Acquisitions, Dispositions and Goodwill (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Acquisitions Dispositions And Goodwill [Abstract]

Goodwill balances by reportable segments

	U.S. Property		Professional		Accident		U.S. Surety
	& Casualty		Liability		& Health		& Credit		International		Total
Balance at September 30, 2010	$	223,000	$	250,000	$	144,000	$	79,700	$	125,000	$	821,700
Earnout and other		0		(180)		128		0		0		(52)
Balance at December 31, 2010		223,000		249,820		144,128		79,700		125,000		821,648
Earnout and other		0		51,727		4		0		(565)		51,166
Balance at December 31, 2011	$	223,000	$	301,547	$	144,132	$	79,700	$	124,435	$	872,814