Schedule 5 Valuation and Qualifying Accounts

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2012

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)
		2012		2011		2010
Allowance for doubtful accounts
	Balance at beginning of year	$	3,668	$	3,639	$	4,280
	Provision expense		1,584		362		1,238
	Amounts written off and other		(1,630)		(333)		(1,879)
	Balance at end of year	$	3,622	$	3,668	$	3,639