Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Net cash used in operating activities, continuing operations	$ (5,993)	$ (192,271)
Net cash used in operating activities, discontinued operations	(1,759)	(29,891)
Net cash used in operating activities	(7,752)	(222,162)
Cash flows from investing activities:
Proceeds from sales of fixed-maturity investments available for sale	96,684	17,114
Proceeds from sales of equity securities available for sale	145,550	0
Proceeds from sales and redemptions of trading securities	183,557	548,074
Proceeds from redemptions of fixed-maturity investments available for sale	64,747	3,794
Proceeds from redemptions of fixed-maturity investments held to maturity	0	300
Purchases of fixed-maturity investments available for sale	(1,087,461)	(238,203)
Purchases of equity securities available for sale	(500)	0
Purchases and redemptions of short-term investments, net	(160,874)	(444,070)
Sales of other assets, net	13,596	7,690
Proceeds from Divestiture of Businesses, Net of Cash Divested	784,866	0
Purchases of property and equipment, net	(19,264)	(12,023)
Acquisitions, net of cash acquired	(6,449)	(295,977)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities, continuing operations	14,452	(413,301)
Net cash provided by investing activities, discontinued operations	4,999	161,070
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	19,451	(252,231)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Dividends paid	(1,479)	(1,388)
Issuance of long-term debt, net	343,479	293,809
Purchases and redemptions of long-term debt	(128,486)	(57,223)
Proceeds from termination of capped calls	11,973	0
Issuance of common stock	0	247,188
Purchase of shares under ASR	(202,000)	0
Excess tax benefits from stock-based awards	3,000	106
Net cash provided by financing activities, continuing operations	26,487	482,492
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities, discontinued operations	0	0
Net cash provided by financing activities	26,487	482,492
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(42)	(49)
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Including Discontinued Operations	38,144	8,050
Cash, beginning of period	30,465	22,880
Less: Change in cash of business held for sale	(421)	439
Cash, end of period	69,030	30,491
Supplemental disclosures of cash flow information:
Income taxes paid	3,590	6,738
Interest paid	$ 34,059	$ 26,058