Taxation (Details - Components of Tax Assets and Tax Liabilities) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Deferred tax assets [abstract]
Discounting of loss reserves and adjustment to life policy reserves	$ 78,999	$ 50,341
Foreign tax credits carryforward	42,620	37,569
Tax loss carryforwards	23,940	47,373
Unearned premiums	23,022	17,856
Other deferred tax assets	33,648	36,424
Deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	202,229	189,563
Valuation allowance	(46,111)	(47,412)
Deferred tax assets	156,118	142,151
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred acquisition costs	52,165	46,311
Goodwill and other intangibles	102,619	106,445
Equalization reserves	128,132	122,930
Unrealized appreciation and timing differences on investments	72,769	141,856
Other deferred tax liabilities	23,866	24,968
Deferred tax liabilities	379,551	442,510
Net deferred tax liabilities	223,433	300,359
Components Of Net Tax Assets And Liabilities [Abstract]
Net Tax Assets	14,133	25,098
Net tax liabilities	(284,442)	(387,647)
Net tax liabilities	(270,309)	(362,549)
Net Tax Liabilities By Type [Abstract]
Net current tax liabilities	(26,308)	(45,606)
Net deferred tax liabilities	223,433	300,359
Net unrecognized tax benefit	(20,568)	(16,584)
Net tax liabilities	$ (270,309)	$ (362,549)