Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2016	Sep. 30, 2015
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 99,126	$ 51,074
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	19,702	19,967
Net realized investment (gains) losses	(54,973)	75,595
Bond amortization, net	19,878	17,279
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	(995)	(106)
Increase in premiums receivables	(37,965)	(46,952)
Change in current and deferred income taxes	22,494	(35,822)
Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs	(4,995)	(8,043)
Increase in unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	97,865	21,079
Increase in unearned premiums	52,838	56,562
Decrease in accounts payable and accrued expenses	(2,172)	(17,509)
Share-based compensation	(3,472)	2,946
Changes in other payables	2,539	10,255
Other, net	(319)	2,382
Net cash provided by operating activities	209,551	148,707
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Fixed maturities available-for-sale in nature: Purchases	(742,671)	(807,150)
Fixed maturities available-for-sale in nature: Sales	230,909	211,724
Fixed maturities available-for-sale in nature: Calls or maturities	421,737	283,311
Equity securities available-for-sale in nature:
Equity securities available-for-sale in nature:Purchases	(535,155)	(573,011)
Equity securities available-for-sale in nature:Sales	499,126	641,854
Equity securities available-for-sale in nature:Calls	0	2,378
Changes in securities payable and receivable	17,272	(6,658)
Changes in short-term investments and purchased options	(24,366)	210,274
Purchase of fixed assets	(12,874)	(16,384)
Sale of fixed assets	3	136
Business acquisition, net of cash acquired	0	7,771
Other, net	3,186	2,291
Net cash used in investing activities	(142,833)	(43,464)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid to shareholders	(102,783)	(102,183)
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	995	106
Proceeds from stock options exercised	706	2,111
Net cash used in financing activities	(101,082)	(99,966)
Net (decrease) increase in cash	(34,364)	5,277
Cash:
Beginning of the year	264,221	289,907
End of period	229,857	295,184
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURE
Interest paid	2,797	2,228
Income taxes paid	$ 374	$ 31,385