Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2011 - $ 4,539,998; 2010 - $4,772,037)	$ 4,603,534	$ 4,823,867
Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost: 2011 - $725,230; 2010 - $273,444)	725,258	273,514
Other investments, at fair value (amortized cost: 2011 - $15,018; 2010 - $18,392)	18,746	21,478
Cash and cash equivalents	815,921	620,740
Total investments and cash	6,163,459	5,739,599
Premiums receivable	1,046,775	568,761
Deferred acquisition costs	176,724	123,897
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	177,729	71,417
Securities lending collateral	21,409	22,328
Loss reserves recoverable	439,805	283,134
Paid losses recoverable	30,854	27,996
Income taxes recoverable	3,503	1,142
Intangible assets	116,813	118,893
Goodwill	20,393	20,393
Accrued investment income	21,320	33,726
Other assets	41,004	49,592
Total assets	8,259,788	7,060,878
Liabilities
Reserve for losses and loss expenses	2,620,360	2,035,973
Unearned premiums	1,192,772	728,516
Reinsurance balances payable	181,013	63,667
Securities lending payable	22,133	23,093
Deferred income taxes	22,122	24,908
Net payable for investments purchased	49,479	43,896
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	91,969	99,320
Senior notes payable	246,928	246,874
Debentures payable	289,800	289,800
Total liabilities	4,716,576	3,556,047
Commitments and contingent liabilities
Shareholders' equity
Common shares, 571,428,571 authorized, par value $0.175 (Issued: 2011 - 133,795,913; 2010 - 132,838,111; Outstanding: 2011 - 98,763,928; 2010 - 98,001,226)	23,414	23,247
Treasury shares (2011 - 35,031,985; 2010 - 34,836,885)	(6,131)	(6,096)
Additional paid-in-capital	1,880,748	1,860,960
Accumulated other comprehensive (loss)	(4,519)	(5,455)
Retained earnings	1,514,805	1,632,175
Total shareholders' equity available to Validus	3,408,317	3,504,831
Noncontrolling interest	134,895	0
Total shareholders' equity	3,543,212	3,504,831
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 8,259,788	$ 7,060,878