INCOME TAXES (DETAILS 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Deferred tax assets:
Discounting of loss reserves	$ 65,271	$ 61,997
Unearned premiums	31,640	30,623
Operating loss carryforwards	21,074	8,671
Accruals not currently deductible	14,187	16,282
Net unrealized losses and impairments on investments	6,310	5,140
Capital loss carryforwards	4,245	17,763
Other deferred tax assets	7,357	5,541
Deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	150,084	146,017
Valuation allowance	(21,264)	(18,180)
Deferred tax assets net of valuation allowance	128,820	127,837
Deferred tax liabilities:
Deferred acquisition costs	(29,195)	(28,697)
Net unrealized gains on investments	(25,925)	(14,538)
Amortization of intangible assets and goodwill	(6,999)	(5,477)
Accrued market discounts	(4,156)	(2,753)
Other deferred tax liabilities	(1,709)	(3,766)
Deferred tax liabilities	(67,984)	(55,231)
Net deferred tax assets	$ 60,836	$ 72,606	$ 72,362