Consolidated Statements of Earnings and Comprehensive Income (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011		Dec. 31, 2010		Dec. 31, 2009
Revenues
Net premiums earned	$ 747,639		$ 768,134		$ 845,015
Net investment income	108,910		125,012		101,949
Net realized capital gains	127,141		97,374		320,389
Other than temporary impairment losses	(3,607)		(12,356)		(85,916)
Other income	1,754		7,188		2,955
Total revenues	981,837		985,352		1,184,392
Costs and expenses
Loss and loss adjustment expenses	429,986		377,937		442,104
Commissions, brokerage and other underwriting expenses	268,125		259,335		273,722
Other operating expenses	34,456		37,157		45,615
Corporate administration	41,007		28,854		26,938
Interest expense	17,426		4,698		633
Total costs and expenses	791,000		707,981		789,012
Earnings before income taxes	190,837		277,371		395,380
Income taxes	47,586		78,869		124,381
Net earnings	143,251		198,502		270,999
Other comprehensive income
Change in unrealized gains, net of deferred taxes of $37,139, $66,873 and $90,590 for 2011, 2010 and 2009, respectively	68,973		124,192		168,239
Less: reclassification for net realized capital gains and other than temporary impairment losses, net of taxes of $43,237, $29,756 and $86,386 for 2011, 2010 and 2009 respectively	(80,297)		(55,262)		(160,432)
Other	(3,407)		7,287		(1,011)
Comprehensive income	128,520		274,719		277,795
Net earnings	143,251		198,502		270,999
Preferred dividends					6,158
Net earnings available to common stockholders	$ 143,251		$ 198,502		$ 264,841
Basic earnings per share	$ 16.26	[1]	$ 21.85	[1]	$ 29.25	[1]
Diluted earnings per share	$ 16.20	[1]	$ 21.85	[1]	$ 28.51	[1]

[1] Amounts reflect subsequent common stock dividends.