Investment Information - Net realized gains and losses (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014		Mar. 31, 2013
Net realized gains and losses:
Available for sale securities, gross gains on investment sales	$ 66,051		$ 67,020
Available for sale securities, gross losses on investment sales	(40,013)		(25,056)
Derivative instruments	(12,768)	[1]	(378)	[1]
Other	(2,706)	[2]	1,046	[2]
Net realized gains	19,697		58,340
Fixed Maturities
Net realized gains and losses:
Change in fair value of assets and liabilities accounted for using the fair value option	(1,643)		5,058
Other investments
Net realized gains and losses:
Change in fair value of assets and liabilities accounted for using the fair value option	10,776		9,951
Equity securities
Net realized gains and losses:
Change in fair value of assets and liabilities accounted for using the fair value option	$ 0		$ 699

[1] See Note 9 for information on the Company’s derivative instruments.

[2] Includes accretion of contingent liability amounts related to the acquisition of the CMG Entities (see Note 2 for further details).