Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments:
Fixed maturities (Amortized cost: 2015, $442,578; 2014, $455,385)	$ 437,184	$ 451,809
Equity securities (Cost: 2015, $80,221; 2014, $78,778)	145,498	162,107
Limited partnerships (Affiliated: 2015, $45,009; 2014, $46,987)	75,458	81,230
Short-term and other	2,220	2,966
Total Investments	660,360	698,112
Cash and cash equivalents	73,538	64,632
Accounts receivable--less allowance (2015, $600; 2014, $605)	66,522	98,144
Accrued investment income	3,989	3,682
Reinsurance recoverable	215,888	220,221
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	3,176	2,274
Deferred policy acquisition costs	1,443	2,263
Property and equipment--less accumulated depreciation (2015, $14,768; 2014, $13,777)	46,144	43,815
Other assets	11,009	9,413
Current federal income taxes recoverable	3,702	1,691
Total Assets	1,085,771	1,144,247
Reserves:
Losses and loss expenses	513,596	506,102
Unearned premiums	25,291	35,019
Total Reserves	538,887	541,121
Reinsurance payable	47,565	46,338
Short-term borrowings	20,000	20,000
Depository liabilities	16,847	48,893
Accounts payable and other liabilities	56,776	68,426
Deferred federal income taxes	11,198	19,973
Total Liabilities	691,273	744,751
Shareholders' equity:
Additional paid-in capital	52,946	51,854
Unrealized net gains on investments	38,924	51,840
Foreign exchange adjustment	(1,066)	390
Retained earnings	303,053	294,773
Shareholders' equity	394,498	399,496
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,085,771	1,144,247
Class A (voting) [Member]
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	112	112
Class B (non-voting) [Member]
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	$ 529	$ 527