Summary of Signficiant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

(a) Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements ("Financial Statements") include the accounts we have prepared in conformity with: (i) U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"); and (ii) the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

(b) Use of Estimates

The preparation of our Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported financial statement balances, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.

Reclassifications

Certain amounts in our prior years' consolidated financial statements and related notes have been reclassified to conform to the 2011 presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on our net income, stockholders' equity, or cash flows.

Investments

(d) Investments

Fixed maturity securities may include bonds, redeemable preferred stocks, and mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") and asset-backed securities ("ABS"). Fixed maturity securities classified as available-for-sale ("AFS") are reported at fair value. Those fixed maturity securities that we have the ability and positive intent to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity ("HTM") and are carried at either: (i) amortized cost; or (ii) market value at the date of transfer into the HTM category, adjusted for subsequent amortization. The amortized cost of fixed maturity securities is adjusted for amortization of premiums and accretion of discounts over the expected life of the security using the effective yield method. Premiums and discounts arising from the purchase of MBS are amortized over the expected life of the security based on future principal payments, and considering prepayments. These prepayments are estimated based upon historical and projected cash flows. Prepayment assumptions are reviewed quarterly and adjusted to reflect actual prepayments and changes in expectations. Future amortization of any premium and/or discount is also adjusted to reflect the revised assumptions. Interest income, as well as amortization and accretion, is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated Statements of Income. The carrying value of fixed maturity securities is written down to fair value when a decline in value is considered to be other than temporary. See the discussion below on realized investment gains and losses for a description of the accounting for impairments. Unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturity securities classified as AFS, net of tax, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI").

Equity securities, which are classified as AFS, may include common stocks and non-redeemable preferred stocks, and are carried at fair value. Dividend income on these securities is included in "Net investment income earned." The associated unrealized gains and losses, net of tax are included in AOCI. The cost of equity securities is written down to fair value when a decline in value is considered to be other than temporary. See the discussion below on realized investment gains and losses for a description of the accounting for impairments.

Short-term investments may include certain money market instruments, savings accounts, commercial paper, and other debt issues purchased with a maturity of less than one year. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. The associated income is included in "Net investment income earned."

Other investments may include alternative investments and other miscellaneous securities. Alternative investments are accounted for using the equity method. Our share of distributed and undistributed net income from alternative investments is included in "Net investment income earned." Investments in other miscellaneous securities are either accounted for under the equity method or the effective yield method of accounting. Our share of distributed and undistributed net income is included in "Net investment income earned."

Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of the cost of the specific investments sold and are credited or charged to income. Also included in realized gains and losses are the other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") charges recognized in earnings, which are discussed below.

When the fair value of any investment is lower than its cost/amortized cost, an assessment is made to determine if the decline is other than temporary. We regularly review our entire investment portfolio for declines in fair value. If we believe that a decline in the value of an AFS security is temporary, we record the decline as an unrealized loss in AOCI. Temporary declines in the value of an HTM security are not recognized in the consolidated financial statements. Our assessment of a decline in fair value includes judgment as to the financial position and future prospects of the entity that issued the investment security, as well as a review of the security's underlying collateral for fixed maturity investments. Broad changes in the overall market or interest rate environment generally will not lead to a write-down.

Fixed Maturity Securities and Short-Term Investments

Our evaluation for OTTI of a fixed maturity security or a short-term investment may include, but is not limited to, the evaluation of the following factors:

· Whether the decline appears to be issuer or industry specific;

· The degree to which the issuer is current or in arrears in making principal and interest payments on the fixed maturity security;

· The issuer's current financial condition and ability to make future scheduled principal and interest payments on a timely basis;

· Evaluations of projected cash flows;

· Buy/hold/sell recommendations published by outside investment advisors and analysts; and

· Relevant rating history, analysis, and guidance provided by rating agencies and analysts.

OTTI charges are recognized as a realized loss to the extent that they are credit related, unless we have the intent to sell the security or it is more-likely-than not that we will be required to sell the security. In those circumstances, the security is written down to fair value with the entire amount of the writedown charged to earnings as a component of realized losses.

To determine if an impairment is other than temporary, discounted cash flow analyses ("DCFs") are performed on all fixed maturity securities meeting certain criteria. In addition, DCFs are performed on all previously-impaired debt securities that continue to be held by us and all structured securities that were not of high-credit quality at the date of purchase. These impairment assessments include, but are not limited to, the following security types: commercial mortgage-backed securities ("CMBS"); residential mortgage-backed securities ("RMBS"); ABS; collateralized debt obligations ("CDOs"); and corporate fixed maturity securities.

For structured securities, including CMBS, RMBS, ABS, and CDOs, we also consider variables such as expected default, severity, and prepayment assumptions based on security type and vintage, taking into consideration information from credit agencies, historical performance, and other relevant economic and performance factors.

In performing our assessment, we perform a DCF analysis to determine the present value of future cash flows to be generated by the underlying collateral of the security. Any shortfall in the expected present value of the future cash flows from the amortized cost basis of a security is considered a "credit impairment," with the remaining decline to fair value considered a "non-credit impairment." As mentioned above, credit impairments are charged to earnings as a component of realized losses, while non-credit impairments are recorded to other comprehensive income ("OCI") as a component of unrealized losses.

Discounted Cash Flow Assumptions

The discount rate we use in this present value calculation is the effective interest rate implicit in the security at the date of acquisition for those structured securities that were not of high-credit quality at acquisition. For all other securities, we use a discount rate that equals the current yield, excluding the impact of previous OTTI charges, used to accrete the beneficial interest.

If applicable, we use a conditional default rate assumption in the present value calculation to estimate future defaults. The conditional default rate is the proportion of all loans outstanding in a security at the beginning of a time period that is expected to default during that period. Our assumption of this rate takes into consideration the uncertainty of future defaults as well as whether or not these securities have experienced significant cumulative losses or delinquencies to date.

If applicable, conditional default rate assumptions apply at the total collateral pool level held in the securitization trust. Generally, collateral conditional default rates will "ramp-up" over time as the collateral seasons, the performance begins to weaken, and losses begin to surface. As time passes, depending on the collateral type and vintage, losses will peak and performance will begin to improve as weaker borrowers are removed from the pool through delinquency resolutions. In the later years of a collateral pool's life, performance is generally materially better as the resulting favorable selection of the portfolio improves the overall quality and performance.

For CMBS, we may also consider the net operating income ("NOI") generated by the underlying properties. Our assumptions of the properties' ultimate cash flows take into consideration both an immediate reduction to the reported NOIs and decreases to projected NOIs.

If applicable, we also use a loan loss severity assumption in our DCF that is applied at the loan level of the collateral pool. The loan loss severity assumption represents the estimated percentage loss on the loan-to-value exposure for a particular security. For CMBS, the loan loss severities applied are based on property type. Losses generated from the evaluations are then applied to the entire underlying deal structure in accordance with the original service agreements.

Equity Securities

Evaluation for OTTI of an equity security may include, but is not limited to, the evaluation of the following factors:

· Whether the decline appears to be issuer or industry specific;

· The relationship of market prices per share to book value per share at the date of acquisition and date of evaluation;

· The price-earnings ratio at the time of acquisition and date of evaluation;

· The financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, including any specific events that may influence the issuer's operations, coupled with our intention to hold the securities in the near-term;

· The recent income or loss of the issuer;

· The independent auditors' report on the issuer's recent financial statements;

· The dividend policy of the issuer at the date of acquisition and the date of evaluation;

· Buy/hold/sell recommendations or price projections published by outside investment advisors;

· Rating agency announcements;

· The length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been, or is expected to be, less than its cost in the near term; and

· Our expectation of when the cost of the security will be recovered.

If there is a decline in the fair value on an equity security that we do not intend to hold, or if we determine the decline is other-than-temporary, including declines driven by market volatility for which we cannot assert will recover in the near term, we will write down the carrying value of the investment and record the charge through earnings as a component of realized losses.

Other Investments

Our evaluation for OTTI of an other investment (i.e., an alternative investment) may include, but is not limited to, conversations with the management of the alternative investment concerning the following:

· The current investment strategy;

· Changes made or future changes to be made to the investment strategy;

· Emerging issues that may affect the success of the strategy; and

· The appropriateness of the valuation methodology used regarding the underlying investments.

If there is a decline in fair value on an other investment that we do not intend to hold, or if we determine the decline is other than temporary, we write down the cost of the investment and record the charge through earnings as a component of realized losses.

Fair Values of Financial Instruments

(e) Fair Values of Financial Instruments

Assets

The fair values of our investments are generated using various valuation techniques and are placed into the fair value hierarchy considering the following: (i) the highest priority is given to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1); (ii) the next highest priority is given to quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets in markets that are not active and other inputs that can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets (Level 2); and (iii) the lowest priority is given to unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity and that reflect our assumptions about the exit price, including assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset (Level 3). An asset's classification within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of significant input to its valuation. Transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy are recognized at the end of the reporting period.

The techniques used to value our investment portfolio are as follows:

For valuations of securities in our equity portfolio and U.S. Treasury notes held in our fixed maturity portfolio, we receive prices from an independent pricing service that are based on observable market transactions. We validate these prices against a second external pricing service and if established market value comparison thresholds are breached, in conjunction with our external investment managers, further analysis is performed to determine the price to be used. These securities are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

For approximately 95% of our fixed maturity portfolio, we utilize a market approach, using primarily matrix pricing models prepared by external pricing services. Matrix pricing models use mathematical techniques to value debt securities by relying on the securities relationship to other benchmark quoted securities, and not relying exclusively on quoted prices for specific securities, as the specific securities are not always frequently traded. As a matter of policy, we consistently use one pricing service as our primary source and secondary pricing services if prices are not available from the primary pricing service. In conjunction with our external investment portfolio managers, fixed maturity portfolio pricing is reviewed for reasonableness in the following ways: (i) comparing positions traded directly by the external investment portfolio managers to prices received from the third-party pricing services; (ii) comparing the primary vendor pricing to other third-party pricing services as well as benchmark indexed pricing; (iii) comparing market value fluctuations between months for reasonableness; and (iv) reviewing stale prices. If further analysis is needed, a challenge is sent to the primary pricing service for review and confirmation of the price. In addition to the tests described above, management also selects a sample of prices for a comparison to a secondary price source. Historically, we have not experienced significant variances in prices, and therefore, we have consistently used our primary pricing service. These prices are typically Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.

For the small portion of our fixed maturity portfolio that we cannot price using our primary service, we use non-binding broker quotes. These prices, which we review for reasonableness, are generally classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy as the inputs cannot be corroborated by observable market data.

Short-term investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Given the liquid nature of our short-term investments, we generally validate their fair value by way of active trades within approximately a week of the financial statement close. These securities are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.

Our investments in other miscellaneous securities are generally accounted for under the equity method or at fair value based on net asset value and included in Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Investments in tax credits are carried under the effective yield method of accounting.

The fair value of the receivable for proceeds related to the sale of our Selective HR Solutions operations ("Selective HR") is estimated using a DCF, which includes our judgment regarding future worksite life generation and retention assumptions. This receivable is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy.

Liabilities

The techniques used to value our notes payable are as follows:

The fair values of the 7.25% Senior Notes due November 15, 2034, the 6.70% Senior Notes due November 1, 2035, and the 7.50% Junior Subordinated Notes due September 27, 2066, are based on quoted market prices.

· The fair value of the 2.90% and 1.25% borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis ("FHLBI") are estimated using a DCF based on a current borrowing rate provided by the FHLBI consistent with the remaining term of the borrowing.

See Note 7. "Fair Value Measurements" for a summary table of the fair value and related carrying amounts of financial instruments.

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

(f) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

We estimate an allowance for doubtful accounts on our premiums receivable. This allowance is based on historical write-off percentages adjusted for the effects of current and anticipated trends. An account is charged off when we believe it is probable that we will not collect a receivable. In making this determination, we consider information obtained from our efforts to collect amounts due directly and/or through collection agencies.

Share-Based Compensation

(g) Share-Based Compensation

Share-based compensation consists of all share-based payment transactions in which an entity acquires goods or services by issuing (or offering to issue) its shares, share units, share options, or other equity instruments. The cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions are recognized in the consolidated financial statements based on the fair value of both equity and liability awards. The fair value is measured at grant date for equity awards, whereas the fair value for liability awards are remeasured at each reporting period. Both the fair value of equity and liability awards is recognized over the requisite service period. The requisite service period is typically the lesser of the vesting period or the period of time from the grant date to the date of retirement eligibility. The expense recognized for share-based awards, which, in some cases, contain performance criteria, is based on the number of shares or units expected to be issued at the end of the performance period.

Reinsurance

(h) Reinsurance

Reinsurance recoverables represent estimates of amounts that will be recovered from reinsurers under our various treaties. Generally, amounts recoverable from reinsurers are recognized as assets at the same time and in a manner consistent with the paid and unpaid losses associated with the reinsured policies. An allowance for estimated uncollectible reinsurance is recorded based on an evaluation of balances due from reinsurers and other available information. We charge off reinsurance recoverables on paid losses when it becomes probable that we will not collect the balance.

Property and Equipment

(i) Property and Equipment

Property and equipment used in operations, including certain costs incurred to develop or obtain computer software for internal use, are capitalized and carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The following estimated useful lives can be considered as general guidelines:

Asset Category	Years
Computer hardware	3
Computer software	3 to 5
Internally developed software	5
Furniture and fixtures	10
Buildings and improvements	5 to 40

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

(j) Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Policy acquisition costs directly related to the writing of insurance policies are deferred and amortized over the life of the policies. These costs include labor costs; commissions; premium taxes and assessments; board, bureau and association fees; travel; and other underwriting expenses incurred in the acquisition of premium. Deferred policy acquisition costs are limited to the sum of unearned premiums and anticipated investment income less anticipated losses and loss expenses, policyholder dividends and other expenses for maintenance of policies in force. See the "Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements" note below for details regarding updated accounting literature on the accounting for deferred policy acquisition costs that we will implement in 2012.

We regularly conduct reviews for potential premium deficiencies at a level consistent with that used for our segment reporting. We group our policies at the Insurance Operations level, considering the following:

Our marketing efforts for all of our product lines within our Insurance Operations revolve around independent agencies and their touch points with our shared customers, the policyholders.
We service our agency distribution channel through our field model, which includes agency management specialists, safety management specialists, claim management specialists, and our Underwriting and Claims Service Centers, all of which service the entire population of insurance contracts acquired through each agency.
We measure the profitability of our business at the Insurance Operations level, which is evident in, among other items, the structure of our incentive compensation programs. We measure the profitability of our agents and calculate their compensation based on overall insurance results and all of our employees, including senior management, are incented based on overall insurance results.

There were no premium deficiencies for any of the reported years, as the sum of the anticipated losses and loss expenses, policyholder dividends, and other expenses for our Insurance Operations segment did not exceed the related unearned premium and anticipated investment income. The investment yields assumed in the premium deficiency assessment for each reporting period, which are based on our actual average investment yield before tax as of the calculation date on September 30, were 4.0% for 2011, 3.6% for 2010, and 2.9% for 2009. Deferred policy acquisition costs amortized to expense were $430.8 million for 2011, $429.5 million for 2010, and $428.6 million for 2009.

Goodwill

(k) Goodwill

Goodwill results from business acquisitions where the cost of assets and liabilities acquired exceeds the fair value of those assets and liabilities. Goodwill is tested for impairment annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that goodwill may be impaired. Goodwill is allocated to the reporting units for the purposes of the impairment test, if applicable.

Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses

(l) Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses

Reserves for losses and loss expenses are comprised of both case reserves and reserves for claims incurred but not yet reported ("IBNR"). Case reserves result from claims that have been reported to our Insurance Subsidiaries and are estimated for the amount of ultimate payment. IBNR reserves are established based on generally accepted actuarial techniques. Such techniques assume that past experience, adjusted for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends, are an appropriate basis for predicting future events. In applying generally accepted actuarial techniques, we also consider a range of possible loss and loss adjustment expense reserves in establishing IBNR.

The internal assumptions considered by us in the estimation of the IBNR amounts for both environmental and non-environmental reserves at our reporting dates are based on: (i) an analysis of both paid and incurred loss and loss expense development trends; (ii) an analysis of both paid and incurred claim count development trends; (iii) the exposure estimates for reported claims; (iv) recent development on exposure estimates with respect to individual large claims and the aggregate of all claims; (v) the rate at which new environmental claims are being reported; and (vi) patterns of events observed by claims personnel or reported to them by defense counsel. External factors identified by us in the estimation of IBNR for both environmental and non-environmental IBNR reserves include: (i) legislative enactments; (ii) judicial decisions; (iii) legal developments in the determination of liability and the imposition of damages; and (iv) trends in general economic conditions, including the effects of inflation. Adjustments to IBNR are made periodically to take into account changes in the volume of business written, claims frequency and severity, the mix of business, claims processing, and other items that are expected by management to affect our reserves for losses and loss expenses over time.

By using both individual estimates of reported claims and generally accepted actuarial reserving techniques, we estimate the ultimate net liability for losses and loss expenses. While the ultimate actual liability may be higher or lower than reserves established, we believe the reserves make a reasonable provision, in the aggregate, for all unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred. Any changes in the liability estimate may be material to the results of operations in future periods. We do not discount to present value that portion of our loss reserves expected to be paid in future periods; however, our loss reserves include anticipated recoveries for salvage and subrogation claims.

Overall reserves are reviewed for adequacy on a periodic basis. As part of the periodic review, we consider the range of possible loss and loss expense reserves, determined at the beginning of the year. This process assumes that past experience, adjusted for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends, is an appropriate basis for predicting future events. However, there is no precise method for subsequently evaluating the impact of any specific factor on the adequacy of reserves because the eventual deficiency or redundancy is affected by many factors. Based upon such reviews, we believe that the estimated reserves for losses and loss expenses make a reasonable provision to cover the ultimate cost of claims. However, the ultimate actual liability may be higher or lower than the reserve established. The changes in these estimates, resulting from the continuous review process and the differences between estimates and ultimate payments, are reflected in the consolidated statements of income for the period in which such estimates are changed and may be material to the results of operations in future periods.

Revenue Recognition

(m) Revenue Recognition

The Insurance Subsidiaries' net premiums written include direct insurance policy writings plus reinsurance assumed and estimates of premiums earned but unbilled on the workers compensation and general liability lines of insurance, less reinsurance ceded. The estimated premium on the workers compensation and general liability lines is referred to as audit premium. We estimate this premium, as it is anticipated to be either billed or returned on policies subsequent to expiration based on exposure levels (i.e. payroll or sales). Audit premium is based on historical trends adjusted for the uncertainty of future economic conditions. Further economic instability could ultimately impact our estimates and assumptions, and changes in our estimate may be material to the results of operations in future periods. Premiums written are recognized as revenue over the period that coverage is provided using the semi-monthly pro-rata method. Unearned premiums and prepaid reinsurance premiums represent that portion of premiums written that are applicable to the unexpired terms of policies in force.

Dividends to Policyholders

(n) Dividends to Policyholders

We establish reserves for dividends to policyholders on certain policies, most significantly workers compensation policies. These dividends are based on the policyholders' loss experience. The dividend reserves are established based on past experience, adjusted for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends. The expense for these dividends is recognized over a period that begins at policy inception and ends with the payment of the dividend. We do not issue policies that entitle the policyholder to participate in the earnings or surplus of the Insurance Subsidiaries.

Federal Income Tax

(o) Federal Income Tax

We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Current federal income taxes are recognized for the estimated taxes payable or refundable on tax returns for the current year. Deferred federal income taxes arise from the recognition of temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is established when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. A liability for uncertain tax positions is recorded when it is more likely than not that a tax position will not be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The effect of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period of enactment.

Leases

(p) Leases

We have various operating leases for office space and equipment. Rental expense for such leases is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term. If a lease has a fixed and determinable escalation clause, or periods of rent holidays, the difference between rental expense and rent paid is included in "Other liabilities" as deferred rent in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

Pension

(q) Pension

Our pension and post-retirement life benefit obligations and related costs are calculated using actuarial methods, within the framework of U.S. GAAP. Two key assumptions, the discount rate and the expected return on plan assets, are important elements of expense and/or liability measurement. We evaluate these key assumptions annually. Other assumptions involve demographic factors such as retirement age, mortality, turnover, and rate of compensation increases. The discount rate enables us to state expected future cash flows at their present value on the measurement date. The purpose of the discount rate is to determine the interest rates inherent in the price at which pension benefits could be effectively settled. Our discount rate selection is based on high-quality, long-term corporate bonds. To determine the expected long-term rate of return on the plan assets, we consider the current and expected asset allocation, as well as historical and expected returns on each plan asset class.