Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments and cash:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2014, $2,277,384; 2013, $2,036,999)	$ 2,310,195	$ 2,047,873
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: 2014, $136,762; 2013, $118,804)	163,473	143,954
Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost 2014 $255,434; 2013 $296,250)	255,445	296,250
Cash	74,408	86,509
Total investments and cash	2,803,521	2,574,586
Premiums receivable	363,053	325,025
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	237,094	247,822
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	49,327	38,384
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	850,582	822,438
Deferred policy acquisition costs	76,268	67,007
Accrued investment income	15,075	13,866
Goodwill and other intangible assets	7,089	7,177
Current income tax receivable, net	2,506	9,918
Deferred income tax, net	14,531	28,187
Other assets	44,267	35,042
Total assets	4,463,313	4,169,452
Liabilities:
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses	2,168,974	2,045,071
Unearned premiums	772,755	714,606
Reinsurance balances payable	157,900	167,252
Senior Notes	263,406	263,308
Payable for investments purchased	35,757	7,624
Accounts payable and other liabilities	67,928	69,379
Total liabilities	3,466,720	3,267,240
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, $.10 par value, authorized 1,000,000 shares, none issued	0	0
Common stock, $.10 par value, authorized 50,000,000 shares, issued 17,778,131 shares for 2014 and 17,709,876 shares for 2013	1,777	1,770
Additional paid-in capital	343,407	335,546
Treasury stock, at cost (3,511,380 shares for 2014 and 2013)	(155,801)	(155,801)
Retained earnings	768,391	692,337
Accumulated other comprehensive income	38,819	28,360
Total stockholders' equity	996,593	902,212
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 4,463,313	$ 4,169,452