Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 57,713	$ 9,861
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash used by operating activities	(122,105)	(19,064)
Net Cash Used By Operating Activities	(64,392)	(9,203)
INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities and equity securities	69,063	69,917
Proceeds from maturities, calls and prepayments of fixed maturities	119,291	112,952
Cost of fixed maturities and equity securities purchased	(205,926)	(142,282)
Net change in short-term investments	79,233	(107,606)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(80,870)	(3,886)
Additions to property and equipment	(12,917)	(12,839)
Other	1,476	(7,784)
Net Cash Used By Investing Activities	(30,650)	(91,528)
FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Additions to senior long-term debt and other debt	32,317	35,717
Repayments of senior long-term debt and other debt	(27,868)	(33,873)
Repurchases of common stock	(2,299)	0
Other	6,953	(103)
Net Cash Provided By Financing Activities	9,103	1,741
Effect of foreign currency rate changes on cash and cash equivalents	2,704	3,678
Decrease in cash and cash equivalents	(83,235)	(95,312)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	775,032	745,259
CASH AND CASH EQUIVALENTS AT END OF PERIOD	$ 691,797	$ 649,947