10-Q

UNITED STATES

SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

ý QUARTERLY REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES  EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the quarterly period ended September 30, 2016

OR

o TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from ________________to __________________

Commission File Number: 0-10956

EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

Iowa	42-6234555
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)	(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

717 Mulberry Street, Des Moines, Iowa	50309
(Address of principal executive offices)	(Zip Code)

(515) 345-2902

(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

ý  Yes    o  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant has submitted electronically and posted on its corporate Web site, if any, every Interactive Data File required to be submitted and posted pursuant to Rule 405 of Regulation S-T (§232.405 of this chapter) during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to submit and post such files).

ý  Yes    o  No

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a large accelerated filer, an accelerated filer, a non-accelerated filer, or a smaller reporting company.  See the definitions of “large accelerated filer,” “accelerated filer” and “smaller reporting company” in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act.

Large accelerated filer	o	Accelerated filer	ý
Non-accelerated filer	o	Smaller reporting company	o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is a shell company (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

o  Yes    ý  No

Indicate the number of shares outstanding of each of the issuer’s classes of common stock, as of the latest practicable date.

Class	Outstanding at October 31, 2016
Common stock, $1.00 par value	21,103,634

TABLE OF CONTENTS

		PAGE
PART I	FINANCIAL INFORMATION
Item 1.	Financial Statements	3
Item 2.	Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations	36
Item 3.	Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk	54
Item 4.	Controls and Procedures	54
PART II	OTHER INFORMATION
Item 2.	Unregistered Sales of Equity Securities and Use of Proceeds	55
Item 6.	Exhibits	56
Signatures		57
Index to Exhibits		58

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

	September 30,   2016		December 31,   2015
($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts)	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $1,184,470 and $1,130,217)	$	1,237,150	$	1,161,025
Equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (cost $151,852 and $144,176)	219,282		206,243
Other long-term investments	9,941		9,930
Short-term investments	42,611		38,599
Total investments	1,508,984		1,415,797
Cash	350		224
Reinsurance receivables due from affiliate	22,590		24,236
Prepaid reinsurance premiums due from affiliate	11,588		6,563
Deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $44,320 and $40,535)	44,620		40,720
Prepaid pension and postretirement benefits due from affiliate	11,043		12,133
Accrued investment income	12,143		10,789
Amounts receivable under reverse repurchase agreements	16,850		16,850
Accounts receivable	2,958		804
Income taxes recoverable	—		1,735
Goodwill	942		942
Other assets (affiliated $4,838 and $4,595)	5,437		5,162
Total assets	$	1,637,505	$	1,535,955

All affiliated balances presented above are the result of related party transactions with Employers Mutual.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

3

EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

	September 30,   2016		December 31,   2015
($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts)	(Unaudited)
LIABILITIES
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $695,461 and $671,169)	$	700,565	$	678,774
Unearned premiums (affiliated $271,539 and $238,637)	272,900		239,435
Other policyholders' funds (all affiliated)	11,809		8,721
Surplus notes payable to affiliate	25,000		25,000
Amounts due affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances	4,025		6,408
Pension benefits payable to affiliate	3,826		4,299
Income taxes payable	156		—
Deferred income taxes	25,894		19,029
Other liabilities (affiliated $24,659 and $28,598)	30,921		29,351
Total liabilities	1,075,096		1,011,017
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 21,084,948 shares in 2016 and 20,780,439 shares in 2015	21,085		20,781
Additional paid-in capital	115,724		108,747
Accumulated other comprehensive income	75,529		58,433
Retained earnings	350,071		336,977
Total stockholders' equity	562,409		524,938
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	1,637,505	$	1,535,955

All affiliated balances presented above are the result of related party transactions with Employers Mutual.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

4

EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

	Three months ended   September 30,
($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts)	2016			2015
REVENUES
Premiums earned (affiliated $149,988 and $144,540)	$	152,181		$	145,788
Net investment income	11,474			11,299
Net realized investment gains (losses), excluding impairment losses on securities available-for-sale	(917		)	8,126
Total "other-than-temporary" impairment losses on securities available-for-sale	(275		)	(628		)
Portion of "other-than-temporary" impairment losses on fixed maturity securities available-for-sale reclassified from other comprehensive income (before taxes)	—			—
Net impairment losses on securities available-for-sale	(275		)	(628		)
Net realized investment gains (losses)	(1,192		)	7,498
Other income (loss) (affiliated $39 and $420)	(85		)	519
Total revenues	162,378			165,104
LOSSES AND EXPENSES
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $106,795 and $101,323)	108,173			102,685
Dividends to policyholders (all affiliated)	3,944			3,555
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $26,256 and $25,835)	26,845			26,139
Other underwriting expenses (affiliated $17,600 and $16,046)	17,606			16,045
Interest expense (all affiliated)	84			84
Other expenses (affiliated $481 and $473)	679			675
Total losses and expenses	157,331			149,183
Income before income tax expense	5,047			15,921
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)
Current	1,448			3,081
Deferred	(530		)	1,651
Total income tax expense	918			4,732
Net income	$	4,129		$	11,189
Net income per common share - basic and diluted	$	0.20		$	0.54
Dividend per common share	$	0.190		$	0.170
Average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted	21,060,665			20,684,890

All affiliated balances presented above are the result of related party transactions with Employers Mutual.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

5

EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME

(Unaudited)

	Nine months ended September 30,
($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts)	2016			2015
REVENUES
Premiums earned (affiliated $436,804, and $425,513)	$	441,364		$	429,124
Net investment income	35,883			33,946
Net realized investment gains (losses), excluding impairment losses on securities available-for-sale	333			12,848
Total "other-than-temporary" impairment losses on securities available-for-sale	(976		)	(1,293		)
Portion of "other-than-temporary" impairment losses on fixed maturity securities available-for-sale reclassified from other comprehensive income (before taxes)	—			—
Net impairment losses on securities available-for-sale	(976		)	(1,293		)
Net realized investment gains (losses)	(643		)	11,555
Other income (loss) (affiliated $307 and $1,119)	(19		)	1,622
Total revenues	476,585			476,247
LOSSES AND EXPENSES
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $295,061 and $278,915)	296,102			280,603
Dividends to policyholders (all affiliated)	11,292			6,492
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $79,584 and $77,872)	80,740			78,823
Other underwriting expenses (affiliated $52,120 and $50,297)	52,134			50,351
Interest expense (all affiliated)	253			253
Other expenses (affiliated $1,414 and $1,363)	2,053			1,992
Total losses and expenses	442,574			418,514
Income before income tax expense	34,011			57,733
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)
Current	11,440			15,594
Deferred	(2,340		)	1,872
Total income tax expense	9,100			17,466
Net income	$	24,911		$	40,267
Net income per common share - basic and diluted	$	1.19		$	1.96
Dividend per common share	$	0.570		$	0.503
Average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted	20,964,236			20,577,493

All affiliated balances presented above are the result of related party transactions with Employers Mutual.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

6

EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

(Unaudited)

	Three months ended   September 30,
($ in thousands)	2016			2015
Net income	$	4,129		$	11,189
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities, net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $(1,226) and $(2,288)	(2,275		)	(4,252		)
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income, net of income tax expense of $(252) and $(89)	(466		)	(164		)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income, net of deferred income tax expense of $(62) and $(169):
Net actuarial loss	722			224
Prior service credit	(839		)	(537		)
Total reclassification adjustment associated with affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans	(117		)	(313		)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,858		)	(4,729		)
Total comprehensive income	$	1,271		$	6,460

	Nine months ended   September 30,
($ in thousands)	2016			2015
Net income	$	24,911		$	40,267
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities, net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $11,145 and $(7,998)	20,698			(14,855		)
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income, net of income tax expense of $(1,613) and $(2,713)	(2,995		)	(5,039		)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income, net of deferred income tax expense of $(327) and $(520):
Net actuarial loss	1,271			648
Prior service credit	(1,878		)	(1,612		)
Total reclassification adjustment associated with affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans	(607		)	(964		)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	17,096			(20,858		)
Total comprehensive income	$	42,007		$	19,409

All affiliated balances presented above are the result of related party transactions with Employers Mutual.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

7

EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

	Nine months ended   September 30,
($ in thousands)	2016			2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$	24,911		$	40,267
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $24,292 and $24,595)	21,791			22,621
Unearned premiums (affiliated $32,902 and $32,636)	33,465			31,593
Other policyholders' funds due to affiliate	3,088			(1,560		)
Amounts due to/from affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances	(2,383		)	(1,212		)
Net pension and postretirement benefits due from affiliate	(317		)	(2,366		)
Reinsurance receivables due from affiliate	1,646			3,204
Prepaid reinsurance premiums due from affiliate	(5,025		)	1,227
Commissions payable (affiliated $(3,682) and $(801))	(3,743		)	(778		)
Deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $(3,785) and $(5,629))	(3,900		)	(5,367		)
Accrued investment income	(1,354		)	(1,421		)
Current income tax	1,891			(2,577		)
Deferred income tax	(2,340		)	1,872
Net realized investment (gains) losses	643			(11,555		)
Other, net (affiliated $(451) and $704)	6,769			9,092
Total adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities	50,231			42,773
Net cash provided by operating activities	75,142			83,040
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	(338,659		)	(185,108		)
Disposals of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	282,787			118,513
Purchases of equity securities available-for-sale	(45,632		)	(66,030		)
Disposals of equity securities available-for-sale	40,525			54,411
Purchases of other long-term investments	(5,920		)	(7,758		)
Disposals of other long-term investments	480			1,958
Net (purchases) disposals of short-term investments	(4,012		)	20,464
Net disbursements under reverse repurchase agreements	—			(16,850		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(70,431		)	(80,400		)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issuance of common stock through affiliate’s stock plans	7,615			7,738
Repurchase of common stock	(383		)	—
Excess tax benefit associated with affiliate’s stock plans	—			83
Dividends paid to stockholders (affiliated $(6,710) and $(5,925))	(11,817		)	(10,274		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(4,585		)	(2,453		)
NET INCREASE IN CASH	126			187
Cash at the beginning of the year	224			383
Cash at the end of the quarter	$	350		$	570

All affiliated balances presented above are the result of related party transactions with Employers Mutual.

See accompanying Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements.

8

EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

1. BASIS OF PRESENTATION

EMC Insurance Group Inc., a majority owned subsidiary of Employers Mutual Casualty Company (Employers Mutual), is an insurance holding company with operations in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance.  The Company writes property and casualty insurance in both commercial and personal lines of insurance, with a focus on medium-sized commercial accounts.  The term “Company” is used interchangeably to describe EMC Insurance Group Inc. (Parent Company only) and EMC Insurance Group Inc. and its subsidiaries.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  The Company has evaluated all subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the interim financial statements have been included.  The results of operations for the interim periods reported are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year.  The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2015 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.

In reading these financial statements, reference should be made to the Company’s 2015 Form 10-K or the 2015 Annual Report to Stockholders for more detailed footnote information.

Accounting Pronouncements Adopted

In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) updated its guidance related to the Consolidation Topic 810 of the Accounting Standards Codification^TM (Codification or ASC). The objective of this update is to improve consolidation guidance through changes in the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. The guidance modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities or voting interest entities, while also eliminating the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and is to be applied either retrospectively or through a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2016. Adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the consolidated financial condition or operating results of the Company.

In March 2016, the FASB updated its guidance related to Stock Compensation Topic 718 of the ASC.  The objective of this update was to simplify the accounting for employee share-based payments. The provisions applicable to the Company primarily involve the accounting treatment for excess tax benefits, which is the excess of the actual tax benefit realized by the Company upon the exercise of non-qualified stock options (by Employers Mutual's employees) over the deferred income tax benefit previously recognized in conjunction with the compensation expense (tax deficiency if the actual tax benefit realized is less than the previously recognized deferred income tax benefit). The FASB permitted early prospective adoption of these provisions, and the Company elected to adopt effective January 1, 2016. As a result, effective January 1, 2016 the Company no longer records to additional paid-in capital the excess tax benefits (deficiencies) allocated to it through the pooling agreement, but instead recognizes these amounts through the consolidated statements of income as components of current and deferred income taxes. The requirement that these excess tax benefits (deficiencies) be reflected as financing cash flows in the consolidated statements of cash flows was also removed, and these amounts are now reflected as cash flows from operating activities on a prospective basis.

9

2. TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

The Inter-Company Committees of the boards of directors of the Company and Employers Mutual approved a new inter-company reinsurance program between the Company's insurance subsidiaries in the property and casualty insurance segment and Employers Mutual for calendar year 2016. This reinsurance program is intended to reduce the volatility of the Company's quarterly results caused by excessive catastrophe and storm losses, and provide protection from both the frequency and severity of such losses. The reinsurance program consists of two semi-annual aggregate catastrophe excess of loss treaties. The first treaty was effective from January 1, 2016 through June 30, 2016, and had a retention of $20.0 million and a limit of $24.0 million. The total cost of this treaty was approximately $6.3 million. The second treaty is effective from July 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016, and has a retention of $15.0 million and a limit of $12.0 million. The total cost of this treaty is approximately $1.5 million. All catastrophe and storm losses assumed by the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries (net of applicable reinsurance recoveries from external reinsurance protections purchased by the pool participants) are subject to the terms of these treaties, and there is no co-participation provision. Losses and settlement expenses ceded to Employers Mutual under these treaties totaled $3.5 million and $5.1 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. Only $213,000 remains in the $15.0 million retention before recoveries will be realized under the July 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016 treaty.

The Inter-Company Committees of the boards of directors of the Company and Employers Mutual also approved a change in the inter-company reinsurance program between the Company's reinsurance subsidiary and Employers Mutual for calendar year 2016. The reinsurance program consists of two treaties. The first is a per occurrence catastrophe excess of loss treaty with a retention of $10.0 million, a limit of $10.0 million, 20 percent co-participation, and no reinstatement. The total cost of this treaty is approximately $2.0 million. The second is an annual aggregate catastrophe excess of loss treaty with a retention of $20.0 million, a limit of $100.0 million, and 20 percent co-participation. The total cost of this treaty is approximately $3.1 million. Any losses recovered under the per occurrence treaty inure to the benefit of the aggregate treaty. Only catastrophic events with total losses greater than $500,000 are subject to the terms of the aggregate treaty. The reinsurance subsidiary has purchased additional reinsurance protection (Industry Loss Warranties) in peak exposure territories from external parties in which coverage is triggered when losses experienced by the insurance industry from a catastrophic event exceed a specified threshold. Any reinsurance recoveries received from external parties reduce the amount of losses ceded to Employers Mutual under the catastrophe excess of loss program. The net cost of the external reinsurance protection will be approximately $3.5 million in 2016. There were no recoveries under the reinsurance program during the first nine months of 2016.

3. REINSURANCE

The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned, and losses and settlement expenses incurred, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is presented below.  The classification of the assumed and ceded reinsurance amounts between affiliates and nonaffiliates is based on the participants in the underlying reinsurance agreements, and is intended to provide an understanding of the actual source of the reinsurance activities.  This presentation differs from the classifications used in the consolidated financial statements, where all amounts flowing through the pooling, quota share and excess of loss agreements with Employers Mutual are reported as “affiliated” balances.

10

	Three months ended September 30, 2016
($ in thousands)	Property and casualty insurance			Reinsurance			Total
Premiums written
Direct	$	119,849		$	—		$	119,849
Assumed from nonaffiliates	1,221			39,592			40,813
Assumed from affiliates	146,289			—			146,289
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(7,841		)	(983		)	(8,824		)
Ceded to affiliates	(120,614		)	(1,270		)	(121,884		)
Net premiums written	$	138,904		$	37,339		$	176,243
Premiums earned
Direct	$	96,730		$	—		$	96,730
Assumed from nonaffiliates	1,170			39,394			40,564
Assumed from affiliates	122,058			—			122,058
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(6,091		)	(2,315		)	(8,406		)
Ceded to affiliates	(97,495		)	(1,270		)	(98,765		)
Net premiums earned	$	116,372		$	35,809		$	152,181
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	$	59,831		$	—		$	59,831
Assumed from nonaffiliates	793			27,206			27,999
Assumed from affiliates	85,196			280			85,476
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(895		)	(944		)	(1,839		)
Ceded to affiliates	(63,282		)	(12		)	(63,294		)
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	$	81,643		$	26,530		$	108,173

11

	Three months ended September 30, 2015
($ in thousands)	Property and casualty insurance			Reinsurance			Total
Premiums written
Direct	$	117,187		$	—		$	117,187
Assumed from nonaffiliates	1,178			34,954			36,132
Assumed from affiliates	141,200			—			141,200
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(7,656		)	(774		)	(8,430		)
Ceded to affiliates	(117,187		)	(2,734		)	(119,921		)
Net premiums written	$	134,722		$	31,446		$	166,168
Premiums earned
Direct	$	92,083		$	—		$	92,083
Assumed from nonaffiliates	1,073			35,939			37,012
Assumed from affiliates	118,784			—			118,784
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(6,104		)	(1,170		)	(7,274		)
Ceded to affiliates	(92,083		)	(2,734		)	(94,817		)
Net premiums earned	$	113,753		$	32,035		$	145,788
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	$	53,717		$	—		$	53,717
Assumed from nonaffiliates	655			27,677			28,332
Assumed from affiliates	76,697			252			76,949
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(1,376		)	(877		)	(2,253		)
Ceded to affiliates	(53,717		)	(343		)	(54,060		)
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	$	75,976		$	26,709		$	102,685

12

	Nine months ended September 30, 2016
($ in thousands)	Property and casualty insurance			Reinsurance			Total
Premiums written
Direct	$	311,542		$	—		$	311,542
Assumed from nonaffiliates	3,430			111,378			114,808
Assumed from affiliates	393,418			—			393,418
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(19,069		)	(8,814		)	(27,883		)
Ceded to affiliates	(318,617		)	(3,810		)	(322,427		)
Net premiums written	$	370,704		$	98,754		$	469,458
Premiums earned
Direct	$	284,281		$	—		$	284,281
Assumed from nonaffiliates	3,332			111,790			115,122
Assumed from affiliates	359,985			—			359,985
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(17,653		)	(5,205		)	(22,858		)
Ceded to affiliates	(291,356		)	(3,810		)	(295,166		)
Net premiums earned	$	338,589		$	102,775		$	441,364
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	$	167,827		$	—		$	167,827
Assumed from nonaffiliates	2,298			71,787			74,085
Assumed from affiliates	232,472			1,033			233,505
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(4,498		)	(2,336		)	(6,834		)
Ceded to affiliates	(172,892		)	411			(172,481		)
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	$	225,207		$	70,895		$	296,102

13

	Nine months ended September 30, 2015
($ in thousands)	Property and casualty insurance			Reinsurance			Total
Premiums written
Direct	$	297,974		$	—		$	297,974
Assumed from nonaffiliates	3,296			107,821			111,117
Assumed from affiliates	379,761			—			379,761
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(18,728		)	(2,480		)	(21,208		)
Ceded to affiliates	(297,974		)	(8,427		)	(306,401		)
Net premiums written	$	364,329		$	96,914		$	461,243
Premiums earned
Direct	$	273,441		$	—		$	273,441
Assumed from nonaffiliates	3,165			109,134			112,299
Assumed from affiliates	347,686			—			347,686
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(17,639		)	(4,795		)	(22,434		)
Ceded to affiliates	(273,441		)	(8,427		)	(281,868		)
Net premiums earned	$	333,212		$	95,912		$	429,124
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	$	151,565		$	—		$	151,565
Assumed from nonaffiliates	1,878			69,041			70,919
Assumed from affiliates	216,197			721			216,918
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(2,607		)	(4,065		)	(6,672		)
Ceded to affiliates	(151,565		)	(562		)	(152,127		)
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	$	215,468		$	65,135		$	280,603

Individual lines in the above tables are defined as follows:

• “Direct” represents business produced by the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries.

• “Assumed from nonaffiliates” for the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries represents their aggregate 30 percent pool participation percentage of involuntary business assumed by the pool participants pursuant to state law. For the reinsurance subsidiary, this line represents the reinsurance business assumed through the quota share agreement (including “fronting” activities initiated by Employers Mutual) and the business assumed outside the quota share agreement.

• “Assumed from affiliates” for the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries represents their aggregate 30 percent pool participation percentage of all the pool members’ direct business.  The amounts reported under the caption “Losses and settlement expenses incurred” also include claim-related services provided by Employers Mutual that are allocated to the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries and the reinsurance subsidiary.

• “Ceded to nonaffiliates” for the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries represents their aggregate 30 percent pool participation percentage of 1) the amounts ceded to nonaffiliated reinsurance companies in accordance with the terms of the reinsurance agreements providing protection to the pool and each of its participants, and 2) the amounts ceded on a mandatory basis to state organizations in connection with various programs.  For the reinsurance subsidiary, this line includes 1) reinsurance business that is ceded to other insurance companies in connection with “fronting” activities initiated by Employers Mutual, and 2) starting in 2016, amounts ceded to purchase Industry Loss Warranties (ILWs) from external parties that provide additional reinsurance protection for the assumed reinsurance business.

• “Ceded to affiliates” for the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries represents the cession of their direct business to Employers Mutual under the terms of the pooling agreement and amounts ceded to Employers Mutual under the terms of the catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance program.  For the reinsurance subsidiary this line represents amounts ceded to Employers Mutual under the terms of the catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance program.

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4. SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company’s operations consist of a property and casualty insurance segment and a reinsurance segment.  The property and casualty insurance segment writes both commercial and personal lines of insurance, with a focus on medium-sized commercial accounts.  The reinsurance segment provides reinsurance for other insurers and reinsurers.  The segments are managed separately due to differences in the insurance products sold and the business environments in which they operate. Management evaluates the performance of its insurance segments using financial measurements based on Statutory Accounting Principles (SAP) instead of GAAP. Such measures include premiums written, premiums earned, statutory underwriting profit (loss), and investment results, as well as loss and loss adjustment expense ratios, trade underwriting expense ratios, and combined ratios.

Summarized financial information for the Company’s segments is as follows:

Three months ended September 30, 2016	Property and casualty insurance			Reinsurance			Parent company			Consolidated
($ in thousands)
Premiums earned	$	116,372		$	35,809		$	—		$	152,181
Underwriting profit (loss):
SAP underwriting profit (loss)	(8,081		)	689			—			(7,392		)
GAAP adjustments	2,970			35			—			3,005
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)	(5,111		)	724			—			(4,387		)
Net investment income (loss)	8,185			3,285			4			11,474
Net realized investment gains (losses)	(799		)	(393		)	—			(1,192		)
Other income (loss)	172			(257		)	—			(85		)
Interest expense	84			—			—			84
Other expenses	190			—			489			679
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	2,173		$	3,359		$	(485	)	$	5,047

Three months ended September 30, 2015	Property and casualty insurance			Reinsurance			Parent company			Consolidated
($ in thousands)
Premiums earned	$	113,753		$	32,035		$	—		$	145,788
Underwriting profit (loss):
SAP underwriting profit (loss)	(2,487		)	(2,167		)	—			(4,654		)
GAAP adjustments	2,386			(368		)	—			2,018
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)	(101		)	(2,535		)	—			(2,636		)
Net investment income (loss)	8,125			3,176			(2		)	11,299
Net realized investment gains (losses)	4,889			2,609			—			7,498
Other income (loss)	210			309			—			519
Interest expense	84			—			—			84
Other expenses	196			—			479			675
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	12,843		$	3,559		$	(481	)	$	15,921

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Nine months ended September 30, 2016	Property and casualty insurance			Reinsurance			Parent company			Consolidated
($ in thousands)
Premiums earned	$	338,589		$	102,775		$	—		$	441,364
Underwriting profit (loss):
SAP underwriting profit (loss)	(8,904		)	7,777			—			(1,127		)
GAAP adjustments	3,026			(803		)	—			2,223
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)	(5,878		)	6,974			—			1,096
Net investment income (loss)	25,524			10,350			9			35,883
Net realized investment gains (losses)	(627		)	(16		)	—			(643		)
Other income (loss)	466			(485		)	—			(19		)
Interest expense	253			—			—			253
Other expenses	558			—			1,495			2,053
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	18,674		$	16,823		$	(1,486	)	$	34,011
Assets	$	1,170,108		$	465,733		$	562,535		$	2,198,376
Eliminations	—			—			(554,093		)	(554,093		)
Reclassifications	(2,187		)	(3,426		)	(1,165		)	(6,778		)
Total assets	$	1,167,921		$	462,307		$	7,277		$	1,637,505

Nine months ended September 30, 2015	Property and casualty insurance			Reinsurance			Parent company			Consolidated
($ in thousands)
Premiums earned	$	333,212		$	95,912		$	—		$	429,124
Underwriting profit (loss):
SAP underwriting profit (loss)	(497		)	4,685			—			4,188
GAAP adjustments	7,962			705			—			8,667
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)	7,465			5,390			—			12,855
Net investment income (loss)	24,301			9,654			(9		)	33,946
Net realized investment gains (losses)	7,866			3,689			—			11,555
Other income (loss)	582			1,040			—			1,622
Interest expense	253			—			—			253
Other expenses	568			—			1,424			1,992
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	39,393		$	19,773		$	(1,433	)	$	57,733
Year ended December 31, 2015
Assets	$	1,092,820		$	437,575		$	525,042		$	2,055,437
Eliminations	—			—			(514,309		)	(514,309		)
Reclassifications	—			(5,173		)	—			(5,173		)
Total assets	$	1,092,820		$	432,402		$	10,733		$	1,535,955

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The following table displays the net premiums earned for the property and casualty insurance segment and the reinsurance segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, by line of insurance.

	Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
($ in thousands)	2016		2015		2016		2015
Property and casualty insurance segment
Commercial lines:
Automobile	$	28,113	$	27,080	$	82,449	$	78,698
Property	27,471		26,526		77,292		77,518
Workers' compensation	24,536		23,777		71,272		69,150
Liability	24,277		23,449		72,086		68,952
Other	2,102		2,032		6,246		6,044
Total commercial lines	106,499		102,864		309,345		300,362
Personal lines	9,873		10,889		29,244		32,850
Total property and casualty insurance	$	116,372	$	113,753	$	338,589	$	333,212
Reinsurance segment
Pro rata reinsurance	$	15,066	$	13,037	$	44,175	$	40,154
Excess of loss reinsurance	20,743		18,998		58,600		55,758
Total reinsurance	$	35,809	$	32,035	$	102,775	$	95,912
Consolidated	$	152,181	$	145,788	$	441,364	$	429,124

5. INCOME TAXES

The actual income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 differed from the “expected” income tax expense for those periods (computed by applying the United States federal corporate tax rate of 35 percent to income before income tax expense) as follows:

	Three months ended   September 30,						Nine months ended   September 30,
($ in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Computed "expected" income tax expense	$	1,767		$	5,573		$	11,904		$	20,207
Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from:
Tax-exempt interest income	(709		)	(687		)	(2,101		)	(2,072		)
Dividends received deduction	(336		)	(266		)	(1,110		)	(809		)
Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction	157			143			482			432
Other, net	39			(31		)	(75		)	(292		)
Total income tax expense	$	918		$	4,732		$	9,100		$	17,466

The Company had no provision for uncertain income tax positions at September 30, 2016 or December 31, 2015.  The Company did not recognize any interest expense or other penalties related to U.S. federal or state income taxes during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2016 or 2015.  It is the Company’s accounting policy to reflect income tax penalties as other expense, and interest as interest expense.

The Company files a U.S. federal income tax return, along with various state income tax returns.  The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2013.  

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6. EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS

The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans is as follows:

	Three months ended   September 30,						Nine months ended   September 30,
($ in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Pension plans:
Service cost	$	3,639		$	3,497		$	10,824		$	10,471
Interest cost	2,551			2,341			7,620			6,983
Expected return on plan assets	(4,841		)	(5,074		)	(14,521		)	(15,223		)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,111			719			3,233			2,033
Amortization of prior service cost	9			8			24			23
Net periodic pension benefit cost	$	2,469		$	1,491		$	7,180		$	4,287
Postretirement benefit plans:
Service cost	$	319		$	353		$	955		$	1,059
Interest cost	553			537			1,661			1,611
Expected return on plan assets	(1,056		)	(1,104		)	(3,168		)	(3,312		)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	374			437			1,121			1,309
Amortization of prior service credit	(2,835		)	(2,867		)	(8,504		)	(8,600		)
Net periodic postretirement benefit income	$	(2,645	)	$	(2,644	)	$	(7,935	)	$	(7,933	)

Net periodic pension benefit cost allocated to the Company amounted to $1.1 million and $456,000 for the three months and $2.5 million and $1.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Net periodic postretirement benefit income allocated to the Company amounted to $937,000 and $761,000 for the three months and $2.4 million and $2.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The Company’s share of Employers Mutual’s remaining 2016 planned contribution to the pension plan, if made, will be approximately $2.5 million. No contributions will be made to the Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trust in 2016.

7. STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company has no stock-based compensation plans of its own; however, Employers Mutual has several stock plans which utilize the common stock of the Company. Employers Mutual can provide the common stock required under its plans by: 1) using shares of common stock that it currently owns; 2) purchasing common stock in the open market; or 3) directly purchasing common stock from the Company at the current fair value.  Employers Mutual's current practice is to purchase common stock from the Company for use in all of its stock plans (including its non-employee director stock purchase plan and its employee stock purchase plan).

Stock Plans

Employers Mutual currently maintains two separate stock plans for the benefit of officers and key employees of Employers Mutual and its subsidiaries.  A total of 2,250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock have been reserved for issuance under the 2003 Employers Mutual Casualty Company Incentive Stock Option Plan (2003 Plan) and a total of 3,000,000 shares have been reserved for issuance under the 2007 Employers Mutual Casualty Company Stock Incentive Plan (2007 Plan). During the second quarter of 2016, the compensation committees of Employers Mutual and the Company approved the issuance of restricted stock awards to the non-employee directors of the Company under the 2007 Plan.

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The 2003 Plan permitted the issuance of incentive stock options only, while the 2007 Plan permits the issuance of performance shares, performance units, and other stock-based awards, in addition to qualified (incentive) and non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units.  Both plans provide for a ten-year time limit for granting awards.  No additional options can be granted under the 2003 Plan due to the expiration of the term of the plan. Options granted under the plans generally have a vesting period of five years, with options becoming exercisable in equal annual cumulative increments commencing on the first anniversary of the option grant.  Option prices cannot be less than the fair value of the common stock on the date of grant. Restricted stock awards granted under the 2007 Plan generally have a vesting period of four years, with shares vesting in equal annual cumulative increments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant, with the exception of death or permanent disability, any unvested shares of restricted stock are forfeited on termination of employment, including retirement. Holders of unvested shares of restricted stock receive compensation income equal to the amount of any dividends declared on the common stock. During the second quarter of 2016, 2,000 shares of restricted stock was granted to non-employee directors of the Company. The restricted stock vests over a period of three years or upon a director reaching 75 years of age while an active director.

The Senior Executive Compensation Committee of Employers Mutual’s Board of Directors grants the awards and is the administrator of the plans.  The Company’s Compensation Committee must consider and approve all awards granted to the Company’s executive officers and directors.

The Company recognized compensation expense from these plans of $218,000 ($142,000 net of tax) and $167,000 ($108,000 net of tax) for the three months and $542,000 ($353,000 net of tax) and $351,000 ($228,000 net of tax) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  During the first nine months of 2016, 118,588 shares of restricted stock were granted under the 2007 Plan to eligible participants, 69,057 shares of restricted stock vested, and 196,248 options were exercised under the plans at a weighted average exercise price of $15.54.

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8. DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are summarized in the tables below.

September 30, 2016	Carrying amounts		Estimated fair values
($ in thousands)
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
U.S. treasury	$	8,207	$	8,207
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	237,494		237,494
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	349,912		349,912
Commercial mortgage-backed	41,882		41,882
Residential mortgage-backed	99,509		99,509
Other asset-backed	28,251		28,251
Corporate	471,895		471,895
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,237,150		1,237,150
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stocks:
Financial services	32,419		32,419
Information technology	30,937		30,937
Healthcare	27,519		27,519
Consumer staples	21,066		21,066
Consumer discretionary	24,046		24,046
Energy	18,829		18,829
Industrials	23,694		23,694
Other	21,322		21,322
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	19,450		19,450
Total equity securities available-for-sale	219,282		219,282
Short-term investments	42,611		42,611
Liabilities:
Surplus notes	25,000		12,131

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December 31, 2015	Carrying amounts		Estimated fair values
($ in thousands)
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
U.S. treasury	$	12,589	$	12,589
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	202,666		202,666
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	344,359		344,359
Commercial mortgage-backed	46,108		46,108
Residential mortgage-backed	88,543		88,543
Other asset-backed	17,844		17,844
Corporate	448,916		448,916
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,161,025		1,161,025
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stocks:
Financial services	33,955		33,955
Information technology	28,102		28,102
Healthcare	25,894		25,894
Consumer staples	18,200		18,200
Consumer discretionary	18,923		18,923
Energy	21,068		21,068
Industrials	20,416		20,416
Other	20,683		20,683
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	19,002		19,002
Total equity securities available-for-sale	206,243		206,243
Short-term investments	38,599		38,599
Liabilities:
Surplus notes	25,000		10,823

The estimated fair values of fixed maturity and equity securities is based on quoted market prices, where available.  In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on a variety of valuation techniques depending on the type of security.

Short-term investments generally include money market funds, U.S. Treasury bills and commercial paper.  Short-term investments are carried at fair value, which approximates cost, due to the highly liquid nature of the securities.   Short-term securities are classified as Level 1 fair value measurements when the fair values can be validated by recent trades.  When recent trades are not available, fair value is deemed to be the cost basis and the securities are classified as Level 2 fair value measurements.

The estimated fair value of the surplus notes is derived by discounting future expected cash flows at a rate deemed appropriate.  The discount rate was set at the average of current yields-to-maturity on several insurance company surplus notes that are traded in observable markets, adjusted upward by 50 basis points to reflect illiquidity and perceived risk premium differences. Other assumptions include a 25-year term (the surplus notes have no stated maturity date) and an interest rate that continues at the current 1.35 percent interest rate. The rate is typically adjusted every five years and is based upon the then-current Federal Home Loan Bank borrowing rate for 5-year funds available to Employers Mutual.

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Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  The following fair value hierarchy prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.

Level 1 -	Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access.
Level 2 -	Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets; or valuations based on models where the significant inputs are observable (e.g., interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severities, etc.) or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 -	Prices or valuation techniques that require significant unobservable inputs because observable inputs are not available.  The unobservable inputs may reflect the Company’s own judgments about the assumptions that market participants would use.

The Company uses an independent pricing source to obtain the estimated fair values of a majority of its securities, subject to an internal validation.  The fair values are based on quoted market prices, where available.  This is typically the case for equity securities and money market funds, which are accordingly classified as Level 1 fair value measurements.  In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on a variety of valuation techniques depending on the type of security.  Fixed maturity securities, non-redeemable preferred stocks and various short-term investments in the Company’s portfolio may not trade on a daily basis; however, observable inputs are utilized in their valuations, and these securities are therefore classified as Level 2 fair value measurements.  Following is a brief description of the various pricing techniques used by the independent pricing source for different asset classes.

• U.S. Treasury securities (including bonds, notes, and bills) are priced according to a number of live data sources, including active market makers and inter-dealer brokers.  Prices from these sources are reviewed based on the sources’ historical accuracy for individual issues and maturity ranges.

• U.S. government-sponsored agencies and corporate securities (including fixed-rate corporate bonds and medium-term notes) are priced by determining a bullet (non-call) spread scale for each issuer for maturities going out to forty years.  These spreads represent credit risk and are obtained from the new issue market, secondary trading, and dealer quotes.  An option adjusted spread model is incorporated to adjust spreads of issues that have early redemption features.  The final spread is then added to the U.S. Treasury curve.

• Obligations of states and political subdivisions are priced by tracking and analyzing actively quoted issues and reported trades, material event notices and benchmark yields.  Municipal bonds with similar characteristics are grouped together into market sectors, and internal yield curves are constructed daily for these sectors.  Individual bond evaluations are extrapolated from these sectors, with the ability to make individual spread adjustments for attributes such as discounts, premiums, alternative minimum tax, and/or whether or not the bond is callable.

• Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are first reviewed for the appropriate pricing speed (if prepayable), spread, yield and volatility.  The securities are priced with models using spreads and other information solicited from Wall Street buy- and sell-side sources, including primary and secondary dealers, portfolio managers, and research analysts.  To determine a tranche’s price, first the benchmark yield is determined and adjusted for collateral performance, tranche level attributes and market conditions.  Then the cash flow for each tranche is generated (using consensus prepayment speed assumptions including, as appropriate, a prepayment projection based on historical statistics of the underlying collateral).  The tranche-level yield is used to discount the cash flows and generate the price.  Depending on the characteristics of the tranche, a volatility-driven, multi-dimensional single cash flow stream model or an option-adjusted spread model may be used.  When cash flows or other security structure or market information is not available, broker quotes may be used.

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On a quarterly basis, the Company receives from its independent pricing service a list of fixed maturity securities, if any, that were priced solely from broker quotes.  For these securities, fair value may be determined using the broker quotes, or by the Company using similar pricing techniques as the Company’s independent pricing service.  Depending on the level of observable inputs, these securities would be classified as Level 2 or Level 3 fair value measurements.   At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had no securities priced solely from broker quotes.

A small number of the Company’s securities are not priced by the independent pricing service.  One equity security is reported as a Level 3 fair value measurement at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, since no reliable observable inputs are used in its valuation.  This equity security continues to be reported at the fair value obtained from the Securities Valuation Office (SVO) of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).  The SVO establishes a per share price for this security based on an annual review of that company’s financial statements, typically performed during the second quarter.  The other securities not priced by the Company’s independent pricing service at September 30, 2016 include nine fixed maturity securities (seven at December 31, 2015). Two of these fixed maturity securities, classified as Level 3 fair value measurements, are corporate securities that convey premium tax benefits and are not publicly traded. The fair values for these securities are based on discounted cash flow analyses. The other fixed maturity securities are classified as Level 2 fair value measurements.  The fair values for these fixed maturity securities were obtained from either the SVO, the Company's investment custodian, or the Company's investment department using similar pricing techniques as the Company’s independent pricing service.

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Presented in the tables below are the estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

September 30, 2016			Fair value measurements using
($ in thousands)	Total		Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)		Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)		Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Financial instruments reported at fair value on recurring basis:
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
U.S. treasury	$	8,207	$	—	$	8,207	$	—
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	237,494		—		237,494		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	349,912		—		349,912		—
Commercial mortgage-backed	41,882		—		41,882		—
Residential mortgage-backed	99,509		—		99,509		—
Other asset-backed	28,251		—		28,251		—
Corporate	471,895		—		470,825		1,070
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,237,150		—		1,236,080		1,070
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stocks:
Financial services	32,419		32,416		—		3
Information technology	30,937		30,937		—		—
Healthcare	27,519		27,519		—		—
Consumer staples	21,066		21,066		—		—
Consumer discretionary	24,046		24,046		—		—
Energy	18,829		18,829		—		—
Industrials	23,694		23,694		—		—
Other	21,322		21,322		—		—
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	19,450		11,991		7,459		—
Total equity securities available-for-sale	219,282		211,820		7,459		3
Short-term investments	42,611		42,611		—		—
Financial instruments not reported at fair value:
Liabilities:
Surplus notes	12,131		—		—		12,131

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December 31, 2015			Fair value measurements using
($ in thousands)	Total		Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)		Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)		Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Financial instruments reported at fair value on recurring basis:
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
U.S. treasury	$	12,589	$	—	$	12,589	$	—
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	202,666		—		202,666		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	344,359		—		344,359		—
Commercial mortgage-backed	46,108		—		46,108		—
Residential mortgage-backed	88,543		—		88,543		—
Other asset-backed	17,844		—		17,844		—
Corporate	448,916		—		447,587		1,329
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,161,025		—		1,159,696		1,329
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stocks:
Financial services	33,955		33,952		—		3
Information technology	28,102		28,102		—		—
Healthcare	25,894		25,894		—		—
Consumer staples	18,200		18,200		—		—
Consumer discretionary	18,923		18,923		—		—
Energy	21,068		21,068		—		—
Industrials	20,416		20,416		—		—
Other	20,683		20,683		—		—
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	19,002		11,706		7,296		—
Total equity securities available-for-sale	206,243		198,944		7,296		3
Short-term investments	38,599		38,599		—		—
Financial instruments not reported at fair value:
Liabilities:
Surplus notes	10,823		—		—		10,823

25

Presented in the tables below are a reconciliation of the assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.  Any unrealized gains or losses on these securities are recognized in other comprehensive income.  Any gains or losses from settlements, disposals or impairments of these securities are reported as realized investment gains or losses in net income.

Three months ended September 30, 2016	Fair value measurements using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs
($ in thousands)	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate			Equity securities available-for-sale, financial services		Total
Beginning balance	$	1,191		$	3	$	1,194
Settlements	(117		)	—		(117		)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	(4		)	—		(4		)
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	1,070		$	3	$	1,073
Nine months ended September 30, 2016
Beginning balance	$	1,329		$	3	$	1,332
Settlements	(262		)	—		(262		)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	3			—		3
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	1,070		$	3	$	1,073

Three months ended September 30, 2015	Fair value measurements using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs
($ in thousands)	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate			Equity securities available-for-sale, financial services		Total
Beginning balance	$	1,622		$	3	$	1,625
Settlements	(171		)	—		(171		)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	2			—		2
Balance at September 30, 2015	$	1,453		$	3	$	1,456
Nine months ended September 30, 2015
Beginning balance	$	1,662		$	3	$	1,665
Settlements	(214		)	—		(214		)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	5			—		5
Balance at September 30, 2015	$	1,453		$	3	$	1,456

There were no transfers into or out of Levels 1 or 2 during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 or 2015.  It is the Company’s policy to recognize transfers between levels at the beginning of the reporting period.

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9. INVESTMENTS

Investments of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to the insurance laws of the state of their incorporation. These laws prescribe the kind, quality and concentration of investments that may be made by insurance companies.  In general, these laws permit investments, within specified limits and subject to certain qualifications, in federal, state and municipal obligations, corporate bonds, preferred and common stocks and real estate mortgages.  The Company believes that it is in compliance with these laws.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available-for-sale as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows.  All securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value.

September 30, 2016	Amortized cost		Gross unrealized gains		Gross unrealized losses		Estimated fair values
($ in thousands)
Securities available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. treasury	$	7,835	$	372	$	—	$	8,207
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	236,698		1,408		612		237,494
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	320,330		29,601		19		349,912
Commercial mortgage-backed	40,800		1,208		126		41,882
Residential mortgage-backed	106,044		2,245		8,780		99,509
Other asset-backed	27,239		1,112		100		28,251
Corporate	445,524		26,584		213		471,895
Total fixed maturity securities	1,184,470		62,530		9,850		1,237,150
Equity securities:
Common stocks:
Financial services	24,115		8,748		444		32,419
Information technology	19,482		11,457		2		30,937
Healthcare	16,522		11,040		43		27,519
Consumer staples	14,059		7,066		59		21,066
Consumer discretionary	15,399		8,983		336		24,046
Energy	14,021		5,167		359		18,829
Industrials	13,390		10,375		71		23,694
Other	16,833		4,700		211		21,322
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	18,031		1,501		82		19,450
Total equity securities	151,852		69,037		1,607		219,282
Total securities available-for-sale	$	1,336,322	$	131,567	$	11,457	$	1,456,432

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December 31, 2015	Amortized cost		Gross unrealized gains		Gross unrealized losses		Estimated fair values
($ in thousands)
Securities available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. treasury	$	12,566	$	23	$	—	$	12,589
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	202,486		1,817		1,637		202,666
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	319,940		24,419		—		344,359
Commercial mortgage-backed	44,433		1,692		17		46,108
Residential mortgage-backed	94,279		1,059		6,795		88,543
Other asset-backed	17,000		883		39		17,844
Corporate	439,513		12,992		3,589		448,916
Total fixed maturity securities	1,130,217		42,885		12,077		1,161,025
Equity securities:
Common stocks:
Financial services	24,557		9,731		333		33,955
Information technology	19,427		8,807		132		28,102
Healthcare	15,599		10,359		64		25,894
Consumer staples	11,136		7,090		26		18,200
Consumer discretionary	10,270		8,658		5		18,923
Energy	16,384		5,972		1,288		21,068
Industrials	11,525		8,902		11		20,416
Other	17,246		3,672		235		20,683
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	18,032		1,168		198		19,002
Total equity securities	144,176		64,359		2,292		206,243
Total securities available-for-sale	$	1,274,393	$	107,244	$	14,369	$	1,367,268

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The following tables set forth the estimated fair values and gross unrealized losses associated with investment securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, listed by length of time the securities were in an unrealized loss position.

September 30, 2016	Less than twelve months				Twelve months or longer				Total
($ in thousands)	Fair values		Unrealized losses		Fair values		Unrealized losses		Fair values		Unrealized losses
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	$	56,223	$	612	$	—	$	—	$	56,223	$	612
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	2,836		19		—		—		2,836		19
Commercial mortgage-backed	20,698		126		—		—		20,698		126
Residential mortgage-backed	24,298		1,103		25,791		7,677		50,089		8,780
Other asset-backed	7,526		100		—		—		7,526		100
Corporate	22,582		134		8,646		79		31,228		213
Total fixed maturity securities	134,163		2,094		34,437		7,756		168,600		9,850
Equity securities:
Common stocks:
Financial services	4,802		444		—		—		4,802		444
Information technology	52		2		—		—		52		2
Healthcare	873		43		—		—		873		43
Consumer staples	1,079		59		—		—		1,079		59
Consumer discretionary	3,813		336		—		—		3,813		336
Energy	4,899		359		—		—		4,899		359
Industrials	1,097		71		—		—		1,097		71
Other	2,448		211		—		—		2,448		211
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	—		—		1,918		82		1,918		82
Total equity securities	19,063		1,525		1,918		82		20,981		1,607
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	153,226	$	3,619	$	36,355	$	7,838	$	189,581	$	11,457

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December 31, 2015	Less than twelve months				Twelve months or longer				Total
($ in thousands)	Fair values		Unrealized losses		Fair values		Unrealized losses		Fair values		Unrealized losses
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	$	78,800	$	1,228	$	34,079	$	409	$	112,879	$	1,637
Commercial mortgage-backed	6,807		17		—		—		6,807		17
Residential mortgage-backed	22,028		1,694		22,781		5,101		44,809		6,795
Other asset-backed	6,013		39		—		—		6,013		39
Corporate	101,088		2,683		14,212		906		115,300		3,589
Total fixed maturity securities	214,736		5,661		71,072		6,416		285,808		12,077
Equity securities:
Common stocks:
Financial services	6,387		333		—		—		6,387		333
Information technology	1,316		132		—		—		1,316		132
Healthcare	3,199		64		—		—		3,199		64
Consumer staples	1,244		26		—		—		1,244		26
Consumer discretionary	176		5		—		—		176		5
Energy	8,233		1,272		116		16		8,349		1,288
Industrials	1,263		11		—		—		1,263		11
Other	4,064		235		—		—		4,064		235
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	2,450		53		1,855		145		4,305		198
Total equity securities	28,332		2,131		1,971		161		30,303		2,292
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	243,068	$	7,792	$	73,043	$	6,577	$	316,111	$	14,369

The fair values of fixed maturity securities generally increased during the first nine months of 2016 due to a decline in interest rates. Most of the securities that are in an unrealized loss position are considered investment grade by credit rating agencies. Because management does not intend to sell these securities, does not believe it will be required to sell these securities before recovery, and believes it will collect the amounts due on these securities, it was determined that these securities were not “other-than-temporarily” impaired at September 30, 2016.

The majority of the unrealized losses on common stocks at September 30, 2016 are from the financial services, energy and consumer discretionary sectors, though no individual security accounted for a material amount of unrealized losses.  Because the Company has the ability and intent to hold these securities for a reasonable amount of time to allow for recovery, it was determined that these securities were not “other-than-temporarily” impaired at September 30, 2016.

All of the Company’s preferred stock holdings are perpetual preferred stocks.  The Company evaluates perpetual preferred stocks with unrealized losses for “other-than-temporary” impairment similar to fixed maturity securities since they have debt-like characteristics such as periodic cash flows in the form of dividends and call features, are rated by rating agencies and are priced like other long-term callable fixed maturity securities.  There was no evidence of any credit deterioration in the issuers of the preferred stocks and the Company does not intend to sell these securities before recovery, nor does it believe it will be required to sell these securities before recovery; therefore, it was determined that these securities were not “other-than-temporarily” impaired at September 30, 2016.

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The amortized cost and estimated fair values of fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2016, by contractual maturity, are shown below.  Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations, with or without call or prepayment penalties.

($ in thousands)	Amortized cost		Estimated fair values
Securities available-for-sale:
Due in one year or less	$	33,776	$	34,148
Due after one year through five years	165,885		174,885
Due after five years through ten years	324,442		344,608
Due after ten years	510,334		538,909
Securities not due at a single maturity date	150,033		144,600
Totals	$	1,184,470	$	1,237,150

A summary of realized investment gains and (losses) is as follows:

	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
($ in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Gross realized investment gains	$	261		$	61		$	1,935		$	642
Gross realized investment losses	(218		)	—			(517		)	—
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Gross realized investment gains	1,001			3,345			5,849			11,681
Gross realized investment losses	(50		)	(2,525		)	(1,683		)	(3,278		)
"Other-than-temporary" impairments	(275		)	(628		)	(976		)	(1,293		)
Other long-term investments, net	(1,911		)	7,245			(5,251		)	3,803
Totals	$	(1,192	)	$	7,498		$	(643	)	$	11,555

Gains and losses realized on the disposition of investments are included in net income.  The cost of investments sold is determined on the specific identification method using the highest cost basis first.  The Company did not have any outstanding cumulative credit losses on fixed maturity securities that have been recognized in earnings from “other-than-temporary” impairments during any of the reported periods. The amounts reported as “other-than-temporary” impairments on equity securities do not include any individually significant items. The net realized investment losses recognized on other long-term investments during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 represent changes in the carrying value of a limited partnership that is used solely to support an equity tail-risk hedging strategy.

10. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

The Company and Employers Mutual and its other subsidiaries are parties to numerous lawsuits arising in the normal course of the insurance business.  The Company believes that the resolution of these lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or its results of operations.  The companies involved have established reserves which are believed adequate to cover any potential liabilities arising out of all such pending or threatened proceedings.

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The participants in the pooling agreement have purchased annuities from life insurance companies, under which the claimant is payee, to fund future payments that are fixed pursuant to specific claim settlement provisions.  The Company’s share of case loss reserves eliminated by the purchase of those annuities was $110,000 at December 31, 2015.  The Company had a contingent liability for the aggregate guaranteed amount of the annuities of $183,000 at December 31, 2015 should the issuers of those annuities fail to perform.  Although management is not able to verify the amount, the Company would likely have a similar contingent liability at September 30, 2016.  The probability of a material loss due to failure of performance by the issuers of these annuities is considered remote.

11. STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

On November 3, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $15.0 million stock repurchase program.  This program does not have an expiration date.  The timing and terms of the purchases are determined by management based on board approved parameters and market conditions, and are conducted in accordance with the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Common stock repurchased under this program will be retired by the Company.  The Company repurchased 17,300 shares of its common stock at an average cost of $22.14 during the first nine months of 2016. No other purchases have been made under this program.

12. ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The Company has available-for-sale securities and receives an allocation of the actuarial losses and net prior service credits associated with Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans, both of which generate accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) amounts.  The following table reconciles, by component, the beginning and ending balances of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax.

	Accumulated other comprehensive income by component
($ in thousands)	Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for- sale securities			Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations			Total
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	60,369		$	(1,936	)	$	58,433
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	20,698			—			20,698
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(2,995		)	(607		)	(3,602		)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	17,703			(607		)	17,096
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	78,072		$	(2,543	)	$	75,529

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The following tables display amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and into net income during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

($ in thousands)	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
Accumulated other comprehensive income components	Three months ended   September 30, 2016			Nine months ended   September 30, 2016			Affected line item in the consolidated statements of income
Unrealized gains on investments:
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income	$	718		$	4,608		Net realized investment gains
Deferred income tax expense	(252		)	(1,613		)	Income tax expense, current
Net reclassification adjustment	466			2,995
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations:
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income:
Net actuarial loss	(1,112		)	(1,956		)	(1)
Prior service credit	1,291			2,890			(1)
Total before tax	179			934
Deferred income tax expense	(62		)	(327		)	Income tax expense, current
Net reclassification adjustment	117			607
Total reclassification adjustment	$	583		$	3,602

(1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income (see Note 6, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details).

33

($ in thousands)	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
Accumulated other comprehensive income components	Three months ended September 30, 2015			Nine months ended September 30, 2015			Affected line item in the consolidated statements of income
Unrealized gains on investments:
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income	$	253		$	7,752		Net realized investment gains
Deferred income tax expense	(89		)	(2,713		)	Income tax expense, current
Net reclassification adjustment	164			5,039
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations:
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income:
Net actuarial loss	(345		)	(996		)	(1)
Prior service credit	827			2,480			(1)
Total before tax	482			1,484
Deferred income tax expense	(169		)	(520		)	Income tax expense, current
Net reclassification adjustment	313			964
Total reclassification adjustment	$	477		$	6,003

(1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income (see Note 6, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details).

13. NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED

In May 2014, the FASB updated its guidance related to the Revenue from Contracts with Customers Topic 606 of the ASC.  The objective of this update (and other related following updates) is to improve the reporting of revenue by providing a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, and improved disclosure requirements. Current revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP is comprised of broad revenue recognition concepts together with numerous revenue requirements for particular industries or transactions, which sometimes result in different accounting for economically similar transactions. This guidance is to be applied retrospectively to annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted as of the original effective date (annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016).  The Company will adopt this guidance during the first quarter of 2018. Since premium revenue from insurance contracts is excluded from the scope of this updated guidance, adoption is expected to have little or no impact on the consolidated financial condition or operating results of the Company. The Company's largest non-premium revenue items are service charges related to the billing of the pool participants' direct written premiums to policyholders, and commission income on excess and surplus lines business marketed by EMC Underwriters, LLC, both of which are included in "Other income" in the consolidated statements of income.

34

In May 2015, the FASB updated its guidance related to the Financial Services-Insurance Topic 944 of the ASC.  The objective of this update is to add disclosures which provide transparency of significant estimates made in measuring the liability for losses and settlement expenses, thus providing more insight into an insurance entity's ability to underwrite and anticipate costs associated with claims. The new disclosures primarily include incurred and paid claims development tables prepared net of reinsurance (not to exceed ten years), and a reconciliation of the carrying amount of the liability for losses and settlement expenses. Also included (for each accident year of incurred claims development disclosed), is disclosure of incurred but not reported (IBNR) loss reserves, claim frequency information, and the average annual percentage payout of incurred claims by age. This guidance is to be applied retrospectively to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and certain disclosures to interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  The Company will adopt this guidance during the fourth quarter of 2016. Since the guidance only affects disclosure, adoption will have no impact on the consolidated financial condition or operating results of the Company.

In January 2016, the FASB updated its guidance related to the Financial Instruments-Overall Subtopic 825-10 of the ASC.  The objective of this update is to enhance the reporting model for financial instruments to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information. The major change in reporting from this update that will impact the Company is a requirement that equity investments (excluding those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that are consolidated) be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. While all of the Company's equity investments are already measured at fair value (with the exception of those that are consolidated and those that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting), the Company currently classifies all of its investments in equity securities as available-for-sale, and as such, the changes in fair value are currently recognized in other comprehensive income rather than net income. This guidance is to be applied to annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with recognition of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption.  Early adoption is not permitted. The Company will adopt this guidance during the first quarter of 2018. Adoption is not expected to impact consolidated stockholders' equity, but is expected to introduce a material amount of volatility to the Company's consolidated net income.

In February 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance in Leases Topic 842 of the ASC, which supersedes the guidance in Leases Topic 840 of the ASC. The objective of this update is to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet, and disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and is to be applied using a modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt this guidance during the first quarter of 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial condition and operating results.

In June 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance in Financial Instruments-Credit Losses Topic 326 of the ASC. The objective of this update is to provide information about expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit. Specifically, this updated guidance replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology, that delays recognition of a loss until it is probable a loss has been incurred, with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses considering a broader range of reasonable and supportable information. This guidance covers financial assets that are not accounted for at fair value through net income, thus will not be applicable to the Company's equity investments upon implementation of the updated guidance described above for the Financial Instruments-Overall Subtopic 825-10. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and is to be applied with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective (modified-retrospective approach). Early adoption is permitted, but only to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company will adopt this guidance during the first quarter of 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial condition and operating results.

35

EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIALCONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

The term “Company” is used below interchangeably to describe EMC Insurance Group Inc. (Parent Company only) and EMC Insurance Group Inc. and its subsidiaries.  The following discussion and analysis of the Company’s financial condition and results of operations should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements included under Item 1 of this Form 10-Q, and the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of the Company’s 2015 Form 10-K.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

The Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 provides issuers the opportunity to make cautionary statements regarding forward-looking statements.  Accordingly, any forward-looking statement contained in this report is based on management’s current beliefs, assumptions and expectations of the Company’s future performance, taking all information currently available into account.  These beliefs, assumptions and expectations can change as the result of many possible events or factors, not all of which are known to management.  If a change occurs, the Company’s business, financial condition, liquidity, results of operations, plans and objectives may vary materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements.  The risks and uncertainties that may affect the actual results of the Company include, but are not limited to, the following:

• catastrophic events and the occurrence of significant severe weather conditions;

• the adequacy of loss and settlement expense reserves;

• state and federal legislation and regulations;

• changes in the property and casualty insurance industry, interest rates or the performance of financial markets and the general economy;

• rating agency actions;

• “other-than-temporary” investment impairment losses; and

• other risks and uncertainties inherent to the Company’s business, including those discussed under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Management intends to identify forward-looking statements when using the words “believe”, “expect”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “project” or similar expressions.  Undue reliance should not be placed on these forward-looking statements. The Company disclaims any obligation to update such statements or to announce publicly the results of any revisions that it may make to any forward-looking statements to reflect the occurrence of anticipated or unanticipated events or circumstances after the date of such statements.

COMPANY OVERVIEW

The Company, a majority owned subsidiary of Employers Mutual Casualty Company (Employers Mutual), is an insurance holding company with operations in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance.

Property and casualty insurance operations are conducted through three subsidiaries and represent the most significant segment of the Company’s business, totaling 77 percent of consolidated premiums earned during the first nine months of 2016.  The property and casualty insurance operations are integrated with the property and casualty insurance operations of Employers Mutual through participation in a reinsurance pooling agreement.  Because the Company conducts its property and casualty insurance operations together with Employers Mutual through the reinsurance pooling agreement, the Company shares the same business philosophy, management, employees and facilities as Employers Mutual and offers the same types of insurance products.

36

Reinsurance operations are conducted through EMC Reinsurance Company and accounted for 23 percent of consolidated premiums earned during the first nine months of 2016.  The principal business activity of EMC Reinsurance Company is to assume, through a quota share reinsurance agreement, 100 percent of Employers Mutual’s assumed reinsurance business, subject to certain exceptions.

The Inter-Company Committees of the boards of directors of the Company and Employers Mutual approved a change in the inter-company reinsurance program between the Company's reinsurance subsidiary and Employers Mutual for calendar year 2016, and also approved a new inter-company reinsurance program between the Company's three insurance subsidiaries in the property and casualty insurance segment and Employers Mutual for calendar year 2016. These reinsurance programs are intended to reduce the volatility of the Company's quarterly results caused by excessive catastrophe and storms losses, and will provide protection from both the frequency and severity of such losses. For detailed information regarding the inter-company reinsurance programs, see note 2 of Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements under Part I, Item 1 of this Form 10-Q.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND ESTIMATES

The accounting policies and estimates considered by management to be critically important in the preparation and understanding of the Company’s financial statements and related disclosures are presented in the Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations section of the Company’s 2015 Form 10-K.

During the third quarter of 2016, management implemented a new reserving methodology for the determination of direct bulk reserves in the property and casualty insurance segment. The new methodology, which is referred to as the accident year ultimate estimate approach, better conforms to industry practices and will provide increased transparency of the drivers of the property and casualty insurance segment's performance. Although the reserves carried at September 30, 2016 were calculated under the new reserving methodology, the explicit drivers of development on prior years' reserves for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 cannot be identified because the reserves carried at December 31, 2015 were calculated under the prior reserving methodology, and the implicit accident year ultimate assumptions underlying that methodology are not known. The explicit drivers of development on prior years' reserves will be identifiable beginning in the first quarter of 2017.

The implementation of the new reserving methodology did not have a material impact on total carried reserves for the property and casualty insurance segment at September 30, 2016; however, approximately $5.6 million of incurred but not reported (IBNR) loss reserves and settlement expense reserves were reallocated from prior accident years to the current accident year in multiple lines of business. This reduction in prior accident years' reserves is reported as favorable development; however, this development is "mechanical" in nature, and did not have any impact on earnings because the total amount of carried reserves did not change as a result of this reallocation.

37

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Results of operations by segment and on a consolidated basis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 are as follows:

	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
($ in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Property and casualty insurance
Premiums earned	$	116,372		$	113,753		$	338,589		$	333,212
Losses and settlement expenses	81,643			75,976			225,207			215,468
Acquisition and other expenses	39,840			37,878			119,260			110,279
Underwriting profit (loss)	$	(5,111	)	$	(101	)	$	(5,878	)	$	7,465
GAAP ratios:
Loss and settlement expense ratio	70.2		%	66.8		%	66.5		%	64.7		%
Acquisition expense ratio	34.2		%	33.3		%	35.2		%	33.1		%
Combined ratio	104.4		%	100.1		%	101.7		%	97.8		%
Losses and settlement expenses:
Insured events of current year	$	94,085		$	80,698		$	247,436		$	229,645
Decrease in provision for insured events of prior years	(12,442		)	(4,722		)	(22,229		)	(14,177		)
Total losses and settlement expenses	$	81,643		$	75,976		$	225,207		$	215,468
Catastrophe and storm losses	$	14,787		$	9,920		$	34,787		$	28,651
Large losses1	N/A			$	10,304		N/A			$	21,453

¹ Large losses are defined as reported current accident year losses greater than $500 for the EMC Insurance Companies' pool, excluding catastrophe and storm losses. Under the property and casualty insurance segment's prior reserving methodology, large losses had a direct impact on earnings. Under the new reserving methodology, large losses are taken into consideration when establishing the current accident quarter/year ultimate estimates of losses, but there is no longer a direct relationship between large losses and earnings. As a result, it is no longer meaningful to report large losses separately. The amount of large losses previously reported for the first six months of 2016 has not been carried forward and disclosed for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, because it would not be comparable to the amount reported for the first nine months of 2015.

The following table presents the reported amounts of favorable development experienced on prior years’ reserves and the portion of the reported development amounts that resulted from the reallocation of direct bulk reserves from prior accident years to the current accident year in connection with the change in reserving methodology that was implemented in the property and casualty insurance segment during the third quarter of 2016 (no impact on earnings).  The result is an approximation of the implied amount of favorable development that had an impact on earnings.

	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
($ in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Reported amount of favorable development experienced on prior years' reserves	$	(12,442	)	$	(4,722	)	$	(22,229	)	$	(14,177	)
Adjustment for favorable development included in the reported development amount that had no impact on earnings	5,592			—			5,592			—
Approximation of the implied amount of favorable development that had an impact on earnings	$	(6,850	)	$	(4,722	)	$	(16,637	)	$	(14,177	)

38

	Three months ended September 30,
	2016						2015
($ in thousands)	Premiums earned		Losses and settlement expenses		Loss and settlement expense ratio		Premiums earned		Losses and settlement expenses		Loss and settlement expense ratio
Property and casualty insurance
Commercial lines:
Automobile	$	28,113	$	26,274	93.5	%	$	27,080	$	24,555	90.7	%
Property	27,471		17,227		62.7	%	26,526		19,290		72.7	%
Workers' compensation	24,536		13,510		55.1	%	23,777		12,098		50.9	%
Liability	24,277		14,179		58.4	%	23,449		10,726		45.7	%
Other	2,102		705		33.6	%	2,032		348		17.1	%
Total commercial lines	106,499		71,895		67.5	%	102,864		67,017		65.2	%
Personal lines	9,873		9,748		98.7	%	10,889		8,959		82.3	%
Total property and casualty insurance	$	116,372	$	81,643	70.2	%	$	113,753	$	75,976	66.8	%

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2016						2015
($ in thousands)	Premiums earned		Losses and settlement expenses		Loss and settlement expense ratio		Premiums earned		Losses and settlement expenses		Loss and settlement expense ratio
Property and casualty insurance
Commercial lines:
Automobile	$	82,449	$	69,763	84.6	%	$	78,698	$	61,843	78.6	%
Property	77,292		52,687		68.2	%	77,518		53,652		69.2	%
Workers' compensation	71,272		39,680		55.7	%	69,150		39,591		57.3	%
Liability	72,086		38,045		52.8	%	68,952		34,668		50.3	%
Other	6,246		648		10.4	%	6,044		794		13.1	%
Total commercial lines	309,345		200,823		64.9	%	300,362		190,548		63.4	%
Personal lines	29,244		24,384		83.4	%	32,850		24,920		75.9	%
Total property and casualty insurance	$	338,589	$	225,207	66.5	%	$	333,212	$	215,468	64.7	%

39

	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
($ in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Reinsurance
Premiums earned	$	35,809		$	32,035		$	102,775		$	95,912
Losses and settlement expenses	26,530			26,709			70,895			65,135
Acquisition and other expenses	8,555			7,861			24,906			25,387
Underwriting profit (loss)	$	724		$	(2,535	)	$	6,974		$	5,390
GAAP ratios:
Loss and settlement expense ratio	74.1		%	83.4		%	69.0		%	67.9		%
Acquisition expense ratio	23.9		%	24.5		%	24.2		%	26.5		%
Combined ratio	98.0		%	107.9		%	93.2		%	94.4		%
Losses and settlement expenses:
Insured events of current year	$	27,326		$	24,214		$	77,775		$	70,915
(Decrease) increase in provision for insured events of prior years	(796		)	2,495			(6,880		)	(5,780		)
Total losses and settlement expenses	$	26,530		$	26,709		$	70,895		$	65,135
Catastrophe and storm losses	$	2,266		$	7,844		$	10,747		$	12,104

The following table presents the reported amounts of (favorable) adverse development experienced on prior years’ reserves and the portion of the reported development amounts that resulted from the reallocation of reserves on a two-year contract from the current accident year to the prior accident year in the reinsurance segment during the third quarter of 2015 (no impact on earnings).  The result is an approximation of the implied amount of (favorable) adverse development that had an impact on earnings.

	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
($ in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Reported amount of (favorable) adverse development experienced on prior years' reserves	$	(796	)	$	2,495		$	(6,880	)	$	(5,780	)
Adjustment for adverse development included in the reported development amount that had no impact on earnings	—			(2,361		)	—			(2,361		)
Approximation of the implied amount of (favorable) adverse development that had an impact on earnings	$	(796	)	$	134		$	(6,880	)	$	(8,141	)

40

	Three months ended September 30,
	2016						2015
($ in thousands)	Premiums earned		Losses and settlement expenses		Loss and settlement expense ratio		Premiums earned		Losses and settlement expenses		Loss and settlement expense ratio
Reinsurance
Pro rata reinsurance	$	15,066	$	10,235	67.9	%	$	13,037	$	9,667	74.2	%
Excess of loss reinsurance	20,743		16,295		78.6	%	18,998		17,042		89.7	%
Total reinsurance	$	35,809	$	26,530	74.1	%	$	32,035	$	26,709	83.4	%

	Nine months ended September 30,
	2016						2015
($ in thousands)	Premiums earned		Losses and settlement expenses		Loss and settlement expense ratio		Premiums earned		Losses and settlement expenses		Loss and settlement expense ratio
Reinsurance
Pro rata reinsurance	$	44,175	$	26,367	59.7	%	$	40,154	$	23,468	58.4	%
Excess of loss reinsurance	58,600		44,528		76.0	%	55,758		41,667		74.7	%
Total reinsurance	$	102,775	$	70,895	69.0	%	$	95,912	$	65,135	67.9	%

41

	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
($ in thousands, except per share amounts)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Consolidated
REVENUES
Premiums earned	$	152,181		$	145,788		$	441,364		$	429,124
Net investment income	11,474			11,299			35,883			33,946
Realized investment gains (losses)	(1,192		)	7,498			(643		)	11,555
Other income (loss)	(85		)	519			(19		)	1,622
	162,378			165,104			476,585			476,247
LOSSES AND EXPENSES
Losses and settlement expenses	108,173			102,685			296,102			280,603
Acquisition and other expenses	48,395			45,739			144,166			135,666
Interest expense	84			84			253			253
Other expense	679			675			2,053			1,992
	157,331			149,183			442,574			418,514
Income before income tax expense	5,047			15,921			34,011			57,733
Income tax expense	918			4,732			9,100			17,466
Net income	$	4,129		$	11,189		$	24,911		$	40,267
Net income per share	$	0.20		$	0.54		$	1.19		$	1.96
GAAP ratios:
Loss and settlement expense ratio	71.1		%	70.4		%	67.1		%	65.4		%
Acquisition expense ratio	31.8		%	31.4		%	32.7		%	31.6		%
Combined ratio	102.9		%	101.8		%	99.8		%	97.0		%
Losses and settlement expenses:
Insured events of current year	$	121,411		$	104,912		$	325,211		$	300,560
Decrease in provision for insured events of prior years	(13,238		)	(2,227		)	(29,109		)	(19,957		)
Total losses and settlement expenses	$	108,173		$	102,685		$	296,102		$	280,603
Catastrophe and storm losses	$	17,053		$	17,764		$	45,534		$	40,755
Large losses1	N/A			$	10,304		N/A			$	21,453

¹ Large losses are defined as reported current accident year losses greater than $500 for the EMC Insurance Companies' pool, excluding catastrophe losses. Under the property and casualty insurance segment's prior reserving methodology, large losses had a direct impact on earnings. Under the new reserving methodology, large losses are taken into consideration when establishing the current accident quarter/year ultimate estimates of losses, but there is no longer a direct relationship between large losses and earnings. As a result, it is no longer meaningful to report large losses separately. The amount of large losses previously reported for the first six months of 2016 has not been carried forward and disclosed for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, because it would not be comparable to the amount reported for the first nine months of 2015.

42

The following table presents the reported amounts of favorable development experienced on prior years’ reserves and the portion of the reported development amounts that resulted from 1) the reallocation of direct bulk reserves from prior accident years to the current accident year in connection with the change in reserving methodology that was implemented in the property and casualty insurance segment during the third quarter of 2016 (no impact on earnings), and 2) the reallocation of reserves on a two-year contract from the current accident year to the prior accident year in the reinsurance segment during the third quarter of 2015 (no impact on earnings).  The result is an approximation of the implied amount of favorable development that had an impact on earnings.

	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
($ in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Reported amount of favorable development experienced on prior years' reserves	$	(13,238	)	$	(2,227	)	$	(29,109	)	$	(19,957	)
Adjustment for favorable (adverse) development included in the reported development amount that had no impact on earnings	5,592			(2,361		)	5,592			(2,361		)
Approximation of the implied amount of favorable development that had an impact on earnings	$	(7,646	)	$	(4,588	)	$	(23,517	)	$	(22,318	)

The Company reported net income of $4.1 million ($0.20 per share) during the three months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $11.2 million ($0.54 per share) during the same period in 2015.  For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, net income totaled $24.9 million ($1.19 per share) compared to $40.3 million ($1.96 per share) during the same period in 2015. The decreases in net income are primarily attributed to a significant decline in realized investment gains (realized investment losses were reported for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to realized investment gains for the same periods in 2015), and a decline in underwriting profitability. The decline in realized investment gains was primarily driven by the Company's equity tail-risk hedging strategy, which generated a large amount of realized investment gains in August of 2015 when the equity markets declined sharply, but has otherwise generated realized investment losses. The decline in underwriting profitability is attributed to the property and casualty insurance segment, which was primarily driven by an increase in catastrophe and storm losses, but also reflects poor underwriting results in the personal lines of business and commercial auto line of business, and an increase in policyholder dividend expense. On a consolidated basis, underwriting results remained profitable through the first nine months of the year, as the reinsurance segment's underwriting profit more than offset an underwriting loss in the property and casualty insurance segment.

Premium income

Premiums earned increased 4.4 percent and 2.9 percent to $152.2 million and $441.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $145.8 million and $429.1 million for the same periods in 2015.  Both segments reported small increases in premium income for these periods, despite increasingly competitive market conditions. Rate levels for both segments continue to be constrained by increased competition, especially for quality accounts with good loss experience. Average rate level increases are just slightly positive in the property and casualty insurance segment during the first nine months of 2016, and are expected to remain at that level during the remainder of the year. The January 1, 2016 renewal season, when approximately 70 percent of the reinsurance segment's business renews, saw continued pricing pressure, though the deterioration in pricing slowed considerably from that experienced in 2015.

43

Premiums earned for the property and casualty insurance segment increased 2.3 percent and 1.6 percent to $116.4 million and $338.6 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $113.8 million and $333.2 million for the same periods in 2015.  The increases reported in 2016 reflect $765,000 and $7.1 million, respectively, of premiums ceded to Employers Mutual for the cost of the new inter-company reinsurance program. Excluding these amounts, premiums earned increased 3.7 percent and 3.0 percent for the three and nine month periods, reflecting growth in insured exposures, an increase in new business, and small rate level increases on renewal business. New business premium (representing 14 percent of the pool participants’ direct written premiums at September 30, 2016) is approximately 13 percent higher than the same period in 2015. Commercial lines accounted for most of the increase in new business premium; however, personal lines also reported an increase after several years of declining premium. Commercial lines new business continues to be in the desired range of growth, and was strongest outside of the core Midwest market, which helps diversify the pool participants' book of business geographically, while staying consistent with the industry and line of business mix of the existing book of business. Renewal business premium increased approximately two percent during the first nine months of 2016. Excluding the workers' compensation line of business, renewal rates across both commercial and personal lines of business increased approximately one percent during the first nine months of 2016. Factoring in the continued implementation of some mandatory rate reductions on workers' compensation business in a few states, the overall renewal rate increase is still positive, but is less than one percent. Management continues to focus on the implementation of its new personal lines strategy, and is encouraged by the increase in new business premium. During the first nine months of 2016, the overall policy retention rate remained strong at 86.7 percent (commercial lines at 86.9 percent and personal lines at 84.5 percent). These retention rates approximate those at the end of 2015.

Premiums earned for the reinsurance segment increased 11.8 percent and 7.2 percent to $35.8 million and $102.8 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $32.0 million and $95.9 million for the same periods in 2015. These increases reflect reductions in the total cost of the revised excess of loss reinsurance program with Employers Mutual totaling $246,000 for the three months and $2.4 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016. In 2016, the total cost of the reinsurance program includes the premium paid to Employers Mutual, as well as the cost of Industry Loss Warranties (ILWs) that have been purchased from external parties to provide increased protection in peak exposure territories. During 2015, the premium paid to Employers Mutual (8 percent of total assumed reinsurance premiums written) included the cost of ILWs purchased by Employers Mutual for its benefit. The reinsurance subsidiary has purchased $5.1 million of ILWs during the first nine months of 2016, with $1.2 million and $2.2 million of ceded earned premium recognized on the ILWs during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. Excluding the reduction in the cost of the revised excess of loss reinsurance program with Employers Mutual, premiums earned were up 11.0 percent and 4.7 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. These increases were driven by new accounts and growth in the pro rata line of business, partially offset by a decline in the marine business attributed to the offshore energy and liability proportional account. During 2015, the ceded premium associated with the excess of loss reinsurance program was allocated to all lines of business (both pro rata and excess of loss) because it was a quota share arrangement whereby the premium was based on total assumed reinsurance premiums written. Beginning in 2016, the ceded premium for the revised excess of loss reinsurance program is being allocated to only the excess of loss business.

Losses and settlement expenses

Losses and settlement expenses increased 5.3 percent and 5.5 percent to $108.2 million and $296.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $102.7 million and $280.6 million for the same periods in 2015.  The loss and settlement expense ratios increased to 71.1 percent and 67.1 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 from 70.4 percent and 65.4 percent for the same periods in 2015.  The loss and settlement expense ratios increased for both segments during the nine months ended September 30, 2016. The increase in the property and casualty insurance segment's ratio is attributed to an increase in catastrophe and storm losses, while the reinsurance segment's increase is largely due to a low amount of reported large losses in 2015. The actuarial analysis of the Company’s carried reserves as of September 30, 2016 indicated that the level of reserve adequacy was consistent with other recent evaluations. From management’s perspective, this measure is more relevant to an understanding of the Company’s results of operations than the composition of the underwriting results between the current and prior accident years.

44

The loss and settlement expense ratios for the property and casualty insurance segment increased to 70.2 percent and 66.5 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 from 66.8 percent and 64.7 percent for the same periods in 2015.  These increases are primarily attributed to higher catastrophe and storm losses. Catastrophe and storm losses accounted for 12.7 and 10.3 percentage points of the loss and settlement expense ratios for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively, compared to 8.7 and 8.6 percentage points for the same periods in 2015. The most recent 10-year averages for these periods are 13.6 and 12.7 percentage points, respectively. The property and casualty insurance segment recovered $3.5 million and $5.1 million of catastrophe and storm losses under the January 1 through June 30 excess of loss reinsurance treaty with Employers Mutual during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. No recoveries were made under the July 1 through December 31 treaty; however, only $213,000 of the retention remains under that treaty, meaning that catastrophe and storms losses will be capped at $213,000 in the fourth quarter, unless the $12.0 million limit of protection is exceeded. Taking the loss recoveries received and the premiums paid to Employers Mutual into consideration, the new reinsurance program with Employers Mutual reduced the catastrophe and storm loss ratios for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 by 2.4 and 0.1 percentage points, respectively. The personal lines of business and the commercial auto line of business continued to generate unfavorable results during the third quarter, posting loss and settlement expense ratios of 98.7 percent and 93.5 percent, respectively. The personal lines' ultimate loss estimate reflects an increase in loss severity for the current accident quarter, and the commercial auto line's ultimate loss estimate reflects an increase in both loss frequency and severity for the current accident quarter. As previously noted, management continues to focus on the implementation of its new personal lines strategy, and has invested a significant amount of time and resources toward improving the performance of the commercial auto line of business in 2016, including more aggressive underwriting and pricing, proper classification of risks and a review of the class of business restrictions; however, these efforts have not yet had a significant impact on performance. Industry projections forecast continued deterioration in this line of business, and management forecasts similar deterioration in the Company's commercial auto business if no additional steps are taken to improve profitability. Recognizing the importance of this issue, management has implemented a more intensive, multi-year project with a goal of returning this line of business to profitability within the next three years. Favorable development on prior years' reserves increased substantially for the three months ended September 30, 2016. As previously noted, approximately $5.6 million of the increase in favorable development is "mechanical" in nature and did not have an impact on earnings because it resulted from the movement of direct bulk reserves from prior accident years into the current accident year in connection with the change in reserving methodology. Under the previous reserving methodology employed through the second quarter of 2016, development amounts could vary significantly from quarter to quarter and year to year depending on a number of factors, including the number of claims settled and the settlement terms. With the conversion to the new reserving methodology as of the end of the third quarter, development on prior accident years' reserves is determined solely by changes in the prior accident years' ultimate loss and settlement expense ratios. During the transition to the new reserving methodology, changes in the assumptions underlying the ultimate ratios previously established for accident years 2015 and prior are difficult to quantify as the implied ultimate ratios under the previous methodology were based on implicit, rather than explicit, actuarial assumptions. Therefore, comparison of 2016 third quarter and year-to-date development amounts to the 2015 development amounts provides little meaningful information, as the prior accident year reserve allocation method lacked explicit frequency and severity assumptions. The explicit drivers of development on prior years' reserves will be identifiable beginning in the first quarter of 2017.

The loss and settlement expense ratio for the reinsurance segment decreased to 74.1 percent for the three months ended September 30, 2016 from 83.4 percent for the same period in 2015. For the nine months ended September 30, 2016, the loss and settlement expense ratio increased to 69.0 percent from 67.9 percent for the same period in 2015. The decrease for the three months ended September 30, 2016 is attributed to a decline in catastrophe and storm losses. Catastrophe and storm losses for the third quarter of 2015 included an estimated loss of $4.5 million ($4.1 million net of reinsurance recovery under the excess of loss reinsurance protection provided by Employers Mutual) from the Tianjin, China explosion. Catastrophe and storm losses were also lower for the nine months ended September 30, 2016, but to a lesser extent, due to a $3.5 million loss stemming from the Alberta, Canada wildfire that occurred during the second quarter. No recoveries have been made under the revised excess of loss reinsurance program with Employers Mutual during the first nine months of 2016. The decline in the total cost of the revised excess of loss reinsurance program with Employers Mutual produced decreases of 1.2 and 1.8 percentage points, respectively, in the loss and settlement expense ratios for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. These reductions are reflected in the catastrophe and storm loss ratios, which declined to 6.3 and 10.5 percentage points for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, from 24.5 and 12.6 percentage points for the same periods in 2015. The most recent 10-year averages for catastrophe and storm losses for the three and nine month periods ending September 30, are 17.1 and 14.1 percentage points, respectively. The increase in the loss and settlement expense ratio for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 is attributed to an increase in reported large losses (losses greater than $100,000). The development amounts reported for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2015 included $2.4 million of adverse development that resulted from a reallocation of reserves on a two-year contract from the current accident year to the prior accident year, and therefore did not have an impact on earnings.

45

Acquisition and other expenses

Acquisition and other expenses increased 5.8 percent and 6.3 percent to $48.4 million and $144.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $45.7 million and $135.7 million for the same periods in 2015.  The acquisition expense ratios increased to 31.8 percent and 32.7 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 from 31.4 percent and 31.6 percent for the same periods in 2015.  These increases are primarily attributed to an increase in policyholder dividend expense resulting from favorable loss experience on some safety dividend groups in the property and casualty insurance segment.

The acquisition expense ratios for the property and casualty insurance segment increased to 34.2 percent and 35.2 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 from 33.3 percent and 33.1 percent for the same periods in 2015. These increases are largely attributed to higher policyholder dividend expense resulting from favorable loss experience on some safety dividend groups. The 2016 ratios also reflect the premiums ceded to Employers Mutual under the new aggregate catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance program, which added 0.2 and 0.7 percentage points, respectively, to the ratios.

The acquisition expense ratios for the reinsurance segment decreased to 23.9 percent and 24.2 percent for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 from 24.5 percent and 26.5 percent for the same periods in 2015. The larger decrease for the nine month period is primarily attributed to a $1.1 million commission adjustment reported by a ceding company during the first quarter of 2015 that related to prior periods. The 2016 ratios reflect the reduction in the total cost of the revised catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance program with Employers Mutual, which reduced the acquisition expense ratios by 1.0 and 0.1 percentage points, respectively, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016. An increase in contingent commission expense during the third quarter partially offset the decline in the acquisition expense ratio for the three months ended September 30, 2016.

Investment results

Net investment income increased 1.5 percent and 5.7 percent to $11.5 million and $35.9 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $11.3 million and $33.9 million for the same periods in 2015. These increases are primarily attributed to higher amounts of dividend income in 2016, but also reflect an increase in interest income resulting from a higher average invested balance in fixed maturity securities. Current interest rate levels remain below the average book yield of the fixed maturity portfolio, and will therefore likely continue to limit future growth in net investment income. The average coupon rate on the fixed maturity portfolio, excluding interest-only securities, has declined slightly over the past year, coming in at 3.7 percent at September 30, 2016 compared to 3.9 percent at both December 31, 2015 and September 30, 2015.  The effective duration of the fixed maturity portfolio, excluding interest-only securities, increased slightly to 4.7 at September 30, 2016 from 4.6 at December 31, 2015. The Company’s equity portfolio produced dividend income of $1.6 million and $5.4 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to $1.3 million and $4.0 million during the same periods in 2015.

The Company had net realized investment losses of $1.2 million and $643,000 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 compared to net realized investment gains of $7.5 million and $11.6 million during the same periods in 2015. The reported amounts include losses of $1.9 million and $5.3 million generated during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 from declines in the carrying value of a limited partnership that the Company invests in to help protect it from a sudden and significant decline in the value of its equity portfolio (an equity tail-risk hedging strategy). Due to the sharp decline of the equity markets in August of 2015, this limited partnership produced gains of $7.2 million and $3.8 million during the same respective periods in 2015. The Company recognized "other-than-temporary" impairment losses of $275,000 and $976,000 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $628,000 and $1.3 million during the same periods in 2015. These impairment losses were recognized on securities held in the Company's equity portfolio.

Other income

Included in other income are foreign currency exchange gains and losses recognized on the reinsurance segment’s foreign currency denominated reinsurance business.  The reinsurance segment had foreign currency exchange losses of $317,000 and $545,000 during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to gains of $254,000 and $984,000 during the same periods in 2015.

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Income tax

Income tax expense decreased to $918,000 and $9.1 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 from $4.7 million and $17.5 million for the same periods in 2015. The effective tax rates for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 were 18.2 percent and 26.8 percent, compared to 29.7 percent and 30.3 percent for the same periods in 2015. The primary contributors to the differences between these effective tax rates and the United States federal corporate tax rate of 35 percent are tax-exempt interest income earned and the dividends received deduction.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

Liquidity

Liquidity is a measure of a company’s ability to generate sufficient cash flows to meet cash obligations.  The Company had positive cash flows from operations of $75.1 million and $83.0 million during the first nine months of 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company typically generates substantial positive cash flows from operations because cash from premium payments is generally received in advance of cash payments made to settle claims.  These positive cash flows provide the foundation of the Company’s asset/liability management program and are the primary driver of the Company’s liquidity.  The Company invests in high quality, liquid securities to match the anticipated payments of losses and settlement expenses of the underlying insurance policies.  Because the timing of the losses is uncertain, the majority of the portfolio is maintained in short to intermediate maturity securities that can be easily liquidated or that generate adequate cash flow to meet liabilities.

The Company is a holding company whose principal asset is its investment in its property and casualty insurance subsidiaries and its reinsurance subsidiary (“insurance subsidiaries”).  As a holding company, the Company is dependent upon cash dividends from its insurance subsidiaries to meet all its obligations, including cash dividends to stockholders and the funding of the Company’s stock repurchase programs.  State insurance regulations restrict the maximum amount of dividends insurance companies can pay without prior regulatory approval.  The maximum amount of dividends that the insurance subsidiaries can pay to the Company in 2016 without prior regulatory approval is approximately $49.8 million.  The Company received $3.6 million and $7.1 million of dividends from its insurance subsidiaries and paid cash dividends to its stockholders totaling $11.8 million and $10.3 million during the first nine months of 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The Company’s insurance subsidiaries must maintain adequate liquidity to ensure that their cash obligations are met; however, because of the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries’ participation in the pooling agreement and the reinsurance subsidiary’s participation in the quota share agreement, they do not have the daily liquidity concerns normally associated with an insurance company.  This is because under the terms of the pooling and quota share agreements, Employers Mutual receives all premiums and pays all losses and expenses associated with the insurance business produced by the pool participants and the assumed reinsurance business ceded to the Company’s reinsurance subsidiary, and then settles inter-company balances generated by these transactions with the participating companies on a monthly (pool participants) or quarterly (reinsurance subsidiary) basis.

At the insurance subsidiary level, the primary sources of cash are premium income, investment income and proceeds from called or matured investments.  The principal outflows of cash are payments of claims, commissions, premium taxes, operating expenses, income taxes, dividends, interest and principal payments on debt, and investment purchases.  Cash outflows vary because of uncertainties regarding settlement dates for unpaid losses and the potential for large losses, either individually or in the aggregate.  Accordingly, the insurance subsidiaries maintain investment and reinsurance programs intended to provide adequate funds to pay claims without forced sales of investments.  The insurance subsidiaries also have the ability to borrow funds on a short-term basis (180 days) from Employers Mutual and its subsidiaries and affiliate under an Inter-Company Loan Agreement. In addition, Employers Mutual maintains access to a line of credit with the Federal Home Loan Bank that could be used to provide the insurance subsidiaries additional liquidity if needed.

The Company maintains a portion of its investment portfolio in relatively short-term and highly liquid investments to ensure the availability of funds to pay claims and expenses.  A variety of maturities are maintained in the Company’s investment portfolio to assure adequate liquidity.  The maturity structure of the fixed maturity portfolio is also established by the relative attractiveness of yields on short, intermediate and long-term securities.  The Company does not invest in non-investment grade debt securities.  Any non-investment grade securities held by the Company are the result of rating downgrades subsequent to their purchase.

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The Company invests for the long term and generally purchases fixed maturity securities with the intent to hold them to maturity.  Despite this intent, the Company currently classifies fixed maturity securities as available-for-sale to provide flexibility in the management of its investment portfolio.  At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had net unrealized holding gains, net of deferred taxes, on its fixed maturity securities available-for-sale of $34.2 million and $20.0 million, respectively.  The fluctuation in the fair value of these investments is primarily due to changes in the interest rate environment during this time period, but also reflects fluctuations in risk premium spreads over U.S. Treasuries.  Since the Company intends to hold fixed maturity securities to maturity, such fluctuations in the fair value of these investments are not expected to have a material impact on the operations of the Company, as forced liquidations of investments are not anticipated. The Company closely monitors the bond market and makes appropriate adjustments in its portfolio as conditions warrant.

The majority of the Company’s assets are invested in fixed maturity securities.  These investments provide a substantial amount of investment income that supplements underwriting results and contributes to net earnings.  As these investments mature, or are called, the proceeds are reinvested at current interest rates, which may be higher or lower than those now being earned; therefore, more or less investment income may be available to contribute to net earnings.  Due to the prolonged low interest rate environment, proceeds from calls and maturities in recent years have been reinvested at lower yields, which has had a negative impact on investment income.

The Company held $9.9 million in minority ownership interests in limited partnerships and limited liability companies at both September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.  During the first nine months of 2016 and 2015, the Company invested $4.9 million and $4.0 million, respectively, in a limited partnership that is designed to help protect the Company from a sudden and significant decline in the value of its equity portfolio. This investment is included in "other long-term investments" in the Company's financial statements and is carried under the equity method of accounting.

During 2015, the Company began participating in a reverse repurchase arrangement, involving the purchase of investment securities from third-party sellers with the agreement that the purchased securities be sold back to the third-party sellers for agreed-upon prices at specified future dates. The third-party sellers are required to pledge collateral with a value greater than the amount of cash received in the transactions. In accordance with GAAP, the investment securities purchased under the reverse repurchase agreements are not reflected in the Company's consolidated balance sheets, but instead a receivable is recorded for the principal amount lent. The Company's receivable under reverse repurchase agreements was $16.9 million at both September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

The Company’s cash balance was $350,000 and $224,000 at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.

During the first nine months of 2016, Employers Mutual made no contributions to its qualified pension plan or postretirement benefit plans.  The Company’s share of Employers Mutual’s 2016 planned contribution to its pension plan, if made, will be approximately $2.5 million. No contributions will be made to the postretirement benefit plans in 2016.

During the first nine months of 2015, Employers Mutual contributed $4.0 million to its qualified pension plan ($1.2 million allocated to the Company), but made no contributions to its postretirement benefit plans.  The Company reimbursed Employers Mutual $1.2 million for its share of the total 2015 pension contribution (no contributions were made to the postretirement benefit plans during 2015).

Capital Resources

Capital resources consist of stockholders’ equity and debt, representing funds deployed or available to be deployed to support business operations.  For the Company’s insurance subsidiaries, capital resources are required to support premium writings.  Regulatory guidelines suggest that the ratio of a property and casualty insurer’s annual net premiums written to its statutory surplus should not exceed three to one.  On an annualized basis, all of the Company’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries were well under this guideline at September 30, 2016.

The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are required to maintain a certain minimum level of surplus on a statutory basis, and are subject to regulations under which the payment of dividends from statutory surplus is restricted and may require prior approval of their domiciliary insurance regulatory authorities.  The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are also subject to annual Risk Based Capital (RBC) requirements that may further impact their ability to pay dividends.  RBC requirements attempt to measure minimum statutory capital needs based upon the risks in a company’s mix of products and investment portfolio.  At December 31, 2015, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries had total adjusted statutory capital of $485.2 million, which is well in excess of the minimum risk-based capital requirement of $77.4 million.

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The Company’s total cash and invested assets at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are summarized as follows:

	September 30, 2016
($ in thousands)	Amortized cost		Fair value		Percent of total fair value		Carrying value
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$	1,184,470	$	1,237,150	82.0	%	$	1,237,150
Equity securities available-for-sale	151,852		219,282		14.5		219,282
Cash	350		350		—		350
Short-term investments	42,611		42,611		2.8		42,611
Other long-term investments	9,941		9,941		0.7		9,941
	$	1,389,224	$	1,509,334	100.0	%	$	1,509,334

	December 31, 2015
($ in thousands)	Amortized cost		Fair value		Percent of total fair value		Carrying value
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$	1,130,217	$	1,161,025	82.0	%	$	1,161,025
Equity securities available-for-sale	144,176		206,243		14.6		206,243
Cash	224		224		—		224
Short-term investments	38,599		38,599		2.7		38,599
Other long-term investments	9,930		9,930		0.7		9,930
	$	1,323,146	$	1,416,021	100.0	%	$	1,416,021

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The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity and equity securities at September 30, 2016 were as follows:

($ in thousands)	Amortized cost		Gross unrealized gains		Gross unrealized losses		Estimated fair values
Securities available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. treasury	$	7,835	$	372	$	—	$	8,207
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	236,698		1,408		612		237,494
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	320,330		29,601		19		349,912
Commercial mortgage-backed	40,800		1,208		126		41,882
Residential mortgage-backed	106,044		2,245		8,780		99,509
Other asset-backed	27,239		1,112		100		28,251
Corporate	445,524		26,584		213		471,895
Total fixed maturity securities	1,184,470		62,530		9,850		1,237,150
Equity securities:
Common stocks:
Financial services	24,115		8,748		444		32,419
Information technology	19,482		11,457		2		30,937
Healthcare	16,522		11,040		43		27,519
Consumer staples	14,059		7,066		59		21,066
Consumer discretionary	15,399		8,983		336		24,046
Energy	14,021		5,167		359		18,829
Industrials	13,390		10,375		71		23,694
Other	16,833		4,700		211		21,322
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	18,031		1,501		82		19,450
Total equity securities	151,852		69,037		1,607		219,282
Total securities available-for-sale	$	1,336,322	$	131,567	$	11,457	$	1,456,432

The Company’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries have $25.0 million of surplus notes issued to Employers Mutual.  The interest rate on the surplus notes is 1.35 percent.  Reviews of the interest rate are conducted by the Inter-Company Committees of the boards of directors of the Company and Employers Mutual every five years, with the next review due in 2018.  Payments of interest and repayments of principal can only be made out of the applicable subsidiary’s statutory surplus and are subject to prior approval by the insurance commissioner of the respective states of domicile.  The surplus notes are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all obligations or liabilities of the applicable insurance subsidiaries.  Total interest expense incurred on these surplus notes was $253,000 during the first nine months of 2016 and 2015.  During the first quarter of 2016, the Company’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries paid Employers Mutual for the interest that had been accrued on the surplus notes during 2015.

As of September 30, 2016, the Company had no material commitments for capital expenditures.

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Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Employers Mutual collects from agents, policyholders and ceding companies all written premiums associated with the insurance business produced by the pool participants and the assumed reinsurance business ceded to the reinsurance subsidiary. Employers Mutual also collects from its reinsurers all losses and settlement expenses recoverable under the reinsurance contracts protecting the pool participants and, starting in 2016, the reinsurance subsidiary, as well as the fronting business ceded to the reinsurance subsidiary. Employers Mutual settles with the pool participants (monthly) and the reinsurance subsidiary (quarterly) the premiums written from these insurance policies and the paid losses and settlement expenses recoverable under the external reinsurance contracts, providing full credit for the premiums written and the paid losses and settlement expenses recoverable under the external reinsurance contracts generated during the period (not just the collected portion). Due to this arrangement, and since a significant portion of the premium balances are collected over the course of the underlying coverage periods, Employers Mutual carries a substantial receivable balance for insurance and reinsurance premiums in process of collection and, to a lesser extent, paid losses and settlement expenses recoverable from the external reinsurance companies.  Any of these receivable amounts that are ultimately deemed to be uncollectible are charged-off by Employers Mutual and the expense is charged to the reinsurance subsidiary or allocated to the pool members on the basis of pool participation.  As a result, the Company has off-balance sheet arrangements with an unconsolidated entity that results in credit-risk exposures (Employers Mutual’s insurance and reinsurance premium receivable balances, and paid loss and settlement expense recoverable amounts) that are not reflected in the Company’s financial statements.  The average annual expense for such charge-offs allocated to the Company over the past ten years is $366,000. Based on this historical data, this credit-risk exposure is not considered to be material to the Company’s results of operations or financial position and, accordingly, no loss contingency liability has been recorded.

Investment Impairments and Considerations

The Company recorded $275,000 and $976,000 of "other-than-temporary" investment impairment losses during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, compared to $628,000 and $1.3 million during the same periods in 2015. The impairment losses were recognized on securities held in the Company's equity portfolio.

At September 30, 2016, the Company had unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities as presented in the following table. The estimated fair value is based on quoted market prices, where available.  In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on a variety of valuation techniques depending on the type of security.  None of these securities are considered to be in concentrations by either security type or industry.  The Company uses several factors to determine whether the carrying value of an individual security has been “other-than-temporarily” impaired.  Such factors include, but are not limited to, the security’s value and performance in the context of the overall markets, length of time and extent the security’s fair value has been below carrying value, key corporate events and, for fixed maturity securities, the amount of collateral available. Based on these factors, the absence of management’s intent to sell these securities prior to recovery or maturity, and the fact that management does not anticipate that it will be forced to sell these securities prior to recovery or maturity, it was determined that the carrying value of these securities were not “other-than-temporarily” impaired at September 30, 2016.  Risks and uncertainties inherent in the methodology utilized in this evaluation process include interest rate risk, equity price risk, and the overall performance of the economy, all of which have the potential to adversely affect the value of the Company’s investments. Should a determination be made at some point in the future that these unrealized losses are “other-than-temporary”, the Company’s earnings would be reduced by approximately $7.4 million, net of tax; however, the Company’s financial position would not be affected because unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities are reflected in the Company’s financial statements as a component of stockholders’ equity, net of deferred taxes.

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Following is a schedule of the length of time securities have continuously been in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2016.

	Less than twelve months				Twelve months or longer				Total
($ in thousands)	Fair values		Unrealized losses		Fair values		Unrealized losses		Fair values		Unrealized losses
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	$	56,223	$	612	$	—	$	—	$	56,223	$	612
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	2,836		19		—		—		2,836		19
Commercial mortgage-backed	20,698		126		—		—		20,698		126
Residential mortgage-backed	24,298		1,103		25,791		7,677		50,089		8,780
Other asset-backed	7,526		100		—		—		7,526		100
Corporate	22,582		134		8,646		79		31,228		213
Total fixed maturity securities	134,163		2,094		34,437		7,756		168,600		9,850
Equity securities:
Common stocks:
Financial services	4,802		444		—		—		4,802		444
Information technology	52		2		—		—		52		2
Healthcare	873		43		—		—		873		43
Consumer staples	1,079		59		—		—		1,079		59
Consumer discretionary	3,813		336		—		—		3,813		336
Energy	4,899		359		—		—		4,899		359
Industrials	1,097		71		—		—		1,097		71
Other	2,448		211		—		—		2,448		211
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	—		—		1,918		82		1,918		82
Total equity securities	19,063		1,525		1,918		82		20,981		1,607
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	153,226	$	3,619	$	36,355	$	7,838	$	189,581	$	11,457

The Company does not purchase non-investment grade fixed maturity securities.  Any non-investment grade fixed maturity securities held are the result of rating downgrades that occurred subsequent to their purchase.  At September 30, 2016, the Company held $3.1 million of non-investment grade fixed maturity securities in a net unrealized gain position of $57,000.

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Following is a schedule of gross realized losses recognized in the first nine months of 2016.  The schedule is aged according to the length of time the underlying securities were in an unrealized loss position.  

	Realized losses from sales						"Other-than- temporary" impairment losses		Total gross realized losses
($ in thousands)	Book value		Sales price		Gross realized losses
Fixed maturity securities:
Three months or less	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—	$	—
Over three months to six months	—		—		—		—		—
Over six months to nine months	—		—		—		—		—
Over nine months to twelve months	—		—		—		—		—
Over twelve months	7,008		6,491		517		—		517
Subtotal, fixed maturity securities	7,008		6,491		517		—		517
Equity securities:
Three months or less	10,783		9,361		1,422		237		1,659
Over three months to six months	1,979		1,796		183		104		287
Over six months to nine months	360		354		6		450		456
Over nine months to twelve months	900		828		72		—		72
Over twelve months	—		—		—		185		185
Subtotal, equity securities	14,022		12,339		1,683		976		2,659
Total realized losses	$	21,030	$	18,830	$	2,200	$	976	$	3,176

LEASES, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

One of the Company’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries leases office facilities in Bismarck, North Dakota with lease terms expiring in 2024.  Employers Mutual has entered into various leases for branch and service office facilities with lease terms expiring through 2025.  All of these lease costs are included as expenses under the pooling agreement.  The Company’s contractual obligations as of September 30, 2016 did not change materially from those presented in the Company’s 2015 Form 10-K.

The participants in the pooling agreement are subject to guaranty fund assessments by states in which they write business.  Guaranty fund assessments are used by states to pay policyholder liabilities of insolvent insurers domiciled in those states.  Many states allow assessments to be recovered through premium tax offsets.  The Company has accrued estimated guaranty fund assessments of $869,000 and $912,000 as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively. Premium tax offsets of $1.1 million and $1.1 million, which are related to prior guarantee fund payments and current assessments, have been accrued as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.  The guaranty fund assessments are expected to be paid over the next two years and the premium tax offsets are expected to be realized within ten years of the payments.  The participants in the pooling agreement are also subject to second-injury fund assessments, which are designed to encourage employers to employ workers with pre-existing disabilities.  The Company had accrued estimated second-injury fund assessments of $2.0 million and $1.9 million as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, respectively.  The second-injury fund assessment accruals are based on projected loss payments.  The periods over which the assessments will be paid is not known.

The participants in the pooling agreement have purchased annuities from life insurance companies, under which the claimant is payee, to fund future payments that are fixed pursuant to specific claim settlement provisions.  Based on information provided by the life insurance companies on an annual basis, the Company’s share of case loss reserves eliminated by the purchase of those annuities was $110,000 at December 31, 2015.  The Company had a contingent liability for the aggregate guaranteed amount of the annuities of $183,000 at December 31, 2015 should the issuers of those annuities fail to perform. Although management is not able to verify the amount, the Company would likely have a similar contingent liability at September 30, 2016.  The probability of a material loss due to failure of performance by the issuers of these annuities is considered remote.

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ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

The main objectives in managing the Company’s investment portfolios are to maximize after-tax investment return while minimizing risk, in order to provide maximum support for the underwriting operations.  Investment strategies are developed based upon many factors including underwriting results, regulatory requirements, fluctuations in interest rates and consideration of other market risks.  Investment decisions are centrally managed by investment professionals and are supervised by the investment committees of the respective boards of directors for each of the Company’s subsidiaries.

Market risk represents the potential for loss due to adverse changes in the fair value of financial instruments, and is directly influenced by the volatility and liquidity in the markets in which the related underlying assets are traded.  The market risks of the financial instruments owned by the Company relate to the investment portfolio, which exposes the Company to interest rate (inclusive of credit spreads) and equity price risk and, to a lesser extent, credit quality and prepayment risk. Monitoring systems and analytical tools are in place to assess each of these elements of market risk; however, there can be no assurance that future changes in interest rates, creditworthiness of issuers, prepayment activity, liquidity available in the market and other general market conditions will not have a material adverse impact on the Company’s results of operations, liquidity or financial position.

Two categories of influences on market risk exist as it relates to financial instruments.  First are systematic aspects, which relate to the investing environment and are out of the control of the investment manager.  Second are non-systematic aspects, which relate to the construction of the investment portfolio through investment policies and decisions, and are under the direct control of the investment manager.  The Company is committed to controlling non-systematic risk through sound investment policies and diversification.

Further analysis of the components of the Company’s market risk (including interest rate risk, equity price risk, credit quality risk, and prepayment risk) can be found in the Company’s 2015 Form 10-K.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company, under the supervision and with the participation of its management, including the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer, evaluated the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s “disclosure controls and procedures” (as defined in Rule 13a-15(e) under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934) as of the end of the period covered by this report. Based on that evaluation, the Chief Executive Officer and the Chief Financial Officer concluded that the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in timely making known to them material information relating to the Company and the Company’s consolidated subsidiaries required to be disclosed in the Company’s reports filed or submitted under the Exchange Act.

There were no changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the third quarter ended September 30, 2016 that have materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal control over financial reporting.

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PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 2. UNREGISTERED SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES AND USE OF PROCEEDS

The following table sets forth information regarding purchases of equity securities by the Company and affiliated purchasers for the three months ended September 30, 2016:

Period	(a) Total number of shares (or units) purchased (1)	(b) Average price paid per share (or unit)		(c) Total number of shares (or units) purchased as part of publicly announced plans or programs (2)	(d) Maximum number (or approximate dollar value) of shares (or units) that may yet be purchased under the plans or programs ($ in thousands) (2) (3)
7/1/2016 - 7/31/2016	35	$	28.32	—	$	19,108
8/1/2016 - 8/31/2016	29	27.77		—	19,108
9/1/2016 - 9/30/2016	1,146	28.08		—	19,108
Total	1,210	$	28.08	—

(1) Included in this column are shares purchased in the open market to fulfill the Company's obligations under its dividend reinvestment and common stock purchase plan.

(2) On November 3, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $15.0 million stock repurchase program.  This program does not have an expiration date.  A total of $14.6 million remains available in this plan for the purchase of additional shares.

(3) On May 12, 2005, the Company announced that its parent company, Employers Mutual, had initiated a $15.0 million stock purchase program under which Employers Mutual may purchase shares of the Company’s common stock in the open market.  This purchase program does not have an expiration date; however, this program has been dormant while the Company’s repurchase programs have been in effect.  A total of $4.5 million remains in this program.

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ITEM 6. EXHIBITS

31.1	Certification of President, Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2	Certification of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1	Certification of President, Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2	Certification of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

* Indicates management contract or compensatory plan or arrangement.

56

EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized, on November 4, 2016.

EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC.

Registrant

/s/ Bruce G. Kelley

Bruce G. Kelley

President, Chief Executive Officer, Treasurer and Director

(Principal Executive Officer)

/s/ Mark E. Reese

Mark E. Reese

Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer

(Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)

57

EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES

INDEX TO EXHIBITS

Exhibit number	Item
31.1*	Certification of President, Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
31.2*	Certification of Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer as required by Section 302 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.1*	Certification of the President, Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
32.2*	Certification of the Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002
101.INS**	XBRL Instance Document
101.SCH**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Schema Document
101.CAL**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Calculation Linkbase Document
101.DEF**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Definition Linkbase Document
101.LAB**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Label Linkbase Document
101.PRE**	XBRL Taxonomy Extension Presentation Linkbase Document

*	Filed herewith
**	Furnished, not filed

58

EX-31.1

EXHIBIT 31.1

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Bruce G. Kelley, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of EMC Insurance Group Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 4, 2016

/s/  Bruce G. Kelley

Bruce G. Kelley, President,

Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer

EX-31.2

EXHIBIT 31.2

CERTIFICATIONS

I, Mark E. Reese, certify that:

1. I have reviewed this report on Form 10-Q of EMC Insurance Group Inc.;

2. Based on my knowledge, this report does not contain any untrue statement of a material fact or omit to state a material fact necessary to make the statements made, in light of the circumstances under which such statements were made, not misleading with respect to the period covered by this report;

3. Based on my knowledge, the financial statements, and other financial information included in this report, fairly present in all material respects the financial condition, results of operations and cash flows of the registrant as of, and for, the periods presented in this report;

4. The registrant's other certifying officer and I are responsible for establishing and maintaining disclosure controls and procedures (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(e) and 15d-15(e)) and internal control over financial reporting (as defined in Exchange Act Rules 13a-15(f) and 15d-15(f)) for the registrant and have:

a. Designed such disclosure controls and procedures, or caused such disclosure controls and procedures to be designed under our supervision, to ensure that material information relating to the registrant, including its consolidated subsidiaries, is made known to us by others within those entities, particularly during the period in which this report is being prepared;

b. Designed such internal control over financial reporting, or caused such internal control over financial reporting to be designed under our supervision, to provide reasonable assurance regarding the reliability of financial reporting and the preparation of financial statements for external purposes in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles;

c. Evaluated the effectiveness of the registrant's disclosure controls and procedures and presented in this report our conclusions about the effectiveness of the disclosure controls and procedures, as of the end of the period covered by this report based on such evaluation; and

d. Disclosed in this report any change in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting that occurred during the registrant's most recent fiscal quarter (the registrant's fourth fiscal quarter in the case of an annual report) that has materially affected, or is reasonably likely to materially affect, the registrant's internal control over financial reporting; and

5. The registrant's other certifying officer and I have disclosed, based on our most recent evaluation of internal control over financial reporting, to the registrant's auditors and the audit committee of registrant's board of directors (or persons performing the equivalent functions):

a. All significant deficiencies and material weaknesses in the design or operation of internal control over financial reporting which are reasonably likely to adversely affect the registrant's ability to record, process, summarize and report financial information; and

b. Any fraud, whether or not material, that involves management or other employees who have a significant role in the registrant's internal control over financial reporting.

Date: November 4, 2016

/s/  Mark E. Reese

Mark E. Reese, Senior Vice President

and Chief Financial Officer

EX-32.1

EXHIBIT 32.1

CERTIFICATION OF PRESIDENT AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the accompanying Quarterly Report of EMC Insurance Group Inc. on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2016, the undersigned hereby certifies, in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, in his capacity as an officer of EMC Insurance Group Inc. that:

(1) The report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or 15(d) of Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and

(2) The information contained in this report fairly presents, in all material respects, the company’s financial condition and results of operations.

EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC.

Registrant

/s/  Bruce G. Kelley

Bruce G. Kelley, President,

Chief Executive Officer and Treasurer

Date: November 4, 2016

EX-32.2

EXHIBIT 32.2

CERTIFICATION OF SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER PURSUANT TO

18 U.S.C. SECTION 1350,

AS ADOPTED PURSUANT TO

SECTION 906 OF THE SARBANES-OXLEY ACT OF 2002

In connection with the accompanying Quarterly Report of EMC Insurance Group Inc. on Form 10-Q for the period ended September 30, 2016, the undersigned hereby certifies, in accordance with 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, in his capacity as an officer of EMC Insurance Group Inc. that:

(1) The report fully complies with the requirements of Section 13(a) or15(d) of Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and

(2) The information contained in this report fairly presents, in all material respects, the company’s financial condition and results of operations.

EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC.

Registrant

/s/  Mark E. Reese

Mark E. Reese

Senior Vice President and

Chief Financial Officer

Date: November 4, 2016

XML

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Oct. 31, 2016
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0000356130
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		21,103,634
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2016
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2016

XML

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $1,184,470 and $1,130,217)	$ 1,237,150	$ 1,161,025
Equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (cost $151,852 and $144,176)	219,282	206,243
Other long-term investments	9,941	9,930
Short-term investments	42,611	38,599
Total investments	1,508,984	1,415,797
Cash	350	224
Reinsurance receivables due from affiliate	22,590	24,236
Prepaid reinsurance premiums due from affiliate	11,588	6,563
Deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $44,320 and $40,535)	44,620	40,720
Prepaid pension and postretirement benefits due from affiliate	11,043	12,133
Accrued investment income	12,143	10,789
Amounts receivable under reverse repurchase agreements	16,850	16,850
Accounts receivable	2,958	804
Income taxes recoverable	0	1,735
Goodwill	942	942
Other assets (affiliated $4,838 and $4,595)	5,437	5,162
Total assets	1,637,505	1,535,955
LIABILITIES
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $695,461 and $671,169)	700,565	678,774
Unearned premiums (affiliated $271,539 and $238,637)	272,900	239,435
Other policyholders' funds (all affiliated)	11,809	8,721
Surplus notes payable to affiliate	25,000	25,000
Amounts due affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances	4,025	6,408
Pension benefits payable to affiliate	3,826	4,299
Income taxes payable	156	0
Deferred income taxes	25,894	19,029
Other liabilities (affiliated $24,659 and $28,598)	30,921	29,351
Total liabilities	1,075,096	1,011,017
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 21,084,948 shares in 2016 and 20,780,439 shares in 2015	21,085	20,781
Additional paid-in capital	115,724	108,747
Accumulated other comprehensive income	75,529	58,433
Retained earnings	350,071	336,977
Total stockholders' equity	562,409	524,938
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,637,505	$ 1,535,955

XML

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, amortized cost	$ 1,184,470	$ 1,130,217
Equity securities available-for-sale, cost	151,852	144,176
Deferred policy acquisition costs from affiliates	44,320	40,535
Affiliated other assets	4,838	4,595
LIABILITIES
Affiliated losses and settlement expenses	695,461	671,169
Unearned premiums from affiliates	271,539	238,637
Affiliated other liabilities	$ 24,659	$ 28,598
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	21,084,948	20,780,439
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	21,084,948	20,780,439

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
REVENUES
Premiums earned (affiliated $149,988, $144,540, $436,804 and $425,513)	$ 152,181	$ 145,788	$ 441,364	$ 429,124
Net investment income	11,474	11,299	35,883	33,946
Net realized investment gains (losses), excluding impairment losses on securities available-for-sale	(917)	8,126	333	12,848
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities available-for-sale	(275)	(628)	(976)	(1,293)
Portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities available-for-sale reclassified from other comprehensive income (before taxes)	0	0	0	0
Net impairment losses on securities available-for-sale	(275)	(628)	(976)	(1,293)
Net realized investment gains (losses)	(1,192)	7,498	(643)	11,555
Other income (loss) (affiliated $39, $420, $307 and $1,119)	(85)	519	(19)	1,622
Total revenues	162,378	165,104	476,585	476,247
LOSSES AND EXPENSES
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $106,795, $101,323, $295,061 and $278,915)	108,173	102,685	296,102	280,603
Dividends to policyholders (all affiliated)	3,944	3,555	11,292	6,492
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $26,256, $25,835, $79,584 and $77,872)	26,845	26,139	80,740	78,823
Other underwriting expenses (affiliated $17,600, $16,046, $52,120 and $50,297)	17,606	16,045	52,134	50,351
Interest expense (all affiliated)	84	84	253	253
Other expenses (affiliated $481, $473, $1,414 and $1,363)	679	675	2,053	1,992
Total losses and expenses	157,331	149,183	442,574	418,514
Income before income tax expense	5,047	15,921	34,011	57,733
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)
Current	1,448	3,081	11,440	15,594
Deferred	(530)	1,651	(2,340)	1,872
Total income tax expense	918	4,732	9,100	17,466
Net income	$ 4,129	$ 11,189	$ 24,911	$ 40,267
Net income per common share - basic and diluted	$ 0.20	$ 0.54	$ 1.19	$ 1.96
Dividend per common share	$ 0.190	$ 0.170	$ 0.570	$ 0.503
Average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in shares)	21,060,665	20,684,890	20,964,236	20,577,493

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
REVENUES
Premiums earned, affiliated	$ 149,988	$ 144,540	$ 436,804	$ 425,513
Other income, affiliated	39	420	307	1,119
LOSSES AND EXPENSES
Losses and settlement expenses, affiliated	106,795	101,323	295,061	278,915
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, affiliated	26,256	25,835	79,584	77,872
Other underwriting expenses, affiliated	17,600	16,046	52,120	50,297
Other expense, affiliated	$ 481	$ 473	$ 1,414	$ 1,363

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CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Net income	$ 4,129	$ 11,189	$ 24,911	$ 40,267
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities, net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $(1,226), $(2,288), $11,145 and $(7,998)	(2,275)	(4,252)	20,698	(14,855)
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income, net of income tax expense of $(252), $(89), $(1,613) and $(2,713)	(466)	(164)	(2,995)	(5,039)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income, net of deferred income tax expense of $(62), $(169), $(327) and $(520):
Net actuarial loss	722	224	1,271	648
Prior service credit	(839)	(537)	(1,878)	(1,612)
Total reclassification adjustment associated with affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans	(117)	(313)	(607)	(964)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,858)	(4,729)	17,096	(20,858)
Total comprehensive income	$ 1,271	$ 6,460	$ 42,007	$ 19,409

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities, deferred income tax expense (benefit)	$ (1,226)	$ (2,288)	$ 11,145	$ (7,998)
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment (gains) included in net income, income tax (expense)	(252)	(89)	(1,613)	(2,713)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income, deferred income tax (expense)	$ (62)	$ (169)	$ (327)	$ (520)

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 24,911	$ 40,267
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $24,292 and $24,595)	21,791	22,621
Unearned premiums (affiliated $32,902 and $32,636)	33,465	31,593
Other policyholders' funds due to affiliate	3,088	(1,560)
Amounts due to/from affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances	(2,383)	(1,212)
Net pension and postretirement benefits due from affiliate	(317)	(2,366)
Reinsurance receivables due from affiliate	1,646	3,204
Prepaid reinsurance premiums due from affiliate	(5,025)	1,227
Commissions payable (affiliated $(3,682) and $(801))	(3,743)	(778)
Deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $(3,785) and $(5,629))	(3,900)	(5,367)
Accrued investment income	(1,354)	(1,421)
Current income tax	1,891	(2,577)
Deferred income tax	(2,340)	1,872
Net realized investment (gains) losses	643	(11,555)
Other, net (affiliated $(451) and $704)	6,769	9,092
Total adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities	50,231	42,773
Net cash provided by operating activities	75,142	83,040
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	(338,659)	(185,108)
Disposals of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	282,787	118,513
Purchases of equity securities available-for-sale	(45,632)	(66,030)
Disposals of equity securities available-for-sale	40,525	54,411
Purchases of other long-term investments	(5,920)	(7,758)
Disposals of other long-term investments	480	1,958
Net (purchases) disposals of short-term investments	(4,012)	20,464
Net disbursements under reverse repurchase agreements	0	(16,850)
Net cash used in investing activities	(70,431)	(80,400)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issuance of common stock through affiliate’s stock plans	7,615	7,738
Repurchase of common stock	(383)	0
Excess tax benefit associated with affiliate’s stock plans	0	83
Dividends paid to stockholders (affiliated $(6,710) and $(5,925))	(11,817)	(10,274)
Net cash used in financing activities	(4,585)	(2,453)
NET INCREASE IN CASH	126	187
Cash at the beginning of the year	224	383
Cash at the end of the quarter	$ 350	$ 570

XML

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Losses and settlement expenses, affiliated	$ 24,292	$ 24,595
Unearned premiums, affiliated	32,902	32,636
Commissions payable, affiliated	(3,682)	(801)
Deferred policy acquisition costs, affiliated	(3,785)	(5,629)
Other, net, affiliated	(451)	704
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid to stockholders, affiliated	$ (6,710)	$ (5,925)

XML

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

EMC Insurance Group Inc., a majority owned subsidiary of Employers Mutual Casualty Company (Employers Mutual), is an insurance holding company with operations in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance.  The Company writes property and casualty insurance in both commercial and personal lines of insurance, with a focus on medium-sized commercial accounts.  The term “Company” is used interchangeably to describe EMC Insurance Group Inc. (Parent Company only) and EMC Insurance Group Inc. and its subsidiaries.

The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  The Company has evaluated all subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the interim financial statements have been included.  The results of operations for the interim periods reported are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year.  The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2015 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.

In reading these financial statements, reference should be made to the Company’s 2015 Form 10-K or the 2015 Annual Report to Stockholders for more detailed footnote information.

Accounting Pronouncements Adopted

In February 2015, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) updated its guidance related to the Consolidation Topic 810 of the Accounting Standards Codification^TM (Codification or ASC). The objective of this update is to improve consolidation guidance through changes in the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. The guidance modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities or voting interest entities, while also eliminating the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and is to be applied either retrospectively or through a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. The Company adopted this guidance in the first quarter of 2016. Adoption of this guidance did not have an impact on the consolidated financial condition or operating results of the Company.

In March 2016, the FASB updated its guidance related to Stock Compensation Topic 718 of the ASC.  The objective of this update was to simplify the accounting for employee share-based payments. The provisions applicable to the Company primarily involve the accounting treatment for excess tax benefits, which is the excess of the actual tax benefit realized by the Company upon the exercise of non-qualified stock options (by Employers Mutual's employees) over the deferred income tax benefit previously recognized in conjunction with the compensation expense (tax deficiency if the actual tax benefit realized is less than the previously recognized deferred income tax benefit). The FASB permitted early prospective adoption of these provisions, and the Company elected to adopt effective January 1, 2016. As a result, effective January 1, 2016 the Company no longer records to additional paid-in capital the excess tax benefits (deficiencies) allocated to it through the pooling agreement, but instead recognizes these amounts through the consolidated statements of income as components of current and deferred income taxes. The requirement that these excess tax benefits (deficiencies) be reflected as financing cash flows in the consolidated statements of cash flows was also removed, and these amounts are now reflected as cash flows from operating activities on a prospective basis.

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TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Related Party Transactions [Abstract]

TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

The Inter-Company Committees of the boards of directors of the Company and Employers Mutual approved a new inter-company reinsurance program between the Company's insurance subsidiaries in the property and casualty insurance segment and Employers Mutual for calendar year 2016. This reinsurance program is intended to reduce the volatility of the Company's quarterly results caused by excessive catastrophe and storm losses, and provide protection from both the frequency and severity of such losses. The reinsurance program consists of two semi-annual aggregate catastrophe excess of loss treaties. The first treaty was effective from January 1, 2016 through June 30, 2016, and had a retention of $20.0 million and a limit of $24.0 million. The total cost of this treaty was approximately $6.3 million. The second treaty is effective from July 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016, and has a retention of $15.0 million and a limit of $12.0 million. The total cost of this treaty is approximately $1.5 million. All catastrophe and storm losses assumed by the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries (net of applicable reinsurance recoveries from external reinsurance protections purchased by the pool participants) are subject to the terms of these treaties, and there is no co-participation provision. Losses and settlement expenses ceded to Employers Mutual under these treaties totaled $3.5 million and $5.1 million during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016, respectively. Only $213,000 remains in the $15.0 million retention before recoveries will be realized under the July 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016 treaty.

The Inter-Company Committees of the boards of directors of the Company and Employers Mutual also approved a change in the inter-company reinsurance program between the Company's reinsurance subsidiary and Employers Mutual for calendar year 2016. The reinsurance program consists of two treaties. The first is a per occurrence catastrophe excess of loss treaty with a retention of $10.0 million, a limit of $10.0 million, 20 percent co-participation, and no reinstatement. The total cost of this treaty is approximately $2.0 million. The second is an annual aggregate catastrophe excess of loss treaty with a retention of $20.0 million, a limit of $100.0 million, and 20 percent co-participation. The total cost of this treaty is approximately $3.1 million. Any losses recovered under the per occurrence treaty inure to the benefit of the aggregate treaty. Only catastrophic events with total losses greater than $500,000 are subject to the terms of the aggregate treaty. The reinsurance subsidiary has purchased additional reinsurance protection (Industry Loss Warranties) in peak exposure territories from external parties in which coverage is triggered when losses experienced by the insurance industry from a catastrophic event exceed a specified threshold. Any reinsurance recoveries received from external parties reduce the amount of losses ceded to Employers Mutual under the catastrophe excess of loss program. The net cost of the external reinsurance protection will be approximately $3.5 million in 2016. There were no recoveries under the reinsurance program during the first nine months of 2016.

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REINSURANCE

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]

REINSURANCE

REINSURANCE

The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned, and losses and settlement expenses incurred, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is presented below.  The classification of the assumed and ceded reinsurance amounts between affiliates and nonaffiliates is based on the participants in the underlying reinsurance agreements, and is intended to provide an understanding of the actual source of the reinsurance activities.  This presentation differs from the classifications used in the consolidated financial statements, where all amounts flowing through the pooling, quota share and excess of loss agreements with Employers Mutual are reported as “affiliated” balances.

	Three months ended September 30, 2016
($ in thousands)	Property and casualty insurance			Reinsurance			Total
Premiums written
Direct	$	119,849		$	—		$	119,849
Assumed from nonaffiliates	1,221			39,592			40,813
Assumed from affiliates	146,289			—			146,289
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(7,841		)	(983		)	(8,824		)
Ceded to affiliates	(120,614		)	(1,270		)	(121,884		)
Net premiums written	$	138,904		$	37,339		$	176,243
Premiums earned
Direct	$	96,730		$	—		$	96,730
Assumed from nonaffiliates	1,170			39,394			40,564
Assumed from affiliates	122,058			—			122,058
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(6,091		)	(2,315		)	(8,406		)
Ceded to affiliates	(97,495		)	(1,270		)	(98,765		)
Net premiums earned	$	116,372		$	35,809		$	152,181
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	$	59,831		$	—		$	59,831
Assumed from nonaffiliates	793			27,206			27,999
Assumed from affiliates	85,196			280			85,476
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(895		)	(944		)	(1,839		)
Ceded to affiliates	(63,282		)	(12		)	(63,294		)
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	$	81,643		$	26,530		$	108,173

	Three months ended September 30, 2015
($ in thousands)	Property and casualty insurance			Reinsurance			Total
Premiums written
Direct	$	117,187		$	—		$	117,187
Assumed from nonaffiliates	1,178			34,954			36,132
Assumed from affiliates	141,200			—			141,200
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(7,656		)	(774		)	(8,430		)
Ceded to affiliates	(117,187		)	(2,734		)	(119,921		)
Net premiums written	$	134,722		$	31,446		$	166,168
Premiums earned
Direct	$	92,083		$	—		$	92,083
Assumed from nonaffiliates	1,073			35,939			37,012
Assumed from affiliates	118,784			—			118,784
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(6,104		)	(1,170		)	(7,274		)
Ceded to affiliates	(92,083		)	(2,734		)	(94,817		)
Net premiums earned	$	113,753		$	32,035		$	145,788
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	$	53,717		$	—		$	53,717
Assumed from nonaffiliates	655			27,677			28,332
Assumed from affiliates	76,697			252			76,949
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(1,376		)	(877		)	(2,253		)
Ceded to affiliates	(53,717		)	(343		)	(54,060		)
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	$	75,976		$	26,709		$	102,685

	Nine months ended September 30, 2016
($ in thousands)	Property and casualty insurance			Reinsurance			Total
Premiums written
Direct	$	311,542		$	—		$	311,542
Assumed from nonaffiliates	3,430			111,378			114,808
Assumed from affiliates	393,418			—			393,418
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(19,069		)	(8,814		)	(27,883		)
Ceded to affiliates	(318,617		)	(3,810		)	(322,427		)
Net premiums written	$	370,704		$	98,754		$	469,458
Premiums earned
Direct	$	284,281		$	—		$	284,281
Assumed from nonaffiliates	3,332			111,790			115,122
Assumed from affiliates	359,985			—			359,985
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(17,653		)	(5,205		)	(22,858		)
Ceded to affiliates	(291,356		)	(3,810		)	(295,166		)
Net premiums earned	$	338,589		$	102,775		$	441,364
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	$	167,827		$	—		$	167,827
Assumed from nonaffiliates	2,298			71,787			74,085
Assumed from affiliates	232,472			1,033			233,505
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(4,498		)	(2,336		)	(6,834		)
Ceded to affiliates	(172,892		)	411			(172,481		)
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	$	225,207		$	70,895		$	296,102

	Nine months ended September 30, 2015
($ in thousands)	Property and casualty insurance			Reinsurance			Total
Premiums written
Direct	$	297,974		$	—		$	297,974
Assumed from nonaffiliates	3,296			107,821			111,117
Assumed from affiliates	379,761			—			379,761
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(18,728		)	(2,480		)	(21,208		)
Ceded to affiliates	(297,974		)	(8,427		)	(306,401		)
Net premiums written	$	364,329		$	96,914		$	461,243
Premiums earned
Direct	$	273,441		$	—		$	273,441
Assumed from nonaffiliates	3,165			109,134			112,299
Assumed from affiliates	347,686			—			347,686
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(17,639		)	(4,795		)	(22,434		)
Ceded to affiliates	(273,441		)	(8,427		)	(281,868		)
Net premiums earned	$	333,212		$	95,912		$	429,124
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	$	151,565		$	—		$	151,565
Assumed from nonaffiliates	1,878			69,041			70,919
Assumed from affiliates	216,197			721			216,918
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(2,607		)	(4,065		)	(6,672		)
Ceded to affiliates	(151,565		)	(562		)	(152,127		)
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	$	215,468		$	65,135		$	280,603

Individual lines in the above tables are defined as follows:

• “Direct” represents business produced by the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries.

• “Assumed from nonaffiliates” for the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries represents their aggregate 30 percent pool participation percentage of involuntary business assumed by the pool participants pursuant to state law. For the reinsurance subsidiary, this line represents the reinsurance business assumed through the quota share agreement (including “fronting” activities initiated by Employers Mutual) and the business assumed outside the quota share agreement.

• “Assumed from affiliates” for the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries represents their aggregate 30 percent pool participation percentage of all the pool members’ direct business.  The amounts reported under the caption “Losses and settlement expenses incurred” also include claim-related services provided by Employers Mutual that are allocated to the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries and the reinsurance subsidiary.

• “Ceded to nonaffiliates” for the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries represents their aggregate 30 percent pool participation percentage of 1) the amounts ceded to nonaffiliated reinsurance companies in accordance with the terms of the reinsurance agreements providing protection to the pool and each of its participants, and 2) the amounts ceded on a mandatory basis to state organizations in connection with various programs.  For the reinsurance subsidiary, this line includes 1) reinsurance business that is ceded to other insurance companies in connection with “fronting” activities initiated by Employers Mutual, and 2) starting in 2016, amounts ceded to purchase Industry Loss Warranties (ILWs) from external parties that provide additional reinsurance protection for the assumed reinsurance business.

• “Ceded to affiliates” for the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries represents the cession of their direct business to Employers Mutual under the terms of the pooling agreement and amounts ceded to Employers Mutual under the terms of the catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance program.  For the reinsurance subsidiary this line represents amounts ceded to Employers Mutual under the terms of the catastrophe excess of loss reinsurance program.

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SEGMENT INFORMATION

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION

The Company’s operations consist of a property and casualty insurance segment and a reinsurance segment.  The property and casualty insurance segment writes both commercial and personal lines of insurance, with a focus on medium-sized commercial accounts.  The reinsurance segment provides reinsurance for other insurers and reinsurers.  The segments are managed separately due to differences in the insurance products sold and the business environments in which they operate. Management evaluates the performance of its insurance segments using financial measurements based on Statutory Accounting Principles (SAP) instead of GAAP. Such measures include premiums written, premiums earned, statutory underwriting profit (loss), and investment results, as well as loss and loss adjustment expense ratios, trade underwriting expense ratios, and combined ratios.

Summarized financial information for the Company’s segments is as follows:

Three months ended September 30, 2016	Property and casualty insurance			Reinsurance			Parent company			Consolidated
($ in thousands)
Premiums earned	$	116,372		$	35,809		$	—		$	152,181
Underwriting profit (loss):
SAP underwriting profit (loss)	(8,081		)	689			—			(7,392		)
GAAP adjustments	2,970			35			—			3,005
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)	(5,111		)	724			—			(4,387		)
Net investment income (loss)	8,185			3,285			4			11,474
Net realized investment gains (losses)	(799		)	(393		)	—			(1,192		)
Other income (loss)	172			(257		)	—			(85		)
Interest expense	84			—			—			84
Other expenses	190			—			489			679
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	2,173		$	3,359		$	(485	)	$	5,047

Three months ended September 30, 2015	Property and casualty insurance			Reinsurance			Parent company			Consolidated
($ in thousands)
Premiums earned	$	113,753		$	32,035		$	—		$	145,788
Underwriting profit (loss):
SAP underwriting profit (loss)	(2,487		)	(2,167		)	—			(4,654		)
GAAP adjustments	2,386			(368		)	—			2,018
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)	(101		)	(2,535		)	—			(2,636		)
Net investment income (loss)	8,125			3,176			(2		)	11,299
Net realized investment gains (losses)	4,889			2,609			—			7,498
Other income (loss)	210			309			—			519
Interest expense	84			—			—			84
Other expenses	196			—			479			675
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	12,843		$	3,559		$	(481	)	$	15,921

Nine months ended September 30, 2016	Property and casualty insurance			Reinsurance			Parent company			Consolidated
($ in thousands)
Premiums earned	$	338,589		$	102,775		$	—		$	441,364
Underwriting profit (loss):
SAP underwriting profit (loss)	(8,904		)	7,777			—			(1,127		)
GAAP adjustments	3,026			(803		)	—			2,223
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)	(5,878		)	6,974			—			1,096
Net investment income (loss)	25,524			10,350			9			35,883
Net realized investment gains (losses)	(627		)	(16		)	—			(643		)
Other income (loss)	466			(485		)	—			(19		)
Interest expense	253			—			—			253
Other expenses	558			—			1,495			2,053
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	18,674		$	16,823		$	(1,486	)	$	34,011
Assets	$	1,170,108		$	465,733		$	562,535		$	2,198,376
Eliminations	—			—			(554,093		)	(554,093		)
Reclassifications	(2,187		)	(3,426		)	(1,165		)	(6,778		)
Total assets	$	1,167,921		$	462,307		$	7,277		$	1,637,505

Nine months ended September 30, 2015	Property and casualty insurance			Reinsurance			Parent company			Consolidated
($ in thousands)
Premiums earned	$	333,212		$	95,912		$	—		$	429,124
Underwriting profit (loss):
SAP underwriting profit (loss)	(497		)	4,685			—			4,188
GAAP adjustments	7,962			705			—			8,667
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)	7,465			5,390			—			12,855
Net investment income (loss)	24,301			9,654			(9		)	33,946
Net realized investment gains (losses)	7,866			3,689			—			11,555
Other income (loss)	582			1,040			—			1,622
Interest expense	253			—			—			253
Other expenses	568			—			1,424			1,992
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	39,393		$	19,773		$	(1,433	)	$	57,733
Year ended December 31, 2015
Assets	$	1,092,820		$	437,575		$	525,042		$	2,055,437
Eliminations	—			—			(514,309		)	(514,309		)
Reclassifications	—			(5,173		)	—			(5,173		)
Total assets	$	1,092,820		$	432,402		$	10,733		$	1,535,955

The following table displays the net premiums earned for the property and casualty insurance segment and the reinsurance segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, by line of insurance.

	Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
($ in thousands)	2016		2015		2016		2015
Property and casualty insurance segment
Commercial lines:
Automobile	$	28,113	$	27,080	$	82,449	$	78,698
Property	27,471		26,526		77,292		77,518
Workers' compensation	24,536		23,777		71,272		69,150
Liability	24,277		23,449		72,086		68,952
Other	2,102		2,032		6,246		6,044
Total commercial lines	106,499		102,864		309,345		300,362
Personal lines	9,873		10,889		29,244		32,850
Total property and casualty insurance	$	116,372	$	113,753	$	338,589	$	333,212
Reinsurance segment
Pro rata reinsurance	$	15,066	$	13,037	$	44,175	$	40,154
Excess of loss reinsurance	20,743		18,998		58,600		55,758
Total reinsurance	$	35,809	$	32,035	$	102,775	$	95,912
Consolidated	$	152,181	$	145,788	$	441,364	$	429,124

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INCOME TAXES

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES

The actual income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 differed from the “expected” income tax expense for those periods (computed by applying the United States federal corporate tax rate of 35 percent to income before income tax expense) as follows:

	Three months ended   September 30,						Nine months ended   September 30,
($ in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Computed "expected" income tax expense	$	1,767		$	5,573		$	11,904		$	20,207
Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from:
Tax-exempt interest income	(709		)	(687		)	(2,101		)	(2,072		)
Dividends received deduction	(336		)	(266		)	(1,110		)	(809		)
Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction	157			143			482			432
Other, net	39			(31		)	(75		)	(292		)
Total income tax expense	$	918		$	4,732		$	9,100		$	17,466

The Company had no provision for uncertain income tax positions at September 30, 2016 or December 31, 2015.  The Company did not recognize any interest expense or other penalties related to U.S. federal or state income taxes during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2016 or 2015.  It is the Company’s accounting policy to reflect income tax penalties as other expense, and interest as interest expense.

The Company files a U.S. federal income tax return, along with various state income tax returns.  The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2013.

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EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS

The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans is as follows:

	Three months ended   September 30,						Nine months ended   September 30,
($ in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Pension plans:
Service cost	$	3,639		$	3,497		$	10,824		$	10,471
Interest cost	2,551			2,341			7,620			6,983
Expected return on plan assets	(4,841		)	(5,074		)	(14,521		)	(15,223		)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,111			719			3,233			2,033
Amortization of prior service cost	9			8			24			23
Net periodic pension benefit cost	$	2,469		$	1,491		$	7,180		$	4,287
Postretirement benefit plans:
Service cost	$	319		$	353		$	955		$	1,059
Interest cost	553			537			1,661			1,611
Expected return on plan assets	(1,056		)	(1,104		)	(3,168		)	(3,312		)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	374			437			1,121			1,309
Amortization of prior service credit	(2,835		)	(2,867		)	(8,504		)	(8,600		)
Net periodic postretirement benefit income	$	(2,645	)	$	(2,644	)	$	(7,935	)	$	(7,933	)

Net periodic pension benefit cost allocated to the Company amounted to $1.1 million and $456,000 for the three months and $2.5 million and $1.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  Net periodic postretirement benefit income allocated to the Company amounted to $937,000 and $761,000 for the three months and $2.4 million and $2.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

The Company’s share of Employers Mutual’s remaining 2016 planned contribution to the pension plan, if made, will be approximately $2.5 million. No contributions will be made to the Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trust in 2016.

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STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

The Company has no stock-based compensation plans of its own; however, Employers Mutual has several stock plans which utilize the common stock of the Company. Employers Mutual can provide the common stock required under its plans by: 1) using shares of common stock that it currently owns; 2) purchasing common stock in the open market; or 3) directly purchasing common stock from the Company at the current fair value.  Employers Mutual's current practice is to purchase common stock from the Company for use in all of its stock plans (including its non-employee director stock purchase plan and its employee stock purchase plan).

Stock Plans

Employers Mutual currently maintains two separate stock plans for the benefit of officers and key employees of Employers Mutual and its subsidiaries.  A total of 2,250,000 shares of the Company’s common stock have been reserved for issuance under the 2003 Employers Mutual Casualty Company Incentive Stock Option Plan (2003 Plan) and a total of 3,000,000 shares have been reserved for issuance under the 2007 Employers Mutual Casualty Company Stock Incentive Plan (2007 Plan). During the second quarter of 2016, the compensation committees of Employers Mutual and the Company approved the issuance of restricted stock awards to the non-employee directors of the Company under the 2007 Plan.

The 2003 Plan permitted the issuance of incentive stock options only, while the 2007 Plan permits the issuance of performance shares, performance units, and other stock-based awards, in addition to qualified (incentive) and non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units.  Both plans provide for a ten-year time limit for granting awards.  No additional options can be granted under the 2003 Plan due to the expiration of the term of the plan. Options granted under the plans generally have a vesting period of five years, with options becoming exercisable in equal annual cumulative increments commencing on the first anniversary of the option grant.  Option prices cannot be less than the fair value of the common stock on the date of grant. Restricted stock awards granted under the 2007 Plan generally have a vesting period of four years, with shares vesting in equal annual cumulative increments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant, with the exception of death or permanent disability, any unvested shares of restricted stock are forfeited on termination of employment, including retirement. Holders of unvested shares of restricted stock receive compensation income equal to the amount of any dividends declared on the common stock. During the second quarter of 2016, 2,000 shares of restricted stock was granted to non-employee directors of the Company. The restricted stock vests over a period of three years or upon a director reaching 75 years of age while an active director.

The Senior Executive Compensation Committee of Employers Mutual’s Board of Directors grants the awards and is the administrator of the plans.  The Company’s Compensation Committee must consider and approve all awards granted to the Company’s executive officers and directors.

The Company recognized compensation expense from these plans of $218,000 ($142,000 net of tax) and $167,000 ($108,000 net of tax) for the three months and $542,000 ($353,000 net of tax) and $351,000 ($228,000 net of tax) for the nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.  During the first nine months of 2016, 118,588 shares of restricted stock were granted under the 2007 Plan to eligible participants, 69,057 shares of restricted stock vested, and 196,248 options were exercised under the plans at a weighted average exercise price of $15.54.

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DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are summarized in the tables below.

September 30, 2016	Carrying amounts		Estimated fair values
($ in thousands)
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
U.S. treasury	$	8,207	$	8,207
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	237,494		237,494
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	349,912		349,912
Commercial mortgage-backed	41,882		41,882
Residential mortgage-backed	99,509		99,509
Other asset-backed	28,251		28,251
Corporate	471,895		471,895
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,237,150		1,237,150
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stocks:
Financial services	32,419		32,419
Information technology	30,937		30,937
Healthcare	27,519		27,519
Consumer staples	21,066		21,066
Consumer discretionary	24,046		24,046
Energy	18,829		18,829
Industrials	23,694		23,694
Other	21,322		21,322
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	19,450		19,450
Total equity securities available-for-sale	219,282		219,282
Short-term investments	42,611		42,611
Liabilities:
Surplus notes	25,000		12,131

December 31, 2015	Carrying amounts		Estimated fair values
($ in thousands)
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
U.S. treasury	$	12,589	$	12,589
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	202,666		202,666
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	344,359		344,359
Commercial mortgage-backed	46,108		46,108
Residential mortgage-backed	88,543		88,543
Other asset-backed	17,844		17,844
Corporate	448,916		448,916
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,161,025		1,161,025
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stocks:
Financial services	33,955		33,955
Information technology	28,102		28,102
Healthcare	25,894		25,894
Consumer staples	18,200		18,200
Consumer discretionary	18,923		18,923
Energy	21,068		21,068
Industrials	20,416		20,416
Other	20,683		20,683
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	19,002		19,002
Total equity securities available-for-sale	206,243		206,243
Short-term investments	38,599		38,599
Liabilities:
Surplus notes	25,000		10,823

The estimated fair values of fixed maturity and equity securities is based on quoted market prices, where available.  In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on a variety of valuation techniques depending on the type of security.

Short-term investments generally include money market funds, U.S. Treasury bills and commercial paper.  Short-term investments are carried at fair value, which approximates cost, due to the highly liquid nature of the securities.   Short-term securities are classified as Level 1 fair value measurements when the fair values can be validated by recent trades.  When recent trades are not available, fair value is deemed to be the cost basis and the securities are classified as Level 2 fair value measurements.

The estimated fair value of the surplus notes is derived by discounting future expected cash flows at a rate deemed appropriate.  The discount rate was set at the average of current yields-to-maturity on several insurance company surplus notes that are traded in observable markets, adjusted upward by 50 basis points to reflect illiquidity and perceived risk premium differences. Other assumptions include a 25-year term (the surplus notes have no stated maturity date) and an interest rate that continues at the current 1.35 percent interest rate. The rate is typically adjusted every five years and is based upon the then-current Federal Home Loan Bank borrowing rate for 5-year funds available to Employers Mutual.

Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  The following fair value hierarchy prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value.

Level 1 -	Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access.
Level 2 -	Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets; or valuations based on models where the significant inputs are observable (e.g., interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severities, etc.) or can be corroborated by observable market data.
Level 3 -	Prices or valuation techniques that require significant unobservable inputs because observable inputs are not available.  The unobservable inputs may reflect the Company’s own judgments about the assumptions that market participants would use.

The Company uses an independent pricing source to obtain the estimated fair values of a majority of its securities, subject to an internal validation.  The fair values are based on quoted market prices, where available.  This is typically the case for equity securities and money market funds, which are accordingly classified as Level 1 fair value measurements.  In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on a variety of valuation techniques depending on the type of security.  Fixed maturity securities, non-redeemable preferred stocks and various short-term investments in the Company’s portfolio may not trade on a daily basis; however, observable inputs are utilized in their valuations, and these securities are therefore classified as Level 2 fair value measurements.  Following is a brief description of the various pricing techniques used by the independent pricing source for different asset classes.

• U.S. Treasury securities (including bonds, notes, and bills) are priced according to a number of live data sources, including active market makers and inter-dealer brokers.  Prices from these sources are reviewed based on the sources’ historical accuracy for individual issues and maturity ranges.

• U.S. government-sponsored agencies and corporate securities (including fixed-rate corporate bonds and medium-term notes) are priced by determining a bullet (non-call) spread scale for each issuer for maturities going out to forty years.  These spreads represent credit risk and are obtained from the new issue market, secondary trading, and dealer quotes.  An option adjusted spread model is incorporated to adjust spreads of issues that have early redemption features.  The final spread is then added to the U.S. Treasury curve.

• Obligations of states and political subdivisions are priced by tracking and analyzing actively quoted issues and reported trades, material event notices and benchmark yields.  Municipal bonds with similar characteristics are grouped together into market sectors, and internal yield curves are constructed daily for these sectors.  Individual bond evaluations are extrapolated from these sectors, with the ability to make individual spread adjustments for attributes such as discounts, premiums, alternative minimum tax, and/or whether or not the bond is callable.

• Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are first reviewed for the appropriate pricing speed (if prepayable), spread, yield and volatility.  The securities are priced with models using spreads and other information solicited from Wall Street buy- and sell-side sources, including primary and secondary dealers, portfolio managers, and research analysts.  To determine a tranche’s price, first the benchmark yield is determined and adjusted for collateral performance, tranche level attributes and market conditions.  Then the cash flow for each tranche is generated (using consensus prepayment speed assumptions including, as appropriate, a prepayment projection based on historical statistics of the underlying collateral).  The tranche-level yield is used to discount the cash flows and generate the price.  Depending on the characteristics of the tranche, a volatility-driven, multi-dimensional single cash flow stream model or an option-adjusted spread model may be used.  When cash flows or other security structure or market information is not available, broker quotes may be used.

On a quarterly basis, the Company receives from its independent pricing service a list of fixed maturity securities, if any, that were priced solely from broker quotes.  For these securities, fair value may be determined using the broker quotes, or by the Company using similar pricing techniques as the Company’s independent pricing service.  Depending on the level of observable inputs, these securities would be classified as Level 2 or Level 3 fair value measurements.   At September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, the Company had no securities priced solely from broker quotes.

A small number of the Company’s securities are not priced by the independent pricing service.  One equity security is reported as a Level 3 fair value measurement at September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, since no reliable observable inputs are used in its valuation.  This equity security continues to be reported at the fair value obtained from the Securities Valuation Office (SVO) of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).  The SVO establishes a per share price for this security based on an annual review of that company’s financial statements, typically performed during the second quarter.  The other securities not priced by the Company’s independent pricing service at September 30, 2016 include nine fixed maturity securities (seven at December 31, 2015). Two of these fixed maturity securities, classified as Level 3 fair value measurements, are corporate securities that convey premium tax benefits and are not publicly traded. The fair values for these securities are based on discounted cash flow analyses. The other fixed maturity securities are classified as Level 2 fair value measurements.  The fair values for these fixed maturity securities were obtained from either the SVO, the Company's investment custodian, or the Company's investment department using similar pricing techniques as the Company’s independent pricing service.

Presented in the tables below are the estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

September 30, 2016			Fair value measurements using
($ in thousands)	Total		Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)		Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)		Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Financial instruments reported at fair value on recurring basis:
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
U.S. treasury	$	8,207	$	—	$	8,207	$	—
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	237,494		—		237,494		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	349,912		—		349,912		—
Commercial mortgage-backed	41,882		—		41,882		—
Residential mortgage-backed	99,509		—		99,509		—
Other asset-backed	28,251		—		28,251		—
Corporate	471,895		—		470,825		1,070
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,237,150		—		1,236,080		1,070
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stocks:
Financial services	32,419		32,416		—		3
Information technology	30,937		30,937		—		—
Healthcare	27,519		27,519		—		—
Consumer staples	21,066		21,066		—		—
Consumer discretionary	24,046		24,046		—		—
Energy	18,829		18,829		—		—
Industrials	23,694		23,694		—		—
Other	21,322		21,322		—		—
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	19,450		11,991		7,459		—
Total equity securities available-for-sale	219,282		211,820		7,459		3
Short-term investments	42,611		42,611		—		—
Financial instruments not reported at fair value:
Liabilities:
Surplus notes	12,131		—		—		12,131

December 31, 2015			Fair value measurements using
($ in thousands)	Total		Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)		Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)		Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Financial instruments reported at fair value on recurring basis:
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
U.S. treasury	$	12,589	$	—	$	12,589	$	—
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	202,666		—		202,666		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	344,359		—		344,359		—
Commercial mortgage-backed	46,108		—		46,108		—
Residential mortgage-backed	88,543		—		88,543		—
Other asset-backed	17,844		—		17,844		—
Corporate	448,916		—		447,587		1,329
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,161,025		—		1,159,696		1,329
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stocks:
Financial services	33,955		33,952		—		3
Information technology	28,102		28,102		—		—
Healthcare	25,894		25,894		—		—
Consumer staples	18,200		18,200		—		—
Consumer discretionary	18,923		18,923		—		—
Energy	21,068		21,068		—		—
Industrials	20,416		20,416		—		—
Other	20,683		20,683		—		—
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	19,002		11,706		7,296		—
Total equity securities available-for-sale	206,243		198,944		7,296		3
Short-term investments	38,599		38,599		—		—
Financial instruments not reported at fair value:
Liabilities:
Surplus notes	10,823		—		—		10,823

Presented in the tables below are a reconciliation of the assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.  Any unrealized gains or losses on these securities are recognized in other comprehensive income.  Any gains or losses from settlements, disposals or impairments of these securities are reported as realized investment gains or losses in net income.

Three months ended September 30, 2016	Fair value measurements using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs
($ in thousands)	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate			Equity securities available-for-sale, financial services		Total
Beginning balance	$	1,191		$	3	$	1,194
Settlements	(117		)	—		(117		)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	(4		)	—		(4		)
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	1,070		$	3	$	1,073
Nine months ended September 30, 2016
Beginning balance	$	1,329		$	3	$	1,332
Settlements	(262		)	—		(262		)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	3			—		3
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	1,070		$	3	$	1,073

Three months ended September 30, 2015	Fair value measurements using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs
($ in thousands)	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate			Equity securities available-for-sale, financial services		Total
Beginning balance	$	1,622		$	3	$	1,625
Settlements	(171		)	—		(171		)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	2			—		2
Balance at September 30, 2015	$	1,453		$	3	$	1,456
Nine months ended September 30, 2015
Beginning balance	$	1,662		$	3	$	1,665
Settlements	(214		)	—		(214		)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	5			—		5
Balance at September 30, 2015	$	1,453		$	3	$	1,456

There were no transfers into or out of Levels 1 or 2 during the nine months ended September 30, 2016 or 2015.  It is the Company’s policy to recognize transfers between levels at the beginning of the reporting period.

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INVESTMENTS

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS

Investments of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to the insurance laws of the state of their incorporation. These laws prescribe the kind, quality and concentration of investments that may be made by insurance companies.  In general, these laws permit investments, within specified limits and subject to certain qualifications, in federal, state and municipal obligations, corporate bonds, preferred and common stocks and real estate mortgages.  The Company believes that it is in compliance with these laws.

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available-for-sale as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows.  All securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value.

September 30, 2016	Amortized cost		Gross unrealized gains		Gross unrealized losses		Estimated fair values
($ in thousands)
Securities available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. treasury	$	7,835	$	372	$	—	$	8,207
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	236,698		1,408		612		237,494
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	320,330		29,601		19		349,912
Commercial mortgage-backed	40,800		1,208		126		41,882
Residential mortgage-backed	106,044		2,245		8,780		99,509
Other asset-backed	27,239		1,112		100		28,251
Corporate	445,524		26,584		213		471,895
Total fixed maturity securities	1,184,470		62,530		9,850		1,237,150
Equity securities:
Common stocks:
Financial services	24,115		8,748		444		32,419
Information technology	19,482		11,457		2		30,937
Healthcare	16,522		11,040		43		27,519
Consumer staples	14,059		7,066		59		21,066
Consumer discretionary	15,399		8,983		336		24,046
Energy	14,021		5,167		359		18,829
Industrials	13,390		10,375		71		23,694
Other	16,833		4,700		211		21,322
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	18,031		1,501		82		19,450
Total equity securities	151,852		69,037		1,607		219,282
Total securities available-for-sale	$	1,336,322	$	131,567	$	11,457	$	1,456,432

December 31, 2015	Amortized cost		Gross unrealized gains		Gross unrealized losses		Estimated fair values
($ in thousands)
Securities available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. treasury	$	12,566	$	23	$	—	$	12,589
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	202,486		1,817		1,637		202,666
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	319,940		24,419		—		344,359
Commercial mortgage-backed	44,433		1,692		17		46,108
Residential mortgage-backed	94,279		1,059		6,795		88,543
Other asset-backed	17,000		883		39		17,844
Corporate	439,513		12,992		3,589		448,916
Total fixed maturity securities	1,130,217		42,885		12,077		1,161,025
Equity securities:
Common stocks:
Financial services	24,557		9,731		333		33,955
Information technology	19,427		8,807		132		28,102
Healthcare	15,599		10,359		64		25,894
Consumer staples	11,136		7,090		26		18,200
Consumer discretionary	10,270		8,658		5		18,923
Energy	16,384		5,972		1,288		21,068
Industrials	11,525		8,902		11		20,416
Other	17,246		3,672		235		20,683
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	18,032		1,168		198		19,002
Total equity securities	144,176		64,359		2,292		206,243
Total securities available-for-sale	$	1,274,393	$	107,244	$	14,369	$	1,367,268

The following tables set forth the estimated fair values and gross unrealized losses associated with investment securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, listed by length of time the securities were in an unrealized loss position.

September 30, 2016	Less than twelve months				Twelve months or longer				Total
($ in thousands)	Fair values		Unrealized losses		Fair values		Unrealized losses		Fair values		Unrealized losses
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	$	56,223	$	612	$	—	$	—	$	56,223	$	612
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	2,836		19		—		—		2,836		19
Commercial mortgage-backed	20,698		126		—		—		20,698		126
Residential mortgage-backed	24,298		1,103		25,791		7,677		50,089		8,780
Other asset-backed	7,526		100		—		—		7,526		100
Corporate	22,582		134		8,646		79		31,228		213
Total fixed maturity securities	134,163		2,094		34,437		7,756		168,600		9,850
Equity securities:
Common stocks:
Financial services	4,802		444		—		—		4,802		444
Information technology	52		2		—		—		52		2
Healthcare	873		43		—		—		873		43
Consumer staples	1,079		59		—		—		1,079		59
Consumer discretionary	3,813		336		—		—		3,813		336
Energy	4,899		359		—		—		4,899		359
Industrials	1,097		71		—		—		1,097		71
Other	2,448		211		—		—		2,448		211
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	—		—		1,918		82		1,918		82
Total equity securities	19,063		1,525		1,918		82		20,981		1,607
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	153,226	$	3,619	$	36,355	$	7,838	$	189,581	$	11,457

December 31, 2015	Less than twelve months				Twelve months or longer				Total
($ in thousands)	Fair values		Unrealized losses		Fair values		Unrealized losses		Fair values		Unrealized losses
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	$	78,800	$	1,228	$	34,079	$	409	$	112,879	$	1,637
Commercial mortgage-backed	6,807		17		—		—		6,807		17
Residential mortgage-backed	22,028		1,694		22,781		5,101		44,809		6,795
Other asset-backed	6,013		39		—		—		6,013		39
Corporate	101,088		2,683		14,212		906		115,300		3,589
Total fixed maturity securities	214,736		5,661		71,072		6,416		285,808		12,077
Equity securities:
Common stocks:
Financial services	6,387		333		—		—		6,387		333
Information technology	1,316		132		—		—		1,316		132
Healthcare	3,199		64		—		—		3,199		64
Consumer staples	1,244		26		—		—		1,244		26
Consumer discretionary	176		5		—		—		176		5
Energy	8,233		1,272		116		16		8,349		1,288
Industrials	1,263		11		—		—		1,263		11
Other	4,064		235		—		—		4,064		235
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	2,450		53		1,855		145		4,305		198
Total equity securities	28,332		2,131		1,971		161		30,303		2,292
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	243,068	$	7,792	$	73,043	$	6,577	$	316,111	$	14,369

The fair values of fixed maturity securities generally increased during the first nine months of 2016 due to a decline in interest rates. Most of the securities that are in an unrealized loss position are considered investment grade by credit rating agencies. Because management does not intend to sell these securities, does not believe it will be required to sell these securities before recovery, and believes it will collect the amounts due on these securities, it was determined that these securities were not “other-than-temporarily” impaired at September 30, 2016.

The majority of the unrealized losses on common stocks at September 30, 2016 are from the financial services, energy and consumer discretionary sectors, though no individual security accounted for a material amount of unrealized losses.  Because the Company has the ability and intent to hold these securities for a reasonable amount of time to allow for recovery, it was determined that these securities were not “other-than-temporarily” impaired at September 30, 2016.

All of the Company’s preferred stock holdings are perpetual preferred stocks.  The Company evaluates perpetual preferred stocks with unrealized losses for “other-than-temporary” impairment similar to fixed maturity securities since they have debt-like characteristics such as periodic cash flows in the form of dividends and call features, are rated by rating agencies and are priced like other long-term callable fixed maturity securities.  There was no evidence of any credit deterioration in the issuers of the preferred stocks and the Company does not intend to sell these securities before recovery, nor does it believe it will be required to sell these securities before recovery; therefore, it was determined that these securities were not “other-than-temporarily” impaired at September 30, 2016.

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2016, by contractual maturity, are shown below.  Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations, with or without call or prepayment penalties.

($ in thousands)	Amortized cost		Estimated fair values
Securities available-for-sale:
Due in one year or less	$	33,776	$	34,148
Due after one year through five years	165,885		174,885
Due after five years through ten years	324,442		344,608
Due after ten years	510,334		538,909
Securities not due at a single maturity date	150,033		144,600
Totals	$	1,184,470	$	1,237,150

A summary of realized investment gains and (losses) is as follows:

	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
($ in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Gross realized investment gains	$	261		$	61		$	1,935		$	642
Gross realized investment losses	(218		)	—			(517		)	—
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Gross realized investment gains	1,001			3,345			5,849			11,681
Gross realized investment losses	(50		)	(2,525		)	(1,683		)	(3,278		)
"Other-than-temporary" impairments	(275		)	(628		)	(976		)	(1,293		)
Other long-term investments, net	(1,911		)	7,245			(5,251		)	3,803
Totals	$	(1,192	)	$	7,498		$	(643	)	$	11,555

Gains and losses realized on the disposition of investments are included in net income.  The cost of investments sold is determined on the specific identification method using the highest cost basis first.  The Company did not have any outstanding cumulative credit losses on fixed maturity securities that have been recognized in earnings from “other-than-temporary” impairments during any of the reported periods. The amounts reported as “other-than-temporary” impairments on equity securities do not include any individually significant items. The net realized investment losses recognized on other long-term investments during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 represent changes in the carrying value of a limited partnership that is used solely to support an equity tail-risk hedging strategy.

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CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

The Company and Employers Mutual and its other subsidiaries are parties to numerous lawsuits arising in the normal course of the insurance business.  The Company believes that the resolution of these lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or its results of operations.  The companies involved have established reserves which are believed adequate to cover any potential liabilities arising out of all such pending or threatened proceedings.

The participants in the pooling agreement have purchased annuities from life insurance companies, under which the claimant is payee, to fund future payments that are fixed pursuant to specific claim settlement provisions.  The Company’s share of case loss reserves eliminated by the purchase of those annuities was $110,000 at December 31, 2015.  The Company had a contingent liability for the aggregate guaranteed amount of the annuities of $183,000 at December 31, 2015 should the issuers of those annuities fail to perform.  Although management is not able to verify the amount, the Company would likely have a similar contingent liability at September 30, 2016.  The probability of a material loss due to failure of performance by the issuers of these annuities is considered remote.

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STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Equity [Abstract]

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

On November 3, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $15.0 million stock repurchase program.  This program does not have an expiration date.  The timing and terms of the purchases are determined by management based on board approved parameters and market conditions, and are conducted in accordance with the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Common stock repurchased under this program will be retired by the Company.  The Company repurchased 17,300 shares of its common stock at an average cost of $22.14 during the first nine months of 2016. No other purchases have been made under this program.

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME

The Company has available-for-sale securities and receives an allocation of the actuarial losses and net prior service credits associated with Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans, both of which generate accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) amounts.  The following table reconciles, by component, the beginning and ending balances of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax.

	Accumulated other comprehensive income by component
($ in thousands)	Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for- sale securities			Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations			Total
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	60,369		$	(1,936	)	$	58,433
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	20,698			—			20,698
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(2,995		)	(607		)	(3,602		)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	17,703			(607		)	17,096
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	78,072		$	(2,543	)	$	75,529

The following tables display amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and into net income during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

($ in thousands)	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
Accumulated other comprehensive income components	Three months ended   September 30, 2016			Nine months ended   September 30, 2016			Affected line item in the consolidated statements of income
Unrealized gains on investments:
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income	$	718		$	4,608		Net realized investment gains
Deferred income tax expense	(252		)	(1,613		)	Income tax expense, current
Net reclassification adjustment	466			2,995
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations:
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income:
Net actuarial loss	(1,112		)	(1,956		)	(1)
Prior service credit	1,291			2,890			(1)
Total before tax	179			934
Deferred income tax expense	(62		)	(327		)	Income tax expense, current
Net reclassification adjustment	117			607
Total reclassification adjustment	$	583		$	3,602

(1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income (see Note 6, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details).

($ in thousands)	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
Accumulated other comprehensive income components	Three months ended September 30, 2015			Nine months ended September 30, 2015			Affected line item in the consolidated statements of income
Unrealized gains on investments:
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income	$	253		$	7,752		Net realized investment gains
Deferred income tax expense	(89		)	(2,713		)	Income tax expense, current
Net reclassification adjustment	164			5,039
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations:
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income:
Net actuarial loss	(345		)	(996		)	(1)
Prior service credit	827			2,480			(1)
Total before tax	482			1,484
Deferred income tax expense	(169		)	(520		)	Income tax expense, current
Net reclassification adjustment	313			964
Total reclassification adjustment	$	477		$	6,003

(1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income (see Note 6, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details).

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NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED

In May 2014, the FASB updated its guidance related to the Revenue from Contracts with Customers Topic 606 of the ASC.  The objective of this update (and other related following updates) is to improve the reporting of revenue by providing a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, and improved disclosure requirements. Current revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP is comprised of broad revenue recognition concepts together with numerous revenue requirements for particular industries or transactions, which sometimes result in different accounting for economically similar transactions. This guidance is to be applied retrospectively to annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted as of the original effective date (annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016).  The Company will adopt this guidance during the first quarter of 2018. Since premium revenue from insurance contracts is excluded from the scope of this updated guidance, adoption is expected to have little or no impact on the consolidated financial condition or operating results of the Company. The Company's largest non-premium revenue items are service charges related to the billing of the pool participants' direct written premiums to policyholders, and commission income on excess and surplus lines business marketed by EMC Underwriters, LLC, both of which are included in "Other income" in the consolidated statements of income.

In May 2015, the FASB updated its guidance related to the Financial Services-Insurance Topic 944 of the ASC.  The objective of this update is to add disclosures which provide transparency of significant estimates made in measuring the liability for losses and settlement expenses, thus providing more insight into an insurance entity's ability to underwrite and anticipate costs associated with claims. The new disclosures primarily include incurred and paid claims development tables prepared net of reinsurance (not to exceed ten years), and a reconciliation of the carrying amount of the liability for losses and settlement expenses. Also included (for each accident year of incurred claims development disclosed), is disclosure of incurred but not reported (IBNR) loss reserves, claim frequency information, and the average annual percentage payout of incurred claims by age. This guidance is to be applied retrospectively to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and certain disclosures to interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016.  The Company will adopt this guidance during the fourth quarter of 2016. Since the guidance only affects disclosure, adoption will have no impact on the consolidated financial condition or operating results of the Company.

In January 2016, the FASB updated its guidance related to the Financial Instruments-Overall Subtopic 825-10 of the ASC.  The objective of this update is to enhance the reporting model for financial instruments to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information. The major change in reporting from this update that will impact the Company is a requirement that equity investments (excluding those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that are consolidated) be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. While all of the Company's equity investments are already measured at fair value (with the exception of those that are consolidated and those that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting), the Company currently classifies all of its investments in equity securities as available-for-sale, and as such, the changes in fair value are currently recognized in other comprehensive income rather than net income. This guidance is to be applied to annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with recognition of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption.  Early adoption is not permitted. The Company will adopt this guidance during the first quarter of 2018. Adoption is not expected to impact consolidated stockholders' equity, but is expected to introduce a material amount of volatility to the Company's consolidated net income.

In February 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance in Leases Topic 842 of the ASC, which supersedes the guidance in Leases Topic 840 of the ASC. The objective of this update is to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet, and disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and is to be applied using a modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt this guidance during the first quarter of 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial condition and operating results.

In June 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance in Financial Instruments-Credit Losses Topic 326 of the ASC. The objective of this update is to provide information about expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit. Specifically, this updated guidance replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology, that delays recognition of a loss until it is probable a loss has been incurred, with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses considering a broader range of reasonable and supportable information. This guidance covers financial assets that are not accounted for at fair value through net income, thus will not be applicable to the Company's equity investments upon implementation of the updated guidance described above for the Financial Instruments-Overall Subtopic 825-10. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and is to be applied with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective (modified-retrospective approach). Early adoption is permitted, but only to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company will adopt this guidance during the first quarter of 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial condition and operating results.

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REINSURANCE (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]

Schedule of reinsurance transactions for insurance companies

The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned, and losses and settlement expenses incurred, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 is presented below.  The classification of the assumed and ceded reinsurance amounts between affiliates and nonaffiliates is based on the participants in the underlying reinsurance agreements, and is intended to provide an understanding of the actual source of the reinsurance activities.  This presentation differs from the classifications used in the consolidated financial statements, where all amounts flowing through the pooling, quota share and excess of loss agreements with Employers Mutual are reported as “affiliated” balances.

	Three months ended September 30, 2016
($ in thousands)	Property and casualty insurance			Reinsurance			Total
Premiums written
Direct	$	119,849		$	—		$	119,849
Assumed from nonaffiliates	1,221			39,592			40,813
Assumed from affiliates	146,289			—			146,289
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(7,841		)	(983		)	(8,824		)
Ceded to affiliates	(120,614		)	(1,270		)	(121,884		)
Net premiums written	$	138,904		$	37,339		$	176,243
Premiums earned
Direct	$	96,730		$	—		$	96,730
Assumed from nonaffiliates	1,170			39,394			40,564
Assumed from affiliates	122,058			—			122,058
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(6,091		)	(2,315		)	(8,406		)
Ceded to affiliates	(97,495		)	(1,270		)	(98,765		)
Net premiums earned	$	116,372		$	35,809		$	152,181
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	$	59,831		$	—		$	59,831
Assumed from nonaffiliates	793			27,206			27,999
Assumed from affiliates	85,196			280			85,476
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(895		)	(944		)	(1,839		)
Ceded to affiliates	(63,282		)	(12		)	(63,294		)
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	$	81,643		$	26,530		$	108,173

	Three months ended September 30, 2015
($ in thousands)	Property and casualty insurance			Reinsurance			Total
Premiums written
Direct	$	117,187		$	—		$	117,187
Assumed from nonaffiliates	1,178			34,954			36,132
Assumed from affiliates	141,200			—			141,200
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(7,656		)	(774		)	(8,430		)
Ceded to affiliates	(117,187		)	(2,734		)	(119,921		)
Net premiums written	$	134,722		$	31,446		$	166,168
Premiums earned
Direct	$	92,083		$	—		$	92,083
Assumed from nonaffiliates	1,073			35,939			37,012
Assumed from affiliates	118,784			—			118,784
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(6,104		)	(1,170		)	(7,274		)
Ceded to affiliates	(92,083		)	(2,734		)	(94,817		)
Net premiums earned	$	113,753		$	32,035		$	145,788
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	$	53,717		$	—		$	53,717
Assumed from nonaffiliates	655			27,677			28,332
Assumed from affiliates	76,697			252			76,949
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(1,376		)	(877		)	(2,253		)
Ceded to affiliates	(53,717		)	(343		)	(54,060		)
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	$	75,976		$	26,709		$	102,685

	Nine months ended September 30, 2016
($ in thousands)	Property and casualty insurance			Reinsurance			Total
Premiums written
Direct	$	311,542		$	—		$	311,542
Assumed from nonaffiliates	3,430			111,378			114,808
Assumed from affiliates	393,418			—			393,418
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(19,069		)	(8,814		)	(27,883		)
Ceded to affiliates	(318,617		)	(3,810		)	(322,427		)
Net premiums written	$	370,704		$	98,754		$	469,458
Premiums earned
Direct	$	284,281		$	—		$	284,281
Assumed from nonaffiliates	3,332			111,790			115,122
Assumed from affiliates	359,985			—			359,985
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(17,653		)	(5,205		)	(22,858		)
Ceded to affiliates	(291,356		)	(3,810		)	(295,166		)
Net premiums earned	$	338,589		$	102,775		$	441,364
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	$	167,827		$	—		$	167,827
Assumed from nonaffiliates	2,298			71,787			74,085
Assumed from affiliates	232,472			1,033			233,505
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(4,498		)	(2,336		)	(6,834		)
Ceded to affiliates	(172,892		)	411			(172,481		)
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	$	225,207		$	70,895		$	296,102

	Nine months ended September 30, 2015
($ in thousands)	Property and casualty insurance			Reinsurance			Total
Premiums written
Direct	$	297,974		$	—		$	297,974
Assumed from nonaffiliates	3,296			107,821			111,117
Assumed from affiliates	379,761			—			379,761
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(18,728		)	(2,480		)	(21,208		)
Ceded to affiliates	(297,974		)	(8,427		)	(306,401		)
Net premiums written	$	364,329		$	96,914		$	461,243
Premiums earned
Direct	$	273,441		$	—		$	273,441
Assumed from nonaffiliates	3,165			109,134			112,299
Assumed from affiliates	347,686			—			347,686
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(17,639		)	(4,795		)	(22,434		)
Ceded to affiliates	(273,441		)	(8,427		)	(281,868		)
Net premiums earned	$	333,212		$	95,912		$	429,124
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	$	151,565		$	—		$	151,565
Assumed from nonaffiliates	1,878			69,041			70,919
Assumed from affiliates	216,197			721			216,918
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(2,607		)	(4,065		)	(6,672		)
Ceded to affiliates	(151,565		)	(562		)	(152,127		)
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	$	215,468		$	65,135		$	280,603

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SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Segment Reporting [Abstract]

Summarized financial information for segments

Summarized financial information for the Company’s segments is as follows:

Three months ended September 30, 2016	Property and casualty insurance			Reinsurance			Parent company			Consolidated
($ in thousands)
Premiums earned	$	116,372		$	35,809		$	—		$	152,181
Underwriting profit (loss):
SAP underwriting profit (loss)	(8,081		)	689			—			(7,392		)
GAAP adjustments	2,970			35			—			3,005
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)	(5,111		)	724			—			(4,387		)
Net investment income (loss)	8,185			3,285			4			11,474
Net realized investment gains (losses)	(799		)	(393		)	—			(1,192		)
Other income (loss)	172			(257		)	—			(85		)
Interest expense	84			—			—			84
Other expenses	190			—			489			679
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	2,173		$	3,359		$	(485	)	$	5,047

Three months ended September 30, 2015	Property and casualty insurance			Reinsurance			Parent company			Consolidated
($ in thousands)
Premiums earned	$	113,753		$	32,035		$	—		$	145,788
Underwriting profit (loss):
SAP underwriting profit (loss)	(2,487		)	(2,167		)	—			(4,654		)
GAAP adjustments	2,386			(368		)	—			2,018
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)	(101		)	(2,535		)	—			(2,636		)
Net investment income (loss)	8,125			3,176			(2		)	11,299
Net realized investment gains (losses)	4,889			2,609			—			7,498
Other income (loss)	210			309			—			519
Interest expense	84			—			—			84
Other expenses	196			—			479			675
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	12,843		$	3,559		$	(481	)	$	15,921

Nine months ended September 30, 2016	Property and casualty insurance			Reinsurance			Parent company			Consolidated
($ in thousands)
Premiums earned	$	338,589		$	102,775		$	—		$	441,364
Underwriting profit (loss):
SAP underwriting profit (loss)	(8,904		)	7,777			—			(1,127		)
GAAP adjustments	3,026			(803		)	—			2,223
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)	(5,878		)	6,974			—			1,096
Net investment income (loss)	25,524			10,350			9			35,883
Net realized investment gains (losses)	(627		)	(16		)	—			(643		)
Other income (loss)	466			(485		)	—			(19		)
Interest expense	253			—			—			253
Other expenses	558			—			1,495			2,053
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	18,674		$	16,823		$	(1,486	)	$	34,011
Assets	$	1,170,108		$	465,733		$	562,535		$	2,198,376
Eliminations	—			—			(554,093		)	(554,093		)
Reclassifications	(2,187		)	(3,426		)	(1,165		)	(6,778		)
Total assets	$	1,167,921		$	462,307		$	7,277		$	1,637,505

Nine months ended September 30, 2015	Property and casualty insurance			Reinsurance			Parent company			Consolidated
($ in thousands)
Premiums earned	$	333,212		$	95,912		$	—		$	429,124
Underwriting profit (loss):
SAP underwriting profit (loss)	(497		)	4,685			—			4,188
GAAP adjustments	7,962			705			—			8,667
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)	7,465			5,390			—			12,855
Net investment income (loss)	24,301			9,654			(9		)	33,946
Net realized investment gains (losses)	7,866			3,689			—			11,555
Other income (loss)	582			1,040			—			1,622
Interest expense	253			—			—			253
Other expenses	568			—			1,424			1,992
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	39,393		$	19,773		$	(1,433	)	$	57,733
Year ended December 31, 2015
Assets	$	1,092,820		$	437,575		$	525,042		$	2,055,437
Eliminations	—			—			(514,309		)	(514,309		)
Reclassifications	—			(5,173		)	—			(5,173		)
Total assets	$	1,092,820		$	432,402		$	10,733		$	1,535,955

Summary of net premiums earned by line of insurance

The following table displays the net premiums earned for the property and casualty insurance segment and the reinsurance segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, by line of insurance.

	Three months ended September 30,				Nine months ended September 30,
($ in thousands)	2016		2015		2016		2015
Property and casualty insurance segment
Commercial lines:
Automobile	$	28,113	$	27,080	$	82,449	$	78,698
Property	27,471		26,526		77,292		77,518
Workers' compensation	24,536		23,777		71,272		69,150
Liability	24,277		23,449		72,086		68,952
Other	2,102		2,032		6,246		6,044
Total commercial lines	106,499		102,864		309,345		300,362
Personal lines	9,873		10,889		29,244		32,850
Total property and casualty insurance	$	116,372	$	113,753	$	338,589	$	333,212
Reinsurance segment
Pro rata reinsurance	$	15,066	$	13,037	$	44,175	$	40,154
Excess of loss reinsurance	20,743		18,998		58,600		55,758
Total reinsurance	$	35,809	$	32,035	$	102,775	$	95,912
Consolidated	$	152,181	$	145,788	$	441,364	$	429,124

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INCOME TAXES (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]

Reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit)

The actual income tax expense for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015 differed from the “expected” income tax expense for those periods (computed by applying the United States federal corporate tax rate of 35 percent to income before income tax expense) as follows:

	Three months ended   September 30,						Nine months ended   September 30,
($ in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Computed "expected" income tax expense	$	1,767		$	5,573		$	11,904		$	20,207
Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from:
Tax-exempt interest income	(709		)	(687		)	(2,101		)	(2,072		)
Dividends received deduction	(336		)	(266		)	(1,110		)	(809		)
Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction	157			143			482			432
Other, net	39			(31		)	(75		)	(292		)
Total income tax expense	$	918		$	4,732		$	9,100		$	17,466

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EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]

Components of net periodic benefit cost

The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans is as follows:

	Three months ended   September 30,						Nine months ended   September 30,
($ in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Pension plans:
Service cost	$	3,639		$	3,497		$	10,824		$	10,471
Interest cost	2,551			2,341			7,620			6,983
Expected return on plan assets	(4,841		)	(5,074		)	(14,521		)	(15,223		)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,111			719			3,233			2,033
Amortization of prior service cost	9			8			24			23
Net periodic pension benefit cost	$	2,469		$	1,491		$	7,180		$	4,287
Postretirement benefit plans:
Service cost	$	319		$	353		$	955		$	1,059
Interest cost	553			537			1,661			1,611
Expected return on plan assets	(1,056		)	(1,104		)	(3,168		)	(3,312		)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	374			437			1,121			1,309
Amortization of prior service credit	(2,835		)	(2,867		)	(8,504		)	(8,600		)
Net periodic postretirement benefit income	$	(2,645	)	$	(2,644	)	$	(7,935	)	$	(7,933	)

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DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]

Summary of carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments

The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are summarized in the tables below.

September 30, 2016	Carrying amounts		Estimated fair values
($ in thousands)
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
U.S. treasury	$	8,207	$	8,207
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	237,494		237,494
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	349,912		349,912
Commercial mortgage-backed	41,882		41,882
Residential mortgage-backed	99,509		99,509
Other asset-backed	28,251		28,251
Corporate	471,895		471,895
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,237,150		1,237,150
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stocks:
Financial services	32,419		32,419
Information technology	30,937		30,937
Healthcare	27,519		27,519
Consumer staples	21,066		21,066
Consumer discretionary	24,046		24,046
Energy	18,829		18,829
Industrials	23,694		23,694
Other	21,322		21,322
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	19,450		19,450
Total equity securities available-for-sale	219,282		219,282
Short-term investments	42,611		42,611
Liabilities:
Surplus notes	25,000		12,131

December 31, 2015	Carrying amounts		Estimated fair values
($ in thousands)
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
U.S. treasury	$	12,589	$	12,589
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	202,666		202,666
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	344,359		344,359
Commercial mortgage-backed	46,108		46,108
Residential mortgage-backed	88,543		88,543
Other asset-backed	17,844		17,844
Corporate	448,916		448,916
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,161,025		1,161,025
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stocks:
Financial services	33,955		33,955
Information technology	28,102		28,102
Healthcare	25,894		25,894
Consumer staples	18,200		18,200
Consumer discretionary	18,923		18,923
Energy	21,068		21,068
Industrials	20,416		20,416
Other	20,683		20,683
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	19,002		19,002
Total equity securities available-for-sale	206,243		206,243
Short-term investments	38,599		38,599
Liabilities:
Surplus notes	25,000		10,823

Summary of assets and liabilities measured on recurring and non-recurring basis

Presented in the tables below are the estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015.

September 30, 2016			Fair value measurements using
($ in thousands)	Total		Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)		Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)		Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Financial instruments reported at fair value on recurring basis:
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
U.S. treasury	$	8,207	$	—	$	8,207	$	—
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	237,494		—		237,494		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	349,912		—		349,912		—
Commercial mortgage-backed	41,882		—		41,882		—
Residential mortgage-backed	99,509		—		99,509		—
Other asset-backed	28,251		—		28,251		—
Corporate	471,895		—		470,825		1,070
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,237,150		—		1,236,080		1,070
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stocks:
Financial services	32,419		32,416		—		3
Information technology	30,937		30,937		—		—
Healthcare	27,519		27,519		—		—
Consumer staples	21,066		21,066		—		—
Consumer discretionary	24,046		24,046		—		—
Energy	18,829		18,829		—		—
Industrials	23,694		23,694		—		—
Other	21,322		21,322		—		—
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	19,450		11,991		7,459		—
Total equity securities available-for-sale	219,282		211,820		7,459		3
Short-term investments	42,611		42,611		—		—
Financial instruments not reported at fair value:
Liabilities:
Surplus notes	12,131		—		—		12,131

December 31, 2015			Fair value measurements using
($ in thousands)	Total		Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1)		Significant other observable inputs (Level 2)		Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Financial instruments reported at fair value on recurring basis:
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
U.S. treasury	$	12,589	$	—	$	12,589	$	—
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	202,666		—		202,666		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	344,359		—		344,359		—
Commercial mortgage-backed	46,108		—		46,108		—
Residential mortgage-backed	88,543		—		88,543		—
Other asset-backed	17,844		—		17,844		—
Corporate	448,916		—		447,587		1,329
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,161,025		—		1,159,696		1,329
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stocks:
Financial services	33,955		33,952		—		3
Information technology	28,102		28,102		—		—
Healthcare	25,894		25,894		—		—
Consumer staples	18,200		18,200		—		—
Consumer discretionary	18,923		18,923		—		—
Energy	21,068		21,068		—		—
Industrials	20,416		20,416		—		—
Other	20,683		20,683		—		—
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	19,002		11,706		7,296		—
Total equity securities available-for-sale	206,243		198,944		7,296		3
Short-term investments	38,599		38,599		—		—
Financial instruments not reported at fair value:
Liabilities:
Surplus notes	10,823		—		—		10,823

Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs

Presented in the tables below are a reconciliation of the assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015.  Any unrealized gains or losses on these securities are recognized in other comprehensive income.  Any gains or losses from settlements, disposals or impairments of these securities are reported as realized investment gains or losses in net income.

Three months ended September 30, 2016	Fair value measurements using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs
($ in thousands)	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate			Equity securities available-for-sale, financial services		Total
Beginning balance	$	1,191		$	3	$	1,194
Settlements	(117		)	—		(117		)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	(4		)	—		(4		)
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	1,070		$	3	$	1,073
Nine months ended September 30, 2016
Beginning balance	$	1,329		$	3	$	1,332
Settlements	(262		)	—		(262		)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	3			—		3
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	1,070		$	3	$	1,073

Three months ended September 30, 2015	Fair value measurements using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs
($ in thousands)	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate			Equity securities available-for-sale, financial services		Total
Beginning balance	$	1,622		$	3	$	1,625
Settlements	(171		)	—		(171		)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	2			—		2
Balance at September 30, 2015	$	1,453		$	3	$	1,456
Nine months ended September 30, 2015
Beginning balance	$	1,662		$	3	$	1,665
Settlements	(214		)	—		(214		)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	5			—		5
Balance at September 30, 2015	$	1,453		$	3	$	1,456

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INVESTMENTS (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]

Reconciliation of available-for-sale securities from cost basis to fair value

The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available-for-sale as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015 are as follows.  All securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value.

September 30, 2016	Amortized cost		Gross unrealized gains		Gross unrealized losses		Estimated fair values
($ in thousands)
Securities available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. treasury	$	7,835	$	372	$	—	$	8,207
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	236,698		1,408		612		237,494
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	320,330		29,601		19		349,912
Commercial mortgage-backed	40,800		1,208		126		41,882
Residential mortgage-backed	106,044		2,245		8,780		99,509
Other asset-backed	27,239		1,112		100		28,251
Corporate	445,524		26,584		213		471,895
Total fixed maturity securities	1,184,470		62,530		9,850		1,237,150
Equity securities:
Common stocks:
Financial services	24,115		8,748		444		32,419
Information technology	19,482		11,457		2		30,937
Healthcare	16,522		11,040		43		27,519
Consumer staples	14,059		7,066		59		21,066
Consumer discretionary	15,399		8,983		336		24,046
Energy	14,021		5,167		359		18,829
Industrials	13,390		10,375		71		23,694
Other	16,833		4,700		211		21,322
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	18,031		1,501		82		19,450
Total equity securities	151,852		69,037		1,607		219,282
Total securities available-for-sale	$	1,336,322	$	131,567	$	11,457	$	1,456,432

December 31, 2015	Amortized cost		Gross unrealized gains		Gross unrealized losses		Estimated fair values
($ in thousands)
Securities available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. treasury	$	12,566	$	23	$	—	$	12,589
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	202,486		1,817		1,637		202,666
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	319,940		24,419		—		344,359
Commercial mortgage-backed	44,433		1,692		17		46,108
Residential mortgage-backed	94,279		1,059		6,795		88,543
Other asset-backed	17,000		883		39		17,844
Corporate	439,513		12,992		3,589		448,916
Total fixed maturity securities	1,130,217		42,885		12,077		1,161,025
Equity securities:
Common stocks:
Financial services	24,557		9,731		333		33,955
Information technology	19,427		8,807		132		28,102
Healthcare	15,599		10,359		64		25,894
Consumer staples	11,136		7,090		26		18,200
Consumer discretionary	10,270		8,658		5		18,923
Energy	16,384		5,972		1,288		21,068
Industrials	11,525		8,902		11		20,416
Other	17,246		3,672		235		20,683
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	18,032		1,168		198		19,002
Total equity securities	144,176		64,359		2,292		206,243
Total securities available-for-sale	$	1,274,393	$	107,244	$	14,369	$	1,367,268

Estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses associated with investment securities

The following tables set forth the estimated fair values and gross unrealized losses associated with investment securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of September 30, 2016 and December 31, 2015, listed by length of time the securities were in an unrealized loss position.

September 30, 2016	Less than twelve months				Twelve months or longer				Total
($ in thousands)	Fair values		Unrealized losses		Fair values		Unrealized losses		Fair values		Unrealized losses
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	$	56,223	$	612	$	—	$	—	$	56,223	$	612
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	2,836		19		—		—		2,836		19
Commercial mortgage-backed	20,698		126		—		—		20,698		126
Residential mortgage-backed	24,298		1,103		25,791		7,677		50,089		8,780
Other asset-backed	7,526		100		—		—		7,526		100
Corporate	22,582		134		8,646		79		31,228		213
Total fixed maturity securities	134,163		2,094		34,437		7,756		168,600		9,850
Equity securities:
Common stocks:
Financial services	4,802		444		—		—		4,802		444
Information technology	52		2		—		—		52		2
Healthcare	873		43		—		—		873		43
Consumer staples	1,079		59		—		—		1,079		59
Consumer discretionary	3,813		336		—		—		3,813		336
Energy	4,899		359		—		—		4,899		359
Industrials	1,097		71		—		—		1,097		71
Other	2,448		211		—		—		2,448		211
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	—		—		1,918		82		1,918		82
Total equity securities	19,063		1,525		1,918		82		20,981		1,607
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	153,226	$	3,619	$	36,355	$	7,838	$	189,581	$	11,457

December 31, 2015	Less than twelve months				Twelve months or longer				Total
($ in thousands)	Fair values		Unrealized losses		Fair values		Unrealized losses		Fair values		Unrealized losses
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	$	78,800	$	1,228	$	34,079	$	409	$	112,879	$	1,637
Commercial mortgage-backed	6,807		17		—		—		6,807		17
Residential mortgage-backed	22,028		1,694		22,781		5,101		44,809		6,795
Other asset-backed	6,013		39		—		—		6,013		39
Corporate	101,088		2,683		14,212		906		115,300		3,589
Total fixed maturity securities	214,736		5,661		71,072		6,416		285,808		12,077
Equity securities:
Common stocks:
Financial services	6,387		333		—		—		6,387		333
Information technology	1,316		132		—		—		1,316		132
Healthcare	3,199		64		—		—		3,199		64
Consumer staples	1,244		26		—		—		1,244		26
Consumer discretionary	176		5		—		—		176		5
Energy	8,233		1,272		116		16		8,349		1,288
Industrials	1,263		11		—		—		1,263		11
Other	4,064		235		—		—		4,064		235
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	2,450		53		1,855		145		4,305		198
Total equity securities	28,332		2,131		1,971		161		30,303		2,292
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	243,068	$	7,792	$	73,043	$	6,577	$	316,111	$	14,369

Amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities

The amortized cost and estimated fair values of fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2016, by contractual maturity, are shown below.  Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations, with or without call or prepayment penalties.

($ in thousands)	Amortized cost		Estimated fair values
Securities available-for-sale:
Due in one year or less	$	33,776	$	34,148
Due after one year through five years	165,885		174,885
Due after five years through ten years	324,442		344,608
Due after ten years	510,334		538,909
Securities not due at a single maturity date	150,033		144,600
Totals	$	1,184,470	$	1,237,150

Summary of realized investment gains and (losses)

A summary of realized investment gains and (losses) is as follows:

	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
($ in thousands)	2016			2015			2016			2015
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Gross realized investment gains	$	261		$	61		$	1,935		$	642
Gross realized investment losses	(218		)	—			(517		)	—
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Gross realized investment gains	1,001			3,345			5,849			11,681
Gross realized investment losses	(50		)	(2,525		)	(1,683		)	(3,278		)
"Other-than-temporary" impairments	(275		)	(628		)	(976		)	(1,293		)
Other long-term investments, net	(1,911		)	7,245			(5,251		)	3,803
Totals	$	(1,192	)	$	7,498		$	(643	)	$	11,555

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2016

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]

Schedule of beginning and ending balances of accumulated other comprehensive income

The following table reconciles, by component, the beginning and ending balances of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax.

	Accumulated other comprehensive income by component
($ in thousands)	Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for- sale securities			Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations			Total
Balance at December 31, 2015	$	60,369		$	(1,936	)	$	58,433
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications	20,698			—			20,698
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(2,995		)	(607		)	(3,602		)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	17,703			(607		)	17,096
Balance at September 30, 2016	$	78,072		$	(2,543	)	$	75,529

Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)

The following tables display amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and into net income during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

($ in thousands)	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
Accumulated other comprehensive income components	Three months ended   September 30, 2016			Nine months ended   September 30, 2016			Affected line item in the consolidated statements of income
Unrealized gains on investments:
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income	$	718		$	4,608		Net realized investment gains
Deferred income tax expense	(252		)	(1,613		)	Income tax expense, current
Net reclassification adjustment	466			2,995
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations:
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income:
Net actuarial loss	(1,112		)	(1,956		)	(1)
Prior service credit	1,291			2,890			(1)
Total before tax	179			934
Deferred income tax expense	(62		)	(327		)	Income tax expense, current
Net reclassification adjustment	117			607
Total reclassification adjustment	$	583		$	3,602

(1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income (see Note 6, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details).

($ in thousands)	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income
Accumulated other comprehensive income components	Three months ended September 30, 2015			Nine months ended September 30, 2015			Affected line item in the consolidated statements of income
Unrealized gains on investments:
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income	$	253		$	7,752		Net realized investment gains
Deferred income tax expense	(89		)	(2,713		)	Income tax expense, current
Net reclassification adjustment	164			5,039
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations:
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income:
Net actuarial loss	(345		)	(996		)	(1)
Prior service credit	827			2,480			(1)
Total before tax	482			1,484
Deferred income tax expense	(169		)	(520		)	Income tax expense, current
Net reclassification adjustment	313			964
Total reclassification adjustment	$	477		$	6,003

(1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income (see Note 6, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details).

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TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES (Details) - Affiliated Entity [Member] $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	6 Months Ended		9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) Plan	Jun. 30, 2016 USD ($) Plan	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016 USD ($) Plan
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of reinsurance program treaties | Plan		1	1		2
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Annual Aggregate Catastrophe Excess of Loss [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Catastrophe claims, retention amount		$ 15,000	$ 20,000
Affiliated reinsurance contract first layer limit		12,000	24,000
Dollar amount of cost of affiliated reinsurance contract		1,500	$ 6,300
Ceded Losses and settlement expenses incurred	$ 3,500			$ 5,100
Reinsurance retention balance		$ 213
Reinsurance [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of reinsurance program treaties | Plan					2
Reinsurance [Member] | Per Occurrence Catastrophe Excess of Loss [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Catastrophe claims, retention amount					$ 10,000
Affiliated reinsurance contract first layer limit					$ 10,000
First layer excess of loss coinsurance percentage (in hundreths)					20.00%
Dollar amount of cost of affiliated reinsurance contract					$ 2,000
Reinsurance [Member] | Annual Aggregate Catastrophe Excess of Loss [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Catastrophe claims, retention amount					20,000
Affiliated reinsurance contract first layer limit					$ 100,000
First layer excess of loss coinsurance percentage (in hundreths)					20.00%
Dollar amount of cost of affiliated reinsurance contract					$ 3,100
Catastrophe event minimum amount					500
Dollar amount of cost of protection provided by industry loss warranties					$ 3,500
Ceded Losses and settlement expenses incurred	$ 0			$ 0

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REINSURANCE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Premiums written
Net premiums written	$ 176,243	$ 166,168	$ 469,458	$ 461,243
Premiums earned
Net premiums earned	152,181	145,788	441,364	429,124
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	108,173	102,685	296,102	280,603
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Assumed	146,289	141,200	393,418	379,761
Ceded	(121,884)	(119,921)	(322,427)	(306,401)
Premiums earned
Assumed	122,058	118,784	359,985	347,686
Ceded	(98,765)	(94,817)	(295,166)	(281,868)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Assumed	85,476	76,949	233,505	216,918
Ceded	(63,294)	(54,060)	(172,481)	(152,127)
Non Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Direct	119,849	117,187	311,542	297,974
Assumed	40,813	36,132	114,808	111,117
Ceded	(8,824)	(8,430)	(27,883)	(21,208)
Premiums earned
Direct	96,730	92,083	284,281	273,441
Assumed	40,564	37,012	115,122	112,299
Ceded	(8,406)	(7,274)	(22,858)	(22,434)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	59,831	53,717	167,827	151,565
Assumed	27,999	28,332	74,085	70,919
Ceded	$ (1,839)	$ (2,253)	$ (6,834)	$ (6,672)
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Reinsurance Transactions For Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Percentage of pool participation (in hundredths)	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Premiums written
Net premiums written	$ 138,904	$ 134,722	$ 370,704	$ 364,329
Premiums earned
Net premiums earned	116,372	113,753	338,589	333,212
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	81,643	75,976	225,207	215,468
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Assumed	146,289	141,200	393,418	379,761
Ceded	(120,614)	(117,187)	(318,617)	(297,974)
Premiums earned
Assumed	122,058	118,784	359,985	347,686
Ceded	(97,495)	(92,083)	(291,356)	(273,441)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Assumed	85,196	76,697	232,472	216,197
Ceded	(63,282)	(53,717)	(172,892)	(151,565)
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Non Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Direct	119,849	117,187	311,542	297,974
Assumed	1,221	1,178	3,430	3,296
Ceded	(7,841)	(7,656)	(19,069)	(18,728)
Premiums earned
Direct	96,730	92,083	284,281	273,441
Assumed	1,170	1,073	3,332	3,165
Ceded	(6,091)	(6,104)	(17,653)	(17,639)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	59,831	53,717	167,827	151,565
Assumed	793	655	2,298	1,878
Ceded	(895)	(1,376)	(4,498)	(2,607)
Reinsurance [Member]
Premiums written
Net premiums written	37,339	31,446	98,754	96,914
Premiums earned
Net premiums earned	35,809	32,035	102,775	95,912
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	26,530	26,709	70,895	65,135
Reinsurance [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Assumed	0	0	0	0
Ceded	(1,270)	(2,734)	(3,810)	(8,427)
Premiums earned
Assumed	0	0	0	0
Ceded	(1,270)	(2,734)	(3,810)	(8,427)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Assumed	280	252	1,033	721
Ceded	(12)	(343)	411	(562)
Reinsurance [Member] | Non Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Direct	0	0	0	0
Assumed	39,592	34,954	111,378	107,821
Ceded	(983)	(774)	(8,814)	(2,480)
Premiums earned
Direct	0	0	0	0
Assumed	39,394	35,939	111,790	109,134
Ceded	(2,315)	(1,170)	(5,205)	(4,795)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	0	0	0	0
Assumed	27,206	27,677	71,787	69,041
Ceded	$ (944)	$ (877)	$ (2,336)	$ (4,065)

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SEGMENT INFORMATION - Summarized financial information by segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated
Premiums earned	$ 152,181	$ 145,788	$ 441,364	$ 429,124
SAP underwriting profit (loss)	(7,392)	(4,654)	(1,127)	4,188
GAAP adjustments	3,005	2,018	2,223	8,667
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)	(4,387)	(2,636)	1,096	12,855
Net investment income (loss)	11,474	11,299	35,883	33,946
Net realized investment gains (losses)	(1,192)	7,498	(643)	11,555
Other income (loss)	(85)	519	(19)	1,622
Interest expense	84	84	253	253
Other expenses	679	675	2,053	1,992
Income before income tax expense	5,047	15,921	34,011	57,733
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated
Assets	2,198,376		2,198,376		$ 2,055,437
Eliminations	(554,093)		(554,093)		(514,309)
Reclassifications	(6,778)		(6,778)		(5,173)
Total assets	1,637,505		1,637,505		1,535,955
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated
Premiums earned	116,372	113,753	338,589	333,212
SAP underwriting profit (loss)	(8,081)	(2,487)	(8,904)	(497)
GAAP adjustments	2,970	2,386	3,026	7,962
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)	(5,111)	(101)	(5,878)	7,465
Net investment income (loss)	8,185	8,125	25,524	24,301
Net realized investment gains (losses)	(799)	4,889	(627)	7,866
Other income (loss)	172	210	466	582
Interest expense	84	84	253	253
Other expenses	190	196	558	568
Income before income tax expense	2,173	12,843	18,674	39,393
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated
Assets	1,170,108		1,170,108		1,092,820
Eliminations	0		0		0
Reclassifications	(2,187)		(2,187)		0
Total assets	1,167,921		1,167,921		1,092,820
Reinsurance [Member]
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated
Premiums earned	35,809	32,035	102,775	95,912
SAP underwriting profit (loss)	689	(2,167)	7,777	4,685
GAAP adjustments	35	(368)	(803)	705
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)	724	(2,535)	6,974	5,390
Net investment income (loss)	3,285	3,176	10,350	9,654
Net realized investment gains (losses)	(393)	2,609	(16)	3,689
Other income (loss)	(257)	309	(485)	1,040
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Other expenses	0	0	0	0
Income before income tax expense	3,359	3,559	16,823	19,773
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated
Assets	465,733		465,733		437,575
Eliminations	0		0		0
Reclassifications	(3,426)		(3,426)		(5,173)
Total assets	462,307		462,307		432,402
Parent company [Member]
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated
Premiums earned	0	0	0	0
SAP underwriting profit (loss)	0	0	0	0
GAAP adjustments	0	0	0	0
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)	0	0	0	0
Net investment income (loss)	4	(2)	9	(9)
Net realized investment gains (losses)	0	0	0	0
Other income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Other expenses	489	479	1,495	1,424
Income before income tax expense	(485)	$ (481)	(1,486)	$ (1,433)
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated
Assets	562,535		562,535		525,042
Eliminations	(554,093)		(554,093)		(514,309)
Reclassifications	(1,165)		(1,165)		0
Total assets	$ 7,277		$ 7,277		$ 10,733

XML

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Net premiums earned by segment and lines of insurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	$ 152,181	$ 145,788	$ 441,364	$ 429,124
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	116,372	113,753	338,589	333,212
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	106,499	102,864	309,345	300,362
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Automobile Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	28,113	27,080	82,449	78,698
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Property Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	27,471	26,526	77,292	77,518
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Workers Compensation Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	24,536	23,777	71,272	69,150
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Liability Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	24,277	23,449	72,086	68,952
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Other Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	2,102	2,032	6,246	6,044
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Personal Lines [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	9,873	10,889	29,244	32,850
Reinsurance [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	35,809	32,035	102,775	95,912
Reinsurance [Member] | Pro rata reinsurance [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	15,066	13,037	44,175	40,154
Reinsurance [Member] | Excess of loss reinsurance [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	$ 20,743	$ 18,998	$ 58,600	$ 55,758

XML

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Income tax expense (benefit) reconciliation [Abstract]
United States federal corporate tax rate (in hundredths)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Computed expected income tax expense	$ 1,767	$ 5,573	$ 11,904	$ 20,207
Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from:
Tax-exempt interest income	(709)	(687)	(2,101)	(2,072)
Dividends received deduction	(336)	(266)	(1,110)	(809)
Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction	157	143	482	432
Other, net	39	(31)	(75)	(292)
Total income tax expense	918	$ 4,732	9,100	$ 17,466
Provision for uncertain tax positions	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0

XML

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Pension plans [Member] | Emc Insurance Companies [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 3,639	$ 3,497	$ 10,824	$ 10,471
Interest cost	2,551	2,341	7,620	6,983
Expected return on plan assets	(4,841)	(5,074)	(14,521)	(15,223)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,111	719	3,233	2,033
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	9	8	24	23
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	2,469	1,491	7,180	4,287
Pension plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Group, Inc. [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	1,100	456	2,500	1,300
Entity's share of estimated contributions to employee benefit plan			2,500
Postretirement benefit plans [Member] | Emc Insurance Companies [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	319	353	955	1,059
Interest cost	553	537	1,661	1,611
Expected return on plan assets	(1,056)	(1,104)	(3,168)	(3,312)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	374	437	1,121	1,309
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(2,835)	(2,867)	(8,504)	(8,600)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	(2,645)	(2,644)	(7,935)	(7,933)
Postretirement benefit plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Group, Inc. [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$ 937	$ 761	2,400	$ 2,300
Entity's share of estimated contributions to employee benefit plan			$ 0

XML

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) shares	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) Plan $ / shares shares	Sep. 30, 2015 USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of stock option plans | Plan			2
Recognized compensation expense | $	$ 218	$ 167	$ 542	$ 351
Recognized compensation expense, net of tax | $	$ 142	$ 108	$ 353	$ 228
Employers Mutual Casualty Company Incentive Stock Option 2003 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Registered shares (in shares)	2,250,000		2,250,000
Time limit for granting awards			10 years	10 years
Employers Mutual Casualty Company Stock Incentive 2007 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Registered shares (in shares)	3,000,000		3,000,000
Time limit for granting awards			10 years	10 years
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of restricted stock shares granted during period (in shares)			118,588
Number of restricted stock shares vested during period (in shares)			69,057
Restricted Stock [Member] | Employee [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period			4 years	4 years
Restricted Stock [Member] | Non-Employee Director [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period			3 years
Age to attain automatic vesting			75 years
Number of restricted stock shares granted during period (in shares)			2,000
Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period			5 years	5 years
Options exercised during period (in shares)			196,248
Weighted average exercise price of options exercised during period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 15.54

XML

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) Security	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) Security
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 1,456,432	$ 1,367,268
Short-term investments	42,611	38,599
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	$ 25,000	$ 25,000
Period for surplus notes included in assumptions	25 years	25 years
Current interest rate on surplus notes	1.35%	1.35%
Upward adjustment to fair value input discount rate (percent)	0.50%	0.50%
Period after which rate is adjusted	5 years	5 years
Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Number Of Broker Quoted Securities | Security	0	0
Number of securities not priced by independent pricing service | Security	9	7
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 1,237,150	$ 1,161,025
US Treasury Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	8,207	12,589
US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	237,494	202,666
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	349,912	344,359
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	41,882	46,108
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	99,509	88,543
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	28,251	17,844
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	471,895	448,916
Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	219,282	206,243
Common stocks Financial services [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	32,419	33,955
Common stocks Information technology [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	30,937	28,102
Common stocks Healthcare [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	27,519	25,894
Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,066	18,200
Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	24,046	18,923
Common stocks Energy [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,829	21,068
Common stocks Industrials [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	23,694	20,416
Common stocks Other [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,322	20,683
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,450	19,002
Carrying amount [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	42,611	38,599
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	25,000	25,000
Carrying amount [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,237,150	1,161,025
Carrying amount [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	8,207	12,589
Carrying amount [Member] | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	237,494	202,666
Carrying amount [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	349,912	344,359
Carrying amount [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	41,882	46,108
Carrying amount [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	99,509	88,543
Carrying amount [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	28,251	17,844
Carrying amount [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	471,895	448,916
Carrying amount [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	219,282	206,243
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Financial services [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	32,419	33,955
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Information technology [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	30,937	28,102
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Healthcare [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	27,519	25,894
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,066	18,200
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	24,046	18,923
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Energy [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,829	21,068
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Industrials [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	23,694	20,416
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Other [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,322	20,683
Carrying amount [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,450	19,002
Estimated fair value [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	42,611	38,599
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	12,131	10,823
Estimated fair value [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,237,150	1,161,025
Estimated fair value [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	8,207	12,589
Estimated fair value [Member] | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	237,494	202,666
Estimated fair value [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	349,912	344,359
Estimated fair value [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	41,882	46,108
Estimated fair value [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	99,509	88,543
Estimated fair value [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	28,251	17,844
Estimated fair value [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	471,895	448,916
Estimated fair value [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	219,282	206,243
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Financial services [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	32,419	33,955
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Information technology [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	30,937	28,102
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Healthcare [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	27,519	25,894
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,066	18,200
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	24,046	18,923
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Energy [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,829	21,068
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Industrials [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	23,694	20,416
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Other [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,322	20,683
Estimated fair value [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 19,450	$ 19,002

XML

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, Recurring Measurement Inputs (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2016 USD ($) Security	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($) Security
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 1,456,432	$ 1,367,268
Short-term investments	42,611	38,599
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	25,000	25,000
Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,237,150	1,161,025
US Treasury Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	8,207	12,589
US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	237,494	202,666
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	349,912	344,359
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	41,882	46,108
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	99,509	88,543
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	28,251	17,844
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	471,895	448,916
Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	219,282	206,243
Common stocks Financial services [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	32,419	33,955
Common stocks Information technology [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	30,937	28,102
Common stocks Healthcare [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	27,519	25,894
Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,066	18,200
Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	24,046	18,923
Common stocks Energy [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,829	21,068
Common stocks Industrials [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	23,694	20,416
Common stocks Other [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,322	20,683
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,450	19,002
Recurring [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	42,611	38,599
Recurring [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,237,150	1,161,025
Recurring [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	8,207	12,589
Recurring [Member] | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	237,494	202,666
Recurring [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	349,912	344,359
Recurring [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	41,882	46,108
Recurring [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	99,509	88,543
Recurring [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	28,251	17,844
Recurring [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	471,895	448,916
Recurring [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	219,282	206,243
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Financial services [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	32,419	33,955
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Information technology [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	30,937	28,102
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Healthcare [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	27,519	25,894
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,066	18,200
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	24,046	18,923
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Energy [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,829	21,068
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Industrials [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	23,694	20,416
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Other [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,322	20,683
Recurring [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,450	19,002
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	42,611	38,599
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	211,820	198,944
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Common stocks Financial services [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	32,416	33,952
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Common stocks Information technology [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	30,937	28,102
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Common stocks Healthcare [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	27,519	25,894
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,066	18,200
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	24,046	18,923
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Common stocks Energy [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,829	21,068
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Common stocks Industrials [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	23,694	20,416
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Common stocks Other [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,322	20,683
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	11,991	11,706
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,236,080	1,159,696
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	8,207	12,589
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	237,494	202,666
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	349,912	344,359
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	41,882	46,108
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	99,509	88,543
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	28,251	17,844
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	470,825	447,587
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	7,459	7,296
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Common stocks Financial services [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Common stocks Information technology [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Common stocks Healthcare [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Common stocks Energy [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Common stocks Industrials [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Common stocks Other [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	7,459	7,296
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 1,070	$ 1,329
Number of securities categorized as Level 3 fair value measurements | Security	2	2
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 0	$ 0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,070	1,329
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 3	$ 3
Number of securities categorized as Level 3 fair value measurements | Security	1	1
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Common stocks Financial services [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 3	$ 3
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Common stocks Information technology [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Common stocks Healthcare [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Common stocks Energy [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Common stocks Industrials [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Common stocks Other [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Not Reported At Fair Value [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	12,131	10,823
Not Reported At Fair Value [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	0	0
Not Reported At Fair Value [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	0	0
Not Reported At Fair Value [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	$ 12,131	$ 10,823

XML

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, Unobservable Input Reconciliation (Details) - Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,194	$ 1,625	$ 1,332	$ 1,665
Settlements	(117)	(171)	(262)	(214)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	(4)	2	3	5
Balance at end of period	1,073	1,456	1,073	1,456
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,191	1,622	1,329	1,662
Settlements	(117)	(171)	(262)	(214)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	(4)	2	3	5
Balance at end of period	1,070	1,453	1,070	1,453
Common stocks Financial services [Member]
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	3	3	3	3
Settlements	0	0	0	0
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	$ 3	$ 3	$ 3	$ 3

XML

INVESTMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	$ 1,336,322		$ 1,336,322		$ 1,274,393
Gross unrealized gains	131,567		131,567		107,244
Gross unrealized losses	11,457		11,457		14,369
Estimated fair values	1,456,432		1,456,432		1,367,268
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	153,226		153,226		243,068
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	3,619		3,619		7,792
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	36,355		36,355		73,043
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	7,838		7,838		6,577
Total, Fair value	189,581		189,581		316,111
Total, Unrealized losses	11,457		11,457		14,369
Amortized cost
Due in one year or less	33,776		33,776
Due after one year through five years	165,885		165,885
Due after five years through ten years	324,442		324,442
Due after ten years	510,334		510,334
Securities not due at a single maturity date	150,033		150,033
Totals	1,184,470		1,184,470		1,130,217
Estimated fair value
Due in one year or less	34,148		34,148
Due after one year through five years	174,885		174,885
Due after five years through ten years	344,608		344,608
Due after ten years	538,909		538,909
Securities not due at a single maturity date	144,600		144,600
Totals	1,237,150		1,237,150		1,161,025
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]
'Other-than-temporary' impairments	(275)	$ (628)	(976)	$ (1,293)
Net realized investment gains (losses)	(1,192)	7,498	(643)	11,555
Debt Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	1,184,470		1,184,470		1,130,217
Gross unrealized gains	62,530		62,530		42,885
Gross unrealized losses	9,850		9,850		12,077
Estimated fair values	1,237,150		1,237,150		1,161,025
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	134,163		134,163		214,736
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	2,094		2,094		5,661
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	34,437		34,437		71,072
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	7,756		7,756		6,416
Total, Fair value	168,600		168,600		285,808
Total, Unrealized losses	9,850		9,850		12,077
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]
Available-for-sale, Gross realized investment gains	261	61	1,935	642
Available-for-sale, Gross realized investment losses	(218)	0	(517)	0
US Treasury Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	7,835		7,835		12,566
Gross unrealized gains	372		372		23
Gross unrealized losses	0		0		0
Estimated fair values	8,207		8,207		12,589
US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	236,698		236,698		202,486
Gross unrealized gains	1,408		1,408		1,817
Gross unrealized losses	612		612		1,637
Estimated fair values	237,494		237,494		202,666
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	56,223		56,223		78,800
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	612		612		1,228
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0		0		34,079
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0		0		409
Total, Fair value	56,223		56,223		112,879
Total, Unrealized losses	612		612		1,637
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	320,330		320,330		319,940
Gross unrealized gains	29,601		29,601		24,419
Gross unrealized losses	19		19		0
Estimated fair values	349,912		349,912		344,359
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	2,836		2,836
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	19		19
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0		0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0		0
Total, Fair value	2,836		2,836
Total, Unrealized losses	19		19
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	40,800		40,800		44,433
Gross unrealized gains	1,208		1,208		1,692
Gross unrealized losses	126		126		17
Estimated fair values	41,882		41,882		46,108
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	20,698		20,698		6,807
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	126		126		17
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0		0		0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0		0		0
Total, Fair value	20,698		20,698		6,807
Total, Unrealized losses	126		126		17
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	106,044		106,044		94,279
Gross unrealized gains	2,245		2,245		1,059
Gross unrealized losses	8,780		8,780		6,795
Estimated fair values	99,509		99,509		88,543
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	24,298		24,298		22,028
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	1,103		1,103		1,694
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	25,791		25,791		22,781
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	7,677		7,677		5,101
Total, Fair value	50,089		50,089		44,809
Total, Unrealized losses	8,780		8,780		6,795
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	27,239		27,239		17,000
Gross unrealized gains	1,112		1,112		883
Gross unrealized losses	100		100		39
Estimated fair values	28,251		28,251		17,844
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	7,526		7,526		6,013
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	100		100		39
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0		0		0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0		0		0
Total, Fair value	7,526		7,526		6,013
Total, Unrealized losses	100		100		39
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	445,524		445,524		439,513
Gross unrealized gains	26,584		26,584		12,992
Gross unrealized losses	213		213		3,589
Estimated fair values	471,895		471,895		448,916
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	22,582		22,582		101,088
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	134		134		2,683
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	8,646		8,646		14,212
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	79		79		906
Total, Fair value	31,228		31,228		115,300
Total, Unrealized losses	213		213		3,589
Equity Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	151,852		151,852		144,176
Gross unrealized gains	69,037		69,037		64,359
Gross unrealized losses	1,607		1,607		2,292
Estimated fair values	219,282		219,282		206,243
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	19,063		19,063		28,332
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	1,525		1,525		2,131
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	1,918		1,918		1,971
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	82		82		161
Total, Fair value	20,981		20,981		30,303
Total, Unrealized losses	1,607		1,607		2,292
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]
Available-for-sale, Gross realized investment gains	1,001	3,345	5,849	11,681
Available-for-sale, Gross realized investment losses	(50)	(2,525)	(1,683)	(3,278)
'Other-than-temporary' impairments	(275)	(628)	(976)	(1,293)
Common stocks Financial services [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	24,115		24,115		24,557
Gross unrealized gains	8,748		8,748		9,731
Gross unrealized losses	444		444		333
Estimated fair values	32,419		32,419		33,955
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	4,802		4,802		6,387
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	444		444		333
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0		0		0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0		0		0
Total, Fair value	4,802		4,802		6,387
Total, Unrealized losses	444		444		333
Common stocks Information technology [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	19,482		19,482		19,427
Gross unrealized gains	11,457		11,457		8,807
Gross unrealized losses	2		2		132
Estimated fair values	30,937		30,937		28,102
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	52		52		1,316
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	2		2		132
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0		0		0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0		0		0
Total, Fair value	52		52		1,316
Total, Unrealized losses	2		2		132
Common stocks Healthcare [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	16,522		16,522		15,599
Gross unrealized gains	11,040		11,040		10,359
Gross unrealized losses	43		43		64
Estimated fair values	27,519		27,519		25,894
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	873		873		3,199
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	43		43		64
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0		0		0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0		0		0
Total, Fair value	873		873		3,199
Total, Unrealized losses	43		43		64
Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	14,059		14,059		11,136
Gross unrealized gains	7,066		7,066		7,090
Gross unrealized losses	59		59		26
Estimated fair values	21,066		21,066		18,200
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	1,079		1,079		1,244
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	59		59		26
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0		0		0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0		0		0
Total, Fair value	1,079		1,079		1,244
Total, Unrealized losses	59		59		26
Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	15,399		15,399		10,270
Gross unrealized gains	8,983		8,983		8,658
Gross unrealized losses	336		336		5
Estimated fair values	24,046		24,046		18,923
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	3,813		3,813		176
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	336		336		5
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0		0		0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0		0		0
Total, Fair value	3,813		3,813		176
Total, Unrealized losses	336		336		5
Common stocks Energy [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	14,021		14,021		16,384
Gross unrealized gains	5,167		5,167		5,972
Gross unrealized losses	359		359		1,288
Estimated fair values	18,829		18,829		21,068
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	4,899		4,899		8,233
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	359		359		1,272
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0		0		116
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0		0		16
Total, Fair value	4,899		4,899		8,349
Total, Unrealized losses	359		359		1,288
Common stocks Industrials [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	13,390		13,390		11,525
Gross unrealized gains	10,375		10,375		8,902
Gross unrealized losses	71		71		11
Estimated fair values	23,694		23,694		20,416
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	1,097		1,097		1,263
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	71		71		11
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0		0		0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0		0		0
Total, Fair value	1,097		1,097		1,263
Total, Unrealized losses	71		71		11
Common stocks Other [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	16,833		16,833		17,246
Gross unrealized gains	4,700		4,700		3,672
Gross unrealized losses	211		211		235
Estimated fair values	21,322		21,322		20,683
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	2,448		2,448		4,064
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	211		211		235
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0		0		0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0		0		0
Total, Fair value	2,448		2,448		4,064
Total, Unrealized losses	211		211		235
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	18,031		18,031		18,032
Gross unrealized gains	1,501		1,501		1,168
Gross unrealized losses	82		82		198
Estimated fair values	19,450		19,450		19,002
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	0		0		2,450
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	0		0		53
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	1,918		1,918		1,855
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	82		82		145
Total, Fair value	1,918		1,918		4,305
Total, Unrealized losses	82		82		$ 198
Other Long-term Investments [Member]
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]
Other long-term investments, net	$ (1,911)	$ 7,245	$ (5,251)	$ 3,803

XML

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015 USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Entity's share of case loss reserves, eliminated by the purchase of annuities	$ 110
Contingent liability for aggregate guaranteed amount of annuities	$ 183

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STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Nov. 03, 2011
Equity [Abstract]
Authorized amount of stock repurchase program		$ 15,000
Stock repurchased and retired during period, shares	17,300
Average cost per share of stock repurchased	$ 22.14

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2015			$ 58,433
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			20,698
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			(3,602)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (2,858)	$ (4,729)	17,096	$ (20,858)
Balance at September 30, 2016	75,529		75,529
Unrealized Gains and (Losses) on Available-for-sale securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2015			60,369
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			20,698
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			(2,995)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			17,703
Balance at September 30, 2016	78,072		78,072
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2015			(1,936)
Other comprehensive income before reclassifications			0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			(607)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			(607)
Balance at September 30, 2016	$ (2,543)		$ (2,543)

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ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Net realized investment gains (losses)		$ (1,192)	$ 7,498	$ (643)	$ 11,555
Income tax expense, current		(1,448)	(3,081)	(11,440)	(15,594)
Total reclassification adjustment		583	477	3,602	6,003
Unrealized Gains and (Losses) on Available-for-sale securities | Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Net realized investment gains (losses)		718	253	4,608	7,752
Income tax expense, current		(252)	(89)	(1,613)	(2,713)
Total reclassification adjustment		466	164	2,995	5,039
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations | Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	[1]	(1,112)	(345)	(1,956)	(996)
Prior service credit	[1]	1,291	827	2,890	2,480
Total before tax		179	482	934	1,484
Income tax expense, current		(62)	(169)	(327)	(520)
Total reclassification adjustment		$ 117	$ 313	$ 607	$ 964

[1] These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income (see Note 6, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details).