Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
ASSETS
Fixed income securities, held-to-maturity – at carrying value (fair value: $333,961 – 2014; $416,981 – 2013)	$ 318,137	$ 392,879
Fixed income securities, available-for-sale – at fair value (amortized cost: $3,975,786 – 2014; $3,675,977 – 2013)	4,066,122	3,715,536
Equity securities, available-for-sale – at fair value (cost: $159,011 – 2014; $155,350 – 2013)	191,400	192,771
Short-term investments (at cost which approximates fair value)	131,972	174,251
Other investments	99,203	107,875
Total investments (Note 5)	4,806,834	4,583,312
Cash	23,959	193
Interest and dividends due or accrued	38,901	37,382
Premiums receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of: $4,137 – 2014; $4,442 – 2013	558,778	524,870
Reinsurance Recoverables, net (Note 8)	581,548	550,897
Prepaid reinsurance premiums (Note 8)	146,993	143,000
Current federal income tax (Note 14)	0	512
Deferred federal income tax (Note 14)	98,449	122,613
Property and equipment – at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of: $172,183 – 2014; $179,192 – 2013	59,416	50,834
Deferred policy acquisition costs (Note 3)	185,608	172,981
Goodwill (Note 11)	7,849	7,849
Other assets	73,215	75,727
Total assets	6,581,550	6,270,170
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Reserve for losses and loss expenses (Note 9)	3,477,870	3,349,770
Unearned premiums	1,095,819	1,059,155
Notes payable (Note 10)	379,297	392,414
Current federal income tax (Note 14)	3,921	0
Accrued salaries and benefits	158,382	111,427
Other liabilities	190,675	203,476
Total liabilities	5,305,964	5,116,242
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: 99,947,933 - 2014; 99,120,235 - 2013	199,896	198,240
Additional paid-in capital	305,385	288,182
Retained earnings	1,313,440	1,202,015
Accumulated other comprehensive income (Note 6)	19,788	24,851
Treasury stock – at cost (shares: 43,353,181 – 2014; 43,198,622 – 2013)	(562,923)	(559,360)
Total stockholders’ equity	1,275,586	1,153,928
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 18 and 19)
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$ 6,581,550	$ 6,270,170