Stock Based Compensation (Tables)

3 Months Ended

Mar. 31, 2013

Share-based Compensation [Abstract]

Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions [Table Text Block]

		Weighted-average
	Number	grant date		Aggregate		Vesting
	of shares	fair value		fair value		period
Restricted stock awards	129	$	40.73	$	5,254	1-4 years
Restricted stock units	16		40.66		661	4 years
Stock options	109		7.83		849	1-5 years

Stock based Compensation

(9) Stock-Based Compensation

In 2013, we granted the following shares of restricted stock awards, restricted stock units and stock options for the purchase of shares of our common stock.

		Weighted-average
	Number	grant date		Aggregate		Vesting
	of shares	fair value		fair value		period
Restricted stock awards	129	$	40.73	$	5,254	1-4 years
Restricted stock units	16		40.66		661	4 years
Stock options	109		7.83		849	1-5 years

Certain restricted stock awards and units granted in 2013 contain a performance condition based on the ultimate results for the 2012 underwriting year. The number of such shares that vest could differ from the number initially granted. We measure fair value for these awards and units based on the closing price of our common stock on the grant date, and we recognize expense on a straight-line basis over the vesting period for those awards expected to vest. These restricted stock awards and units earn dividends or dividend equivalents during the vesting period.

In 2013, we granted a new form of restricted stock to certain of our executive officers. These awards vest after three years and can vest from 0% to 200% of the initial shares granted. Vesting is determined equally on an operating return on equity performance factor (ROE factor) and a total shareholder return performance factor (TSR factor) calculation. The ROE factor is calculated by comparing our actual results over the three-year period to an internal target, whereas the TSR factor is calculated by comparing our TSR over the three-year period to that of nine peer companies. The ROE factor qualifies as a performance condition and those awards are accounted for in the same manner as the other restricted stock grants described above. The TSR factor qualifies as a market condition and we determine the fair value at grant date using a Monte Carlo simulation model that takes into account the probabilities of numerous outcomes of our TSR as well as that of the peer companies. This fair value is expensed on a straight-line basis over the vesting period and is not adjusted for the ultimate number of awards to vest. No dividends are earned during the vesting period on these restricted stock awards.

For stock options, we use the Black-Scholes single option pricing model to determine the fair value of an option on its grant date. The fair value is expensed over the vesting period.