Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Operating activities:
Net income (loss)	$ 49,133	$ 35,718
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation & amortization	3,076	3,635
Deferred income taxes	(1,256)	(9,313)
Net realized (gains) losses	(7,171)	(10,820)
Net other-than-temporary losses recognized in earnings	1,863	650
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	88,177	12,813
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses	(46,328)	(2,723)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	(32,420)	(60,689)
Unearned premiums	73,829	102,613
Premiums receivable	(35,396)	(95,335)
Deferred policy acquisition costs	(2,166)	2,703
Accrued investment income	(1,159)	317
Reinsurance balances payable	14,750	60,841
Current income tax payable, net	3,316	5,066
Other	21,748	23,647
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	129,996	69,123
Fixed maturities
Redemptions and maturities	143,591	134,050
Sales	637,176	905,450
Purchases	(713,450)	(1,196,729)
Equity securities
Sales	11,439	4,346
Purchases	(53,919)	(5,553)
Change in payable for securities	(64,633)	65,299
Net change in short-term investments	801	(65,225)
Purchase of property and equipment	(7,771)	(2,872)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(46,766)	(161,234)
Financing activities:
Proceeds of stock issued from employee stock purchase plan	821	672
Proceeds of stock issued from exercise of stock options	1,126	331
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	1,947	1,003
Increase (decrease) in cash	85,177	(91,108)
Cash at beginning of year	45,336	127,360
Cash at end of period	130,513	36,252
Supplemental cash information:
Income taxes paid, net	20,425	16,734
Interest paid	4,025	4,025
Issuance of stock to directors	$ 400	$ 242