Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 111,695	$ 175,845
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	30,596	29,672
Net realized investment losses (gains)	14,465	(80,770)
Bond amortization (accretion), net	4,071	(428)
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	(40)	(60)
Increase in premiums receivables	(17,204)	(13,934)
Decrease in current and deferred income taxes	22,209	40,611
Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs	(4,054)	(556)
Decrease in unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	(55,480)	(68,185)
Increase in unearned premiums	32,829	12,406
Increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses	1,967	26,097
Share-based compensation	606	804
Increase (decrease) in other payables	24,659	(21,105)
Other, net	4,433	(973)
Net cash provided by operating activities	170,752	99,424
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Fixed maturities available-for-sale in nature: Purchases	(265,648)	(355,207)
Sales	195,551	145,838
Calls or maturities	294,230	232,274
Equity securities available-for-sale in nature:
Purchases	(292,972)	(172,788)
Sales	268,783	151,440
Calls	0	4,826
Net (decrease) increase in payable for securities	(5,122)	4,188
Net increase in short-term investments	(109,175)	(6,085)
Purchase of fixed assets	(12,613)	(22,143)
Sale and write-off of fixed assets	(1,730)	170
Other, net	9,149	3,582
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	80,453	(13,905)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid to shareholders	(98,680)	(96,981)
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	40	60
Proceeds from stock options exercised	810	691
Payment to retire senior notes	(125,000)	0
Net cash used in financing activities	(222,830)	(96,230)
Net increase in cash	28,375	(10,711)
Cash:
Beginning of the year	181,388	185,505
End of period	209,763	174,794
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURE
Interest paid	5,286	5,457
Income taxes paid	503	16,031
Net realized gains from sale of investments	$ 7,528	$ 4,931