Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 13,910	$ 7,904
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation & amortization	1,025	1,054
Deferred income taxes	(1,370)	(6,217)
Net realized (gains) losses	(4,814)	(1,842)
Net other-than-temporary losses recognized in earnings	42	154
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	5,176	(16,397)
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses	7,338	30,326
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	(11,761)	(8,054)
Unearned premiums	76,976	68,705
Premiums receivable	(80,215)	(90,071)
Deferred policy acquisition costs	(8,344)	(6,017)
Accrued investment income	(1,053)	(36)
Reinsurance balances payable	(700)	21,965
Current income tax payable, net	4,945	7,154
Other	3,157	7,743
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	4,312	16,371
Fixed maturities
Redemptions and maturities	28,469	47,523
Sales	362,090	273,529
Purchases	(358,829)	(371,071)
Equity securities
Sales	4,787
Purchases	(9,926)	(2,055)
Change in payable for securities	(42,464)	35,881
Net change in short-term investments	24,234	(80,757)
Purchase of property and equipment	(919)	(1,586)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	7,442	(98,536)
Financing activities:
Proceeds of stock issued from employee stock purchase plan	374	313
Proceeds of stock issued from exercise of stock options	1,112
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	1,486	313
Increase (decrease) in cash	13,240	(81,852)
Cash at beginning of year	45,336	127,360
Cash at end of period	58,576	45,508
Supplemental cash information:
Income taxes paid, net	1,198	1,519
Interest paid
Issuance of stock to directors	$ 400	$ 242