Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments and cash:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2015, $2,294,763; 2014, $2,323,959)	$ 2,345,225	$ 2,365,934
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: 2015, $133,968; 2014, $154,843)	159,044	184,295
Short-term investments, at fair value (amortized cost: 2015: $243,730; 2014: $179,527)	242,553	179,506
Cash	90,016	90,751
Total investments and cash	2,836,838	2,820,486
Premiums receivable	396,357	342,479
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	244,599	237,851
Reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	55,990	51,347
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	828,799	851,498
Deferred policy acquisition costs	86,221	79,452
Accrued investment income	14,685	14,791
Goodwill and other intangible assets	6,785	7,013
Current income tax receivable, net	5,869	14,549
Receivable for investments sold	19	326
Other assets	42,663	44,384
Total assets	4,518,825	4,464,176
Liabilities:
Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses	2,141,705	2,159,634
Unearned premiums	825,740	766,167
Reinsurance balances payable	153,980	152,774
Senior notes	263,474	263,440
Deferred income tax, net	2,325	1,467
Payable for investments purchased	15,392	134
Accounts payable and other liabilities	62,606	93,336
Total liabilities	3,465,222	3,436,952
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 17,903,198 shares for 2015 and 17,792,846 shares for 2014	1,789	1,778
Additional paid-in capital	346,338	347,022
Treasury stock, at cost (3,511,380 shares for 2015 and 2014)	(155,801)	(155,801)
Retained earnings	813,595	787,666
Accumulated other comprehensive income	47,682	46,559
Total stockholders' equity	1,053,603	1,027,224
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 4,518,825	$ 4,464,176