Loss and Loss Expense Reserves (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Loss and Loss Expense Reserves [Abstract]

Summary of activity in reserves for losses and loss expenses

Activity in the reserves for losses and loss expenses is summarized as follows.  All amounts are shown net of reinsurance, unless otherwise indicated.

	2013			2012			2011
Reserves at the beginning of the year	$	289,236		$	290,092		$	218,629
Provision for losses and loss expenses:
Claims occurring during the current                year		156,264			147,963			225,251
Claims occurring during prior years		(5,563	)		(9,875	)		(9,696	)
Total incurred		150,701			138,088			215,555
Loss and loss expense payments:
Claims occurring during the current      year		47,908			44,941			71,699
Claims occurring during prior years		103,941			94,003			72,393
Total paid		151,849			138,944			144,092
Reserves at the end of the year		288,088			289,236			290,092
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses at the end of the year		186,382			166,218			131,464
Reserves, gross of reinsurance
recoverable, at the end of the year	$	474,470		$	455,454		$	421,556

Major components of developments of claims' (savings) deficiency

The major components of the developments shown above are as follows for the years ended December 31:

	2013			2012			2011
Property and casualty insurance	$	(1,725	)	$	(7,111	)	$	(7,417	)
Reinsurance		(3,838	)		(2,764	)		(2,279	)
Totals	$	(5,563	)	$	(9,875	)	$	(9,696	)