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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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Fair Value Of Securities On Deposit With Various Regulatory Authorities

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