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REINSURANCE (DETAILS) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Premiums written
Gross									$ 4,603,730	$ 4,711,519	$ 4,697,041
Ceded									(929,064)	(804,544)	(768,841)
Net									3,674,666	3,906,975	3,928,200
Premiums earned
Gross									4,567,953	4,652,345	4,459,269
Ceded									(881,536)	(781,346)	(752,204)
Net	$ 921,812	$ 919,341	$ 941,211	$ 904,053	$ 958,517	$ 966,138	$ 1,000,400	$ 945,949	3,686,417	3,870,999	3,707,065
Reinsurance receivables:
Ceded losses and loss expenses									577,000	401,000	$ 415,000
Provision for unrecoverable reinsurance	$ 18,000				$ 18,000				$ 18,000	$ 18,000
AM Best A minus Or Better Rating [Member] | Gross Reinsurance Recoverable [Member]
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of gross reinsurance recoverables collectible from reinsurers rated A- or better by A.M. Best									96.20%	98.50%

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