Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ASSETS
Fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity – at carrying value (fair value: $507,625 – 2013; $594,661 – 2012)	$ 479,507	$ 554,069
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale – at fair value (amortized cost: $3,363,994 – 2013 ; $3,130,683 – 2012)	3,419,811	3,296,013
Equity securities, available-for-sale – at fair value (cost: $142,434 – 2013; $132,441 – 2012)	172,064	151,382
Short-term investments (at cost which approximates fair value)	186,499	214,479
Other investments	109,077	114,076
Total investments	4,366,958	4,330,019
Cash	154	210
Interest and dividends due or accrued	36,376	35,984
Premiums receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of: $4,478 – 2013; $3,906 – 2012	568,523	484,388
Reinsurance recoverables, net	552,488	1,421,109
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	140,833	132,637
Current federal income tax	1,904	2,569
Deferred federal income tax	135,886	119,136
Property and equipment – at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of: $174,226 – 2013; $169,428 – 2012	48,841	47,131
Deferred policy acquisition costs	165,078	155,523
Goodwill	7,849	7,849
Other assets	87,737	57,661
Total assets	6,112,627	6,794,216
Liabilities And Stockholders' Equity
Reserve for loss and loss expenses	3,270,114	4,068,941
Unearned premiums	1,048,011	974,706
Notes payable	392,400	307,387
Accrued salaries and benefits	102,223	152,396
Other liabilities	200,834	200,194
Total liabilities	5,013,582	5,703,624
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock of $0 par value per share: Authorized shares: 5,000,000; no shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock of $2 par value per share Authorized shares: 360,000,000 Issued: 98,910,399 – 2013; 98,194,224 – 2012	197,821	196,388
Additional paid-in capital	282,014	270,654
Retained earnings	1,158,861	1,125,154
Accumulated other comprehensive income	19,278	54,040
Treasury stock - at cost (shares: 43,181,889 – 2013; 43,030,776 – 2012)	(558,929)	(555,644)
Total stockholders' equity	1,099,045	1,090,592
Commitments and contingencies
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 6,112,627	$ 6,794,216