Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Operating activities:
Net income	$ 76,054	$ 49,133
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation & amortization	3,544	3,076
Deferred income taxes	8,500	(1,256)
Net realized (gains) losses	(12,024)	(7,171)
Net other-than-temporary losses recognized in earnings		1,863
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	(39,087)	88,177
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses	123,903	(46,328)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	11,089	(32,420)
Unearned premiums	58,920	73,829
Premiums receivable	(38,028)	(35,396)
Deferred policy acquisition costs	(9,261)	(2,166)
Accrued investment income	(1,209)	(1,159)
Reinsurance balances payable	(9,941)	14,750
Current income tax payable, net	7,080	3,316
Other	1,841	21,748
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	181,381	129,996
Fixed maturities
Redemptions and maturities	162,931	143,591
Sales	313,218	637,176
Purchases	(718,693)	(713,450)
Equity securities
Sales	54,828	11,439
Purchases	(65,691)	(53,919)
Change in payable for securities	24,231	(64,633)
Net change in short-term investments	40,610	801
Purchase of property and equipment	(5,522)	(7,771)
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(194,088)	(46,766)
Financing activities:
Proceeds of stock issued from employee stock purchase plan	453	821
Proceeds of stock issued from exercise of stock options	153	1,126
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	606	1,947
Increase (decrease) in cash	(12,101)	85,177
Cash at beginning of year	86,509	45,336
Cash at end of period	74,408	130,513
Supplemental cash information:
Income taxes paid, net	19,864	20,425
Interest paid	8,084	4,025
Issuance of stock to directors	$ 438	$ 400