2.2.0.25truefalse00100 - Statement - Consolidated Balance SheetstruefalseIn Thousandsfalse1falsefalseUSDfalsefalse12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$2falsefalseUSDfalsefalse12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$2true0us-gaap_AssetsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseAssets3false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesDebtus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1282438900012824389falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1414309300014143093falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents debt securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for debt securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseFixed maturities, trading securities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2010, $12,394,797; 2009, $13,856,840)4false0pre_ShortTermInvestmentsTradingSecuritiesAtFairValueprefalsedebitinstantThis item represents short-term investments that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse4939700049397falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse137346000137346falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis item represents short-term investments that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for short-term investments formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earningsNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseShort-term investments, trading securities, at fair value (amortized cost: 2010, $49,132; 2009, $134,830)5false0us-gaap_TradingSecuritiesEquityus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse10716760001071676falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse795539000795539falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal common and preferred stock (which is neither mandatorily redeemable nor redeemable at the option of the holder) equity securities that are bought and held principally for the purpose of selling them in the near term (thus held for only a short period of time) or for equity securities formerly categorized as available-for-sale or held-to-maturity which the entity held as of the date it opted to account for such securities at fair value. An enterprise may also categorize such a security as trading without the intent to sell it in the near term assuming the decision to categorize the security as trading occurred at acquisition; this is the reason why the trading category of investments in debt securities are bought and sold "principally" for sale in the near term. Transfers into and out of the trading category should be rare. Such financial instruments that are held as of the reporting date are measured at fair value with unrealized holding gains and losses (the difference between fair value and the previously reported carrying amount) included in earnings.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 29 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 13 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Implementation Guide (Q and A) -Number FAS115 -Paragraph 35 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 115 -Paragraph 12 -Subparagraph a falsefalseEquities, trading securities, at fair value (cost: 2010, $942,745; 2009, $731,387)6false0us-gaap_OtherInvestmentsus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse352405000352405falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse225532000225532falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryOther investments not otherwise specified in the taxonomy.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 12 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph g -Article 7 falsefalseOther invested assets7false0us-gaap_Investmentsus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse1429786700014297867falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1530151000015301510falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of current and noncurrent investments.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 1 -Subparagraph h -Article 7 truefalseTotal investments8false0pre_FundsHeldDirectlyManagedprefalsedebitinstantCarrying value of segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account comprised of fixed...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse17721180001772118falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse21248260002124826falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value of segregated investment portfolio underlying the funds held - directly managed account comprised of fixed maturities, short-term investments, cash and cash equivalents, other assets and liabilities and accrued investment income. Substantially all of the fixed maturities, short-term investments and certain other invested assets in the segregated portfolio underlying the funds held-directly managed account are carried at fair value and accordingly all changes in the fair value are recorded in net realized and unrealized investment gains and losses in the Consolidated Statement of Operations.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseFunds held - directly managed (cost: 2010, $1,751,276; 2009, $2,126,456)9false0us-gaap_CashAndCashEquivalentsAtCarryingValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse21110840002111084falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse738309000738309falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncludes currency on hand as well as demand deposits with banks or financial institutions. It also includes other kinds of accounts that have the general characteristics of demand deposits in that the Entity may deposit additional funds at any time and also effectively may withdraw funds at any time without prior notice or penalty. Cash equivalents, excluding items classified as marketable securities, include short-term, highly liquid investments that are both readily convertible to known amounts of cash, and so near their maturity that they present minimal risk of changes in value because of changes in interest rates. Generally, only investments with original maturities of three months or less qualify under that definition. Original maturity means original maturity to the entity holding the investment. For example, both a three-month US Treasury bill and a three-year Treasury note purchased three months from maturity qualify as cash equivalents. However, a Treasury note purchased three years ago does not become a cash equivalent when its remaining maturity is three months. Compensating balance arrangements that do not legally restrict the withdrawal or usage of cash amounts may be reported as Cash and Cash Equivalents, while legally restricted deposits held as compensating balances against borrowing arrangements, contracts entered into with others, or company statements of intention with regard to particular deposits should not be reported as cash and cash equivalents.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7, 26 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 8, 9 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 95 -Paragraph 7 -Footnote 1 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 1 -Article 5 falsefalseCash and cash equivalents, at fair value, which approximates amortized cost10false0us-gaap_AccruedInvestmentIncomeReceivableus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse201928000201928falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse218739000218739falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryInterest, dividends, rents, ancillary and other revenues earned but not yet received by the entity on its investments.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 3 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 4 -Article 7 falsefalseAccrued investment income11false0us-gaap_PremiumsReceivableAtCarryingValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse20768840002076884falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse22491810002249181falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe carrying amount as of the balance sheet date due the entity from (a) agents and insureds, (b) uncollected premiums and (c) others, net of the allowance for doubtful accounts.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 5 -Article 7 falsefalseReinsurance balances receivable12false0us-gaap_ReinsuranceRecoverablesus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse382878000382878falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse367453000367453falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe known and estimated amount recoverable as of the balance sheet date from reinsurers for claims paid or incurred by the ceding insurer and associated claims settlement expenses, including estimated amounts for claims incurred but not reported, and policy benefits, net of any related valuation allowance.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 6 -Article 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 113 -Paragraph 14, 16, 27, 113 falsefalseReinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses13false0us-gaap_FundsHeldUnderReinsuranceAgreementsAssetus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse937032000937032falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse938039000938039falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFunds held by the ceding insurer on behalf the reinsurer, including funds held in trust, under reinsurance treaties or contracts with the assuming insurer as security for the payment of the obligations thereunder, which represent an asset for the reinsurer. There is another concept for the corresponding liability of the ceding insurer.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 2, 10 -Article 7 falsefalseFunds held by reinsured companies14false0us-gaap_DeferredPolicyAcquisitionCostsus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse595557000595557falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse614857000614857falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryNet amount of deferred policy acquisition costs capitalized on contracts remaining in force as of the balance sheet date.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 60 -Paragraph 28, 29, 30, 31 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 97 -Paragraph 22 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 60 -Paragraph 60 -Subparagraph c Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 7 -Article 7 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 95-1 -Paragraph 19-23 Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 120 -Paragraph 5, 6 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 16 -Article 12 falsefalseDeferred acquisition costs15false0us-gaap_DepositContractsAssetsus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse256702000256702falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse313798000313798falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying amount of assets as of the balance sheet date pertaining to amounts paid by the insured (including a ceding company) under insurance or reinsurance contracts for which insurance risk is not transferred.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 98-7 -Paragraph 18 falsefalseDeposit assets16false0pre_NetTaxAssetsprefalsedebitinstantThe aggregate tax effects of tax-paying jurisdictions in a net asset position as of the balance sheet date of all future tax...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1496000014960falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse7904400079044falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate tax effects of tax-paying jurisdictions in a net asset position as of the balance sheet date of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; net of deducting the allocated valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such amount to net realizable value. Current tax receivables balances are also included in this amount.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseNet tax assets17false0us-gaap_Goodwillus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse455533000455533falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse455533000455533falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to adoption of FAS 142 and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 142 -Paragraph 43 falsefalseGoodwill18false0us-gaap_IntangibleAssetsNetExcludingGoodwillus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse178715000178715falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse247269000247269falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of the carrying amounts of all intangible assets, excluding goodwill, as of the balance sheet date, net of accumulated amortization and impairment charges.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 142 -Paragraph 42, 45 falsefalseIntangible assets19false0us-gaap_OtherAssetsus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse8311300083113falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse8398600083986falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying amount as of the balance sheet date of assets not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Also serves as the sum of assets not individually reported in the financial statements, or not separately disclosed in notes.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 17 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 10 -Article 7 falsefalseOther assets20false0us-gaap_Assetsus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse2336437100023364371falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2373254400023732544falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Concepts (CON) -Number 6 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 18 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 12 -Article 7 truefalseTotal assets21true0us-gaap_LiabilitiesAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseLiabilities22false0us-gaap_LiabilityForClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1066660400010666604falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1081148300010811483falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount needed to reflect the estimated ultimate cost of settling claims relating to insured events that have occurred on or before the balance sheet date, whether or not reported to the insurer at that date.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 94-5 -Paragraph 11 -Subparagraph b falsefalseUnpaid losses and loss expenses23false0us-gaap_LiabilityForFuturePolicyBenefitsus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse17504100001750410falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse16151930001615193falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe sum of the known and estimated amounts payable as of the balance sheet date to policyholders pertaining to insured events for long-duration contracts, which can be viewed as either (a) the present value of future benefits to be paid to or on behalf of policyholders and expenses less the present value of future net premiums payable under the insurance contracts or (b) the accumulated amount of net premiums already collected less the accumulated amount of benefits and expenses already paid to or on behalf of policyholders.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 97 -Paragraph 15-21 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph a -Article 7 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 113 -Paragraph 26 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 60 -Paragraph 21-26 falsefalsePolicy benefits for life and annuity contracts24false0us-gaap_UnearnedPremiumsus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse15991390001599139falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse17068160001706816falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying amount of premiums written on insurance contracts that have not been earned as of the balance sheet date.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph a(2) -Article 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 16 -Article 12 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 60 -Paragraph 13 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 97 -Paragraph 16, 17, 20 falsefalseUnearned premiums25false0us-gaap_ReinsurancePayableus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse491194000491194falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse426091000426091falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe carrying amount as of the balance sheet date of the known and estimated amounts owed to insurers under reinsurance treaties or other arrangements.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 13 -Subparagraph a(3) -Article 7 falsefalseOther reinsurance balances payable26false0us-gaap_DepositContractsLiabilitiesus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse268239000268239falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse330015000330015falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying amount of liabilities as of the balance sheet date pertaining to amounts received by the insurer or reinsurer from the insured (including a ceding company) under insurance or reinsurance contracts for which insurance risk is not transferred.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 98-7 -Paragraph 18 falsefalseDeposit liabilities27false0pre_NetTaxLiabilitiesprefalsecreditinstantThe cumulative amount of tax-paying jurisdictions in a net liability position as of the balance sheet date arising from...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse316325000316325falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse444789000444789falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cumulative amount of tax-paying jurisdictions in a net liability position as of the balance sheet date arising from temporary differences between accounting income in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles and tax-basis income that will result in future taxable income exceeding future accounting income. Includes current taxes payable.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseNet tax liabilities28false0us-gaap_AccountsPayableAndAccruedLiabilitiesCurrentAndNoncurrentus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse244552000244552falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse231441000231441falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable. pertaining to goods and services received from vendors; and for costs that are statutory in nature, are incurred in connection with contractual obligations, or accumulate over time and for which invoices have not yet been received or will not be rendered. Examples include taxes, interest, rent, salaries and benefits, and utilities.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 15 -Article 7 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 15 -Subparagraph 1, 5 -Article 9 falsefalseAccounts payable, accrued expenses and other29false0us-gaap_UnsecuredDebtCurrentus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse200000000200000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value as of the balance sheet date of the portion of long-term, uncollateralized debt obligations due within one year or the normal operating cycle, if longer.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 19, 20 -Article 5 falsefalseCurrent portion of long-term debt30false0us-gaap_SeniorNotesus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse750000000750000falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse250000000250000falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncluding the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of Notes with the highest claim on the assets of the issuer in case of bankruptcy or liquidation (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer). Senior note holders are paid off in full before any payments are made to junior note holders.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 16 -Article 9 falsefalseDebt related to senior notes31false0us-gaap_JuniorSubordinatedNotesus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse7098900070989falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse7098900070989falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryIncluding the current and noncurrent portions, carrying value as of the balance sheet date of long-term debt (with maturities initially due after one year or beyond the operating cycle if longer) identified as Junior Subordinated Notes, which have a lower priority than senior instruments.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 20, 22 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 13, 16 -Article 9 falsefalseDebt related to capital efficient notes32false0us-gaap_Liabilitiesus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse1615745200016157452falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1608681700016086817falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetarySum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all liabilities that are recognized. Liabilities are probable future sacrifices of economic benefits arising from present obligations of an entity to transfer assets or provide services to other entities in the future.No authoritative reference available.truefalseTotal liabilities33true0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseShareholders' Equity34false0us-gaap_CommonStockValueus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse8403300084033falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse8258600082586falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryDollar value of issued common stock whether issued at par value, no par or stated value. This item includes treasury stock repurchased by the entity. Note: elements for number of common shares, par value and other disclosure concepts are in another section within stockholders' equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 30 -Article 5 falsefalseCommon shares (par value $1.00, issued: 2010, 84,033,089 shares; 2009, 82,585,707 shares)35false0us-gaap_AdditionalPaidInCapitalus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse34198640003419864falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse33570040003357004falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryExcess of issue price over par or stated value of the entity's capital stock and amounts received from other transactions involving the entity's stock or stockholders. Includes adjustments to additional paid in capital. Some examples of such adjustments include recording the issuance of debt with a beneficial conversion feature and certain tax consequences of equity instruments awarded to employees. Use this element for the aggregate amount of APIC associated with common AND preferred stock. For APIC associated with only common stock, use the element Additional Paid In Capital, Common Stock. For APIC associated with only preferred stock, use the element Additional Paid In Capital, Preferred Stock.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 falsefalseAdditional paid-in capital36true0us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseAccumulated other comprehensive income:37false0us-gaap_AccumulatedOtherComprehensiveIncomeLossForeignCurrencyTranslationAdjustmentNetOfTaxus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1610100016101falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse8284300082843falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryAccumulated adjustment, net of tax, that results from the process of translating subsidiary financial statements and foreign equity investments into the reporting currency from the functional currency of the reporting entity, net of reclassification of realized foreign currency translation gains (losses).Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 52 -Paragraph 12, 13 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 52 -Paragraph 31 -Subparagraph a Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 130 -Paragraph 17, 18, 19, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 45 falsefalseCurrency translation adjustment38false0pre_OtherAccumulatedComprehensiveIncomeLossNetOfTaxprefalsecreditinstantThis element represents Other Accumulated Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax. Includes cumulative gains (losses) on...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-12045000-12045falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse20840002084falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThis element represents Other Accumulated Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax. Includes cumulative gains (losses) on qualifying hedges and minimum pension liability, but excludes currency translation adjustment.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseOther accumulated comprehensive (loss) income (net of tax of: 2010, $4,872; 2009, $3,144)39false0us-gaap_RetainedEarningsAccumulatedDeficitus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse47611780004761178falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse41007820004100782falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cumulative amount of the reporting entity's undistributed earnings or deficit.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 31 -Article 5 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 falsefalseRetained earnings40false0us-gaap_TreasuryStockValueus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-1083012000-1083012falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-372000-372falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryValue of common and preferred shares of an entity that were issued, repurchased by the entity, and are held in its treasury. Treasury stock is issued but is not outstanding. This stock has no voting rights and receives no dividends. Note that treasury stock may be recorded at its total cost or separately as par (or stated) value and additional paid in capital. Note: number of treasury shares concept is in another section within stockholders' equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name FASB Technical Bulletin (FTB) -Number 85-6 -Paragraph 3 falsefalseCommon shares held in treasury, at cost (2010, 14,046,895 shares; 2009, 5,000 shares)41false0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityIncludingPortionAttributableToNoncontrollingInterestus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse72069190007206919falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse76457270007645727falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal of Stockholders' Equity (deficit) items, net of receivables from officers, directors owners, and affiliates of the entity including portions attributable to both the parent and noncontrolling interests (previously referred to as minority interest), if any. The entity including portions attributable to the parent and noncontrolling interests is sometimes referred to as the economic entity. This excludes temporary equity and is sometimes called permanent equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 25 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph 26 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB) -Number 51 -Paragraph A3 -Appendix A truefalseTotal shareholders' equity42false0us-gaap_LiabilitiesAndStockholdersEquityus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse2336437100023364371falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse2373254400023732544falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryTotal of all Liabilities and Stockholders' Equity items.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 32 -Article 5 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 03 -Paragraph 25 -Article 7 truefalseTotal liabilities and shareholders' equity43false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/statementconsolidatedbalancesheets1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse5falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis} : Series C cumulative preferred shares (par value $1.00, issued and outstanding: 2010 and 2009, 11,600,000 shares; aggregate liquidation value: 2010 and 2009, $290,000) 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_SeriesCPreferredStockMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseus-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMemberus-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMemberus-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$6falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis} : Series C cumulative preferred shares (par value $1.00, issued and outstanding: 2010 and 2009, 11,600,000 shares; aggregate liquidation value: 2010 and 2009, $290,000) 12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_SeriesCPreferredStockMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseus-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMemberus-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_SeriesCPreferredStockMemberus-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxisexplicitMemberSharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSeries C cumulative preferred shares (par value $1.00, issued and outstanding: 2010 and 2009, 11,600,000 shares; aggregate liquidation value: 2010 and 2009, $290,000)46true0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseShareholders' Equity47false0us-gaap_PreferredStockValueus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1160000011600falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1160000011600falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryDollar value of issued nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) whether issued at par value, no par or stated value. This item includes treasury stock repurchased by the entity. Note: elements for number of nonredeemable preferred shares, par value and other disclosure concepts are in another section within stockholders' equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 falsefalseCumulative preferred shares49false0natruenanaNo definition available.falsetruefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsehttp://www.partnerre.com/role/statementconsolidatedbalancesheets1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse7falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis} : Series D cumulative preferred shares (par value $1.00, issued and outstanding: 2010 and 2009, 9,200,000 shares; aggregate liquidation value: 2010 and 2009, $230,000) 12/31/2010 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2010_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_SeriesDPreferredStockMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2010-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseus-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMemberus-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMemberus-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxisexplicitMemberSharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$8falsefalseUSDtruefalse{us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis} : Series D cumulative preferred shares (par value $1.00, issued and outstanding: 2010 and 2009, 9,200,000 shares; aggregate liquidation value: 2010 and 2009, $230,000) 12/31/2009 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2009_us-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxis_SeriesDPreferredStockMemberhttp://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2009-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00falsefalseus-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMemberus-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxisxbrldihttp://xbrl.org/2006/xbrldius-gaap_SeriesDPreferredStockMemberus-gaap_StatementClassOfStockAxisexplicitMemberUSDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170SharesStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/instancesharesxbrli0USDUSD$OthernaNo definition available.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseSeries D cumulative preferred shares (par value $1.00, issued and outstanding: 2010 and 2009, 9,200,000 shares; aggregate liquidation value: 2010 and 2009, $230,000)52true0us-gaap_StockholdersEquityAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseShareholders' Equity53false0us-gaap_PreferredStockValueus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse92000009200falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse92000009200falsetruefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryDollar value of issued nonredeemable preferred stock (or preferred stock redeemable solely at the option of the issuer) whether issued at par value, no par or stated value. This item includes treasury stock repurchased by the entity. Note: elements for number of nonredeemable preferred shares, par value and other disclosure concepts are in another section within stockholders' equity.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 129 -Paragraph 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB) -Number 12 -Paragraph 10 Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 04 -Article 3 Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Regulation S-X (SX) -Number 210 -Section 02 -Paragraph 29 -Article 5 falsefalseCumulative preferred shares247Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)ThousandsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue