Reinsurance (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Reinsurance [Abstract]

Effect of reinsurance agreements on premiums earned and losses incurred

The effect of these agreements on premiums earned and losses incurred is as follows:

	2011			2010			2009
	(In thousands)
Premiums earned:
Direct	$	1,170,868		$	1,236,949		$	1,406,977
Assumed		3,891			3,091			3,339
Ceded		(50,924	)		(71,293	)		(107,975	)
Net premiums earned	$	1,123,835		$	1,168,747		$	1,302,341
Losses incurred:
Direct	$	1,775,122		$	1,716,538		$	3,637,706
Assumed		5,229			4,128			4,290
Ceded		(65,644	)		(113,125	)		(262,552	)
Net losses incurred	$	1,714,707		$	1,607,541		$	3,379,444