HCC Insurance 10-Q 2 May 14 2014 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Billions, except Share data in Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'HCC INSURANCE HOLDINGS INC/DE/	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000888919	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q1	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Public Float	'	$4.30
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	99.9	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2014 - $5,910,038 and 2013 - $5,921,487)	$6,095,626	$6,022,473
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2014 - $391,779 and 2013 - $464,388)	426,089	517,466
Short-term investments, at cost (approximates fair value)	427,700	178,753
Total investments	6,949,415	6,718,692
Cash	72,524	58,301
Restricted cash and securities	122,950	125,777
Premium, claims and other receivables	630,844	580,107
Reinsurance recoverables	1,221,444	1,277,257
Ceded unearned premium	311,372	305,438
Ceded life and annuity benefits	55,599	56,491
Deferred policy acquisition costs	210,356	201,698
Goodwill	895,501	895,200
Other assets	179,779	125,559
Total assets	10,649,784	10,344,520
LIABILITIES	'	'
Loss and loss adjustment expense payable	3,847,417	3,902,132
Life and annuity policy benefits	55,599	56,491
Reinsurance, premium and claims payable	400,681	332,985
Unearned premium	1,167,308	1,134,849
Deferred ceding commissions	92,460	89,528
Notes payable	724,136	654,098
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	580,070	500,007
Total liabilities	6,867,671	6,670,090
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Common stock, $1.00 par value; 250,000 shares authorized (shares issued: 2014 - 126,062 and 2013 - 125,577; outstanding: 2014 - 100,085 and 2013 - 100,336)	126,062	125,577
Additional paid-in capital	1,082,735	1,073,105
Retained earnings	3,170,912	3,085,501
Accumulated other comprehensive income	162,221	118,651
Treasury stock, at cost (shares: 2014 - 25,977 and 2013 - 25,241)	-759,817	-728,404
Total shareholders' equity	3,782,113	3,674,430
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$10,649,784	$10,344,520

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified
Investments	'	'
Fixed maturity securities, available for sale, amortized cost	$5,910,038	$5,921,487
Equity securities, available for sale, cost	$391,779	$464,388
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Common stock, par value	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized	250,000	250,000
Common stock, shares issued	126,062	125,577
Common stock, shares outstanding	100,085	100,336
Treasury stock	25,977	25,241

Consolidated_Statement_of_Earn

Consolidated Statement of Earnings (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
REVENUE	'	'
Net earned premium	$562,612	$561,186
Net investment income	56,806	55,765
Other operating income	9,266	8,845
Net realized investment gain	20,246	8,570
Total revenue	648,930	634,366
EXPENSE	'	'
Loss and loss adjustment expense, net	321,844	332,697
Policy acquisition costs, net	69,041	66,949
Other operating expense	95,954	76,853
Interest expense	7,119	6,471
Total expense	493,958	482,970
Earnings before income taxes	154,972	151,396
Income tax expense	47,061	45,546
Net earnings	$107,911	$105,850
Earnings per common share	'	'
Basic	$1.08	$1.05
Diluted	$1.07	$1.05

Consolidated_Statement_of_Comp

Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'
Net earnings	$107,911	$105,850
Investment gains (losses):	'	'
Investment gains (losses) during the period	86,080	-30,395
Income tax charge (benefit)	30,570	-10,327
Investments gains (losses), net of tax	55,510	-20,068
Less reclassification adjustments for:	'	'
Gains included in net earnings	20,246	8,570
Income tax charge	7,086	2,999
Gains included in net earnings, net of tax	13,160	5,571
Net unrealized investment gains (losses)	42,350	-25,639
Foreign currency translation adjustment	788	-2,056
Income tax benefit	-432	-524
Foreign currency translation adjustment, net of tax	1,220	-1,532
Other comprehensive income (loss)	43,570	-27,171
Comprehensive income	$151,481	$78,679

Consolidated_Statement_of_Chan

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common stock [Member]	Additional paid-in capital [Member]	Retained earnings [Member]	Accumulated other comprehensive income [Member]	Treasury stock [Member]
In Thousands
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	$3,674,430	$125,577	$1,073,105	$3,085,501	$118,651	($728,404)
Net earnings	107,911	'	'	107,911	'	'
Other comprehensive income	43,570	'	'	'	43,570	'
Issuance of 199 shares for exercise of options, including tax effect	6,806	199	6,607	'	'	'
Issuance of 44 shares for employee stock purchase plan	1,622	44	1,578	'	'	'
Purchase of 736 common shares	-31,413	'	'	'	'	-31,413
Stock-based compensation	1,687	242	1,445	'	'	'
Cash dividends declared, $0.225 per share	-22,500	'	'	-22,500	'	'
Balance at Mar. 31, 2014	$3,782,113	$126,062	$1,082,735	$3,170,912	$162,221	($759,817)

Consolidated_Statement_of_Chan1

Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Issuance of shares for exercise of options	199
Issuance of shares for employee stock purchase plan	44
Purchase of common shares	736
Cash dividends declared	$0.23

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Operating activities	'	'
Net earnings	$107,911	$105,850
Adjustments to reconcile net earnings to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Change in premium, claims and other receivables	-44,966	-29,047
Change in reinsurance recoverables	55,197	1,364
Change in ceded unearned premium	-5,939	-528
Change in loss and loss adjustment expense payable	-53,892	16,429
Change in unearned premium	32,475	16,236
Change in reinsurance, premium and claims payable	71,873	26,113
Change in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-51,885	-101,424
Stock-based compensation expense	4,214	2,874
Depreciation and amortization expense	4,169	4,797
Gain on investments	-20,246	-8,570
Other, net	-3,447	-31,997
Cash provided by operating activities	95,464	2,097
Investing activities	'	'
Sales of available for sale fixed maturity securities	119,011	158,135
Sales of equity securities	144,075	17,808
Sales of other investments	0	20,921
Maturity or call of available for sale fixed maturity securities	131,204	190,308
Cost of available for sale fixed maturity securities acquired	-179,789	-389,731
Cost of equity securities acquired	-70,841	-69,255
Change in short-term investments	-248,749	95,352
Payments for purchase of businesses, net of cash received	-2,579	-8,214
Other, net	-2,224	-344
Cash provided (used) by investing activities	-109,892	14,980
Financing activities	'	'
Advances on line of credit	100,000	50,000
Payments on line of credit	-30,000	-15,000
Sale of common stock	8,428	6,919
Purchase of common stock	-30,774	-34,426
Dividends paid	-22,575	-16,674
Other, net	3,572	-3,609
Cash provided (used) by financing activities	28,651	-12,790
Net increase in cash	14,223	4,287
Cash at beginning of year	58,301	71,390
Cash at end of period	$72,524	$75,677

General_Information

General Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
General Information [Abstract]	'
General Information	'
	(1) General Information
	HCC Insurance Holdings, Inc. (HCC) and its subsidiaries (collectively we, us or our) include domestic and foreign property and casualty and life insurance companies and underwriting agencies with offices in the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain and Ireland. We underwrite a variety of largely non-correlated specialty insurance products, including property and casualty, accident and health, surety and credit product lines, in approximately 180 countries. We market our products through a network of independent agents and brokers, through managing general agents owned by the company, and directly to consumers. In addition, we assume insurance written by other insurance companies.
	Basis of Presentation
	Our unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP) and include the accounts of HCC and its subsidiaries. We have made all adjustments that, in our opinion, are necessary for a fair statement of results of the interim periods, and all such adjustments are of a normal recurring nature. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. The consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013 was derived from the audited financial statements but does not include all disclosures required by GAAP.
	Management must make estimates and assumptions that affect amounts reported in our consolidated financial statements and in disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Ultimate results could differ from those estimates.

General_Information_Details_Te

General Information (Details Textuals)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
	countries
General Information [Abstract]	'
Number of countries in which The Company underwrites non-correlated specialty insurance products	180

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investment [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	(2)  Investments
	The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gain or loss, and fair value of our fixed maturity and equity securities, all of which are classified as available for sale, were as follows:
			Cost or			Gross			Gross
			amortized			unrealized			unrealized
			cost			gain			loss			Fair value
	31-Mar-14
	U.S. government and government agency securities		$	90,628		$	1,869		$	-400		$	92,097
	Fixed maturity securities of states, municipalities
		and political subdivisions		934,057			57,121			-2,361			988,817
	Special purpose revenue bonds of states, municipalities
		and political subdivisions		2,242,766			98,757			-20,207			2,321,316
	Corporate securities			1,172,614			45,490			-6,917			1,211,187
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			636,192			15,990			-14,893			637,289
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			507,570			17,770			-8,808			516,532
	Asset-backed securities			235,420			419			-1,576			234,263
	Foreign government securities			90,791			3,542			-208			94,125
		Total fixed maturity securities	$	5,910,038		$	240,958		$	-55,370		$	6,095,626
	Equity securities		$	391,779		$	41,779		$	-7,469		$	426,089
			Cost or			Gross			Gross
			amortized			unrealized			unrealized
			cost			gain			loss			Fair value
	31-Dec-13
	U.S. government and government agency securities		$	91,047		$	2,157		$	-495		$	92,709
	Fixed maturity securities of states, municipalities
		and political subdivisions		941,580			50,885			-5,979			986,486
	Special purpose revenue bonds of states, municipalities
		and political subdivisions		2,240,412			71,541			-46,758			2,265,195
	Corporate securities			1,195,387			40,860			-11,009			1,225,238
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			622,766			15,289			-19,936			618,119
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			502,069			16,155			-13,336			504,888
	Asset-backed securities			183,660			319			-1,587			182,392
	Foreign government securities			144,566			3,237			-357			147,446
		Total fixed maturity securities	$	5,921,487		$	200,443		$	-99,457		$	6,022,473
	Equity securities		$	464,388		$	58,842		$	-5,764		$	517,466
	Substantially all of our fixed maturity securities are investment grade. The following tables display the gross unrealized losses and fair value of all available for sale securities that were in a continuous unrealized loss position for the periods indicated.
					Less than 12 months						12 months or more					Total
								Unrealized						Unrealized				Unrealized
					Fair value			losses			Fair value			losses		Fair value		losses
	31-Mar-14
	Fixed maturity securities
		U.S. government and government agency
				securities	$	25,035		$	-400		$	-		$	-	$	25,035	$	-400
		Fixed maturity securities of states,
			municipalities and political subdivisions			76,962			-1,924			9,219			-437		86,181		-2,361
		Special purpose revenue bonds of states,
			municipalities and political subdivisions			472,150			-14,315			102,936			-5,892		575,086		-20,207
		Corporate securities				247,972			-5,160			36,873			-1,757		284,845		-6,917
		Residential mortgage-backed securities				283,429			-10,749			41,796			-4,144		325,225		-14,893
		Commercial mortgage-backed securities				171,448			-7,196			20,371			-1,612		191,819		-8,808
		Asset-backed securities				158,396			-1,576			-			-		158,396		-1,576
		Foreign government securities				29,280			-208			-			-		29,280		-208
	Equity securities					99,429			-7,459			252			-10		99,681		-7,469
				Total	$	1,564,101		$	-48,987		$	211,447		$	-13,852	$	1,775,548	$	-62,839
					Less than 12 months						12 months or more					Total
								Unrealized						Unrealized				Unrealized
					Fair value			losses			Fair value			losses		Fair value		losses
	December 31, 2013
	Fixed maturity securities
		U.S. government and government agency
			securities		$	23,717		$	-495		$	0		$	0	$	23,717	$	-495
		Fixed maturity securities of states,
			municipalities and political subdivisions			136,160			-5,277			8,997			-702		145,157		-5,979
		Special purpose revenue bonds of states,
		municipalities and political subdivisions			684,560			-35,832			83,228			-10,926		767,788		-46,758
	Corporate securities				277,853			-8,202			35,437			-2,807		313,290		-11,009
	Residential mortgage-backed securities				306,874			-15,861			31,687			-4,075		338,561		-19,936
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities				203,347			-12,611			4,915			-725		208,262		-13,336
	Asset-backed securities				126,922			-1,587			0			0		126,922		-1,587
	Foreign government securities				78,182			-357			0			0		78,182		-357
Equity securities					75,620			-5,437			7,016			-327		82,636		-5,764
			Total	$	1,913,235		$	-85,659		$	171,280		$	-19,562	$	2,084,515	$	-105,221
A security has an impairment loss when its fair value is less than its cost or amortized cost at the balance sheet date. We evaluate our securities for possible other-than-temporary impairment losses at each quarter end. Our reviews cover all impaired securities where the loss exceeds $1.0 million and the loss either exceeds 10% of cost or the security had been in a loss position for longer than twelve consecutive months. We recognized no other-than-temporary impairment losses in the first quarter of 2014 and 2013.
At March 31, 2014, we held approximately 2,750 fixed maturity and equity securities, of which 28% included at least one lot in an unrealized loss position.  The related gross unrealized losses of $62.8 million in our portfolio relate to non-credit factors, such as interest rate changes and market conditions.  We do not consider these gross unrealized losses to be other-than-temporary impairments at March 31, 2014 because: 1) as of that date, we have received all contractual interest and principal payments on the fixed maturity securities, 2) we do not intend to sell the securities and 3) it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell the securities before recovery of their amortized cost or cost bases.
The amortized cost and fair value of our fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2014, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. The weighted-average life of our mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities was 5.7 years at March 31, 2014.
			Cost or amortized cost			Fair value
Due in 1 year or less			$	184,280		$	188,085
Due after 1 year through 5 years				1,010,609			1,056,776
Due after 5 years through 10 years				1,427,804			1,497,909
Due after 10 years through 15 years				993,477			1,029,110
Due after 15 years				914,686			935,662
	Securities with contractual maturities			4,530,856			4,707,542
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities				1,379,182			1,388,084
	Total fixed maturity securities		$	5,910,038		$	6,095,626
Realized pretax gains (losses) on the sale of investments included the following:
			Three months ended March 31,
			2014			2013
Gains
	Fixed maturity securities		$	2,015		$	4,591
	Equity securities			24,438			1,340
	Other investments			0			4,528
		Total gains		26,453			10,459
Losses
	Fixed maturity securities			-3,038			-1,775
	Equity securities			-3,169			-114
		Total losses		-6,207			-1,889
Net
	Fixed maturity securities			-1,023			2,816
	Equity securities			21,269			1,226
	Other investments			0			4,528
		Net realized investment gain	$	20,246		$	8,570

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Investment [Abstract]	'
Fixed Maturity & Equity Securities Available For Sale	'
			Cost or			Gross			Gross
			amortized			unrealized			unrealized
			cost			gain			loss			Fair value
	31-Mar-14
	U.S. government and government agency securities		$	90,628		$	1,869		$	-400		$	92,097
	Fixed maturity securities of states, municipalities
		and political subdivisions		934,057			57,121			-2,361			988,817
	Special purpose revenue bonds of states, municipalities
		and political subdivisions		2,242,766			98,757			-20,207			2,321,316
	Corporate securities			1,172,614			45,490			-6,917			1,211,187
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			636,192			15,990			-14,893			637,289
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			507,570			17,770			-8,808			516,532
	Asset-backed securities			235,420			419			-1,576			234,263
	Foreign government securities			90,791			3,542			-208			94,125
		Total fixed maturity securities	$	5,910,038		$	240,958		$	-55,370		$	6,095,626
	Equity securities		$	391,779		$	41,779		$	-7,469		$	426,089
			Cost or			Gross			Gross
			amortized			unrealized			unrealized
			cost			gain			loss			Fair value
	31-Dec-13
	U.S. government and government agency securities		$	91,047		$	2,157		$	-495		$	92,709
	Fixed maturity securities of states, municipalities
		and political subdivisions		941,580			50,885			-5,979			986,486
	Special purpose revenue bonds of states, municipalities
		and political subdivisions		2,240,412			71,541			-46,758			2,265,195
	Corporate securities			1,195,387			40,860			-11,009			1,225,238
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			622,766			15,289			-19,936			618,119
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			502,069			16,155			-13,336			504,888
	Asset-backed securities			183,660			319			-1,587			182,392
	Foreign government securities			144,566			3,237			-357			147,446
		Total fixed maturity securities	$	5,921,487		$	200,443		$	-99,457		$	6,022,473
	Equity securities		$	464,388		$	58,842		$	-5,764		$	517,466
Gross unrealized losses and fair value of all available for sale fixed maturity securities loss that were in a continuous loss position	'
					Less than 12 months						12 months or more					Total
								Unrealized						Unrealized				Unrealized
					Fair value			losses			Fair value			losses		Fair value		losses
	31-Mar-14
	Fixed maturity securities
		U.S. government and government agency
				securities	$	25,035		$	-400		$	-		$	-	$	25,035	$	-400
		Fixed maturity securities of states,
			municipalities and political subdivisions			76,962			-1,924			9,219			-437		86,181		-2,361
		Special purpose revenue bonds of states,
			municipalities and political subdivisions			472,150			-14,315			102,936			-5,892		575,086		-20,207
		Corporate securities				247,972			-5,160			36,873			-1,757		284,845		-6,917
		Residential mortgage-backed securities				283,429			-10,749			41,796			-4,144		325,225		-14,893
		Commercial mortgage-backed securities				171,448			-7,196			20,371			-1,612		191,819		-8,808
		Asset-backed securities				158,396			-1,576			-			-		158,396		-1,576
		Foreign government securities				29,280			-208			-			-		29,280		-208
	Equity securities					99,429			-7,459			252			-10		99,681		-7,469
				Total	$	1,564,101		$	-48,987		$	211,447		$	-13,852	$	1,775,548	$	-62,839
					Less than 12 months						12 months or more					Total
								Unrealized						Unrealized				Unrealized
					Fair value			losses			Fair value			losses		Fair value		losses
	December 31, 2013
	Fixed maturity securities
		U.S. government and government agency
			securities		$	23,717		$	-495		$	0		$	0	$	23,717	$	-495
		Fixed maturity securities of states,
			municipalities and political subdivisions			136,160			-5,277			8,997			-702		145,157		-5,979
		Special purpose revenue bonds of states,
			municipalities and political subdivisions			684,560			-35,832			83,228			-10,926		767,788		-46,758
		Corporate securities				277,853			-8,202			35,437			-2,807		313,290		-11,009
		Residential mortgage-backed securities				306,874			-15,861			31,687			-4,075		338,561		-19,936
		Commercial mortgage-backed securities				203,347			-12,611			4,915			-725		208,262		-13,336
		Asset-backed securities				126,922			-1,587			0			0		126,922		-1,587
		Foreign government securities				78,182			-357			0			0		78,182		-357
	Equity securities					75,620			-5,437			7,016			-327		82,636		-5,764
				Total	$	1,913,235		$	-85,659		$	171,280		$	-19,562	$	2,084,515	$	-105,221
Amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities investments classified by contractual maturity date	'
				Cost or amortized cost			Fair value
	Due in 1 year or less			$	184,280		$	188,085
	Due after 1 year through 5 years				1,010,609			1,056,776
	Due after 5 years through 10 years				1,427,804			1,497,909
	Due after 10 years through 15 years				993,477			1,029,110
	Due after 15 years				914,686			935,662
		Securities with contractual maturities			4,530,856			4,707,542
	Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities				1,379,182			1,388,084
		Total fixed maturity securities		$	5,910,038		$	6,095,626
Realized pretax gains (losses) on the sale of investments	'
				Three months ended March 31,
				2014			2013
	Gains
		Fixed maturity securities		$	2,015		$	4,591
		Equity securities			24,438			1,340
		Other investments			0			4,528
			Total gains		26,453			10,459
	Losses
		Fixed maturity securities			-3,038			-1,775
		Equity securities			-3,169			-114
			Total losses		-6,207			-1,889
	Net
		Fixed maturity securities			-1,023			2,816
		Equity securities			21,269			1,226
		Other investments			0			4,528
			Net realized investment gain	$	20,246		$	8,570

Investments_Details

Investments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fixed Maturity & Equity Securities Available for Sale	'	'
Available-for-sale Fixed Maturity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	$5,910,038	$5,921,487
Gross unrealized gain	240,958	200,443
Gross unrealized loss	-55,370	-99,457
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	6,095,626	6,022,473
Available for sale equity securities	'	'
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	391,779	464,388
Gross unrealized gain	41,779	58,842
Gross unrealized loss	-7,469	-5,764
Available-for-sale Securities, Equity Securities	426,089	517,466
US Government and Government Agency Securities [Member]	'	'
Fixed Maturity & Equity Securities Available for Sale	'	'
Available-for-sale Fixed Maturity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	90,628	91,047
Gross unrealized gain	1,869	2,157
Gross unrealized loss	-400	-495
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	92,097	92,709
Fixed Maturity Securities of States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions Securities [Member]	'	'
Fixed Maturity & Equity Securities Available for Sale	'	'
Available-for-sale Fixed Maturity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	934,057	941,580
Gross unrealized gain	57,121	50,885
Gross unrealized loss	-2,361	-5,979
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	988,817	986,486
Special Purpose Revenue Bonds Of States Municipalities And Political Subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Fixed Maturity & Equity Securities Available for Sale	'	'
Available-for-sale Fixed Maturity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	2,242,766	2,240,412
Gross unrealized gain	98,757	71,541
Gross unrealized loss	-20,207	-46,758
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	2,321,316	2,265,195
Corporate Securities [Member]	'	'
Fixed Maturity & Equity Securities Available for Sale	'	'
Available-for-sale Fixed Maturity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	1,172,614	1,195,387
Gross unrealized gain	45,490	40,860
Gross unrealized loss	-6,917	-11,009
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	1,211,187	1,225,238
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Fixed Maturity & Equity Securities Available for Sale	'	'
Available-for-sale Fixed Maturity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	636,192	622,766
Gross unrealized gain	15,990	15,289
Gross unrealized loss	-14,893	-19,936
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	637,289	618,119
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Fixed Maturity & Equity Securities Available for Sale	'	'
Available-for-sale Fixed Maturity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	507,570	502,069
Gross unrealized gain	17,770	16,155
Gross unrealized loss	-8,808	-13,336
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	516,532	504,888
Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Fixed Maturity & Equity Securities Available for Sale	'	'
Available-for-sale Fixed Maturity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	235,420	183,660
Gross unrealized gain	419	319
Gross unrealized loss	-1,576	-1,587
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	234,263	182,392
Foreign Government Securities [Member]	'	'
Fixed Maturity & Equity Securities Available for Sale	'	'
Available-for-sale Fixed Maturity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	90,791	144,566
Gross unrealized gain	3,542	3,237
Gross unrealized loss	-208	-357
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	$94,125	$147,446

Investments_Details_1

Investments (Details 1) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Gross unrealized losses and fair value of all available for sale fixed maturity securities that were in a continuous loss position	'	'
Less than 12 months, Fair value	$1,564,101	$1,913,235
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	-48,987	-85,659
12 months or more, Fair value	211,447	171,280
12 months or more, Unrealized losses	-13,852	-19,562
Total, Fair value	1,775,548	2,084,515
Total, Unrealized losses	-62,839	-105,221
US Government and Government Agency Securities [Member]	'	'
Gross unrealized losses and fair value of all available for sale fixed maturity securities that were in a continuous loss position	'	'
Less than 12 months, Fair value	25,035	23,717
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	-400	-495
12 months or more, Fair value	0	0
12 months or more, Unrealized losses	0	0
Total, Fair value	25,035	23,717
Total, Unrealized losses	-400	-495
Fixed Maturity Securities of States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions Securities [Member]	'	'
Gross unrealized losses and fair value of all available for sale fixed maturity securities that were in a continuous loss position	'	'
Less than 12 months, Fair value	76,962	136,160
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	-1,924	-5,277
12 months or more, Fair value	9,219	8,997
12 months or more, Unrealized losses	-437	-702
Total, Fair value	86,181	145,157
Total, Unrealized losses	-2,361	-5,979
Special Purpose Revenue Bonds Of States Municipalities And Political Subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Gross unrealized losses and fair value of all available for sale fixed maturity securities that were in a continuous loss position	'	'
Less than 12 months, Fair value	472,150	684,560
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	-14,315	-35,832
12 months or more, Fair value	102,936	83,228
12 months or more, Unrealized losses	-5,892	-10,926
Total, Fair value	575,086	767,788
Total, Unrealized losses	-20,207	-46,758
Corporate Securities [Member]	'	'
Gross unrealized losses and fair value of all available for sale fixed maturity securities that were in a continuous loss position	'	'
Less than 12 months, Fair value	247,972	277,853
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	-5,160	-8,202
12 months or more, Fair value	36,873	35,437
12 months or more, Unrealized losses	-1,757	-2,807
Total, Fair value	284,845	313,290
Total, Unrealized losses	-6,917	-11,009
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Gross unrealized losses and fair value of all available for sale fixed maturity securities that were in a continuous loss position	'	'
Less than 12 months, Fair value	283,429	306,874
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	-10,749	-15,861
12 months or more, Fair value	41,796	31,687
12 months or more, Unrealized losses	-4,144	-4,075
Total, Fair value	325,225	338,561
Total, Unrealized losses	-14,893	-19,936
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Gross unrealized losses and fair value of all available for sale fixed maturity securities that were in a continuous loss position	'	'
Less than 12 months, Fair value	171,448	203,347
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	-7,196	-12,611
12 months or more, Fair value	20,371	4,915
12 months or more, Unrealized losses	-1,612	-725
Total, Fair value	191,819	208,262
Total, Unrealized losses	-8,808	-13,336
Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Gross unrealized losses and fair value of all available for sale fixed maturity securities that were in a continuous loss position	'	'
Less than 12 months, Fair value	158,396	126,922
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	-1,576	-1,587
12 months or more, Fair value	0	0
12 months or more, Unrealized losses	0	0
Total, Fair value	158,396	126,922
Total, Unrealized losses	-1,576	-1,587
Foreign Government Securities [Member]	'	'
Gross unrealized losses and fair value of all available for sale fixed maturity securities that were in a continuous loss position	'	'
Less than 12 months, Fair value	29,280	78,182
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	-208	-357
12 months or more, Fair value	0	0
12 months or more, Unrealized losses	0	0
Total, Fair value	29,280	78,182
Total, Unrealized losses	-208	-357
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Gross unrealized losses and fair value of all available for sale fixed maturity securities that were in a continuous loss position	'	'
Less than 12 months, Fair value	99,429	75,620
Less than 12 months, Unrealized losses	-7,459	-5,437
12 months or more, Fair value	252	7,016
12 months or more, Unrealized losses	-10	-327
Total, Fair value	99,681	82,636
Total, Unrealized losses	($7,469)	($5,764)

Investments_Details_3

Investments (Details 3) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amortized cost and fair value of fixed maturity securities investments classified by contractual maturity date	'	'
Due in 1 year or less, Available for sale, Cost or amortized cost	$184,280	'
Due after 1 year through 5 years, Available for sale, Cost or amortized cost	1,010,609	'
Due after 5 years through 10 years, Available for sale, Cost or amortized cost	1,427,804	'
Due after 10 years through 15 years, Available for sale, Cost or amortized cost	993,477	'
Due after 15 years, Available for sale, Cost or amortized cost	914,686	'
Securities with contractual maturities, Available for sale, Cost or amortized cost	4,530,856	'
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, Available for sale, Cost or amortized cost	1,379,182	'
Available-for-sale fixed maturity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis	5,910,038	5,921,487
Due in 1 year or less, Available for sale, Fair value	188,085	'
Due after 1 year through 5 years, Available for sale, Fair value	1,056,776	'
Due after 5 years through 10 years, Available for sale, Fair value	1,497,909	'
Due after 10 years through 15 years, Available for sale, Fair value	1,029,110	'
Due after 15 years, Available for sale, Fair value	935,662	'
Securities with contractual maturities, Available for sale, Fair value	4,707,542	'
Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, Available for sale, Fair value	1,388,084	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fixed Maturity Securities, Fair value	$6,095,626	'

Investments_Details_5

Investments (Details 5) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Realized pretax gains (losses) on the sale of investments	'	'
Gains	$26,453	$10,459
Losses	-6,207	-1,889
Net realized investment gain	20,246	8,570
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'
Realized pretax gains (losses) on the sale of investments	'	'
Gains	2,015	4,591
Losses	-3,038	-1,775
Net realized investment gain	-1,023	2,816
Others [Member]	'	'
Realized pretax gains (losses) on the sale of investments	'	'
Gains	0	4,528
Net realized investment gain	0	4,528
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Realized pretax gains (losses) on the sale of investments	'	'
Gains	24,438	1,340
Losses	-3,169	-114
Net realized investment gain	$21,269	$1,226

Investments_Details_Textuals

Investments (Details Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investment [Abstract]	'	'
Condition for categorizing the impaired securities	$1,000,000	'
Condition for categorizing the impaired securities, percentage	10.00%	'
Weighted-average life of mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities, Years	5.7	'
Number of fixed maturity and equity securities held	2,750	'
Percentage of securities in unrealized loss position	28.00%	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses	($62,839,000)	($105,221,000)

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	(3) Fair Value Measurements
	Our financial instruments include assets and liabilities carried at fair value, as well as assets and liabilities carried at cost or amortized cost but disclosed at fair value in our financial statements. In determining fair value, we generally apply the market approach, which uses prices and other relevant data based on market transactions involving identical or comparable assets and liabilities. We classify our financial instruments into the following three-level hierarchy:
	•       Level 1 – Inputs are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical instruments.
	•       Level 2 – Inputs are based on observable market data (other than quoted prices), or are derived from or corroborated by observable market data.
	•       Level 3 – Inputs are unobservable and not corroborated by market data.
	Our Level 1 investments consist of U.S. Treasuries, money market funds and equity securities traded in an active exchange market. We use unadjusted quoted prices for identical instruments to measure fair value.
	Our Level 2 investments include most of our fixed maturity securities, which consist of U.S. government agency securities, municipal bonds (including those held as restricted securities), corporate debt securities, bank loans, mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities (including collateralized loan obligations), and deposits supporting our Lloyd's syndicate business. Level 2 also includes certificates of deposit and other interest-bearing deposits at banks, which we report as short-term investments. We measure fair value for the majority of our Level 2 investments using matrix pricing and observable market data, including benchmark securities or yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, bids, offers, default rates, loss severity and other economic measures. We measure fair value for our structured securities using observable market data in cash flow models.
	We are responsible for the prices used in our fair value measurements. We use independent pricing services to assist us in determining fair value for all of our Level 2 investments. The pricing services provide a single price or quote per security. We use data provided by our third party investment managers and Lloyd's of London to value the remaining Level 2 investments. To validate that these quoted prices are reasonable estimates of fair value, we perform various quantitative and qualitative procedures, including: 1) evaluation of the underlying methodologies, 2) analysis of recent sales activity, 3) analytical review of our fair values against current market prices and 4) comparison of the pricing services' fair value to other pricing services' fair value for the same investment. No markets for our investments were judged to be inactive at period end. Based on these procedures, we did not adjust the prices or quotes provided by our independent pricing services, third party investment managers or Lloyd's of London as of March 31, 2014 or December 31, 2013.
	Our Level 2 financial instruments also include our notes payable. We determine the fair value of our 6.30% Senior Notes based on quoted prices, but the market is inactive. The fair value of borrowings under our Revolving Loan Facility approximates the carrying amount because interest is based on 30-day LIBOR plus a margin.
	Our Level 3 securities include certain fixed maturity securities and an insurance contract that we account for as a derivative and classify in other assets. Our Level 3 category also includes a liability for future earnout payments due to former owners of a business we acquired, which is classified within accounts payable and accrued liabilities. We determine fair value of the derivative and the earnout payments based on internally developed models that use assumptions or other data that are not readily observable from objective sources. Fixed maturity securities classified as Level 3 at December 31, 2013 included special purpose revenue bond auction rate securities, which had interest rates that reset at periodic intervals.  These securities were thinly traded and observable market data was not readily available.  We determined the fair value of these securities using prices quoted by a broker.
	The following tables present the fair value of our financial instruments that were carried or disclosed at fair value. Unless indicated, these items were carried at fair value on our consolidated balance sheets.
				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	31-Mar-14
	Fixed maturity securities
		U.S. government and government agency securities		$	83,462	$	8,635	$	0	$	92,097
		Fixed maturity securities of states, municipalities
			and political subdivisions		0		988,817		0		988,817
		Special purpose revenue bonds of states, municipalities
			and political subdivisions		0		2,321,316		0		2,321,316
		Corporate securities			0		1,211,037		150		1,211,187
		Residential mortgage-backed securities			0		637,289		0		637,289
		Commercial mortgage-backed securities			0		516,532		0		516,532
		Asset-backed securities			0		234,263		0		234,263
		Foreign government securities			0		94,125		0		94,125
			Total fixed maturity securities		83,462		6,012,014		150		6,095,626
	Equity securities				426,089		0		0		426,089
	Short-term investments*				268,479		159,221		0		427,700
	Restricted cash and securities				0		2,022		0		2,022
	Premium, claims and other receivables				0		71,463		0		71,463
	Other assets				20		0		1,167		1,187
		Total assets measured at fair value		$	778,050	$	6,244,720	$	1,317	$	7,024,087
	Notes payable*			$	0	$	773,615	$	0	$	773,615
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities - earnout liability				0		2,022		7,322		9,344
		Total liabilities measured at fair value		$	0	$	775,637	$	7,322	$	782,959
	__________
	* Carried at cost or amortized cost on consolidated balance sheet.
				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	31-Dec-13
	Fixed maturity securities
		U.S. government and government agency securities		$	84,032	$	8,677	$	0	$	92,709
		Fixed maturity securities of states, municipalities
			and political subdivisions		0		986,486		0		986,486
		Special purpose revenue bonds of states, municipalities
			and political subdivisions		0		2,255,928		9,267		2,265,195
		Corporate securities			0		1,225,088		150		1,225,238
		Residential mortgage-backed securities			0		618,119		0		618,119
		Commercial mortgage-backed securities			0		504,888		0		504,888
		Asset-backed securities			0		182,392		0		182,392
		Foreign government securities			0		147,446		0		147,446
			Total fixed maturity securities		84,032		5,929,024		9,417		6,022,473
	Equity securities				517,466		0		0		517,466
	Short-term investments*				68,958		109,795		0		178,753
	Restricted cash and securities				0		1,853		0		1,853
	Premium, claims and other receivables				0		66,515		0		66,515
	Other assets				20		0		941		961
		Total assets measured at fair value		$	670,476	$	6,107,187	$	10,358	$	6,788,021
	Notes payable*			$	0	$	707,656	$	0	$	707,656
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities - earnout liability				0		1,853		7,259		9,112
		Total liabilities measured at fair value		$	0	$	709,509	$	7,259	$	716,768
	__________
	*Carried at cost or amortized cost on consolidated balance sheet.
	In the first quarter of 2013, we purchased $9.4 million of special purpose revenue bond auction rate securities, which we continued to hold and classify in Level 3 at December 31, 2013. We sold these securities in the first quarter of 2014. There were no transfers between Level 1, Level 2 or Level 3 in the first quarter of 2014 and 2013.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Assets and liabilities at fair value	'
				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	31-Mar-14
	Fixed maturity securities
		U.S. government and government agency securities		$	83,462	$	8,635	$	0	$	92,097
		Fixed maturity securities of states, municipalities
			and political subdivisions		0		988,817		0		988,817
		Special purpose revenue bonds of states, municipalities
			and political subdivisions		0		2,321,316		0		2,321,316
		Corporate securities			0		1,211,037		150		1,211,187
		Residential mortgage-backed securities			0		637,289		0		637,289
		Commercial mortgage-backed securities			0		516,532		0		516,532
		Asset-backed securities			0		234,263		0		234,263
		Foreign government securities			0		94,125		0		94,125
			Total fixed maturity securities		83,462		6,012,014		150		6,095,626
	Equity securities				426,089		0		0		426,089
	Short-term investments*				268,479		159,221		0		427,700
	Restricted cash and securities				0		2,022		0		2,022
	Premium, claims and other receivables				0		71,463		0		71,463
	Other assets				20		0		1,167		1,187
		Total assets measured at fair value		$	778,050	$	6,244,720	$	1,317	$	7,024,087
	Notes payable*			$	0	$	773,615	$	0	$	773,615
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities - earnout liability				0		2,022		7,322		9,344
		Total liabilities measured at fair value		$	0	$	775,637	$	7,322	$	782,959
				Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Total
	31-Dec-13
	Fixed maturity securities
		U.S. government and government agency securities		$	84,032	$	8,677	$	0	$	92,709
		Fixed maturity securities of states, municipalities
			and political subdivisions		0		986,486		0		986,486
		Special purpose revenue bonds of states, municipalities
			and political subdivisions		0		2,255,928		9,267		2,265,195
		Corporate securities			0		1,225,088		150		1,225,238
		Residential mortgage-backed securities			0		618,119		0		618,119
		Commercial mortgage-backed securities			0		504,888		0		504,888
		Asset-backed securities			0		182,392		0		182,392
		Foreign government securities			0		147,446		0		147,446
			Total fixed maturity securities		84,032		5,929,024		9,417		6,022,473
	Equity securities				517,466		0		0		517,466
	Short-term investments*				68,958		109,795		0		178,753
	Restricted cash and securities				0		1,853		0		1,853
	Premium, claims and other receivables				0		66,515		0		66,515
	Other assets				20		0		941		961
		Total assets measured at fair value		$	670,476	$	6,107,187	$	10,358	$	6,788,021
	Notes payable*			$	0	$	707,656	$	0	$	707,656
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities - earnout liability				0		1,853		7,259		9,112
		Total liabilities measured at fair value		$	0	$	709,509	$	7,259	$	716,768

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fixed maturity securities-available for sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	$6,095,626	$6,022,473
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value	426,089	517,466
Short-term investments*	427,700	178,753
Restricted cash and securities	2,022	1,853
Premium, claims and other receivables	71,463	66,515
Other assets	1,187	961
Total assets measured at fair value	7,024,087	6,788,021
Notes payable	773,615	707,656
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities - earnout liability	9,344	9,112
Total liabilities measured at fair value	782,959	716,768
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities-available for sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	83,462	84,032
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value	426,089	517,466
Short-term investments*	268,479	68,958
Other assets	20	20
Total assets measured at fair value	778,050	670,476
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities-available for sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	6,012,014	5,929,024
Short-term investments*	159,221	109,795
Restricted cash and securities	2,022	1,853
Premium, claims and other receivables	71,463	66,515
Total assets measured at fair value	6,244,720	6,107,187
Notes payable	773,615	707,656
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities - earnout liability	2,022	1,853
Total liabilities measured at fair value	775,637	709,509
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities-available for sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	150	9,417
Other assets	1,167	941
Total assets measured at fair value	1,317	10,358
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities - earnout liability	7,322	7,259
Total liabilities measured at fair value	7,322	7,259
US Government and Government Agency Securities [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities-available for sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	92,097	92,709
US Government and Government Agency Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities-available for sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	83,462	84,032
US Government and Government Agency Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities-available for sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	8,635	8,677
Fixed Maturity Securities of States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions Securities [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities-available for sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	988,817	986,486
Fixed Maturity Securities of States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities-available for sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	988,817	986,486
Special Purpose Revenue Bonds Of States Municipalities And Political Subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities-available for sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	2,321,316	2,265,195
Special Purpose Revenue Bonds Of States Municipalities And Political Subdivisions [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities-available for sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	2,321,316	2,255,928
Special Purpose Revenue Bonds Of States Municipalities And Political Subdivisions [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities-available for sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	'	9,267
Corporate Securities [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities-available for sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	1,211,187	1,225,238
Corporate Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities-available for sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	1,211,037	1,225,088
Corporate Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities-available for sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	150	150
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities-available for sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	637,289	618,119
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities-available for sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	637,289	618,119
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities-available for sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	516,532	504,888
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities-available for sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	516,532	504,888
Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities-available for sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	234,263	182,392
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities-available for sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	234,263	182,392
Foreign Government Securities [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities-available for sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	94,125	147,446
Foreign Government Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities-available for sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale	$94,125	$147,446

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail1

Fair Value Measurements (Details Textuals) (Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member], Fixed Maturity Securities [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'
Fair Value, Measurement with Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation, Recurring Basis, Asset, Purchases	$9.40

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Reinsurance [Abstract]	'
Reinsurance	'
	(4) Reinsurance
	In the normal course of business, our insurance companies cede a portion of their premium to reinsurers through treaty and facultative reinsurance agreements. Although reinsurance does not discharge the direct insurer from liability to its policyholder, our insurance companies participate in such agreements in order to limit their loss exposure, protect them against catastrophic losses and diversify their business. The following tables present the effect of such reinsurance transactions on our premium, loss and loss adjustment expense and policy acquisition costs.
			Three months ended March 31,
			2014		2013
	Direct written premium		$	620,512	$	581,571
	Reinsurance assumed			126,210		138,634
	Reinsurance ceded			-156,540		-141,021
		Net written premium	$	590,182	$	579,184
	Direct earned premium		$	637,313	$	616,405
	Reinsurance assumed			76,023		85,272
	Reinsurance ceded			-150,724		-140,491
		Net earned premium	$	562,612	$	561,186
	Direct loss and loss adjustment expense		$	350,727	$	357,512
	Reinsurance assumed			41,802		39,691
	Reinsurance ceded			-70,685		-64,506
		Net loss and loss adjustment expense	$	321,844	$	332,697
	Policy acquisition costs		$	104,645	$	100,286
	Ceding commissions			-35,604		-33,337
		Net policy acquisition costs	$	69,041	$	66,949
	The table below shows the components of our reinsurance recoverables in our consolidated balance sheets.
			March 31,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses		$	124,368	$	156,026
	Reinsurance recoverable on outstanding losses			459,900		459,134
	Reinsurance recoverable on incurred but not reported losses			638,676		663,597
	Reserve for uncollectible reinsurance			-1,500		-1,500
		Total reinsurance recoverables	$	1,221,444	$	1,277,257
	Reinsurers not authorized by the respective states of domicile of our U.S. domiciled insurance companies are required to collateralize reinsurance obligations due to us. The table below shows letters of credit and cash that are available to us as collateral, as well as amounts we owe reinsurers that can be offset against amounts due to us.
			March 31,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Payables to reinsurers		$	204,741	$	208,850
	Letters of credit			99,078		100,529
	Funds held in trust			93,920		88,310
		Total credits	$	397,739	$	397,689

Reinsurance_Tables

Reinsurance (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Reinsurance [Abstract]	'
Effect of reinsurance transactions on our premium, loss and loss adjustment expense and policy acquisition costs	'
			Three months ended March 31,
			2014		2013
	Direct written premium		$	620,512	$	581,571
	Reinsurance assumed			126,210		138,634
	Reinsurance ceded			-156,540		-141,021
		Net written premium	$	590,182	$	579,184
	Direct earned premium		$	637,313	$	616,405
	Reinsurance assumed			76,023		85,272
	Reinsurance ceded			-150,724		-140,491
		Net earned premium	$	562,612	$	561,186
	Direct loss and loss adjustment expense		$	350,727	$	357,512
	Reinsurance assumed			41,802		39,691
	Reinsurance ceded			-70,685		-64,506
		Net loss and loss adjustment expense	$	321,844	$	332,697
	Policy acquisition costs		$	104,645	$	100,286
	Ceding commissions			-35,604		-33,337
		Net policy acquisition costs	$	69,041	$	66,949
Components of our reinsurance recoverables	'
			March 31,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses		$	124,368	$	156,026
	Reinsurance recoverable on outstanding losses			459,900		459,134
	Reinsurance recoverable on incurred but not reported losses			638,676		663,597
	Reserve for uncollectible reinsurance			-1,500		-1,500
		Total reinsurance recoverables	$	1,221,444	$	1,277,257
Amounts of letters of credit and cash available to us as collateral, plus other potential offsets	'
			March 31,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	Payables to reinsurers		$	204,741	$	208,850
	Letters of credit			99,078		100,529
	Funds held in trust			93,920		88,310
		Total credits	$	397,739	$	397,689

Reinsurance_Details

Reinsurance (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Effect of reinsurance transactions on our premium, loss and loss adjustment expense and policy acquisition costs	'	'
Direct written premium	$620,512	$581,571
Reinsurance assumed	126,210	138,634
Reinsurance ceded	-156,540	-141,021
Net written premium	590,182	579,184
Direct earned premium	637,313	616,405
Reinsurance assumed	76,023	85,272
Reinsurance ceded	-150,724	-140,491
Net earned premium	562,612	561,186
Direct loss and loss adjustment expense	350,727	357,512
Reinsurance assumed	41,802	39,691
Reinsurance ceded	-70,685	-64,506
Net loss and loss adjustment expense	321,844	332,697
Policy acquisition costs	104,645	100,286
Ceding commissions	-35,604	-33,337
Net policy acquisition costs	$69,041	$66,949

Reinsurance_Details_1

Reinsurance (Details 1) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Components of reinsurance recoverables	'	'
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	$124,368	$156,026
Reinsurance recoverable on outstanding losses	459,900	459,134
Reinsurance recoverable on incurred but not reported losses	638,676	663,597
Reserve for uncollectible reinsurance	-1,500	-1,500
Total reinsurance recoverables	$1,221,444	$1,277,257

Reinsurance_Details_4

Reinsurance (Details 4) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amounts of letters of credit and cash available to us as collateral, plus other potential offsets	'	'
Payables to reinsurers	$204,741	$208,850
Letters of credit	99,078	100,529
Funds held in trust	93,920	88,310
Total credits	$397,739	$397,689

Liability_for_Unpaid_Loss_and_

Liability for Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Liability for Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense	'
Liability For Future Policy Benefits And Unpaid Claims Disclosure TextBlock	'
	(5) Liability for Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense
	The table below provides a reconciliation of our liability for loss and loss adjustment expense payable (referred to as reserves). We recognized no prior year loss development in the first quarter of 2014 and 2013.
			Three months ended March 31,
			2014		2013
	Reserves at beginning of year		$	3,902,132	$	3,767,850
	Less reinsurance recoverables on reserves			1,122,731		1,018,047
		Net reserves at beginning of period		2,779,401		2,749,803
	Net loss and loss adjustment expense			321,844		332,697
	Net loss and loss adjustment expense payments			-354,956		-299,529
	Foreign currency adjustment			2,552		-21,729
		Net reserves at end of period		2,748,841		2,761,242
	Plus reinsurance recoverables on reserves			1,098,576		1,012,920
		Reserves at end of period	$	3,847,417	$	3,774,162

Liability_for_Unpaid_Loss_and_1

Liability for Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Liability for Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense	'
Rollforward of Liability for Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense	'
			Three months ended March 31,
			2014		2013
	Reserves at beginning of year		$	3,902,132	$	3,767,850
	Less reinsurance recoverables on reserves			1,122,731		1,018,047
		Net reserves at beginning of period		2,779,401		2,749,803
	Net loss and loss adjustment expense			321,844		332,697
	Net loss and loss adjustment expense payments			-354,956		-299,529
	Foreign currency adjustment			2,552		-21,729
		Net reserves at end of period		2,748,841		2,761,242
	Plus reinsurance recoverables on reserves			1,098,576		1,012,920
		Reserves at end of period	$	3,847,417	$	3,774,162

Liability_for_Unpaid_Loss_and_2

Liability for Unpaid Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
LiabilityForUnpaidClaimsAndClaimsAdjustmentExpenseNetAbstract	'	'
Reserves at beginning of year	$3,902,132	$3,767,850
Less reinsurance recoverables on reserves	1,122,731	1,018,047
Net reserves at beginning of period	2,779,401	2,749,803
Foreign currency adjustment	2,552	-21,729
Net loss and loss adjustment expense:	'	'
Net loss and loss adjustment expense	321,844	332,697
Net loss and loss adjustment expense payments for claims occurring during:	'	'
Net loss and loss adjustment expense payments	-354,956	-299,529
Net reserves at end of period	2,748,841	2,761,242
Plus reinsurance recoverables on reserves	1,098,576	1,012,920
Reserves at end of period	$3,847,417	$3,774,162

Notes_Payable

Notes Payable	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Notes Payable [Abstract]	'
Notes Payable	'
	(6) Notes Payable
	Our notes payable consisted of the following:
			March 31,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	6.30% Senior Notes		$	299,136	$	299,098
	$600.0 million Revolving Loan Facility			425,000		355,000
		Total notes payable	$	724,136	$	654,098
	The weighted-average interest rate on borrowings under the Revolving Loan Facility (Facility) at March 31, 2014 was 1.4%. We were in compliance with debt covenants related to our 6.30% Senior Notes, the Facility and our Standby Letter of Credit Facility (Standby Facility) at March 31, 2014.
	On April 30, 2014, we entered into an agreement to modify our $600.0 million Facility. Under the amended agreement, we increased the borrowing capacity under the Facility to $825.0 million and extended the term two years to April 30, 2019. There were no other material changes to the Facility or to the terms and conditions of our Senior Notes or Standby Facility from those described in Note 7, “Notes Payable” to the Consolidated Financial Statements in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

Notes_Payable_Tables

Notes Payable (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Notes Payable [Abstract]	'
Notes Payable	'
			March 31,		December 31,
			2014		2013
	6.30% Senior Notes		$	299,136	$	299,098
	$600.0 million Revolving Loan Facility			425,000		355,000
		Total notes payable	$	724,136	$	654,098

Notes_Payable_Details

Notes Payable (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Notes Payable [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	$724,136	$654,098
6.3% Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Notes Payable [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	299,136	299,098
$600 Million Revolving Loan Facility [Member]	'	'
Notes Payable [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	$425,000	$355,000

Notes_Payable_Detail_Textuals

Notes Payable (Detail Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Apr. 30, 2014
Notes Payable [Abstract]	'	'
Interest rate of senior notes	6.30%	'
Borrowing capacity under line of credit facility	$600	$825
Borrowing rate under revolving loan facility	1.40%	'
Line of credit facility expiration date	30-Apr-19	'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Text Block]	'
	(7) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive income in our consolidated balance sheets were as follows:
							Foreign		Accumulated
					Net unrealized		currency		other
					investment		translation		comprehensive
					gains		adjustment		income
	Balance at December 31, 2013				$	99,960	$	18,691	$	118,651
	Other comprehensive income					42,350		1,220		43,570
		Balance at March 31, 2014			$	142,310	$	19,911	$	162,221
	The changes in net unrealized investment gains (losses) during 2014 and 2013 included reclassifications of amounts into net earnings. The reclassifications recorded in our consolidated statements of earnings were as follows:
			Three months ended March 31,
			2014		2013
	Net realized investment gain		$	20,246	$	8,570
	Income tax expense			7,086		2,999
		Total reclassifications	$	13,160	$	5,571

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table Text Block]	'
							Foreign		Accumulated
					Net unrealized		currency		other
					investment		translation		comprehensive
					gains		adjustment		income
	Balance at December 31, 2013				$	99,960	$	18,691	$	118,651
	Other comprehensive income					42,350		1,220		43,570
		Balance at March 31, 2014			$	142,310	$	19,911	$	162,221
			Three months ended March 31,
			2014		2013
	Net realized investment gain		$	20,246	$	8,570
	Income tax expense			7,086		2,999
		Total reclassifications	$	13,160	$	5,571

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	$118,651	'
Other comprehensive income	43,570	-27,171
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Ending Balance	162,221	'
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	99,960	'
Other comprehensive income	42,350	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Ending Balance	142,310	'
Accumulated Translation Adjustment [Member]	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Beginning Balance	18,691	'
Other comprehensive income	1,220	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax, Ending Balance	19,911	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income [Member]	'	'
Other comprehensive income	$43,570	'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv3

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details 2) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Net realized investment gain	$20,246	$8,570
Income tax expense	7,086	2,999
Total reclassifications	$13,160	$5,571

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	(8) Earnings Per Share
	The following table details the numerator and denominator used in our earnings per share calculations.
			Three months ended March 31,
			2014		2013
	Net earnings		$	107,911	$	105,850
	Less: net earnings attributable to unvested restricted stock			-1,692		-1,782
		Net earnings available to common stock	$	106,219	$	104,068
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding			98,662		99,056
	Dilutive effect of outstanding securities (determined using treasury stock method)			251		231
		Weighted-average common shares and potential common shares outstanding		98,913		99,287
	Earnings per common share
		Basic	$	1.08	$	1.05
		Diluted	$	1.07	$	1.05

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings per share	'
			Three months ended March 31,
			2014		2013
	Net earnings		$	107,911	$	105,850
	Less: net earnings attributable to unvested restricted stock			-1,692		-1,782
		Net earnings available to common stock	$	106,219	$	104,068
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding			98,662		99,056
	Dilutive effect of outstanding securities (determined using treasury stock method)			251		231
		Weighted-average common shares and potential common shares outstanding		98,913		99,287
	Earnings per common share
		Basic	$	1.08	$	1.05
		Diluted	$	1.07	$	1.05

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted	'	'
Net earnings	$107,911	$105,850
Less: net earnings attributable to unvested restricted stock	-1,692	-1,782
Net earnings available to common stock	$106,219	$104,068
Weighted-average common shares outstanding	98,662	99,056
Dilutive effect of outstanding securities (determined using treasury stock method)	251	231
Weighted-average common shares and potential common shares outstanding	98,913	99,287
Earnings Per Share, Basic	$1.08	$1.05
Earnings Per Share, Diluted	$1.07	$1.05

Stock_based_Compensation

Stock based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Stock based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock based Compensation	'
	(9) Stock-Based Compensation
	In 2014, we granted the following shares of common stock, restricted stock and restricted stock units
			Weighted-average
		Number	grant date		Aggregate		Vesting
		of shares	fair value		fair value		period
	Common stock	6	$	45.11	$	258	None
	Restricted stock	284		43.15		12,269	0 - 4 years
	Restricted stock units	13		45.11		575	4 years
	For common stock grants, we measure fair value based on the closing stock price of our common stock on the grant date and expense it on the grant date.
	Certain awards of restricted stock and restricted stock units contain a performance condition based on the ultimate results for the applicable underwriting year. The number of such shares that vest could be higher or lower than initially granted. We measure fair value for these awards based on the closing price of our common stock on the grant date, and we recognize expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for those restricted stock awards or units expected to vest.
	Certain of our executive officers were granted performance-based restricted stock in 2014. This restricted stock vests after three years and can vest from 0% to 200% of the initial shares granted. Vesting is determined equally based on an operating return on equity performance factor and a total shareholder return performance factor.

Stock_Based_Compensation_Table

Stock Based Compensation (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Share Based Payment Awards Assumptions [Table Text Block]	'
			Weighted-average
		Number	grant date		Aggregate		Vesting
		of shares	fair value		fair value		period
	Common stock	6	$	45.11	$	258	None
	Restricted stock	284		43.15		12,269	0 - 4 years
	Restricted stock units	13		45.11		575	4 years

Stock_based_Compensation_Detai

Stock based Compensation (Details Textuals)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
MinimumMember	'
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]	'
Percentage Of Restricted Stock Shares Vesting Range	0.00%
MaximumMember	'
Stock Based Compensation [Line Items]	'
Percentage Of Restricted Stock Shares Vesting Range	200.00%

Recovered_Sheet1

Stock based compensation (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014
Common stock [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Number of shares	6
Weighted-average grant date fair value, awarded	$45.11
Aggregate fair value	$258
Restricted stock [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Number of shares	284
Weighted-average grant date fair value, awarded	$43.15
Aggregate fair value	12,269
Restricted stock [Member] | MinimumMember	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Vesting period	'0 years
Restricted stock [Member] | MaximumMember	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Vesting period	'4 years
Restricted stock units (RSU) [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Number of shares	13
Weighted-average grant date fair value, awarded	$45.11
Aggregate fair value	$575
Restricted stock units (RSU) [Member] | MinimumMember	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Vesting period	'4 years
Restricted stock units (RSU) [Member] | MaximumMember	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Vesting period	'4 years

Segments

Segments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segments [Abstract]	'
Segments	'
	(10) Segments
	We report HCC's results in six operating segments, including the following five insurance underwriting segments:
	U.S. Property & Casualty
	Professional Liability
	Accident & Health
	U.S. Surety & Credit
	International
	The Investing segment includes our consolidated investment portfolio, as well as all investment income, investment related expenses, realized investment gains and losses, and other-than-temporary impairment credit losses on investments. All investment activity is reported as revenue, consistent with our consolidated presentation.
	In addition to our segments, we include a Corporate & Other category to reconcile segment results to consolidated totals. The Corporate & Other category includes corporate operating expenses not allocated to the segments, interest expense on long-term debt, foreign currency expense (benefit), and underwriting results of our Exited Lines. Our Exited Lines include product lines that we no longer write and do not expect to write in the future.
	The following tables present information by business segment.
				U.S. Property		Professional		Accident		U.S. Surety						Corporate
				& Casualty		Liability		& Health		& Credit		International		Investing		& Other		Consolidated
	Three months ended March 31, 2014
	Net earned premium			$	97,052	$	85,450	$	232,143	$	46,943	$	100,733	$	0	$	291	$	562,612
	Other revenue				5,876		275		1,640		288		968		77,052		219		86,318
		Segment revenue			102,928		85,725		233,783		47,231		101,701		77,052		510		648,930
	Loss and LAE				46,655		51,132		168,999		13,696		41,615		0		-253		321,844
	Other expense				29,093		17,125		36,379		25,944		38,677		0		24,896		172,114
		Segment expense			75,748		68,257		205,378		39,640		80,292		0		24,643		493,958
			Segment pretax earnings (loss)	$	27,180	$	17,468	$	28,405	$	7,591	$	21,409	$	77,052	$	-24,133	$	154,972
	Three months ended March 31, 2013
	Net earned premium			$	93,531	$	92,779	$	217,125	$	47,177	$	105,142	$	0	$	5,432	$	561,186
	Other revenue				7,184		-414		1,190		237		778		64,335		-130		73,180
		Segment revenue			100,715		92,365		218,315		47,414		105,920		64,335		5,302		634,366
	Loss and LAE				52,156		56,386		160,427		13,214		45,919		0		4,595		332,697
	Other expense				27,305		17,748		31,126		26,279		35,709		0		12,106		150,273
		Segment expense			79,461		74,134		191,553		39,493		81,628		0		16,701		482,970
			Segment pretax earnings (loss)	$	21,254	$	18,231	$	26,762	$	7,921	$	24,292	$	64,335	$	-11,399	$	151,396

Segments_Tables

Segments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Segments [Abstract]	'
Information by business segment	'
				U.S. Property		Professional		Accident		U.S. Surety						Corporate
				& Casualty		Liability		& Health		& Credit		International		Investing		& Other		Consolidated
	Three months ended March 31, 2014
	Net earned premium			$	97,052	$	85,450	$	232,143	$	46,943	$	100,733	$	0	$	291	$	562,612
	Other revenue				5,876		275		1,640		288		968		77,052		219		86,318
		Segment revenue			102,928		85,725		233,783		47,231		101,701		77,052		510		648,930
	Loss and LAE				46,655		51,132		168,999		13,696		41,615		0		-253		321,844
	Other expense				29,093		17,125		36,379		25,944		38,677		0		24,896		172,114
		Segment expense			75,748		68,257		205,378		39,640		80,292		0		24,643		493,958
			Segment pretax earnings (loss)	$	27,180	$	17,468	$	28,405	$	7,591	$	21,409	$	77,052	$	-24,133	$	154,972
	Three months ended March 31, 2013
	Net earned premium			$	93,531	$	92,779	$	217,125	$	47,177	$	105,142	$	0	$	5,432	$	561,186
	Other revenue				7,184		-414		1,190		237		778		64,335		-130		73,180
		Segment revenue			100,715		92,365		218,315		47,414		105,920		64,335		5,302		634,366
	Loss and LAE				52,156		56,386		160,427		13,214		45,919		0		4,595		332,697
	Other expense				27,305		17,748		31,126		26,279		35,709		0		12,106		150,273
		Segment expense			79,461		74,134		191,553		39,493		81,628		0		16,701		482,970
			Segment pretax earnings (loss)	$	21,254	$	18,231	$	26,762	$	7,921	$	24,292	$	64,335	$	-11,399	$	151,396

Segments_Details

Segments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Information by business segment	'	'
Net earned premium	$562,612	$561,186
Other revenue	86,318	73,180
Total revenue	648,930	634,366
Loss and LAE	321,844	332,697
Other expense	172,114	150,273
Segment expense	493,958	482,970
Segment pretax earnings (loss)	154,972	151,396
U.S. Property & Casualty [Member]	'	'
Information by business segment	'	'
Net earned premium	97,052	93,531
Other revenue	5,876	7,184
Total revenue	102,928	100,715
Loss and LAE	46,655	52,156
Other expense	29,093	27,305
Segment expense	75,748	79,461
Segment pretax earnings (loss)	27,180	21,254
Professional Liability [Member]	'	'
Information by business segment	'	'
Net earned premium	85,450	92,779
Other revenue	275	-414
Total revenue	85,725	92,365
Loss and LAE	51,132	56,386
Other expense	17,125	17,748
Segment expense	68,257	74,134
Segment pretax earnings (loss)	17,468	18,231
Accident & Health [Member]	'	'
Information by business segment	'	'
Net earned premium	232,143	217,125
Other revenue	1,640	1,190
Total revenue	233,783	218,315
Loss and LAE	168,999	160,427
Other expense	36,379	31,126
Segment expense	205,378	191,553
Segment pretax earnings (loss)	28,405	26,762
U.S. Surety & Credit [Member]	'	'
Information by business segment	'	'
Net earned premium	46,943	47,177
Other revenue	288	237
Total revenue	47,231	47,414
Loss and LAE	13,696	13,214
Other expense	25,944	26,279
Segment expense	39,640	39,493
Segment pretax earnings (loss)	7,591	7,921
International [Member]	'	'
Information by business segment	'	'
Net earned premium	100,733	105,142
Other revenue	968	778
Total revenue	101,701	105,920
Loss and LAE	41,615	45,919
Other expense	38,677	35,709
Segment expense	80,292	81,628
Segment pretax earnings (loss)	21,409	24,292
Investing [Member]	'	'
Information by business segment	'	'
Net earned premium	0	0
Other revenue	77,052	64,335
Total revenue	77,052	64,335
Loss and LAE	0	0
Other expense	0	0
Segment expense	0	0
Segment pretax earnings (loss)	77,052	64,335
Corporate & Other [Member]	'	'
Information by business segment	'	'
Net earned premium	291	5,432
Other revenue	219	-130
Total revenue	510	5,302
Loss and LAE	-253	4,595
Other expense	24,896	12,106
Segment expense	24,643	16,701
Segment pretax earnings (loss)	($24,133)	($11,399)

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	(11) Commitments and Contingencies
	Catastrophe and Large Loss Exposure
	We have exposure to catastrophic losses caused by natural perils (such as hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, hail storms and tornados), as well as from man-made events (such as terrorist attacks). The incidence, timing and severity of catastrophic losses are unpredictable. We assess our exposures in areas most vulnerable to natural catastrophes and apply procedures to ascertain our probable maximum loss from a single event. We maintain reinsurance protection that we believe is sufficient to limit our exposure to a foreseeable event. In the first quarter of 2014 and 2013, we recognized accident year net catastrophe losses, after reinsurance and reinstatement premium, of $4.6 million and $5.2 million, respectively, related to various small catastrophes.
	Litigation
	We are a party to lawsuits, arbitrations and other proceedings that arise in the normal course of our business. Many of such lawsuits, arbitrations and other proceedings involve claims under policies that we underwrite as an insurer or reinsurer, the liabilities for which, we believe, have been adequately included in our loss reserves. Also, from time to time, we are a party to lawsuits, arbitrations and other proceedings that relate to disputes with third parties, or that involve alleged errors and omissions on the part of our subsidiaries. We have provided accruals for these items to the extent we deem the losses probable and reasonably estimable. Although the ultimate outcome of these matters cannot be determined at this time, based on present information, the availability of insurance coverage and advice received from our outside legal counsel, we believe the resolution of any such matters will not, individually or in the aggregate, have a material adverse effect on our consolidated financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	Indemnifications
	In conjunction with the sales of business assets and subsidiaries, we have provided indemnifications to the buyers. Certain indemnifications cover typical representations and warranties related to our responsibilities to perform under the sales contracts. Under other indemnifications, we agree to reimburse the purchasers for taxes or ERISA-related amounts, if any, assessed after the sale date but related to pre-sale activities. We cannot quantify the maximum potential exposure covered by all of our indemnifications because the indemnifications cover a variety of matters, operations and scenarios and some have no time limit. For those with a time limit, the longest indemnification expires in 2025. We accrue a loss when a valid claim is made by a purchaser and we believe we have potential exposure.

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details Textuals) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Commitments And Contingencies Line Items [Abstract]	'	'
Pretax cat loss after reinsurance	$4.60	$5.20
Longest Indemnification Expiration Date	'2025	'

Supplemental_Information

Supplemental Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Supplemental Information [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Information	'
	(12) Supplemental Information
	Supplemental cash flow information was as follows:
		Three months ended March 31,
		2014		2013
	Income taxes paid (refunded)	$	-478	$	32,142
	Interest paid		1,539		1,390
	Dividends declared but not paid at end of period		22,500		16,579
	Purchases of common stock not paid at end of period		639		0

Supplemental_Information_Table

Supplemental Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Supplemental Information [Abstract]	'
Supplemental Information	'
		Three months ended March 31,
		2014		2013
	Income taxes paid (refunded)	$	-478	$	32,142
	Interest paid		1,539		1,390
	Dividends declared but not paid at end of period		22,500		16,579
	Purchases of common stock not paid at end of period		639		0

Supplemental_Information_Detai

Supplemental Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Supplemental Information	'	'
Income taxes paid (refunded)	($478)	$32,142
Interest paid	1,539	1,390
Dividends declared but not paid at year end	22,500	16,579
Purchases of common stock not paid at end of period	$639	$0