General Information (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2014
General Information [Abstract]
Basis of presentation	Basis of Presentation Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and include the accounts of HCC and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Management must make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and in disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Ultimate results could differ from those estimates.
Revision of Financial Statement Presentation	Revision of Financial Statement Presentation We revised the presentation of our 2013 and 2012 consolidated statements of earnings to correctly classify $32.4 million and $32.6 million of internal claims department costs, respectively, as loss and loss adjustment expense. Previously, these costs were included in other operating expense, which was not in compliance with GAAP. The impact of this incorrect classification was not considered to be material to previously issued financial statements and had no effect on our consolidated net earnings, shareholders’ equity or cash flows in any previously issued financial statements.
Net earned premium, policy acquisitions costs and ceding commisions	Net Earned Premium, Policy Acquisition Costs and Ceding Commissions Substantially all of the property and casualty, surety, and accident and health policies written by our insurance companies qualify as short-duration contracts. We recognize in current earned income the portion of the premium that provides insurance protection in the period. For the majority of our insurance policies, we recognize premium, net of reinsurance, on a pro rata basis over the term of the related contract. For certain disability policies, directors’ and officers’ liability tail policies, surety bonds and construction contracts, we recognize premium, net of reinsurance, over the period of risk in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided. Unearned premium represents the portion of premium written that relates to the unexpired period of protection. Premium for commercial title insurance and group life policies is recognized in earnings on the effective date of the contract and when the premium is due, respectively. When the limit under a specific ceded excess of loss reinsurance layer has been exhausted, we effectively expense the remaining premium for that limit and defer and amortize the reinstatement premium over the remaining period of risk. We defer our direct costs to underwrite insurance policies, less amounts reimbursed by reinsurers, and charge or credit the costs to earnings proportionate with the premium earned. These policy acquisition costs include underwriters’ salaries and bonuses attributable to successful marketing or underwriting efforts, commissions, premium taxes, fees and other incremental underwriting costs. Historical and current loss adjustment expense experience and anticipated investment income are considered in determining any premium deficiency and recoverability of related deferred policy acquisition costs.
Premium, claims and other receivables	Premium, Claims and Other Receivables We use the gross method for reporting receivables and payables on brokered transactions. We review the collectibility of our receivables, primarily related to premiums receivable, on a current basis and generally cancel insurance coverage if the premium is unpaid. We provide an allowance for amounts due from agents and brokers that are doubtful of collection. The allowance was $5.1 million and $5.8 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Our estimate of the level of the allowance could change as conditions change in the future.
Loss and loss adjustment expense payable	Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Payable Loss and loss adjustment expense payable by our insurance companies is based on estimates of payments to be made for reported losses, incurred but not reported losses, and anticipated receipts from salvage and subrogation. Reserves are recorded on an undiscounted basis, except for reserves of acquired companies. The discount on those reserves is not material. Estimates for reported losses are based on all available information, including reports received from ceding companies on assumed business. Estimates for incurred but not reported losses are based both on our experience and the industry’s experience. We continually review the estimates with our actuaries, and any changes are reflected in loss and loss adjustment expense in our consolidated statements of earnings in the period of the change. While we believe that amounts included in our consolidated financial statements are adequate, such estimates may be more or less than the amounts ultimately paid when the claims are settled. We have no material exposure to asbestos claims or environmental pollution losses in any of our segments. Policies issued by our insurance companies do not have significant environmental exposure because of the types of risks covered.
Reinsurance	Reinsurance We record all reinsurance recoverables and ceded unearned premium as assets, and deferred ceding commissions as liabilities. All such amounts are calculated based on the reinsurance contract terms and recorded in a manner consistent with the underlying reinsured contracts. We record a reserve for uncollectible reinsurance based on our assessment of the reinsurer’s creditworthiness and collectibility of the recorded amounts. Information utilized to calculate the reserve is subject to change, which could affect the level of the reserve in the future.
Cash and short-term investments	Cash and Short-term Investments Cash consists of cash in banks, generally in operating accounts. Short-term investments, including certificates of deposit and money-market funds, are classified as investments in our consolidated balance sheets as they relate principally to our investment activities. We generally maintain our cash deposits in major banks and invest our short-term funds in institutional money-market funds and short-term financial instruments. These securities typically mature within ninety days and, therefore, bear minimal risk.
Restricted cash and cash investments	Restricted Cash and Securities Our agencies hold funds of unaffiliated parties for the payment of claims, and our surety businesses hold funds as collateral for potential claims. We also hold certain securities in accordance with acquisition agreements. These restricted fiduciary funds are shown as restricted cash and securities in our consolidated balance sheets. The corresponding liability is included within loss and loss adjustment expense payable; reinsurance, premium and claims payable; or accounts payable and accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Interest earned on these funds accrues to the benefit of the parties from whom the funds were withheld. Therefore, we do not include cash activity related to these funds in our consolidated statements of cash flows.
Investments	Investments All of our fixed maturity securities are classified as available for sale and reported at fair value. In determining fair value, we apply the market approach, which uses quoted prices or other relevant data based on market transactions involving identical or comparable assets. The change in unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities (including the foreign exchange effect for securities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the subsidiary) is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income, net of the related deferred income tax effect, within our consolidated shareholders’ equity. We purchase our available for sale fixed maturity securities with the expectation that we will hold them to maturity, but we may sell them if market conditions or credit-related risk warrant earlier sales. Our available for sale fixed maturity securities portfolio includes mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities for which we recognize income using a constant effective yield based on anticipated prepayments and the estimated economic life of the securities. When actual prepayments differ significantly from anticipated prepayments, the estimated economic life is recalculated and the remaining unamortized premium or discount is amortized prospectively over the remaining economic life. Equity securities and other investment securities are carried at fair value. We classify these securities as available for sale, and the change in carrying value is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income, net of the related deferred income tax effect, within our consolidated shareholders’ equity. Short-term investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Realized investment gains or losses are determined on an average cost basis and included in earnings on the trade date. If a structured security fails to pay the full amount of expected principal, we recognize the unpaid amount as a realized loss in the period due and permanently reduce the security’s cost basis.
Other-than-temporary impairments	Other-than-temporary Impairments A security has an impairment loss when its fair value is less than its cost or amortized cost at the balance sheet date. We evaluate impaired securities for possible other-than-temporary impairment loss at each quarter end, considering various factors including: 1) amount by which the security’s fair value is less than its cost, 2) length of time the security has been impaired, 3) whether we intend to sell the security, 4) if it is more likely than not that we will sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, 5) whether the impairment is due to an issuer-specific event, credit issues or change in market interest rates, 6) the security’s credit rating and any recent downgrades and 7) stress testing of expected cash flows under various scenarios. For each impaired security, we determine if: 1) we do not intend to sell the security and 2) it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If we cannot assert these conditions, we record an other-than-temporary impairment loss through our consolidated statements of earnings in the current period. For all other impaired securities, we assess whether the net present value of the cash flows expected to be collected from the security is less than its amortized cost basis. Such a shortfall in cash flows is referred to as a “credit loss.” For any such security, we separate the impairment loss into: 1) the credit loss and 2) the non-credit loss, which is the amount related to all other factors such as interest rate changes, fluctuations in exchange rates and market conditions. We charge the credit loss to current period earnings and the non-credit loss to other comprehensive income, within shareholders’ equity, on an after-tax basis. A security’s cost basis is permanently reduced by the amount of a credit loss. We accrete income over the remaining life of a fixed maturity security based on the interest rate necessary to discount the expected future cash flows to the new basis. If the security is non-income producing, we apply any cash proceeds as a reduction of principal when received.
Derivative financial instruments	Derivative Financial Instruments We hold an interest in a long-term mortgage impairment insurance contract, denominated in British pound sterling, for which the exposure is measured based on movement in a specified U.K. housing index. The contract qualifies as a derivative financial instrument, is unhedged and is reported at fair value in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. We record changes in fair value and any foreign exchange gain/loss on the contract within other operating income in our consolidated statements of earnings. We utilize the British pound sterling and the Euro as the functional currency in certain of our foreign operations. As a result, we have exposure to fluctuations in exchange rates between these currencies and the U.S. dollar. From time to time, we may use derivative instruments to protect our investment in these foreign operations by limiting our exposure to fluctuations in exchange rates.
Other operating income	Other Operating Income Fee and commission income, primarily from third party agency and broker commissions, is reported in other operating income in our consolidated statements of earnings. We recognize fee and commission income on the later of the effective date of the policy, the date when the premium can be reasonably established, or the date when substantially all services related to the insurance placement have been rendered to the client. We record revenue from profit commissions based on the profitability of business written, calculated using the respective commission formula and actual underwriting results through the date of calculation. Such amounts are adjusted if and when experience changes. When our underwriting agencies utilize one of our insurance company subsidiaries as the policy issuing company, we eliminate in consolidation the fee and commission income against the related insurance company’s policy acquisition costs and defer the policy acquisition costs of the underwriting agencies.
Goodwill and intangible assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets Goodwill is impaired when the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. We assess our goodwill for impairment annually, or sooner if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. We noted no indicators of impairment in 2014. We conducted our 2014 goodwill impairment test as of June 30, 2014, which is consistent with the timeframe for our annual assessment in prior years. Our 2014 impairment test consisted of a qualitative assessment in which we determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of each of our five reporting units exceeded its carrying amount as of June 30, 2014. In years where we assess goodwill for impairment by determining the fair value of each reporting unit, we consider three valuation approaches (market, income and cost). We utilize the income and market valuation approaches and base our assumptions and inputs on market participant data, as well as our own data. For the income approach, we estimate the present value of each reporting unit’s expected cash flows to determine its fair value. We utilize estimated future cash flows of the portfolio of products included in each reporting unit, as well as a risk-appropriate rate of return specific to each reporting unit. We utilize our budgets and projection of future operations based on historical and expected industry trends to estimate our future cash flows and their probability of occurring as projected. We also determine fair value of each reporting unit based on market participant data, and use those results to test the reasonableness and validity of the income approach results. We utilized this methodology to determine the fair value of our reporting units in 2013. Our 2012 impairment test consisted of a qualitative assessment in which we determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of each of our five reporting units exceeded its carrying amount as of June 30, 2012. When we complete a business acquisition, we record the business combination using the acquisition method of accounting. We value all identifiable assets and liabilities at fair value and allocate any remaining consideration to goodwill in our purchase price allocations. We assign goodwill to applicable reporting units, based on the reporting unit’s share of the estimated future cash flows of all acquired insurance products. Any future adjustments to finalize pre-2009 purchase price allocations, other than for certain tax-related items, are recorded as an adjustment to goodwill. All other adjustments of purchase price allocations are recorded through earnings in the period when the adjustment is determined. Intangible assets not subject to amortization are tested for impairment annually, or sooner if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that an intangible asset might be impaired. Other intangible assets are amortized over their respective useful lives.
Foreign currency	Foreign Currency We utilize the British pound sterling and the Euro as the functional currency in certain of our foreign operations. The cumulative translation adjustment, representing the effect of translating these subsidiaries’ assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars, is included in the foreign currency translation adjustment, net of the related deferred income tax effect, within accumulated other comprehensive income in consolidated shareholders’ equity. For our other foreign subsidiaries and branches, the functional currency is the U.S. dollar. For all subsidiaries, transactions in non-functional currencies are translated at the rates of exchange in effect on the date the transaction occurs. Transaction gains and losses are recorded in earnings and included in other operating expense in the consolidated statements of earnings. We recognized a foreign currency benefit of $23.2 million in 2014, compared to $5.3 million and $6.2 million of expense in 2013 and 2012, respectively. Assets and liabilities recorded in non-functional currencies are translated into the functional currencies at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date. For available for sale securities, unrealized gains and losses related to fluctuations in exchange rates are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income, net of the related deferred income tax effect, within consolidated shareholders’ equity until the securities mature or are sold. The effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances held in foreign currencies was immaterial for all periods presented and is not shown separately in the consolidated statements of cash flows.
Income taxes	Income Taxes We file a consolidated Federal income tax return and include the foreign subsidiaries’ income to the extent required by law. Deferred income tax is accounted for using the liability method, which reflects the tax impact of temporary differences between the bases of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such bases as measured by tax laws and regulations. We provide a deferred tax liability for un-repatriated earnings of our foreign subsidiaries at prevailing statutory rates when required. We regularly review our deferred tax assets for recoverability and establish a valuation allowance based on our history of earnings, expectations for future earnings, taxable income in carryback years and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. Due to our history of earnings, expectations for future earnings, and taxable income in carryback years, we expect to be able to fully realize the benefit of any net deferred tax asset, excluding amounts covered by valuation allowances, on a consolidated basis. We maintain a liability for our uncertain tax positions where we determine it is not more likely than not the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate tax authority. Changes in the liability for our uncertain tax positions are reflected in income tax expense in the period when a new uncertain tax position arises, we change our judgment about the likelihood of uncertainty, the tax issue is settled, or the statute of limitations expires. We report any potential net interest income or expense and penalties related to changes in our uncertain tax positions in our consolidated statements of earnings as interest expense and other operating expense, respectively.
Stock-based compensation	Stock-Based Compensation We measure the fair value of restricted stock awards and units based on the closing stock price of our common stock on the grant date and expense that value on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. For restricted stock awards/units that contain a performance condition, we recognize expense based on the awards/units expected to vest and adjust the cumulative expense whenever our estimate of the number of awards/units to vest changes. For restricted stock awards that contain a market condition, we determine the fair value at the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation model that takes into account the probabilities of numerous vesting outcomes. This fair value is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period and is not adjusted for the ultimate number of shares to vest. For stock option awards, we use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of an option on its grant date and expense that value on a straight-line basis over the option’s vesting period. For grants of unrestricted common stock, we measure fair value based on the closing stock price of our common stock on the grant date and expense that value on the grant date. We calculate expense for our employee stock purchase plan using a Black-Scholes option pricing model and recognize the expense over each six-month offering period.
Earnings per share	Earnings Per Share Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings attributable to common stock by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings attributable to common stock by the weighted-average common shares outstanding plus the weighted-average potential common shares outstanding during the year. Outstanding common stock options and unvested restricted stock with no right to dividends, when dilutive, are included in the weighted-average potential common shares outstanding. We use the treasury stock method to calculate the dilutive effect of potential common shares outstanding. We treat unvested restricted stock and unvested restricted stock units that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend-equivalents as participating securities and include them in the earnings allocation in calculating earnings per share under the two-class method.
Recently Issued Accounting Guidance	Recent Accounting Guidance A new accounting standard issued in 2014 will change the manner in which most companies recognize revenue. The standard requires that revenue reflect the transfer of goods or services to customers based on the consideration/payment the company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services; however, the standard does not change the accounting for insurance contracts or investment income. The new standard also requires enhanced disclosures about revenue. This accounting guidance is effective in the first quarter of 2017 and may be applied on a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach. We are currently assessing the impact the implementation of this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.

General Information (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2014

Basis of Presentation

Our consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and include the accounts of HCC and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Management must make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and in disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Ultimate results could differ from those estimates.

Revision of Financial Statement Presentation

We revised the presentation of our 2013 and 2012 consolidated statements of earnings to correctly classify $32.4 million and $32.6 million of internal claims department costs, respectively, as loss and loss adjustment expense. Previously, these costs were included in other operating expense, which was not in compliance with GAAP. The impact of this incorrect classification was not considered to be material to previously issued financial statements and had no effect on our consolidated net earnings, shareholders’ equity or cash flows in any previously issued financial statements.

Net earned premium, policy acquisitions costs and ceding commisions

Net Earned Premium, Policy Acquisition Costs and Ceding Commissions

Substantially all of the property and casualty, surety, and accident and health policies written by our insurance companies qualify as short-duration contracts. We recognize in current earned income the portion of the premium that provides insurance protection in the period. For the majority of our insurance policies, we recognize premium, net of reinsurance, on a pro rata basis over the term of the related contract. For certain disability policies, directors’ and officers’ liability tail policies, surety bonds and construction contracts, we recognize premium, net of reinsurance, over the period of risk in proportion to the amount of insurance protection provided. Unearned premium represents the portion of premium written that relates to the unexpired period of protection. Premium for commercial title insurance and group life policies is recognized in earnings on the effective date of the contract and when the premium is due, respectively. When the limit under a specific ceded excess of loss reinsurance layer has been exhausted, we effectively expense the remaining premium for that limit and defer and amortize the reinstatement premium over the remaining period of risk.

We defer our direct costs to underwrite insurance policies, less amounts reimbursed by reinsurers, and charge or credit the costs to earnings proportionate with the premium earned. These policy acquisition costs include underwriters’ salaries and bonuses attributable to successful marketing or underwriting efforts, commissions, premium taxes, fees and other incremental underwriting costs. Historical and current loss adjustment expense experience and anticipated investment income are considered in determining any premium deficiency and recoverability of related deferred policy acquisition costs.

Premium, claims and other receivables

Premium, Claims and Other Receivables

We use the gross method for reporting receivables and payables on brokered transactions. We review the collectibility of our receivables, primarily related to premiums receivable, on a current basis and generally cancel insurance coverage if the premium is unpaid. We provide an allowance for amounts due from agents and brokers that are doubtful of collection. The allowance was $5.1 million and $5.8 million at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Our estimate of the level of the allowance could change as conditions change in the future.

Loss and loss adjustment expense payable

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Payable

Loss and loss adjustment expense payable by our insurance companies is based on estimates of payments to be made for reported losses, incurred but not reported losses, and anticipated receipts from salvage and subrogation. Reserves are recorded on an undiscounted basis, except for reserves of acquired companies. The discount on those reserves is not material. Estimates for reported losses are based on all available information, including reports received from ceding companies on assumed business. Estimates for incurred but not reported losses are based both on our experience and the industry’s experience. We continually review the estimates with our actuaries, and any changes are reflected in loss and loss adjustment expense in our consolidated statements of earnings in the period of the change. While we believe that amounts included in our consolidated financial statements are adequate, such estimates may be more or less than the amounts ultimately paid when the claims are settled.

We have no material exposure to asbestos claims or environmental pollution losses in any of our segments. Policies issued by our insurance companies do not have significant environmental exposure because of the types of risks covered.

Reinsurance

We record all reinsurance recoverables and ceded unearned premium as assets, and deferred ceding commissions as liabilities. All such amounts are calculated based on the reinsurance contract terms and recorded in a manner consistent with the underlying reinsured contracts. We record a reserve for uncollectible reinsurance based on our assessment of the reinsurer’s creditworthiness and collectibility of the recorded amounts. Information utilized to calculate the reserve is subject to change, which could affect the level of the reserve in the future.

Cash and short-term investments

Cash and Short-term Investments

Cash consists of cash in banks, generally in operating accounts. Short-term investments, including certificates of deposit and money-market funds, are classified as investments in our consolidated balance sheets as they relate principally to our investment activities. We generally maintain our cash deposits in major banks and invest our short-term funds in institutional money-market funds and short-term financial instruments. These securities typically mature within ninety days and, therefore, bear minimal risk.

Restricted cash and cash investments

Restricted Cash and Securities

Our agencies hold funds of unaffiliated parties for the payment of claims, and our surety businesses hold funds as collateral for potential claims. We also hold certain securities in accordance with acquisition agreements. These restricted fiduciary funds are shown as restricted cash and securities in our consolidated balance sheets. The corresponding liability is included within loss and loss adjustment expense payable; reinsurance, premium and claims payable; or accounts payable and accrued liabilities in our consolidated balance sheets. Interest earned on these funds accrues to the benefit of the parties from whom the funds were withheld. Therefore, we do not include cash activity related to these funds in our consolidated statements of cash flows.

Investments

All of our fixed maturity securities are classified as available for sale and reported at fair value. In determining fair value, we apply the market approach, which uses quoted prices or other relevant data based on market transactions involving identical or comparable assets. The change in unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities (including the foreign exchange effect for securities denominated in currencies other than the functional currency of the subsidiary) is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income, net of the related deferred income tax effect, within our consolidated shareholders’ equity. We purchase our available for sale fixed maturity securities with the expectation that we will hold them to maturity, but we may sell them if market conditions or credit-related risk warrant earlier sales.

Our available for sale fixed maturity securities portfolio includes mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities for which we recognize income using a constant effective yield based on anticipated prepayments and the estimated economic life of the securities. When actual prepayments differ significantly from anticipated prepayments, the estimated economic life is recalculated and the remaining unamortized premium or discount is amortized prospectively over the remaining economic life.

Equity securities and other investment securities are carried at fair value. We classify these securities as available for sale, and the change in carrying value is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income, net of the related deferred income tax effect, within our consolidated shareholders’ equity.

Short-term investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value.

Realized investment gains or losses are determined on an average cost basis and included in earnings on the trade date. If a structured security fails to pay the full amount of expected principal, we recognize the unpaid amount as a realized loss in the period due and permanently reduce the security’s cost basis.

Other-than-temporary impairments

Other-than-temporary Impairments

A security has an impairment loss when its fair value is less than its cost or amortized cost at the balance sheet date. We evaluate impaired securities for possible other-than-temporary impairment loss at each quarter end, considering various factors including: 1) amount by which the security’s fair value is less than its cost, 2) length of time the security has been impaired, 3) whether we intend to sell the security, 4) if it is more likely than not that we will sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, 5) whether the impairment is due to an issuer-specific event, credit issues or change in market interest rates, 6) the security’s credit rating and any recent downgrades and 7) stress testing of expected cash flows under various scenarios.

For each impaired security, we determine if: 1) we do not intend to sell the security and 2) it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. If we cannot assert these conditions, we record an other-than-temporary impairment loss through our consolidated statements of earnings in the current period. For all other impaired securities, we assess whether the net present value of the cash flows expected to be collected from the security is less than its amortized cost basis. Such a shortfall in cash flows is referred to as a “credit loss.” For any such security, we separate the impairment loss into: 1) the credit loss and 2) the non-credit loss, which is the amount related to all other factors such as interest rate changes, fluctuations in exchange rates and market conditions. We charge the credit loss to current period earnings and the non-credit loss to other comprehensive income, within shareholders’ equity, on an after-tax basis. A security’s cost basis is permanently reduced by the amount of a credit loss. We accrete income over the remaining life of a fixed maturity security based on the interest rate necessary to discount the expected future cash flows to the new basis. If the security is non-income producing, we apply any cash proceeds as a reduction of principal when received.

Derivative financial instruments

Derivative Financial Instruments

We hold an interest in a long-term mortgage impairment insurance contract, denominated in British pound sterling, for which the exposure is measured based on movement in a specified U.K. housing index. The contract qualifies as a derivative financial instrument, is unhedged and is reported at fair value in other assets in our consolidated balance sheets. We record changes in fair value and any foreign exchange gain/loss on the contract within other operating income in our consolidated statements of earnings.

We utilize the British pound sterling and the Euro as the functional currency in certain of our foreign operations. As a result, we have exposure to fluctuations in exchange rates between these currencies and the U.S. dollar. From time to time, we may use derivative instruments to protect our investment in these foreign operations by limiting our exposure to fluctuations in exchange rates.

Other operating income

Other Operating Income

Fee and commission income, primarily from third party agency and broker commissions, is reported in other operating income in our consolidated statements of earnings. We recognize fee and commission income on the later of the effective date of the policy, the date when the premium can be reasonably established, or the date when substantially all services related to the insurance placement have been rendered to the client. We record revenue from profit commissions based on the profitability of business written, calculated using the respective commission formula and actual underwriting results through the date of calculation. Such amounts are adjusted if and when experience changes.

When our underwriting agencies utilize one of our insurance company subsidiaries as the policy issuing company, we eliminate in consolidation the fee and commission income against the related insurance company’s policy acquisition costs and defer the policy acquisition costs of the underwriting agencies.

Goodwill and intangible assets

Goodwill and Intangible Assets

Goodwill is impaired when the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. We assess our goodwill for impairment annually, or sooner if an event occurs or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. We noted no indicators of impairment in 2014. We conducted our 2014 goodwill impairment test as of June 30, 2014, which is consistent with the timeframe for our annual assessment in prior years. Our 2014 impairment test consisted of a qualitative assessment in which we determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of each of our five reporting units exceeded its carrying amount as of June 30, 2014.

In years where we assess goodwill for impairment by determining the fair value of each reporting unit, we consider three valuation approaches (market, income and cost). We utilize the income and market valuation approaches and base our assumptions and inputs on market participant data, as well as our own data. For the income approach, we estimate the present value of each reporting unit’s expected cash flows to determine its fair value. We utilize estimated future cash flows of the portfolio of products included in each reporting unit, as well as a risk-appropriate rate of return specific to each reporting unit. We utilize our budgets and projection of future operations based on historical and expected industry trends to estimate our future cash flows and their probability of occurring as projected. We also determine fair value of each reporting unit based on market participant data, and use those results to test the reasonableness and validity of the income approach results. We utilized this methodology to determine the fair value of our reporting units in 2013. Our 2012 impairment test consisted of a qualitative assessment in which we determined that it is more likely than not that the fair value of each of our five reporting units exceeded its carrying amount as of June 30, 2012.

When we complete a business acquisition, we record the business combination using the acquisition method of accounting. We value all identifiable assets and liabilities at fair value and allocate any remaining consideration to goodwill in our purchase price allocations. We assign goodwill to applicable reporting units, based on the reporting unit’s share of the estimated future cash flows of all acquired insurance products. Any future adjustments to finalize pre-2009 purchase price allocations, other than for certain tax-related items, are recorded as an adjustment to goodwill. All other adjustments of purchase price allocations are recorded through earnings in the period when the adjustment is determined.

Intangible assets not subject to amortization are tested for impairment annually, or sooner if an event occurs or circumstances change that indicate that an intangible asset might be impaired. Other intangible assets are amortized over their respective useful lives.

Foreign currency

Foreign Currency

We utilize the British pound sterling and the Euro as the functional currency in certain of our foreign operations. The cumulative translation adjustment, representing the effect of translating these subsidiaries’ assets and liabilities into U.S. dollars, is included in the foreign currency translation adjustment, net of the related deferred income tax effect, within accumulated other comprehensive income in consolidated shareholders’ equity.

For our other foreign subsidiaries and branches, the functional currency is the U.S. dollar. For all subsidiaries, transactions in non-functional currencies are translated at the rates of exchange in effect on the date the transaction occurs. Transaction gains and losses are recorded in earnings and included in other operating expense in the consolidated statements of earnings. We recognized a foreign currency benefit of $23.2 million in 2014, compared to $5.3 million and $6.2 million of expense in 2013 and 2012, respectively. Assets and liabilities recorded in non-functional currencies are translated into the functional currencies at exchange rates in effect at the balance sheet date.

For available for sale securities, unrealized gains and losses related to fluctuations in exchange rates are recorded as a component of other comprehensive income, net of the related deferred income tax effect, within consolidated shareholders’ equity until the securities mature or are sold.

The effect of exchange rate changes on cash balances held in foreign currencies was immaterial for all periods presented and is not shown separately in the consolidated statements of cash flows.

Income taxes

Income Taxes

We file a consolidated Federal income tax return and include the foreign subsidiaries’ income to the extent required by law. Deferred income tax is accounted for using the liability method, which reflects the tax impact of temporary differences between the bases of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such bases as measured by tax laws and regulations. We provide a deferred tax liability for un-repatriated earnings of our foreign subsidiaries at prevailing statutory rates when required. We regularly review our deferred tax assets for recoverability and establish a valuation allowance based on our history of earnings, expectations for future earnings, taxable income in carryback years and the expected timing of the reversals of existing temporary differences. Due to our history of earnings, expectations for future earnings, and taxable income in carryback years, we expect to be able to fully realize the benefit of any net deferred tax asset, excluding amounts covered by valuation allowances, on a consolidated basis.

We maintain a liability for our uncertain tax positions where we determine it is not more likely than not the tax position will be sustained upon examination by the appropriate tax authority. Changes in the liability for our uncertain tax positions are reflected in income tax expense in the period when a new uncertain tax position arises, we change our judgment about the likelihood of uncertainty, the tax issue is settled, or the statute of limitations expires. We report any potential net interest income or expense and penalties related to changes in our uncertain tax positions in our consolidated statements of earnings as interest expense and other operating expense, respectively.

Stock-based compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

We measure the fair value of restricted stock awards and units based on the closing stock price of our common stock on the grant date and expense that value on a straight-line basis over the vesting period. For restricted stock awards/units that contain a performance condition, we recognize expense based on the awards/units expected to vest and adjust the cumulative expense whenever our estimate of the number of awards/units to vest changes. For restricted stock awards that contain a market condition, we determine the fair value at the grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation model that takes into account the probabilities of numerous vesting outcomes. This fair value is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period and is not adjusted for the ultimate number of shares to vest. For stock option awards, we use the Black-Scholes option pricing model to determine the fair value of an option on its grant date and expense that value on a straight-line basis over the option’s vesting period. For grants of unrestricted common stock, we measure fair value based on the closing stock price of our common stock on the grant date and expense that value on the grant date. We calculate expense for our employee stock purchase plan using a Black-Scholes option pricing model and recognize the expense over each six-month offering period.

Earnings per share

Earnings Per Share

Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings attributable to common stock by the weighted-average common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted earnings per share is computed by dividing net earnings attributable to common stock by the weighted-average common shares outstanding plus the weighted-average potential common shares outstanding during the year. Outstanding common stock options and unvested restricted stock with no right to dividends, when dilutive, are included in the weighted-average potential common shares outstanding. We use the treasury stock method to calculate the dilutive effect of potential common shares outstanding. We treat unvested restricted stock and unvested restricted stock units that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend-equivalents as participating securities and include them in the earnings allocation in calculating earnings per share under the two-class method.

Recently Issued Accounting Guidance

Recent Accounting Guidance

A new accounting standard issued in 2014 will change the manner in which most companies recognize revenue. The standard requires that revenue reflect the transfer of goods or services to customers based on the consideration/payment the company expects to be entitled to in exchange for those goods or services; however, the standard does not change the accounting for insurance contracts or investment income. The new standard also requires enhanced disclosures about revenue. This accounting guidance is effective in the first quarter of 2017 and may be applied on a full retrospective or modified retrospective approach. We are currently assessing the impact the implementation of this standard will have on our consolidated financial statements.