Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Investments
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012-$5,847,178; 2011 - $5,385,432)	$ 6,315,365	$ 5,718,834
Fixed maturity securities - held to maturity, at amortized cost (fair value: $163,136)	0	161,102
Equity securities-available for sale, at fair value (cost: $197,469)	202,864	0
Short-term investments, at cost, which approximates fair value	160,138	133,917
Other investments, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012 -$31,550 and 2011-$38,230)	34,044	35,897
Total investments	6,712,411	6,049,750
Cash	64,293	104,550
Restricted cash	125,974	229,821
Premium, claims and other receivables	604,881	688,732
Reinsurance recoverables	1,013,957	1,056,068
Ceded unearned premium	262,168	222,300
Ceded life and annuity benefits	58,771	61,061
Deferred policy acquisition costs	199,401	189,633
Goodwill	885,860	872,814
Other assets	152,668	122,549
Total assets	10,080,384	9,597,278
LIABILITIES
Loss and loss adjustment expense payable	3,692,250	3,658,317
Life and annuity policy benefits	58,771	61,061
Reinsurance, premium and claims payable	321,064	366,499
Unearned premium	1,118,094	1,031,034
Deferred ceding commissions	74,441	62,364
Notes payable	548,906	478,790
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	762,038	665,231
Total liabilities	6,575,564	6,323,296
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1.00 par value; 250,000 shares authroized (shares issued: 2012-124,459 and 2011-122,720; outstanding: 2012-101,297 and 2011-104,101)	124,459	122,720
Additional paid-in capital	1,046,435	1,001,308
Retained earnings	2,664,745	2,429,818
Accumulated other comprehensive income	318,239	227,659
Treasury stock, at cost (shares: 2012-23,162 and 2011-18,619)	(649,058)	(507,523)
Total shareholders' equity	3,504,820	3,273,982
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 10,080,384	$ 9,597,278