XML 49 R16.htm IDEA: XBRL DOCUMENT  v2.3.0.11
Contingencies
 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2011
Contingencies  
Contingencies

10. Contingencies

The Company is, from time to time, named as a defendant in various lawsuits incidental to its insurance business. In most of these actions, plaintiffs assert claims for punitive damages, which are not insurable under judicial decisions. The Company has established reserves for lawsuits in which the Company is able to estimate its potential exposure and the likelihood that the court will rule against the Company is probable. Additionally, from time to time, regulators may take actions to challenge the Company's business practices. The Company vigorously defends actions, unless a reasonable settlement appears appropriate. An unfavorable ruling against the Company in the actions currently pending may have a material impact on the Company's quarterly results of operations in the period of such ruling; however, none is expected to be material to the Company's financial position. For a discussion of legal matters, see the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2010.