Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	$ 13,575,112	$ 13,376,455
Short-term investments, amortized cost	37,010	13,543
Equities, cost	804,920	1,009,286
Funds held - directly managed, cost	642,278	778,569
Shareholders’ Equity
Common shares, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common shares, shares issued	87,141,960	86,657,045
Preferred shares, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Number of preferred shares issued	34,150,000	34,150,000
Preferred shares, shares outstanding	34,150,000	34,150,000
Aggregate liquidation value	$ 853,750	$ 853,750
Common shares held in treasury, shares	37,794,611	34,213,611