v2.4.0.6
Document And Entity Information (USD $)
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Feb. 20, 2012
Jun. 30, 2011
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]      
Document Type 10-K    
Amendment Flag false    
Document Period End Date Dec. 31, 2011    
Document Fiscal Year Focus 2011    
Document Fiscal Period Focus FY    
Entity Registrant Name BROWN & BROWN INC    
Entity Central Index Key 0000079282    
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 Common Stock, Shares Outstanding   143,352,216  
Entity Public Float     $ 2,989,330,854