Supplemental Information (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Supplemental Information
Income taxes paid (refunded)	$ 70,891	$ 67,799	$ 70,413	$ 99,941
Interest paid	13,445	11,932	14,984	13,322
Sales of available for sale fixed maturity securities	167,832	13,666	286,843	171,801
Sales of equity securities	26,107	26,500	170,182	44,308
Dividends declared but not paid at year end	$ 22,493	$ 16,523	$ 22,493	$ 16,523