Document And Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Document And Entity Information (USD $)	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

Consolidated Statements Of Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
REVENUES
Commissions and fees	$ 1,005,962	$ 966,917	$ 964,863
Investment income	1,267	1,326	1,161
Other income, net	6,313	5,249	1,853
Total revenues	1,013,542	973,492	967,877
EXPENSES
Employee compensation and benefits	508,675	487,820	484,680
Non-cash stock-based compensation	11,194	6,845	7,358
Other operating expenses	144,079	135,851	143,389
Amortization	54,755	51,442	49,857
Depreciation	12,392	12,639	13,240
Interest	14,132	14,471	14,599
Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables	(2,206)	(1,674)
Total expenses	743,021	707,394	713,123
Income before income taxes	270,521	266,098	254,754
Income taxes	106,526	104,346	101,460
Net income	$ 163,995	$ 161,752	$ 153,294
Net income per share:
Basic	$ 1.15	$ 1.14	$ 1.08
Diluted	$ 1.13	$ 1.12	$ 1.08
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic	138,582	137,924	137,173
Diluted	140,264	139,318	137,507
Dividends declared per share	$ 0.3250	$ 0.3125	$ 0.3025

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 286,305	$ 272,984
Restricted cash and investments	130,535	123,594
Short-term investments	7,627	7,678
Premiums, commissions and fees receivable	240,257	214,446
Deferred income taxes	19,863	20,076
Other current assets	23,540	14,031
Total current assets	708,127	652,809
Fixed assets, net	61,360	59,713
Goodwill	1,323,469	1,194,827
Amortizable intangible assets, net	496,182	481,900
Other assets	17,873	11,565
Total assets	2,607,011	2,400,814
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Premiums payable to insurance companies	327,096	311,346
Premium deposits and credits due customers	30,048	28,509
Accounts payable	22,384	33,693
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	100,865	94,947
Current portion of long-term debt	1,227	1,662
Total current liabilities	481,620	470,157
Long-term debt	250,033	250,067
Deferred income taxes, net	178,052	146,482
Other liabilities	53,343	27,764
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)
Shareholders' Equity:
Common stock, par value $0.10 per share; authorized 280,000 shares; issued and outstanding 143,352 at 2011 and 142,795 at 2010	14,335	14,279
Additional paid-in capital	307,059	286,997
Retained earnings	1,322,562	1,205,061
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of related income tax effect of $4 at 2011 and $4 at 2010	7	7
Total shareholders' equity	1,643,963	1,506,344
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 2,607,011	$ 2,400,814

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Common stock, par value	$ 0.10	$ 0.10
Common stock, authorized shares	280,000	280,000
Common stock, shares issued	143,352	142,795
Common stock, shares outstanding	143,352	142,795
Tax effect of accumulated other comprehensive income	$ 4	$ 4

- Definition

Total number of shares of common stock held by shareholders. May be all or portion of the number of common shares authorized. These shares represent the ownership interest of the common shareholders. Shares outstanding equals shares issued minus shares held in treasury and other adjustments, if any.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Tax effect of the change in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), that is, the tax effect on items included in other comprehensive income (loss) during the period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Principles Board Opinion (APB)

-Number 12

-Paragraph 10

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 31

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Article 3

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 109

-Paragraph 36

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 130

-Paragraph 24

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 20

-Section 45

-Paragraph 11

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6909487&loc=d3e39076-109324

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e640-108580

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph 38

-Subparagraph c(3)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Consolidated Statements Of Shareholders' Equity (USD $) In Thousands	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2008	$ 14,154	$ 250,167	$ 977,407	$ 13	$ 1,241,741
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2008	141,544
Net income			153,294		153,294
Net unrealized holding (gain) loss on available-for-sale securities				(8)	(8)
Comprehensive income					153,286
Common stock issued for employee stock benefit plans	52	17,160			17,212
Common stock issued for employee stock benefit plans, shares	518
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock benefit plans		243			243
Common stock issued to directors	2	286			288
Common stock issued to directors, shares	14
Cash dividends paid			(42,896)		(42,896)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2009	14,208	267,856	1,087,805	5	1,369,874
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2009	142,076
Net income			161,752		161,752
Net unrealized holding (gain) loss on available-for-sale securities				2	2
Comprehensive income					161,754
Common stock issued for employee stock benefit plans	70	7,495			7,565
Common stock issued for employee stock benefit plans, shares	705
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock benefit plans		11,391			11,391
Common stock issued to directors	1	255			256
Common stock issued to directors, shares	14
Cash dividends paid			(44,496)		(44,496)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	14,279	286,997	1,205,061	7	1,506,344
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2010	142,795				142,795
Net income					163,995
Comprehensive income			163,995		163,995
Common stock issued for employee stock benefit plans	55	18,859			18,914
Common stock issued for employee stock benefit plans, shares	545
Income tax benefit from exercise of stock benefit plans		916			916
Common stock issued to directors	1	287			288
Common stock issued to directors, shares	12
Cash dividends paid			(46,494)		(46,494)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$ 143,352	$ 307,059	$ 1,322,562	$ 7	$ 1,643,963
Balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011	14,335				143,352

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 163,995	$ 161,752	$ 153,294
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Amortization	54,755	51,442	49,857
Depreciation	12,392	12,639	13,240
Non-cash stock-based compensation	11,194	6,845	7,358
Change in estimated acquisition earn-out payables	(2,206)	(1,674)
Deferred income taxes	30,328	22,587	27,851
Income tax benefit from exercise of shares from the stock benefit plans	(916)	(11,391)
Net (gain) loss on sales of investments, fixed assets and customer accounts	(1,890)	(1,474)	374
Payments on acquisition earn-outs in excess of original estimated payables	(1,369)
Changes in operating assets and liabilities, net of effect from acquisitions and divestitures:
Restricted cash and investments (increase) decrease	(6,941)	31,663	(10,507)
Premiums, commissions and fees receivable (increase) decrease	(20,570)	(2,555)	36,943
Other assets (increase) decrease	(7,322)	14,529	8,668
Premiums payable to insurance companies increase (decrease)	9,447	436	(48,491)
Premium deposits and credits due customers increase (decrease)	1,277	(9,673)	(6,049)
Accounts payable (decrease) increase	(2,807)	28,246	(1,819)
Accrued expenses and other liabilities increase (decrease)	3,975	(2,087)	(488)
Other liabilities (decrease)	(5,811)	(5,233)	(8,646)
Net cash provided by operating activities	237,531	296,052	221,585
Cash flows from investing activities:
Additions to fixed assets	(13,608)	(10,454)	(11,310)
Payments for businesses acquired, net of cash acquired	(166,055)	(157,637)	(44,682)
Proceeds from sales of fixed assets and customer accounts	3,686	1,558	1,305
Purchases of investments	(12,698)	(9,285)	(11,570)
Proceeds from sales of investments	12,950	9,327	10,828
Net cash used in investing activities	(175,725)	(166,491)	(55,429)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Payments on acquisition earn-outs	(8,843)	(2,136)
Proceeds from long-term debt	100,000
Payments on long-term debt	(102,072)	(19,425)	(15,089)
Borrowings on revolving credit facility			14,390
Payments on revolving credit facility			(14,390)
Income tax benefit from exercise of shares from the stock benefit plans	916	11,391	243
Issuances of common stock for employee stock benefit plans	8,667	11,119	10,142
Repurchase stock benefit plan shares for employee to fund tax withholdings	(659)	(10,143)
Cash dividends paid	(46,494)	(44,496)	(42,896)
Net cash used in financing activities	(48,485)	(53,690)	(47,600)
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	13,321	75,871	118,556
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	272,984	197,113	78,557
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 286,305	$ 272,984	$ 197,113

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies

NOTE 1 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Nature of Operations

Brown & Brown, Inc., a Florida corporation, and its subsidiaries (collectively, "Brown & Brown" or the "Company") is a diversified insurance agency, wholesale brokerage, insurance programs and services organization that markets and sells to its customers insurance products and services, primarily in the property and casualty area. Brown & Brown's business is divided into four reportable segments: the Retail Division, which provides a broad range of insurance products and services to commercial, public entity, professional and individual customers; the Wholesale Brokerage Division, which markets and sells excess and surplus commercial insurance and reinsurance, primarily through independent agents and brokers; the National Programs Division, which is composed of two units — Professional Programs, which provides professional liability and related package products for certain professionals delivered through nationwide networks of independent agents, and Special Programs, which markets targeted products and services designated for specific industries, trade groups, governmental entities and market niches; and the Services Division, which provides insurance-related services, including third-party claims administration and comprehensive medical utilization management services in both the workers' compensation and all-lines liability arenas, as well as Medicare set-aside services and Social Security disability and Medicare benefits advocacy services.

Principles of Consolidation

The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts of Brown & Brown, Inc. and its subsidiaries. All significant intercompany account balances and transactions have been eliminated in the Consolidated Financial Statements.

Revenue Recognition

Commission revenues are recognized as of the effective date of the insurance policy or the date on which the policy premium is billed to the customer, whichever is later. At that date, the earnings process has been completed, and Brown & Brown can reliably estimate the impact of policy cancellations for refunds and establish reserves accordingly. The reserve for policy cancellations is based upon historical cancellation experience adjusted for known circumstances. The policy cancellation reserve was $6,396,000 and $5,559,000 at December 31, 2011 and 2010, respectively, and it is periodically evaluated and adjusted as necessary. Subsequent commission adjustments are recognized upon receipt of notification from the insurance companies. Commission revenues are reported net of commissions paid to sub-brokers or co-brokers. Profit-sharing contingent commissions from insurance companies are recognized when determinable, which is when such commissions are received, or when officially notified of the amount of such commissions. Fee income is recognized as services are rendered.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of Consolidated Financial Statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America ("GAAP") requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, as well as disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities, at the date of the Consolidated Financial Statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results may differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents principally consist of demand deposits with financial institutions and highly liquid investments with quoted market prices having maturities of three months or less when purchased.

Restricted Cash and Investments, and Premiums, Commissions and Fees Receivable

In its capacity as an insurance agent or broker, Brown & Brown typically collects premiums from insureds and, after deducting its authorized commissions, remits the net premiums to the appropriate insurance company or companies. Accordingly, as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, "premiums" are receivable from insureds. Unremitted net insurance premiums are held in a fiduciary capacity until Brown & Brown disburses them. Brown & Brown invests these unremitted funds only in cash, money market accounts, tax-free variable-rate demand bonds and commercial paper held for a short term. In certain states in which Brown & Brown operates, the use and investment alternatives for these funds are regulated and restricted by various state laws and agencies. These restricted funds are reported as restricted cash and investments on the Consolidated Balance Sheets. The interest income earned on these unremitted funds is reported as investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

In other circumstances, the insurance companies collect the premiums directly from the insureds and remit the applicable commissions to Brown & Brown. Accordingly, as reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets, "commissions" are receivables from insurance companies. "Fees" are primarily receivables due from customers.

Investments

Equity securities held by Brown & Brown have been classified as "available-for-sale" and are reported at estimated fair value, with the accumulated other comprehensive income (unrealized gains and losses), net of related income tax effect, reported as a separate component of shareholders' equity. Realized gains and losses and declines in value below cost that are judged to be other-than-temporary on available-for-sale securities are reflected in investment income. The cost of securities sold is based on the specific identification method. Interest and dividends on securities classified as available-for-sale are included in investment income in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Equity securities and certificates of deposit having maturities of more than three months when purchased are reported at cost and are adjusted for other-than-temporary market value declines.

Fixed Assets

Fixed assets, including leasehold improvements are carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation and amortization. Expenditures for improvements are capitalized, and expenditures for maintenance and repairs are expensed to operations as incurred. Upon sale or retirement, the cost and related accumulated depreciation and amortization are removed from the accounts and the resulting gain or loss, if any, is reflected in other income. Depreciation has been determined using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the related assets, which range from three to 15 years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on the straight-line method over the shorter of the useful life of the improvement or the term of the related lease.

Goodwill and Amortizable Intangible Assets

The excess of the purchase price of an acquisition over the fair value of the identifiable tangible and amortizable intangible assets is assigned to goodwill. While goodwill is not amortizable, it is subject to at least an annual assessment, and more frequently in the presence of certain circumstances, for impairment by applying a fair value-based test. Amortizable intangible assets are amortized over their useful lives and are subject to an impairment review based on an estimate of the undiscounted future cash flows resulting from the use of the asset. The Company compares the fair value of each reporting unit with its carrying amount to determine if there is potential impairment of goodwill. If the fair value of the reporting unit is less than its carrying value, an impairment loss is recorded to the extent that the fair value of the goodwill within the reporting unit is less than its carrying value. Fair value is estimated based on multiples of earnings before interest, income taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"). Brown & Brown completed its most recent annual assessment as of November 30, 2011 and determined that the fair value of goodwill and amortizable intangible assets substantially exceed the carrying value of such assets. In addition, as of December 31, 2011, there are no accumulated impairment losses.

Amortizable intangible assets are stated at cost, less accumulated amortization, and consist of purchased customer accounts and non-compete agreements. Purchased customer accounts and non-compete agreements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the related estimated lives and contract periods, which range from five to 15 years. Purchased customer accounts primarily consist of records and files that contain information about insurance policies and the related insured parties that are essential to policy renewals.

The carrying value of intangibles attributable to each business or asset group comprising Brown & Brown is periodically reviewed by management to determine if the facts and circumstances suggest they may be impaired. In the insurance agency and wholesale brokerage industry, it is common for agencies or customer accounts to be acquired at a price determined as a multiple of either their corresponding revenues or EBITDA. Accordingly, Brown & Brown assesses the carrying value of its intangible assets by considering the estimated future undiscounted cash flows generated by the corresponding business or asset group. Any impairment identified through this assessment may require that the carrying value of related intangible assets be adjusted; however, no impairments have been recorded for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009.

Income Taxes

Brown & Brown records income tax expense using the asset and liability method of accounting for deferred income taxes. Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future tax consequences of temporary differences between the financial statement carrying values and the income tax bases of Brown & Brown's assets and liabilities.

Brown & Brown files a consolidated federal income tax return and has elected to file consolidated returns in certain states. Deferred income taxes are provided for in the Consolidated Financial Statements and relate principally to expenses charged to income for financial reporting purposes in one period and deducted for income tax purposes in other periods.

Net Income Per Share

Effective in 2009, the Company adopted new Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") authoritative guidance that states that unvested share-based payment awards that contain non-forfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents are participating securities and, therefore, are included in computing earnings per share ("EPS") pursuant to the two-class method. The two-class method determines EPS for each class of common stock and participating securities according to dividends or dividend

equivalents and their respective participation rights in undistributed earnings. Performance stock shares granted to employees under the Company's Performance Stock Plan are considered participating securities as they receive non-forfeitable dividend equivalents at the same rate as common stock.

Basic EPS is computed based on the weighted average number of common shares (including participating securities) issued and outstanding during the period. Diluted EPS is computed based on the weighted average common shares issued and outstanding plus equivalent shares assuming the exercise of stock options. The dilutive effect of stock options is computed by application of the treasury stock method. For the years ended December 31, 2010 and 2009, the impact of outstanding options to purchase 12,000 shares of common stock, in each period, was anti-dilutive; these shares were excluded from the calculation of diluted net income per share. The following is a reconciliation between basic and diluted weighted average shares outstanding for the years ended December 31:


(in thousands, except per share data)	2011			2010			2009
Net income	$	163,995		$	161,752		$	153,294
Net income attributable to unvested awarded performance stock		(5,099	)		(5,097	)		(4,937	)

Net income attributable to common shares	$	158,896		$	156,655		$	148,357

Weighted average basic number of common shares outstanding		143,029			142,412			141,738
Less unvested awarded performance stock included in weighted average basic share outstanding		(4,447	)		(4,488	)		(4,565	)

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share		138,582			137,924			137,173
Dilutive effect of stock options		1,682			1,394			334

Weighted average number of shares outstanding		140,264			139,318			137,507

Net income per share:
Basic	$	1.15		$	1.14		$	1.08

Diluted	$	1.13		$	1.12		$	1.08

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The carrying amounts of Brown & Brown's financial assets and liabilities, including cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash and investments, investments, premiums, commissions and fees receivable, premiums payable to insurance companies, premium deposits and credits due customers and accounts payable, at December 31, 2011 and 2010, approximate fair value because of the short-term maturity of these instruments. The carrying amount of Brown & Brown's long-term debt approximates fair value at December 31, 2011 and 2010 since the related coupon rate approximates the current market rate.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company grants stock options and non-vested stock awards to its employees, officers and directors. The Company uses the modified-prospective method to account for share-based payments. Under the modified-prospective method, compensation cost is recognized for all share-based payments granted on or after January 1, 2006 and for all awards granted to employees prior to January 1, 2006 that remained unvested on that date. The Company uses the alternative transition method to determine the accounting of the income tax effects of payments made related to stock-based compensation.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes valuation model for valuing all stock options and shares purchased under the Employee Stock Purchase Plan (the "ESPP"). Compensation for non-vested stock awards is measured at fair value on the grant-date based upon the number of shares expected to vest. Compensation cost for all awards is recognized in earnings, net of estimated forfeitures, on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

Comprehensive Income—In June 2011, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued authoritative guidance which allows an entity the option to present the total of comprehensive income, the components of net income, and the components of other comprehensive income either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This authoritative guidance eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of changes in stockholder's equity. This authoritative guidance is to be applied retrospectively and is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2011. Except for presentation requirements, the Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its Financial Statements.

Goodwill Impairment—In September 2011, the FASB issued authoritative guidance which simplifies goodwill impairment testing by allowing an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying value. An entity is no longer required to determine the fair value of a reporting unit unless it is more likely than not that the fair value is less than carrying value. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Early adoption is permitted. The Company does not expect the adoption of this guidance to have a material effect on its Financial Statements.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for all significant accounting policies of the reporting entity.

+ References+ Details

Business Combinations

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Business Combinations

NOTE 2 Business Combinations

Acquisitions in 2011

During 2011, Brown & Brown acquired the assets and assumed certain liabilities of 37 insurance intermediaries, all of the stock of one insurance intermediary and several books of business (customer accounts). The aggregate purchase price of these acquisitions was $214,822,000, including $167,444,000 of cash payments, the issuance of $1,194,000 in notes payable, the assumption of $15,659,000 of liabilities and $30,525,000 of recorded earn-out payables. All of these acquisitions were acquired primarily to expand Brown & Brown's core businesses and to attract and hire high-quality individuals. Acquisition purchase prices are typically based on a multiple of average annual operating profit earned over a one- to three-year period within a minimum and maximum price range. The recorded purchase price for all acquisitions consummated after January 1, 2009 included an estimation of the fair value of liabilities associated with any potential earn-out provisions. Subsequent changes in the fair value of earn-out obligations will be recorded in the consolidated statement of income when incurred.

The fair value of earn-out obligations is based on the present value of the expected future payments to be made to the sellers of the acquired businesses in accordance with the provisions outlined in the respective purchase agreements. In determining fair value, the acquired business's future performance is estimated using financial projections developed by management for the acquired business and reflects market participant assumptions regarding revenue growth and/or profitability. The expected future payments are estimated on the basis of the earn-out formula and performance targets specified in each purchase agreement compared to the associated financial projections. These payments are then discounted to present value using a risk-adjusted rate that takes into consideration the likelihood that the forecasted earn-out payments will be made.

Based on acquisition date and the complexity of the underlying valuation work, certain amounts included in the Company's consolidated financial statements may be provisional and thus subject to further adjustments within the permitted measurement period, as defined in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") Topic 805—Business Combinations. However, the Company does not expect any adjustments to such allocations to be material to the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements.

These acquisitions have been accounted for as business combinations and are as follows:


*(in thousands)*
Name	Business Segment		2011 Date of Acquisition		Cash Paid		Note Payable		Recorded Earn-out Payable		Net Assets Acquired		Maximum Potential Earn-out Payable
Balcos Insurance, Inc.		Retail		January 1	$	8,611	$	—	$	1,595	$	10,206	$	5,766
Associated Insurance Service, Inc. et al.		Retail		January 1		12,000		—		1,575		13,575		6,000
United Benefit Services Insurance Agency LLC et al.		Retail		February 1		14,283		—		2,590		16,873		8,442
First Horizon Insurance Group, Inc. et al.		Retail		April 30		25,060		—		—		25,060		—
Fitzharris Agency, Inc. et al.		Retail		May 1		6,159		—		888		7,047		3,832
Corporate Benefit Consultants, LLC		Retail		June 1		9,000		—		2,038		11,038		4,520
Sitzmann, Morris & Lavis Insurance Agency, Inc. et al.		Retail		November 1		40,460		—		6,228		46,688		19,000
Snapper Shuler Kenner, Inc. et al.		Retail		November 1		7,493		—		1,318		8,811		3,988
Industry Consulting Group, Inc.		National Programs		November 1		9,133		—		3,877		13,010		5,794
Colonial Claims Corporation et al.		Services		December 23		9,950		—		4,248		14,198		8,000
Other		Various		Various		25,295		1,194		6,168		32,657		12,865

Total					$	167,444	$	1,194	$	30,525	$	199,163	$	78,207

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the aggregate assets and liabilities acquired as of the date of each acquisition:


(in thousands)	Balcos			AIS			United			FHI			FA			CBC
Cash	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	5,170		$	—		$	—
Other current assets		187			252			438			1,640			77			227
Fixed assets		20			100			20			134			60			6
Goodwill		6,486			9,055			10,049			15,254			7,244			6,738
Purchased customer accounts		3,530			4,086			7,045			8,088			3,351			4,046
Non-compete agreements		42			92			45			10			21			21
Other assets		—			—			4			9			—			—

Total assets acquired		10,265			13,585			17,601			30,305			10,753			11,038

Other current liabilities		(59	)		(10	)		(728	)		(3,790	)		(3,706	)		—
Deferred income taxes, net		—			—			—			(1,455	)		—			—
Other liabilities		—			—			—			—			—			—

Total liabilities assumed		(59	)		(10	)		(728	)		(5,245	)		(3,706	)		—

Net assets acquired	$	10,206		$	13,575		$	16,873		$	25,060		$	7,047		$	11,038


*(in thousands)*	SML			SSK			ICG			CC			Other			Total
Cash	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	5,170
Other current assets		1,372			247			336			—			1,059			5,835
Fixed assets		465			45			100			60			65			1,075
Goodwill		31,601			5,818			9,564			8,070			18,465			128,344
Purchased customer accounts		13,995			2,726			7,161			6,094			13,746			73,868
Non-compete agreements		42			12			11			23			187			506
Other assets		4			—			5			—			2			24

Total assets acquired		47,479			8,848			17,177			14,247			33,524			214,822

Other current liabilities		(791	)		(37	)		(1,096	)		(49	)		(867	)		(11,133	)
Deferred income taxes, net		—			—			—			—			—			(1,455	)
Other liabilities		—			—			(3,071	)		—			—			(3,071	)

Total liabilities assumed		(791	)		(37	)		(4,167	)		(49	)		(867	)		(15,659	)

Net assets acquired	$	46,688		$	8,811		$	13,010		$	14,198		$	32,657		$	199,163

The weighted average useful lives for the above acquired amortizable intangible assets are as follows: purchased customer accounts are 15.0 years, and noncompete agreements are 5.0 years.

Goodwill of $128,344,000, was assigned to the Retail, National Programs and Services Divisions in the amounts of $108,420,000, $11,853,000 and $8,071,000, respectively. Of the total goodwill of $128,344,000, $84,105,000 is currently deductible for income tax purposes and $13,714,000 is non-deductible. The remaining $30,525,000 relates to the earn-out payables and will not be deductible until it is earned and paid.

The results of operations for the acquisitions completed during 2011 have been combined with those of the Company since their respective acquisition dates. The total revenues and income before income taxes from the acquisitions completed through December 31, 2011 included in the Condensed Consolidated Statement of Income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2011 were $40,291,000 and $7,223,000, respectively. If the acquisitions had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period, the Company's estimated results of operations would be as shown in the following table. These unaudited pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the actual results of operations that would have occurred had the acquisitions actually been made at the beginning of the respective periods.


(UNAUDITED)	For the Year Ended December 31,
*(in thousands, except per share data)*	2011		2010
Total revenues	$	1,058,142	$	1,059,857
Income before income taxes	$	283,404	$	291,944
Net income	$	171,805	$	177,464
Net income per share:
Basic	$	1.20	$	1.25
Diluted	$	1.19	$	1.23
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic		138,582		137,924
Diluted		140,264		139,318

Acquisitions in 2010

During 2010, Brown & Brown acquired the assets and assumed certain liabilities of 33 insurance intermediaries and several books of business (customer accounts). The aggregate purchase price of these acquisitions was $186,783,000, including $158,636,000 of cash payments, the issuance of $759,000 in notes payable, the assumption of $2,298,000 of liabilities and $25,090,000 of recorded earn-out payables. All of these acquisitions were acquired primarily to expand Brown & Brown's core businesses and to attract and hire high-quality individuals. Acquisition purchase prices are typically based on a multiple of average annual operating profit earned over a one- to three-year period within a minimum and maximum price range. The recorded purchase price for all acquisitions consummated after January 1, 2009 included an estimation of the fair value of liabilities associated with any potential earn-out provisions. Subsequent changes in the fair value of earn-out obligations will be recorded in the consolidated statement of income when incurred.

These acquisitions have been accounted for as business combinations and are as follows:


(in thousands)
Name	Business Segment		2010 Date of Acquisition		Cash Paid		Note Payable		Recorded Earn-out Payable		Net Assets Acquired		Maximum Potential Earn-out Payable
DiMartino Associates, Inc.		Retail		March 1	$	7,047	$	—	$	3,402	$	10,449	$	5,637
Stone Insurance Agencies, et al.		Retail		May 1		15,825		—		124		15,949		3,000
Crowe Paradis Holding Company, et al.		Services		September 1		75,000		—		8,665		83,665		15,000
Thomas R Jones, Inc.		Retail		October 1		14,634		—		—		14,634		—
Other		Various		Various		46,130		759		12,899		59,788		30,668

Total					$	158,636	$	759	$	25,090	$	184,485	$	54,305

The following table summarizes the estimated fair values of the aggregate assets and liabilities acquired as of the date of each acquisition:


(in thousands)	DiMartino		Stone			Crowe		TR Jones			Other			Total
Cash	$	—	$	—		$	1,000	$	—		$	—		$	1,000
Other current assets		137		516			118		259			1,528			2,558
Fixed assets		21		70			500		120			180			891
Goodwill		6,890		11,128			53,573		8,683			36,119			116,393
Purchased customer accounts		3,380		5,172			28,440		5,643			22,841			65,476
Non-compete agreements		21		74			33		—			332			460
Other assets		—		—			1		4			—			5

Total assets acquired		10,449		16,960			83,665		14,709			61,000			186,783

Other current liabilities		—		(1,011	)		—		(75	)		(1,212	)		(2,298	)

Total liabilities assumed		—		(1,011	)		—		(75	)		(1,212	)		(2,298	)

Net assets acquired	$	10,449	$	15,949		$	83,665	$	14,634		$	59,788		$	184,485

The weighted average useful lives for the above acquired amortizable intangible assets are as follows: purchased customer accounts are 15.0 years, and noncompete agreements are 5.0 years.

Goodwill of $116,393,000, was assigned to the Retail and Services Divisions in the amounts of $57,423,000 and $58,970,000, respectively. Of the total goodwill of $116,393,000, $91,303,000 is currently deductible for income tax purposes. The remaining $25,090,000 relates to the earn-out payables and will not be deductible until it is earned and paid.

The results of operations for the acquisitions completed during 2010 have been combined with those of the Company since their respective acquisition dates. The total revenues and income before income taxes from the acquisitions completed through December 31, 2010 included in the Consolidated Statement of Income for the twelve months ended December 31, 2010 were $30,172,000 and $3,255,000, respectively. If the acquisitions had occurred as of the beginning of the comparable prior annual reporting period, the Company's results of operations would be as shown in the following table. These unaudited pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the actual results of operations that would have occurred had the acquisitions actually been made at the beginning of the respective periods.


(UNAUDITED)	For the Year Ended December 31,
*(in thousands, except per share data)*	2010		2009
Total revenues	$	1,015,043	$	1,035,286
Income before income taxes	$	278,635	$	274,908
Net income	$	169,373	$	165,420
Net income per share:
Basic	$	1.19	$	1.17
Diluted	$	1.18	$	1.16
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic		137,924		137,173
Diluted		139,318		137,507

For acquisitions consummated prior to January 1, 2009, additional consideration paid to sellers as a result of purchase price "earn-out" provisions are recorded as adjustments to intangible assets when the contingencies are settled. The net additional consideration paid by the Company in 2011 as a result of these adjustments totaled $4,190,000, all of which was allocated to goodwill. Of the $4,190,000 net additional consideration paid, $3,781,000 was paid in cash and $409,000 was issued in notes payable. The net additional consideration paid by the Company in 2010 as a result of these adjustments totaled $4,037,000, all of which was allocated to goodwill. Of the $4,037,000 net additional consideration paid, $975,000 was paid in cash and $3,062,000 was issued in notes payable.

As of December 31, 2011, the maximum future contingency payments related to all acquisitions totaled $132,516,000, of which $5,098,000 relates to acquisitions consummated prior to January 1, 2009 and $127,418,000 relates to acquisitions consummated subsequent to January 1, 2009.

ASC Topic 805—Business Combinations is the authoritative guidance requiring an acquirer to recognize 100% of the fair values of acquired assets, including goodwill, and assumed liabilities (with only limited exceptions) upon initially obtaining control of an acquired entity. Additionally, the fair value of contingent consideration arrangements (such as earn-out purchase arrangements) at the acquisition date must be included in the purchase price consideration. As a result, the recorded purchase price for all acquisitions consummated after January 1, 2009 include an estimation of the fair value of liabilities associated with any potential earn-out provisions. Subsequent changes in these earn-out obligations will be recorded in the consolidated statement of income when incurred. Potential earn-out obligations are typically based upon future earnings of the acquired entities, usually between one and three years.

As of December 31, 2011, the fair values of the estimated acquisition earn-out payables were re-evaluated and measured at fair value on a recurring basis using unobservable inputs (Level 3). The resulting additions, payments, net changes, as well as the interest expense accretion on the estimated acquisition earn-out payables, for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010, and 2009, were as follows (in thousands):


(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009
Balance as of January 1	$	29,608		$	7,354		$	—
Additions to estimated acquisition earn-out payables		30,525			25,090			7,226
Payments for estimated acquisition earn-out payables		(10,212	)		(1,162	)		—

Net change in earnings from estimated acquisition earn-out payables:
Change in fair value on estimated acquisition earn-out payables		(4,043	)		(2,606	)		—
Interest expense accretion		1,837			932			128

Net change in earnings from estimated acquisition earn-out payables		(2,206	)		(1,674	)		—

Balance as of December 31	$	47,715		$	29,608		$	7,354

Of the $47,715,000 estimated acquisition earn-out payables as of December 31, 2011, $3,654,000 was recorded as accounts payable and $44,061,000 was recorded as other non-current liability. Of the $29,609,000 estimated acquisition earn-out payables as of December 31, 2010, $7,651,000 was recorded as accounts payable and $21,958,000 was recorded as other non-current liability.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for a business combination (or series of individually immaterial business combinations) completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. The disclosure may include leverage buyout transactions (as applicable).

+ References

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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+ Details

Goodwill

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Goodwill [Abstract]

Goodwill

NOTE 3 Goodwill

The changes in the carrying value of goodwill by operating segment for the years ended December 31, are as follows:


(in thousands)	Retail			National Programs		Wholesale Brokerage		Service		Total
Balance as of January 1, 2010	$	656,108		$	152,601	$	256,418	$	9,270	$	1,074,397
Goodwill of acquired businesses		60,518			—		942		58,970		120,430

Balance as of December 31, 2010		716,626			152,601		257,360		68,240		1,194,827
Goodwill of acquired businesses		112,610			11,853		—		8,071		132,534
Goodwill transferred		(1,771	)		—		1,771		—		—
Goodwill disposed of relating to sales of businesses		(3,892	)		—		—		—		(3,892	)

Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	823,573		$	164,454	$	259,131	$	76,311	$	1,323,469

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the aggregate amount of goodwill and a description of intangible assets, which may include (a) for amortizable intangible assets (also referred to as finite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, the amount of any significant residual value, and the weighted-average amortization period, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization (also referred to as indefinite-lived intangible assets), the carrying amount, and (c) the amount of research and development assets acquired and written off in the period, including the line item in the income statement in which the amounts written off are aggregated, if not readily apparent from the income statement. Also discloses (a) for amortizable intangibles assets in total and by major class, the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization, the total amortization expense for the period, and the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years, (b) for intangible assets not subject to amortization the carrying amount in total and by major class, and (c) for goodwill, in total and for each reportable segment, the changes in the carrying amount of goodwill during the period (including the aggregate amount of goodwill acquired, the aggregate amount of impairment losses recognized, and the amount of goodwill included in the gain (loss) on disposal of a reporting unit). If any part of goodwill has not been allocated to a reportable segment, discloses the unallocated amount and the reasons for not allocating. For each impairment loss recognized related to an intangible asset (excluding goodwill), discloses: (a) a description of the impaired intangible asset and the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method for determining fair value, (c) the caption in the income statement or the statement of activities in which the impairment loss is aggregated, and (d) the segment in which the impaired intangible asset is reported. For each goodwill impairment loss recognized, discloses: (a) a description of the facts and circumstances leading to the impairment, (b) the amount of the impairment loss and the method of determining the fair value of the associated reporting unit, and (c) if a recognized impairment loss is an estimate not finalized and the reasons why the estimate is not final. May also disclose the nature and amount of any significant adjustments made to a previous estimate of an impairment loss.

+ References+ Details

Amortizable Intangible Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Amortizable Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Amortizable Intangible Assets

NOTE 4 Amortizable Intangible Assets

Amortizable intangible assets at December 31 consisted of the following:


	2011									2010
(in thousands)	Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value		Weighted Average Life (years)		Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value		Weighted Average Life (years)
Purchased customer accounts	$	876,552	$	(381,615	)	$	494,937		14.9	$	811,143	$	(330,627	)	$	480,516		14.9
Non-compete agreements		25,291		(24,046	)		1,245		7.2		25,181		(23,797	)		1,384		7.3

Total	$	901,843	$	(405,661	)	$	496,182			$	836,324	$	(354,424	)	$	481,900

Amortization expense recorded for amortizable intangible assets for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $54,755,000, $51,442,000 and $49,857,000, respectively.

Amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets for the years ending December 31, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 is estimated to be $56,337,000, $55,437,000, $54,282,000, $52,949,000, and $48,364,000, respectively.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for all or part of the information related to intangible assets.

+ References+ Details

Investments

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Investments [Abstract]

Investments

NOTE 5 Investments

Investments, which have been classified as ASC 805 Level 1 securities, at December 31 consisted of the following:


	2011 Carrying Value				2010 Carrying Value
(in thousands)	Current		Non- Current		Current		Non- Current
Available-for-sale equity securities	$	36	$	—	$	36	$	—
Certificates of deposit and other securities		7,591		516		7,642		517

Total investments	$	7,627	$	516	$	7,678	$	517

The following table summarizes available-for-sale securities at December 31:


(in thousands)	Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Equity securities:
2011	$	25	$	11		—	$	36
2010	$	25	$	11		—	$	36

The following table summarizes the proceeds and realized gains/(losses) on equity securities and certificates of deposit for the years ended December 31:


(in thousands)	Proceeds		Gross Realized Gains		Gross Realized Losses
2011	$	12,950	$	124	$	—
2010	$	9,327	$	6	$	—
2009	$	10,828	$	—	$	(299	)

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of investments in certain debt and equity securities (and certain other trading assets) which include all debt and equity securities (other than those equity securities accounted for under the equity or cost methods of accounting) with readily determinable fair values. Other trading assets include assets that are carried on the balance sheet at fair value and held for trading purposes. A debt security represents a creditor relationship with an enterprise that is in the form of a security. Debt securities include, among other items, US Treasury securities, US government securities, municipal securities, corporate bonds, convertible debt, commercial paper, and all securitized debt instruments. An equity security represents an ownership interest in an enterprise or the right to acquire or dispose of an ownership interest in an enterprise at fixed or determinable prices. Equity securities include, among other things, common stock, certain preferred stock, warrant rights, call options, and put options, but do not include convertible debt. An entity may opt to provide the reader with additional narrative text to better understand the nature of investments in debt and equity securities (and other trading assets).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 5

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6872113&loc=d3e27232-111563

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Debt Security

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509901

-Topic 320

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Equity Security

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6511694

-Topic 320

+ Details

Fixed Assets

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Fixed Assets [Abstract]

Fixed Assets

NOTE 6 Fixed Assets

Fixed assets at December 31 consisted of the following:


(in thousands)	2011			2010
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	$	131,436		$	125,963
Leasehold improvements		17,045			16,151
Land, buildings and improvements		438			438

Total cost		148,919			142,552
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(87,559	)		(82,839	)

Total	$	61,360		$	59,713

Depreciation and amortization expense for fixed assets amounted to $12,392,000 in 2011, $12,639,000 in 2010, and $13,240,000 in 2009.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software. This disclosure may include property plant and equipment accounting policies and methodology, a schedule of property, plant and equipment gross, additions, deletions, transfers and other changes, depreciation, depletion and amortization expense, net, accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization expense and useful lives, income statement disclosures, assets held for sale and public utility disclosures.

+ References+ Details

Accrued Expenses And Other Liabilities

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Accrued Expenses And Other Liabilities [Abstract]

Accrued Expenses And Other Liabilities

NOTE 7 Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities

Accrued expenses and other liabilities at December 31 consisted of the following:

		$131,436		$131,436
(in thousands)	2011		2010
Accrued bonuses	$	47,585	$	43,896
Accrued compensation and benefits		16,818		16,040
Accrued rent and vendor expenses		11,554		10,445
Reserve for policy cancellations		6,396		5,559
Accrued interest		3,288		4,727
Other		15,224		14,280

Total	$	100,865	$	94,947

Long-Term Debt

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Long-Term Debt [Abstract]

Long-Term Debt

NOTE 8 Long-Term Debt

Long-term debt at December 31 consisted of the following:


(in thousands)	2011			2010
Unsecured Senior Notes	$	250,000		$	250,000
Acquisition notes payable		1,260			1,729
Revolving credit facility		—			—
Other notes payable		—			—

Total debt		251,260			251,729
Less current portion		(1,227	)		(1,662	)

Long-term debt	$	250,033		$	250,067

In July 2004, the Company completed a private placement of $200.0 million of unsecured senior notes (the "Notes"). The $200.0 million is divided into two series: (1) Series A, which closed on September 15, 2004, for $100.0 million was due in 2011 and bore interest at 5.57% per year; and (2) Series B, which closed on July 15, 2004, for $100.0 million due in 2014 and bearing interest at 6.08% per year. Brown & Brown has used the proceeds from the Notes for general corporate purposes, including acquisitions and repayment of existing debt. On September 15, 2011, the $100.0 million of Series A Notes were redeemed on their normal maturity date. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, there was an outstanding balance on the Notes of $100.0 million and $200.0 million, respectively.

On December 22, 2006, the Company entered into a Master Shelf and Note Purchase Agreement (the "Master Agreement") with a national insurance company (the "Purchaser"). On September 30, 2009, the Company and the Purchaser amended the Master Agreement to extend the term of the agreement until August 20, 2012. The Purchaser also purchased Notes issued by the Company in 2004. The Master Agreement provides for a $200.0 million private uncommitted "shelf" facility for the issuance of senior unsecured notes over a three-year period, with interest rates that may be fixed or floating and with such maturity dates, not to exceed ten years, as the parties may determine. The Master Agreement includes various covenants, limitations and events of default similar to the Notes issued in 2004. The initial issuance of notes under the Master Agreement occurred on December 22, 2006, through the issuance of $25.0 million in Series C Senior Notes due December 22, 2016, with a fixed interest rate of 5.66% per year. On February 1, 2008, $25.0 million in Series D Senior Notes due January 15, 2015, with a fixed interest rate of 5.37% per year, were issued. On September 15, 2011, pursuant to a Confirmation of Acceptance dated January 21, 2011 (the "Confirmation"), in connection with the Master Agreement, $100.0 million in Series E Senior Notes due September 15, 2018, with a fixed interest rate of 4.50% per year, were issued. The Series E Senior Notes were issued for the sole purpose to retire the Series A Senior Notes. As of December 31, 2011, and December 31, 2010, there was an outstanding debt balance issued under the provisions of the Master Agreement of $150.0 million and $50.0 million, respectively.

In accordance with ASC Topic 470 – Debt, the Company classified the related principal balance of the Series A Senior Notes as long-term debt as of December 31, 2010, as the Company had both the intent and ability to refinance the obligation on a long-term basis, as evidenced by the Confirmation.

On June 12, 2008, the Company entered into an Amended and Restated Revolving Loan Agreement dated as of June 3, 2008 (the "Prior Loan Agreement"), with a national banking institution, amending and restating the existing Revolving Loan Agreement dated September 29, 2003, as amended (the "Revolving Agreement"), to increase the lending commitment to $50.0 million (subject to potential increases up to $100.0 million) and to extend the maturity date from December 20, 2011, to June 3, 2013.

The calculation of interest and fees is generally based on the Company's quarterly ratio of funded debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and non-cash stock-based compensation. Interest is charged at a rate equal to 0.50% to 1.00% above the London Interbank Offering Rate ("LIBOR") or 1.00% below the base rate, each as more fully defined in the Loan Agreement. Fees include an upfront fee, an availability fee of 0.10% to 0.20%, and a letter of credit usage fee of 0.50% to 1.00%. The Loan Agreement contains various covenants, limitations, and events of default customary for similar facilities for similar borrowers. The 90-day LIBOR was 0.581% and 0.300% as of December 31, 2011, and December 31, 2010, respectively. There were no borrowings against this facility at December 31, 2011, or December 31, 2010. See Note 16—Subsequent Events for a discussion of the Company entering into certain credit agreements in January 2012.

All three of these credit agreements require Brown & Brown to maintain certain financial ratios and comply with certain other covenants. Brown & Brown was in compliance with all such covenants as of December 31, 2011 and 2010.

Acquisition notes payable represent debt incurred to former owners of certain insurance operations acquired by Brown & Brown. These notes and future contingent payments are payable in monthly, quarterly and annual installments through July 2013.

Interest paid in 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $15,571,000, $14,491,000 and $14,636,000, respectively.

At December 31, 2011, maturities of long-term debt were $1,227,000 in 2012, $33,000 in 2013, $100,000,000 in 2014, $25,000,000 in 2015, $25,000,000 in 2016 and $100,000,000 in 2017 and beyond.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for information about short-term and long-term debt arrangements, which includes amounts of borrowings under each line of credit, note payable, commercial paper issue, bonds indenture, debenture issue, own-share lending arrangements and any other contractual agreement to repay funds, and about the underlying arrangements, rationale for a classification as long-term, including repayment terms, interest rates, collateral provided, restrictions on use of assets and activities, whether or not in compliance with debt covenants, and other matters important to users of the financial statements, such as the effects of refinancing and noncompliance with debt covenants.

+ References+ Details

Income Taxes

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Income Taxes

NOTE 9 Income Taxes

Significant components of the provision (benefit) for income taxes for the years ended December 31 are as follows:


(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009
Current:
Federal	$	65,461	$	70,715	$	62,547
State		10,084		10,236		10,730
Foreign		638		860		286

Total current provision		76,183		81,811		73,563

Deferred:
Federal		27,212		19,890		24,913
State		3,131		2,645		2,984

Total deferred provision		30,343		22,535		27,897

Total tax provision	$	106,526	$	104,346	$	101,460

A reconciliation of the differences between the effective tax rate and the federal statutory tax rate for the years ended December 31 is as follows:

		$106,526			$106,526			$106,526
	2011			2010			2009
Federal statutory tax rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		3.5			3.5			4.0
Non-deductible employee stock purchase plan expense		0.3			0.3			0.4
Non-deductible meals and entertainment		0.3			0.3			0.3
Interest exempt from taxation and dividend exclusion		—			—			(0.1	)
Other, net		0.3			0.1			0.2

Effective tax rate		39.4	%		39.2	%		39.8	%

Deferred income taxes reflect the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the corresponding amounts used for income tax reporting purposes.

Significant components of Brown & Brown's current deferred tax assets as of December 31 are as follows:


(in thousands)	2011		2010
Current deferred tax assets:
Deferred profit-sharing contingent commissions	$	11,124	$	12,274
Accruals and reserves		8,739		7,802

Total current deferred tax assets	$	19,863	$	20,076

Significant components of Brown & Brown's non-current deferred tax liabilities and assets as of December 31 are as follows:


(in thousands)	2011			2010
Non-current deferred tax liabilities:
Fixed assets	$	11,400		$	9,263
Net unrealized holding gain of available-for-sale securities		4			4
Prepaid insurance and pension		3,123			28
Intangible assets		176,459			146,815

Total non-current deferred tax liabilities		190,986			156,110

Non-current deferred tax assets:
Deferred compensation		11,341			8,232
Accruals and reserves		—			—
Net operating loss carryforwards		2,071			1,721
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		(478	)		(325	)

Total non-current deferred tax assets		12,934			9,628

Net non-current deferred tax liability	$	178,052		$	146,482

Income taxes paid in 2011, 2010 and 2009 were $75,403,000, $69,828,000, and $76,373,000, respectively.

At December 31, 2011, Brown & Brown had net operating loss carryforwards of $295,000 and $40,915,000 for federal and state income tax reporting purposes, respectively, portions of which expire in the years 2012 through 2031. The federal carryforward is derived from insurance operations acquired by Brown & Brown in 2001. The state carryforward is derived from the operating results of certain subsidiaries.

A reconciliation of the beginning and ending amount of unrecognized tax benefits is as follows:


(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at January 1	$	656		$	635		$	611
Gross increases for tax positions of prior years		257			229			489
Gross decreases for tax positions of prior years		—			—			(274	)
Settlements		(107	)		(208	)		(182	)
Lapse of statute of limitations		—			—			(9	)

Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 31	$	806		$	656		$	635

We recognize interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2011 and 2010, we had approximately $188,000 and $140,000 of accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions, respectively.

Total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect our effective tax rate if recognized is $806,000 as of December 31, 2011 and $656,000 as of December 31, 2010. We do not expect our unrecognized tax benefits to change significantly over the next 12 months.

As a result of a 2006 Internal Revenue Service ("IRS") audit, we agreed to accrue at each December 31, for tax purposes only, a known amount of profit-sharing contingent commissions represented by the actual amount of profit-sharing contingent commissions received in the first quarter of the related year, with a true-up adjustment to the actual amount received by the end of the following March 31. Since this method for tax purposes differs from the method used for book purposes, it will result in a current deferred tax asset as of December 31 each year with that balance reversing by the following March 31 when the related profit-sharing contingent commissions are recognized for financial accounting purposes.

The Company is subject to taxation in the United States and various state jurisdictions. The Company is also subject to taxation in the United Kingdom. In the United States, federal returns for fiscal years 2008 through 2011 remain open and subject to examination by the Internal Revenue Service. The Company files and remits state income taxes in various states where the Company has determined it is required to file state income taxes. The Company's filings with those states remain open for audit for the fiscal years 2007 through 2011. In the United Kingdom, the Company's filings remain open for audit for the fiscal years 2008 through 2011. The Company currently has no ongoing federal, state or foreign income tax audits.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for income taxes. Disclosures may include net deferred tax liability or asset recognized in an enterprise's statement of financial position, net change during the year in the total valuation allowance, approximate tax effect of each type of temporary difference and carryforward that gives rise to a significant portion of deferred tax liabilities and deferred tax assets, utilization of a tax carryback, and tax uncertainties information.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 08

-Paragraph h

-Article 4

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 109

-Paragraph 136, 172

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 109

-Paragraph 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 15

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32718-109319

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 9

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32639-109319

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 235

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(h))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32537-109319

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 740

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6907707&loc=d3e32559-109319

+ Details

Stock-Based Compensation

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]

Stock-Based Compensation

NOTE 11 Stock-Based Compensation

Performance Stock Plan

Brown & Brown has adopted and the shareholders have approved a performance stock plan, under which up to 14,400,000 Performance Stock Plan ("PSP") shares may be granted to key employees contingent on the employees' future years of service with Brown & Brown and other criteria established by the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors. Before participants may take full title to Performance Stock, two vesting conditions must be met. Of the grants currently outstanding, specified portions will satisfy the first condition for vesting based on 20% incremental increases in the 20-trading-day average stock price of Brown & Brown's common stock from the initial grant price specified by Brown & Brown. Performance Stock that has satisfied the first vesting condition is considered "awarded shares." Awarded shares are included as issued and outstanding common stock shares and are included in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS. Dividends are paid on awarded shares and participants may exercise voting privileges on such shares. Awarded shares satisfy the second condition for vesting on the earlier of a participant's: (i) 15 years of continuous employment with Brown & Brown from the date shares are granted to the participants (or, in the case of the July 2009 grant to Powell Brown, 20 years); (ii) attainment of age 64; or (iii) death or disability. On April 28, 2010, the PSP was suspended and any remaining authorized but unissued shares, as well as any shares forfeited in the future, will be reserved for issuance under the 2010 Stock Incentive Plan (the "SIP").

At December 31, 2011, 7,113,819 shares had been granted under the PSP at initial stock prices ranging from $1.90 to $30.55. As of December 31, 2011, 1,586,543 shares have not met the first condition for vesting, 3,345,269 shares met the first condition for vesting and had been awarded, and 2,182,007 shares satisfied both conditions for vesting and had been distributed to the participants.

The Company uses a path-dependent lattice model to estimate the fair value of PSP grants on the grant date.

A summary of PSP activity for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:


	Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value		Granted Shares			Awarded Shares			Shares Not Yet Awarded
Outstanding at January 1, 2009	$	7.21		7,822,076			4,629,221			3,192,855

Granted	$	11.80		389,580			—			389,580
Awarded	$	—		—			—			—
Vested	$	6.05		(73,860	)		(73,860	)		—
Forfeited	$	10.42		(379,249	)		(131,925	)		(247,324	)

Outstanding at December 31, 2009	$	7.39		7,758,547			4,423,436			3,335,111

Granted	$	9.67		384,420			—			384,420
Awarded	$	9.49		—			474,113			(474,113	)
Vested	$	2.02		(1,388,789	)		(1,388,789	)		—
Forfeited	$	7.91		(962,324	)		(117,241	)		(845,083	)

Outstanding at December 31, 2010	$	7.32		5,791,854			3,391,519			2,400,335

Granted	$	—		—			—			—
Awarded	$	9.56		—			447,154			(447,154	)
Vested	$	6.01		(106,490	)		(106,490	)		—
Forfeited	$	9.48		(753,552	)		(386,914	)		(366,638	)

Outstanding at December 31, 2011	$	8.08		4,931,812			3,345,269			1,586,543

The weighted average grant-date fair value of PSP grants for years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $ 0.00, $9.67, $11.80, respectively. The total fair value of PSP grants that vested during each of the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $2,384,000, $31,965,000 and $1,412,000, respectively.

Stock Incentive Plan

On April 28, 2010, the shareholders of Brown & Brown, Inc. approved the SIP that provides for the granting of stock options, stock and/or stock appreciation rights to employees and Board members contingent on criteria established by the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors. The principal purpose of the SIP is to attract, incentivize and retain key employees by offering those persons an opportunity to acquire or increase a direct proprietary interest in the Company's operations and future success. The SIP includes a sub-plan applicable to Decus Insurance Brokers Limited ("Decus") which, together with its parent company, Decus Holdings (U.K.) Limited, are the Company's only foreign subsidiaries. The shares of stock reserved for issuance under the SIP are any shares that are authorized to be issued under the PSP that are not already subject to grants under the PSP, and that were outstanding as of April 28, 2010, the date of suspension of the PSP, together with PSP shares and SIP shares that are forfeited after that date. As of April 28, 2010, 6,046,768 shares were available for issuance under the PSP, which were then transferred to the SIP. Stock grants under the SIP vest in six to ten years, subject to the achievement of certain performance criteria by grantees, and the achievement of consolidated EPS growth at certain levels by the Company, over a five-year measurement period ending December 31, 2015.

In 2010, a grant of 187,040 shares was made under the SIP. This grant was conditioned upon the surrender of 187,040 shares previously granted under the PSP in 2009, which were accordingly treated as forfeited PSP shares. The vesting conditions of this grant were identical to those provided for in connection with the 2009 PSP grant; thus the target stock prices and the periods associated with satisfaction of the first and second conditions of vesting were unchanged. Additionally, grants totaling 5,205 shares were made in 2010 to Decus employees under the SIP sub-plan applicable to Decus.

In 2011, shares totaling 2,375,892 were granted under the SIP. Of this total, grants totaling 24,670 shares were made to Decus employees under the SIP sub-plan applicable to Decus. As of December 31, 2011, 37,408 shares met the first condition for vesting and had been awarded. At December 31, 2011, 4,808,124 shares are available for future grants, of which 2,261,307 of these shares are reserved for grants with PSP-type vesting conditions.

The Company uses the closing stock price on the day prior to the grant date to determine the fair value of SIP grants and then applies an estimated forfeiture factor to estimate the annual expense. Additionally, the Company uses the path-dependent lattice model to estimate the fair value of PSP-like grants as of the grant date. SIP shares that satisfied the first vesting condition for PSP-like grants or the established performance criteria are considered "awarded shares." Awarded shares are included as issued and outstanding common stock shares and are included in the calculation of basic and diluted EPS. Dividends are paid on awarded shares and participants may exercise voting privileges on such shares.

A summary of SIP activity for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:


	Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value		Granted Shares			Awarded Shares			Shares Not Yet Awarded
Outstanding at January 1, 2010	$	—		—			—			—

Granted	$	12.62		192,245			—			192,245
Awarded	$	12.62		—			38,449			(38,449	)
Vested	$	—		—			—			—
Forfeited	$	—		—			—			—

Outstanding at December 31, 2010	$	12.62		192,245			38,449			153,796

Granted	$	23.94		2,375,892			—			2,375,892
Awarded	$	11.41		—			(1,041	)		1,041
Vested	$	—		—			—			—
Forfeited	$	23.94		(90,080	)		—			(90,080	)

Outstanding at December 31, 2011	$	23.06		2,478,057			37,408			2,440,649

Employee Stock Purchase Plan

The Company has a shareholder-approved Employee Stock Purchase Plan ("ESPP") with a total of 12,000,000 authorized shares and 2,297,258 available for future subscriptions. Employees of the Company who regularly work more than 20 hours per week are eligible to participate in the ESPP. Participants, through payroll deductions, may allot up to 10% of their compensation, to a maximum of $25,000, to purchase Company stock between August 1 of each year to the following July 31st (the "Subscription Period") at a cost of 85% of the lower of the stock price as of the beginning or ending of the Subscription Period.

The Company estimates the fair value of an ESPP share option as of the beginning of the Subscription Period as the sum of: (1) 15% of the quoted market price of the Company's stock on the day prior to the beginning of the Subscription Period, and (2) 85% of the value of a one-year stock option on the Company stock using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model. The estimated fair value of an ESPP share option as of the Subscription Period beginning in August 2011 was $4.27. The fair value of an ESPP share option as of the Subscription Periods beginning in August 2010 and 2009, was $4.01 and $5.78, respectively.

For the plan years ended July 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, the Company issued 488,052, 500,334 and 579,104 shares of common stock in August 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. These shares were issued at an aggregate purchase price of $8,048,000 or $16.49 per share in 2011, $8,326,000 or $16.64 per share in 2010 and $9,358,000 or $16.16 per share in 2009.

For the five months ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 of the 2011-2012, 2010-2011 and 2009-2010 plan years, 230,481, 206,201, and 250,414 shares of common stock (from authorized but unissued shares), respectively, were subscribed to by participants for proceeds of approximately $3,810,000, $3,400,000 and $3,826,000, respectively.

Incentive Stock Option Plan

On April 21, 2000, Brown & Brown adopted, and the shareholders approved, a qualified incentive stock option plan (the "ISOP") that provides for the granting of stock options to certain key employees for up to 4,800,000 shares of common stock. On December 31, 2008, the ISOP expired. The objective of the ISOP was to provide additional performance incentives to grow Brown & Brown's pre-tax income in excess of 15% annually. The options were granted at the most recent trading day's closing market price and vest over a one-to-10-year period, with a potential acceleration of the vesting period to three to six years based upon achievement of certain performance goals. All of the options expire 10 years after the grant date.

The Company uses the Black-Scholes option-pricing model to estimate the fair value of stock options on the grant date. The risk-free interest rate is based upon the U.S. Treasury yield curve on the date of grant with a remaining term approximating the expected term of the option granted. The expected term of the options granted is derived from historical data; grantees are divided into two groups based upon expected exercise behavior and are considered separately for valuation purposes. The expected volatility is based upon the historical volatility of the Company's common stock over the period of time equivalent to the expected term of the options granted. The dividend yield is based upon the Company's best estimate of future dividend yield.

A summary of stock option activity for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 is as follows:


Stock Options	Shares Under Option			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term *(in years)*		Aggregate Intrinsic Value *(in thousands)*
Outstanding at January 1, 2009		2,475,015		$	16.68		6.9	$	22,587

Granted		—			—
Exercised		(69,659	)	$	4.84
Forfeited		(16,672	)	$	15.40
Expired		—			—

Outstanding at December 31, 2009		2,388,684		$	17.03		6.1	$	21,629

Granted		—			—
Exercised		(313,514	)	$	13.13
Forfeited		(200,000	)	$	18.48
Expired		—			—

Outstanding at December 31, 2010		1,875,170		$	17.53		5.4	$	17,147

Granted		—			—
Exercised		(52,589	)	$	18.48
Forfeited		(438,044	)	$	17.28
Expired		—			—

Outstanding at December 31, 2011		1,384,537		$	17.58		4.4	$	14,587


Ending vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2011		1,384,537		$	17.58		4.4	$	14,587
Exercisable at December 31, 2011		396,985		$	18.16		5.4	$	1,774
Exercisable at December 31, 2010		257,040		$	17.92		6.0	$	1,546
Exercisable at December 31, 2009		317,020		$	12.68		2.4	$	1,676

The following table summarizes information about stock options outstanding at December 31, 2011:

		$000000000		$000000000		$000000000		$000000000		$000000000
Options Outstanding							Options Exercisable
Exercise Price	Number Outstanding		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Number Exercisable		Weighted Average Exercise Price
$15.78		479,592		1.2	$	15.78		58,972	$	15.78
$22.06		12,000		3.0	$	22.06		9,068	$	22.06
$18.48		892,945		6.2	$	18.48		328,945	$	18.48

Totals		1,384,537		4.4	$	17.58		396,985	$	18.16

The total intrinsic value of options exercised, determined as of the date of exercise, during the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009 was $333,000, $2,344,000 and $948,000, respectively. The total intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of all underlying awards and the quoted market price of the Company's stock for all in-the-money stock options at December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively.

There are no option shares available for future grant under the ISOP since this plan expired as of December 31, 2008.

Summary of Non-Cash Stock-Based Compensation Expense

The non-cash stock-based compensation expense for the years ended December 31 is as follows:


(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009
Stock Incentive Plan	$	5,320	$	60	$	—
Performance Stock Plan		2,661		2,836		2,878
Employee Stock Purchase Plan		2,126		2,511		2,878
Incentive Stock Option Plan		1,087		1,438		1,602

Total	$	11,194	$	6,845	$	7,358

Summary of Unrecognized Compensation Expense

As of December 31, 2011, there was approximately $65.0 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to all non-vested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Company's stock-based compensation plans. That expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 9.2 years.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for compensation-related costs for equity-based compensation, which may include disclosure of policies, compensation plan details, allocation of equity compensation, incentive distributions, equity-based arrangements to obtain goods and services, deferred compensation arrangements, employee stock ownership plan details and employee stock purchase plan details.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 123R

-Paragraph 64, 65, A240

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Statement of Position (SOP)

-Number 93-6

-Paragraph 53

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 14

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 50

-Section 50

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 718

-SubTopic 40

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

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+ Details

Supplemental Disclosures Of Cash Flow Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Supplemental Disclosures Of Cash Flow Information [Abstract]

Supplemental Disclosures Of Cash Flow Information

NOTE 12 Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information

Brown & Brown's significant non-cash investing and financing activities for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows:


(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009
Unrealized holding gain (loss) on available-for-sale securities, net of tax effect of $0 for 2011, net of tax effect of $1 for 2010 and net of tax benefit of $5 for 2009		—		2		(8	)
Notes payable issued or assumed for purchased customer accounts	$	1,603	$	3,821	$	22,645
Estimated acquisition earn-out payables and related charges	$	30,525	$	25,090	$	7,226
Notes received on the sale of fixed assets and customer accounts	$	8,166	$	1,825	$	(958	)

- Definition

The entire disclosure for supplemental cash flow activities, including cash, noncash, and part noncash transactions, for the period. Noncash is defined as information about all investing and financing activities of an enterprise during a period that affect recognized assets or liabilities but that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period.

+ References+ Details

Commitments And Contingencies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]

Commitments And Contingencies

NOTE 13 Commitments and Contingencies

Operating Leases

Brown & Brown leases facilities and certain items of office equipment under non-cancelable operating lease arrangements expiring on various dates through 2022. The facility leases generally contain renewal options and escalation clauses based upon increases in the lessors' operating expenses and other charges. Brown & Brown anticipates that most of these leases will be renewed or replaced upon expiration. At December 31, 2011, the aggregate future minimum lease payments under all non-cancelable lease agreements were as follows:


(in thousands)
2012	$	25,176
2013		21,712
2014		19,159
2015		15,790
2016		12,182
Thereafter		15,338

Total minimum future lease payments	$	109,357

Rental expense in 2011, 2010 and 2009 for operating leases totaled $34,951,000, $35,216,000, and $37,598,000, respectively.

Legal Proceedings

We generally record losses for claims in excess of the limits of insurance in earnings at the time and to the extent they are probable and estimable. In accordance with ASC Topic 450 - Contingencies, we accrue anticipated costs of settlement, damages, losses for general liability claims and, under certain conditions, costs of defense, based on historical experience or to the extent specific losses are probable and estimable. Otherwise, we expense these costs as incurred. If the estimate of a probable loss is a range and no amount within the range is more likely, we accrue the minimum amount of the range.

Our accruals for legal matters that are probable and estimable were not material at December 31, 2011 and 2010, and included estimated costs of settlement, damages and defense. We continue to assess certain litigation and claims to determine the amounts, if any, that management believes will be paid as a result of such claims and litigation and, therefore, additional losses may be accrued and paid in the future, which could adversely impact our operating results, cash flows and overall liquidity. The Company maintains third-party insurance policies to provide certain coverage against adverse legal claims, which is done to try to mitigate our overall exposure to unanticipated claims or adverse decisions. However, as (i) one or more of the Company's insurance carriers could take the position that portions of these claims are not covered by the Company's insurance, (ii) to the extent that payments are made to resolve claims and lawsuits, applicable insurance policy limits are eroded and (iii) the claims and lawsuits relating to these matters are continuing to develop, it is possible that future results of operations or cash flows for any particular quarterly or annual period could be materially affected by unfavorable resolutions of these matters. Management has assessed the A. M. Best ratings of these third-party insurers and does not believe there is a substantial risk of an insurer's material nonperformance related to any current insured claims.

On the basis of present information, availability of insurance and legal advice, in management's opinion, we are not currently involved in any legal proceedings which, individually or in the aggregate, would have a material effect on our financial condition, operations and/or cash flows.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for commitments and contingencies.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)

-Number 14

-Paragraph 3

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 5

-Paragraph 9, 10, 11, 12

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 450

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-Paragraph 4

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-Topic 460

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Topic 825

-SubTopic 20

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-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6449706&loc=d3e16207-108621

+ Details

Quarterly Operating Results

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Quarterly Operating Results [Abstract]

Quarterly Operating Results

NOTE 14 Quarterly Operating Results (Unaudited)

Quarterly operating results for 2011 and 2010 were as follows:


(in thousands, except per share data)	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
2011
Total revenues	$	262,228	$	246,816	$	260,401	$	244,097
Total expenses	$	185,558	$	185,348	$	187,709	$	184,406
Income before income taxes	$	76,670	$	61,468	$	72,692	$	59,691
Net income	$	46,293	$	37,035	$	44,173	$	36,494
Net income per share:
Basic	$	0.32	$	0.26	$	0.31	$	0.25
Diluted	$	0.32	$	0.26	$	0.30	$	0.25

2010
Total revenues	$	252,273	$	243,665	$	247,616	$	229,938
Total expenses	$	179,189	$	175,652	$	174,582	$	177,971
Income before income taxes	$	73,084	$	68,013	$	73,034	$	51,967
Net income	$	44,128	$	41,185	$	44,293	$	32,146
Net income per share:
Basic	$	0.31	$	0.29	$	0.31	$	0.23
Diluted	$	0.31	$	0.29	$	0.31	$	0.22

Quarterly financial information is affected by seasonal variations. The timing of profit-sharing contingent commissions, policy renewals and acquisitions may cause revenues, expenses and net income to vary significantly between quarters.

- Definition

The entire disclosure for the quarterly financial data in the annual financial statements. The disclosure may include a tabular presentation of financial information for each fiscal quarter for the current and previous year, including revenues, gross profit, income or loss before extraordinary items and earnings per share data. It also includes an indication if the information in the note is unaudited, comments on the aggregate effect of year-end adjustments, and an explanation of matters or transactions that affect comparability or are pertinent to an understanding of the information furnished.

+ References+ Details

Segment Information

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Segment Information [Abstract]

Segment Information

NOTE 15 Segment Information

Brown & Brown's business is divided into four reportable segments: the Retail Division, which provides a broad range of insurance products and services to commercial, public and quasi-public entities, and to professional and individual customers; the National Programs Division, which is comprised of two units: Professional Programs which provides professional liability and related package products for certain professionals delivered through nationwide networks of independent agents, and Special Programs, which markets targeted products and services designed for specific industries, trade groups, public and quasi-public entities, and market niches; the Wholesale Brokerage Division, which markets and sells excess and surplus commercial and personal lines insurance, and reinsurance, primarily through independent agents and brokers; and the Services Division, which provides insurance-related services, including third-party claims administration and comprehensive medical utilization management services in both the workers' compensation and all-lines liability arenas, as well as Medicare set-aside services and Social Security disability and Medicare benefits advocacy services. Brown & Brown conducts all of its operations within the United States of America, except for one wholesale brokerage operation based in London, England which commenced business in March 2008. This operation earned $9.1 million, $9.9 million and $6.6 million of total revenues for the years ended December 31, 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively. Long-lived assets held outside of the United States during each of the last three years were not material.

The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in Note 1. Brown & Brown evaluates the performance of its segments based upon revenues and income before income taxes. Inter-segment revenues are eliminated.

Summarized financial information concerning Brown & Brown's reportable segments is shown in the following table. The "Other" column includes any income and expenses not allocated to reportable segments and corporate-related items, including the inter-company interest expense charge to the reporting segment.


	Year Ended December 31, 2011
(in thousands)	Retail		National Programs		Wholesale Brokerage		Services		Other			Total
Total revenues	$	607,199	$	181,277	$	157,308	$	65,972	$	1,786		$	1,013,542
Investment income	$	102	$	—	$	34	$	128	$	1,003		$	1,267
Amortization	$	33,373	$	8,630	$	10,172	$	2,541	$	39		$	54,755
Depreciation	$	5,046	$	2,994	$	2,537	$	590	$	1,225		$	12,392
Interest expense	$	27,688	$	1,794	$	7,082	$	5,746	$	(28,178	)	$	14,132
Income before income taxes	$	137,807	$	67,588	$	29,388	$	7,729	$	28,009		$	270,521
Total assets	$	2,155,413	$	734,423	$	658,040	$	166,060	$	(1,106,925	)	$	2,607,011
Capital expenditures	$	6,102	$	2,079	$	2,547	$	689	$	2,191		$	13,608


	Year Ended December 31, 2010
(in thousands)	Retail		National Programs		Wholesale Brokerage		Services		Other			Total
Total revenues	$	575,061	$	189,165	$	158,699	$	46,447	$	4,120		$	973,492
Investment income	$	170	$	1	$	29	$	15	$	1,111		$	1,326
Amortization	$	30,725	$	9,213	$	10,201	$	1,264	$	39		$	51,442
Depreciation	$	5,349	$	3,049	$	2,695	$	352	$	1,194		$	12,639
Interest expense	$	27,037	$	3,242	$	10,770	$	2,592	$	(29,170	)	$	14,471
Income before income taxes	$	128,026	$	74,941	$	25,234	$	7,693	$	30,204		$	266,098
Total assets	$	1,914,587	$	667,123	$	631,344	$	145,321	$	(957,561	)	$	2,400,814
Capital expenditures	$	4,852	$	2,432	$	1,838	$	419	$	913		$	10,454

	Year Ended December 31, 2009
(in thousands)	Retail		National Programs		Wholesale Brokerage		Services		Other			Total
Total revenues	$	583,374	$	190,593	$	158,341	$	32,743	$	2,826		$	967,877
Investment income	$	282	$	3	$	62	$	23	$	791		$	1,161
Amortization	$	29,943	$	9,175	$	10,239	$	462	$	38		$	49,857
Depreciation	$	6,060	$	2,725	$	2,894	$	333	$	1,228		$	13,240
Interest expense	$	31,596	$	5,365	$	14,289	$	668	$	(37,319	)	$	14,599
Income before income taxes	$	121,769	$	70,436	$	17,030	$	6,996	$	38,523		$	254,754
Total assets	$	1,764,249	$	627,392	$	618,704	$	47,829	$	(833,948	)	$	2,224,226
Capital expenditures	$	3,459	$	4,318	$	3,201	$	160	$	172		$	11,310

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the profit or loss and total assets for each reportable segment. An entity discloses certain information on each reportable segment if the amounts (a) are included in the measure of segment profit or loss reviewed by the chief operating decision maker or (b) are otherwise regularly provided to the chief operating decision maker, even if not included in that measure of segment profit or loss.

+ References+ Details

Subsequent Event

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Subsequent Event [Abstract]

Subsequent Event

NOTE 16 Subsequent Event

On January 9, 2012, Brown & Brown acquired all of the stock of the parent company of Arrowhead General Insurance Agency, Inc. ("Arrowhead"), a national insurance program manager and one of the largest managing general agents ("MGA") in the property and casualty insurance industry. The aggregate purchase price for Arrowhead was $580,767,000, including $397,531,000 of cash payments, the assumption of $178,904,000 of liabilities and $4,332,000 of recorded earn-out payables. Arrowhead was acquired primarily to expand Brown & Brown's National Programs and Services businesses, and to attract and hire high-quality individuals.

The Arrowhead acquisition will be accounted for as business combination as follows:

(in thousands)


Name	2012 Date of Acquisition		Cash Paid		Note Payable		Recorded Earn-out Payable		Net Assets Acquired		Maximum Potential Earn-out Payable
Arrowhead		January 9	$	397,531	$	—	$	4,332	$	401,863	$	5,000

The following table summarizes the preliminary estimated fair values of Arrowhead's aggregate assets and liabilities acquired:


(in thousands)	Arrowhead
Cash	$	61,221
Other current assets		68,439
Fixed assets		4,751
Goodwill		304,974
Purchased customer accounts		126,431
Non-compete agreements		100
Other assets		14,851

Total assets acquired		580,767

Other current liabilities		(126,095	)
Deferred income taxes, net		(52,809	)

Total liabilities assumed		(178,904	)

Net assets acquired	$	401,863

The weighted average useful lives for the above acquired amortizable intangible assets are as follows: purchased customer accounts are 15.0 years, and noncompete agreements are 5.0 years.

If the Arrowhead acquisition had occurred as of January 1, 2011, the Company's estimated results of operations would be as shown in the following table. These unaudited pro forma results are not necessarily indicative of the actual results of operations that would have occurred had the Arrowhead acquisition actually been made as of January 1, 2011.


(UNAUDITED)	For the Year Ended December 31, 2011
*(in thousands, except per share data)*
Total revenues	$	1,121,886
Income before income taxes	$	287,720
Net income	$	174,143
Net income per share:
Basic	$	1.22
Diluted	$	1.20
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic		138,582
Diluted		140,264

On January 9, 2012, in conjunction with the Arrowhead acquisition, the Company entered into: (1) an amended and restated revolving and term loan credit agreement (the "SunTrust Agreement") with SunTrust Bank ("SunTrust") that provided for (a) a $100.0 million term loan (the "SunTrust Term Loan") and (b) a $50.0 million revolving line of credit (the "SunTrust Revolver") and (2) a $50.0 million promissory note (the "JPM Note") in favor of JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. ("JPMorgan"), pursuant to a letter agreement executed by JP Morgan (together with the JPM Note, the "JPM Agreement") that provided for a $50.0 million uncommitted line of credit bridge facility (the "JPM Bridge Facility"). The SunTrust Term Loan, the SunTrust Revolver and the JPM Bridge Facility were each funded on January 9, 2012, and provided the financing for the acquisition. The SunTrust Agreement amends and restates the Prior Loan Agreement.

The maturity date for the SunTrust Term Loan and the SunTrust Revolver is December 31, 2016, at which time all outstanding principal and unpaid interest will be due. Both the SunTrust Term Loan and the SunTrust Revolver may be increased by up to $50.0 million (bringing the total available for each to $150.0 million for the SunTrust Term Loan and $100.0 million for the SunTrust Revolver, respectively). The calculation of interest and fees for the SunTrust Agreement is generally based on the Company's funded debt-to-EBITDA ratio. Interest is charged at a rate equal to 1.00% to 1.40% above LIBOR or 1.00% below the Base Rate. Fees include an up-front fee, an availability fee of 0.175% to 0.25%, and a letter of credit margin fee of 1.00% to 1.40%. Initially, until the Company's March 31, 2012 quarter end, the applicable margin for LIBOR advances is 1.00%, the availability fee is 0.175%, and the letter of credit margin fee is 1.00%. The obligations under the SunTrust Term Loan and SunTrust Revolver are unsecured and the SunTrust Agreement includes various covenants, limitations and events of default that are customary for similar facilities for similar borrowers and that are substantially similar to those contained in the Prior Loan Agreement.

The maturity date for the JPM Bridge Facility was February 3, 2012, at which time all outstanding principal and unpaid interest would have been due. Interest was charged at a rate equal to the CB Floating Rate. The JPM Bridge Facility was unsecured and included various agreements, limitations and events of default that are customary for similar facilities for similar borrowers.

On January 26, 2012, the Company entered into a term loan agreement (the "JPM Agreement") with JPMorgan that provided for a $100.0 million term loan (the "JPM Term Loan"). The JPM Term Loan was fully funded on January 26, 2012, and provided the financing to fully repay (1) JPM Bridge Facility and (2) SunTrust Revolver. As a result of the January 26, 2012 financing and repayments, the JPM Bridge Facility has been terminated and the SunTrust Revolver's amount outstanding was brought to zero prior to making subsequent advances thereunder.

The maturity date for the JPM Term Loan is December 31, 2016, at which time all outstanding principal and unpaid interest will be due. Interest is charged at a rate equal to the Alternative Base Rate or 1.00% above the Adjusted LIBOR Rate. Fees include an up-front fee. The obligations under the JPM Term Loan are unsecured and the JPM Agreement includes various covenants, limitations and events of default that are customary for similar facilities for similar borrowers.

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Revenue Recognition

Revenue Recognition

Use Of Estimates

Use of Estimates

Cash And Cash Equivalents

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Restricted Cash And Investments, And Premiums, Commissions And Fees Receivable

Restricted Cash and Investments, and Premiums, Commissions and Fees Receivable

Investments

Investments

Equity securities and certificates of deposit having maturities of more than three months when purchased are reported at cost and are adjusted for other-than-temporary market value declines.

Fixed Assets

Fixed Assets

Goodwill And Amortizable Intangible Assets

Goodwill and Amortizable Intangible Assets

Income Taxes

Income Taxes

Net Income Per Share

Net Income Per Share


(in thousands, except per share data)	2011			2010			2009
Net income	$	163,995		$	161,752		$	153,294
Net income attributable to unvested awarded performance stock		(5,099	)		(5,097	)		(4,937	)

Net income attributable to common shares	$	158,896		$	156,655		$	148,357

Weighted average basic number of common shares outstanding		143,029			142,412			141,738
Less unvested awarded performance stock included in weighted average basic share outstanding		(4,447	)		(4,488	)		(4,565	)

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share		138,582			137,924			137,173
Dilutive effect of stock options		1,682			1,394			334

Weighted average number of shares outstanding		140,264			139,318			137,507

Net income per share:
Basic	$	1.15		$	1.14		$	1.08

Diluted	$	1.13		$	1.12		$	1.08

Fair Value Of Financial Instruments

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Stock-Based Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

Reconciliation Between Basic And Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding


(in thousands, except per share data)	2011			2010			2009
Net income	$	163,995		$	161,752		$	153,294
Net income attributable to unvested awarded performance stock		(5,099	)		(5,097	)		(4,937	)

Net income attributable to common shares	$	158,896		$	156,655		$	148,357

Weighted average basic number of common shares outstanding		143,029			142,412			141,738
Less unvested awarded performance stock included in weighted average basic share outstanding		(4,447	)		(4,488	)		(4,565	)

Weighted average number of common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share		138,582			137,924			137,173
Dilutive effect of stock options		1,682			1,394			334

Weighted average number of shares outstanding		140,264			139,318			137,507

Net income per share:
Basic	$	1.15		$	1.14		$	1.08

Diluted	$	1.13		$	1.12		$	1.08

Business Combinations (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Business Combinations [Abstract]

Acquisitions Accounted For As Business Combinations


*(in thousands)*
Name	Business Segment		2011 Date of Acquisition		Cash Paid		Note Payable		Recorded Earn-out Payable		Net Assets Acquired		Maximum Potential Earn-out Payable
Balcos Insurance, Inc.		Retail		January 1	$	8,611	$	—	$	1,595	$	10,206	$	5,766
Associated Insurance Service, Inc. et al.		Retail		January 1		12,000		—		1,575		13,575		6,000
United Benefit Services Insurance Agency LLC et al.		Retail		February 1		14,283		—		2,590		16,873		8,442
First Horizon Insurance Group, Inc. et al.		Retail		April 30		25,060		—		—		25,060		—
Fitzharris Agency, Inc. et al.		Retail		May 1		6,159		—		888		7,047		3,832
Corporate Benefit Consultants, LLC		Retail		June 1		9,000		—		2,038		11,038		4,520
Sitzmann, Morris & Lavis Insurance Agency, Inc. et al.		Retail		November 1		40,460		—		6,228		46,688		19,000
Snapper Shuler Kenner, Inc. et al.		Retail		November 1		7,493		—		1,318		8,811		3,988
Industry Consulting Group, Inc.		National Programs		November 1		9,133		—		3,877		13,010		5,794
Colonial Claims Corporation et al.		Services		December 23		9,950		—		4,248		14,198		8,000
Other		Various		Various		25,295		1,194		6,168		32,657		12,865

Total					$	167,444	$	1,194	$	30,525	$	199,163	$	78,207


(in thousands)
Name	Business Segment		2010 Date of Acquisition		Cash Paid		Note Payable		Recorded Earn-out Payable		Net Assets Acquired		Maximum Potential Earn-out Payable
DiMartino Associates, Inc.		Retail		March 1	$	7,047	$	—	$	3,402	$	10,449	$	5,637
Stone Insurance Agencies, et al.		Retail		May 1		15,825		—		124		15,949		3,000
Crowe Paradis Holding Company, et al.		Services		September 1		75,000		—		8,665		83,665		15,000
Thomas R Jones, Inc.		Retail		October 1		14,634		—		—		14,634		—
Other		Various		Various		46,130		759		12,899		59,788		30,668

Total					$	158,636	$	759	$	25,090	$	184,485	$	54,305

Estimated Fair Values Of The Aggregate Assets And Liabilities Acquired


(in thousands)	Balcos			AIS			United			FHI			FA			CBC
Cash	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	5,170		$	—		$	—
Other current assets		187			252			438			1,640			77			227
Fixed assets		20			100			20			134			60			6
Goodwill		6,486			9,055			10,049			15,254			7,244			6,738
Purchased customer accounts		3,530			4,086			7,045			8,088			3,351			4,046
Non-compete agreements		42			92			45			10			21			21
Other assets		—			—			4			9			—			—

Total assets acquired		10,265			13,585			17,601			30,305			10,753			11,038

Other current liabilities		(59	)		(10	)		(728	)		(3,790	)		(3,706	)		—
Deferred income taxes, net		—			—			—			(1,455	)		—			—
Other liabilities		—			—			—			—			—			—

Total liabilities assumed		(59	)		(10	)		(728	)		(5,245	)		(3,706	)		—

Net assets acquired	$	10,206		$	13,575		$	16,873		$	25,060		$	7,047		$	11,038


*(in thousands)*	SML			SSK			ICG			CC			Other			Total
Cash	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	5,170
Other current assets		1,372			247			336			—			1,059			5,835
Fixed assets		465			45			100			60			65			1,075
Goodwill		31,601			5,818			9,564			8,070			18,465			128,344
Purchased customer accounts		13,995			2,726			7,161			6,094			13,746			73,868
Non-compete agreements		42			12			11			23			187			506
Other assets		4			—			5			—			2			24

Total assets acquired		47,479			8,848			17,177			14,247			33,524			214,822

Other current liabilities		(791	)		(37	)		(1,096	)		(49	)		(867	)		(11,133	)
Deferred income taxes, net		—			—			—			—			—			(1,455	)
Other liabilities		—			—			(3,071	)		—			—			(3,071	)

Total liabilities assumed		(791	)		(37	)		(4,167	)		(49	)		(867	)		(15,659	)

Net assets acquired	$	46,688		$	8,811		$	13,010		$	14,198		$	32,657		$	199,163


(in thousands)	DiMartino		Stone			Crowe		TR Jones			Other			Total
Cash	$	—	$	—		$	1,000	$	—		$	—		$	1,000
Other current assets		137		516			118		259			1,528			2,558
Fixed assets		21		70			500		120			180			891
Goodwill		6,890		11,128			53,573		8,683			36,119			116,393
Purchased customer accounts		3,380		5,172			28,440		5,643			22,841			65,476
Non-compete agreements		21		74			33		—			332			460
Other assets		—		—			1		4			—			5

Total assets acquired		10,449		16,960			83,665		14,709			61,000			186,783

Other current liabilities		—		(1,011	)		—		(75	)		(1,212	)		(2,298	)

Total liabilities assumed		—		(1,011	)		—		(75	)		(1,212	)		(2,298	)

Net assets acquired	$	10,449	$	15,949		$	83,665	$	14,634		$	59,788		$	184,485

Results Of Operations


(UNAUDITED)	For the Year Ended December 31,
*(in thousands, except per share data)*	2011		2010
Total revenues	$	1,058,142	$	1,059,857
Income before income taxes	$	283,404	$	291,944
Net income	$	171,805	$	177,464
Net income per share:
Basic	$	1.20	$	1.25
Diluted	$	1.19	$	1.23
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic		138,582		137,924
Diluted		140,264		139,318


(UNAUDITED)	For the Year Ended December 31,
*(in thousands, except per share data)*	2010		2009
Total revenues	$	1,015,043	$	1,035,286
Income before income taxes	$	278,635	$	274,908
Net income	$	169,373	$	165,420
Net income per share:
Basic	$	1.19	$	1.17
Diluted	$	1.18	$	1.16
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic		137,924		137,173
Diluted		139,318		137,507

Estimated Acquisition Earn-Out Payables


(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009
Balance as of January 1	$	29,608		$	7,354		$	—
Additions to estimated acquisition earn-out payables		30,525			25,090			7,226
Payments for estimated acquisition earn-out payables		(10,212	)		(1,162	)		—

Net change in earnings from estimated acquisition earn-out payables:
Change in fair value on estimated acquisition earn-out payables		(4,043	)		(2,606	)		—
Interest expense accretion		1,837			932			128

Net change in earnings from estimated acquisition earn-out payables		(2,206	)		(1,674	)		—

Balance as of December 31	$	47,715		$	29,608		$	7,354

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of pro forma results of operations for a material business acquisition or series of individually immaterial business acquisitions that are material in the aggregate.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of a material business combination completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. This table does not include leveraged buyouts.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141

-Paragraph 51

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141

-Paragraph 52

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

-Paragraph 68

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

-Appendix F

-Paragraph F4

-Subparagraph e

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6909870&loc=d3e1392-128463

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 805

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6909870&loc=d3e1486-128463

+ Details

Goodwill (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Goodwill [Abstract]

Schedule Of Goodwill


(in thousands)	Retail			National Programs		Wholesale Brokerage		Service		Total
Balance as of January 1, 2010	$	656,108		$	152,601	$	256,418	$	9,270	$	1,074,397
Goodwill of acquired businesses		60,518			—		942		58,970		120,430

Balance as of December 31, 2010		716,626			152,601		257,360		68,240		1,194,827
Goodwill of acquired businesses		112,610			11,853		—		8,071		132,534
Goodwill transferred		(1,771	)		—		1,771		—		—
Goodwill disposed of relating to sales of businesses		(3,892	)		—		—		—		(3,892	)

Balance as of December 31, 2011	$	823,573		$	164,454	$	259,131	$	76,311	$	1,323,469

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of goodwill by reportable segment and in total. Disclosure details may include, but are not limited to, the carrying amount of goodwill, goodwill acquired during the year, goodwill impairment losses recognized, goodwill written-off due to the sale of a business unit, goodwill not yet allocated, and any other changes to goodwill.

+ References+ Details

Amortizable Intangible Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Amortizable Intangible Assets [Abstract]

Schedule Of Amortizable Intangible Assets


	2011									2010
(in thousands)	Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value		Weighted Average Life (years)		Gross Carrying Value		Accumulated Amortization			Net Carrying Value		Weighted Average Life (years)
Purchased customer accounts	$	876,552	$	(381,615	)	$	494,937		14.9	$	811,143	$	(330,627	)	$	480,516		14.9
Non-compete agreements		25,291		(24,046	)		1,245		7.2		25,181		(23,797	)		1,384		7.3

Total	$	901,843	$	(405,661	)	$	496,182			$	836,324	$	(354,424	)	$	481,900

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of amortizable intangibles assets, in total and by major class, including the gross carrying amount and accumulated amortization. A major class is composed of intangible assets that can be grouped together because they are similar, either by their nature or by their use in the operations of a company.

+ References+ Details

Investments (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Investments [Abstract]

Schedule Of Investments


	2011 Carrying Value				2010 Carrying Value
(in thousands)	Current		Non- Current		Current		Non- Current
Available-for-sale equity securities	$	36	$	—	$	36	$	—
Certificates of deposit and other securities		7,591		516		7,642		517

Total investments	$	7,627	$	516	$	7,678	$	517

Schedule Of Available-For-Sale Securities


(in thousands)	Cost		Gross Unrealized Gains		Gross Unrealized Losses		Estimated Fair Value
Equity securities:
2011	$	25	$	11		—	$	36
2010	$	25	$	11		—	$	36

Schedule Of Proceeds And Realized Gains/(Losses) On Equity Securities And Certificates Of Deposit


(in thousands)	Proceeds		Gross Realized Gains		Gross Realized Losses
2011	$	12,950	$	124	$	—
2010	$	9,327	$	6	$	—
2009	$	10,828	$	—	$	(299	)

Fixed Assets (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Fixed Assets [Abstract]

Schedule Of Fixed Assets


(in thousands)	2011			2010
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	$	131,436		$	125,963
Leasehold improvements		17,045			16,151
Land, buildings and improvements		438			438

Total cost		148,919			142,552
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(87,559	)		(82,839	)

Total	$	61,360		$	59,713

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of the useful life and salvage value of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software.

+ References+ Details

Accrued Expenses And Other Liabilities (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Accrued Expenses And Other Liabilities [Abstract]

Schedule Of Accrued Expenses And Other Liabilities

		$131,436		$131,436
(in thousands)	2011		2010
Accrued bonuses	$	47,585	$	43,896
Accrued compensation and benefits		16,818		16,040
Accrued rent and vendor expenses		11,554		10,445
Reserve for policy cancellations		6,396		5,559
Accrued interest		3,288		4,727
Other		15,224		14,280

Total	$	100,865	$	94,947

Long-Term Debt (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Long-Term Debt [Abstract]

Schedule Of Long-Term Debt Instruments


(in thousands)	2011			2010
Unsecured Senior Notes	$	250,000		$	250,000
Acquisition notes payable		1,260			1,729
Revolving credit facility		—			—
Other notes payable		—			—

Total debt		251,260			251,729
Less current portion		(1,227	)		(1,662	)

Long-term debt	$	250,033		$	250,067

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of long-debt instruments or arrangements, including identification, terms, features, collateral requirements and other information necessary to a fair presentation. These are debt arrangements that originally required repayment more than twelve months after issuance or greater than the normal operating cycle of the entity, if longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 235

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.4-08.(e),(f))

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6881521&loc=d3e23780-122690

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 22

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28551-108399

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1A

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6451184&loc=d3e28541-108399

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21475-112644

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.22)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 6

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21506-112644

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21538-112644

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 505

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 7

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6928386&loc=d3e21521-112644

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 835

-SubTopic 30

-Section 55

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6584090&loc=d3e28878-108400

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 470

-Section 50

-Paragraph 3

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6479336&loc=d3e64711-112823

+ Details

Income Taxes (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Income Taxes [Abstract]

Schedule Of Components Of The Provision (Benefit) For Income Taxes


(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009
Current:
Federal	$	65,461	$	70,715	$	62,547
State		10,084		10,236		10,730
Foreign		638		860		286

Total current provision		76,183		81,811		73,563

Deferred:
Federal		27,212		19,890		24,913
State		3,131		2,645		2,984

Total deferred provision		30,343		22,535		27,897

Total tax provision	$	106,526	$	104,346	$	101,460

Schedule Of Reconciliation Of The Differences Between The Effective Tax Rate And The Federal Statutory Tax Rate

		$106,526			$106,526			$106,526
	2011			2010			2009
Federal statutory tax rate		35.0	%		35.0	%		35.0	%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit		3.5			3.5			4.0
Non-deductible employee stock purchase plan expense		0.3			0.3			0.4
Non-deductible meals and entertainment		0.3			0.3			0.3
Interest exempt from taxation and dividend exclusion		—			—			(0.1	)
Other, net		0.3			0.1			0.2

Effective tax rate		39.4	%		39.2	%		39.8	%

Schedule Of Current Deferred Tax Assets


(in thousands)	2011		2010
Current deferred tax assets:
Deferred profit-sharing contingent commissions	$	11,124	$	12,274
Accruals and reserves		8,739		7,802

Total current deferred tax assets	$	19,863	$	20,076

Schedule Of Non-Current Deferred Tax Liabilities


(in thousands)	2011			2010
Non-current deferred tax liabilities:
Fixed assets	$	11,400		$	9,263
Net unrealized holding gain of available-for-sale securities		4			4
Prepaid insurance and pension		3,123			28
Intangible assets		176,459			146,815

Total non-current deferred tax liabilities		190,986			156,110

Non-current deferred tax assets:
Deferred compensation		11,341			8,232
Accruals and reserves		—			—
Net operating loss carryforwards		2,071			1,721
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets		(478	)		(325	)

Total non-current deferred tax assets		12,934			9,628

Net non-current deferred tax liability	$	178,052		$	146,482

Schedule Of Reconciliation Of The Beginning And Ending Amount Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits


(in thousands)	2011			2010			2009
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at January 1	$	656		$	635		$	611
Gross increases for tax positions of prior years		257			229			489
Gross decreases for tax positions of prior years		—			—			(274	)
Settlements		(107	)		(208	)		(182	)
Lapse of statute of limitations		—			—			(9	)

Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 31	$	806		$	656		$	635

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Summary Of Stock Option Activity


Stock Options	Shares Under Option			Weighted- Average Exercise Price		Weighted- Average Remaining Contractual Term *(in years)*		Aggregate Intrinsic Value *(in thousands)*
Outstanding at January 1, 2009		2,475,015		$	16.68		6.9	$	22,587

Granted		—			—
Exercised		(69,659	)	$	4.84
Forfeited		(16,672	)	$	15.40
Expired		—			—

Outstanding at December 31, 2009		2,388,684		$	17.03		6.1	$	21,629

Granted		—			—
Exercised		(313,514	)	$	13.13
Forfeited		(200,000	)	$	18.48
Expired		—			—

Outstanding at December 31, 2010		1,875,170		$	17.53		5.4	$	17,147

Granted		—			—
Exercised		(52,589	)	$	18.48
Forfeited		(438,044	)	$	17.28
Expired		—			—

Outstanding at December 31, 2011		1,384,537		$	17.58		4.4	$	14,587


Ending vested and expected to vest at December 31, 2011		1,384,537		$	17.58		4.4	$	14,587
Exercisable at December 31, 2011		396,985		$	18.16		5.4	$	1,774
Exercisable at December 31, 2010		257,040		$	17.92		6.0	$	1,546
Exercisable at December 31, 2009		317,020		$	12.68		2.4	$	1,676

Summary Of Stock Options Outstanding And Options Exercisable

		$000000000		$000000000		$000000000		$000000000		$000000000
Options Outstanding							Options Exercisable
Exercise Price	Number Outstanding		Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)		Weighted Average Exercise Price		Number Exercisable		Weighted Average Exercise Price
$15.78		479,592		1.2	$	15.78		58,972	$	15.78
$22.06		12,000		3.0	$	22.06		9,068	$	22.06
$18.48		892,945		6.2	$	18.48		328,945	$	18.48

Totals		1,384,537		4.4	$	17.58		396,985	$	18.16

Schedule Of Non-Cash Stock-Based Compensation Expense


(in thousands)	2011		2010		2009
Stock Incentive Plan	$	5,320	$	60	$	—
Performance Stock Plan		2,661		2,836		2,878
Employee Stock Purchase Plan		2,126		2,511		2,878
Incentive Stock Option Plan		1,087		1,438		1,602

Total	$	11,194	$	6,845	$	7,358

Stock Incentive Plan [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Summary Of PSP Activity


	Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value		Granted Shares			Awarded Shares			Shares Not Yet Awarded
Outstanding at January 1, 2010	$	—		—			—			—

Granted	$	12.62		192,245			—			192,245
Awarded	$	12.62		—			38,449			(38,449	)
Vested	$	—		—			—			—
Forfeited	$	—		—			—			—

Outstanding at December 31, 2010	$	12.62		192,245			38,449			153,796

Granted	$	23.94		2,375,892			—			2,375,892
Awarded	$	11.41		—			(1,041	)		1,041
Vested	$	—		—			—			—
Forfeited	$	23.94		(90,080	)		—			(90,080	)

Outstanding at December 31, 2011	$	23.06		2,478,057			37,408			2,440,649

Performance Stock Plan [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

Summary Of PSP Activity


	Weighted- Average Grant Date Fair Value		Granted Shares			Awarded Shares			Shares Not Yet Awarded
Outstanding at January 1, 2009	$	7.21		7,822,076			4,629,221			3,192,855

Granted	$	11.80		389,580			—			389,580
Awarded	$	—		—			—			—
Vested	$	6.05		(73,860	)		(73,860	)		—
Forfeited	$	10.42		(379,249	)		(131,925	)		(247,324	)

Outstanding at December 31, 2009	$	7.39		7,758,547			4,423,436			3,335,111

Granted	$	9.67		384,420			—			384,420
Awarded	$	9.49		—			474,113			(474,113	)
Vested	$	2.02		(1,388,789	)		(1,388,789	)		—
Forfeited	$	7.91		(962,324	)		(117,241	)		(845,083	)

Outstanding at December 31, 2010	$	7.32		5,791,854			3,391,519			2,400,335

Granted	$	—		—			—			—
Awarded	$	9.56		—			447,154			(447,154	)
Vested	$	6.01		(106,490	)		(106,490	)		—
Forfeited	$	9.48		(753,552	)		(386,914	)		(366,638	)

Outstanding at December 31, 2011	$	8.08		4,931,812			3,345,269			1,586,543

Commitments And Contingencies (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]

Schedule Of Aggregate Future Minimum Lease Payments Under All Non-Cancelable Lease Agreements


(in thousands)
2012	$	25,176
2013		21,712
2014		19,159
2015		15,790
2016		12,182
Thereafter		15,338

Total minimum future lease payments	$	109,357

Quarterly Operating Results (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Quarterly Operating Results [Abstract]

Schedule Of Quarterly Operating Results


(in thousands, except per share data)	First Quarter		Second Quarter		Third Quarter		Fourth Quarter
2011
Total revenues	$	262,228	$	246,816	$	260,401	$	244,097
Total expenses	$	185,558	$	185,348	$	187,709	$	184,406
Income before income taxes	$	76,670	$	61,468	$	72,692	$	59,691
Net income	$	46,293	$	37,035	$	44,173	$	36,494
Net income per share:
Basic	$	0.32	$	0.26	$	0.31	$	0.25
Diluted	$	0.32	$	0.26	$	0.30	$	0.25

2010
Total revenues	$	252,273	$	243,665	$	247,616	$	229,938
Total expenses	$	179,189	$	175,652	$	174,582	$	177,971
Income before income taxes	$	73,084	$	68,013	$	73,034	$	51,967
Net income	$	44,128	$	41,185	$	44,293	$	32,146
Net income per share:
Basic	$	0.31	$	0.29	$	0.31	$	0.23
Diluted	$	0.31	$	0.29	$	0.31	$	0.22

Segment Information (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Segment Information [Abstract]

Summarized Financial Information Reportable Segments


	Year Ended December 31, 2011
(in thousands)	Retail		National Programs		Wholesale Brokerage		Services		Other			Total
Total revenues	$	607,199	$	181,277	$	157,308	$	65,972	$	1,786		$	1,013,542
Investment income	$	102	$	—	$	34	$	128	$	1,003		$	1,267
Amortization	$	33,373	$	8,630	$	10,172	$	2,541	$	39		$	54,755
Depreciation	$	5,046	$	2,994	$	2,537	$	590	$	1,225		$	12,392
Interest expense	$	27,688	$	1,794	$	7,082	$	5,746	$	(28,178	)	$	14,132
Income before income taxes	$	137,807	$	67,588	$	29,388	$	7,729	$	28,009		$	270,521
Total assets	$	2,155,413	$	734,423	$	658,040	$	166,060	$	(1,106,925	)	$	2,607,011
Capital expenditures	$	6,102	$	2,079	$	2,547	$	689	$	2,191		$	13,608


	Year Ended December 31, 2010
(in thousands)	Retail		National Programs		Wholesale Brokerage		Services		Other			Total
Total revenues	$	575,061	$	189,165	$	158,699	$	46,447	$	4,120		$	973,492
Investment income	$	170	$	1	$	29	$	15	$	1,111		$	1,326
Amortization	$	30,725	$	9,213	$	10,201	$	1,264	$	39		$	51,442
Depreciation	$	5,349	$	3,049	$	2,695	$	352	$	1,194		$	12,639
Interest expense	$	27,037	$	3,242	$	10,770	$	2,592	$	(29,170	)	$	14,471
Income before income taxes	$	128,026	$	74,941	$	25,234	$	7,693	$	30,204		$	266,098
Total assets	$	1,914,587	$	667,123	$	631,344	$	145,321	$	(957,561	)	$	2,400,814
Capital expenditures	$	4,852	$	2,432	$	1,838	$	419	$	913		$	10,454

	Year Ended December 31, 2009
(in thousands)	Retail		National Programs		Wholesale Brokerage		Services		Other			Total
Total revenues	$	583,374	$	190,593	$	158,341	$	32,743	$	2,826		$	967,877
Investment income	$	282	$	3	$	62	$	23	$	791		$	1,161
Amortization	$	29,943	$	9,175	$	10,239	$	462	$	38		$	49,857
Depreciation	$	6,060	$	2,725	$	2,894	$	333	$	1,228		$	13,240
Interest expense	$	31,596	$	5,365	$	14,289	$	668	$	(37,319	)	$	14,599
Income before income taxes	$	121,769	$	70,436	$	17,030	$	6,996	$	38,523		$	254,754
Total assets	$	1,764,249	$	627,392	$	618,704	$	47,829	$	(833,948	)	$	2,224,226
Capital expenditures	$	3,459	$	4,318	$	3,201	$	160	$	172		$	11,310

- Definition

The entire disclosure for reporting segments including data and tables. Reportable segments include those that meet any of the following quantitative thresholds a) it's reported revenue, including sales to external customers and intersegment sales or transfers is 10 percent or more of the combined revenue, internal and external, of all operating segments b) the absolute amount of its reported profit or loss is 10 percent or more of the greater, in absolute amount of 1) the combined reported profit of all operating segments that did not report a loss or 2) the combined reported loss of all operating segments that did report a loss c) its assets are 10 percent or more of the combined assets of all operating segments.

+ References

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-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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+ Details

Subsequent Event (Tables)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

Acquisitions Accounted For As Business Combinations


*(in thousands)*
Name	Business Segment		2011 Date of Acquisition		Cash Paid		Note Payable		Recorded Earn-out Payable		Net Assets Acquired		Maximum Potential Earn-out Payable
Balcos Insurance, Inc.		Retail		January 1	$	8,611	$	—	$	1,595	$	10,206	$	5,766
Associated Insurance Service, Inc. et al.		Retail		January 1		12,000		—		1,575		13,575		6,000
United Benefit Services Insurance Agency LLC et al.		Retail		February 1		14,283		—		2,590		16,873		8,442
First Horizon Insurance Group, Inc. et al.		Retail		April 30		25,060		—		—		25,060		—
Fitzharris Agency, Inc. et al.		Retail		May 1		6,159		—		888		7,047		3,832
Corporate Benefit Consultants, LLC		Retail		June 1		9,000		—		2,038		11,038		4,520
Sitzmann, Morris & Lavis Insurance Agency, Inc. et al.		Retail		November 1		40,460		—		6,228		46,688		19,000
Snapper Shuler Kenner, Inc. et al.		Retail		November 1		7,493		—		1,318		8,811		3,988
Industry Consulting Group, Inc.		National Programs		November 1		9,133		—		3,877		13,010		5,794
Colonial Claims Corporation et al.		Services		December 23		9,950		—		4,248		14,198		8,000
Other		Various		Various		25,295		1,194		6,168		32,657		12,865

Total					$	167,444	$	1,194	$	30,525	$	199,163	$	78,207


(in thousands)
Name	Business Segment		2010 Date of Acquisition		Cash Paid		Note Payable		Recorded Earn-out Payable		Net Assets Acquired		Maximum Potential Earn-out Payable
DiMartino Associates, Inc.		Retail		March 1	$	7,047	$	—	$	3,402	$	10,449	$	5,637
Stone Insurance Agencies, et al.		Retail		May 1		15,825		—		124		15,949		3,000
Crowe Paradis Holding Company, et al.		Services		September 1		75,000		—		8,665		83,665		15,000
Thomas R Jones, Inc.		Retail		October 1		14,634		—		—		14,634		—
Other		Various		Various		46,130		759		12,899		59,788		30,668

Total					$	158,636	$	759	$	25,090	$	184,485	$	54,305

Estimated Fair Values Of The Aggregate Assets And Liabilities Acquired


(in thousands)	Balcos			AIS			United			FHI			FA			CBC
Cash	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	5,170		$	—		$	—
Other current assets		187			252			438			1,640			77			227
Fixed assets		20			100			20			134			60			6
Goodwill		6,486			9,055			10,049			15,254			7,244			6,738
Purchased customer accounts		3,530			4,086			7,045			8,088			3,351			4,046
Non-compete agreements		42			92			45			10			21			21
Other assets		—			—			4			9			—			—

Total assets acquired		10,265			13,585			17,601			30,305			10,753			11,038

Other current liabilities		(59	)		(10	)		(728	)		(3,790	)		(3,706	)		—
Deferred income taxes, net		—			—			—			(1,455	)		—			—
Other liabilities		—			—			—			—			—			—

Total liabilities assumed		(59	)		(10	)		(728	)		(5,245	)		(3,706	)		—

Net assets acquired	$	10,206		$	13,575		$	16,873		$	25,060		$	7,047		$	11,038


*(in thousands)*	SML			SSK			ICG			CC			Other			Total
Cash	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	5,170
Other current assets		1,372			247			336			—			1,059			5,835
Fixed assets		465			45			100			60			65			1,075
Goodwill		31,601			5,818			9,564			8,070			18,465			128,344
Purchased customer accounts		13,995			2,726			7,161			6,094			13,746			73,868
Non-compete agreements		42			12			11			23			187			506
Other assets		4			—			5			—			2			24

Total assets acquired		47,479			8,848			17,177			14,247			33,524			214,822

Other current liabilities		(791	)		(37	)		(1,096	)		(49	)		(867	)		(11,133	)
Deferred income taxes, net		—			—			—			—			—			(1,455	)
Other liabilities		—			—			(3,071	)		—			—			(3,071	)

Total liabilities assumed		(791	)		(37	)		(4,167	)		(49	)		(867	)		(15,659	)

Net assets acquired	$	46,688		$	8,811		$	13,010		$	14,198		$	32,657		$	199,163


(in thousands)	DiMartino		Stone			Crowe		TR Jones			Other			Total
Cash	$	—	$	—		$	1,000	$	—		$	—		$	1,000
Other current assets		137		516			118		259			1,528			2,558
Fixed assets		21		70			500		120			180			891
Goodwill		6,890		11,128			53,573		8,683			36,119			116,393
Purchased customer accounts		3,380		5,172			28,440		5,643			22,841			65,476
Non-compete agreements		21		74			33		—			332			460
Other assets		—		—			1		4			—			5

Total assets acquired		10,449		16,960			83,665		14,709			61,000			186,783

Other current liabilities		—		(1,011	)		—		(75	)		(1,212	)		(2,298	)

Total liabilities assumed		—		(1,011	)		—		(75	)		(1,212	)		(2,298	)

Net assets acquired	$	10,449	$	15,949		$	83,665	$	14,634		$	59,788		$	184,485

Results Of Operations


(UNAUDITED)	For the Year Ended December 31,
*(in thousands, except per share data)*	2011		2010
Total revenues	$	1,058,142	$	1,059,857
Income before income taxes	$	283,404	$	291,944
Net income	$	171,805	$	177,464
Net income per share:
Basic	$	1.20	$	1.25
Diluted	$	1.19	$	1.23
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic		138,582		137,924
Diluted		140,264		139,318


(UNAUDITED)	For the Year Ended December 31,
*(in thousands, except per share data)*	2010		2009
Total revenues	$	1,015,043	$	1,035,286
Income before income taxes	$	278,635	$	274,908
Net income	$	169,373	$	165,420
Net income per share:
Basic	$	1.19	$	1.17
Diluted	$	1.18	$	1.16
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic		137,924		137,173
Diluted		139,318		137,507

Arrowhead [Member]

Subsequent Event [Line Items]

Acquisitions Accounted For As Business Combinations


Name	2012 Date of Acquisition		Cash Paid		Note Payable		Recorded Earn-out Payable		Net Assets Acquired		Maximum Potential Earn-out Payable
Arrowhead		January 9	$	397,531	$	—	$	4,332	$	401,863	$	5,000

Estimated Fair Values Of The Aggregate Assets And Liabilities Acquired


(in thousands)	Arrowhead
Cash	$	61,221
Other current assets		68,439
Fixed assets		4,751
Goodwill		304,974
Purchased customer accounts		126,431
Non-compete agreements		100
Other assets		14,851

Total assets acquired		580,767

Other current liabilities		(126,095	)
Deferred income taxes, net		(52,809	)

Total liabilities assumed		(178,904	)

Net assets acquired	$	401,863

Results Of Operations


(UNAUDITED)	For the Year Ended December 31, 2011
*(in thousands, except per share data)*
Total revenues	$	1,121,886
Income before income taxes	$	287,720
Net income	$	174,143
Net income per share:
Basic	$	1.22
Diluted	$	1.20
Weighted average number of shares outstanding:
Basic		138,582
Diluted		140,264

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of pro forma results of operations for a material business acquisition or series of individually immaterial business acquisitions that are material in the aggregate.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Tabular disclosure of a material business combination completed during the period, including background, timing, and recognized assets and liabilities. This table does not include leveraged buyouts.

+ References

+ Details

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 years	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Reserve for policy cancellations	$ 6,396	$ 5,559
Estimated useful lives of the related assets, minimum (in years)	3
Estimated useful lives of the related assets, maximum (in years)	15
Estimated lives of amortizable intangible assets, minimum (in years)	5
Estimated lives of amortizable intangible assets, maximum (in years)	15
Outstanding options to purchase shares of common stock		12,000	12,000

- Definition

Securities (including those issuable pursuant to contingent stock agreements) that could potentially dilute basic earnings per share (EPS) or earnings per unit (EPU) in the future that were not included in the computation of diluted EPS or EPU because to do so would increase EPS or EPU amounts or decrease loss per share or unit amounts for the period presented.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 128

-Paragraph 13, 14

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 128

-Paragraph 171

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 128

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-Subparagraph c

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies (Reconciliation Between Basic And Diluted Weighted Average Shares Outstanding) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Summary Of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Net income	$ 36,494	$ 44,173	$ 37,035	$ 46,293	$ 32,146	$ 44,293	$ 41,185	$ 44,128	$ 163,995	$ 161,752	$ 153,294
Net income attributable to unvested awarded performance stock									(5,099)	(5,097)	(4,937)
Net income attributable to common shares									$ 158,896	$ 156,655	$ 148,357
Weighted average basic number of common shares outstanding									143,029	142,412	141,738
Less unvested awarded performance stock included in weighted average basic share outstanding									(4,447)	(4,488)	(4,565)
Weighted average number of common shares outstanding for basic earnings per common share									138,582	137,924	137,173
Dilutive effect of stock options									1,682	1,394	334
Weighted average number of shares outstanding									140,264	139,318	137,507
Basic	$ 0.25	$ 0.31	$ 0.26	$ 0.32	$ 0.23	$ 0.31	$ 0.29	$ 0.31	$ 1.15	$ 1.14	$ 1.08
Diluted	$ 0.25	$ 0.30	$ 0.26	$ 0.32	$ 0.22	$ 0.31	$ 0.29	$ 0.31	$ 1.13	$ 1.12	$ 1.08

Business Combinations (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Business Combinations (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price of acquisitions	$ 214,822,000	$ 186,783,000
Cash payments for acquisitions	167,444,000	158,636,000
Note payable	1,194,000	759,000
Assumption of liabilities	15,659,000	2,298,000
Total goodwill	128,344,000	116,393,000
Recorded earn-out payable	30,525,000	25,090,000
Goodwill acquired, deductible for income tax	84,105,000	91,303,000
Goodwill not-deductible for income tax purposes	13,714,000
Goodwill assigned	128,344,000	116,393,000
Total revenues related to acquisitions	40,291,000	30,172,000
Income before income taxes related to acquisitions	7,223,000	3,255,000
Additional net consideration paid	4,190,000
Additional consideration paid in cash	3,781,000	975,000
Issuance of notes payable	409,000	3,062,000
Maximum future contingency payments related to acquisitions		132,516,000
Estimated acquisition earn-out payables	47,715,000	29,609,000
Recognition rate of the fair values of acquired assets, including goodwill, and assumed liabilities	100.00%
Change in fair value on estimated acquisition earn-out payables	(4,043,000)	(2,606,000)
Interest expense accretion	1,837,000	932,000	128,000
Purchased Customer Accounts [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average life (in years)	15.0	15.0
Non-Compete Agreements [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average life (in years)	5.0	5.0
Retail [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill assigned	108,420,000	57,423,000
National Programs [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill assigned	11,853,000
Services [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Goodwill assigned	8,071,000	58,970,000
Prior [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Additional net consideration paid	4,190,000	4,037,000
Maximum future contingency payments related to acquisitions		5,098,000
Subsequent [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Maximum future contingency payments related to acquisitions		127,418,000
Asset Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Number of acquisitions	37	33
Current Liability [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated acquisition earn-out payables	3,654,000	7,651,000
Non-Current Liability [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Estimated acquisition earn-out payables	$ 44,061,000	$ 21,958,000
Minimum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Operating profit period (in years)	1	1
Maximum [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Operating profit period (in years)	3	3

Business Combinations (Acquisitions Accounted For As Business Combinations) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash Paid	$ 167,444,000	$ 158,636,000
Note payable	1,194,000	759,000
Recorded Earn-out Payable	30,525,000	25,090,000
Net assets acquired	199,163,000	184,485,000
Maximum Potential Earn-out Payable	78,207,000	54,305,000
DiMartino Associates, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net assets acquired		10,449,000
Stone Insurance Agencies, et al. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net assets acquired		15,949,000
Crowe Paradis Holding Company, et al. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net assets acquired		83,665,000
Thomas R Jones, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net assets acquired		14,634,000
Other [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Net assets acquired	32,657,000	59,788,000
Retail [Member] \| Balcos Insurance, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Date of Acquisition	January 1
Cash Paid	8,611,000
Recorded Earn-out Payable	1,595,000
Net assets acquired	10,206,000
Maximum Potential Earn-out Payable	5,766,000
Retail [Member] \| Associated Insurance Service, Inc. et al. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Date of Acquisition	January 1
Cash Paid	12,000,000
Recorded Earn-out Payable	1,575,000
Net assets acquired	13,575,000
Maximum Potential Earn-out Payable	6,000,000
Retail [Member] \| United Benefit Services Insurance Agency LLC et al. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Date of Acquisition	February 1
Cash Paid	14,283,000
Recorded Earn-out Payable	2,590,000
Net assets acquired	16,873,000
Maximum Potential Earn-out Payable	8,442,000
Retail [Member] \| First Horizon Insurance Group, Inc. et al. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Date of Acquisition	April 30
Cash Paid	25,060,000
Net assets acquired	25,060,000
Retail [Member] \| Fitzharris Agency, Inc. et al. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Date of Acquisition	May 1
Cash Paid	6,159,000
Recorded Earn-out Payable	888,000
Net assets acquired	7,047,000
Maximum Potential Earn-out Payable	3,832,000
Retail [Member] \| Corporate Benefit Consultants, LLC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Date of Acquisition	June 1
Cash Paid	9,000,000
Recorded Earn-out Payable	2,038,000
Net assets acquired	11,038,000
Maximum Potential Earn-out Payable	4,520,000
Retail [Member] \| Sitzmann, Morris & Lavis Insurance Agency, Inc. et al. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Date of Acquisition	November 1
Cash Paid	40,460,000
Recorded Earn-out Payable	6,228,000
Net assets acquired	46,688,000
Maximum Potential Earn-out Payable	19,000,000
Retail [Member] \| Snapper Shuler Kenner, Inc. et al. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Date of Acquisition	November 1
Cash Paid	7,493,000
Recorded Earn-out Payable	1,318,000
Net assets acquired	8,811,000
Maximum Potential Earn-out Payable	3,988,000
Retail [Member] \| DiMartino Associates, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Date of Acquisition		March 1
Cash Paid		7,047,000
Recorded Earn-out Payable		3,402,000
Net assets acquired		10,449,000
Maximum Potential Earn-out Payable		5,637,000
Retail [Member] \| Stone Insurance Agencies, et al. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Date of Acquisition		May 1
Cash Paid		15,825,000
Recorded Earn-out Payable		124,000
Net assets acquired		15,949,000
Maximum Potential Earn-out Payable		3,000,000
Retail [Member] \| Thomas R Jones, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Date of Acquisition		October 1
Cash Paid		14,634,000
Net assets acquired		14,634,000
National Programs [Member] \| Industry Consulting Group, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Date of Acquisition	November 1
Cash Paid	9,133,000
Recorded Earn-out Payable	3,877,000
Net assets acquired	13,010,000
Maximum Potential Earn-out Payable	5,794,000
Services [Member] \| Colonial Claims Corporation et al. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Date of Acquisition	December 23
Cash Paid	9,950,000
Recorded Earn-out Payable	4,248,000
Net assets acquired	14,198,000
Maximum Potential Earn-out Payable	8,000,000
Services [Member] \| Crowe Paradis Holding Company, et al. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Date of Acquisition		September 1
Cash Paid		75,000,000
Recorded Earn-out Payable		8,665,000
Net assets acquired		83,665,000
Maximum Potential Earn-out Payable		15,000,000
Various [Member] \| Other [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Date of Acquisition	Various	Various
Cash Paid	25,295,000	46,130,000
Note payable	1,194,000	759,000
Recorded Earn-out Payable	6,168,000	12,899,000
Net assets acquired	32,657,000	59,788,000
Maximum Potential Earn-out Payable	$ 12,865,000	$ 30,668,000

- Definition

Fair value, as of the acquisition date, of potential payments under the contingent consideration arrangement including cash and shares.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

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+ Details

- Definition

The acquisition-date fair value of the equity interests of the acquirer, including the number of instruments or interests issued or issuable in consideration for the business combination.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Month, date and year in which the acquirer obtains control of the acquiree.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

-Paragraph 3

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-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

-Paragraph 10, 11

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

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+ Details

Business Combinations (Estimated Fair Values Of The Aggregate Assets And Liabilities Acquired) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash	$ 5,170,000	$ 1,000,000
Other current assets	5,835,000	2,558,000
Fixed assets	1,075,000	891,000
Goodwill	128,344,000	116,393,000
Purchased customer accounts	73,868,000	65,476,000
Non-compete agreements	506,000	460,000
Other assets	24,000	5,000
Total assets acquired	214,822,000	186,783,000
Other current liabilities	(11,133,000)	(2,298,000)
Deferred income taxes, net	(1,455,000)
Other liabilities	(3,071,000)
Total liabilities assumed	(15,659,000)	(2,298,000)
Net assets acquired	199,163,000	184,485,000
Balcos [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other current assets	187,000
Fixed assets	20,000
Goodwill	6,486,000
Purchased customer accounts	3,530,000
Non-compete agreements	42,000
Total assets acquired	10,265,000
Other current liabilities	(59,000)
Total liabilities assumed	(59,000)
Net assets acquired	10,206,000
AIS [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other current assets	252,000
Fixed assets	100,000
Goodwill	9,055,000
Purchased customer accounts	4,086,000
Non-compete agreements	92,000
Total assets acquired	13,585,000
Other current liabilities	(10,000)
Total liabilities assumed	(10,000)
Net assets acquired	13,575,000
United [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other current assets	438,000
Fixed assets	20,000
Goodwill	10,049,000
Purchased customer accounts	7,045,000
Non-compete agreements	45,000
Other assets	4,000
Total assets acquired	17,601,000
Other current liabilities	(728,000)
Total liabilities assumed	(728,000)
Net assets acquired	16,873,000
FHI [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash	5,170,000
Other current assets	1,640,000
Fixed assets	134,000
Goodwill	15,254,000
Purchased customer accounts	8,088,000
Non-compete agreements	10,000
Other assets	9,000
Total assets acquired	30,305,000
Other current liabilities	(3,790,000)
Deferred income taxes, net	(1,455,000)
Total liabilities assumed	(5,245,000)
Net assets acquired	25,060,000
FA [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other current assets	77,000
Fixed assets	60,000
Goodwill	7,244,000
Purchased customer accounts	3,351,000
Non-compete agreements	21,000
Total assets acquired	10,753,000
Other current liabilities	(3,706,000)
Total liabilities assumed	(3,706,000)
Net assets acquired	7,047,000
CBC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other current assets	227,000
Fixed assets	6,000
Goodwill	6,738,000
Purchased customer accounts	4,046,000
Non-compete agreements	21,000
Total assets acquired	11,038,000
Net assets acquired	11,038,000
SML [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other current assets	1,372,000
Fixed assets	465,000
Goodwill	31,601,000
Purchased customer accounts	13,995,000
Non-compete agreements	42,000
Other assets	4,000
Total assets acquired	47,479,000
Other current liabilities	(791,000)
Total liabilities assumed	(791,000)
Net assets acquired	46,688,000
SSK [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other current assets	247,000
Fixed assets	45,000
Goodwill	5,818,000
Purchased customer accounts	2,726,000
Non-compete agreements	12,000
Total assets acquired	8,848,000
Other current liabilities	(37,000)
Total liabilities assumed	(37,000)
Net assets acquired	8,811,000
ICG [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other current assets	336,000
Fixed assets	100,000
Goodwill	9,564,000
Purchased customer accounts	7,161,000
Non-compete agreements	11,000
Other assets	5,000
Total assets acquired	17,177,000
Other current liabilities	(1,096,000)
Other liabilities	(3,071,000)
Total liabilities assumed	(4,167,000)
Net assets acquired	13,010,000
CC [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fixed assets	60,000
Goodwill	8,070,000
Purchased customer accounts	6,094,000
Non-compete agreements	23,000
Total assets acquired	14,247,000
Other current liabilities	(49,000)
Total liabilities assumed	(49,000)
Net assets acquired	14,198,000
DiMartino Associates, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other current assets		137,000
Fixed assets		21,000
Goodwill		6,890,000
Purchased customer accounts		3,380,000
Non-compete agreements		21,000
Total assets acquired		10,449,000
Net assets acquired		10,449,000
Stone Insurance Agencies, et al. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other current assets		516,000
Fixed assets		70,000
Goodwill		11,128,000
Purchased customer accounts		5,172,000
Non-compete agreements		74,000
Total assets acquired		16,960,000
Other current liabilities		(1,011,000)
Total liabilities assumed		(1,011,000)
Net assets acquired		15,949,000
Crowe Paradis Holding Company, et al. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash		1,000,000
Other current assets		118,000
Fixed assets		500,000
Goodwill		53,573,000
Purchased customer accounts		28,440,000
Non-compete agreements		33,000
Other assets		1,000
Total assets acquired		83,665,000
Net assets acquired		83,665,000
Thomas R Jones, Inc. [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other current assets		259,000
Fixed assets		120,000
Goodwill		8,683,000
Purchased customer accounts		5,643,000
Other assets		4,000
Total assets acquired		14,709,000
Other current liabilities		(75,000)
Total liabilities assumed		(75,000)
Net assets acquired		14,634,000
Other [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Other current assets	1,059,000	1,528,000
Fixed assets	65,000	180,000
Goodwill	18,465,000	36,119,000
Purchased customer accounts	13,746,000	22,841,000
Non-compete agreements	187,000	332,000
Other assets	2,000
Total assets acquired	33,524,000	61,000,000
Other current liabilities	(867,000)	(1,212,000)
Total liabilities assumed	(867,000)	(1,212,000)
Net assets acquired	$ 32,657,000	$ 59,788,000

Business Combinations (Results Of Operations) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic	138,582	137,924	137,173
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted	140,264	139,318	137,507
2011 Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 1,058,142	$ 1,059,857
Income before income taxes	283,404	291,944
Net income	171,805	177,464
Net income per share, Basic	$ 1.20	$ 1.25
Net income per share, Diluted	$ 1.19	$ 1.23
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic	138,582	137,924
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted	140,264	139,318
2010 Acquisitions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Total revenues		1,015,043	1,035,286
Income before income taxes		278,635	274,908
Net income		$ 169,373	$ 165,420
Net income per share, Basic		$ 1.19	$ 1.17
Net income per share, Diluted		$ 1.18	$ 1.16
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, basic		137,924	137,173
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, diluted		139,318	137,507

- Definition

The pro forma income from continuing operations before changes in accounting and extraordinary items, net of tax effect per basic share of common stock for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The pro forma income from continuing operations before changes in accounting and extraordinary items, net of tax effect, per diluted share of common stock for a period as if the business combination or combinations had been completed at the beginning of a period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The average number of shares or units issued and outstanding that are used in calculating diluted EPS or earnings per unit (EPU), determined based on the timing of issuance of shares or units in the period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Number of [basic] shares or units, after adjustment for contingently issuable shares or units and other shares or units not deemed outstanding, determined by relating the portion of time within a reporting period that common shares or units have been outstanding to the total time in that period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 128

-Paragraph 171

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 128

-Paragraph 40

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 128

-Paragraph 8

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 260

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (a)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 260

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 10

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920599&loc=d3e1448-109256

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Weighted-Average Number of Common Shares Outstanding

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6528421

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)

-Number 07-4

-Paragraph 4

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

Business Combinations (Estimated Acquisition Earn-Out Payables) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Balance as of January 1	$ 29,608	$ 7,354
Additions to estimated acquisition earn-out payables	30,525	25,090	7,226
Payments for estimated acquisition earn-out payables	(10,212)	(1,162)
Change in fair value on estimated acquisition earn-out payables	(4,043)	(2,606)
Interest expense accretion	1,837	932	128
Net change in earnings from estimated acquisition earn-out payables	(2,206)	(1,674)
Balance as of December 31	$ 47,715	$ 29,608	$ 7,354

- Definition

Amount of accretion expense recognized during the period that is associated with an asset retirement obligation. Accretion expense measures and incorporates changes due to the passage of time into the carrying amount of the liability.

+ References+ Details

Goodwill (Schedule Of Goodwill) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 1,194,827	$ 1,074,397
Goodwill of acquired businesses	132,534	120,430
Goodwill disposed of relating to sales of businesses	(3,892)
Ending balance	1,323,469	1,194,827
Retail [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	716,626	656,108
Goodwill of acquired businesses	112,610	60,518
Goodwill transferred	(1,771)
Goodwill disposed of relating to sales of businesses	(3,892)
Ending balance	823,573	716,626
National Programs [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	152,601	152,601
Goodwill of acquired businesses	11,853
Ending balance	164,454	152,601
Wholesale Brokerage [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	257,360	256,418
Goodwill of acquired businesses		942
Goodwill transferred	1,771
Ending balance	259,131	257,360
Services [Member]
Goodwill [Line Items]
Beginning balance	68,240	9,270
Goodwill of acquired businesses	8,071	58,970
Ending balance	$ 76,311	$ 68,240

- Definition

Carrying amount as of the balance sheet date, which is the cumulative amount paid and (if applicable) the fair value of any noncontrolling interest in the acquiree, adjusted for any amortization recognized prior to the adoption of any changes in generally accepted accounting principles (as applicable) and for any impairment charges, in excess of the fair value of net assets acquired in one or more business combination transactions.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 45

-Subparagraph e

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 43

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

-Paragraph 68

-Subparagraph l

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 350

-SubTopic 20

-Section 45

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6388280&loc=d3e13770-109266

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 350

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6905597&loc=d3e13816-109267

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

-Paragraph 72

-Subparagraph d

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 142

-Paragraph 45

-Subparagraph e

-Clause 1

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 141R

-Paragraph 34

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The aggregate amount of goodwill acquired in the period and allocated to the reportable segment. The value is stated at fair value based on the purchase price allocation.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Write-off of the carrying amount of goodwill associated with all or a portion of a reporting unit that is sold in the period.

+ References+ Details

Amortizable Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Amortizable Intangible Assets [Abstract]
Amortization expense for amortizable intangible assets	$ 54,755,000	$ 51,442,000	$ 49,857,000
Amortization expense estimated, 2012	56,337,000
Amortization expense estimated, 2013	55,437,000
Amortization expense estimated, 2014	54,282,000
Amortization expense estimated, 2015	52,949,000
Amortization expense estimated, 2016	$ 48,364,000

Amortizable Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Amortizable Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	$ 901,843	$ 836,324
Accumulated Amortization	(405,661)	(354,424)
Net Carrying Value	496,182	481,900
Purchased Customer Accounts [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	876,552	811,143
Accumulated Amortization	(381,615)	(330,627)
Net Carrying Value	494,937	480,516
Weighted Average Life (years)	14.9	14.9
Non-Compete Agreements [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Gross Carrying Value	25,291	25,181
Accumulated Amortization	(24,046)	(23,797)
Net Carrying Value	$ 1,245	$ 1,384
Weighted Average Life (years)	7.2	7.3

Investments (Schedule Of Investments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total investments, Current	$ 7,627	$ 7,678
2011 Carrying Value [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale equity securities, Current	36
Certificates of deposit and other securities, Current	7,591
Total investments, Current	7,627
Certificates of deposit and other securities, Non-Current	516
Total investments, Non-Current	516
2010 Carrying Value [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Available-for-sale equity securities, Current		36
Certificates of deposit and other securities, Current		7,642
Total investments, Current		7,678
Certificates of deposit and other securities, Non-Current		517
Total investments, Non-Current		$ 517

- Definition

Equity securities categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading which are intended be sold within one year from the balance sheet date or the normal operating cycle, whichever is longer.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 115

-Paragraph 12

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 133

-Paragraph 22

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 115

-Paragraph 16

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 115

-Paragraph 3

-Subparagraph c

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 43

-Chapter 3

-Section A

-Paragraph 4, 5

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 115

-Paragraph 13, 17

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 25

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (b)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6379932&loc=d3e22054-111558

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 320

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6871852&loc=d3e26626-111562

+ Details

Investments (Schedule Of Available-For-Sale Securities) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Investments [Abstract]
Cost	$ 25	$ 25
Gross Unrealized Gains	11	11
Gross Unrealized Losses
Estimated Fair Value	$ 36	$ 36

- Definition

This item represents the cost of debt and equity securities, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading, net of adjustments including accretion, amortization, collection of cash, previous other-than-temporary impairments recognized in earnings (less any cumulative-effect adjustments recognized, as defined), and fair value hedge accounting adjustments, if any.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

This element represents the portion of the balance sheet assertion valued at fair value by the entity whether such amount is presented as a separate caption or as a parenthetical disclosure. Additionally, this element may be used in connection with the fair value disclosures required in the footnote disclosures to the financial statements. The element may be used in both the balance sheet and disclosure in the same submission. This item represents Available-for-sale Securities which consist of all investments in certain debt and equity securities neither classified as trading or held-to-maturity securities. A debt security represents a creditor relationship with an enterprise. Debt securities include, among other items, US Treasury securities, US government securities, municipal securities, corporate bonds, convertible debt, commercial paper, and all securitized debt instruments. An equity security represents an ownership interest in an enterprise or the right to acquire or dispose of an ownership interest in an enterprise at fixed or determinable prices. Equity securities include, among other things, common stock, certain preferred stock, warrant rights, call options, and put options, but do not include convertible debt. An entity may opt to provide the reader with additional narrative text to better understand the nature of investments in debt and equity securities which are categorized as Available-for-sale.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

This item represents the gross unrealized gains for securities, at a point in time, which are categorized neither as held-to-maturity nor trading securities.

+ References+ Details

Investments (Schedule Of Proceeds And Realized Gains/(Losses) On Equity Securities And Certificates Of Deposit) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Investments [Abstract]
Proceeds	$ 12,950	$ 9,327	$ 10,828
Gross Realized Gains	124	6
Gross Realized Losses			$ (299)

Fixed Assets (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Fixed Assets [Abstract]
Furniture, fixtures and equipment	$ 131,436	$ 125,963
Leasehold improvements	17,045	16,151
Land, buildings and improvements	438	438
Total cost	148,919	142,552
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization	(87,559)	(82,839)
Total	61,360	59,713
Depreciation and amortization expense for fixed assets	$ 12,392	$ 12,639	$ 13,240

- Definition

The cumulative amount of depreciation, depletion and amortization (related to property, plant and equipment, but not including land) that has been recognized in the income statement.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The amount of expense recognized in the current period that reflects the allocation of the cost of tangible assets over the assets' useful lives. Includes production and non-production related depreciation.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Gross amount, at the balance sheet date, of long-lived physical assets used in the normal conduct of business and not intended for resale. This can include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Tangible assets that are held by an entity for use in the production or supply of goods and services, for rental to others, or for administrative purposes and that are expected to provide economic benefit for more than one year; net of accumulated depreciation. Examples include land, buildings, machinery and equipment, and other types of furniture and equipment including, but not limited to, office equipment, furniture and fixtures, and computer equipment and software.

+ References+ Details

Accrued Expenses And Other Liabilities (Schedule Of Accrued Expenses And Other Liabilities) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Accrued Expenses And Other Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued bonuses	$ 47,585	$ 43,896
Accrued compensation and benefits	16,818	16,040
Accrued rent and vendor expenses	11,554	10,445
Reserve for policy cancellations	6,396	5,559
Accrued interest	3,288	4,727
Other	15,224	14,280
Total	$ 100,865	$ 94,947

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred and payable for incentive compensation awarded to employees and directors or earned by them based on the terms of one or more relevant arrangements. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 43

-Chapter 3

-Section A

-Paragraph 7

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 02

-Paragraph 20

-Article 5

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Current Liabilities

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6509677

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 8

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6361293&loc=d3e6935-107765

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-02.20)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6877327&loc=d3e13212-122682

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 210

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 6

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6361293&loc=d3e6911-107765

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 43

-Chapter 3

-Section A

-Paragraph 8

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations, excluding pension and other postretirement benefits, incurred through that date and payable for perquisites provided to employees pertaining to services received from them. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of [accrued] interest payable on all forms of debt, including trade payables, that has been incurred and is unpaid. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Carrying value as of the balance sheet date of obligations incurred through that date and payable arising from transactions not otherwise specified in the taxonomy. Used to reflect the current portion of the liabilities (due within one year or within the normal operating cycle if longer).

+ References+ Details

Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
Long-Term Debt (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Sep. 15, 2011 Series A [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Series A [Member] Private Placement [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Series B [Member] Private Placement [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Master Agreement [Member] years	Dec. 31, 2010 Master Agreement [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Master Agreement [Member] Series C [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Master Agreement [Member] Series D [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Master Agreement [Member] Series E [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Loan Agreement [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Loan Agreement [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 LIBOR [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 LIBOR [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Senior Notes [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Senior Notes [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Senior Notes [Member] Private Placement [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Maximum shelf facility capacity							$ 200,000,000
Unsecured senior notes outstanding	250,000,000	250,000,000			100,000,000	100,000,000	150,000,000	50,000,000	25,000,000	25,000,000	100,000,000					100,000,000	200,000,000	200,000,000
Unsecured debt redeemed				100,000,000
Length of issuance period (in years)							3
Long-term debt maturity, period length, maximum (in years)							10
Debt Instrument, issuance date					September 15, 2004	July 15, 2004			December 22, 2006	February 1, 2008	September 15, 2011
Debt instrument, maturity date					Sep. 15, 2011	Jul. 15, 2014			Dec. 22, 2016	Jan. 15, 2015	Sep. 15, 2018
Debt instrument interest rate stated percentage					5.57%	6.08%			5.66%	5.37%	4.50%
Lending commitment amount												50,000,000
Potential maximum increase in lending commitment amount												100,000,000
Availability fees, minimum												0.10%
Availability fees, maximum												0.20%
Letter of credit usage fee, minimum												0.50%
Letter of credit usage fee, maximum												1.00%
90-day LIBOR rate														0.581%	0.30%
Percentage below base rate												1.00%
Interest rate above LIBOR, minimum												0.50%
Interest rate above LIBOR, maximum												1.00%
Additional borrowings												0	0
Interest paid	15,571,000	14,491,000	14,636,000
Maturities of long term debt 2012	1,227,000
Maturities of long term debt 2013	33,000
Maturities of long term debt 2014	100,000,000
Maturities of long term debt 2015	25,000,000
Maturities of long term debt 2016	25,000,000
Maturities of long term debt 2017 and beyond	$ 100,000,000

Long-Term Debt (Schedule Of Long-Term Debt Instruments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Long-Term Debt [Abstract]
Unsecured Senior Notes	$ 250,000	$ 250,000
Acquisition notes payable	1,260	1,729
Revolving credit facility
Other notes payable
Total debt	251,260	251,729
Less current portion	(1,227)	(1,662)
Long-term debt	$ 250,033	$ 250,067

- Definition

The amount of acquisition cost of a business combination allocated to notes payables and long-term debt assumed from the acquired entity.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The carrying value as of the balance sheet date of the current and noncurrent portions of long-term obligations drawn from a line of credit, which is a bank's commitment to make loans up to a specific amount. Examples of items that might be included in the application of this element may consist of letters of credit, standby letters of credit, and revolving credit arrangements, under which borrowings can be made up to a maximum amount as of any point in time conditional on satisfaction of specified terms before, as of and after the date of drawdowns on the line. Includes short-term obligations that would normally be classified as current liabilities but for which (a) postbalance sheet date issuance of a long term obligation to refinance the short term obligation on a long term basis, or (b) the enterprise has entered into a financing agreement that clearly permits the enterprise to refinance the short-term obligation on a long term basis and the following conditions are met (1) the agreement does not expire within 1 year and is not cancelable by the lender except for violation of an objectively determinable provision, (2) no violation exists at the BS date, and (3) the lender has entered into the financing agreement is expected to be financially capable of honoring the agreement.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Including current and noncurrent portions, aggregate carrying amount of long-term borrowings as of the balance sheet date. May include notes payable, bonds payable, commercial loans, mortgage loans, convertible debt, subordinated debt and other types of debt, which had initial maturities beyond one year or beyond the normal operating cycle, if longer, and after deducting unamortized discount or premiums, if any.

+ References+ Details

Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Income Taxes (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Income taxes paid	$ 75,403,000	$ 69,828,000	$ 76,373,000
Range of expiration dates for portions of net operating loss carryforwards	2012 through 2031
Accrued interest related to uncertain tax positions	188,000	140,000
Total amount of unrecognized tax benefits that would affect effective tax rate	806,000	656,000
Federal Income Tax [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	295,000
Fiscal years open for audit	2008 through 2011
State Income Tax [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Net operating loss carryforwards	$ 40,915,000
Fiscal years open for audit	2007 through 2011
United Kingdom [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Fiscal years open for audit	2008 through 2011

- Definition

The amount of cash paid during the current period to foreign, federal, state, and local authorities as taxes on income.

+ References+ Details

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Components Of The Provision (Benefit) For Income Taxes) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Current, Federal	$ 65,461	$ 70,715	$ 62,547
Current, State	10,084	10,236	10,730
Current, Foreign	638	860	286
Total current provision	76,183	81,811	73,563
Deferred, Federal	27,212	19,890	24,913
Deferred, State	3,131	2,645	2,984
Total deferred provision	30,343	22,535	27,897
Total tax provision	$ 106,526	$ 104,346	$ 101,460

- Definition

The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of enacted federal tax law to the domestic taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

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-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 109

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+ Details

- Definition

The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of foreign enacted tax law to the foreign taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts of income taxes paid or payable (or refundable) for the period for all income tax obligations as determined by applying the provisions of relevant enacted tax laws to relevant amounts of taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations.

+ References

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-Name Staff Accounting Bulletin (SAB)

-Number Topic 6

-Section I

-Subsection 7

+ Details

- Definition

The component of income tax expense for the period representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) as determined by applying the provisions of enacted state and local tax law to relevant amounts of taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations.

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+ Details

- Definition

The component of total income tax expense for the period comprised of the increase (decrease) during the period in the entity's domestic deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to continuing operations as determined by applying the provisions of the federally enacted tax law.

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- Definition

The component of total income tax expense for the period comprised of the increase (decrease) in the entity's state and local deferred tax assets and liabilities attributable to continuing operations as determined by applying the provisions of the applicable enacted tax laws.

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- Definition

The sum of the current income tax expense or benefit and the deferred income tax expense or benefit pertaining to pretax Income or Loss from continuing operations; income tax expense or benefit may include interest and penalties on tax uncertainties based on the entity's accounting policy.

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-Name FASB Interpretation (FIN)

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+ Details

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Reconciliation Of The Differences Between The Effective Tax Rate And The Federal Statutory Tax Rate) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Federal statutory tax rate	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	3.50%	3.50%	4.00%
Non-deductible employee stock purchase plan expense	0.30%	0.30%	0.40%
Non-deductible meals and entertainment	0.30%	0.30%	0.30%
Interest exempt from taxation and dividend exclusion			(0.10%)
Other, net	0.30%	0.10%	0.20%
Effective tax rate	39.40%	39.20%	39.80%

- Definition

A ratio calculated by dividing the reported amount of income tax expense attributable to continuing operations for the period by GAAP-basis pretax income from continuing operations.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The domestic federal statutory tax rate applicable under enacted tax laws to the Company's pretax income from continuing operations for the period. The "statutory" tax rate is the regular tax rate if there are alternative tax systems.

+ References+ Details

Income Taxes (Current Deferred Tax Assets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Deferred profit-sharing contingent commissions	$ 11,124	$ 12,274
Accruals and reserves	8,739	7,802
Total current deferred tax assets	$ 19,863	$ 20,076

- Definition

The current portion of the aggregate tax effects as of the balance sheet date of all future tax deductions arising from temporary differences between tax basis and generally accepted accounting principles basis recognition of assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses, which can only be deducted for tax purposes when permitted under enacted tax laws; after deducting the allocated valuation allowance, if any, to reduce such amount to net realizable value. Deferred tax liabilities and assets are classified as current or noncurrent based on the classification of the related asset or liability for financial reporting. A deferred tax liability or asset that is not related to an asset or liability for financial reporting, including deferred tax assets related to carryforwards, are classified according to the expected reversal date of the temporary difference. An unrecognized tax benefit that is directly related to a position taken in a tax year that results in a net operating loss carryforward is presented as a reduction of the related deferred tax asset.

+ References+ Details

Income Taxes (Non-Current Deferred Tax Liabilities And Assets) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Fixed assets	$ 11,400	$ 9,263
Net unrealized holding gain of available-for-sale securities	4	4
Prepaid insurance and pension	3,123	28
Intangible assets	176,459	146,815
Total non-current deferred tax liabilities	190,986	156,110
Deferred compensation	11,341	8,232
Accruals and reserves
Net operating loss carryforwards	2,071	1,721
Valuation allowance for deferred tax assets	(478)	(325)
Total non-current deferred tax assets	12,934	9,628
Net non-current deferred tax liability	$ 178,052	$ 146,482

Income Taxes (Schedule Of Reconciliation Of The Beginning And Ending Amount Of Unrecognized Tax Benefits) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at January 1	$ 656	$ 635	$ 611
Gross increases for tax positions of prior years	257	229	489
Gross decreases for tax positions of prior years			(274)
Settlements	(107)	(208)	(182)
Lapse of statute of limitations			(9)
Unrecognized tax benefits balance at December 31	$ 806	$ 656	$ 635

Employee Savings Plan (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Employee Savings Plan (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2011 days	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Employee Savings Plan [Abstract]
Number of days of service required for employee to participate	30
Employer contributions to the plan, maximum percentage	2.50%
Discretionary profit-sharing contribution percentage of the employee's salary	1.50%
Employer contributions to the plan	$ 11,866,000	$ 11,376,000	$ 11,750,000

Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended							12 Months Ended				1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
Stock-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2011 years	Dec. 31, 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member] hours	Dec. 31, 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	Aug. 31, 2011 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	Aug. 31, 2010 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	Aug. 31, 2009 Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Performance Stock Plan [Member] days	Dec. 31, 2010 Performance Stock Plan [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Performance Stock Plan [Member]	Dec. 31, 2008 Performance Stock Plan [Member]	Jul. 31, 2009 Performance Stock Plan [Member] Powell Brown [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Incentive Stock Option Plan [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Incentive Stock Option Plan [Member]	Dec. 31, 2009 Incentive Stock Option Plan [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Incentive Stock Option Plan [Member] Minimum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Incentive Stock Option Plan [Member] Maximum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] years	Dec. 31, 2010 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]	Apr. 28, 2010 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] Decus [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] Decus [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] Minimum [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Stock Incentive Plan [Member] Maximum [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares available for issuance under the PSP																				6,046,768
Maximum number of shares available to be granted under PSP								14,400,000		187,040
Shares available for issuance or authorized shares		12,000,000											4,800,000
Grant of shares made under the SIP								7,113,819											187,040
Grants made to Decus employees under the SIP sub-plan																		2,375,892			24,670	5,205
Shares awarded								37,408
Shares available for future grants or for future subscriptions		2,297,258																4,808,124
Shares reserved for grants with PSP-type vesting conditions																		2,261,307
Incremental increases in the 20-trading-day average stock price								20.00%
Number of years of continuous employment								15				20
Attainment age								64
Initial stock prices, minimum								$ 1.90
Initial stock prices, maximum								$ 30.55
Shares not meeting first condition for vesting								1,586,543
Shares met the first condition for vesting and awarded								3,345,269	3,391,519	4,423,436	4,629,221							37,408	38,449
Shares distributed to the participants								2,182,007
Weighted average grant-date fair value of PSP grants								$ 0.00	$ 9.67	$ 11.80								$ 23.94	$ 12.62
Total fair market value of PSP grants								$ 2,384,000	$ 31,965,000	$ 1,412,000
Maximum percentage of allotment through payroll deductions		10.00%
Allotted value, maximum, to purchase Company stock		25,000
Subscription Period, beginning		August 1
Subscription Period, ending			July 31
Stock price, percentage		85.00%
Quoted market price of Company's stock		15.00%
Value of a one-year stock option, percentage		85.00%
Fair value of an ESPP share option				$ 4.27	$ 4.01		$ 5.78
Number of hours worked per week by employees		20
Grants currently outstanding percentage								20.00%
Issued shares of common stock				488,052	500,334		579,104
Aggregate purchase price of issued common stock		8,048,000	8,326,000.00			9,358,000.00
Aggregate purchase price per share of issued common stock		$ 16.49	$ 16.64			$ 16.16
Shares of common stock subscribed		230,481	206,201			250,414
Proceeds by participants		3,810,000	3,400,000			3,826,000
ISOP expiry date													December 31, 2008
Pre-tax income annual percentage													15.00%
Vesting period, minimum (in years)													one
Vesting period, maximum (in years)													10
Accelerated vesting period (in years)																three	six						six	ten
Options expire period (in years)													10
Expected term of the options granted (in years)																		5
Total intrinsic value of options exercised													333,000	2,344,000	948,000
Unrecognized compensation expense	$ 65,000,000
Unrecognized compensation expense, weighted-average period (in years)	9.2

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of PSP Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Outstanding	$ 12.62
Granted Shares, Outstanding	192,245
Awarded Shares, Outstanding	38,449
Shares Not Yet Awarded, Outstanding	153,796
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$ 23.94	$ 12.62
Granted Shares, Granted	2,375,892	192,245
Shares Not Yet Awarded, Granted	2,375,892	192,245
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Awarded	$ 11.41	$ 12.62
Awarded Shares, Awarded	(1,041)	38,449
Shares Not Yet Awarded, Awarded	1,041	(38,449)
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited	$ 23.94
Granted Shares, Forfeited	(90,080)
Shares Not Yet Awarded, Forfeited	(90,080)
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Outstanding	$ 23.06	$ 12.62
Granted Shares, Outstanding	2,478,057	192,245
Awarded Shares, Outstanding	37,408	38,449
Shares Not Yet Awarded, Outstanding	2,440,649	153,796
Performance Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Outstanding	$ 7.32	$ 7.39	$ 7.21
Granted Shares, Outstanding	5,791,854	7,758,547	7,822,076
Awarded Shares, Outstanding	3,391,519	4,423,436	4,629,221
Shares Not Yet Awarded, Outstanding	2,400,335	3,335,111	3,192,855
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Granted	$ 0.00	$ 9.67	$ 11.80
Granted Shares, Granted		384,420	389,580
Shares Not Yet Awarded, Granted		384,420	389,580
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Awarded	$ 9.56	$ 9.49
Awarded Shares, Awarded	447,154	474,113
Shares Not Yet Awarded, Awarded	(447,154)	(474,113)
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Vested	$ 6.01	$ 2.02	$ 6.05
Granted Shares, Vested	(106,490)	(1,388,789)	(73,860)
Awarded Shares, Vested	(106,490)	(1,388,789)	(73,860)
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Forfeited	$ 9.48	$ 7.91	$ 10.42
Granted Shares, Forfeited	(753,552)	(962,324)	(379,249)
Awarded Shares, Forfeited	(386,914)	(117,241)	(131,925)
Shares Not Yet Awarded, Forfeited	(366,638)	(845,083)	(247,324)
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value, Outstanding	$ 8.08	$ 7.32	$ 7.39
Granted Shares, Outstanding	4,931,812	5,791,854	7,758,547
Awarded Shares, Outstanding	3,345,269	3,391,519	4,423,436
Shares Not Yet Awarded, Outstanding	1,586,543	2,400,335	3,335,111

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Option Activity) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]
Shares Under Option, Outstanding	1,875,170	2,388,684	2,475,015
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding	$ 17.53	$ 17.03	$ 16.68
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years), Outstanding	5.40	6.10	6.90
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding	$ 17,147	$ 21,629	$ 22,587
Shares Under Option, Exercised	(52,589)	(313,514)	(69,659)
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercised	$ 18.48	$ 13.13	$ 4.84
Shares Under Option, Forfeited	(438,044)	(200,000)	(16,672)
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Forfeited	$ 17.28	$ 18.48	$ 15.40
Shares Under Option, Outstanding	1,384,537	1,875,170	2,388,684
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Outstanding	$ 17.58	$ 17.53	$ 17.03
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term (in years), Outstanding	4.40	5.40	6.10
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding	14,587	17,147	21,629
Shares Under Option, vested and expected to vest	1,384,537
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, vested and expected to vest	$ 17.58
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, vested and expected to vest	4.40
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, vested and expected to vest	14,587
Shares Under Option, Exercisable	396,985	257,040	317,020
Weighted-Average Exercise Price, Exercisable	$ 18.16	$ 17.92	$ 12.68
Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable	5.40	6.00	2.40
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable	$ 1,774	$ 1,546	$ 1,676

Stock-Based Compensation (Summary Of Stock Options Outstanding And Options Exercisable) (Details) (USD $)							12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2011 Options Outstanding [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Options Exercisable [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 15.78 [Member] Options Outstanding [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 15.78 [Member] Options Exercisable [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 22.06 [Member] Options Outstanding [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 22.06 [Member] Options Exercisable [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 18.48 [Member] Options Outstanding [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 18.48 [Member] Options Exercisable [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding, Exercise Price							$ 15.78		$ 22.06		$ 18.48
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding	1,384,537	1,875,170	2,388,684	2,475,015	1,384,537		479,592		12,000		892,945
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life (years)	4.40	5.40	6.10	6.90	4.4		1.2		3.0		6.2
Options Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 17.58	$ 17.53	$ 17.03	$ 16.68	$ 17.58		$ 15.78		$ 22.06		$ 18.48
Options Exercisable, Number Exercisable	396,985	257,040	317,020			396,985		58,972		9,068		328,945
Options Exercisable, Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 18.16	$ 17.92	$ 12.68			$ 18.16		$ 15.78		$ 22.06		$ 18.48

- Definition

The number of shares reserved for issuance under stock option agreements awarded under the plan that validly exist and are outstanding as of the balance sheet date, including vested options.

+ References+ Details

Stock-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Non-Cash Stock-Based Compensation Expense) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	$ 11,194	$ 6,845	$ 7,358
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	2,126	2,511	2,878
Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	5,320	60
Employee Performance Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	2,661	2,836	2,878
Incentive Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Non-cash stock-based compensation expense	$ 1,087	$ 1,438	$ 1,602

Supplemental Disclosures Of Cash Flow Information (Schedule Of Significant Non-Cash Investing And Financing Activities) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Supplemental Disclosures Of Cash Flow Information [Abstract]
Unrealized holding gain on available-for-sale securities, net of tax effect of $0 for 2011, net of tax effect of $1 for 2010 and net of tax benefit of $5 for 2009		$ 2	$ (8)
Notes payable issued or assumed for purchased customer accounts	1,603	3,821	22,645
Estimated acquisition earn-out payables and related charges	30,525	25,090	7,226
Notes received on the sale of fixed assets and customer accounts	8,166	1,825	(958)
Tax effect/benefit	$ 0	$ 1	$ 5

- Definition

The value of an asset or business acquired in a noncash (or part noncash) acquisition. Noncash is defined as information about all investing and financing activities of an enterprise during a period that affect recognized assets or liabilities but that do not result in cash receipts or cash payments in the period. "Part noncash" refers to that portion of the transaction not resulting in cash receipts or cash payments in the period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

Appreciation or loss in value (before reclassification adjustment) of the total of unsold securities during the period being reported on, net of tax. Reclassification adjustments include: (1) the unrealized holding gain (loss), net of tax, at the date of the transfer for a debt security from the held-to-maturity category transferred into the available-for-sale category. Also includes the unrealized gain (loss) at the date of transfer for a debt security from the available-for-sale category transferred into the held-to-maturity category; (2) the unrealized gains (losses) realized upon the sale of securities, after tax; and (3) the unrealized gains (losses) realized upon the write-down of securities, after tax.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 115

-Paragraph 13

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 130

-Paragraph 24

-Subparagraph b

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 130

-Paragraph 17, 22

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 11

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e637-108580

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 13

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e653-108580

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 55

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (e)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920433&loc=d3e998-108581

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph 38

-Subparagraph c(3)

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

+ Details

- Definition

The component of income tax expense representing amounts paid or payable (or refundable) which are classified as "income taxes" as determined by applying the provisions of enacted tax law to other than the taxable Income or Loss from continuing operations for the period. Items affecting income taxes and required to be disclosed, but not included elsewhere, would also be designated as "Other".

+ References+ Details

Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
Commitments And Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Commitments And Contingencies [Abstract]
2012	$ 25,176,000
2013	21,712,000
2014	19,159,000
2015	15,790,000
2016	12,182,000
Thereafter	15,338,000
Total minimum future lease payments	109,357,000
Rental expense	$ 34,951,000	$ 35,216,000	$ 37,598,000
Operating lease arrangements, final expiration date	2022

Quarterly Operating Results (Schedule Of Quarterly Operating Results) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Quarterly Operating Results [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 244,097	$ 260,401	$ 246,816	$ 262,228	$ 229,938	$ 247,616	$ 243,665	$ 252,273	$ 1,013,542	$ 973,492	$ 967,877
Total expenses	184,406	187,709	185,348	185,558	177,971	174,582	175,652	179,189	743,021	707,394	713,123
Income before income taxes	59,691	72,692	61,468	76,670	51,967	73,034	68,013	73,084	270,521	266,098	254,754
Net income	$ 36,494	$ 44,173	$ 37,035	$ 46,293	$ 32,146	$ 44,293	$ 41,185	$ 44,128	$ 163,995	$ 161,752	$ 153,294
Net income per share: Basic	$ 0.25	$ 0.31	$ 0.26	$ 0.32	$ 0.23	$ 0.31	$ 0.29	$ 0.31	$ 1.15	$ 1.14	$ 1.08
Net income per share: Diluted	$ 0.25	$ 0.30	$ 0.26	$ 0.32	$ 0.22	$ 0.31	$ 0.29	$ 0.31	$ 1.13	$ 1.12	$ 1.08

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period per each share of common stock or unit outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)

-Number 07-4

-Paragraph 4

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 128

-Paragraph 36, 37, 38

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 5

-Section 03

-Paragraph 20

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Article 7

-Paragraph 18

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Paragraph 21

-Article 9

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.21)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 260

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 2

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920599&loc=d3e1252-109256

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 260

-SubTopic 10

-Section 55

-Paragraph 52

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6945512&loc=d3e4984-109258

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 260

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 942

-SubTopic 225

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.9-04.23)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879574&loc=d3e536633-122882

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 225

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

+ Details

- Definition

The amount of net income (loss) for the period available to each share of common stock or common unit outstanding during the reporting period and to each share or unit that would have been outstanding assuming the issuance of common shares or units for all dilutive potential common shares or units outstanding during the reporting period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The portion of profit or loss for the period, net of income taxes, which is attributable to the parent.

+ References

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 220

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 6

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6920043&loc=d3e565-108580

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 225

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.22)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 3: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph A7

-Appendix A

Reference 4: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph 38

-Subparagraph d

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 5: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 225

-SubTopic 10

-Section S99

-Paragraph 2

-Subparagraph (SX 210.5-03.18)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6880815&loc=d3e20235-122688

Reference 6: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 944

-SubTopic 225

-Section S99

-Paragraph 1

-Subparagraph (SX 210.7-04.19)

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6879464&loc=d3e573970-122913

Reference 7: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF)

-Number 87-21

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 8: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher AICPA

-Name Accounting Research Bulletin (ARB)

-Number 51

-Paragraph 38

-Subparagraph a

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 9: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 130

-Paragraph 10, 15

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 10: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 95

-Paragraph 28, 29, 30

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 11: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Article 5

-Section 03

-Paragraph 19

Reference 12: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher SEC

-Name Regulation S-X (SX)

-Number 210

-Section 04

-Paragraph 20

-Article 9

Reference 13: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 230

-SubTopic 10

-Section 45

-Paragraph 28

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6943989&loc=d3e3602-108585

Reference 14: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Net Income

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6518256

Reference 15: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Glossary Other Comprehensive Income

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6519514

Reference 16: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 260

-SubTopic 10

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6371337&loc=d3e3550-109257

+ Details

Segment Information (Summarized Financial Information Reportable Segments) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Mar. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Sep. 30, 2010	Jun. 30, 2010	Mar. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 244,097	$ 260,401	$ 246,816	$ 262,228	$ 229,938	$ 247,616	$ 243,665	$ 252,273	$ 1,013,542	$ 973,492	$ 967,877
Investment income									1,267	1,326	1,161
Amortization									54,755	51,442	49,857
Depreciation									12,392	12,639	13,240
Interest expense									14,132	14,471	14,599
Income before income taxes									270,521	266,098	254,754
Total assets	2,607,011				2,400,814				2,607,011	2,400,814	2,224,226
Capital expenditures									13,608	10,454	11,310
Retail [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									607,199	575,061	583,374
Investment income									102	170	282
Amortization									33,373	30,725	29,943
Depreciation									5,046	5,349	6,060
Interest expense									27,688	27,037	31,596
Income before income taxes									137,807	128,026	121,769
Total assets	2,155,413				1,914,587				2,155,413	1,914,587	1,764,249
Capital expenditures									6,102	4,852	3,459
National Programs [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									181,277	189,165	190,593
Investment income										1	3
Amortization									8,630	9,213	9,175
Depreciation									2,994	3,049	2,725
Interest expense									1,794	3,242	5,365
Income before income taxes									67,588	74,941	70,436
Total assets	734,423				667,123				734,423	667,123	627,392
Capital expenditures									2,079	2,432	4,318
Wholesale Brokerage [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									157,308	158,699	158,341
Investment income									34	29	62
Amortization									10,172	10,201	10,239
Depreciation									2,537	2,695	2,894
Interest expense									7,082	10,770	14,289
Income before income taxes									29,388	25,234	17,030
Total assets	658,040				631,344				658,040	631,344	618,704
Capital expenditures									2,547	1,838	3,201
Services [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									65,972	46,447	32,743
Investment income									128	15	23
Amortization									2,541	1,264	462
Depreciation									590	352	333
Interest expense									5,746	2,592	668
Income before income taxes									7,729	7,693	6,996
Total assets	166,060				145,321				166,060	145,321	47,829
Capital expenditures									689	419	160
Other [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									1,786	4,120	2,826
Investment income									1,003	1,111	791
Amortization									39	39	38
Depreciation									1,225	1,194	1,228
Interest expense									(28,178)	(29,170)	(37,319)
Income before income taxes									28,009	30,204	38,523
Total assets	(1,106,925)				(957,561)				(1,106,925)	(957,561)	(833,948)
Capital expenditures									$ 2,191	$ 913	$ 172

- Definition

Sum of the carrying amounts as of the balance sheet date of all assets that are recognized. Assets are probable future economic benefits obtained or controlled by an entity as a result of past transactions or events.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The cost of borrowed funds accounted for as interest that was charged against earnings during the period.

+ References+ Details

- Definition

The cash outflow associated with the acquisition of long-lived, physical assets that are used in the normal conduct of business to produce goods and services and not intended for resale; includes cash outflows to pay for construction of self-constructed assets.

+ References+ Details

Subsequent Event (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended				12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended			0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				0 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
Subsequent Event (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Jan. 09, 2012 Arrowhead [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Arrowhead [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Purchased Customer Accounts [Member] Arrowhead [Member] years	Dec. 31, 2011 Non-Compete Agreements [Member] Arrowhead [Member] years	Jan. 09, 2012 Promissory Note [Member] Arrowhead [Member]	Jan. 09, 2012 SunTrust Term Loan [Member] Arrowhead [Member]	Jan. 09, 2012 SunTrust Term Loan [Member] Term Loan [Member] Arrowhead [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 SunTrust Revolver [Member] Arrowhead [Member]	Jan. 09, 2012 SunTrust Revolver [Member] Arrowhead [Member]	Jan. 09, 2012 SunTrust Revolver [Member] Revolving Line Of Credit [Member] Arrowhead [Member]	Jan. 09, 2012 SunTrust Agreement [Member] Arrowhead [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 JPM Bridge Facility [Member] Arrowhead [Member]	Jan. 09, 2012 JPM Bridge Facility [Member] Bridge Facility [Member] Arrowhead [Member]	Feb. 26, 2012 JPM Term Loan [Member] Arrowhead [Member]	Jan. 26, 2012 JPM Term Loan [Member] Arrowhead [Member]	Jan. 09, 2012 Minimum [Member] SunTrust Agreement [Member] Arrowhead [Member]	Jan. 09, 2012 Maximum [Member] SunTrust Agreement [Member] Arrowhead [Member]	Jan. 09, 2012 LIBOR [Member] Minimum [Member] SunTrust Agreement [Member] Arrowhead [Member]	Jan. 09, 2012 LIBOR [Member] Maximum [Member] SunTrust Agreement [Member] Arrowhead [Member]	Jan. 09, 2012 Base Rate [Member] SunTrust Agreement [Member] Arrowhead [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Retail [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Retail [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 National Programs [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 National Programs [Member]	Dec. 31, 2011 Services [Member]	Dec. 31, 2010 Services [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price of acquisitions	$ 214,822,000	$ 186,783,000	$ 580,767,000
Cash payments for acquisitions	167,444,000	158,636,000	397,531,000	397,531,000
Notes payable issued
Assumption of liabilities	15,659,000	2,298,000	178,904,000
Recorded earn-out payables	30,525,000	25,090,000	4,332,000	4,332,000
Weighted average useful lives of acquired amortizable intangible (years)					15.0	5.0
Goodwill acquired	132,534,000	120,430,000																					112,610,000	60,518,000	11,853,000		8,071,000	58,970,000
Goodwill acquired, deductible for income tax	84,105,000	91,303,000
Goodwill not-deductible for income tax purposes	13,714,000
Recorded earn-out payable	30,525,000	25,090,000
Line of credit							50,000,000		100,000,000			50,000,000			50,000,000		100,000,000
Debt instrument, maturity date										Dec. 31, 2016				Feb. 03, 2012
Increase in additional borrowings													50,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity								$ 150,000,000			$ 100,000,000
Interest rate basis spread																1.00%				1.00%	1.40%	1.00%
Availability fee																		0.175%	0.25%
Letter of credit margin fee																		1.00%	1.40%

Subsequent Event (Acquisitions Accounted For As Business Combinations) (Details) (USD $)			12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2011 Arrowhead [Member]	Jan. 09, 2012 Arrowhead [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Date of Acquisition			January 9
Cash Paid	$ 167,444,000	$ 158,636,000	$ 397,531,000	$ 397,531,000
Note payable
Recorded Earn-out Payable	30,525,000	25,090,000	4,332,000	4,332,000
Net assets acquired	199,163,000	184,485,000	401,863,000
Maximum Potential Earn-out Payable	$ 78,207,000	$ 54,305,000	$ 5,000,000

- Definition

Fair value, as of the acquisition date, of potential payments under the contingent consideration arrangement including cash and shares.

+ References

+ Details

- Definition

Month, date and year in which the acquirer obtains control of the acquiree.

+ References

+ Details

Subsequent Event (Estimated Fair Values Of The Aggregate Assets And Liabilities Acquired) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash	$ 5,170,000	$ 1,000,000
Other current assets	5,835,000	2,558,000
Fixed assets	1,075,000	891,000
Goodwill	128,344,000	116,393,000
Purchased customer accounts	73,868,000	65,476,000
Non-compete agreements	506,000	460,000
Other assets	24,000	5,000
Total assets acquired	214,822,000	186,783,000
Other current liabilities	(11,133,000)	(2,298,000)
Deferred income taxes, net	1,455,000
Total liabilities assumed	(15,659,000)	(2,298,000)
Net assets acquired	199,163,000	184,485,000
Arrowhead [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash	61,221,000
Other current assets	68,439,000
Fixed assets	4,751,000
Goodwill	304,974,000
Purchased customer accounts	126,431,000
Non-compete agreements	100,000
Other assets	14,851,000
Total assets acquired	580,767,000
Other current liabilities	(126,095,000)
Deferred income taxes, net	(52,809,000)
Total liabilities assumed	(178,904,000)
Net assets acquired	$ 401,863,000

Subsequent Event (Results Of Operations) (Details) (Arrowhead [Member], USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011
Arrowhead [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Total revenues	$ 1,121,886
Income before income taxes	287,720
Net income	$ 174,143
Net income per share, Basic	$ 1.22
Net income per share, Diluted	$ 1.20
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, Basic	138,582
Weighted average number of shares outstanding, Diluted	140,264

- Definition

+ References+ Details

- Definition

+ References+ Details

Employee Savings Plan	12 Months Ended
Employee Savings Plan	Dec. 31, 2011
Employee Savings Plan [Abstract]
Employee Savings Plan	NOTE 10 Employee Savings Plan The Company has an Employee Savings Plan (401(k)) under which substantially all employees with more than 30 days of service are eligible to participate. Under this plan, Brown & Brown makes matching contributions, subject to a maximum of 2.5% of each participant's salary. Further, the Company provides for a discretionary profit-sharing contribution of 1.5% of the employee's salary for all eligible employees. The Company's contributions to the plan totaled $11,866,000 in 2011, $11,376,000 in 2010, and $11,750,000 in 2009.