Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments and cash:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2013, $2,036,999; 2012, $2,034,765)	$ 2,047,873	$ 2,121,833
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: 2013, $118,804; 2012, $85,004)	143,954	101,297
Short-term investments, at cost which approximates fair value	296,250	153,788
Cash	86,509	45,336
Total investments and cash	2,574,586	2,422,254
Premiums receivable	325,025	320,182
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	247,822	221,015
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	38,384	49,282
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	822,438	880,139
Deferred policy acquisition costs	67,007	61,005
Accrued investment income	13,866	12,587
Goodwill and other intangible assets	7,177	7,093
Current income tax receivable, net	9,918
Deferred income tax, net	28,187	3,216
Receivable for investments sold	3	4,310
Other assets	35,039	26,587
Total assets	4,169,452	4,007,670
Liabilities:
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses	2,045,071	2,097,048
Unearned premiums	714,606	642,407
Reinsurance balances payable	167,252	165,813
Senior Notes	263,308	114,424
Current income tax payable, net		2,133
Payable for investments purchased	7,624	58,345
Accounts payable and other liabilities	69,379	48,015
Total liabilities	3,267,240	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 17,709,876 shares for 2013 and 17,558,046 shares for 2012	1,770	1,755
Additional paid-in capital	335,546	329,452
Treasury stock, at cost (3,511,380 shares for 2013 and 2012)	(155,801)	(155,801)
Retained earnings	692,337	628,871
Accumulated other comprehensive income	28,360	75,208
Total stockholders' equity	902,212	879,485
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 4,169,452	$ 4,007,670