Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Fixed maturities (amortized cost of $5,125,773 in 2012 and $5,172,952 in 2011)	$ 5,507,664	$ 5,538,174
Equity securities (cost of $1,252,214 in 2012 and $1,156,294 in 2011)	2,166,841	1,873,927
Short-term investments (estimated fair value approximates cost)	463,694	541,014
Total Investments	8,138,199	7,953,115
Cash and cash equivalents	691,797	775,032
Receivables	459,978	350,237
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	786,736	791,102
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	45,880	38,208
Deferred policy acquisition costs	181,686	194,674
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	101,149	97,074
Goodwill and intangible assets	967,625	867,558
Other assets	486,234	465,103
Total Assets	11,859,284	11,532,103
LIABILITIES AND EQUITY
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	5,357,151	5,398,869
Unearned premiums	975,832	915,930
Payables to insurance companies	127,913	64,327
Senior long-term debt and other debt (estimated fair value of $1,424,000 in 2012 and $1,391,000 in 2011)	1,305,573	1,293,520
Other liabilities	416,847	397,111
Total Liabilities	8,183,316	8,069,757
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	902,441	891,507
Retained earnings	1,890,040	1,835,086
Accumulated other comprehensive income	809,612	660,920
Total Shareholders' Equity	3,602,093	3,387,513
Noncontrolling interests	73,875	74,833
Total Equity	3,675,968	3,462,346
Total Liabilities and Equity	$ 11,859,284	$ 11,532,103