Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2012
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 27,847	$ 22,803
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation & amortization	1,953	2,040
Deferred income taxes	(2,457)	(9,800)
Net realized (gains) losses	(8,159)	(6,059)
Net other-than-temporary losses recognized in earnings	42	650
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	(5,110)	3,741
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses	19,336	5,845
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	(30,031)	(46,927)
Unearned premiums	87,161	101,292
Premiums receivable	(74,213)	(119,834)
Deferred policy acquisition costs	(4,104)	(525)
Accrued investment income	(1,104)	413
Reinsurance balances payable	17,870	35,379
Current income tax payable, net	4,191	1,497
Other	15,263	24,513
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	48,485	15,028
Fixed maturities
Redemptions and maturities	121,340	97,345
Sales	411,634	526,753
Purchases	(491,255)	(747,421)
Equity securities
Sales	11,439	1,600
Purchases	(38,094)	(3,397)
Change in payable for securities	(32,632)	70,265
Net change in short-term investments	29,062	(39,763)
Purchase of property and equipment	(4,855)	(2,353)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	6,639	(96,971)
Financing activities:
Proceeds of stock issued from employee stock purchase plan	374	313
Proceeds of stock issued from exercise of stock options	1,126	112
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	1,500	425
Increase (decrease) in cash	56,624	(81,518)
Cash at beginning of year	45,336	127,360
Cash at end of period	101,960	45,842
Supplemental cash information:
Income taxes paid, net	9,223	14,188
Interest paid	4,025	4,025
Issuance of stock to directors	$ 400	$ 242