Schedule 5 Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]

Schedule of Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Text Block]

						SCHEDULE 5
	HCC INSURANCE HOLDINGS, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES
	VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS
	(in thousands)
		2011		2010		2009
Allowance for doubtful accounts
	Balance at beginning of year	$	3,639	$	4,280	$	5,380
	Provision expense		362		1,238		902
	Sale of subsidiary		-		-		(806)
	Amounts written off and other		(333)		(1,879)		(1,196)
	Balance at end of year	$	3,668	$	3,639	$	4,280