CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (notes 6 and 7):
Fixed maturities (amortized cost, 2011 - $5,700,894; 2010 - $7,366,808)	$ 5,820,900	$ 7,455,238
Equity securities	2,747	3,044
Total investment portfolio	5,823,647	7,458,282
Cash and cash equivalents	995,799	1,304,154
Accrued investment income	55,666	70,305
Reinsurance recoverable on loss reserves (note 11)	154,607	275,290
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	19,891	34,160
Premiums receivable	71,073	79,567
Home office and equipment, net	28,145	28,638
Deferred insurance policy acquisition costs	7,505	8,282
Other assets	59,897	74,964
Total assets	7,216,230	9,333,642
Liabilities:
Loss reserves (notes 9 and 11)	4,557,512	5,884,171
Premium deficiency reserve (note 10)	134,817	178,967
Unearned premiums (note 11)	154,866	215,157
Senior notes (note 8)	170,515	376,329
Convertible senior notes (note 8)	345,000	345,000
Convertible junior debentures (note 8)	344,422	315,626
Other liabilities	312,283	349,337
Total liabilities	6,019,415	7,664,587
Contingencies (note 20)
Shareholders' equity (note 15):
Common stock, one dollar par value, shares authorized 460,000; shares issued 2011 and 2010 - 205,047; outstanding 2011 - 201,172; 2010 - 200,450	205,047	205,047
Paid-in capital	1,135,821	1,138,942
Treasury stock (shares at cost 2011 - 3,875; 2010 - 4,597)	(162,542)	(222,632)
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax (note 3)	30,124	22,136
Retained (deficit) earnings	(11,635)	525,562
Total shareholders' equity	1,196,815	1,669,055
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 7,216,230	$ 9,333,642