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Fair Value Measurements (Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands | Sep. 30, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010
--- | --- | ---
Held To Maturity Securities | $ 852,843 | $ 1,214,324
Fixed maturity securities, AFS | 2,772,348 | 2,342,742
Equity securities, AFS | 139,203 | 69,636
Short-term investments | 162,812 | 161,155
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR Solutions | 262,353 | 262,333
Carrying Amount [Member] |  |
Held To Maturity Securities | 852,843 | 1,214,324
Fixed maturity securities, AFS | 2,772,348 | 2,342,742
Equity securities, AFS | 139,203 | 69,636
Short-term investments | 162,812 | 161,155
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR | 3,375 | 5,002
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR Solutions | 262,353 | 262,333
Carrying Amount [Member] | Seven Point Twenty Five Percent Senior Notes [Member] |  |
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR Solutions | 49,907 | 49,904
Carrying Amount [Member] | Six Point Seventy Percent Senior Notes [Member] |  |
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR Solutions | 99,446 | 99,429
Carrying Amount [Member] | Seven Point Fifty Percent Junior Notes [Member] |  |
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR Solutions | 100,000 | 100,000
Carrying Amount [Member] | Two Point Ninety Percent Borrowings from FHLBI [Member] |  |
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR Solutions | 13,000 | 13,000
Fair Value [Member] |  |
Held To Maturity Securities | 901,385 | 1,256,294
Fixed maturity securities, AFS | 2,772,348 | 2,342,742
Equity securities, AFS | 139,203 | 69,636
Short-term investments | 162,812 | 161,155
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR | 3,375 | 5,002
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR Solutions | 281,637 | 258,516
Fair Value [Member] | Seven Point Twenty Five Percent Senior Notes [Member] |  |
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR Solutions | 58,589 | 55,190
Fair Value [Member] | Six Point Seventy Percent Senior Notes [Member] |  |
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR Solutions | 110,604 | 90,097
Fair Value [Member] | Seven Point Fifty Percent Junior Notes [Member] |  |
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR Solutions | 98,664 | 99,840
Fair Value [Member] | Two Point Ninety Percent Borrowings from FHLBI [Member] |  |
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR Solutions | $ 13,780 | $ 13,389

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