Taxation (Details - Components of Tax Assets and Tax Liabilities) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008
Deferred tax assets [abstract]
Discounting of loss reserves and adjustment to life policy reserves	$ 84,977	$ 62,591
Foreign tax credits carryforward	15,005	17,845
Tax loss carryforwards	31,823	4,723
Unearned premiums	19,152	20,191
Other deferred tax assets	35,040	9,319
Deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	185,997	114,669
Valuation allowance	(29,201)	(19,642)
Deferred tax assets	156,796	95,027
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred acquisition costs	42,913	47,152
Goodwill and other intangibles	71,000	73,174
Equalization reserves	104,884	113,293
Unrealized appreciation and timing differences on investments	105,817	82,226
Other deferred tax liabilities	32,397	32,877
Deferred tax liabilities	357,011	348,722
Net deferred tax liabilities	(200,215)	(253,695)
Net tax assets	66,574	14,960
Net tax liabilities	(297,153)	(316,325)
Net tax liabilities	(230,579)	(301,365)
Net current tax assets (liabilities)	(18,074)	3,859
Net deferred tax liabilities	(200,215)	(253,695)
Net unrecognized tax benefit	(12,290)	(51,529)	(42,479)	(39,767)
Net tax liabilities	$ (230,579)	$ (301,365)