CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Investments and cash:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2011, $1,816,710; 2010, $1,855,598)	$ 1,888,069	$ 1,882,245
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: 2011, $73,567; 2010, $64,793)	95,849	87,258
Short-term investments, at cost which approximates fair value	122,220	153,057
Cash	127,360	31,768
Total investments and cash	2,233,498	2,154,328
Premiums receivable	255,725	188,368
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	164,162	156,869
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	43,791	56,658
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	845,445	843,296
Deferred policy acquisition costs	63,984	55,201
Accrued investment income	14,492	15,590
Goodwill and other intangible assets	6,869	6,925
Current income tax receivable, net	15,391	1,054
Deferred income tax, net		15,141
Other assets	26,650	38,029
Total assets	3,670,007	3,531,459
Liabilities:
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses	2,082,679	1,985,838
Unearned premiums	532,628	463,515
Reinsurance balances payable	108,699	105,904
Senior Notes	114,276	114,138
Deferred income tax, net	6,291
Accounts payable and other liabilities	21,999	32,710
Total liabilities	2,866,572	2,702,105
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 17,467,615 shares for 2011 and 17,274,440 shares for 2010	1,746	1,728
Additional paid-in capital	322,133	312,588
Treasury stock, at cost (3,511,380 shares for 2011 and 1,532,273 shares for 2010)	(155,801)	(64,935)
Retained earnings	565,109	539,512
Accumulated other comprehensive income	70,248	40,461
Total stockholders' equity	803,435	829,354
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,670,007	$ 3,531,459