,138)	(222,172)
Underwriting profit (loss)		12,788	28,189	80,109	52,502
Net investment income		0	0	0	0
Net realized investment gains (losses)		0	0	0	0
Other revenues (insurance)		0	246	0	1,138
Other expenses (insurance)		0	0	0	0
Segment profit (loss)		$ 12,788	$ 28,435	$ 80,109	$ 53,640
U.S. GAAP combined ratio	[1]	94.00%	86.00%	87.00%	92.00%
Other Insurance (Discontinued Lines) [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premium volume		$ 536	$ (1,232)	$ 515	$ (1,159)
Net written premiums		469	(860)	555	(462)
Earned premiums		466	(799)	685	(388)
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, current accident year		0	0	0	0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years		(2,594)	6,038	10,764	4,315
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses		(612)	(218)	(686)	(305)
Underwriting profit (loss)		(2,740)	5,021	10,763	3,622
Net investment income		0	0	0	0
Net realized investment gains (losses)		0	0	0	0
Other revenues (insurance)		466	42	1,407	369
Other expenses (insurance)		(4,232)	(6,913)	(19,432)	(17,610)
Segment profit (loss)		$ (6,506)	$ (1,850)	$ (7,262)	$ (13,619)
U.S. GAAP combined ratio - not meaniningful	[1],[2]	NM	NM	NM	NM
Investing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross premium volume		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Net written premiums		0	0	0	0
Earned premiums		0	0	0	0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, current accident year		0	0	0	0
Losses and loss adjustment expenses, prior accident years		0	0	0	0
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses		0	0	0	0
Underwriting profit (loss)		0	0	0	0
Net investment income		93,147	87,060	279,437	270,521
Net realized investment gains (losses)		27,416	(14,707)	65,836	(3,031)
Other revenues (insurance)		0	0	0	0
Other expenses (insurance)		0	0	0	0
Segment profit (loss)		$ 120,563	$ 72,353	$ 345,273	$ 267,490

[1] The U.S. GAAP combined ratio is a measure of underwriting performance and represents the relationship of incurred losses, loss adjustment expenses and underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses to earned premiums.

[2] NM – Ratio is not meaningful.

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Segment Reporting Disclosures (Reconciliation Of Segment Assets To The Company's Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 26,403,645	$ 24,939,115
Non-Insurance Operations [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	1,486,839	1,497,042
Segment Assets [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	24,916,806	23,442,073
Segment Assets [Member] | Investing [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	19,235,156	18,056,947
Segment Assets [Member] | Underwriting [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Assets	$ 5,681,650	$ 5,385,126

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Senior Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on early extinguishment of debt	$ 0		$ 0	$ (44,100)	$ 0
5.0% Unsecured Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		$ 500,000
Debt instrument, interest rate		5.00%
Net proceeds from issuance of unsecured senior notes		$ 493,100
7.35% Unsecured Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate		7.35%
Debt instrument, repurchased face amount		$ 70,200
Early repayment of senior debt		$ 95,000
7.125% Unsecured Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate		7.125%
Debt instrument, repurchased face amount		$ 108,800
Early repayment of senior debt		$ 126,400
7.20% Unsecured Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate	7.20%			7.20%
Debt instrument, principal amount outstanding	$ 90,600			$ 90,600

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Other Revenues And Other Expenses (Summary Of Other Revenues And Other Expenses By Component) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Other Revenues and Other Expenses [Line Items]
Other revenues	$ 336,475	$ 306,736	$ 955,339	$ 817,151
Other expenses	309,713	290,749	862,715	763,986
Insurance Operations [Member]
Other Revenues and Other Expenses [Line Items]
Other revenues	2,170	1,343	10,218	12,469
Other expenses	5,579	9,252	25,878	24,860
Non-Insurance Operations [Member]
Other Revenues and Other Expenses [Line Items]
Other revenues	334,305	305,393	945,121	804,682
Other expenses	304,134	281,497	836,837	739,126
Managing General Agent Operations [Member] | Insurance Operations [Member]
Other Revenues and Other Expenses [Line Items]
Other revenues	1,704	1,055	8,811	10,043
Other expenses	1,347	2,339	6,446	7,250
Life And Annuity [Member] | Insurance Operations [Member]
Other Revenues and Other Expenses [Line Items]
Other revenues	466	42	1,407	369
Other expenses	4,232	6,913	19,432	17,610
Other Insurance [Member] | Insurance Operations [Member]
Other Revenues and Other Expenses [Line Items]
Other revenues	0	246	0	2,057
Other expenses	0	0	0	0
Manufacturing [Member] | Non-Insurance Operations [Member] | Markel Ventures Operations [Member]
Other Revenues and Other Expenses [Line Items]
Other revenues	203,909	216,057	589,752	567,960
Other expenses	171,595	192,707	491,188	513,087
Non-Manufacturing [Member] | Non-Insurance Operations [Member] | Markel Ventures Operations [Member]
Other Revenues and Other Expenses [Line Items]
Other revenues	117,433	83,098	315,863	216,191
Other expenses	115,529	83,104	295,647	209,947
Investment Management [Member] | Non-Insurance Operations [Member]
Other Revenues and Other Expenses [Line Items]
Other revenues	8,297	0	22,820	0
Other expenses	10,385	0	31,151	0
Other Non-Insurance [Member] | Non-Insurance Operations [Member]
Other Revenues and Other Expenses [Line Items]
Other revenues	4,666	6,238	16,686	20,531
Other expenses	$ 6,625	$ 5,686	$ 18,851	$ 16,092

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Reinsurance (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Percentage of ceded earned premiums to gross earned premiums	17.00%	18.00%	18.00%	18.00%
Percentage of assumed earned premiums to net earned premiums	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%	32.00%
Reinsurance recoverables	$ 83.3	$ 53.8	$ 289.4	$ 285.9

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Reinsurance (Effect Of Reinsurance And Retrocessional Reinsurance On Premiums Written And Earned) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Direct premiums written	$ 888,009	$ 878,269	$ 2,724,341	$ 2,631,734
Direct premiums earned	883,687	881,512	2,617,074	2,601,458
Assumed premiums written	241,764	280,095	1,075,744	1,044,889
Assumed premiums earned	292,951	293,481	878,882	910,640
Ceded premiums written	(200,390)	(205,180)	(638,196)	(653,665)
Ceded premiums earned	(202,394)	(211,318)	(613,167)	(647,216)
Net premiums written	929,383	953,184	3,161,889	3,022,958
Net premiums earned	$ 974,244	$ 963,675	$ 2,882,789	$ 2,864,882

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Life And Annuity Benefits (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Liability for Future Policy Benefits [Abstract]
Increase in life and annuity benefits	$ 9.6	$ 57.5
Cumulative adjustment to life and annuity benefits	$ 57.5	$ 57.5

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Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Effective tax rate	27.00%	21.00%
U.S. statutory tax rate	35.00%	35.00%
Favorable impact due to recognition of foreign tax credits		8.00%

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Variable Interest Entities (Narrative) (Details) $ in Millions	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Total investment and insurance assets under management of MCIM for unconsolidated VIEs	$ 3,400.0
Other Fund [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in one of the unconsolidated Funds	26.0
Markel Diversified Fund [Member]
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Investment in one of the unconsolidated Funds	164.4
Total assets of the Markel Diversified Fund	166.9
Total liabilities of the Markel Diversified Fund	$ 63.8
Percentage of total assets of the Markel Diversified Fund invested in one of the unconsolidated Funds	6.00%
Note payable included in total liabilities of the Markel Diversified Fund delivered as part of the consideration provided for its investment	$ 62.5

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Net Income Per Share (Schedule Of Net Income Per Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Net income to shareholders	$ 83,796	$ 102,519	$ 322,963	$ 384,880
Adjustment of redeemable noncontrolling interests	(4,928)	1,376	(10,909)	3,091
Adjusted net income to shareholders	$ 78,868	$ 103,895	$ 312,054	$ 387,971
Basic common shares outstanding	14,033	13,983	14,013	13,977
Diluted shares outstanding	14,085	14,062	14,079	14,056
Basic net income per share	$ 5.62	$ 7.43	$ 22.27	$ 27.76
Diluted net income per share	$ 5.60	$ 7.39	$ 22.16	$ 27.60
Stock Options [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive potential common shares	3	8	4	9
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Earnings Per Share [Line Items]
Dilutive potential common shares	49	71	62	70

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Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Change In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income By Component, Net Of Taxes And Noncontrolling Interest) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	$ 1,354,508	$ 1,704,557
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	405,195	(280,511)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(32,061)	(6,630)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	373,134	(287,141)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	1,727,642	1,417,416
Unrealized Holding Gains On Available-For-Sale Securities [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	1,472,762	1,793,254
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	411,354	(258,275)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(33,308)	(8,037)
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	378,046	(266,312)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	1,850,808	1,526,942
Foreign Currency [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	(72,696)	(43,491)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(6,159)	(22,236)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	(6,159)	(22,236)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	(78,855)	(65,727)
Net Actuarial Pension Loss [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Accumulated other comprehensive income, beginning balance	(45,558)	(45,206)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	1,247	1,407
Total other comprehensive income (loss)	1,247	1,407
Accumulated other comprehensive income, ending balance	$ (44,311)	$ (43,799)

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Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Summary Of Tax Expense (Benefit) Of Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Tax [Abstract]
Net holding gains (losses) arising during the period	$ 8,309	$ (71,549)	$ 196,189	$ (129,546)
Change in unrealized other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturities arising during the period	(3)	(10)	(9)	28
Reclassification adjustments for net gains (losses) included in net income	(4,811)	4,647	(12,621)	(1,025)
Change in net unrealized gains on investments	3,495	(66,912)	183,559	(130,543)
Change in foreign currency translation adjustments	2,847	829	1,152	1,662
Change in net actuarial pension loss	86	119	274	352
Total	$ 6,428	$ (65,964)	$ 184,985	$ (128,529)

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Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Reclassifications From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Into Income, By Component) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income	$ 0	$ (18,281)	$ (12,080)	$ (23,373)
Net realized investment gains, excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses	27,416	3,574	77,916	20,342
Income Before Income Taxes	119,481	152,681	449,708	492,488
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(372,521)	(365,619)	(1,112,789)	(1,085,956)
Income taxes	(36,060)	(48,271)	(121,968)	(101,619)
Net Income	83,421	104,410	327,740	390,869
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Unrealized Holding Gains On Available-For-Sale Securities [Member]
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in net income	0	(18,281)	(12,080)	(23,373)
Net realized investment gains, excluding other-than-temporary impairment losses	14,569	7,634	58,009	32,435
Income Before Income Taxes	14,569	(10,647)	45,929	9,062
Income taxes	(4,811)	4,647	(12,621)	(1,025)
Net Income	9,758	(6,000)	33,308	8,037
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Net Actuarial Pension Loss [Member]
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Underwriting, acquisition and insurance expenses	(476)	(594)	(1,521)	(1,759)
Income taxes	86	119	274	352
Net Income	$ (390)	$ (475)	$ (1,247)	$ (1,407)

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Subsequent Events (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Nov. 01, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Net incurred losses		$ 579,405	$ 484,737	$ 1,564,925	$ 1,467,926
Subsequent Event [Member] | Hurricane Matthew [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Net incurred losses	$ 40,000
Subsequent Event [Member] | Hurricane Matthew [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Net incurred losses	$ 100,000