Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Opening Balance	$ 44,584	$ 39,972	$ 27,115
Additions - Charged to Expense	7,118	11,347	22,492
Deductions - Amounts Written Off	(11,062)	(6,735)	(9,635)
Ending Balance	40,640	44,584	39,972
Premiums and fees receivable [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Opening Balance	19,483	19,733	18,423
Additions - Charged to Expense	6,158	5,013	9,593
Deductions - Amounts Written Off	(7,975)	(5,263)	(8,283)
Ending Balance	17,666	19,483	19,733
Due from reinsurers [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Opening Balance	3,098	4,430	4,895
Additions - Charged to Expense	71	0	0
Deductions - Amounts Written Off	0	(1,332)	(465)
Ending Balance	3,169	3,098	4,430
Deferred federal and foreign income taxes [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Opening Balance	2,328	2,226	3,113
Additions - Charged to Expense	0	102	0
Deductions - Amounts Written Off	(2,328)	0	(887)
Ending Balance	0	2,328	2,226
Loan loss reserves [Member]
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Opening Balance	19,675	13,583	684
Additions - Charged to Expense	889	6,232	12,899
Deductions - Amounts Written Off	(759)	(140)	0
Ending Balance	$ 19,805	$ 19,675	$ 13,583