2.2.0.25falsefalse04145 - Disclosure - Taxation (Details - Components of Tax Assets and Tax Liabilities)truefalseIn 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$3falsefalseUSDfalsefalse12/31/2008 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2008http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2008-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$4falsefalseUSDfalsefalse12/31/2007 USD ($) $AS_OF_Dec31_2007http://www.sec.gov/CIK0000911421instant2007-12-31T00:00:000001-01-01T00:00:00USDStandardhttp://www.xbrl.org/2003/iso4217USDiso42170USDUSD$4true0us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxAssetsAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseDeferred tax assets [abstract]5false0pre_DeferredTaxAssetsDiscountingOfLossReservesAndAdjustmentToLifePolicyReservesprefalsedebitinstantThe tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax deductions arising from estimates of...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse6259100062591falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse8996700089967falsetruefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax deductions arising from estimates of loss reserves and life policy benefits, other than estimated credit losses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when the actual losses are incurred or benefits become payable, and which can only be realized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods to enable the deduction to be taken.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseDiscounting of loss reserves and adjustment to life policy reserves6false0us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxCreditCarryforwardsForeignus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse1784500017845falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of future tax effects arising from unused foreign tax credit carryforwards which will decrease future taxable income if applied in future years; a tax credit carryforward is the amount by which tax credits available for utilization exceeded statutory limits on inclusion in historical filings, and which can only be utilized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods and providing tax laws continue to allow such utilization.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseForeign tax credits carryforward7false0us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOperatingLossCarryforwardsus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse47230004723falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1727000017270falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe sum of the tax effects as of the balance sheet date of the amount of excesses of tax deductions over gross income in a year which cannot be used on the tax returns in the current year but can be carried forward to reduce taxable income or income taxes payable in a future year, for which there must be sufficient tax-basis income to utilize a portion or all of the carryforward amount to realize the deferred tax asset.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 43, 289 falsefalseTax loss carryforwards8false0us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsTaxDeferredExpenseReservesAndAccrualsUnearnedPremiumsReserveus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse2019100020191falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse1955000019550falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of the estimated future tax deductions arising from the unearned premium reserve, which will be deductible from future taxable income when premiums are earned, and which can only be realized if sufficient tax-basis income is generated in future periods to enable the tax reduction to be taken.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 43 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 11 -Subparagraph b falsefalseUnearned premiums9false0us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsOtherus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse93190009319falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse31560003156falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe tax effect as of the balance sheet date of the amount of estimated future tax deductions arising from other temporary differences not otherwise specified in the taxonomy.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 43 falsefalseOther deferred tax assets10false0us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsGrossus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse114669000114669falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse129943000129943falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe sum of the tax effects as of the balance sheet date of the amounts 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 ( before the valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such sum amount to net realizable value). Includes any tax benefit realized in deferred tax assets for significant impacts of tax planning strategies.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 43, 289 truefalseDeferred tax assets before valuation allowance11false0us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsValuationAllowanceus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-19642000-19642falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe sum of the portions of deferred tax assets as of the balance sheet date for which, based on the weight of available evidence, it is more likely than not will not be realized through future reductions of tax-based income.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 17 -Subparagraph e Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 43-49 falsefalseValuation allowance12false0us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsNetus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse9502700095027falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse129943000129943falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe aggregate tax effects 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.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 43 truefalseDeferred tax assets13true0us-gaap_ComponentsOfDeferredTaxLiabilitiesAbstractus-gaaptruenadurationNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseOtherxbrli:stringItemTypestringNo definition available.falsefalseDeferred tax liabilities14false0us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesDeferredExpenseOtherCapitalizedCostsus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse4715200047152falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse4674400046744falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount as of the balance sheet date of the estimated future tax effects attributable to other costs not otherwise specified in this taxonomy that were expensed for tax purposes but capitalized in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, which will reverse in future periods when amortization of such capitalized costs cannot be deducted for tax purposes.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 43 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 11 -Subparagraph d falsefalseDeferred acquisition costs15false0us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesGoodwillAndIntangibleAssetsus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse7317400073174falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse8145500081455falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cumulative amount of the estimated future tax effects attributable to the difference between the tax basis of goodwill and intangible assets and the basis of goodwill and intangible assets computed in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles. The difference in basis, whether due to amortization or other reasons, will increase future taxable income when such difference reverses.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 43 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 11 -Subparagraph d falsefalseGoodwill and other intangibles16false0pre_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesEqualizationReservesprefalsecreditinstantEqualization reserve represents temporary tax differences arising from the deductibility of specific reserves authorized on...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse113293000113293falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse9978500099785falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryEqualization reserve represents temporary tax differences arising from the deductibility of specific reserves authorized on certain lines of business in France, Switzerland and IrelandNo authoritative reference available.falsefalseEqualization reserves17false0us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesUnrealizedGainsOnTradingSecuritiesus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse8222600082226falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse7011400070114falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe amount as of the balance sheet date of the estimated future tax effects arising from unrealized gains on investments in debt and equity securities categorized as trading which will increase future taxable income when such gain is realized. This item excludes deferred tax liabilities generated due to unrealized holding gains on investments in debt and equity securities categorized as available for sale which unrealized holding gains are included in the item Deferred Tax Liabilities, Other Comprehensive Income; such unrealized holding gains increase the carrying value of the asset recorded for financial reporting purposes, but not for tax purposes.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 43 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 11 -Subparagraph a falsefalseUnrealized appreciation and timing differences on investments18false0us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesOtherus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse3287700032877falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse3343100033431falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cumulative amount of the estimated future tax effects attributable to other temporary differences not otherwise specified in this taxonomy that were expensed for tax purposes but capitalized in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles, or which were recognized as revenue under GAAP but not for tax purposes, which will reverse in future periods.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 43 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 11 -Subparagraph a, d, e falsefalseOther deferred tax liabilities19false0us-gaap_DeferredTaxLiabilitiesus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse348722000348722falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse331529000331529falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe cumulative amount of all deferred tax liabilities, which result from applying the applicable tax rate to net taxable temporary differences pertaining to each jurisdiction to which the entity is obligated to pay income tax. A taxable temporary difference is a difference between the tax basis and the carrying amount of an asset or liability in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles that will result in taxable amounts in one or more future periods.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 42, 43 truefalseDeferred tax liabilities20false0us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetotallabel1truefalsefalse-253695000-253695falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-201586000-201586falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFor entities that net deferred tax assets and tax liabilities, represents the unclassified net amount of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of the balance sheet date, which result from applying the applicable enacted tax rate to net temporary differences and carryforwards pertaining to assets or liabilities. A temporary difference is a difference between the tax basis of an asset or liability and its carrying amount in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles that will reverse in ensuing periods.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 42, 43 truefalseNet deferred tax liabilities22false0pre_NetTaxAssetsprefalsedebitinstantThe aggregate tax effects of tax-paying jurisdictions in a net asset position as of the balance sheet date of all future tax...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse1496000014960falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse7904400079044falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli: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 assets23false0pre_NetTaxLiabilitiesprefalsecreditinstantThe cumulative amount of tax-paying jurisdictions in a net liability position as of the balance sheet date arising from...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-316325000-316325falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-444789000-444789falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli: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 liabilities24false0pre_TotalNetTaxAssetsLiabilitiesprefalsecreditinstantThe net amount of all tax assets and liabilities of the company (including current, deferred and unrecognized).falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-301365000-301365falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-365745000-365745falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net amount of all tax assets and liabilities of the company (including current, deferred and unrecognized).No authoritative reference available.falsefalseNet tax liabilities26false0us-gaap_TaxesPayableCurrentus-gaaptruecreditinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse38590003859falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-121680000-121680falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryCarrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable for statutory income, sales, use, payroll, excise, real, property and other taxes. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within 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 falsefalseNet current tax assets (liabilities)27false0us-gaap_DeferredTaxAssetsLiabilitiesNetus-gaaptruedebitinstantNo definition available.falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalse1truefalsefalse-253695000-253695falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-201586000-201586falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryFor entities that net deferred tax assets and tax liabilities, represents the unclassified net amount of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of the balance sheet date, which result from applying the applicable enacted tax rate to net temporary differences and carryforwards pertaining to assets or liabilities. A temporary difference is a difference between the tax basis of an asset or liability and its carrying amount in the financial statements prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles that will reverse in ensuing periods.Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 109 -Paragraph 42, 43 falsefalseNet deferred tax liabilities28false0pre_TotalUnrecognizedTaxBenefitsprefalsecreditinstantThe total amount of unrecognized tax benefits pertaining to uncertain tax positions taken in tax returns as of the balance...falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsetruenegated1truefalsefalse-51529000-51529falsefalsefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-42479000-42479falsefalsefalsefalsefalse3truefalsefalse-39767000-39767falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4truefalsefalse-24803000-24803falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe total amount of unrecognized tax benefits pertaining to uncertain tax positions taken in tax returns as of the balance sheet date, including interest and penalties.No authoritative reference available.falsefalseNet unrecognized tax benefit29false0pre_TotalNetTaxAssetsLiabilitiesprefalsecreditinstantThe net amount of all tax assets and liabilities of the company (including current, deferred and unrecognized).falsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalsefalseterselabel1truefalsefalse-301365000-301365falsetruefalsefalsefalse2truefalsefalse-365745000-365745falsetruefalsefalsefalse3falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalse4falsefalsefalse00falsefalsefalsefalsefalseMonetaryxbrli:monetaryItemTypemonetaryThe net amount of all tax assets and liabilities of the company (including current, deferred and unrecognized).No authoritative reference available.falsefalseNet tax liabilities424Taxation (Details - Components of Tax Assets and Tax Liabilities) (USD $)ThousandsUnKnownUnKnownUnKnownfalsetrue