Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 112,143	$ 116,911	$ 191,164
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	30,587	36,974	40,657
Net realized investment losses (gains)	11,422	(66,380)	(58,397)
Bond amortization, net	12,529	6,757	4,615
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	(202)	(86)	(56)
Increase in premiums receivable	(20,688)	(56,588)	(7,819)
Changes in current and deferred income taxes	3,451	(83)	45,431
Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs	(8,556)	(14,480)	(851)
Increase (decrease) in unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	2,861	50,844	(48,926)
Increase in unearned premiums	33,098	77,002	10,048
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued expenses	30,367	1,197	(9,985)
Share-based compensation	974	(370)	899
Increase (decrease) in other payables	12,135	2,545	(4,142)
Other, net	(10,317)	(6,181)	(4,113)
Net cash provided by operating activities	209,804	148,062	158,525
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale in nature: Purchases	(831,796)	(590,562)	(379,963)
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale in nature: Sales	228,116	139,860	217,535
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale in nature: Calls or maturities	343,628	528,886	418,616
Equity securities available for sale in nature:
Purchases	(596,883)	(358,216)	(351,198)
Sales	872,997	277,272	325,562
Calls	0	923	0
Changes in securities payable and receivable	1,702	1,919	(9,137)
Net increase in short-term investments	(20,005)	(58,949)	(93,737)
Purchase of fixed assets	(18,671)	(15,177)	(18,079)
Sale of fixed assets	820	2,044	2,990
Other, net	1,741	2,255	12,026
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(18,351)	(69,745)	124,615
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid to shareholders	(134,776)	(134,105)	(132,142)
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	202	86	56
Payment to retire senior notes	0	0	(125,000)
Payoff bank loan	0	0	(18,000)
Proceeds from stock options exercised	1,446	2,492	1,951
Proceeds from bank loan	50,000	0	20,000
Net cash used in financing activities	(83,128)	(131,527)	(253,135)
Net increase (decrease) in cash	108,325	(53,210)	30,005
Cash:
Beginning of year	158,183		211,393
End of year	266,508	158,183
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURE
Interest paid	998	1,690	6,193
Income taxes paid	$ 16,503	$ 18,481	$ 8,503