Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments and cash:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2013, $1,958,434; 2012, $2,034,765)	$ 1,981,731	$ 2,121,833
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: 2013, $131,046; 2012, $85,004)	158,890	101,297
Short-term investments, at cost which approximates fair value	152,987	153,788
Cash	130,513	45,336
Total investments and cash	2,424,121	2,422,254
Premiums receivable	355,578	320,182
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	253,435	221,015
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	44,955	49,282
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	796,289	880,139
Deferred policy acquisition costs	63,171	61,005
Accrued investment income	13,746	12,587
Goodwill and other intangible assets	7,065	7,093
Deferred income tax, net	22,639	3,216
Receivable for investments sold	59,453	4,310
Other assets	34,124	26,587
Total assets	4,074,576	4,007,670
Liabilities:
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses	2,050,720	2,097,048
Unearned premiums	716,236	642,407
Reinsurance balances payable	180,563	165,813
Senior Notes	114,542	114,424
Current income tax payable, net	5,449	2,133
Payable for investments purchased	48,855	58,345
Accounts payable and other liabilities	58,329	48,015
Total liabilities	3,174,694	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 17,658,292 shares for 2013 and 17,558,046 shares for 2012	1,765	1,755
Additional paid-in capital	334,421	329,452
Treasury stock, at cost (3,511,380 shares for 2013 and 2012)	(155,801)	(155,801)
Retained earnings	678,004	628,871
Accumulated other comprehensive income	41,493	75,208
Total stockholders' equity	899,882	879,485
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 4,074,576	$ 4,007,670