Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Investments
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012-$5,856,432; 2011 - $5,385,432)	$ 6,281,781	$ 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: $275,827)	284,639	0
Short-term investments, at cost (approximates fair value)	363,053	133,917
Other investments, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012 -$18,391 and 2011-$38,230)	20,925	35,897
Total investments	6,950,398	6,049,750
Cash	71,390	104,550
Restricted cash and securities	101,480	229,821
Premium, claims and other receivables	549,725	688,732
Reinsurance recoverables	1,071,222	1,056,068
Ceded unearned premium	256,988	222,300
Ceded life and annuity benefits	58,641	61,061
Deferred policy acquisition costs	191,960	189,633
Goodwill	885,860	872,814
Other assets	130,143	122,549
Total assets	10,267,807	9,597,278
LIABILITIES
Loss and loss adjustment expense payable	3,767,850	3,658,317
Life and annuity policy benefits	58,641	61,061
Reinsurance, premium and claims payable	294,621	366,499
Unearned premium	1,069,956	1,031,034
Deferred ceding commissions	74,609	62,364
Notes payable	583,944	478,790
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	875,574	665,231
Total liabilities	6,725,195	6,323,296
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1.00 par value; 250,000 shares authorized (shares issued: 2012-125,114 and 2011-122,720; outstanding: 2012-100,928 and 2011-104,101)	125,114	122,720
Additional paid-in capital	1,052,253	1,001,308
Retained earnings	2,756,166	2,429,818
Accumulated other comprehensive income	295,271	227,659
Treasury stock, at cost (shares: 2012-22,712 and 2011-18,619)	(686,192)	(507,523)
Total shareholders' equity	3,542,612	3,273,982
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 10,267,807	$ 9,597,278