Supplemental Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Supplemental Information
Income taxes paid	$ 67,799	$ 33,664	$ 99,941	$ 39,448
Interest paid	11,932	10,929	13,322	12,000
Dividends declared but not paid at year end	16,523	15,618	16,523	15,618
Sales of available for sale fixed maturity securities	13,666	153,469	171,801	218,572
Sales of equity securities	$ 26,500	$ 1,739	$ 44,308	$ 1,739