Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Investments and cash:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2012, $2,034,765; 2011, $1,816,710)	$ 2,121,833	$ 1,888,069
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: 2012, $85,004; 2011, $73,567)	101,297	95,849
Short-term investments, at cost which approximates fair value	153,788	122,220
Cash	45,336	127,360
Total investments and cash	2,422,254	2,233,498
Premiums receivable	320,182	255,725
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	221,015	164,162
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	49,282	43,791
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	880,139	845,445
Deferred policy acquisition costs	61,005	63,984
Accrued investment income	12,587	14,492
Goodwill and other intangible assets	7,093	6,869
Current income tax receivable, net		15,391
Deferred income tax, net	3,216
Receivable for investments sold	4,310
Other assets	26,587	26,650
Total assets	4,007,670	3,670,007
Liabilities:
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses	2,097,048	2,082,679
Unearned premiums	642,407	532,628
Reinsurance balances payable	165,813	108,699
Senior notes	114,424	114,276
Current income tax payable, net	2,133
Deferred income tax, net		6,291
Payable for invstments purchased	58,345
Accounts payable and other liabilities	48,015	21,999
Total liabilities	3,128,185	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 17,558,046 shares for 2012 and 17,467,615 shares for 2011	1,755	1,746
Additional paid-in capital	329,452	322,133
Treasury stock, at cost (3,511,380 shares for 2012 and 2011)	(155,801)	(155,801)
Retained earnings	628,871	565,109
Accumulated other comprehensive income	75,208	70,248
Total stockholders' equity	879,485	803,435
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 4,007,670	$ 3,670,007