Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets
Fixed maturity securities-held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $685,242 and $683,463 in 2011 and 2010, respectively)	$ 646,048	$ 663,345
Fixed maturity securities-available-for-sale, at fair value (cost $98,077 and $21,865 in 2011 and 2010, respectively)	100,742	21,649
Equity securities-available-for-sale, at fair value (cost $11,776 and $1,687 in 2011 and 2010, respectively)	12,240	1,773
Short-term investments	46,944	78,770
Total investments	805,974	765,537
Cash and cash equivalents	45,536	60,966
Amounts recoverable from reinsurers	96,212	95,133
Premiums receivable, net	121,223	122,618
Deferred income taxes	29,286	28,837
Accrued interest receivable	9,520	7,704
Property and equipment, net	7,628	7,547
Deferred policy acquisition costs	18,756	17,400
Deferred charges	3,120	2,936
Federal income taxes recoverable		2,293
Other assets	11,254	6,952
Total assets	1,148,509	1,117,923
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses	538,214	532,204
Unearned premiums	118,699	111,494
Amounts held for others	29,981	22,667
Policyholder deposits	37,228	39,187
Insurance-related assessments	21,506	18,718
Accounts payable and other liabilities	25,633	20,653
Payable for investments purchased	616	6,718
Subordinated debt securities	25,780	36,090
Total liabilities	797,657	787,731
Shareholders' equity:
Voting-$0.01 par value authorized shares-50,000,000 in 2011 and 2010; 19,408,512 and 19,060,649 issued and 18,150,262 and 18,352,041 shares outstanding shares in 2011 and 2010, respectively	194	191
Additional paid-in capital	185,734	180,884
Treasury stock at cost (1,258,250 shares in 2011 and 708,608 shares in 2010)	(22,370)	(12,102)
Accumulated earnings	185,079	160,954
Accumulated other comprehensive income	2,215	265
Total shareholders' equity	350,852	330,192
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 1,148,509	$ 1,117,923