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Summary of Estimated Fair Values of Bonds Held on Deposit (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands | Sep. 30, 2015 | Dec. 31, 2014
--- | --- | ---
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] |  |  |
Estimated Fair Value |  | $ 919,373 | $ 856,068
On Deposit With Governmental Authorities |  |  |
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] |  |  |
Estimated Fair Value |  | 39,763 | 32,790
Intercompany Trusts Held For Benefit Of U.S. Policyholders |  |  |
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] |  |  |
Estimated Fair Value |  | 555,859 | 495,301
Held In Trust Pursuant To Third Party Requirements |  |  |
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] |  |  |
Estimated Fair Value |  | 69,153 | 95,828
Letter Of Credit Held For Third Party Requirements |  |  |
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] |  |  |
Estimated Fair Value |  | 6,112 | 9,340
Securities held as collateral for borrowing arrangements |  |  |
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items] |  |  |
Estimated Fair Value | [1] | $ 248,486 | $ 222,809
[1] | Amount required to collateralize margin borrowing facilities.

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