v2.4.0.6

Fair Value Measurements | 3 Months Ended
--- | ---
Mar. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] |
Fair Value Measurements | FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS The use of fair value to measure certain assets and liabilities with resulting unrealized gains or losses is pervasive within the Company's financial statements. Fair value is defined under accounting guidance currently applicable to the Company to be the price that would be received upon the sale of an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between open market participants at the measurement date. The Company recognizes the change in unrealized gains and losses arising from changes in fair value in its consolidated statements of operations, with the exception of changes in unrealized gains and losses on its fixed maturity investments available for sale, which are recognized as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in shareholders' equity. FASB ASC Topic Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures prescribes a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to the respective valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to valuation techniques that use at least one significant input that is unobservable (Level 3). The three levels of the fair value hierarchy are described below:
• | Fair values determined by Level 1 inputs utilize unadjusted quoted prices obtained from active markets for identical assets or liabilities for which the Company has access. The fair value is determined by multiplying the quoted price by the quantity held by the Company;
• | Fair values determined by Level 2 inputs utilize inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly. Level 2 inputs include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs other than quoted prices that are observable for the asset or liability, such as interest rates and yield curves that are observable at commonly quoted intervals, broker quotes and certain pricing indices; and
• | Level 3 inputs are based all or in part on significant unobservable inputs for the asset or liability, and include situations where there is little, if any, market activity for the asset or liability. In these cases, significant management assumptions can be used to establish management's best estimate of the assumptions used by other market participants in determining the fair value of the asset or liability.
In certain cases, the inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the asset or liability. The Company's assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment, and the Company considers factors specific to the asset or liability. In order to determine if a market is active or inactive for a security, the Company considers a number of factors, including, but not limited to, the spread between what a seller is asking for a security and what a buyer is bidding for the same security, the volume of trading activity for the security in question, the price of the security compared to its par value (for fixed maturity investments), and other factors that may be indicative of market activity. There have been no material changes in the Company's valuation techniques, nor have there been any transfers between Level 1 and Level 2, or Level 2 and Level 3, respectively, during the periods represented by these consolidated financial statements. Below is a summary of the assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis and also represents the carrying amount on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet:
| At March 31, 2013 | Total |  | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) |  | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) |  | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |
| Fixed maturity investments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| U.S. treasuries | $ | 1,186,742 |  |  | $ | 1,186,742 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |
| Agencies | 285,969 |  |  | — |  |  | 285,969 |  |  | — |  |
| Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt) | 199,561 |  |  | — |  |  | 199,561 |  |  | — |  |
| Non-U.S. government-backed corporate | 291,077 |  |  | — |  |  | 291,077 |  |  | — |  |
| Corporate | 1,603,571 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,575,504 |  |  | 28,067 |  |
| Agency mortgage-backed | 440,538 |  |  | — |  |  | 440,538 |  |  | — |  |
| Non-agency mortgage-backed | 240,217 |  |  | — |  |  | 240,217 |  |  | — |  |
| Commercial mortgage-backed | 297,101 |  |  | — |  |  | 297,101 |  |  | — |  |
| Asset-backed | 12,363 |  |  | — |  |  | 12,363 |  |  | — |  |
| Total fixed maturity investments | 4,557,139 |  |  | 1,186,742 |  |  | 3,342,330 |  |  | 28,067 |  |
| Short term investments | 997,889 |  |  | — |  |  | 997,889 |  |  | — |  |
| Equity investments trading | 555 |  |  | 555 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |
| Other investments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Private equity partnerships | 345,666 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 345,666 |  |
| Senior secured bank loan funds | 204,114 |  |  | — |  |  | 175,577 |  |  | 28,537 |  |
| Catastrophe bonds | 75,019 |  |  | — |  |  | 75,019 |  |  | — |  |
| Hedge funds | 5,219 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 5,219 |  |
| Miscellaneous other investments | 22,784 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 22,784 |  |
| Total other investments | 652,802 |  |  | — |  |  | 250,596 |  |  | 402,206 |  |
| Other assets and (liabilities) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts | 676 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 676 |  |
| Derivatives (1) | 23,663 |  |  | 399 |  |  | 3,237 |  |  | 20,027 |  |
| Other | (1,381 | ) |  | — |  |  | (2,006 | ) |  | 625 |  |
| Total other assets and (liabilities) | 22,958 |  |  | 399 |  |  | 1,231 |  |  | 21,328 |  |
|  | $ | 6,231,343 |  |  | $ | 1,187,696 |  |  | $ | 4,592,046 |  |  | $ | 451,601 |  |
(1) See "Note 11. Derivative Instruments" for additional information related to the fair value by type of contract, of derivatives entered into by the Company.
| December 31, 2012 | Total |  | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) |  | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) |  | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |
| Fixed maturity investments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| U.S. treasuries | $ | 1,259,800 |  |  | $ | 1,259,800 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |
| Agencies | 315,154 |  |  | — |  |  | 315,154 |  |  | — |  |
| Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt) | 133,198 |  |  | — |  |  | 133,198 |  |  | — |  |
| Non-U.S. government-backed corporate | 349,514 |  |  | — |  |  | 349,514 |  |  | — |  |
| Corporate | 1,615,207 |  |  | — |  |  | 1,587,415 |  |  | 27,792 |  |
| Agency mortgage-backed | 408,531 |  |  | — |  |  | 408,531 |  |  | — |  |
| Non-agency mortgage-backed | 248,339 |  |  | — |  |  | 248,339 |  |  | — |  |
| Commercial mortgage-backed | 406,166 |  |  | — |  |  | 406,166 |  |  | — |  |
| Asset-backed | 12,954 |  |  | — |  |  | 12,954 |  |  | — |  |
| Total fixed maturity investments | 4,748,863 |  |  | 1,259,800 |  |  | 3,461,271 |  |  | 27,792 |  |
| Short term investments | 821,163 |  |  | — |  |  | 821,163 |  |  | — |  |
| Equity investments trading | 58,186 |  |  | 58,186 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |
| Other investments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Private equity partnerships | 344,669 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 344,669 |  |
| Senior secured bank loan funds | 202,929 |  |  | — |  |  | 172,334 |  |  | 30,595 |  |
| Catastrophe bonds | 91,310 |  |  | — |  |  | 91,310 |  |  | — |  |
| Hedge funds | 5,803 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 5,803 |  |
| Total other investments | 644,711 |  |  | — |  |  | 263,644 |  |  | 381,067 |  |
| Other assets and (liabilities) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts | 2,647 |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 2,647 |  |
| Derivatives (1) | 19,123 |  |  | (125 | ) |  | 14,821 |  |  | 4,427 |  |
| Other | 7,315 |  |  | — |  |  | (11,551 | ) |  | 18,866 |  |
| Total other assets and (liabilities) | 29,085 |  |  | (125 | ) |  | 3,270 |  |  | 25,940 |  |
|  | $ | 6,302,008 |  |  | $ | 1,317,861 |  |  | $ | 4,549,348 |  |  | $ | 434,799 |  |
(1) See "Note 11. Derivative Instruments" for additional information related to the fair value by type of contract, of derivatives entered into by the Company. Level 1 and Level 2 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Fixed Maturity Investments Fixed maturity investments included in Level 1 consist of the Company's investments in U.S. treasuries. Fixed maturity investments included in Level 2 are agencies, non-U.S. government, non-U.S. government-backed corporate, corporate, agency mortgage-backed, non-agency mortgage-backed, commercial mortgage-backed and asset-backed fixed maturity investments. The Company’s fixed maturity investment portfolios are primarily priced using pricing services, such as index providers and pricing vendors, as well as broker quotations. In general, the pricing vendors provide pricing for a high volume of liquid securities that are actively traded. For securities that do not trade on an exchange, the pricing services generally utilize market data and other observable inputs in matrix pricing models to determine month end prices. Observable inputs include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker-dealer quotes, issuer spreads, bids, offers, reference data and industry and economic events. Index pricing generally relies on market traders as the primary source for pricing, however models are also utilized to provide prices for all index eligible securities. The models use a variety of observable inputs such as benchmark yields, transactional data, dealer runs, broker-dealer quotes and corporate actions. Prices are generally verified using third party data. Securities which are priced by an index provider are generally included in the index. In general, broker-dealers value securities through their trading desks based on observable inputs. The methodologies include mapping securities based on trade data, bids or offers, observed spreads, and performance on newly issued securities. Broker-dealers also determine valuations by observing secondary trading of similar securities. Prices obtained from broker quotations are considered non-binding, however they are based on observable inputs and by observing secondary trading of similar securities obtained from active, non-distressed markets. The Company considers these Level 2 inputs as they are corroborated with other market observable inputs. The techniques generally used to determine the fair value of the Company's fixed maturity investments are detailed below by asset class. U.S. treasuries Level 1 - At March 31, 2013, the Company’s U.S. treasuries fixed maturity investments are primarily priced by pricing services and had a weighted average effective yield of 0.5% and a weighted average credit quality of AA (December 31, 2012 - 0.4% and AA, respectively). When pricing these securities, the pricing services utilize daily data from many real time market sources, including active broker dealers. Certain data sources are regularly reviewed for accuracy to attempt to ensure the most reliable price source is used for each issue and maturity date. Agencies Level 2 - At March 31, 2013, the Company’s agency fixed maturity investments had a weighted average effective yield of 0.7% and a weighted average credit quality of AA (December 31, 2012 - 0.7% and AA, respectively). The issuers of the Company’s agency fixed maturity investments primarily consist of the Federal National Mortgage Association, the Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation and other agencies. Fixed maturity investments included in agencies are primarily priced by pricing services. When evaluating these securities, the pricing services gather information from market sources and integrate other observations from markets and sector news. Evaluations are updated by obtaining broker dealer quotes and other market information including actual trade volumes, when available. The fair value of each security is individually computed using analytical models which incorporate option adjusted spreads and other daily interest rate data. Non-U.S. government (Sovereign debt) Level 2 - Non-U.S. government fixed maturity investments held by the Company at March 31, 2013, had a weighted average effective yield of 1.5% and a weighted average credit quality of AA (December 31, 2012 - 1.9% and AA, respectively). The issuers of securities in this sector are non-U.S. governments and their respective agencies as well as supranational organizations. Securities held in these sectors are primarily priced by pricing services who employ proprietary discounted cash flow models to value the securities. Key quantitative inputs for these models are daily observed benchmark curves for treasury, swap and high issuance credits. The pricing services then apply a credit spread for each security which is developed by in-depth and real time market analysis. For securities in which trade volume is low, the pricing services utilize data from more frequently traded securities with similar attributes. These models may also be supplemented by daily market and credit research for international markets. Non-U.S. government-backed corporate Level 2 - Non-U.S. government-backed corporate fixed maturity investments had a weighted average effective yield of 0.7% and a weighted average credit quality of AAA at March 31, 2013 (December 31, 2012 - 0.7% and AAA, respectively). Non-U.S. government-backed fixed maturity investments are primarily priced by pricing services who employ proprietary discounted cash flow models to value the securities. Key quantitative inputs for these models are daily observed benchmark curves for treasury, swap and high issuance credits. The pricing services then apply a credit spread to the respective curve for each security which is developed by in-depth and real time market analysis. For securities in which trade volume is low, the pricing services utilize data from more frequently traded securities with similar attributes. These models may also be supplemented by daily market and credit research for international markets. Corporate Level 2 - At March 31, 2013, the Company’s corporate fixed maturity investments principally consist of U.S. and international corporations and had a weighted average effective yield of 2.5% and a weighted average credit quality of A (December 31, 2012 - 2.6% and A, respectively). The Company’s corporate fixed maturity investments are primarily priced by pricing services. When evaluating these securities, the pricing services gather information from market sources regarding the issuer of the security and obtain credit data, as well as other observations, from markets and sector news. Evaluations are updated by obtaining broker dealer quotes and other market information including actual trade volumes, when available. The pricing services also consider the specific terms and conditions of the securities, including any specific features which may influence risk. In certain instances, securities are individually evaluated using a spread which is added to the U.S. treasury curve or a security specific swap curve as appropriate. Agency mortgage-backed Level 2 - At March 31, 2013, the Company’s agency mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments included agency residential mortgage-backed securities with a weighted average effective yield of 2.0%, a weighted average credit quality of AA and a weighted average life of 3.8 years (December 31, 2012 - 1.3%, AA and 3.3 years, respectively). The Company’s agency mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments are primarily priced by pricing services using a mortgage pool specific model which utilizes daily inputs from the active to be announced ("TBA") market which is very liquid, as well as the U.S. treasury market. The model also utilizes additional information, such as the weighted average maturity, weighted average coupon and other available pool level data which is provided by the sponsoring agency. Valuations are also corroborated with daily active market quotes. Non-agency mortgage-backed Level 2 - The Company’s non-agency mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments include non-agency prime residential mortgage-backed and non-agency Alt-A fixed maturity investments. The Company has no fixed maturity investments classified as sub-prime held in its fixed maturity investments portfolio. At March 31, 2013, the Company’s non-agency prime residential mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments have a weighted average effective yield of 3.4%, a weighted average credit quality of BBB, and a weighted average life of 4.4 years (December 31, 2012 - 3.6%, BBB and 4.5 years, respectively). The Company’s non-agency Alt-A fixed maturity investments held at March 31, 2013 have a weighted average effective yield of 4.8%, a weighted average credit quality of non-investment grade and a weighted average life of 4.7 years (December 31, 2012 - 5.2%, non-investment grade and 4.7 years, respectively). Securities held in these sectors are primarily priced by pricing services using an option adjusted spread (”OAS”) model or other relevant models, which principally utilize inputs including benchmark yields, available trade information or broker quotes, and issuer spreads. The pricing services also review collateral prepayment speeds, loss severity and delinquencies among other collateral performance indicators for the securities valuation, when applicable. Commercial mortgage-backed Level 2 - The Company’s commercial mortgage-backed fixed maturity investments held at March 31, 2013 have a weighted average effective yield of 1.9%, a weighted average credit quality of AA, and a weighted average life of 3.6 years (December 31, 2012 - 1.7%, AA and 3.7 years, respectively). Securities held in these sectors are primarily priced by pricing services. The pricing services apply dealer quotes and other available trade information such as bid and offers, prepayment speeds which may be adjusted for the underlying collateral or current price data, the U.S. treasury curve and swap curve as well as cash settlement. The pricing services discount the expected cash flows for each security held in this sector using a spread adjusted benchmark yield based on the characteristics of the security. Asset-backed Level 2 - At March 31, 2013, the Company’s asset-backed fixed maturity investments had a weighted average effective yield of 0.8%, a weighted average credit quality of AAA and a weighted average life of 3.3 years (December 31, 2012 - 1.8%, AAA and 3.5 years, respectively). The underlying collateral for the Company’s asset-backed fixed maturity investments primarily consists of student loans, credit card receivables, auto loans and other receivables. Securities held in these sectors are primarily priced by pricing services. The pricing services apply dealer quotes and other available trade information such as bids and offers, prepayment speeds which may be adjusted for the underlying collateral or current price data, the U.S. treasury curve and swap curve as well as cash settlement. The pricing services determine the expected cash flows for each security held in this sector using historical prepayment and default projections for the underlying collateral and current market data. In addition, a spread is applied to the relevant benchmark and used to discount the cash flows noted above to determine the fair value of the securities held in this sector. Short Term Investments Level 2 - The fair value of the Company's portfolio of short term investments are generally determined using amortized cost which approximates fair value and, in certain cases, in a manner similar to the Company’s fixed maturity investments noted above. Equity Investments, Classified as Trading Level 1 - The fair value of the Company's portfolio of equity investments, classified as trading are primarily priced by pricing services, reflecting the closing price quoted for the final trading day of the period. When pricing these securities, the pricing services utilize daily data from many real time market sources, including active broker dealers and applicable securities exchanges. All data sources are regularly reviewed for accuracy to attempt to ensure the most reliable price source was used for each issue. Other investments Senior secured bank loan funds Level 2 - At March 31, 2013, the Company’s investments in senior secured bank loan funds include funds that invest primarily in bank loans and other senior debt instruments. The fair value of the Company’s senior secured bank loan funds are determined using the net asset value per share of the funds. Investments of $175.6 million are redeemable, in part on a monthly basis, or in whole over a three month period. Catastrophe bonds Level 2 - The Company's other investments include investments in catastrophe bonds which are recorded at fair value based on broker or underwriter bid indications. Other assets and liabilities Derivatives Level 1 and Level 2 - Other assets and liabilities include certain other derivatives entered into by the Company. The fair value of these transactions include certain exchange traded foreign currency forward contracts which are considered Level 1, and certain credit derivatives, determined using standard industry valuation models and considered Level 2, as the inputs to the valuation model are based on observable market inputs, including credit spreads, credit ratings of the underlying referenced security, the risk free rate and the contract term. In addition, included in Level 2 are certain exchange traded weather and energy related derivatives primarily to address weather and energy risks, and hedging and trading activities related to these risks. The trading markets for these derivatives are generally linked to energy and agriculture commodities, weather and other natural phenomena and can be illiquid in nature. In these instances, the Company utilizes information from the most recent trade to establish fair value. Other Level 2 - The liabilities measured at fair value and included in Level 2 at March 31, 2013 of $2.0 million are principally cash settled restricted stock units (“CSRSU”) that form part of the Company's compensation program. The fair value of the Company's CSRSUs is determined using observable exchange traded prices for the Company's common shares. Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value Below is a summary of quantitative information regarding the significant observable and unobservable inputs (Level 3) used in determining the fair value of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
| At March 31, 2013 | Fair Value (Level 3) |  | Valuation Technique |  | Unobservable (U) and Observable (O) Inputs |  | Low |  | High |  | Weighted Average or Actual |
| Fixed maturity investments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Corporate | $ | 17,813 |  |  | Discounted cash flow ("DCF") |  | Credit spread (U) |  | n/a |  | n/a |  | 2.4 | % |
|  |  |  |  |  | Illiquidity premium (U) |  | n/a |  | n/a |  | 1.0 | % |
|  |  |  |  |  | Risk-free rate (O) |  | n/a |  | n/a |  | 0.1 | % |
|  |  |  |  |  | Dividend rate (O) |  | n/a |  | n/a |  | 5.9 | % |
|  | 10,254 |  |  | Internal valuation model |  | Private transaction (U) |  | n/a |  | n/a |  | See below |  |
| Total fixed maturity investments | 28,067 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Other investments |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Private equity partnerships | 345,666 |  |  | Net asset valuation |  | Estimated performance (U) |  | (12.0 | )% |  | 120.0 | % |  | 4.9 | % |
| Senior secured bank loan funds | 28,537 |  |  | Net asset valuation |  | Estimated performance (U) |  | 0.8 | % |  | 2.1 | % |  | 1.3 | % |
| Hedge funds | 5,219 |  |  | Net asset valuation |  | Estimated performance (U) |  | 0.0 | % |  | 0.0 | % |  | 0.0 | % |
| Miscellaneous other investment | 22,784 |  |  | Net asset valuation |  | Estimated performance (U) |  | n/a |  | n/a |  | 0.9 | % |
| Total other investments | 402,206 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Other assets and (liabilities) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts | 676 |  |  | Internal valuation model |  | Net premiums written (O) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | $6.5 million |  |
|  |  |  |  |  | Contract period (O) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | 365 days |  |
|  |  |  |  |  | Net reserve for claims and claim expenses (U) |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | See below |  |
| Weather and energy related derivatives | 20,027 |  |  | Spread option; Quanto; Black Scholes; Simulation |  | Correlation (U) |  | 0 |  |  | 1 |  |  | See below |  |
|  |  |  |  |  | Volatility (U) |  | 4.0 | % |  | 79.0 | % |  | See below |  |
|  |  |  |  |  | Commodity curve (U) |  | $ | 3.83 |  |  | $ | 93.26 |  |  | See below |  |
|  |  |  |  |  | Weather curve (U) |  | 7 |  |  | 5,427 |  |  | See below |  |
|  |  |  |  |  | Counterparty default risk (U) |  | 0.0 | % |  | 22.5 | % |  | See below |  |
| Other | 625 |  |  | Internal valuation model |  | Private transaction (U) |  | n/a |  | n/a |  | See below |  |
| Total other assets and (liabilities) | 21,328 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
|  | $ | 451,601 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Fixed Maturity Investments Corporate Level 3 - Included in the Company's corporate fixed maturity investments is an investment with a fair value of $17.8 million in the preferred equity of a property and casualty insurance group organized to market residential property insurance in North America. The Company measures the fair value of this investment using a DCF model and seeks to incorporate all relevant information reasonably available to it. The Company considers the contractual agreement which stipulates the methodology for calculating a dividend rate to be paid upon liquidation, conversion or redemption. At March 31, 2013, the dividend rate was 5.9%. In addition, the Company has estimated an illiquidity premium of 1.0%, a risk-free rate of 0.1% and a credit spread of 2.4%. To ensure the estimate for fair value determined using the DCF model is reasonable, the Company reviews private market comparables of similar investments, if available, and in particular, credit ratings of other private market comparables for similar investments to determine the appropriateness of its estimate of fair value using a DCF model. The fair value of the Company's investment in corporate fixed maturity investments determined by a DCF model is positively correlated to the dividend rate, and inversely correlated to the credit spread, illiquidity premium and the risk-free rate. In addition, the Company's corporate fixed maturity investments include an investment with a fair value of $10.3 million at March 31, 2013 in the preferred equity of a company that provides insurance for a variety of veterinarian costs, including surgeries, medication and diagnostic testing. When utilizing an internal valuation model to determine the fair value of this investment, the Company uses a combination of quantitative and qualitative factors, which may include, but are not limited to, discounted cash flow analysis, financial statement analysis, budgets and forecasts, capital transactions and third party valuations. In circumstances where a private market transaction has recently occurred, the Company will evaluate the comparability of that transaction and incorporate it into its internal valuation model accordingly. Recent private market transactions of investments similar to that held by the Company have been used to determine the fair value of $10.3 million at March 31, 2013, as the Company believes it represents the price that would be received upon the sale of its investment in an orderly transaction among market participants. Consequently, should future relevant private market transactions occur, the Company will re-evaluate the information available used to determine fair value of this investment and record any adjustments to fair value in its consolidated statements of operations. Other investments Private equity partnerships Level 3 - Included in the Company’s $345.7 million of investments in private equity partnerships at March 31, 2013 are alternative asset limited partnerships (or similar corporate structures) that invest in certain private equity asset classes including U.S. and global leveraged buyouts; mezzanine investments; distressed securities; real estate; and oil, gas and power. The fair value of private equity partnership investments is based on current estimated net asset values established in accordance with the governing documents of such investments and is obtained from the investment manager or general partner of the respective entity. The type of underlying investments held by the investee which form the basis of the net asset valuation include assets such as private business ventures, for which the Company does not have access to financial information. As a result, the Company is unable to corroborate the fair value measurement of the underlying investments of the private equity partnership and therefore requires significant management judgment to determine the fair value of the private equity partnership. In circumstances where there is a reporting lag between the current period end reporting date and the reporting date of the latest fund valuation, the Company estimates the fair value of these funds by starting with the prior month or quarter-end fund valuations, adjusting these valuations for actual capital calls, redemptions or distributions, as well as the impact of changes in foreign currency exchange rates, and then estimating the return for the current period. In circumstances in which the Company estimates the return for the current period, all relevant information reasonably available to the Company is utilized. This principally includes preliminary estimates reported to the Company by its fund managers, obtaining the valuation of underlying portfolio investments where such underlying investments are publicly traded and therefore have a readily observable price, using information that is available to the Company with respect to the underlying investments, reviewing various indices for similar investments or asset classes, as well as estimating returns based on the results of similar types of investments for which the Company has obtained reported results, or other valuation methods, where possible. The range of such current estimated periodic returns for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was negative 12.0% to positive 120.0% with a weighted average of positive 4.9%. The fair value of the Company's investment in private equity partnerships is positively correlated to the estimated periodic rate of return. The Company also considers factors such as recent financial information, the value of capital transactions with the partnership and management’s judgment regarding whether any adjustments should be made to the net asset value. For each respective private equity partnership, the Company obtains and reviews the valuation methodology used by the investment manager or general partner and the latest audited financial statements to ensure that the investment partnership is following fair value principles consistent with GAAP in determining the net asset value of each limited partner's interest. Senior secured bank loan funds Level 3 - The Company has $28.5 million invested in closed end funds which invest primarily in loans. The Company has no right to redeem its investment in these funds. The Company’s investments in these funds are valued using estimated monthly net asset valuations received from the investment manager. The lock up provisions in these funds result in a lack of current observable market transactions between the fund participants and the funds, and therefore, the Company considers the fair value of its investment in these funds to be determined using Level 3 inputs. The Company obtains and reviews the latest audited financial statements to attempt to ensure that these funds are following fair value principles consistent with GAAP in determining the net asset value. Hedge funds Level 3 - The Company has $5.2 million of hedge fund investments that are invested in so called "side pockets" or illiquid investments. In these instances, the Company generally does not have the right to redeem its interest, and as such, the Company classifies this portion of its investment as Level 3. The fair value of these illiquid investments are determined by adjusting the previous periods' reported net asset value (generally one month in arrears) for an estimated periodic rate of return obtained from the respective investment manager. For each respective hedge fund investment, the Company obtains and reviews the valuation methodology used by the investment manager and the latest audited financial statements to ensure that the hedge fund investment is following fair value principles consistent with GAAP in determining the net asset value. Miscellaneous other investment Level 3 - The Company has an investment of $22.8 million at March 31, 2013 in the common equity of a mortgage insurance company which provides private capital to lenders and investors that support financing for homeowner mortgages. The fair value of this investment is based on the net asset value obtained from the management of the mortgage insurance company and incorporates both actual and expected results for the current period. The fair value of the Company's investment is positively correlated to the net asset valuation. The Company also considers factors such as recent financial information, the value of capital transactions with the mortgage insurance company and management's judgment regarding whether any adjustments should be made to the net asset value. Other assets and liabilities Assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts Level 3 - The $0.7 million fair value of the Company's assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts accounted for at fair value is obtained through the use of an internal valuation model with the inputs to the internal valuation model based on proprietary data as observable market inputs are not available. The most significant unobservable inputs are the reserve for claims and claim expenses and losses recoverable. Generally, an increase (decrease) in the reserve for claims and claim expenses, or a decrease (increase) in losses recoverable, would result in a decrease (increase) to the fair value of the Company's assumed and ceded (re)insurance contracts. Weather and Energy Related Derivatives Level 3 - Derivatives measured at fair value include net assets of $20.0 million related to proprietary, non-exchange traded derivative-based risk management products primarily to address weather and energy risks, and hedging and trading activities related to these risks. The trading markets for these derivatives are generally linked to energy and agriculture commodities, weather and other natural phenomena and in instances where market prices are not available, the Company uses industry or internally developed valuation techniques such as spread option, Black Scholes, quanto and simulation modeling to determine fair value. These models may reference prices for similar instruments. Observable and unobservable inputs to these valuation techniques vary by contract requirements and commodity type, are validated using market-based or independently sourced parameters where applicable and would typically include the following, if applicable, dependent on contract requirements and commodity type:
• | observable inputs: contract price, notional, option strike, term to expiry, interest rate, contractual limits;
• | unobservable inputs: correlation; and
• | both observable and unobservable: spot and forward volatilities, forward commodity price, forward weather curve, counterparty credit risk.
The range of each unobservable input could vary based on the specific commodity, including, but not limited to natural gas, electricity, crude, liquids, temperature or precipitation. Due to the diversity of the portfolio, the range of unobservable inputs could be wide-spread as reflected in the above table on quantitative information. If a trade has one or more significant valuation inputs that are unobservable, such trades are initially valued at the transaction price, which is considered to be the best initial estimate of fair value. Subsequent to the initial valuation, the Company updates market observable inputs to reflect observable market changes. The unobservable inputs are validated at each reporting period and are only changed when corroborated by evidence such as similar market transactions, third-party pricing services and/or broker or dealer quotations or other empirical market data. The Company seeks to use broker quotes in less liquid markets. Changes in any or all of the unobservable inputs listed above may contribute positively or negatively to the overall portfolio fair value depending upon the underlying position. In general, movements in weather curves are the largest contributing factor that impact fair value. However, trades valued using unobservable inputs represent a small percentage of the total number of transactions in the portfolio. Pricing models utilized in these operations are internally approved by an internal management risk committee prior to implementation and are reviewed periodically. Other The Company also has an investment in the preferred equity of a company that develops online risk management products primarily focused on motor fuels risk. The fair value of this investment at March 31, 2013 of $0.6 million was determined using recent private market transactions. In instances where private market transactions are not available, the fair value is measured using a number of qualitative and quantitative factors, including but not limited to a net asset estimation of the company, projected earnings, and any other information that may be available to the Company. At March 31, 2013, the Company determined that the fair value of its investment was appropriate when compared to the net asset position of the company and recent private market transactions. Should the net asset position of the company increase or decrease, the fair value of the Company's investment would also correspondingly increase or decrease, as applicable. Below is a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances, for the periods shown, of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs. Interest and dividend income are included in net investment income and are excluded from the reconciliation.
|  | Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |
|  | Fixed maturity investments, trading |  | Other investments |  | Other assets and (liabilities) |  | Total |
| Balance - January 1, 2013 | $ | 27,792 |  |  | $ | 381,067 |  |  | $ | 25,940 |  |  | $ | 434,799 |  |
| Total unrealized gains (losses) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Included in net investment income | 275 |  |  | 13,016 |  |  | — |  |  | 13,291 |  |
| Included in other income (loss) | — |  |  | — |  |  | 9,776 |  |  | 9,776 |  |
| Total realized losses |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Included in other income (loss) | — |  |  | — |  |  | 6,108 |  |  | 6,108 |  |
| Total foreign exchange gains | — |  |  | (781 | ) |  | (80 | ) |  | (861 | ) |
| Purchases | — |  |  | 10,785 |  |  | — |  |  | 10,785 |  |
| Sales | — |  |  | (424 | ) |  | — |  |  | (424 | ) |
| Settlements | — |  |  | (19,699 | ) |  | (2,174 | ) |  | (21,873 | ) |
| Reclassified from other assets to other investments | — |  |  | 18,242 |  |  | (18,242 | ) |  | — |  |
| Net transfers into Level 3 | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |
| Balance - March 31, 2013 | $ | 28,067 |  |  | $ | 402,206 |  |  | $ | 21,328 |  |  | $ | 451,601 |  |
| Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in net investment income | $ | 275 |  |  | $ | 13,016 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 13,291 |  |
| Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in other income (loss) | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 11,893 |  |  | $ | 11,893 |  |
|  | Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) |
|  | Fixed maturity investments trading |  | Other investments |  | Other assets and (liabilities) |  | Total |
| Balance - January 1, 2012 | $ | 27,761 |  |  | $ | 396,526 |  |  | $ | 28,526 |  |  | $ | 452,813 |  |
| Total unrealized gains (losses) |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Included in net investment income | 77 |  |  | 29,107 |  |  | — |  |  | 29,184 |  |
| Included in other income (loss) | — |  |  | — |  |  | 18,563 |  |  | 18,563 |  |
| Total realized gains |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
| Included in other income (loss) | — |  |  | — |  |  | (55,308 | ) |  | (55,308 | ) |
| Total foreign exchange losses | — |  |  | 730 |  |  | (377 | ) |  | 353 |  |
| Purchases | — |  |  | 12,689 |  |  | 9,281 |  |  | 21,970 |  |
| Sales | — |  |  | — |  |  | (13,431 | ) |  | (13,431 | ) |
| Settlements | — |  |  | (20,515 | ) |  | 60,891 |  |  | 40,376 |  |
| Net transfers into Level 3 | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |  | — |  |
| Balance - March 31, 2012 | $ | 27,838 |  |  | $ | 418,537 |  |  | $ | 48,145 |  |  | $ | 494,520 |  |
| Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in net investment income | $ | 77 |  |  | $ | 29,107 |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 29,184 |  |
| Change in unrealized gains for the period included in earnings for assets held at the end of the period included in other income (loss) | $ | — |  |  | $ | — |  |  | $ | 10,513 |  |  | $ | 10,513 |  |
Financial Instruments Disclosed, But Not Carried, at Fair Value The Company uses various financial instruments in the normal course of its business. The Company's insurance contracts are excluded from fair value of financial instruments accounting guidance, unless the Company elects the fair value option, and therefore, are not included in the amounts discussed herein. The carrying values of cash, accrued interest, receivables for investments sold, certain other assets, payables for investments purchased, certain other liabilities, and other financial instruments not included herein approximated their fair values. Senior Notes In March 2010, RenRe North America Holdings Inc. (“RRNAH”) issued $250.0 million of 5.75% Senior Notes due March 15, 2020, with interest on the notes payable on March 15 and September 15 of each year. At March 31, 2013, the fair value of the 5.75% Senior Notes was $284.2 million (December 31, 2012 - $281.2 million). The fair value of RRNAH’s 5.75% Senior Notes is determined using indicative market pricing obtained from third-party service providers, which the Company considers Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. There have been no changes during the period in the Company's valuation technique used to determine the fair value of its Senior Notes. The Fair Value Option for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities The Company has elected to account for certain assets and liabilities at fair value using the guidance under FASB ASC Topic Financial Instruments as the Company believes it represents the most meaningful measurement basis for these assets and liabilities. Below is a summary of the balances the Company has elected to account for at fair value:
|  | March 31, 2013 |  | December 31, 2012 |
| Other investments | $ | 652,802 |  |  | $ | 644,711 |  |
| Other assets | $ | 1,301 |  |  | $ | 21,513 |  |
Included in net investment income for the three months ended March 31, 2013 was net unrealized gains of $15.1 million related to the changes in fair value of other investments (2012 – $35.3 million). Net unrealized losses related to the changes in the fair value of other assets and liabilities recorded in other income (loss) was $Nil for the three months ended March 31, 2013 (2012 – net unrealized losses of $2.1 million). Measuring the Fair Value of Other Investments Using Net Asset Valuations The table below shows the Company’s portfolio of other investments measured using net asset valuations:
| At March 31, 2013 | Fair Value |  | Unfunded Commitments |  | Redemption Frequency |  | Redemption Notice Period (Minimum Days) |  | Redemption Notice Period (Maximum Days) |
| Private equity partnerships | $ | 345,666 |  |  | $ | 84,958 |  |  | See below |  | See below |  | See below |
| Senior secured bank loan funds | 204,114 |  |  | 17,506 |  |  | See below |  | See below |  | See below |
| Hedge funds | 5,219 |  |  | — |  |  | See below |  | See below |  | See below |
| Miscellaneous other investment | 22,784 |  |  | 19,730 |  |  | See below |  | See below |  | See below |
| Total other investments measured using net asset valuations | $ | 577,783 |  |  | $ | 122,194 |  |  |  |  |  |  |  |
Private equity partnerships – Included in the Company’s investments in private equity partnerships are alternative asset limited partnerships (or similar corporate structures) that invest in certain private equity asset classes including U.S. and global leveraged buyouts; mezzanine investments; distressed securities; real estate; and oil, gas and power. The fair values of the investments in this category have been estimated using the net asset value of the investments, as discussed in detail above. The Company generally has no right to redeem its interest in any of these private equity partnerships in advance of dissolution of the applicable partnership. Instead, the nature of these investments is that distributions are received by the Company in connection with the liquidation of the underlying assets of the applicable limited partnership. It is estimated that the majority of the underlying assets of the limited partnerships would liquidate over 7 to 10 years from inception of the limited partnership. Senior secured bank loan funds – The Company’s investment in senior secured bank loan funds includes funds that invest primarily in bank loans and other senior debt instruments. The fair values of the investments in this category have been determined using the net asset value per share of the funds or the estimated net asset per share where applicable, as discussed in detail above. Investments of $175.6 million are redeemable, in part on a monthly basis, or in whole over a three month period. The Company also has $28.5 million invested in closed end funds which invest in loans. The Company has no right to redeem its investment in these funds. Hedge funds – The Company invests in hedge funds that pursue multiple strategies. The fair values of the investments in this category are estimated using the net asset value per share of the funds, as discussed in detail above. The Company's investments in hedge funds at March 31, 2013, are $5.2 million of so called “side pocket” investments which are not redeemable at the option of the shareholder. The Company fully redeemed the remaining non-side pocket investments in hedge funds during June 2012. The Company has retained its interest in the side pocket investments until the underlying investments attributable to such side pockets are liquidated, realized or deemed realized at the discretion of the fund manager. Miscellaneous other investment – The Company has an investment of $22.8 million at March 31, 2013 in the common equity of a mortgage insurance company which provides private capital to lenders and investors that supports financing for homeowner mortgages. The fair value of this investment is based on the net asset value obtained from the management of the mortgage insurance company and incorporates both actual and expected results for the current period. The fair value of the Company's investment is positively correlated to the net asset valuation. The Company also considers factors such as recent financial information, the value of capital transactions with the mortgage insurance company and management's judgment regarding whether any adjustments should be made to the net asset value.

X
- Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresAbstract
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration

X
- Definition The entire disclosure for the fair value of financial instruments (as defined), including financial assets and financial liabilities (collectively, as defined), and the measurements of those instruments as well as disclosures related to the fair value of non-financial assets and liabilities. Such disclosures about the financial instruments, assets, and liabilities would include: (1) the fair value of the required items together with their carrying amounts (as appropriate); (2) for items for which it is not practicable to estimate fair value, disclosure would include: (a) information pertinent to estimating fair value (including, carrying amount, effective interest rate, and maturity, and (b) the reasons why it is not practicable to estimate fair value; (3) significant concentrations of credit risk including: (a) information about the activity, region, or economic characteristics identifying a concentration, (b) the maximum amount of loss the entity is exposed to based on the gross fair value of the related item, (c) policy for requiring collateral or other security and information as to accessing such collateral or security, and (d) the nature and brief description of such collateral or security; (4) quantitative information about market risks and how such risks are managed; (5) for items measured on both a recurring and nonrecurring basis information regarding the inputs used to develop the fair value measurement; and (6) for items presented in the financial statement for which fair value measurement is elected: (a) information necessary to understand the reasons for the election, (b) discussion of the effect of fair value changes on earnings, (c) a description of [similar groups] items for which the election is made and the relation thereof to the balance sheet, the aggregate carrying value of items included in the balance sheet that are not eligible for the election; (7) all other required (as defined) and desired information. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 16 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13504-108611 Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 107 -Paragraph 15C, 15D -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 133 -Paragraph 44A, 44B -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 107 -Paragraph 15A -Subparagraph a-d -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 107 -Paragraph 3, 10, 14, 15 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 10 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13433-108611 Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 159 -Paragraph 17-22, 27, 28 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 21 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7491637&loc=d3e13537-108611 Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 107 -Paragraph 15B -Subparagraph a, b -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS) -Number 157 -Paragraph 32, 33, 34 -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy. Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 820 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 2 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=7578670&loc=d3e19207-110258 Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 28 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14064-108612 Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 825 -SubTopic 10 -Section 50 -Paragraph 30 -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6957238&loc=d3e14172-108612 + Details
Name: | us-gaap_FairValueDisclosuresTextBlock
Namespace Prefix: | us-gaap_
Data Type: | nonnum:textBlockItemType
Balance Type: | na
Period Type: | duration