Schedule II. Condensed Financial Statements of Parent Company (Condensed Statement of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income	$ 76,140		$ 40,212		$ 11
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Other, net	(7,156)		(2,871)		1,130
Total adjustments	85,351		131,864		74,420
Net cash provided by operating activities	161,491		172,076		74,431
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Purchase of held-to-maturity investments	0		(200)		0
Net cash used in investing activities	(101,986)		(111,340)		(175,192)
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Repurchase of common stock	(1,644)		(7,301)		(12,433)
Issuance of common stock	3,393		1,106		208
Tax impact from issuance of common stock	(488)		(78)		1
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(74,778)		(97,797)		65,231
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(15,273)		(37,061)		(35,530)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	107,466		144,527		180,057
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	92,193		107,466		144,527
United Fire Group, Inc. [Member]
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income	76,140		40,212	[1],[2]
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Equity in net income of subsidiary	(76,240)		(40,306)	[1],[2]
Dividends received from subsidiary	13,175		26,950	[1]
Other, net	1,261		26	[1]
Total adjustments	(61,804)		(13,330)	[1]
Net cash provided by operating activities	14,336		26,882	[1]
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Purchase of held-to-maturity investments	0		(200)	[1]
Net cash used in investing activities	0		(200)	[1]
Cash Flows From Financing Activities
Repurchase of common stock	(1,644)		(7,301)	[1]
Issuance of common stock	3,393		1,106	[1]
Tax impact from issuance of common stock	(488)		(78)	[1]
Payment of cash dividends	(17,484)		(15,269)	[1]
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	(16,223)		(21,542)	[1]
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(1,887)		5,140	[1]
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	5,140	[1]	0	[1]
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	$ 3,253		$ 5,140	[1]

[1] The Condensed Statement of Cash Flows includes the full year 2012 results. The results of January 2012 are immaterial to the full year 2012 results.

[2] The Condensed Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income includes the full year 2012 results. The results of January 2012 are immaterial to the full year 2012 results.