Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments and cash:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2013, $1,988,507; 2012, $2,034,765)	$ 2,007,806	$ 2,121,833
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: 2013, $115,221; 2012, $85,004)	138,549	101,297
Short-term investments, at cost which approximates fair value	124,726	153,788
Cash	101,960	45,336
Total investments and cash	2,373,041	2,422,254
Premiums receivable	394,395	320,182
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	251,046	221,015
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	52,569	49,282
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	881,962	880,139
Deferred policy acquisition costs	65,109	61,005
Accrued investment income	13,691	12,587
Goodwill and other intangible assets	6,785	7,093
Deferred income tax, net	25,882	3,216
Receivable for investments sold	25	4,310
Other assets	32,005	26,587
Total assets	4,096,510	4,007,670
Liabilities:
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses	2,116,384	2,097,048
Unearned premiums	729,568	642,407
Reinsurance balances payable	183,683	165,813
Senior Notes	114,502	114,424
Current income tax payable, net	6,324	2,133
Payable for investments purchased	21,428	58,345
Accounts payable and other liabilities	50,669	48,015
Total liabilities	3,222,558	3,128,185
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 17,645,043 shares for 2013 and 17,558,046 shares for 2012	1,764	1,755
Additional paid-in capital	333,954	329,452
Treasury stock, at cost (3,511,380 shares for 2013 and 2012)	(155,801)	(155,801)
Retained earnings	656,718	628,871
Accumulated other comprehensive income	37,317	75,208
Total stockholders' equity	873,952	879,485
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 4,096,510	$ 4,007,670