v2.4.0.6
Fair Value Measurements (Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis Using Level 3 Inputs) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended
Mar. 31, 2012
Mar. 31, 2011
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of the period $ 452,813 $ 400,386
Total unrealized gains (losses)    
Included in net investment income 29,184 23,798
Included in other income (loss) 18,563 40,068
Total realized gains    
Included in net investment income 0 0
Included in other income (loss) (55,308) 10,955
Total foreign exchange losses 353 1,318
Purchases 21,970 19,096
Sales (13,431) (4,160)
Settlements 40,376 (19,440)
Net transfers into Level 3 0 0
Balance at end of the period 494,520 472,021
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in net investment income 29,184 23,798
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in other loss 10,513 45,474
Fixed Maturity Investments, Trading [Member]
   
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of the period 27,761 21,785
Total unrealized gains (losses)    
Included in net investment income 77 41
Included in other income (loss) 0 0
Total realized gains    
Included in net investment income 0 0
Included in other income (loss) 0 0
Total foreign exchange losses 0 0
Purchases 0 0
Sales 0 0
Settlements 0 0
Net transfers into Level 3 0 0
Balance at end of the period 27,838 21,826
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in net investment income 77 41
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in other loss 0 0
Other Investments [Member]
   
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of the period 396,526 362,102
Total unrealized gains (losses)    
Included in net investment income 29,107 23,757
Included in other income (loss) 0 0
Total realized gains    
Included in net investment income 0 0
Included in other income (loss) 0 0
Total foreign exchange losses 730 1,369
Purchases 12,689 17,465
Sales 0 0
Settlements (20,515) (22,878)
Net transfers into Level 3 0 0
Balance at end of the period 418,537 381,815
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in net investment income 29,107 23,757
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in other loss 0 0
Other Assets and (Liabilities) [Member]
   
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]    
Balance at beginning of the period 28,526 16,499
Total unrealized gains (losses)    
Included in net investment income 0 0
Included in other income (loss) 18,563 40,068
Total realized gains    
Included in net investment income 0 0
Included in other income (loss) (55,308) 10,955
Total foreign exchange losses (377) (51)
Purchases 9,281 1,631
Sales (13,431) (4,160)
Settlements 60,891 3,438
Net transfers into Level 3 0 0
Balance at end of the period 48,145 68,380
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in net investment income 0 0
Change in unrealized gains (losses) for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in other loss $ 10,513 $ 45,474