Taxation (Details - Components of Tax Assets and Tax Liabilities) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Deferred tax assets [abstract]
Discounting of loss reserves and adjustment to life policy reserves	$ 50,341	$ 84,977
Foreign tax credits carryforward	37,569	15,005
Tax loss carryforwards	47,373	31,823
Unearned premiums	17,856	19,152
Other deferred tax assets	36,424	35,040
Deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	189,563	185,997
Valuation allowance	(47,412)	(29,201)
Deferred tax assets	142,151	156,796
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred acquisition costs	46,311	42,913
Goodwill and other intangibles	106,445	71,000
Equalization reserves	122,930	104,884
Unrealized appreciation and timing differences on investments	141,856	105,817
Other deferred tax liabilities	24,968	32,397
Deferred tax liabilities	442,510	357,011
Net deferred tax liabilities	(300,359)	(200,215)
Components Of Net Tax Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]
Net tax assets	25,098	66,574
Net tax liabilities	(387,647)	(297,153)
Net tax liabilities	(362,549)	(230,579)
Net Tax Liabilities By Type [Abstract]
Net current tax liabilities	(45,606)	(18,074)
Net deferred tax liabilities	(300,359)	(200,215)
Net unrecognized tax benefit	(16,584)	(12,290)	(51,529)	(42,479)
Net tax liabilities	$ (362,549)	$ (230,579)