v2.4.0.6

RESERVE FOR LOSSES AND LOSS EXPENSES (DETAILS 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Dec. 31, 2009
Net Favorable Prior Year Reserve Development [Line Items] |  |  |
Net favorable prior year reserve development | $ 257,461 | $ 313,055 | $ 423,172
Insurance [Member] |  |  |
Net Favorable Prior Year Reserve Development [Line Items] |  |  |
Net favorable prior year reserve development | 103,014 | 118,336 | 210,861
Reinsurance [Member] |  |  |
Net Favorable Prior Year Reserve Development [Line Items] |  |  |
Net favorable prior year reserve development | $ 154,447 | $ 194,719 | $ 212,311

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- Definition Amount of provision in the period for claims incurred in prior reporting periods and related claims settlement costs. + References Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher AICPA -Name Statement of Position (SOP) -Number 94-5 -Paragraph 11 -Subparagraph b -LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009.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 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher SEC -Name Financial Reporting Release (FRR) -Number 403 -Paragraph 04 -Subparagraph b Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef -Publisher FASB -Name Accounting Standards Codification -Topic 944 -SubTopic 40 -Section 50 -Paragraph 3 -Subparagraph (b) -URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6482485&loc=d3e14764-158437 + Details
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