INVESTMENTS (DETAILS 7) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2011
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings	$ 13,739	$ 1,473	$ 17,648	$ 3,413
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings	2,661	0	4,154	1,940
Non-US Government [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings	999	0	999	0
Corporate Debt [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings	453	0	558	1,026
Non-Agency RMBS [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings	911	0	2,119	370
ABS [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings	298	0	478	61
Municipals [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings	0	0	0	483
Equity Securities [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings	11,078	1,473	13,494	1,473
Common Stock [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings	2,075	1,473	4,491	1,473
Exchange Traded Funds [Member]
Other Than Temporary Impairment Losses Investments Portion Recognized In Earnings Net [Line Items]
Total OTTI recognized in earnings	$ 9,003	$ 0	$ 9,003	$ 0