Schedule V - Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Opening Balance	$ 30,219	$ 40,640	$ 44,584
Additions - Charged to Expense	3,627	(4,103)	7,118
Deductions - Amounts Written Off	(9,423)	(6,318)	(11,062)
Ending Balance	24,423	30,219	40,640
Premiums and fees receivable
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Opening Balance	22,919	17,666	19,483
Additions - Charged to Expense	3,133	9,598	6,158
Deductions - Amounts Written Off	(5,101)	(4,345)	(7,975)
Ending Balance	20,951	22,919	17,666
Due from reinsurers
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Opening Balance	1,680	3,169	3,098
Additions - Charged to Expense	186	22	71
Deductions - Amounts Written Off	(481)	(1,511)	0
Ending Balance	1,385	1,680	3,169
Deferred federal and foreign income taxes
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Opening Balance		0	2,328
Additions - Charged to Expense		0	0
Deductions - Amounts Written Off		0	(2,328)
Ending Balance		0	0
Loan loss reserves
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Opening Balance	5,620	19,805	19,675
Additions - Charged to Expense	308	(13,723)	889
Deductions - Amounts Written Off	(3,841)	(462)	(759)
Ending Balance	$ 2,087	$ 5,620	$ 19,805