Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments and cash:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2014, $2,133,492; 2013, $2,036,999)	$ 2,162,713	$ 2,047,873
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: 2014, $137,358; 2013, $118,804)	163,527	143,954
Short-term investments, at cost which approximates fair value	207,843	296,250
Cash	55,041	86,509
Total investments and cash	2,589,124	2,574,586
Premiums receivable	416,675	325,025
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	246,545	247,822
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	42,260	38,384
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	830,431	822,438
Deferred policy acquisition costs	79,334	67,007
Accrued investment income	14,221	13,866
Goodwill and other intangible assets	7,174	7,177
Current income tax receivable, net	3,204	9,918
Deferred income tax, net	20,928	28,187
Receivable for investments sold	10,078	3
Other assets	39,831	35,039
Total assets	4,299,805	4,169,452
Liabilities:
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses	2,087,471	2,045,071
Unearned premiums	798,745	714,606
Reinsurance balances payable	145,948	167,252
Senior Notes	263,340	263,308
Payable for investments purchased	10,231	7,624
Accounts payable and other liabilities	57,236	69,379
Total liabilities	3,362,971	3,267,240
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 17,766,586 shares for 2014 and 17,709,876 shares for 2013	1,776	1,770
Additional paid-in capital	337,242	335,546
Treasury stock, at cost (3,511,380 shares for 2014 and 2013)	(155,801)	(155,801)
Retained earnings	720,305	692,337
Accumulated other comprehensive income	33,312	28,360
Total stockholders' equity	936,834	902,212
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 4,299,805	$ 4,169,452