v2.4.0.6
INCOME TAXES (DETAILS 6) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Dec. 31, 2010
Dec. 31, 2009
Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]      
Income before income taxes $ 61,538 $ 895,403 $ 539,861
Reconciliation of effective tax rate (% of income before income taxes) [Abstract]      
Valuation allowance (15.50%) (1.00%) 1.20%
Net tax exempt income (11.20%) (0.60%) (0.90%)
Other 4.30% (0.30%) 0.30%
Actual tax rate 24.80% 4.30% 7.80%
Bermuda [Member]
     
Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]      
Income before income taxes 10,911 713,100 404,575
Reconciliation of effective tax rate (% of income before income taxes) [Abstract]      
Expected tax rate 0.00% 0.00% 0.00%
U.S. [Member]
     
Reconciliation of effective tax rate (% of income before income taxes) [Abstract]      
Foreign taxes at local expected rates 33.20% 5.10% 6.80%
European Tax Authorities [Member]
     
Reconciliation of effective tax rate (% of income before income taxes) [Abstract]      
Foreign taxes at local expected rates 10.70% 1.30% 1.00%
Other Tax Authorities [Member]
     
Effective Income Tax Rate Continuing Operations Tax Rate Reconciliation [Line Items]      
Income before income taxes $ 50,627 $ 182,303 $ 135,286
Reconciliation of effective tax rate (% of income before income taxes) [Abstract]      
Foreign taxes at local expected rates 3.30% (0.20%) (0.60%)