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Fair Value Measurements (Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified | Dec. 31, 2011 | Dec. 31, 2010 | Jun. 30, 2009
--- | --- | --- | ---
Fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity - at carrying value (fair value: $811 - 2010) | $ 712,348 | $ 1,214,324 |
Fixed maturity securities, AFS | 2,897,373 | 2,342,742 |
Equity securities, AFS | 157,355 | 69,636 | 31,100
Short-term investments | 217,044 | 161,155 |
Notes payable | 307,360 | 262,333 |
Carrying Amount [Member] |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity - at carrying value (fair value: $811 - 2010) | 712,348 | 1,214,324 |
Fixed maturity securities, AFS | 2,897,373 | 2,342,742 |
Equity securities, AFS | 157,355 | 69,636 |
Short-term investments | 217,044 | 161,155 |
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR | 3,212 | 5,002 |
Notes payable | 307,360 | 262,333 |
Carrying Amount [Member] | Seven Point Twenty Five Percent Senior Notes [Member] |  |  |
Notes payable | 49,908 | 49,904 |
Carrying Amount [Member] | Six Point Seventy Percent Senior Notes [Member] |  |  |
Notes payable | 99,452 | 99,429 |
Carrying Amount [Member] | Seven Point Fifty Percent Junior Notes [Member] |  |  |
Notes payable | 100,000 | 100,000 |
Carrying Amount [Member] | Two Point Ninety Percent Borrowing From Federal Home Loan Bank [Member] |  |  |
Notes payable | 13,000 | 13,000 |
Carrying Amount [Member] | One Point Twenty Five Percent Borrowing From Federal Home Loan Bank [Member] |  |  |
Notes payable | 45,000 | 0 |
Fair Value [Member] |  |  |
Fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity - at carrying value (fair value: $811 - 2010) | 758,043 | 1,256,294 |
Fixed maturity securities, AFS | 2,897,373 | 2,342,742 |
Equity securities, AFS | 157,355 | 69,636 |
Short-term investments | 217,044 | 161,155 |
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR | 3,212 | 5,002 |
Notes payable | 323,054 | 258,516 |
Fair Value [Member] | Seven Point Twenty Five Percent Senior Notes [Member] |  |  |
Notes payable | 51,111 | 55,190 |
Fair Value [Member] | Six Point Seventy Percent Senior Notes [Member] |  |  |
Notes payable | 113,195 | 90,097 |
Fair Value [Member] | Seven Point Fifty Percent Junior Notes [Member] |  |  |
Notes payable | 100,360 | 99,840 |
Fair Value [Member] | Two Point Ninety Percent Borrowing From Federal Home Loan Bank [Member] |  |  |
Notes payable | 13,759 | 13,389 |
Fair Value [Member] | One Point Twenty Five Percent Borrowing From Federal Home Loan Bank [Member] |  |  |
Notes payable | $ 44,629 | $ 0 |

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