CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Investments and cash:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012, $1,863,076; 2011, $1,816,710)	$ 1,943,563	$ 1,888,069
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: 2012, $75,479; 2011, $73,567)	102,400	95,849
Short-term investments, at cost which approximates fair value	202,977	122,220
Cash	45,508	127,360
Total investments and cash	2,294,448	2,233,498
Premiums receivable	344,397	255,725
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	172,216	164,162
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	51,694	43,791
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	856,720	845,445
Deferred policy acquisition costs	70,000	63,984
Accrued investment income	14,528	14,492
Goodwill and other intangible assets	7,009	6,869
Current income tax receivable, net	8,059	15,391
Other assets	28,456	26,650
Total assets	3,847,527	3,670,007
Liabilities:
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses	2,093,643	2,082,679
Unearned premiums	601,333	532,628
Reinsurance balances payable	130,664	108,699
Senior Notes	114,312	114,276
Deferred income tax, net	2,706	6,291
Accounts payable and other liabilities	86,652	21,999
Total liabilities	3,029,310	2,866,572
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 17,513,557 shares for 2012 and 17,467,615 shares for 2011	1,750	1,746
Additional paid-in capital	323,030	322,133
Treasury stock, at cost (3,511,380 shares for 2012 and 2011)	(155,801)	(155,801)
Retained earnings	573,013	565,109
Accumulated other comprehensive income	76,225	70,248
Total stockholders' equity	818,217	803,435
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,847,527	$ 3,670,007