Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Investments
Fixed income securities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2011-$5,385,432; 2010 - $4,864,806)	$ 5,718,834	$ 4,999,440
Fixed income securities - held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value: 2011-$163,136; 2010-$195,811)	161,102	193,668
Short-term investments, at cost, which approximates fair value	133,917	488,002
Other investments, at fair value (amortized cost: 2011-$38,230; 2010-$5,967)	35,897	5,985
Total investments	6,049,750	5,687,095
Cash	104,550	97,857
Restricted cash	229,821	148,547
Premium, claims and other receivables	688,732	635,867
Reinsurance recoverables	1,056,068	1,006,855
Ceded unearned premium	222,300	278,663
Ceded life and annuity benefits	61,061	58,409
Deferred policy acquisition costs	217,608	212,786
Goodwill	872,814	821,648
Other assets	122,549	116,355
Total assets	9,625,253	9,064,082
LIABILITIES
Loss and loss adjustment expense payable	3,658,317	3,471,858
Life and annuity policy benefits	61,061	58,409
Reinsurance, premium and claims payable	366,499	345,730
Unearned premium	1,031,034	1,045,877
Deferred ceding commissions	62,364	72,565
Notes payable	478,790	298,637
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	675,174	474,574
Total liabilities	6,333,239	5,767,650
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1.00 par value; 250,000 shares authroized (shares issued: 2011-122,720 and 2010-120,942; outstanding: 2011-104,101 and 2010-114,968)	122,720	120,942
Additional paid-in capital	1,001,308	954,332
Retained earnings	2,447,850	2,257,895
Accumulated other comprehensive income	227,659	97,186
Treasury stock, at cost	(507,523)	(133,923)
Total shareholders' equity	3,292,014	3,296,432
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 9,625,253	$ 9,064,082