Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
ASSETS:
Fixed maturity investments trading, at fair value (amortized cost: 2014: $6,035,240; 2013: $6,065,350)	$ 6,069,010	$ 6,100,798
Equity securities trading, at fair value (cost: 2014: $791,206; 2013: $647,301)	844,163	699,846
Other invested assets	955,509	911,392
Total investments	7,868,682	7,712,036
Cash and cash equivalents	589,339	531,936
Restricted cash	80,971	149,393
Insurance balances receivable	664,815	588,632
Funds held	724,021	632,430
Prepaid reinsurance	360,732	340,992
Reinsurance recoverable	1,340,256	1,234,504
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	86,075	76,099
Accrued investment income	28,456	32,236
Net deferred acquisition costs	151,546	126,661
Goodwill	278,258	268,376
Intangible assets	46,298	48,831
Balances receivable on sale of investments	47,149	76,544
Net deferred tax assets	33,615	37,469
Other assets	121,350	89,691
Total assets	12,421,563	11,945,830
LIABILITIES:
Reserve for losses and loss expenses	5,881,165	5,766,529
Unearned premiums	1,555,313	1,396,256
Reinsurance balances payable	180,060	173,023
Balances due on purchases of investments	5,428	104,740
Senior notes	798,802	798,499
Other long-term debt	19,213	0
Dividends payable	21,669	16,732
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	181,622	170,225
Total liabilities	8,643,272	8,426,004
SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY:
Common shares: 2014 and 2013: par value CHF 4.10 per share (2014: 100,775,256; 2013: 103,477,452 shares issued and 2014: 96,195,482; 2013: 100,253,646 shares outstanding)	408,020	418,988
Treasury shares, at cost (2014: 4,579,774; 2013: 3,223,806)	(143,075)	(79,992)
Retained earnings	3,513,346	3,180,830
Total shareholders’ equity	3,778,291	3,519,826
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 12,421,563	$ 11,945,830