Fair Value Measurements (Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Level 3 Inputs) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands | 3 Months Ended | 9 Months Ended | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Sep. 30, 2011 | Sep. 30, 2010 | Sep. 30, 2011 | Sep. 30, 2010 | |
| Balance at beginning of the period | $ 475,379 | $ 329,816 | $ 400,386 | $ 410,939 |
| Total net unrealized (losses) gains, Included in net investment income | (25,612) | 156 | 3,759 | 3,323 |
| Total net unrealized gains (losses), Included in other income (loss) | (46,116) | (6,496) | (4,517) | (6,482) |
| Total net realized gains (losses), Included in other income (loss) | 48,393 | 18,237 | 61,215 | 31,349 |
| Total net foreign exchange losses | (2,566) | 2,338 | (786) | (1,629) |
| Purchases | 45,684 | 39,874 | 84,983 | 63,849 |
| Sales | (19,860) | (30,884) | ||
| Issuances | (12,181) | (39,414) | ||
| Settlements | (66,174) | (25,431) | (105,028) | (115,622) |
| Balance at end of the period | 409,128 | 346,313 | 409,128 | 346,313 |
Fixed Maturity Investments [Member] | ||||
| Balance at beginning of the period | 21,264 | 21,785 | ||
| Total net unrealized (losses) gains, Included in net investment income | (350) | (871) | ||
| Balance at end of the period | 20,914 | 20,914 | ||
Other Investments Level 3 [Member] | ||||
| Balance at beginning of the period | 381,123 | 314,663 | 362,102 | 393,913 |
| Total net unrealized (losses) gains, Included in net investment income | (25,262) | 156 | 4,630 | 3,323 |
| Total net foreign exchange losses | (2,511) | 2,354 | (589) | (912) |
| Purchases | 19,460 | 31,727 | 48,144 | 51,401 |
| Settlements | (9,173) | (15,035) | (50,650) | (113,860) |
| Balance at end of the period | 363,637 | 333,865 | 363,637 | 333,865 |
Other Assets and Liabilities [Member] | ||||
| Balance at beginning of the period | 72,992 | 15,153 | 16,499 | 17,026 |
| Total net unrealized gains (losses), Included in other income (loss) | (46,116) | (6,496) | (4,517) | (6,482) |
| Total net realized gains (losses), Included in other income (loss) | 48,393 | 18,237 | 61,215 | 31,349 |
| Total net foreign exchange losses | (55) | (16) | (197) | (717) |
| Purchases | 26,224 | 8,147 | 36,839 | 12,448 |
| Sales | (19,860) | (30,884) | ||
| Issuances | (12,181) | (39,414) | ||
| Settlements | (57,001) | (10,396) | (54,378) | (1,762) |
| Balance at end of the period | $ 24,577 | $ 12,448 | $ 24,577 | $ 12,448 |