Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments and cash:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2014, $2,323,959; 2013, $2,036,999)	$ 2,365,934	$ 2,047,873
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: 2014, $154,843; 2013, $118,804)	184,295	143,954
Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost: 2014: $179,527; 2013: $296,250)	179,506	296,250
Cash	90,751	86,509
Total investments and cash	2,820,486	2,574,586
Premiums receivable	342,479	325,025
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	237,851	247,822
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	51,347	38,384
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	851,498	822,438
Deferred policy acquisition costs	79,452	67,007
Accrued investment income	14,791	13,866
Goodwill and other intangible assets	7,013	7,177
Current income tax receivable, net	14,549	14,299
Deferred income tax, net		23,806
Receivable for investments sold	326	3
Other assets	44,384	35,039
Total assets	4,464,176	4,169,452
Liabilities:
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses	2,159,634	2,045,071
Unearned premiums	766,167	714,606
Reinsurance balances payable	152,774	167,252
Senior Notes	263,440	263,308
Deferred income tax, net	1,467
Payable for investments purchased	134	7,624
Accounts payable and other liabilities	93,336	69,379
Total liabilities	3,436,952	3,267,240
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.10 par value, authorized 1,000,000 shares, none issued
Common stock, $.10 par value, authorized 50,000,000 shares, issued 17,792,846 shares for 2014 and 17,709,876 shares for 2013	1,778	1,770
Additional paid-in capital	347,022	335,546
Treasury stock, at cost (3,511,380 shares for 2014 and 2013)	(155,801)	(155,801)
Retained earnings	787,666	692,337
Accumulated other comprehensive income	46,559	28,360
Total stockholders' equity	1,027,224	902,212
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 4,464,176	$ 4,169,452