Everest (EG) 10-Q 10 May 16 2016 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	May. 01, 2016
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2016
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Entity Registrant Name	EVEREST RE GROUP LTD
Entity Central Index Key	1,095,073
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		42,339,036

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
ASSETS:
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value (amortized cost: 2016, $13,480,045; 2015, $13,276,206)	$ 13,761,652	$ 13,357,294
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at fair value	1,870	2,102
Equity securities - available for sale, at market value (cost: 2016, $123,354; 2015, $122,271)	114,388	108,940
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value	1,313,404	1,337,733
Short-term investments	441,528	799,684
Other invested assets (cost: 2016, $1,109,186; 2015, $786,994)	1,109,186	786,994
Cash	328,943	283,658
Total investments and cash	17,070,971	16,676,405
Accrued investment income	101,789	100,942
Premiums receivable	1,475,155	1,483,090
Reinsurance receivables	920,039	894,037
Funds held by reinsureds	225,320	278,673
Deferred acquisition costs	357,335	372,351
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	176,741	164,971
Income taxes	223,507	258,541
Other assets	304,997	321,818
TOTAL ASSETS	20,855,854	20,550,828
LIABILITIES:
Reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses	9,985,979	9,951,798
Future policy benefit reserve	58,438	58,910
Unearned premium reserve	1,588,506	1,613,390
Funds held under reinsurance treaties	20,745	13,544
Commission reserves	55,960	60,098
Other net payable to reinsurers	179,072	173,087
Losses in course of payment	137,267	112,170
4.868% Senior notes due 6/1/2044	400,000	400,000
6.6% Long term notes due 5/1/2067	238,369	238,368
Accrued interest on debt and borrowings	12,341	3,537
Equity index put option liability	43,725	40,705
Unsettled securities payable	54,984	15,314
Other liabilities	240,169	261,322
Total liabilities	$ 13,015,555	$ 12,942,243
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY:
Preferred shares, par value: $0.01; 50,000 shares authorized; no shares issued and outstanding
Common shares, par value: $0.01; 200,000 shares authorized; (2016) 68,776 and (2015) 68,606 outstanding before treasury shares	$ 688	$ 686
Additional paid-in capital	2,111,828	2,103,638
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $22,446 at 2016 and ($15,863) at 2015	(45,299)	(231,755)
Treasury shares, at cost; 26,377 shares (2016) and 25,912 shares (2015)	(2,971,870)	(2,885,956)
Retained earnings	8,744,952	8,621,972
Total shareholders' equity	7,840,299	7,608,585
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 20,855,854	$ 20,550,828

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fixed maturities - available for sale, at market value, amortized cost	$ 13,480,045	$ 13,276,206
Equity securities - available for sale, at market value, cost	123,354	122,271
Other invested assets, at cost	$ 1,109,186	$ 786,994
Preferred shares, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred shares, authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Preferred shares, issued	0	0
Preferred shares, outstanding	0	0
Common shares, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common shares, authorized	200,000,000	200,000,000
Common shares, outstanding	68,776,000	68,606,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of deferred income tax expense (benefit)	$ 22,446	$ (15,863)
Treasury shares	26,377,000	25,912,000
Long Term Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt instrument, stated interest rate	6.60%	6.60%
Debt instrument, maturity date	May 1, 2067
4.868% Senior notes due 6/1/2044 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt instrument, stated interest rate	4.868%	4.868%
Debt instrument, maturity date	Jun. 1, 2044

Consolidated Statements Of Oper

Consolidated Statements Of Operations And Comprehensive Income (Loss) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
REVENUES:
Premiums earned	$ 1,218,867	$ 1,272,488
Net investment income	102,524	122,566
Net realized capital gains (losses):
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities	$ (28,793)	$ (26,018)
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities transferred to other comprehensive income (loss)
Other net realized capital gains (losses)	$ (45,466)	$ 15,513
Total net realized capital gains (losses)	(74,259)	(10,505)
Net derivative gain (loss)	(3,020)	(242)
Other income (expense)	(2,066)	51,281
Total revenues	1,242,046	1,435,588
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses	700,749	715,155
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees	275,006	283,094
Other underwriting expenses	72,110	58,741
Corporate expenses	7,886	5,463
Interest, fees and bond issue cost amortization expense	9,228	8,990
Total claims and expenses	1,064,979	1,071,443
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES	177,067	364,145
Income tax expense (benefit)	5,381	41,167
NET INCOME (LOSS)	171,686	322,978
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax :
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities arising during the period	142,962	83,205
Reclassification adjustment for realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss)	32,381	22,183
Total URA(D) on securities arising during the period	175,343	105,388
Foreign currency translation adjustments	$ 9,773	$ (102,340)
Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss) for the period
Reclassification adjustment for amortization of net (gain) loss included in net income (loss)	$ 1,340	$ 1,604
Total benefit plan net gain (loss) for the period	1,340	1,604
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	186,456	4,652
COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	$ 358,142	$ 327,630
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE:
Basic	$ 4.03	$ 7.26
Diluted	4	7.19
Dividends declared	$ 1.15	$ 0.95

Consolidated Statements Of Chan

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Shareholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Common Shares [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Deferred Income Taxes [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Shares At Cost [Member]	Total
Balance, beginning of period, shares at Dec. 31, 2014	44,685,637
Issued during the period, shares	159,661
Treasury shares acquired, shares	(434,878)
Balance, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 683	$ 2,068,807	$ 48,317	$ 7,819,210	$ (2,485,897)
Issued during the period, net	$ 2
Share-based compensation plans		5,170
Net increase (decrease) during the period			4,652			$ 4,652
Net income (loss)				322,978		322,978
Dividends declared ($1.15 per share in 2016 and $0.95 per share in 2015)				(42,252)		(42,252)
Purchase of treasury shares					(75,040)
Balance, end of period, shares at Mar. 31, 2015	44,410,420
Balance, end of period at Mar. 31, 2015	$ 685	2,073,977	52,969	8,099,936	(2,560,937)	$ 7,666,630
Balance, beginning of period, shares at Dec. 31, 2015	42,694,252					68,606,000
Issued during the period, shares	169,774
Treasury shares acquired, shares	(464,360)
Balance, beginning of period at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 686	2,103,638	(231,755)	8,621,972	(2,885,956)	$ 7,608,585
Issued during the period, net	$ 2
Share-based compensation plans		8,190
Net increase (decrease) during the period			186,456			186,456
Net income (loss)				171,686		171,686
Dividends declared ($1.15 per share in 2016 and $0.95 per share in 2015)				(48,706)		$ (48,706)
Purchase of treasury shares					(85,914)
Balance, end of period, shares at Mar. 31, 2016	42,399,666					68,776,000
Balance, end of period at Mar. 31, 2016	$ 688	$ 2,111,828	$ (45,299)	$ 8,744,952	$ (2,971,870)	$ 7,840,299

Consolidated Statements Of Cha6

Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements Of Changes In Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends declared	$ 1.15	$ 0.95

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)	$ 171,686	$ 322,978
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable	7,604	(101,728)
Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net	60,592	(12,027)
Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables	(32,865)	(90,028)
Decrease (increase) in income taxes	(3,883)	14,214
Decrease (increase) in prepaid reinsurance premiums	(10,219)	(12,868)
Increase (decrease) in reserve for losses and loss adjustment expenses	50,497	55,334
Increase (decrease) in future policy benefit reserve	(473)	(127)
Increase (decrease) in unearned premiums	(26,116)	(40,934)
Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers	5,254	81,172
Increase (decrease) in losses in course of payment	24,473	71,568
Change in equity adjustments in limited partnerships	6,181	(6,762)
Distribution of limited partnership income	15,915	8,600
Change in other assets and liabilities, net	3,844	32,168
Non-cash compensation expense	8,041	5,170
Amortization of bond premium (accrual of bond discount)	12,354	13,333
Amortization of underwriting discount on senior notes	1	1
Net realized capital (gains) losses	74,259	10,505
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	367,145	350,569
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Proceeds from fixed maturities matured/called - available for sale, at market value	503,428	594,807
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at market value	324,118	355,812
Proceeds from fixed maturities sold - available for sale, at fair value		1,236
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at market value	203	83
Proceeds from equity securities sold - available for sale, at fair value	92,245	137,966
Distributions from other invested assets	1,111,710	10,797
Cost of fixed maturities acquired - available for sale, at market value	(1,078,990)	(1,370,458)
Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at market value	(1,105)	(4,464)
Cost of equity securities acquired - available for sale, at fair value	(96,297)	(171,411)
Cost of other invested assets acquired	(1,454,123)	(41,961)
Net change in short-term investments	360,238	222,952
Net change in unsettled securities transactions	30,390	(505)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(208,183)	(265,146)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Common shares issued during the period, net	151	2
Purchase of treasury shares	(85,914)	(75,040)
Dividends paid to shareholders	(48,706)	(42,252)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(134,469)	(117,290)
EFFECT OF EXCHANGE RATE CHANGES ON CASH	20,792	(7,032)
Net increase (decrease) in cash	45,285	(38,899)
Cash, beginning of period	283,658	437,474
Cash, end of period	328,943	398,575
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:
Income taxes paid (recovered)	5,000	24,266
Interest paid	$ 370	$ 132

General

General	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
General [Abstract]
General	1. GENERAL Everest Re Group, Ltd. ("Group"), a Bermuda company, through its subsidiaries, principally provides reinsurance and insurance in the U.S., Bermuda and international markets. As used in this document, "Company" means Group and its subsidiaries. During the fourth quarter of 2015, the Company established new subsidiaries, Everest Preferred International Holdings, Ltd. ("Preferred International"), a Bermuda based company and Everest International Holdings (Bermuda), Ltd. ("International Holdings"), a Bermuda based company. These new subsidiaries were part of a capital restructuring within the Company to support a planned increase in international business production, which includes directly supporting Group's new Lloyd's of London Syndicate corporate member. Effective February 27, 2013, the Company established a new subsidiary, Mt. Logan Re Ltd. ("Mt. Logan Re"). Mt. Logan Re manages separate segregated accounts whose assets and capital relate mainly to third party external investors. Effective July 13, 2015, the Company sold all of the outstanding shares of capital stock of a wholly-owned subsidiary entity, Mt. McKinley Insurance Company ("Mt. McKinley"), to Clearwater Insurance Company. The operating results of Mt. McKinley for the three months ended March 31, 2015, are included within the Company's financial statements.

Basis Of Presentation

Basis Of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation	2. BASIS OF PRESENTATION The unaudited consolidated financial statements of the Company for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 include all adjustments, consisting of normal recurring accruals, which, in the opinion of management, are necessary for a fair statement of the results on an interim basis. Certain financial information, which is normally included in annual financial statements prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP"), has been omitted since it is not required for interim reporting purposes. The December 31, 2015 consolidated balance sheet data was derived from audited financial statements, but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP. The results for the three months ended March 31, 2016 and 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results for a full year. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 included in the Company's most recent Form 10-K filing. The Company consolidates the results of operations and financial position of all voting interest entities ("VOE") in which the Company has a controlling financial interest and all variable interest entities ("VIE") in which the Company is considered to be the primary beneficiary. The consolidation assessment, including the determination as to whether an entity qualifies as a VIE or VOE, depends on the facts and circumstances surrounding each entity. Effective January 1, 2016, the Company adopted Accounting Standards Update 2015-02, "Consolidation (Topic 810) Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis" The amended guidance includes changes in the identification of the primary beneficiary of companies considered to be VIEs. These changes resulted in the Company concluding that Mt. Logan Re is a VIE given it has insufficient equity at risk and that each underlying separate segregated account is likewise a VIE. The Company has concluded that it is the primary beneficiary of Mt. Logan Re, but not of the underlying separate segregated accounts and therefore has deconsolidated these segregated accounts. This change had no impact to the net income or retained earnings of the Company. All significant intercompany accounts and transactions have been eliminated. Application of Recently Issued Accounting Standard Changes. Disclosures about Short-Duration Contracts. Debt Issuance Costs. Consolidation. The following tables present certain financial statement line items as previously reported in 2015, the effect on those line items due to not consolidating the segregated accounts of Mt. Logan Re, in accordance with the newly adopted accounting policy and the line items as currently reported within the financial statements. CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET: December 31, 2015 Effect of adoption As previously of new accounting As Currently reported policy Reported (Dollars in thousands) ASSETS: Short-term investments $ 1,795,455 $ (995,771 ) $ 799,684 Total investments and cash 17,672,176 (995,771 ) 16,676,405 Premiums receivable 1,479,293 3,797 1,483,090 Reinsurance receivables 840,420 53,617 894,037 Deferred acquisition costs 373,072 (721 ) 372,351 Prepaid reinsurance premiums 157,424 7,547 164,971 Other assets 265,634 56,184 321,818 TOTAL ASSETS 21,426,175 (875,347 ) 20,550,828 LIABILITIES: Funds held under reinsurance treaties 88,544 (75,000 ) 13,544 Commission reserves 79,849 (19,751 ) 60,098 Other net payable to reinsurers 166,822 6,265 173,087 Other liabilities 291,322 (30,000 ) 261,322 Total liabilities 13,060,729 (118,486 ) 12,942,243 NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS: Redeemable noncontrolling interests - Mt. Logan Re 756,861 (756,861 ) - TOTAL LIABILITIES, NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 21,426,175 (875,347 ) 20,550,828 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS): Effect of adoption As previously of new accounting As Currently reported policy Reported (Dollars in thousands) REVENUES: Premiums earned $ 1,307,077 $ (34,589 ) $ 1,272,488 Net investment income 122,583 (17 ) 122,566 Other income (expense) 46,073 5,208 51,281 Total revenues 1,464,986 (29,398 ) 1,435,588 CLAIMS AND EXPENSES: Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses 722,465 (7,310 ) 715,155 Commision, brokerage, taxes and fees 287,167 (4,073 ) 283,094 Other underwriting expenses 60,664 (1,923 ) 58,741 Total claims and expenses 1,084,749 (13,306 ) 1,071,443 NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES 380,237 (16,092 ) 364,145 NET INCOME (LOSS) 339,070 (16,092 ) 322,978 Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests (16,092 ) 16,092 - NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO EVEREST RE GROUP 322,978 - 322,978 CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS: Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 Effect of adoption As previously of new accounting As Currently (Dollars in thousands) reported policy Reported CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income (loss) $ 339,070 $ (16,092 ) $ 322,978 Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable (98,195 ) (3,533 ) (101,728 ) Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net 62,973 (75,000 ) (12,027 ) Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables (84,665 ) (5,363 ) (90,028 ) Decrease (increase) in prepaid reinsurance premiums 12,144 (25,012 ) (12,868 ) Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers 68,365 12,807 81,172 Change in other assets and liabilities, net 24,542 7,626 32,168 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 455,136 (104,567 ) 350,569 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net change in short-term investments (7,567 ) 230,519 222,952 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (495,665 ) 230,519 (265,146 ) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Third party investment in redeemable noncontrolling interest 156,848 (156,848 ) - Dividends paid on third party investment in redeemable noncontrolling interest (30,896 ) 30,896 - Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 8,662 (125,952 ) (117,290 )

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	3. INVESTMENTS The amortized cost, market value and gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of available for sale, fixed maturity, equity security investments, carried at market value and other-than-temporary impairments ("OTTI") in accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") are as follows for the periods indicated: At March 31, 2016 Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Market OTTI in AOCI (Dollars in thousands) Cost Appreciation Depreciation Value (a) Fixed maturity securities U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations $ 891,944 $ 27,721 $ (153 ) $ 919,512 $ - Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 664,481 38,439 (843 ) 702,077 - Corporate securities 4,733,277 137,455 (58,694 ) 4,812,038 1,303 Asset-backed securities 514,550 2,623 (1,454 ) 515,719 - Mortgage-backed securities Commercial 269,123 5,893 (1,998 ) 273,018 - Agency residential 2,435,511 41,982 (4,204 ) 2,473,289 - Non-agency residential 836 46 (46 ) 836 - Foreign government securities 1,301,579 65,835 (44,671 ) 1,322,743 39 Foreign corporate securities 2,668,744 123,001 (49,325 ) 2,742,420 368 Total fixed maturity securities $ 13,480,045 $ 442,995 $ (161,388 ) $ 13,761,652 $ 1,710 Equity securities $ 123,354 $ 4,008 $ (12,974 ) $ 114,388 $ - At December 31, 2015 Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Market OTTI in AOCI (Dollars in thousands) Cost Appreciation Depreciation Value (a) Fixed maturity securities U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations $ 805,273 $ 13,465 $ (1,861 ) $ 816,877 $ - Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 669,945 34,020 (890 ) 703,075 - Corporate securities 4,817,014 97,159 (109,310 ) 4,804,863 1,412 Asset-backed securities 470,320 719 (3,813 ) 467,226 - Mortgage-backed securities Commercial 264,924 4,750 (3,375 ) 266,299 - Agency residential 2,313,265 25,318 (18,059 ) 2,320,524 - Non-agency residential 893 51 (46 ) 898 - Foreign government securities 1,256,983 54,403 (52,205 ) 1,259,181 53 Foreign corporate securities 2,677,589 107,163 (66,401 ) 2,718,351 36 Total fixed maturity securities $ 13,276,206 $ 337,048 $ (255,960 ) $ 13,357,294 $ 1,501 Equity securities $ 122,271 $ 3,401 $ (16,732 ) $ 108,940 $ - (a) Represents the amount of OTTI recognized in AOCI. Amount includes unrealized gains and losses on impaired securities relating to changes in the value of such securities subsequent to the impairment measurement date The amortized cost and market value of fixed maturity securities are shown in the following table by contractual maturity. Mortgage-backed securities are generally more likely to be prepaid than other fixed maturity securities. As the stated maturity of such securities may not be indicative of actual maturities, the totals for mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are shown separately. At March 31, 2016 At December 31, 2015 Amortized Market Amortized Market (Dollars in thousands) Cost Value Cost Value Fixed maturity securities – available for sale: Due in one year or less $ 922,297 $ 932,602 $ 1,021,200 $ 1,036,016 Due after one year through five years 6,390,584 6,515,613 6,193,426 6,220,563 Due after five years through ten years 2,108,976 2,149,123 2,217,075 2,203,932 Due after ten years 838,168 901,452 795,103 841,836 Asset-backed securities 514,550 515,719 470,320 467,226 Mortgage-backed securities: Commercial 269,123 273,018 264,924 266,299 Agency residential 2,435,511 2,473,289 2,313,265 2,320,524 Non-agency residential 836 836 893 898 Total fixed maturity securities $ 13,480,045 $ 13,761,652 $ 13,276,206 $ 13,357,294 The changes in net unrealized appreciation (depreciation) for the Company's investments are derived from the following sources for the periods indicated: Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Increase (decrease) during the period between the market value and cost of investments carried at market value, and deferred taxes thereon: Fixed maturity securities $ 200,308 $ 126,262 Fixed maturity securities, other-than-temporary impairment 210 9,684 Equity securities 4,366 (1,450 ) Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation), pre-tax 204,884 134,496 Deferred tax benefit (expense) (29,472 ) (25,700 ) Deferred tax benefit (expense), other-than-temporary impairment (69 ) (3,408 ) Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation), net of deferred taxes, included in shareholders' equity $ 175,343 $ 105,388 The Company frequently reviews all of its fixed maturity, available for sale securities for declines in market value and focuses its attention on securities whose fair value has fallen below 80 The Company's assessments are based on the issuers current and expected future financial position, timeliness with respect to interest and/or principal payments, speed of repayments and any applicable credit enhancements or breakeven constant default rates on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, as well as relevant information provided by rating agencies, investment advisors and analysts. The majority of the Company's equity securities available for sale at market value are primarily comprised of mutual fund investments whose underlying securities consist of fixed maturity securities. When a fund's value reflects an unrealized loss, the Company assesses whether the decline in value is temporary or other-than-temporary. In making its assessment, the Company considers the composition of its portfolios and their related markets, reports received from the portfolio managers and discussions with portfolio managers. If the Company determines that the declines are temporary and it has the ability and intent to continue to hold the investments, then the declines are recorded as unrealized losses in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss). If declines are deemed to be other-than-temporary, then the carrying value of the investment is written down to fair value and recorded in net realized capital gains (losses) in the Company's consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss). Retrospective adjustments are employed to recalculate the values of asset-backed securities. All of the Company's asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities have a pass-through structure. Each acquisition lot is reviewed to recalculate the effective yield. The recalculated effective yield is used to derive a book value as if the new yield were applied at the time of acquisition. Outstanding principal factors from the time of acquisition to the adjustment date are used to calculate the prepayment history for all applicable securities. Conditional prepayment rates, computed with life to date factor histories and weighted average maturities, are used in the calculation of projected prepayments for pass-through security types. The tables below display the aggregate market value and gross unrealized depreciation of fixed maturity and equity securities, by security type and contractual maturity, in each case subdivided according to length of time that individual securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for the periods indicated: Duration of Unrealized Loss at March 31, 2016 By Security Type Less than 12 months Greater than 12 months Total Gross Gross Gross Unrealized Unrealized Unrealized (Dollars in thousands) Market Value Depreciation Market Value Depreciation Market Value Depreciation Fixed maturity securities - available for sale U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations $ 71,914 $ (153 ) $ 698 $ - $ 72,612 $ (153 ) Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 4,469 (16 ) 7,014 (827 ) 11,483 (843 ) Corporate securities 757,686 (29,211 ) 340,682 (29,483 ) 1,098,368 (58,694 ) Asset-backed securities 66,629 (257 ) 68,896 (1,197 ) 135,525 (1,454 ) Mortgage-backed securities Commercial 33,955 (1,707 ) 6,345 (291 ) 40,300 (1,998 ) Agency residential 239,830 (1,726 ) 290,778 (2,478 ) 530,608 (4,204 ) Non-agency residential 137 (2 ) 34 (44 ) 171 (46 ) Foreign government securities 167,643 (18,658 ) 196,372 (26,013 ) 364,015 (44,671 ) Foreign corporate securities 414,232 (15,945 ) 285,045 (33,380 ) 699,277 (49,325 ) Total fixed maturity securities $ 1,756,495 $ (67,675 ) $ 1,195,864 $ (93,713 ) $ 2,952,359 $ (161,388 ) Equity securities - - 96,771 (12,974 ) 96,771 (12,974 ) Total $ 1,756,495 $ (67,675 ) $ 1,292,635 $ (106,687 ) $ 3,049,130 $ (174,362 ) Duration of Unrealized Loss at March 31, 2016 By Maturity Less than 12 months Greater than 12 months Total Gross Gross Gross Unrealized Unrealized Unrealized (Dollars in thousands) Market Value Depreciation Market Value Depreciation Market Value Depreciation Fixed maturity securities Due in one year or less $ 50,743 $ (255 ) $ 91,385 $ (14,690 ) $ 142,128 $ (14,945 ) Due in one year through five years 843,152 (37,957 ) 550,261 (46,326 ) 1,393,413 (84,283 ) Due in five years through ten years 467,988 (21,816 ) 162,567 (24,926 ) 630,555 (46,742 ) Due after ten years 54,061 (3,955 ) 25,598 (3,761 ) 79,659 (7,716 ) Asset-backed securities 66,629 (257 ) 68,896 (1,197 ) 135,525 (1,454 ) Mortgage-backed securities 273,922 (3,435 ) 297,157 (2,813 ) 571,079 (6,248 ) Total fixed maturity securities $ 1,756,495 $ (67,675 ) $ 1,195,864 $ (93,713 ) $ 2,952,359 $ (161,388 ) The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2016 were $ 3,049,130 174,362 0.6 67,675 36,994 16,509 93,713 67,220 14,945 The Company, given the size of its investment portfolio and capital position, does not have the intent to sell these securities; and it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis. In addition, all securities currently in an unrealized loss position are current with respect to principal and interest payments. The tables below display the aggregate market value and gross unrealized depreciation of fixed maturity and equity securities, by security type and contractual maturity, in each case subdivided according to length of time that individual securities had been in a continuous unrealized loss position for the periods indicated: Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2015 By Security Type Less than 12 months Greater than 12 months Total Gross Gross Gross Unrealized Unrealized Unrealized (Dollars in thousands) Market Value Depreciation Market Value Depreciation Market Value Depreciation Fixed maturity securities - available for sale U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations $ 539,177 $ (1,855 ) $ 692 $ (6 ) $ 539,869 $ (1,861 ) Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 6,434 (84 ) 4,917 (806 ) 11,351 (890 ) Corporate securities 1,818,331 (74,161 ) 440,682 (35,149 ) 2,259,013 (109,310 ) Asset-backed securities 348,545 (2,510 ) 67,230 (1,303 ) 415,775 (3,813 ) Mortgage-backed securities Commercial 145,490 (3,375 ) - - 145,490 (3,375 ) Agency residential 1,021,390 (10,014 ) 326,449 (8,045 ) 1,347,839 (18,059 ) Non-agency residential 152 (2 ) 38 (44 ) 190 (46 ) Foreign government securities 227,384 (21,996 ) 216,428 (30,209 ) 443,812 (52,205 ) Foreign corporate securities 821,548 (25,627 ) 295,389 (40,774 ) 1,116,937 (66,401 ) Total fixed maturity securities $ 4,928,451 $ (139,624 ) $ 1,351,825 $ (116,336 ) $ 6,280,276 $ (255,960 ) Equity securities - - 91,907 (16,732 ) 91,907 (16,732 ) Total $ 4,928,451 $ (139,624 ) $ 1,443,732 $ (133,068 ) $ 6,372,183 $ (272,692 ) Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2015 By Maturity Less than 12 months Greater than 12 months Total Gross Gross Gross Unrealized Unrealized Unrealized (Dollars in thousands) Market Value Depreciation Market Value Depreciation Market Value Depreciation Fixed maturity securities Due in one year or less $ 29,737 $ (1,840 ) $ 74,615 $ (13,440 ) $ 104,352 $ (15,280 ) Due in one year through five years 2,328,805 (62,329 ) 651,228 (59,993 ) 2,980,033 (122,322 ) Due in five years through ten years 969,139 (52,725 ) 206,538 (28,018 ) 1,175,677 (80,743 ) Due after ten years 85,193 (6,829 ) 25,727 (5,493 ) 110,920 (12,322 ) Asset-backed securities 348,545 (2,510 ) 67,230 (1,303 ) 415,775 (3,813 ) Mortgage-backed securities 1,167,032 (13,391 ) 326,487 (8,089 ) 1,493,519 (21,480 ) Total fixed maturity securities $ 4,928,451 $ (139,624 ) $ 1,351,825 $ (116,336 ) $ 6,280,276 $ (255,960 ) The aggregate market value and gross unrealized losses related to investments in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2015 were $6,372,183 thousand and $ 272,692 0.7 139,624 46,793 39,037 116,336 72,738 18,447 no The components of net investment income are presented in the table below for the periods indicated: Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Fixed maturities $ 102,525 $ 109,355 Equity securities 11,139 11,678 Short-term investments and cash 400 230 Other invested assets Limited partnerships (6,158 ) 6,968 Other (850 ) 625 Gross investment income before adjustments 107,056 128,856 Funds held interest income (expense) 2,540 2,876 Future policy benefit reserve income (expense) (301 ) (393 ) Gross investment income 109,295 131,339 Investment expenses (6,771 ) (8,773 ) Net investment income $ 102,524 $ 122,566 The Company records results from limited partnership investments on the equity method of accounting with changes in value reported through net investment income. Due to the timing of receiving financial information from these partnerships, the results are generally reported on a one month or quarter lag. If the Company determines there has been a significant decline in value of a limited partnership during this lag period, a loss will be recorded in the period in which the Company identifies the decline. The Company had contractual commitments to invest up to an additional $ 447,875 The components of net realized capital gains (losses) are presented in the table below for the periods indicated: Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Fixed maturity securities, market value: Other-than-temporary impairments $ (28,793 ) $ (26,018 ) Gains (losses) from sales (16,911 ) (8,024 ) Fixed maturity securities, fair value: Gains (losses) from sales - 28 Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments (232 ) 62 Equity securities, market value: Gains (losses) from sales 57 19 Equity securities, fair value: Gains (losses) from sales (8,426 ) (150 ) Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments (19,955 ) 23,578 Short-term investments gain (loss) 1 - Total net realized capital gains (losses) $ (74,259 ) $ (10,505 ) The Company recorded as net realized capital gains (losses) in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) both fair value re-measurements and write-downs in the value of securities deemed to be impaired on an other-than-temporary basis as displayed in the table above. The Company had no other-than-temporary impaired securities where the impairment had both a credit and non-credit component. The proceeds and split between gross gains and losses, from sales of fixed maturity and equity securities, are presented in the table below for the periods indicated: Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Proceeds from sales of fixed maturity securities $ 324,118 $ 357,048 Gross gains from sales 8,552 8,835 Gross losses from sales (25,463 ) (16,831 ) Proceeds from sales of equity securities $ 92,448 $ 138,049 Gross gains from sales 1,839 5,206 Gross losses from sales (10,208 ) (5,337 )

Derivatives

Derivatives	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivatives [Abstract]
Derivatives	4. DERIVATIVES The Company sold seven two The Company sold six 22,530 34,199 13 zero 3 435,813 2,059.74 no The Company sold one 6,706 9,526 45 zero 3 41,168 6,174.90 no The fair value of the equity index put options can be found in the Company's consolidated balance sheets as follows: Dollars in thousands) Derivatives not designated as Location of fair value At At hedging instruments in balance sheets March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Equity index put option contracts Equity index put option liability $ 43,725 $ 40,705 Total $ 43,725 $ 40,705 The change in fair value of the equity index put option contracts can be found in the Company's statement of operations and comprehensive income (loss) as follows: (Dollars in thousands) Three Months Ended Derivatives not designated as Location of gain (loss) in statements of March 31, hedging instruments operations and comprehensive income (loss) 2016 2015 Equity index put option contracts Net derivative gain (loss) $ (3,020 ) $ (242 ) Total $ (3,020 ) $ (242 )

Fair Value

Fair Value	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value	5. FAIR VALUE GAAP guidance regarding fair value measurements address how companies should measure fair value when they are required to use fair value measures for recognition or disclosure purposes under GAAP and provides a common definition of fair value to be used throughout GAAP. It defines fair value as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly fashion between market participants at the measurement date. In addition, it establishes a three-level valuation hierarchy for the disclosure of fair value measurements. The valuation hierarchy is based on the transparency of inputs to the valuation of an asset or liability. The level in the hierarchy within which a given fair value measurement falls is determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the measurement, with Level 1 being the highest priority and Level 3 being the lowest priority. The levels in the hierarchy are defined as follows: Level 1: Inputs to the valuation methodology are observable inputs that reflect unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in an active market; Level 2: Inputs to the valuation methodology include quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets, and inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument; Level 3: Inputs to the valuation methodology are unobservable and significant to the fair value measurement. The Company's fixed maturity and equity securities are primarily managed by third party investment asset managers. The investment asset managers obtain prices from nationally recognized pricing services. These services seek to utilize market data and observations in their evaluation process. They use pricing applications that vary by asset class and incorporate available market information and when fixed maturity securities do not trade on a daily basis the services will apply available information through processes such as benchmark curves, benchmarking of like securities, sector groupings and matrix pricing. In addition, they use model processes, such as the Option Adjusted Spread model to develop prepayment and interest rate scenarios for securities that have prepayment features. In limited instances where prices are not provided by pricing services or in rare instances when a manager may not agree with the pricing service, price quotes on a non-binding basis are obtained from investment brokers. The investment asset managers do not make any changes to prices received from either the pricing services or the investment brokers. In addition, the investment asset managers have procedures in place to review the reasonableness of the prices from the service providers and may request verification of the prices. In addition, the Company continually performs analytical reviews of price changes and tests the prices on a random basis to an independent pricing source. No material variances were noted during these price validation procedures. In limited situations, where financial markets are inactive or illiquid, the Company may use its own assumptions about future cash flows and risk-adjusted discount rates to determine fair value. Due to the unavailability of prices for six 16,302 two 3,593 The Company internally manages a public equity portfolio which had a fair value at March 31, 2016 and December 31, 2015 of $ 241,605 253,575 Equity securities denominated in U.S. currency with quoted prices in active markets for identical assets are categorized as level 1 since the quoted prices are directly observable. Equity securities traded on foreign exchanges are categorized as level 2 due to the added input of a foreign exchange conversion rate to determine fair or market value. The Company uses foreign currency exchange rates published by nationally recognized sources. All categories of fixed maturity securities listed in the tables below are generally categorized as level 2, since a particular security may not have traded but the pricing services are able to use valuation models with observable market inputs such as interest rate yield curves and prices for similar fixed maturity securities in terms of issuer, maturity and seniority. For foreign government securities and foreign corporate securities, the fair values provided by the third party pricing services in local currencies, and where applicable, are converted to U.S. dollars using currency exchange rates from nationally recognized sources. The fixed maturities with fair values categorized as level 3 result when prices are not available from the nationally recognized pricing services. The asset managers will then obtain non-binding price quotes for the securities from brokers. The single broker quotes are provided by market makers or broker-dealers who are recognized as market participants in the markets in which they are providing the quotes. The prices received from brokers are reviewed for reasonableness by the third party asset managers and the Company. If the broker quotes are for foreign denominated securities, the quotes are converted to U.S. dollars using currency exchange rates from nationally recognized sources. In limited circumstances when broker prices are not available for private placements, the Company will value the securities using comparable market information. The composition and valuation inputs for the presented fixed maturities categories are as follows: · U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations are primarily comprised of U.S. Treasury bonds and the fair value is based on observable market inputs such as quoted prices, reported trades, quoted prices for similar issuances or benchmark yields; · Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions are comprised of state and municipal bond issuances and the fair values are based on observable market inputs such as quoted market prices, quoted prices for similar securities, benchmark yields and credit spreads; · Corporate securities are primarily comprised of U.S. corporate and public utility bond issuances and the fair values are based on observable market inputs such as quoted market prices, quoted prices for similar securities, benchmark yields and credit spreads; · Asset-backed and mortgage-backed securities fair values are based on observable inputs such as quoted prices, reported trades, quoted prices for similar issuances or benchmark yields and cash flow models using observable inputs such as prepayment speeds, collateral performance and default spreads; · Foreign government securities are comprised of global non-U.S. sovereign bond issuances and the fair values are based on observable market inputs such as quoted market prices, quoted prices for similar securities and models with observable inputs such as benchmark yields and credit spreads and then, where applicable, converted to U.S. dollars using an exchange rate from a nationally recognized source; · Foreign corporate securities are comprised of global non-U.S. corporate bond issuances and the fair values are based on observable market inputs such as quoted market prices, quoted prices for similar securities and models with observable inputs such as benchmark yields and credit spreads and then, where applicable, converted to U.S. dollars using an exchange rate from a nationally recognized source. The Company sold seven two The Company's liability for equity index put options is categorized as level 3 since there is no active market for these seven long dated equity put options. The fair values for these options are calculated by the Company using an industry accepted pricing model, Black-Scholes. The model inputs and assumptions are: risk free interest rates, equity market indexes values, volatilities and dividend yields and duration. The model results are then adjusted for the Company's credit default swap rate. All of these inputs and assumptions are updated quarterly. One of the option contacts is in British Pound Sterling so the fair value for this contract is converted to U.S. dollars using an exchange rate from a nationally recognized source. The following table presents the fair value measurement levels for all assets and liabilities, which the Company has recorded at fair value (fair and market value) as of the periods indicated: Fair Value Measurement Using: Quoted Prices in Active Significant Markets for Other Significant Identical Observable Unobservable Assets Inputs Inputs (Dollars in thousands) March 31, 2016 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Assets: Fixed maturities, market value U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations $ 919,512 $ - $ 919,512 $ - Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions 702,077 - 702,077 - Corporate securities 4,812,038 - 4,796,332 15,706 Asset-backed securities 515,719 - 515,719 - Mortgage-backed securities Commercial 273,018 - 273,018 - Agency residential 2,473,289 - 2,473,289 - Non-agency residential 836 - 836 - Foreign government securities 1,322,743 - 1,322,743 - Foreign corporate securities 2,742,420 - 2,741,824 596 Total fixed maturities, market value 13,761,652 - 13,745,350 16,302 Fixed maturities, fair value 1,870 - 1,870 - Equity securities, market value 114,388 96,771 17,617 - Equity securities, fair value 1,313,404 1,253,346 60,058 - Liabilities: Equity index put option contracts $ 43,725 $ - $ - $ 43,725 There were no The following table presents the fair value measurement levels for all assets and liabilities, which the Company has recorded at fair value (fair and market value) as of the periods indicated: Fair Value Measurement Using: Quoted Prices in Active Significant Markets for Other Significant Identical Observable Unobservable Assets Inputs Inputs (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2015 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Assets: Fixed maturities, market value U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations $ 816,877 $ - $ 816,877 $ - Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions 703,075 - 703,075 - Corporate securities 4,804,863 - 4,800,930 3,933 Asset-backed securities 467,226 - 467,226 - Mortgage-backed securities Commercial 266,299 - 266,299 - Agency residential 2,320,524 - 2,320,524 - Non-agency residential 898 - 898 - Foreign government securities 1,259,181 - 1,259,181 - Foreign corporate securities 2,718,351 - 2,716,758 1,593 Total fixed maturities, market value 13,357,294 - 13,351,768 5,526 Fixed maturities, fair value 2,102 - 2,102 - Equity securities, market value 108,940 91,907 17,033 - Equity securities, fair value 1,337,733 1,275,666 62,067 - Liabilities: Equity index put option contracts $ 40,705 $ - $ - $ 40,705 The following tables present the activity under Level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs by asset type, for the periods indicated: Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 Corporate Foreign Corporate Foreign (Dollars in thousands) Securities Corporate Total Securities CMBS Corporate Total Beginning balance $ 3,933 $ 1,593 $ 5,526 $ - $ 8,597 $ 7,166 $ 15,763 Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized) Included in earnings 8 (997 ) $ (989 ) 2 - 57 59 Included in other comprehensive income (loss) (6 ) - $ (6 ) 1 - (1,098 ) (1,097 ) Purchases, issuances and settlements 11,771 - $ 11,771 1,940 - - 1,940 Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3 - - $ - 710 (8,597 ) - (7,887 ) Ending balance $ 15,706 $ 596 $ 16,302 $ 2,653 $ - $ 6,125 $ 8,778 The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date $ - $ (997 ) $ (997 ) $ - $ - $ - $ - (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) The net transfers from level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs, of $7,887 thousand of investments for the three months ended March 31, 2015, primarily relate to securities that were priced using single non-binding broker quotes as of December 31, 2014. The securities were subsequently priced using a recognized pricing service as of March 31, 2015, and were classified as level 2 as of that date. The following table presents the activity under Level 3, fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs for equity index put option contracts, for the periods indicated: Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Liabilities: Balance, beginning of period $ 40,705 $ 47,022 Total (gains) or losses (realized/unrealized) Included in earnings 3,020 242 Included in other comprehensive income (loss) - - Purchases, issuances and settlements - - Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3 - - Balance, end of period $ 43,725 $ 47,264 The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to liabilities still held at the reporting date $ - $ - (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

Earnings Per Common Share

Earnings Per Common Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Common Share	6. EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE Basic earnings per share are calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilution that would occur if options granted under various share-based compensation plans were exercised resulting in the issuance of common shares that would participate in the earnings of the entity. Net income (loss) per common share has been computed as per below, based upon weighted average common basic and dilutive shares outstanding. Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 2016 2015 Net income (loss) per share: Numerator Net income (loss) $ 171,686 $ 322,978 Less: dividends declared-common shares and nonvested common shares (48,706 ) (42,252 ) Undistributed earnings 122,980 280,726 Percentage allocated to common shareholders (1) 99.0 % 98.9 % 121,697 277,755 Add: dividends declared-common shareholders 48,210 41,816 Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share $ 169,907 $ 319,571 Denominator Denominator for basic earnings per weighted-average common shares 42,129 44,028 Effect of dilutive securities: Options 334 416 Denominator for diluted earnings per adjusted weighted-average common shares 42,463 44,444 Per common share net income (loss) Basic $ 4.03 $ 7.26 Diluted $ 4.00 $ 7.19 (1) 42,129 44,028 Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding and nonvested common shares expected to vest 42,573 44,499 Percentage allocated to common shareholders 99.0 % 98.9 % (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.) There were no All outstanding options expire on or between February 21, 2017 and September 19, 2022.

Contingencies

Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Contingencies [Abstract]
Contingencies	7. CONTINGENCIES In the ordinary course of business, the Company is involved in lawsuits, arbitrations and other formal and informal dispute resolution procedures, the outcomes of which will determine the Company's rights and obligations under insurance and reinsurance agreements. In some disputes, the Company seeks to enforce its rights under an agreement or to collect funds owing to it. In other matters, the Company is resisting attempts by others to collect funds or enforce alleged rights. These disputes arise from time to time and are ultimately resolved through both informal and formal means, including negotiated resolution, arbitration and litigation. In all such matters, the Company believes that its positions are legally and commercially reasonable. The Company considers the statuses of these proceedings when determining its reserves for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses. Aside from litigation and arbitrations related to these insurance and reinsurance agreements, the Company is not a party to any other material litigation or arbitration. The Company has entered into separate annuity agreements with The Prudential Insurance of America ("The Prudential") and an additional unaffiliated life insurance company in which the Company has either purchased annuity contracts or become the assignee of annuity proceeds that are meant to settle claim payment obligations in the future. In both instances, the Company would become contingently liable if either. The Prudential or the unaffiliated life insurance company were unable to make payments related to the respective annuity contract. The table below presents the estimated cost to replace all such annuities for which the Company was contingently liable for the periods indicated: At March 31, At December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 The Prudential $ 141,945 $ 142,427 Unaffiliated life insurance company 31,907 33,062

Other Comprehensive Income (Los

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	8. OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) The following table presents the components of comprehensive income (loss) in the consolidated statements of operations for the periods indicated: Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Before Tax Tax Effect Net of Tax Before Tax Tax Effect Net of Tax Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities - temporary $ 159,028 $ (16,207 ) $ 142,821 $ 90,789 $ (13,860 ) $ 76,929 URA(D) on securities - OTTI 210 (69 ) 141 9,684 (3,408 ) 6,276 Reclassification of net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss) 45,646 (13,265 ) 32,381 34,023 (11,840 ) 22,183 Foreign currency translation adjustments 17,819 (8,046 ) 9,773 (120,275 ) 17,935 (102,340 ) Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss) - - - - - - Reclassification of benefit plan liability amortization included in net income (loss) 2,062 (722 ) 1,340 2,467 (863 ) 1,604 Total other comprehensive income (loss) $ 224,765 $ (38,309 ) $ 186,456 $ 16,688 $ (12,036 ) $ 4,652 The following table presents details of the amounts reclassified from AOCI for the periods indicated: Three Months Ended March 31, Affected line item within the statements of AOCI component 2016 2015 operations and comprehensive income (loss) (Dollars in thousands) URA(D) on securities $ 45,646 $ 34,023 Other net realized capital gains (losses) (13,265 ) (11,840 ) Income tax expense (benefit) $ 32,381 $ 22,183 Net income (loss) Benefit plan net gain (loss) $ 2,062 $ 2,467 Other underwriting expenses (722 ) (863 ) Income tax expense (benefit) $ 1,340 $ 1,604 Net income (loss) The following table presents the components of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, in the consolidated balance sheets for the periods indicated: Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended March 31, December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Beginning balance of URA (D) on securities $ 42,811 $ 223,250 Current period change in URA (D) of investments - temporary 175,202 (185,467 ) Current period change in URA (D) of investments - non-credit OTTI 141 5,028 Ending balance of URA (D) on securities 218,154 42,811 Beginning balance of foreign currency translation adjustments (211,477 ) (99,947 ) Current period change in foreign currency translation adjustments 9,773 (111,530 ) Ending balance of foreign currency translation adjustments (201,704 ) (211,477 ) Beginning balance of benefit plan net gain (loss) (63,089 ) (74,986 ) Current period change in benefit plan net gain (loss) 1,340 11,897 Ending balance of benefit plan net gain (loss) (61,749 ) (63,089 ) Ending balance of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $ (45,299 ) $ (231,755 )

Credit Facilities

Credit Facilities	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Credit Facilities	9. CREDIT FACILITIES The Company has two 1,100,000 Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Credit facility interest and fees incurred $ 370 $ 132 The terms and outstanding amounts for each facility are discussed below: Group Credit Facility Effective June 22, 2012, Group, Bermuda Re and Everest International entered into a four year, $ 800,000 850,000 two 200,000 0.5 1.0 600,000 The Group Credit Facility requires Group to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not greater than 0.35 4,249,963 25 25 5,413,940 The following table summarizes the outstanding letters of credit and/or borrowings for the periods indicated: (Dollars in thousands) At March 31, 2016 At December 31, 2015 Bank Commitment In Use Date of Expiry Commitment In Use Date of Expiry Wells Fargo Bank Group Credit Facility Tranche One $ 200,000 $ - $ 200,000 $ - Tranche Two 600,000 $ 2,488 12/12/2016 $ 600,000 $ 2,488 12/12/2016 - 452,552 12/31/2016 - 447,178 12/31/2016 Total Wells Fargo Bank Group Credit Facility $ 800,000 $ 455,040 $ 800,000 $ 449,666 The Company is in the process of renewing this credit facility and anticipates that the renewal terms will be similar to the expiring terms. Bermuda Re Letter of Credit Facility Effective December 31, 2015, Bermuda Re renewed its $ 300,000 300,000 0.35 0.45 60 0.15 The following table summarizes the outstanding letters of credit for the periods indicated: (Dollars in thousands) At March 31, 2016 At December 31, 2015 Bank Commitment In Use Date of Expiry Commitment In Use Date of Expiry Citibank Bilateral Letter of Credit Agreement $ 300,000 $ 3,672 11/24/2016 $ 300,000 $ 3,672 11/24/2016 64,823 12/31/2016 67,783 12/31/2016 4,058 2/28/2017 179 8/30/2017 184 8/30/2017 316 12/31/2017 2,598 12/31/2017 - - 96,738 3/30/2020 99,521 12/31/2019 Total Citibank Bilateral Agreement $ 300,000 $ 172,073 $ 300,000 $ 171,471 Everest International Credit Facility Effective November 9, 2015, Everest International entered into a four 175,000 0.1 0.35 The Everest International Credit Facility requires Group to maintain a debt to capital ratio of not greater than 0.35 5,215,784 70 25 25 5,513,929 The following table summarizes the outstanding letters of credit for the periods indicated: (Dollars in thousands) At March 31, 2016 At December 31, 2015 Bank Commitment In Use Date of Expiry Commitment In Use Date of Expiry Lloyd's Bank plc £ 175,000 £ 164,961 12/31/2019 £ 175,000 £ 164,961 12/31/2019 - - - - Total Lloyd's Bank Credit Facility £ 175,000 £ 164,961 £ 175,000 £ 164,961

Reinsurance And Trust Agreement

Reinsurance And Trust Agreements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Reinsurance And Trust Agreements [Abstract]
Reinsurance And Trust Agreements	10. REINSURANCE AND TRUST AGREEMENTS Certain subsidiaries of Group have established trust agreements, which effectively use the Company's investments as collateral, as security for assumed losses payable to certain non-affiliated ceding companies. At March 31, 2016, the total amount on deposit in trust accounts was $ 377,081 The Company reinsures some of its catastrophe exposures with the segregated accounts of Mt. Logan Re. Mt. Logan Re is a Class 3 insurer registered in Bermuda effective February 27, 2013 under The Segregated Accounts Companies Act 2000 and 100 Each segregated account is permitted to assume net risk exposures equal to its amount of preferred shares and posted collateral, which in the aggregate was $ 859,333 798,548 54,336 50,000 On April 24, 2014, the Company entered into two 250,000 200,000 On November 18, 2014, the Company entered into a collateralized reinsurance agreement with Kilimanjaro Re to provide the Company with catastrophe reinsurance coverage. This agreement is a multi-year reinsurance contract which covers specified earthquake events. The agreement provides up to $ 500,000 On December 1, 2015 the Company entered into two 300,000 325,000 Kilimanjaro has financed the various property catastrophe reinsurance coverage by issuing catastrophe bonds to unrelated, external investors. On April 24, 2014, Kilimanjaro issued $ 450,000 500,000 625,000

Senior Notes

Senior Notes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Senior Notes [Abstract]
Senior Notes	11. SENIOR NOTES The table below displays Holdings' outstanding senior notes. Market value is based on quoted market prices, but due to limited trading activity, these senior notes are considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Consolidated Balance Consolidated Balance (Dollars in thousands) Date Issued Date Due Principal Amounts Sheet Amount Market Value Sheet Amount Market Value 4.868 06/05/2014 06/01/2044 400,000 $ 400,000 $ 393,520 $ 400,000 $ 381,204 On June 5, 2014, Holdings issued $400,000 thousand of 30 Interest expense incurred in connection with these senior notes is as follows for the periods indicated: Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Interest expense incurred $ 4,868 $ 4,868

Long Term Subordinated Notes

Long Term Subordinated Notes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Long Term Subordinated Notes [Abstract]
Long Term Subordinated Notes	12. LONG TERM SUBORDINATED NOTES The table below displays Holdings' outstanding fixed to floating rate long term subordinated notes. Market value is based on quoted market prices, but due to limited trading activity, these subordinated notes are considered Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy. Maturity Date March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Original Consolidated Balance Consolidated Balance (Dollars in thousands) Date Issued Principal Amount Scheduled Final Sheet Amount Market Value Sheet Amount Market Value 6.6 04/26/2007 $ 400,000 05/15/2037 05/01/2067 $ 238,369 $ 203,789 $ 238,368 $ 208,978 During the fixed rate interest period from May 3, 2007 May 14, 2017 6.6 November 15, 2007 Holdings can redeem the long term subordinated notes prior to May 15, 2017, in whole but not in part at the applicable redemption price, which will equal the greater of (a) 100 0.25 0.50 May 1, 2047 5.40 October 15, 2014 4.868 June 1, 2044 On March 19, 2009, Group announced the commencement of a cash tender offer for any and all of the 6.60% fixed to floating rate long term subordinated notes. Upon expiration of the tender offer, the Company had reduced its outstanding debt by $ 161,441 Interest expense incurred in connection with these long term subordinated notes is as follows for the periods indicated: Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Interest expense incurred $ 3,937 $ 3,937

Segment Reporting

Segment Reporting	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Reporting	13. SEGMENT REPORTING The U.S. Reinsurance operation writes property and casualty reinsurance and specialty lines of business, including Marine, Aviation, Surety and Accident and Health ("A&H") business, on both a treaty and facultative basis, through reinsurance brokers, as well as directly with ceding companies primarily within the U.S. The International operation writes non-U.S. property and casualty reinsurance through Everest Re's branches in Canada and Singapore and through offices in Brazil, Miami and New Jersey. The Bermuda operation provides reinsurance and insurance to worldwide property and casualty markets through brokers and directly with ceding companies from its Bermuda office and reinsurance to the United Kingdom and European markets through its UK branch and Ireland Re. The Insurance operation writes property and casualty insurance directly and through general agents, brokers and surplus lines brokers within the U.S. and Canada. These segments are managed independently, but conform with corporate guidelines with respect to pricing, risk management, control of aggregate catastrophe exposures, capital, investments and support operations. Management generally monitors and evaluates the financial performance of these operating segments based upon their underwriting results. Underwriting results include earned premium less losses and loss adjustment expenses ("LAE") incurred, commission and brokerage expenses and other underwriting expenses. We measure our underwriting results using ratios, in particular loss, commission and brokerage and other underwriting expense ratios, which, respectively, divide incurred losses, commissions and brokerage and other underwriting expenses by premiums earned. For inter-affiliate reinsurance and business written through the Lloyd's Syndicate, business is generally reported within the segment in which the business was first produced, consistent with how the business is managed. The Company does not maintain separate balance sheet data for its operating segments. Accordingly, the Company does not review and evaluate the financial results of its operating segments based upon balance sheet data. The following tables present the underwriting results for the operating segments for the periods indicated: Three Months Ended U.S. Reinsurance March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Gross written premiums $ 536,706 $ 562,647 Net written premiums 470,691 484,403 Premiums earned $ 486,541 $ 511,094 Incurred losses and LAE 236,444 244,886 Commission and brokerage 117,317 122,784 Other underwriting expenses 13,459 11,529 Underwriting gain (loss) $ 119,321 $ 131,895 Three Months Ended International March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Gross written premiums $ 235,591 $ 326,998 Net written premiums 202,500 261,738 Premiums earned $ 250,450 $ 305,569 Incurred losses and LAE 147,535 179,652 Commission and brokerage 64,286 70,614 Other underwriting expenses 7,823 8,115 Underwriting gain (loss) $ 30,806 $ 47,188 Three Months Ended Bermuda March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Gross written premiums $ 204,732 $ 188,121 Net written premiums 184,314 174,566 Premiums earned $ 194,428 $ 195,704 Incurred losses and LAE 111,521 110,015 Commission and brokerage 49,922 51,133 Other underwriting expenses 9,185 8,800 Underwriting gain (loss) $ 23,800 $ 25,756 Three Months Ended Insurance March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Gross written premiums $ 376,160 $ 340,258 Net written premiums 323,952 303,581 Premiums earned $ 287,448 $ 260,121 Incurred losses and LAE 205,249 180,601 Commission and brokerage 43,481 38,563 Other underwriting expenses 41,643 30,297 Underwriting gain (loss) $ (2,925 ) $ 10,660 The following table reconciles the underwriting results for the operating segments to income before taxes as reported in the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income (loss) for the periods indicated: Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Underwriting gain (loss) $ 171,002 $ 215,498 Net investment income 102,524 122,566 Net realized capital gains (losses) (74,259 ) (10,505 ) Net derivative gain (loss) (3,020 ) (242 ) Corporate expenses (7,886 ) (5,463 ) Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense (9,228 ) (8,990 ) Other income (expense) (2,066 ) 51,281 Income (loss) before taxes $ 177,067 $ 364,145 The Company produces business in the U.S., Bermuda and internationally. The net income deriving from and assets residing in the individual foreign countries in which the Company writes business are not identifiable in the Company's financial records. Based on gross written premium, the table below presents the largest country, other than the U.S., in which the Company writes business, for the periods indicated: Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 United Kingdom gross written premium $ 182,630 $ 197,936 No other country represented more than 5

Share-Based Compensation Plans

Share-Based Compensation Plans	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Share-Based Compensation Plans [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation Plans	14. SHARE-BASED COMPENSATION PLANS For the three months ended March 31, 2016, share-based compensation awards granted were 155,710 186.015 11,130 186.015

Retirement Benefits

Retirement Benefits	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Retirement Benefits	15. RETIREMENT BENEFITS The Company maintains both qualified and non-qualified defined benefit pension plans and a retiree health plan for its U.S. employees employed prior to April 1, 2010. Net periodic benefit cost for U.S. employees included the following components for the periods indicated: Pension Benefits Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Service cost $ 2,897 $ 2,940 Interest cost 2,361 2,457 Expected return on plan assets (2,484 ) (2,903 ) Amortization of prior service cost - 5 Amortization of net (income) loss 2,014 2,251 Net periodic benefit cost $ 4,788 $ 4,750 Other Benefits Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Service cost $ 438 $ 401 Interest cost 296 263 Amortization of net (income) loss 48 211 Net periodic benefit cost $ 782 $ 875 The Company did not make any contributions to the qualified pension benefit plan for the three

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	16. INCOME TAXES The Company is domiciled in Bermuda and has significant subsidiaries and/or branches in Canada, Ireland, Singapore, the United Kingdom, and the United States. The Company's Bermuda domiciled subsidiaries are exempt from income taxation under Bermuda law until 2035. Pre-tax income generated by Group's non-Bermuda subsidiaries and the UK branch of Bermuda is subject to applicable federal, foreign, state and local taxes on corporations. Company subsidiaries domiciled in the US as well as the Canadian and Singapore branches of Everest Re generate US pre-tax income (loss). Foreign domiciled subsidiaries, including the UK branch of Bermuda Re, generate non-US pre-tax income (loss). Fluctuations in US and non-US pre-tax income (loss) primarily result from the impact of catastrophe losses and realized investment gains (losses). For interim reporting periods, the company is generally required to use the annualized effective tax rate ("AETR") method, as prescribed by ASC 740-270, Interim Reporting, to calculate its income tax provision. Under this method, the AETR is applied to the interim year-to-date pre-tax income to determine the income tax expense or benefit for the year-to-date period. The income tax expense or benefit for a quarter represents the difference between the year-to-date income tax expense or benefit for the current year-to-date period less such amount for the immediately preceding year-to-date period. Management considers the impact of all known events in its estimation of the Company's annual pre-tax income and AETR.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	17. SUBSEQUENT EVENTS The Company has evaluated known recognized and non-recognized subsequent events. The Company does not have any subsequent events to report.

Basis Of Presentation (Tables)

Basis Of Presentation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Basis Of Presentation [Abstract]
Schedule of Effect of Newly Adopted Accounting Policies, Balance Sheet	CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET: December 31, 2015 Effect of adoption As previously of new accounting As Currently reported policy Reported (Dollars in thousands) ASSETS: Short-term investments $ 1,795,455 $ (995,771 ) $ 799,684 Total investments and cash 17,672,176 (995,771 ) 16,676,405 Premiums receivable 1,479,293 3,797 1,483,090 Reinsurance receivables 840,420 53,617 894,037 Deferred acquisition costs 373,072 (721 ) 372,351 Prepaid reinsurance premiums 157,424 7,547 164,971 Other assets 265,634 56,184 321,818 TOTAL ASSETS 21,426,175 (875,347 ) 20,550,828 LIABILITIES: Funds held under reinsurance treaties 88,544 (75,000 ) 13,544 Commission reserves 79,849 (19,751 ) 60,098 Other net payable to reinsurers 166,822 6,265 173,087 Other liabilities 291,322 (30,000 ) 261,322 Total liabilities 13,060,729 (118,486 ) 12,942,243 NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS: Redeemable noncontrolling interests - Mt. Logan Re 756,861 (756,861 ) - TOTAL LIABILITIES, NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY 21,426,175 (875,347 ) 20,550,828
Schedule of Effect of Newly Adopted Accounting Policies, Operations and Comprehensive Income	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS): Effect of adoption As previously of new accounting As Currently reported policy Reported (Dollars in thousands) REVENUES: Premiums earned $ 1,307,077 $ (34,589 ) $ 1,272,488 Net investment income 122,583 (17 ) 122,566 Other income (expense) 46,073 5,208 51,281 Total revenues 1,464,986 (29,398 ) 1,435,588 CLAIMS AND EXPENSES: Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses 722,465 (7,310 ) 715,155 Commision, brokerage, taxes and fees 287,167 (4,073 ) 283,094 Other underwriting expenses 60,664 (1,923 ) 58,741 Total claims and expenses 1,084,749 (13,306 ) 1,071,443 NET INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES 380,237 (16,092 ) 364,145 NET INCOME (LOSS) 339,070 (16,092 ) 322,978 Net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests (16,092 ) 16,092 - NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO EVEREST RE GROUP 322,978 - 322,978
Schedule of Effect of Newly Adopted Accounting Policies, Cash Flow	CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS: Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 Effect of adoption As previously of new accounting As Currently (Dollars in thousands) reported policy Reported CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES: Net income (loss) $ 339,070 $ (16,092 ) $ 322,978 Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable (98,195 ) (3,533 ) (101,728 ) Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net 62,973 (75,000 ) (12,027 ) Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables (84,665 ) (5,363 ) (90,028 ) Decrease (increase) in prepaid reinsurance premiums 12,144 (25,012 ) (12,868 ) Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers 68,365 12,807 81,172 Change in other assets and liabilities, net 24,542 7,626 32,168 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities 455,136 (104,567 ) 350,569 CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES: Net change in short-term investments (7,567 ) 230,519 222,952 Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities (495,665 ) 230,519 (265,146 ) CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES: Third party investment in redeemable noncontrolling interest 156,848 (156,848 ) - Dividends paid on third party investment in redeemable noncontrolling interest (30,896 ) 30,896 - Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities 8,662 (125,952 ) (117,290 )

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Investments [Abstract]
Summary Of Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) Of Available For Sale, Fixed Maturity And Equity Security Investments	At March 31, 2016 Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Market OTTI in AOCI (Dollars in thousands) Cost Appreciation Depreciation Value (a) Fixed maturity securities U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations $ 891,944 $ 27,721 $ (153 ) $ 919,512 $ - Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 664,481 38,439 (843 ) 702,077 - Corporate securities 4,733,277 137,455 (58,694 ) 4,812,038 1,303 Asset-backed securities 514,550 2,623 (1,454 ) 515,719 - Mortgage-backed securities Commercial 269,123 5,893 (1,998 ) 273,018 - Agency residential 2,435,511 41,982 (4,204 ) 2,473,289 - Non-agency residential 836 46 (46 ) 836 - Foreign government securities 1,301,579 65,835 (44,671 ) 1,322,743 39 Foreign corporate securities 2,668,744 123,001 (49,325 ) 2,742,420 368 Total fixed maturity securities $ 13,480,045 $ 442,995 $ (161,388 ) $ 13,761,652 $ 1,710 Equity securities $ 123,354 $ 4,008 $ (12,974 ) $ 114,388 $ - At December 31, 2015 Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Market OTTI in AOCI (Dollars in thousands) Cost Appreciation Depreciation Value (a) Fixed maturity securities U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations $ 805,273 $ 13,465 $ (1,861 ) $ 816,877 $ - Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 669,945 34,020 (890 ) 703,075 - Corporate securities 4,817,014 97,159 (109,310 ) 4,804,863 1,412 Asset-backed securities 470,320 719 (3,813 ) 467,226 - Mortgage-backed securities Commercial 264,924 4,750 (3,375 ) 266,299 - Agency residential 2,313,265 25,318 (18,059 ) 2,320,524 - Non-agency residential 893 51 (46 ) 898 - Foreign government securities 1,256,983 54,403 (52,205 ) 1,259,181 53 Foreign corporate securities 2,677,589 107,163 (66,401 ) 2,718,351 36 Total fixed maturity securities $ 13,276,206 $ 337,048 $ (255,960 ) $ 13,357,294 $ 1,501 Equity securities $ 122,271 $ 3,401 $ (16,732 ) $ 108,940 $ - (a)
Summary Of Amortized Cost And Market Value Of Fixed Maturity Securities, By Contractual Maturity	At March 31, 2016 At December 31, 2015 Amortized Market Amortized Market (Dollars in thousands) Cost Value Cost Value Fixed maturity securities – available for sale: Due in one year or less $ 922,297 $ 932,602 $ 1,021,200 $ 1,036,016 Due after one year through five years 6,390,584 6,515,613 6,193,426 6,220,563 Due after five years through ten years 2,108,976 2,149,123 2,217,075 2,203,932 Due after ten years 838,168 901,452 795,103 841,836 Asset-backed securities 514,550 515,719 470,320 467,226 Mortgage-backed securities: Commercial 269,123 273,018 264,924 266,299 Agency residential 2,435,511 2,473,289 2,313,265 2,320,524 Non-agency residential 836 836 893 898 Total fixed maturity securities $ 13,480,045 $ 13,761,652 $ 13,276,206 $ 13,357,294
Summary Of Changes In Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) For The Company's Investments	Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Increase (decrease) during the period between the market value and cost of investments carried at market value, and deferred taxes thereon: Fixed maturity securities $ 200,308 $ 126,262 Fixed maturity securities, other-than-temporary impairment 210 9,684 Equity securities 4,366 (1,450 ) Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation), pre-tax 204,884 134,496 Deferred tax benefit (expense) (29,472 ) (25,700 ) Deferred tax benefit (expense), other-than-temporary impairment (69 ) (3,408 ) Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation), net of deferred taxes, included in shareholders' equity $ 175,343 $ 105,388
Summary Of Aggregate Market Value And Gross Unrealized Depreciation Of Fixed Maturity And Equity Securities, By Security Type	Duration of Unrealized Loss at March 31, 2016 By Security Type Less than 12 months Greater than 12 months Total Gross Gross Gross Unrealized Unrealized Unrealized (Dollars in thousands) Market Value Depreciation Market Value Depreciation Market Value Depreciation Fixed maturity securities - available for sale U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations $ 71,914 $ (153 ) $ 698 $ - $ 72,612 $ (153 ) Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 4,469 (16 ) 7,014 (827 ) 11,483 (843 ) Corporate securities 757,686 (29,211 ) 340,682 (29,483 ) 1,098,368 (58,694 ) Asset-backed securities 66,629 (257 ) 68,896 (1,197 ) 135,525 (1,454 ) Mortgage-backed securities Commercial 33,955 (1,707 ) 6,345 (291 ) 40,300 (1,998 ) Agency residential 239,830 (1,726 ) 290,778 (2,478 ) 530,608 (4,204 ) Non-agency residential 137 (2 ) 34 (44 ) 171 (46 ) Foreign government securities 167,643 (18,658 ) 196,372 (26,013 ) 364,015 (44,671 ) Foreign corporate securities 414,232 (15,945 ) 285,045 (33,380 ) 699,277 (49,325 ) Total fixed maturity securities $ 1,756,495 $ (67,675 ) $ 1,195,864 $ (93,713 ) $ 2,952,359 $ (161,388 ) Equity securities - - 96,771 (12,974 ) 96,771 (12,974 ) Total $ 1,756,495 $ (67,675 ) $ 1,292,635 $ (106,687 ) $ 3,049,130 $ (174,362 ) Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2015 By Security Type Less than 12 months Greater than 12 months Total Gross Gross Gross Unrealized Unrealized Unrealized (Dollars in thousands) Market Value Depreciation Market Value Depreciation Market Value Depreciation Fixed maturity securities - available for sale U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations $ 539,177 $ (1,855 ) $ 692 $ (6 ) $ 539,869 $ (1,861 ) Obligations of U.S. states and political subdivisions 6,434 (84 ) 4,917 (806 ) 11,351 (890 ) Corporate securities 1,818,331 (74,161 ) 440,682 (35,149 ) 2,259,013 (109,310 ) Asset-backed securities 348,545 (2,510 ) 67,230 (1,303 ) 415,775 (3,813 ) Mortgage-backed securities Commercial 145,490 (3,375 ) - - 145,490 (3,375 ) Agency residential 1,021,390 (10,014 ) 326,449 (8,045 ) 1,347,839 (18,059 ) Non-agency residential 152 (2 ) 38 (44 ) 190 (46 ) Foreign government securities 227,384 (21,996 ) 216,428 (30,209 ) 443,812 (52,205 ) Foreign corporate securities 821,548 (25,627 ) 295,389 (40,774 ) 1,116,937 (66,401 ) Total fixed maturity securities $ 4,928,451 $ (139,624 ) $ 1,351,825 $ (116,336 ) $ 6,280,276 $ (255,960 ) Equity securities - - 91,907 (16,732 ) 91,907 (16,732 ) Total $ 4,928,451 $ (139,624 ) $ 1,443,732 $ (133,068 ) $ 6,372,183 $ (272,692 )
Summary Of Aggregate Market Value And Gross Unrealized Depreciation Of Fixed Maturity And Equity Securities, By Contractual Maturity	Duration of Unrealized Loss at March 31, 2016 By Maturity Less than 12 months Greater than 12 months Total Gross Gross Gross Unrealized Unrealized Unrealized (Dollars in thousands) Market Value Depreciation Market Value Depreciation Market Value Depreciation Fixed maturity securities Due in one year or less $ 50,743 $ (255 ) $ 91,385 $ (14,690 ) $ 142,128 $ (14,945 ) Due in one year through five years 843,152 (37,957 ) 550,261 (46,326 ) 1,393,413 (84,283 ) Due in five years through ten years 467,988 (21,816 ) 162,567 (24,926 ) 630,555 (46,742 ) Due after ten years 54,061 (3,955 ) 25,598 (3,761 ) 79,659 (7,716 ) Asset-backed securities 66,629 (257 ) 68,896 (1,197 ) 135,525 (1,454 ) Mortgage-backed securities 273,922 (3,435 ) 297,157 (2,813 ) 571,079 (6,248 ) Total fixed maturity securities $ 1,756,495 $ (67,675 ) $ 1,195,864 $ (93,713 ) $ 2,952,359 $ (161,388 ) Duration of Unrealized Loss at December 31, 2015 By Maturity Less than 12 months Greater than 12 months Total Gross Gross Gross Unrealized Unrealized Unrealized (Dollars in thousands) Market Value Depreciation Market Value Depreciation Market Value Depreciation Fixed maturity securities Due in one year or less $ 29,737 $ (1,840 ) $ 74,615 $ (13,440 ) $ 104,352 $ (15,280 ) Due in one year through five years 2,328,805 (62,329 ) 651,228 (59,993 ) 2,980,033 (122,322 ) Due in five years through ten years 969,139 (52,725 ) 206,538 (28,018 ) 1,175,677 (80,743 ) Due after ten years 85,193 (6,829 ) 25,727 (5,493 ) 110,920 (12,322 ) Asset-backed securities 348,545 (2,510 ) 67,230 (1,303 ) 415,775 (3,813 ) Mortgage-backed securities 1,167,032 (13,391 ) 326,487 (8,089 ) 1,493,519 (21,480 ) Total fixed maturity securities $ 4,928,451 $ (139,624 ) $ 1,351,825 $ (116,336 ) $ 6,280,276 $ (255,960 )
Summary Of Components Of Net Investment Income	Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Fixed maturities $ 102,525 $ 109,355 Equity securities 11,139 11,678 Short-term investments and cash 400 230 Other invested assets Limited partnerships (6,158 ) 6,968 Other (850 ) 625 Gross investment income before adjustments 107,056 128,856 Funds held interest income (expense) 2,540 2,876 Future policy benefit reserve income (expense) (301 ) (393 ) Gross investment income 109,295 131,339 Investment expenses (6,771 ) (8,773 ) Net investment income $ 102,524 $ 122,566
Summary Of Components Of Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses)	Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Fixed maturity securities, market value: Other-than-temporary impairments $ (28,793 ) $ (26,018 ) Gains (losses) from sales (16,911 ) (8,024 ) Fixed maturity securities, fair value: Gains (losses) from sales - 28 Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments (232 ) 62 Equity securities, market value: Gains (losses) from sales 57 19 Equity securities, fair value: Gains (losses) from sales (8,426 ) (150 ) Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments (19,955 ) 23,578 Short-term investments gain (loss) 1 - Total net realized capital gains (losses) $ (74,259 ) $ (10,505 )
Summary Of Gross Gains (Losses) From Sales Of Fixed Maturity And Equity Securities	Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Proceeds from sales of fixed maturity securities $ 324,118 $ 357,048 Gross gains from sales 8,552 8,835 Gross losses from sales (25,463 ) (16,831 ) Proceeds from sales of equity securities $ 92,448 $ 138,049 Gross gains from sales 1,839 5,206 Gross losses from sales (10,208 ) (5,337 )

Derivatives (Tables)

Derivatives (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Derivatives [Abstract]
Summary Of The Fair Value Of The Equity Index Put Options	Dollars in thousands) Derivatives not designated as Location of fair value At At hedging instruments in balance sheets March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Equity index put option contracts Equity index put option liability $ 43,725 $ 40,705 Total $ 43,725 $ 40,705 (Dollars in thousands) Three Months Ended Derivatives not designated as Location of gain (loss) in statements of March 31, hedging instruments operations and comprehensive income (loss) 2016 2015 Equity index put option contracts Net derivative gain (loss) $ (3,020 ) $ (242 ) Total $ (3,020 ) $ (242 )

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement Levels For All Assets And Liabilities	Fair Value Measurement Using: Quoted Prices in Active Significant Markets for Other Significant Identical Observable Unobservable Assets Inputs Inputs (Dollars in thousands) March 31, 2016 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Assets: Fixed maturities, market value U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations $ 919,512 $ - $ 919,512 $ - Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions 702,077 - 702,077 - Corporate securities 4,812,038 - 4,796,332 15,706 Asset-backed securities 515,719 - 515,719 - Mortgage-backed securities Commercial 273,018 - 273,018 - Agency residential 2,473,289 - 2,473,289 - Non-agency residential 836 - 836 - Foreign government securities 1,322,743 - 1,322,743 - Foreign corporate securities 2,742,420 - 2,741,824 596 Total fixed maturities, market value 13,761,652 - 13,745,350 16,302 Fixed maturities, fair value 1,870 - 1,870 - Equity securities, market value 114,388 96,771 17,617 - Equity securities, fair value 1,313,404 1,253,346 60,058 - Liabilities: Equity index put option contracts $ 43,725 $ - $ - $ 43,725 Fair Value Measurement Using: Quoted Prices in Active Significant Markets for Other Significant Identical Observable Unobservable Assets Inputs Inputs (Dollars in thousands) December 31, 2015 (Level 1) (Level 2) (Level 3) Assets: Fixed maturities, market value U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies and corporations $ 816,877 $ - $ 816,877 $ - Obligations of U.S. States and political subdivisions 703,075 - 703,075 - Corporate securities 4,804,863 - 4,800,930 3,933 Asset-backed securities 467,226 - 467,226 - Mortgage-backed securities Commercial 266,299 - 266,299 - Agency residential 2,320,524 - 2,320,524 - Non-agency residential 898 - 898 - Foreign government securities 1,259,181 - 1,259,181 - Foreign corporate securities 2,718,351 - 2,716,758 1,593 Total fixed maturities, market value 13,357,294 - 13,351,768 5,526 Fixed maturities, fair value 2,102 - 2,102 - Equity securities, market value 108,940 91,907 17,033 - Equity securities, fair value 1,337,733 1,275,666 62,067 - Liabilities: Equity index put option contracts $ 40,705 $ - $ - $ 40,705
Activity Under Level 3, Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs By Asset Type	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 Corporate Foreign Corporate Foreign (Dollars in thousands) Securities Corporate Total Securities CMBS Corporate Total Beginning balance $ 3,933 $ 1,593 $ 5,526 $ - $ 8,597 $ 7,166 $ 15,763 Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized) Included in earnings 8 (997 ) $ (989 ) 2 - 57 59 Included in other comprehensive income (loss) (6 ) - $ (6 ) 1 - (1,098 ) (1,097 ) Purchases, issuances and settlements 11,771 - $ 11,771 1,940 - - 1,940 Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3 - - $ - 710 (8,597 ) - (7,887 ) Ending balance $ 15,706 $ 596 $ 16,302 $ 2,653 $ - $ 6,125 $ 8,778 The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date $ - $ (997 ) $ (997 ) $ - $ - $ - $ - (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)
Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs For Equity Index Put Option Contracts	Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Liabilities: Balance, beginning of period $ 40,705 $ 47,022 Total (gains) or losses (realized/unrealized) Included in earnings 3,020 242 Included in other comprehensive income (loss) - - Purchases, issuances and settlements - - Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3 - - Balance, end of period $ 43,725 $ 47,264 The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to liabilities still held at the reporting date $ - $ - (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

Earnings Per Common Share (Tabl

Earnings Per Common Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]
Schedule Of Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share	Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) 2016 2015 Net income (loss) per share: Numerator Net income (loss) $ 171,686 $ 322,978 Less: dividends declared-common shares and nonvested common shares (48,706 ) (42,252 ) Undistributed earnings 122,980 280,726 Percentage allocated to common shareholders (1) 99.0 % 98.9 % 121,697 277,755 Add: dividends declared-common shareholders 48,210 41,816 Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share $ 169,907 $ 319,571 Denominator Denominator for basic earnings per weighted-average common shares 42,129 44,028 Effect of dilutive securities: Options 334 416 Denominator for diluted earnings per adjusted weighted-average common shares 42,463 44,444 Per common share net income (loss) Basic $ 4.03 $ 7.26 Diluted $ 4.00 $ 7.19 (1) 42,129 44,028 Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding and nonvested common shares expected to vest 42,573 44,499 Percentage allocated to common shareholders 99.0 % 98.9 % (Some amounts may not reconcile due to rounding.)

Contingencies (Tables)

Contingencies (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Contingencies [Abstract]
Summary Of Estimated Cost To Replace Annuities For Contingent Liability	At March 31, At December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 The Prudential $ 141,945 $ 142,427 Unaffiliated life insurance company 31,907 33,062

Other Comprehensive Income (L31

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Components Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) In The Consolidated Statements Of Operations	Three Months Ended March 31, 2016 Three Months Ended March 31, 2015 (Dollars in thousands) Before Tax Tax Effect Net of Tax Before Tax Tax Effect Net of Tax Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities - temporary $ 159,028 $ (16,207 ) $ 142,821 $ 90,789 $ (13,860 ) $ 76,929 URA(D) on securities - OTTI 210 (69 ) 141 9,684 (3,408 ) 6,276 Reclassification of net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss) 45,646 (13,265 ) 32,381 34,023 (11,840 ) 22,183 Foreign currency translation adjustments 17,819 (8,046 ) 9,773 (120,275 ) 17,935 (102,340 ) Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss) - - - - - - Reclassification of benefit plan liability amortization included in net income (loss) 2,062 (722 ) 1,340 2,467 (863 ) 1,604 Total other comprehensive income (loss) $ 224,765 $ (38,309 ) $ 186,456 $ 16,688 $ (12,036 ) $ 4,652
Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Three Months Ended March 31, Affected line item within the statements of AOCI component 2016 2015 operations and comprehensive income (loss) (Dollars in thousands) URA(D) on securities $ 45,646 $ 34,023 Other net realized capital gains (losses) (13,265 ) (11,840 ) Income tax expense (benefit) $ 32,381 $ 22,183 Net income (loss) Benefit plan net gain (loss) $ 2,062 $ 2,467 Other underwriting expenses (722 ) (863 ) Income tax expense (benefit) $ 1,340 $ 1,604 Net income (loss)
Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax, In The Consolidated Balance Sheets	Three Months Ended Twelve Months Ended March 31, December 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Beginning balance of URA (D) on securities $ 42,811 $ 223,250 Current period change in URA (D) of investments - temporary 175,202 (185,467 ) Current period change in URA (D) of investments - non-credit OTTI 141 5,028 Ending balance of URA (D) on securities 218,154 42,811 Beginning balance of foreign currency translation adjustments (211,477 ) (99,947 ) Current period change in foreign currency translation adjustments 9,773 (111,530 ) Ending balance of foreign currency translation adjustments (201,704 ) (211,477 ) Beginning balance of benefit plan net gain (loss) (63,089 ) (74,986 ) Current period change in benefit plan net gain (loss) 1,340 11,897 Ending balance of benefit plan net gain (loss) (61,749 ) (63,089 ) Ending balance of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) $ (45,299 ) $ (231,755 )

Credit Facilities (Tables)

Credit Facilities (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Summary Of Costs Incurred Connection With Credit Facilities	Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Credit facility interest and fees incurred $ 370 $ 132
Wells Fargo Bank Group Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Summary Of Outstanding Letters Of Credit And/Or Borrowings	(Dollars in thousands) At March 31, 2016 At December 31, 2015 Bank Commitment In Use Date of Expiry Commitment In Use Date of Expiry Wells Fargo Bank Group Credit Facility Tranche One $ 200,000 $ - $ 200,000 $ - Tranche Two 600,000 $ 2,488 12/12/2016 $ 600,000 $ 2,488 12/12/2016 - 452,552 12/31/2016 - 447,178 12/31/2016 Total Wells Fargo Bank Group Credit Facility $ 800,000 $ 455,040 $ 800,000 $ 449,666
Citibank Bilateral Agreement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Summary Of Outstanding Letters Of Credit And/Or Borrowings	(Dollars in thousands) At March 31, 2016 At December 31, 2015 Bank Commitment In Use Date of Expiry Commitment In Use Date of Expiry Citibank Bilateral Letter of Credit Agreement $ 300,000 $ 3,672 11/24/2016 $ 300,000 $ 3,672 11/24/2016 64,823 12/31/2016 67,783 12/31/2016 4,058 2/28/2017 179 8/30/2017 184 8/30/2017 316 12/31/2017 2,598 12/31/2017 - - 96,738 3/30/2020 99,521 12/31/2019 Total Citibank Bilateral Agreement $ 300,000 $ 172,073 $ 300,000 $ 171,471
Lloyd's of London Bank Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Summary Of Outstanding Letters Of Credit And/Or Borrowings	(Dollars in thousands) At March 31, 2016 At December 31, 2015 Bank Commitment In Use Date of Expiry Commitment In Use Date of Expiry Lloyd's Bank plc £ 175,000 £ 164,961 12/31/2019 £ 175,000 £ 164,961 12/31/2019 - - - - Total Lloyd's Bank Credit Facility £ 175,000 £ 164,961 £ 175,000 £ 164,961

Senior Notes (Tables)

Senior Notes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Senior Notes [Abstract]
Schedule Of Outstanding Senior Notes	March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Consolidated Balance Consolidated Balance (Dollars in thousands) Date Issued Date Due Principal Amounts Sheet Amount Market Value Sheet Amount Market Value 4.868 06/05/2014 06/01/2044 400,000 $ 400,000 $ 393,520 $ 400,000 $ 381,204
Schedule Of Interest Expense Incurred In Connection With Senior Notes	Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Interest expense incurred $ 4,868 $ 4,868

Long Term Subordinated Notes (T

Long Term Subordinated Notes (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Long Term Subordinated Notes [Abstract]
Schedule Of Outstanding Fixed To Floating Rate Long Term Subordinated Notes	Maturity Date March 31, 2016 December 31, 2015 Original Consolidated Balance Consolidated Balance (Dollars in thousands) Date Issued Principal Amount Scheduled Final Sheet Amount Market Value Sheet Amount Market Value 6.6 04/26/2007 $ 400,000 05/15/2037 05/01/2067 $ 238,369 $ 203,789 $ 238,368 $ 208,978
Schedule Of Interest Expense Incurred In Connection With Long Term Subordinated Notes	Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Interest expense incurred $ 3,937 $ 3,937

Segment Reporting (Tables)

Segment Reporting (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Schedule Of Underwriting Results For Operating Segments	Three Months Ended U.S. Reinsurance March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Gross written premiums $ 536,706 $ 562,647 Net written premiums 470,691 484,403 Premiums earned $ 486,541 $ 511,094 Incurred losses and LAE 236,444 244,886 Commission and brokerage 117,317 122,784 Other underwriting expenses 13,459 11,529 Underwriting gain (loss) $ 119,321 $ 131,895 Three Months Ended International March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Gross written premiums $ 235,591 $ 326,998 Net written premiums 202,500 261,738 Premiums earned $ 250,450 $ 305,569 Incurred losses and LAE 147,535 179,652 Commission and brokerage 64,286 70,614 Other underwriting expenses 7,823 8,115 Underwriting gain (loss) $ 30,806 $ 47,188 Three Months Ended Bermuda March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Gross written premiums $ 204,732 $ 188,121 Net written premiums 184,314 174,566 Premiums earned $ 194,428 $ 195,704 Incurred losses and LAE 111,521 110,015 Commission and brokerage 49,922 51,133 Other underwriting expenses 9,185 8,800 Underwriting gain (loss) $ 23,800 $ 25,756 Three Months Ended Insurance March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Gross written premiums $ 376,160 $ 340,258 Net written premiums 323,952 303,581 Premiums earned $ 287,448 $ 260,121 Incurred losses and LAE 205,249 180,601 Commission and brokerage 43,481 38,563 Other underwriting expenses 41,643 30,297 Underwriting gain (loss) $ (2,925 ) $ 10,660
Schedule Of Underwriting Results For Operating Segments To Income (Loss) Before Taxes	Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Underwriting gain (loss) $ 171,002 $ 215,498 Net investment income 102,524 122,566 Net realized capital gains (losses) (74,259 ) (10,505 ) Net derivative gain (loss) (3,020 ) (242 ) Corporate expenses (7,886 ) (5,463 ) Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense (9,228 ) (8,990 ) Other income (expense) (2,066 ) 51,281 Income (loss) before taxes $ 177,067 $ 364,145
Schedule Of Gross Written Premiums Derived From Largest Non-U.S. Market	Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 United Kingdom gross written premium $ 182,630 $ 197,936

Retirement Benefits (Tables)

Retirement Benefits (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Summary Of Pension Expense	Pension Benefits Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Service cost $ 2,897 $ 2,940 Interest cost 2,361 2,457 Expected return on plan assets (2,484 ) (2,903 ) Amortization of prior service cost - 5 Amortization of net (income) loss 2,014 2,251 Net periodic benefit cost $ 4,788 $ 4,750 Other Benefits Three Months Ended March 31, (Dollars in thousands) 2016 2015 Service cost $ 438 $ 401 Interest cost 296 263 Amortization of net (income) loss 48 211 Net periodic benefit cost $ 782 $ 875

Basis Of Presentation (Schedule

Basis Of Presentation (Schedule of Effect of Newly Adopted Accounting Policies, Balance Sheet) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
ASSETS:
Short-term investments	$ 441,528	$ 799,684
Total investments and cash	17,070,971	16,676,405
Premiums receivable	1,475,155	1,483,090
Reinsurance receivables	920,039	894,037
Deferred acquisition costs	357,335	372,351
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	176,741	164,971
Other assets	304,997	321,818
TOTAL ASSETS	20,855,854	20,550,828
LIABILITIES:
Funds held under reinsurance treaties	20,745	13,544
Commission reserves	55,960	60,098
Other net payable to reinsurers	179,072	173,087
Other liabilities	240,169	261,322
Total liabilities	13,015,555	12,942,243
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS:
TOTAL LIABILITIES, NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 20,855,854	20,550,828
As Previously Reported [Member]
ASSETS:
Short-term investments		1,795,455
Total investments and cash		17,672,176
Premiums receivable		1,479,293
Reinsurance receivables		840,420
Deferred acquisition costs		373,072
Prepaid reinsurance premiums		157,424
Other assets		265,634
TOTAL ASSETS		21,426,175
LIABILITIES:
Funds held under reinsurance treaties		88,544
Commission reserves		79,849
Other net payable to reinsurers		166,822
Other liabilities		291,322
Total liabilities		13,060,729
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS:
Redeemable noncontrolling interest - Mt. Logan Re		756,861
TOTAL LIABILITIES, NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY		21,426,175
As Currently Reported [Member]
ASSETS:
Short-term investments		799,684
Total investments and cash		16,676,405
Premiums receivable		1,483,090
Reinsurance receivables		894,037
Deferred acquisition costs		372,351
Prepaid reinsurance premiums		164,971
Other assets		321,818
TOTAL ASSETS		20,550,828
LIABILITIES:
Funds held under reinsurance treaties		13,544
Commission reserves		60,098
Other net payable to reinsurers		173,087
Other liabilities		261,322
Total liabilities		12,942,243
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS:
TOTAL LIABILITIES, NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY		20,550,828
Effect Of Adoption Of New Accounting Policy [Member]
ASSETS:
Short-term investments		(995,771)
Total investments and cash		(995,771)
Premiums receivable		3,797
Reinsurance receivables		53,617
Deferred acquisition costs		(721)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums		7,547
Other assets		56,184
TOTAL ASSETS		(875,347)
LIABILITIES:
Funds held under reinsurance treaties		(75,000)
Commission reserves		(19,751)
Other net payable to reinsurers		6,265
Other liabilities		(30,000)
Total liabilities		(118,486)
NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS:
Redeemable noncontrolling interest - Mt. Logan Re		(756,861)
TOTAL LIABILITIES, NONCONTROLLING INTERESTS AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY		$ (875,347)

Basis Of Presentation (Schedu38

Basis Of Presentation (Schedule of Effect of Newly Adopted Accounting Policies, Operations and Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
REVENUES:
Premiums earned	$ 1,218,867	$ 1,272,488
Net investment income	102,524	122,566
Other income (expense)	2,066	(51,281)
Total revenues	1,242,046	1,435,588
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses	700,749	715,155
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees	275,006	283,094
Other underwriting expenses	72,110	58,741
Total claims and expenses	1,064,979	1,071,443
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES	177,067	364,145
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO EVEREST RE GROUP	$ 171,686	322,978
As Previously Reported [Member]
REVENUES:
Premiums earned		1,307,077
Net investment income		122,583
Other income (expense)		46,073
Total revenues		1,464,986
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses		722,465
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees		287,167
Other underwriting expenses		60,664
Total claims and expenses		1,084,749
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES		380,237
NET INCOME (LOSS)		339,070
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		(16,092)
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO EVEREST RE GROUP		322,978
As Currently Reported [Member]
REVENUES:
Premiums earned		1,272,488
Net investment income		122,566
Other income (expense)		51,281
Total revenues		1,435,588
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses		715,155
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees		283,094
Other underwriting expenses		58,741
Total claims and expenses		1,071,443
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES		364,145
NET INCOME (LOSS)		322,978
NET INCOME (LOSS) ATTRIBUTABLE TO EVEREST RE GROUP		322,978
Effect Of Adoption Of New Accounting Policy [Member]
REVENUES:
Premiums earned		(34,589)
Net investment income		(17)
Other income (expense)		5,208
Total revenues		(29,398)
CLAIMS AND EXPENSES:
Incurred losses and loss adjustment expenses		(7,310)
Commission, brokerage, taxes and fees		(4,073)
Other underwriting expenses		(1,923)
Total claims and expenses		(13,306)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES		(16,092)
NET INCOME (LOSS)		(16,092)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest		$ 16,092

Basis Of Presentation (Schedu39

Basis Of Presentation (Schedule of Effect of Newly Adopted Accounting Policies, Cash Flow) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable	$ 7,604	$ (101,728)
Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net	60,592	(12,027)
Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables	(32,865)	(90,028)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid reinsurance premiums	(10,219)	(12,868)
Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers	5,254	81,172
Change in other assets and liabilities, net	3,844	32,168
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	367,145	350,569
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Net change in short-term investments	360,238	222,952
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(208,183)	(265,146)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	$ (134,469)	(117,290)
As Previously Reported [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)		339,070
Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable		(98,195)
Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net		62,973
Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables		(84,665)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid reinsurance premiums		12,144
Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers		68,365
Change in other assets and liabilities, net		24,542
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		455,136
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Net change in short-term investments		(7,567)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(495,665)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Third party investment in redeemable noncontrolling interest		156,848
Dividends paid on third party investment in redeemable noncontrolling interest		(30,896)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		8,662
As Currently Reported [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)		322,978
Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable		(101,728)
Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net		(12,027)
Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables		(90,028)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid reinsurance premiums		(12,868)
Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers		81,172
Change in other assets and liabilities, net		32,168
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		350,569
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Net change in short-term investments		222,952
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		(265,146)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		(117,290)
Effect Of Adoption Of New Accounting Policy [Member]
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES:
Net income (loss)		(16,092)
Decrease (increase) in premiums receivable		(3,533)
Decrease (increase) in funds held by reinsureds, net		(75,000)
Decrease (increase) in reinsurance receivables		(5,363)
Decrease (increase) in prepaid reinsurance premiums		(25,012)
Increase (decrease) in other net payable to reinsurers		12,807
Change in other assets and liabilities, net		7,626
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities		(104,567)
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES:
Net change in short-term investments		230,519
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities		230,519
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES:
Third party investment in redeemable noncontrolling interest		(156,848)
Dividends paid on third party investment in redeemable noncontrolling interest		30,896
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		$ (125,952)

Investments (Narrative) (Detail

Investments (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Percentage threshold that triggers a review of available for sale debt securities for declines in market value	80.00%
Aggregate market value of investments in unrealized loss position	$ 3,049,130		$ 6,372,183
Gross unrealized losses on investments in unrealized loss position	174,362		272,692
Fixed maturity securities, duration of unrealized loss, less than 12 months, gross unrealized depreciation	67,675		139,624
Fixed maturity securities, duration of unrealized loss, greater than 12 months, gross unrealized depreciation	106,687		133,068
Gross unrealized depreciation	0		0
Additional contractual commitments	$ 447,875
Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Percentage threshold of unrealized losses not exceeded by any one single issuer	5.00%	5.00%
Minimum [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Limited partnership financial reporting lag time, months	1 month
Maximum [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Limited partnership financial reporting lag time, months	3 months
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Aggregate market value of investments in unrealized loss position	$ 2,952,359		6,280,276
Gross unrealized losses on investments in unrealized loss position	161,388		255,960
Fixed maturity securities, duration of unrealized loss, less than 12 months, gross unrealized depreciation	67,675		139,624
Fixed maturity securities, duration of unrealized loss, greater than 12 months, gross unrealized depreciation	$ 93,713		$ 116,336
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Percentage threshold of unrealized losses not exceeded by any one single issuer	0.60%		0.70%
Energy Sector [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, duration of unrealized loss, less than 12 months, gross unrealized depreciation	$ 16,509		$ 46,793
Fixed maturity securities, duration of unrealized loss, greater than 12 months, gross unrealized depreciation	14,945		18,447
Foreign Exchange Losses [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, duration of unrealized loss, less than 12 months, gross unrealized depreciation	36,994		39,037
Fixed maturity securities, duration of unrealized loss, greater than 12 months, gross unrealized depreciation	$ 67,220		$ 72,738

Investments (Summary Of Unreali

Investments (Summary Of Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) Of Available For Sale, Fixed Maturity And Equity Security Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		$ 13,480,045	$ 13,276,206
Unrealized Appreciation		442,995	337,048
Unrealized Depreciation		(161,388)	(255,960)
Market Value		13,761,652	13,357,294
OTTI in AOCI	[1]	1,710	1,501
U.S. Treasury Securities And Obligations Of U.S. Government Agencies And Corporations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		891,944	805,273
Unrealized Appreciation		27,721	13,465
Unrealized Depreciation		(153)	(1,861)
Market Value		919,512	816,877
Obligations Of U.S. States And Political Subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		664,481	669,945
Unrealized Appreciation		38,439	34,020
Unrealized Depreciation		(843)	(890)
Market Value		702,077	703,075
Corporate Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		4,733,277	4,817,014
Unrealized Appreciation		137,455	97,159
Unrealized Depreciation		(58,694)	(109,310)
Market Value		4,812,038	4,804,863
OTTI in AOCI	[1]	1,303	1,412
Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		514,550	470,320
Unrealized Appreciation		2,623	719
Unrealized Depreciation		(1,454)	(3,813)
Market Value		515,719	467,226
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		269,123	264,924
Unrealized Appreciation		5,893	4,750
Unrealized Depreciation		(1,998)	(3,375)
Market Value		273,018	266,299
Agency Residential [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		2,435,511	2,313,265
Unrealized Appreciation		41,982	25,318
Unrealized Depreciation		(4,204)	(18,059)
Market Value		2,473,289	2,320,524
Non-Agency Residential [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		836	893
Unrealized Appreciation		46	51
Unrealized Depreciation		(46)	(46)
Market Value		836	898
Foreign Government Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		1,301,579	1,256,983
Unrealized Appreciation		65,835	54,403
Unrealized Depreciation		(44,671)	(52,205)
Market Value		1,322,743	1,259,181
OTTI in AOCI	[1]	39	53
Foreign Corporate Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		2,668,744	2,677,589
Unrealized Appreciation		123,001	107,163
Unrealized Depreciation		(49,325)	(66,401)
Market Value		2,742,420	2,718,351
OTTI in AOCI	[1]	368	36
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Amortized Cost		123,354	122,271
Unrealized Appreciation		4,008	3,401
Unrealized Depreciation		(12,974)	(16,732)
Market Value		$ 114,388	$ 108,940
[1]	Represents the amount of OTTI recognized in AOCI. Amount includes unrealized gains and losses on impaired securities relating to changes in the value of such securities subsequent to the impairment measurement date

Investments (Summary Of Amortiz

Investments (Summary Of Amortized Cost And Market Value Of Fixed Maturity Securities, By Contractual Maturity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale, Amortized Cost	$ 13,480,045	$ 13,276,206
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale, Market Value	13,761,652	13,357,294
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale, Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost	922,297	1,021,200
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale, Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	6,390,584	6,193,426
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale, Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	2,108,976	2,217,075
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale, Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	838,168	795,103
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale, Due in one year or less, Market Value	932,602	1,036,016
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale, Due after one year through five years, Market Value	6,515,613	6,220,563
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale, Due after five years through ten years, Market Value	2,149,123	2,203,932
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale, Due after ten years, Market Value	901,452	841,836
Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale, Amortized Cost	514,550	470,320
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale, Market Value	515,719	467,226
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale, Amortized Cost	269,123	264,924
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale, Market Value	273,018	266,299
Agency Residential [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale, Amortized Cost	2,435,511	2,313,265
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale, Market Value	2,473,289	2,320,524
Non-Agency Residential [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale, Amortized Cost	836	893
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale, Market Value	$ 836	$ 898

Investments (Summary Of Changes

Investments (Summary Of Changes In Net Unrealized Appreciation (Depreciation) For The Company's Investments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation), pre-tax	$ 204,884	$ 134,496
Deferred tax benefit (expense)	(29,472)	(25,700)
Deferred tax benefit (expense), other-than-temporary impairment	(69)	(3,408)
Total URA(D) on securities arising during the period	175,343	105,388
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation), pre-tax	200,308	126,262
Fixed Maturity Securities, Other-Than-Temporary Impairment [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation), pre-tax	210	9,684
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation), pre-tax	$ 4,366	$ (1,450)

Investments (Summary Of Aggrega

Investments (Summary Of Aggregate Market Value And Gross Unrealized Depreciation Of Fixed Maturity And Equity Securities, By Security Type) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, Less than 12 months, Market Value	$ 1,756,495	$ 4,928,451
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized loss, less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(67,675)	(139,624)
Fixed maturity securities, Greater than 12 months, Market Value	1,292,635	1,443,732
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(106,687)	(133,068)
Fixed maturity securities, Total, Market Value	3,049,130	6,372,183
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation, Total	(174,362)	(272,692)
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, Less than 12 months, Market Value	1,756,495	4,928,451
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized loss, less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(67,675)	(139,624)
Fixed maturity securities, Greater than 12 months, Market Value	1,195,864	1,351,825
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(93,713)	(116,336)
Fixed maturity securities, Total, Market Value	2,952,359	6,280,276
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation, Total	(161,388)	(255,960)
U.S. Treasury Securities And Obligations Of U.S. Government Agencies And Corporations [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, Less than 12 months, Market Value	71,914	539,177
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized loss, less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(153)	(1,855)
Fixed maturity securities, Greater than 12 months, Market Value	698	692
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation		(6)
Fixed maturity securities, Total, Market Value	72,612	539,869
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation, Total	(153)	(1,861)
Obligations Of U.S. States And Political Subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, Less than 12 months, Market Value	4,469	6,434
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized loss, less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(16)	(84)
Fixed maturity securities, Greater than 12 months, Market Value	7,014	4,917
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(827)	(806)
Fixed maturity securities, Total, Market Value	11,483	11,351
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation, Total	(843)	(890)
Corporate Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, Less than 12 months, Market Value	757,686	1,818,331
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized loss, less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(29,211)	(74,161)
Fixed maturity securities, Greater than 12 months, Market Value	340,682	440,682
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(29,483)	(35,149)
Fixed maturity securities, Total, Market Value	1,098,368	2,259,013
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation, Total	(58,694)	(109,310)
Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, Less than 12 months, Market Value	66,629	348,545
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized loss, less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(257)	(2,510)
Fixed maturity securities, Greater than 12 months, Market Value	68,896	67,230
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(1,197)	(1,303)
Fixed maturity securities, Total, Market Value	135,525	415,775
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation, Total	(1,454)	(3,813)
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, Less than 12 months, Market Value	33,955	145,490
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized loss, less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(1,707)	(3,375)
Fixed maturity securities, Greater than 12 months, Market Value	6,345
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(291)
Fixed maturity securities, Total, Market Value	40,300	145,490
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation, Total	(1,998)	(3,375)
Agency Residential [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, Less than 12 months, Market Value	239,830	1,021,390
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized loss, less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(1,726)	(10,014)
Fixed maturity securities, Greater than 12 months, Market Value	290,778	326,449
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(2,478)	(8,045)
Fixed maturity securities, Total, Market Value	530,608	1,347,839
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation, Total	(4,204)	(18,059)
Non-Agency Residential [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, Less than 12 months, Market Value	137	152
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized loss, less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(2)	(2)
Fixed maturity securities, Greater than 12 months, Market Value	34	38
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(44)	(44)
Fixed maturity securities, Total, Market Value	171	190
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation, Total	(46)	(46)
Foreign Government Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, Less than 12 months, Market Value	167,643	227,384
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized loss, less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(18,658)	(21,996)
Fixed maturity securities, Greater than 12 months, Market Value	196,372	216,428
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(26,013)	(30,209)
Fixed maturity securities, Total, Market Value	364,015	443,812
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation, Total	(44,671)	(52,205)
Foreign Corporate Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, Less than 12 months, Market Value	414,232	821,548
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized loss, less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(15,945)	(25,627)
Fixed maturity securities, Greater than 12 months, Market Value	285,045	295,389
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(33,380)	(40,774)
Fixed maturity securities, Total, Market Value	699,277	1,116,937
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation, Total	(49,325)	(66,401)
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, Greater than 12 months, Market Value	96,771	91,907
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(12,974)	(16,732)
Fixed maturity securities, Total, Market Value	96,771	91,907
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation, Total	$ (12,974)	$ (16,732)

Investments (Summary Of Aggre45

Investments (Summary Of Aggregate Market Value And Gross Unrealized Depreciation Of Fixed Maturity And Equity Securities, By Contractual Maturity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 months, Market Value	$ 1,756,495	$ 4,928,451
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized loss, less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(67,675)	(139,624)
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Market Value	1,292,635	1,443,732
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(106,687)	(133,068)
Fixed maturity securities, Total, Market Value	3,049,130	6,372,183
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation, Total	(174,362)	(272,692)
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 months, Market Value	1,756,495	4,928,451
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized loss, less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(67,675)	(139,624)
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Market Value	1,195,864	1,351,825
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(93,713)	(116,336)
Fixed maturity securities, Total, Market Value	2,952,359	6,280,276
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation, Total	(161,388)	(255,960)
Due In One Year Or Less [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 months, Market Value	50,743	29,737
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized loss, less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(255)	(1,840)
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Market Value	91,385	74,615
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(14,690)	(13,440)
Fixed maturity securities, Total, Market Value	142,128	104,352
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation, Total	(14,945)	(15,280)
Due In One Year Through Five Years [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 months, Market Value	843,152	2,328,805
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized loss, less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(37,957)	(62,329)
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Market Value	550,261	651,228
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(46,326)	(59,993)
Fixed maturity securities, Total, Market Value	1,393,413	2,980,033
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation, Total	(84,283)	(122,322)
Due In Five Years Through Ten Years [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 months, Market Value	467,988	969,139
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized loss, less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(21,816)	(52,725)
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Market Value	162,567	206,538
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(24,926)	(28,018)
Fixed maturity securities, Total, Market Value	630,555	1,175,677
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation, Total	(46,742)	(80,743)
Due After Ten Years [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 months, Market Value	54,061	85,193
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized loss, less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(3,955)	(6,829)
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Market Value	25,598	25,727
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(3,761)	(5,493)
Fixed maturity securities, Total, Market Value	79,659	110,920
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation, Total	(7,716)	(12,322)
Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 months, Market Value	66,629	348,545
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized loss, less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(257)	(2,510)
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Market Value	68,896	67,230
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(1,197)	(1,303)
Fixed maturity securities, Total, Market Value	135,525	415,775
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation, Total	(1,454)	(3,813)
Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Less than 12 months, Market Value	273,922	1,167,032
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized loss, less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(3,435)	(13,391)
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Market Value	297,157	326,487
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Greater than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	(2,813)	(8,089)
Fixed maturity securities, Total, Market Value	571,079	1,493,519
Fixed maturity securities, Duration of Unrealized Loss, Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation, Total	$ (6,248)	$ (21,480)

Investments (Summary Of Compone

Investments (Summary Of Components Of Net Investment Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross investment income before adjustments	$ 107,056	$ 128,856
Funds held interest income (expense)	2,540	2,876
Future policy benefit reserve income (expense)	(301)	(393)
Gross investment income	109,295	131,339
Investment expenses	(6,771)	(8,773)
Net investment income	102,524	122,566
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross investment income before adjustments	102,525	109,355
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross investment income before adjustments	11,139	11,678
Short-Term Investments And Cash [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross investment income before adjustments	400	230
Limited Partnerships [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross investment income before adjustments	(6,158)	6,968
Other [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross investment income before adjustments	$ (850)	$ 625

Investments (Summary Of Compo47

Investments (Summary Of Components Of Net Realized Capital Gains (Losses)) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairments	$ (28,793)	$ (26,018)
Total net realized capital gains (losses)	(74,259)	(10,505)
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Market Value [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairments	(28,793)	(26,018)
Gains (losses) from sales	(16,911)	(8,024)
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains (losses) from sales		28
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments	(232)	62
Equity Securities [Member] | Market Value [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains (losses) from sales	57	19
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains (losses) from sales	(8,426)	(150)
Gains (losses) from fair value adjustments	(19,955)	$ 23,578
Short-Term Investments And Cash [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gains (losses) from sales	$ 1

Investments (Summary Of Gross G

Investments (Summary Of Gross Gains (Losses) From Sales Of Fixed Maturity And Equity Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales of securities	$ 324,118	$ 357,048
Gross gains from sales	8,552	8,835
Gross losses from sales	(25,463)	(16,831)
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Proceeds from sales of securities	92,448	138,049
Gross gains from sales	1,839	5,206
Gross losses from sales	$ (10,208)	$ (5,337)

Derivatives (Narrative) (Detail

Derivatives (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)itemsecurity	Dec. 31, 2005security	Dec. 31, 2001security
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of equity index put option contracts	7	7	7
Number of equity indices | item	2
Standard & Poor's 500 Index [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of equity index put option contracts | security	6
Theoretical maximum payout occurs based on index value	$ 0
Discount factor	3.00%
Present value of theoretical maximum payouts	$ 435,813,000
Settlement amount if contracts had expired	$ 0
Equity Index If Contracts Had Expired | item	2,059.74
Standard & Poor's 500 Index [Member] | Equity Index Put Option Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Total consideration, net of commissions	$ 22,530,000
Standard & Poor's 500 Index [Member] | Equity Index Put Option Contracts [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Total consideration, net of commissions	$ 34,199,000
Standard & Poor's 500 Index [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Estimates the probability of equity index put option contract will falling below the strike price on the exercise date	13.00%
FTSE 100 Index [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Number of equity index put option contracts | security	1
Theoretical maximum payout occurs based on index value	$ 0
Discount factor	3.00%
Present value of theoretical maximum payouts	$ 41,168,000
Settlement amount if contracts had expired	$ 0
Equity Index If Contracts Had Expired | item	6,174.90
FTSE 100 Index [Member] | Equity Index Put Option Contracts [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Total consideration, net of commissions	$ 6,706,000
FTSE 100 Index [Member] | Equity Index Put Option Contracts [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Total consideration, net of commissions	$ 9,526,000
FTSE 100 Index [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Derivative [Line Items]
Estimates the probability of equity index put option contract will falling below the strike price on the exercise date	45.00%

Derivatives (Summary Of The Fai

Derivatives (Summary Of The Fair Value Of The Equity Index Put Options) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Equity index put option liability	$ 43,725		$ 40,705
Net derivative gain (loss)	(3,020)	$ (242)
Equity Index Put Option Contracts [Member] | Derivatives Not Designated As Hedging Instruments [Member]
Option Indexed to Issuer's Equity [Line Items]
Equity index put option liability	43,725		$ 40,705
Net derivative gain (loss)	$ (3,020)	$ (242)

Fair Value (Narrative) (Details

Fair Value (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)securityitem	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2005security	Dec. 31, 2001security
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fair value of public equity portfolio	$ 241,605,000		$ 253,575,000
Number of equity index put option contracts	7			7	7
Derivatives, Number Of Indices | item	2
Transfers between level 1 and 2	$ 0
Transfers from level 3		$ 7,887,000
Unavailability Of Prices [Member] | Private Placement [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Number of securities | security	6		2
Available-for-sale Securities	$ 16,302,000		$ 3,593,000
Standard & Poor's 500 Index [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Number of equity index put option contracts | security	6
Theoretical maximum payout occurs based on index value	$ 0
Discount factor	3.00%
Present value of theoretical maximum payouts	$ 435,813,000
Settlement amount if contracts had expired	$ 0
FTSE 100 Index [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Number of equity index put option contracts | security	1
Theoretical maximum payout occurs based on index value	$ 0
Discount factor	3.00%
Present value of theoretical maximum payouts	$ 41,168,000
Settlement amount if contracts had expired	$ 0
Maximum [Member] | Standard & Poor's 500 Index [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Estimates the probability of equity index put option contract will falling below the strike price on the exercise date	13.00%
Maximum [Member] | FTSE 100 Index [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Estimates the probability of equity index put option contract will falling below the strike price on the exercise date	45.00%

Fair Value (Fair Value Measurem

Fair Value (Fair Value Measurement Levels For All Assets And Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, market value	$ 13,761,652	$ 13,357,294
Fixed maturities, fair value	1,870	2,102
Equity securities, market value	114,388	108,940
Equity securities, fair value	1,313,404	1,337,733
Equity index put option contracts	43,725	40,705
Quoted Prices In Active Markets For Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Equity securities, market value	96,771	91,907
Equity securities, fair value	1,253,346	1,275,666
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, market value	13,745,350	13,351,768
Fixed maturities, fair value	1,870	2,102
Equity securities, market value	17,617	17,033
Equity securities, fair value	60,058	62,067
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, market value	16,302	5,526
Equity index put option contracts	43,725	40,705
U.S. Treasury Securities And Obligations Of U.S. Government Agencies And Corporations [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, market value	919,512	816,877
U.S. Treasury Securities And Obligations Of U.S. Government Agencies And Corporations [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, market value	919,512	816,877
Obligations Of U.S. States And Political Subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, market value	702,077	703,075
Obligations Of U.S. States And Political Subdivisions [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, market value	702,077	703,075
Corporate Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, market value	4,812,038	4,804,863
Corporate Securities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, market value	4,796,332	4,800,930
Corporate Securities [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, market value	15,706	3,933
Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, market value	515,719	467,226
Asset-Backed Securities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, market value	515,719	467,226
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, market value	273,018	266,299
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, market value	273,018	266,299
Agency Residential [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, market value	2,473,289	2,320,524
Agency Residential [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, market value	2,473,289	2,320,524
Non-Agency Residential [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, market value	836	898
Non-Agency Residential [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, market value	836	898
Foreign Government Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, market value	1,322,743	1,259,181
Foreign Government Securities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, market value	1,322,743	1,259,181
Foreign Corporate Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, market value	2,742,420	2,718,351
Foreign Corporate Securities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, market value	2,741,824	2,716,758
Foreign Corporate Securities [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, market value	$ 596	$ 1,593

Fair Value (Activity Under Leve

Fair Value (Activity Under Level 3, Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs By Asset Type) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 5,526	$ 15,763
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized) Included in earnings	(989)	59
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized) Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	(6)	(1,097)
Purchases, issuances and settlements	11,771	1,940
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3		(7,887)
Ending balance	16,302	8,778
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date	(997)
Corporate Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	3,933
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized) Included in earnings	8	2
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized) Included in other comprehensive income (loss)	(6)	1
Purchases, issuances and settlements	11,771	1,940
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3		710
Ending balance	15,706	2,653
Commercial Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance		8,597
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3		(8,597)
Foreign Corporate Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]
Beginning balance	1,593	7,166
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized) Included in earnings	(997)	57
Total gains or (losses) (realized/unrealized) Included in other comprehensive income (loss)		(1,098)
Ending balance	596	$ 6,125
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to assets still held at the reporting date	$ (997)

Fair Value (Fair Value Measur54

Fair Value (Fair Value Measurements Using Significant Unobservable Inputs For Equity Index Put Option Contracts) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value [Abstract]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 40,705	$ 47,022
Total (gains) or losses (realized/unrealized) Included in earnings	$ 3,020	$ 242
Total (gains) or losses (realized/unrealized) Included in other comprehensive income (loss)
Purchases, issuances and settlements
Transfers in and/or (out) of Level 3
Balance, end of period	$ 43,725	$ 47,264
The amount of total gains or losses for the period included in earnings (or changes in net assets) attributable to the change in unrealized gains or losses relating to liabilities still held at the reporting date

Earnings Per Common Share (Narr

Earnings Per Common Share (Narrative) (Details) - shares shares in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]
Anti-dilutive options	0	0

Earnings Per Common Share (Sche

Earnings Per Common Share (Schedule Of Net Income (Loss) Per Common Share) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Common Share [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$ 171,686	$ 322,978
Less: dividends declared-common shares and nonvested common shares	(48,706)	(42,252)
Undistributed earnings	$ 122,980	$ 280,726
Percentage allocated to common shareholders	99.00%	98.90%
Net income (loss) available to common stockholders, total	$ 121,697	$ 277,755
Add: dividends declared-common shareholders	48,210	41,816
Numerator for basic and diluted earnings per common share	$ 169,907	$ 319,571
Denominator for basic earnings per weighted-average common shares	42,129	44,028
Effect of dilutive securities: Options	334	416
Denominator for diluted earnings per adjusted weighted-average common shares	42,463	44,444
Basic	$ 4.03	$ 7.26
Diluted	$ 4	$ 7.19
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding	42,129	44,028
Basic weighted-average common shares outstanding and nonvested common shares expected to vest	42,573	44,499

Contingencies (Narrative) (Deta

Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
The Prudential [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated cost to replace annuities	$ 141,945	$ 142,427
Unaffiliated Life Insurance Company [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Estimated cost to replace annuities	$ 31,907	$ 33,062

Other Comprehensive Income (L58

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Components Of Comprehensive Income (Loss) In The Consolidated Statements Of Operations) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities - temporary, Before Tax	$ 159,028	$ 90,789
URA (D) on securities - OTTI, Before Tax	210	9,684
Reclassification on net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss), Before Tax	45,646	34,023
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Before Tax	17,819	(120,275)
Reclassification of benefit plan liability amortization included in net income (loss), Before Tax	2,062	2,467
Total other comprehensive income (loss), Before Tax	224,765	16,688
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities - temporary, Tax Effect	(16,207)	(13,860)
URA (D) on securities - OTTI, Tax Effect	(69)	(3,408)
Reclassification of net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss), Tax Effect	(13,265)	(11,840)
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Tax Effect	(8,046)	17,935
Reclassification of benefit plan liability amortization included in net income (loss), Tax Effect	(722)	(863)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), Tax Effect	(38,309)	(12,036)
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) ("URA(D)") on securities - temporary, Net of Tax	142,821	76,929
URA (D) on securities - OTTI, Net of Tax	141	6,276
Reclassification on net realized losses (gains) included in net income (loss), Net of Tax	32,381	22,183
Foreign currency translation adjustments, Net of Tax	$ 9,773	$ (102,340)
Benefit plan actuarial net gain (loss), Net of Tax
Reclassification of benefit plan liability amortization included in net income (loss), Net of Tax	$ 1,340	$ 1,604
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	$ 186,456	$ 4,652

Other Comprehensive Income (L59

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Reclassified From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other net realized capital gains (losses)	$ (45,466)	$ 15,513
Other underwriting expenses	72,110	58,741
Income tax expense (benefit)	5,381	41,167
NET INCOME (LOSS)	171,686	322,978
URA(D) On Securities [Member] | Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other net realized capital gains (losses)	45,646	34,023
Income tax expense (benefit)	(13,265)	(11,840)
NET INCOME (LOSS)	32,381	22,183
Benefit Plan Liabilities [Member] | Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Other underwriting expenses	2,062	2,467
Income tax expense (benefit)	(722)	(863)
NET INCOME (LOSS)	$ 1,340	$ 1,604

Other Comprehensive Income (L60

Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) (Components Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net Of Tax, In The Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Abstract]
Beginning balance of URA (D) on securities	$ 42,811	$ 223,250	$ 223,250
Current period change in URA(D) of investments - temporary	175,202		(185,467)
Current period change in URA (D) of investments - non-credit OTTI	141		5,028
Ending balance of URA (D) on securities	218,154		42,811
Beginning balance of foreign currency translation adjustments	(211,477)	(99,947)	(99,947)
Current period change in foreign currency translation adjustments	9,773		(111,530)
Ending balance of foreign currency translation adjustments	(201,704)		(211,477)
Beginning balance of benefit plan net gain (loss)	(63,089)	(74,986)	(74,986)
Current period change in benefit plan net gain (loss)	1,340	$ 1,604	11,897
Ending balance of benefit plan net gain (loss)	(61,749)		(63,089)
Ending balance of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (45,299)		$ (231,755)

Credit Facilities (Narrative) (

Credit Facilities (Narrative) (Details) £ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016GBP (£)item	Dec. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)item	Dec. 31, 2015GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, number of facilities | item	2
Line of credit facility, commitment			$ 1,100,000
Wells Fargo Bank Group Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, number of tranches | item	2		2
Line of credit facility, term of credit facility	4 years
Line of credit facility, commitment			$ 800,000		$ 800,000
Line of credit facility, required minimum debt-to-capital ratio	0.35		0.35
Line of credit facility, required minimum net worth			$ 4,249,963
Percentage amount of consolidated net income required to be reserved to maintain compliance with facility covenants	25.00%
Percentage amount of increase in consolidated net worth from new issuance required to be reserved to maintain compliance with facility covenants	25.00%
Increase in reserves due to new issuance during the period required to maintain compliance with facility covenants			5,413,940
Wells Fargo Bank Group Credit Facility [Member] | Before Amended And Restated Agreement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, term of credit facility	5 years
Line of credit facility, commitment			850,000
Wells Fargo Bank Group Credit Facility Tranche One [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, commitment			200,000		200,000
Wells Fargo Bank Group Credit Facility Tranche One [Member] | Interest Rate Base Rate Option 1(b) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, spread on variable rate basis	0.50%
Wells Fargo Bank Group Credit Facility Tranche One [Member] | Interest Rate Base Rate Option 1(c) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, spread on variable rate basis	1.00%
Wells Fargo Bank Group Credit Facility Tranche Two [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, commitment			600,000
Citibank Holdings Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, term of credit facility	3 years
Citibank Bilateral Agreement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, commitment			$ 300,000		$ 300,000
Per annum commitment fee on undrawn credit	0.15%
Citibank Bilateral Agreement [Member] | Interest Rate Base Rate Option 1(a) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Percentage of interest on the principal amount of letters of credit issued	0.35%
Maximum term allowed to execute issued letters of credit	15 months
Citibank Bilateral Agreement [Member] | Interest Rate Base Rate Option 1(b) [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Percentage of interest on the principal amount of issued extended tenor letters of credit	0.45%
Maximum term allowed to execute issued letters of credit	60 months
Everest International Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, required minimum debt-to-capital ratio	0.35		0.35
Line of credit facility, required minimum net worth			$ 5,215,784
Consolidated net worth, percentage		70.00%
Percentage amount of consolidated net income required to be reserved to maintain compliance with facility covenants	25.00%
Percentage amount of increase in consolidated net worth from new issuance required to be reserved to maintain compliance with facility covenants	25.00%
Increase in reserves due to new issuance during the period required to maintain compliance with facility covenants			$ 5,513,929
Lloyd's of London Bank Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit facility, term of credit facility	4 years
Line of credit facility, commitment | £	£ 175,000			£ 175,000
Percentage commitment fee per annum	0.10%
Per annum commitment fee on undrawn credit	0.35%

Credit Facilities (Summary Of C

Credit Facilities (Summary Of Costs Incurred Connection With Credit Facilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Credit Facilities [Abstract]
Credit facility interest and fees incurred	$ 370	$ 132

Credit Facilities (Summary Of O

Credit Facilities (Summary Of Outstanding Letters Of Credit And/Or Borrowings) (Details) £ in Thousands, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016GBP (£)	Dec. 31, 2015GBP (£)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment			$ 1,100,000
Wells Fargo Bank Group Credit Facility Tranche One [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment			200,000	$ 200,000
Wells Fargo Bank Group Credit Facility Tranche Two Issuance One [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment			600,000	600,000
In Use			2,488	2,488
Date of Expiry	Dec. 12, 2016	Dec. 12, 2016
Wells Fargo Bank Group Credit Facility Tranche Two Issuance Two [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
In Use			452,552	447,178
Date of Expiry	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Wells Fargo Bank Group Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment			800,000	800,000
In Use			455,040	449,666
Citibank Bilateral Letter Of Credit Agreement One [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment			300,000	300,000
In Use			3,672	3,672
Date of Expiry	Nov. 24, 2016	Nov. 24, 2016
Citibank Bilateral Letter Of Credit Agreement Two [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
In Use			64,823	67,783
Date of Expiry	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2016
Citibank Bilateral Letter Of Credit Agreement Three [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
In Use			4,058	179
Date of Expiry	Feb. 28, 2017	Aug. 30, 2017
Citibank Bilateral Letter Of Credit Agreement Four [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
In Use			184	316
Date of Expiry	Aug. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Citibank Bilateral Letter Of Credit Agreement Five [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
In Use			2,598
Date of Expiry	Dec. 31, 2017
Citibank Bilateral Letter Of Credit Agreement Six [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
In Use			96,738	99,521
Date of Expiry	Mar. 30, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019
Citibank Bilateral Agreement [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment			300,000	300,000
In Use			$ 172,073	$ 171,471
Lloyd's Bank PLC [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment | £	£ 175,000	£ 175,000
In Use | £	£ 164,961	£ 164,961
Date of Expiry	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2019
Lloyd's of London Bank Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment | £	£ 175,000	£ 175,000
In Use | £	£ 164,961	£ 164,961

Reinsurance And Trust Agreeme64

Reinsurance And Trust Agreements (Narrative) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 01, 2015USD ($)item	Nov. 18, 2014USD ($)	Apr. 24, 2014USD ($)item	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Amount on deposit in trust accounts				$ 377,081
Preferred shares invested
Kilimanjaro Re Limited [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Number of collateralized reinsurance agreements | item	2		2
Kilimanjaro Re Limited [Member] | Catastrophe Reinsurance [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance coverage amount		$ 500,000
Kilimanjaro Re Limited [Member] | Catastrophe Reinsurance Agreement 1 [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance coverage amount	$ 300,000		$ 250,000
Catastrophe reinsurance bonds funded amount	625,000		450,000
Kilimanjaro Re Limited [Member] | Catastrophe Reinsurance Agreement 2 [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance coverage amount	$ 325,000		$ 200,000
Catastrophe reinsurance bonds funded amount		$ 500,000
Mt. Logan Re [Member]
Effects of Reinsurance [Line Items]
Percentage of voting common shares owned by Group				100.00%
Assumed net risk exposures				$ 859,333	$ 798,548
Preferred shares invested				$ 54,336	$ 50,000

Senior Notes (Narrative) (Detai

Senior Notes (Narrative) (Details) - Senior Notes [Member] - 4.868% Senior notes due 6/1/2044 [Member] - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Date Issued	Jun. 5, 2014
Principal amounts	$ 400,000,000
Debt maturity term	30 years
Debt instrument, stated interest rate	4.868%	4.868%
Date due	Jun. 1, 2044

Senior Notes (Schedule Of Outst

Senior Notes (Schedule Of Outstanding Senior Notes) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated balance sheet amount	$ 400,000,000	$ 400,000,000
4.868% Senior notes due 6/1/2044 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated interest rate	4.868%	4.868%
Date issued	Jun. 5, 2014
Date due	Jun. 1, 2044
Principal amounts	$ 400,000,000
Consolidated balance sheet amount	400,000,000	$ 400,000,000
Market value	$ 393,520,000	$ 381,204,000

Senior Notes (Schedule Of Inter

Senior Notes (Schedule Of Interest Expense Incurred In Connection With Senior Notes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Senior Notes [Abstract]
Interest expense incurred	$ 4,868	$ 4,868

Long Term Subordinated Notes (N

Long Term Subordinated Notes (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption date	May 1, 2047
Long Term Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated interest rate	6.60%	6.60%
Maturity Date	May 1, 2067
Percentage of principal amount required for redemption	100.00%
Outstanding debt reduction	$ 161,441
Long Term Subordinated Notes [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable spread on treasury rate	0.25%
Long Term Subordinated Notes [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Applicable spread on treasury rate	0.50%
Fixed Rate Interest Period [Member] | Long Term Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated interest rate	6.60%
Interest payment commencement date	Nov. 15, 2007
Interest basis, term of LIBOR rate	3 months
Interest basis, 3 month LIBOR plus number of basis points, reset quarterly	2.385%
Right to defer interest on one or more occasions for up to number of consecutive years	10 years
Fixed Rate Interest Period [Member] | Long Term Subordinated Notes [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest payment date	May 3, 2007
Fixed Rate Interest Period [Member] | Long Term Subordinated Notes [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest payment date	May 14, 2017
Floating Rate Interest Period [Member] | Long Term Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Right to defer interest on one or more occasions for up to number of consecutive years	10 years
5.4% Senior notes due 10/15/2014 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated interest rate	5.40%
Maturity Date	Oct. 15, 2014
4.868% Senior notes due 6/1/2044 [Member] | Senior Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated interest rate	4.868%	4.868%
Maturity Date	Jun. 1, 2044

Long Term Subordinated Notes (S

Long Term Subordinated Notes (Schedule Of Outstanding Fixed To Floating Rate Long Term Subordinated Notes) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Consolidated balance sheet amount	$ 238,369,000	$ 238,368,000
Long Term Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated interest rate	6.60%	6.60%
Date Issued	Apr. 26, 2007
Original Principal Amount	$ 400,000,000
Maturity Date	May 1, 2067
Consolidated balance sheet amount	$ 238,369,000	$ 238,368,000
Market value	$ 203,789,000	$ 208,978,000
Scheduled [Member] | Long Term Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Date	May 15, 2037
Final [Member] | Long Term Subordinated Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maturity Date	May 1, 2067

Long Term Subordinated Notes 70

Long Term Subordinated Notes (Schedule Of Interest Expense Incurred In Connection With Long Term Subordinated Notes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Long Term Subordinated Notes [Abstract]
Interest expense incurred	$ 3,937	$ 3,937

Segment Reporting (Schedule Of

Segment Reporting (Schedule Of Underwriting Results For Operating Segments) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Premiums earned	$ 1,218,867	$ 1,272,488
Incurred losses and LAE	700,749	715,155
Commission and brokerage	275,006	283,094
Other underwriting expenses	72,110	58,741
U.S. Reinsurance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross written premium	536,706	562,647
Net written premiums	470,691	484,403
Premiums earned	486,541	511,094
Incurred losses and LAE	236,444	244,886
Commission and brokerage	117,317	122,784
Other underwriting expenses	13,459	11,529
Underwriting gain (loss)	119,321	131,895
International [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross written premium	235,591	326,998
Net written premiums	202,500	261,738
Premiums earned	250,450	305,569
Incurred losses and LAE	147,535	179,652
Commission and brokerage	64,286	70,614
Other underwriting expenses	7,823	8,115
Underwriting gain (loss)	30,806	47,188
Bermuda [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross written premium	204,732	188,121
Net written premiums	184,314	174,566
Premiums earned	194,428	195,704
Incurred losses and LAE	111,521	110,015
Commission and brokerage	49,922	51,133
Other underwriting expenses	9,185	8,800
Underwriting gain (loss)	23,800	25,756
Insurance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross written premium	376,160	340,258
Net written premiums	323,952	303,581
Premiums earned	287,448	260,121
Incurred losses and LAE	205,249	180,601
Commission and brokerage	43,481	38,563
Other underwriting expenses	41,643	30,297
Underwriting gain (loss)	$ (2,925)	$ 10,660

Segment Reporting (Schedule O72

Segment Reporting (Schedule Of Underwriting Results For Operating Segments To Income (Loss) Before Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Net investment income	$ 102,524	$ 122,566
Net realized capital gains (losses)	(74,259)	(10,505)
Net derivative gain (loss)	(3,020)	(242)
Corporate expenses	(7,886)	(5,463)
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense	(9,228)	(8,990)
Other income (expense)	2,066	(51,281)
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES	177,067	364,145
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]
Underwriting gain (loss)	171,002	215,498
Net investment income	102,524	122,566
Net realized capital gains (losses)	(74,259)	(10,505)
Net derivative gain (loss)	(3,020)	(242)
Corporate expenses	(7,886)	(5,463)
Interest, fee and bond issue cost amortization expense	(9,228)	(8,990)
Other income (expense)	(2,066)	51,281
INCOME (LOSS) BEFORE TAXES	$ 177,067	$ 364,145

Segment Reporting (Schedule O73

Segment Reporting (Schedule Of Gross Written Premiums Derived From Largest Non-U.S. Market) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
United Kingdom Gross Written Premium [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross written premium	$ 182,630	$ 197,936
Sales Revenue, Net [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Concentration Risk, Percentage	5.00%	5.00%

Share-Based Compensation Plans

Share-Based Compensation Plans (Narrative) (Details)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016$ / sharesshares
Restricted Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options, granted | shares	155,710
Share-based compensation awards, per option fair value | $ / shares	$ 186.015
Performance Shares [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options, granted | shares	11,130
Share-based compensation awards, per option fair value | $ / shares	$ 186.015

Retirement Benefits (Details)

Retirement Benefits (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2016	Mar. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Pension contributions	$ 0	$ 0
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	2,897	2,940
Interest cost	2,361	2,457
Expected return on plan assets	(2,484)	(2,903)
Amortization of prior service cost		5
Amortization of net (income) loss	2,014	2,251
Net periodic benefit cost	4,788	4,750
Other Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Service cost	438	401
Interest cost	296	263
Amortization of net (income) loss	48	211
Net periodic benefit cost	$ 782	$ 875