Schedule II. Condensed Financial Statements of Parent Company (Condensed Statement of Cash Flows) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2020	Dec. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)	$ (112,706)	$ 14,820	$ 27,650
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Other, net	9,602	(1,274)	9,847
Net cash provided by operating activities	41,435	93,752	110,104
Cash flows from investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(92,871)	4,501	(19,204)
Cash flows from financing activities
Repurchase of common stock	(2,741)	(11,700)	(5,404)
Issuance of common stock	(71)	2,377	7,171
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	18,662	(41,985)	(115,188)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(32,774)	56,268	(24,288)
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year - Continuing Operations	120,722	64,454	95,562
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year - Continuing Operations	87,948	120,722	64,454
United Fire Group, Inc.
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income (loss)	(112,706)	14,820	27,650
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Equity in net income of subsidiary	112,769	(14,655)	(26,184)
Dividends received from subsidiary	4,000	57,000	105,000
Other, net	3,907	5,512	1,824
Total adjustments	120,676	47,857	80,640
Net cash provided by operating activities	7,970	62,677	108,290
Cash flows from investing activities
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	0	0	0
Cash flows from financing activities
Payment of cash dividends	(28,532)	(32,662)	(105,408)
Repurchase of common stock	(2,741)	(11,700)	(5,404)
Issuance of common stock	(71)	2,377	7,171
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	(31,344)	(41,985)	(103,641)
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(23,374)	20,692	4,649
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year - Continuing Operations	29,878	9,186	4,537
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year - Continuing Operations	$ 6,504	$ 29,878	$ 9,186