LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETTLEMENT EXPENSES (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reconciliation of beginning and ending reserves for losses and settlement expenses [Roll Forward]
Gross reserves at beginning of year	$ 610,181	$ 583,097	$ 593,300
Less re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates	333	(2)	0
Less ceded reserves at beginning of year	30,118	31,390	36,842
Net reserves at beginning of year	579,730	551,709	556,458
Incurred losses and settlement expenses related to:
Current year	406,266	346,072	329,121
Prior years	(20,792)	(12,785)	(25,733)
Total incurred losses and settlement expenses	385,474	333,287	303,388
Paid losses and settlement expenses related to:
Current year	162,905	137,998	145,103
Prior years	167,182	167,268	163,034
Total paid losses and settlement expenses	330,087	305,266	308,137
Net reserves at end of year	635,117	579,730	551,709
Plus ceded reserves at end of year	28,253	30,118	31,390
Plus re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates	(2,061)	333	(2)
Gross reserves at end of year	661,309	610,181	583,097
Summary of approximation of the implied favorable development and its impact on earnings [Abstract]
Adjustment for (adverse) favorable development included in the reported development amount that had no impact on earnings	2,151	6,526	(4,551)
Approximation of the implied amount of favorable development that had an impact on earnings	(18,641)	(6,259)	(30,284)
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Incurred losses and settlement expenses related to:
Prior years	(8,110)	(7,281)	(13,057)
Percentage change in loss and settlement expense reserves for prior accident years (in hundredths)	(1.90%)	(1.80%)	(3.10%)
Summary of approximation of the implied favorable development and its impact on earnings [Abstract]
Adjustment for (adverse) favorable development included in the reported development amount that had no impact on earnings	2,151	6,526	(4,551)
Reinsurance [Member]
Incurred losses and settlement expenses related to:
Prior years	$ (12,682)	$ (5,504)	$ (12,676)
Percentage change in loss and settlement expense reserves for prior accident years (in hundredths)	(6.90%)	(3.20%)	(7.30%)