CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Investments and cash:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012, $1,975,534; 2011, $1,816,710)	$ 2,085,058	$ 1,888,069
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: 2012, $74,831; 2011, $73,567)	105,930	95,849
Short-term investments, at cost which approximates fair value	187,445	122,220
Cash	36,252	127,360
Total investments and cash	2,414,685	2,233,498
Premiums receivable	351,060	255,725
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	224,851	164,162
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	41,819	43,791
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	834,604	845,445
Deferred policy acquisition costs	61,281	63,984
Accrued investment income	14,175	14,492
Goodwill and other intangible assets	7,037	6,869
Current income tax receivable, net	10,325	15,391
Other assets	34,860	26,650
Total assets	3,994,697	3,670,007
Liabilities:
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses	2,079,956	2,082,679
Unearned premiums	635,241	532,628
Reinsurance balances payable	169,540	108,699
Senior Notes	114,386	114,276
Deferred income tax, net	11,199	6,291
Accounts payable and other liabilities	109,564	21,999
Total liabilities	3,119,886	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 17,548,112 shares for 2012 and 17,467,615 shares for 2011	1,754	1,746
Additional paid-in capital	327,197	322,133
Treasury stock, at cost (3,511,380 shares for 2012 and 2011)	(155,801)	(155,801)
Retained earnings	600,827	565,109
Accumulated other comprehensive income	100,834	70,248
Total stockholders' equity	874,811	803,435
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 3,994,697	$ 3,670,007