Accounting Changes And Error Corrections [Abstract] Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accounting Policies [Abstract] Accretion Amortization Of Discounts And Premiums Investments Net amortization of investments Accrued Investment Income Receivable Accrued interest receivable Accumulated Net Unrealized Gains Losses On Available For Sale Securities [Member] Accumulated Net Unrealized Gains Losses On Available For Sale Securities [Member] Unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for-sale securities [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Ending balance Beginning balance Accumulated other comprehensive income, net Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Accumulated Other Than Temporary Impairment [Member] Other-than-temporary impairment [Member] Additional Paid In Capital Additional paid-in capital Additional Paid In Capital [Member] Additional Paid-In Capital Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Sharebased Compensation And Exercise Of Stock Options Options exercised Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Share Based Compensation Restricted Stock Units Requisite Service Period Recognition Restricted common stock issued Adjustments To Additional Paid In Capital Share Based Compensation Stock Options Requisite Service Period Recognition Share-based compensation Adjustments To Reconcile Net Income Loss To Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities: Adjustment To Additional Paid In Capital Income Tax Effect From Share Based Compensation Net Tax benefit from share-based payments Allocated Share Based Compensation Expense Share-based compensation expense Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Amerisafe Capital Trust Two [Member] Amerisafe Capital Trust Two [Member] Amerisafe Capital Trust II [Member] Amount Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Taxes Percentage Amount Recognized In Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Taxes Percentage Comprehensive income tax rate Amounts Reclassified Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Abstract] Amounts Reclassified Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Abstract] Amounts Reclassified Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Abstract] Asset Backed Securities [Member] Asset-backed securities [Member] Assets Total assets Assets [Abstract] Assets Available For Sale Equity Securities Amortized Cost Basis Equity securities, cost Available For Sale Securities Securities available for sale/Available-for-sale, Fair Value Fair Value Available For Sale Securities Amortized Cost Cost or Amortized Cost Amount of accumulated pre-tax unrealized loss on securities classified as available-for-sale impacting investments. Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses Accumulated In Investments Available-for Sale, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value Available-for Sale, Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses, Total Amount of accumulated pre-tax unrealized loss on investments in available-for-sale securities that have been in a loss position for less than twelve months impacting investments. Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Aggregate Losses Accumulated In Investments Available-for Sale, Gross Unrealized Losses, Less Than 12 Months Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value Available-for Sale, Fair value of Investments with Unrealized Losses, Less Than 12 Months Available For Sale Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Five Through Ten Years Amortized Cost Five to ten years, Amortized Cost Basis Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Five Through Ten Years Fair Value Five to ten years, Fair Value Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After One Through Five Years Amortized Cost One to five years, Amortized Cost Basis Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After One Through Five Years Fair Value One to five years, Fair Value Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Ten Years Amortized Cost More than ten years, Amortized Cost Basis Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities After Ten Years Fair Value More than ten years, Fair Value Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Amortized Cost Fixed maturity securities, cost Total, Amortized Cost Basis Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Within One Year Amortized Cost Less than one year, Amortized Cost Basis Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Within One Year Fair Value Less than one year, Fair Value Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Without Single Maturity Date Amortized Cost U.S. agency-based mortgage-backed securities, Amortized Cost Basis Available For Sale Securities Debt Maturities Without Single Maturity Date Fair Value U.S. agency-based mortgage-backed securities, Fair Value Available For Sale Securities Debt Securities Total, Fair Value Fixed maturity securities-available-for-sale Fixed maturity securities-available-for-sale, at fair value (cost $207,197 and $144,514 in 2013 and 2012, respectively) Available For Sale Securities Equity Securities Equity securities Equity securities-available-for-sale, at fair value (cost $11,987 and $7,000 in 2013 and 2012, respectively) Availableforsale Securities Gross Realized Gain Loss Excluding Other Than Temporary Impairments Realized gains on sale of equity securities Availableforsale Securities Gross Realized Losses Excluding Other Than Temporary Impairments Realized loss on sale of equity securities Amount of accumulated pre-tax unrealized gain before deducting pre-tax unrealized losses on investments in available-for-sale securities impacting investments. Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Gain Accumulated In Investments Gross Unrealized Gains Amount of accumulated pre-tax unrealized loss before deducting pre-tax unrealized gain on investments in available-for-sale securities impacting investments. Available For Sale Securities Gross Unrealized Loss Accumulated In Investments Gross Unrealized Losses Availableforsale Securities [Member] Total available-for-sale securities [Member] For any sales of securities categorized as available-for-sale, this item represents the carrying amount of the sold security. Available For Sale Securities Sold Security At Carrying Value Cost basis of securities at disposal Benefits Losses And Expenses Total expenses Carrying Reported Amount Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Carrying Amount [Member] Cash And Cash Equivalents At Carrying Value Cash and cash equivalents at end of period Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Fair Value Disclosure Cash and cash equivalents Cash And Cash Equivalents Period Increase Decrease Change in cash and cash equivalents Ceded Premiums Written Ceded premiums written Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member] Common Stock Dividends Per Share Declared Cash dividends declared per common share Common Stock [Member] Common Stock Common Stock Par Or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock Shares Authorized Common stock, shares authorized Common Stock Shares Issued Common stock, shares issued Common Stock Shares Outstanding Ending Balance, Shares Beginning Balance, Shares Common stock, shares outstanding Common Stock Value Common stock: Voting-$0.01 par value authorized shares-50,000,000 in 2013 and 2012; 19,747,430 and 19,513,476 shares issued and 18,489,180 and 18,255,226 shares outstanding in 2013 and 2012, respectively Comprehensive Income Net Of Tax Comprehensive income Comprehensive income Comprehensive Income Note [Text Block] Comprehensive Income and Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Greater Than Twelve Months Aggregate Losses Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Greater Than Twelve Months Aggregate Losses Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Greater Than Twelve Months Fair Value Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Greater Than Twelve Months Fair Value Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Aggregate Losses Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Aggregate Losses Gross Unrealized Loss, Less Than 12 Months Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses, Less Than 12 months Corporate Debt Securities [Member] Corporate bonds [Member] Costs And Expenses [Abstract] Expenses Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Debt Securities [Member] Debt Securities [Member] Debt Security [Axis] Debt Security [Axis] Deferred Income Tax Expense Benefit Deferred income taxes Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Deferred policy acquisition costs Deferred Tax Assets Net Deferred income taxes Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Sharebased Payments [Abstract] Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract] Disclosure Of Compensation Related Costs Share Based Payments [Text Block] Stock Options and Restricted Stock Dividend Declared [Member] Dividend Declared [Member] Dividend Payable Date To Be Paid Day Month And Year Date of payment to shareholders entitled to dividends Dividends [Axis] Dividends [Axis] Dividends Common Stock Dividends to stockholders Dividends [Domain] Dividends [Domain] Dividends Payable Amount Per Share Quarterly cash dividend per share Dividends Payable Date Of Record Day Month And Year Date of record of shareholders entitled to dividends Document and entity information. Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Type Document Type Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Earnings per share Earnings Per Share Basic Basic Basic earnings per common share Earnings Per Share Basic [Abstract] Earnings Per Share, Basic [Abstract] Earnings Per Share Diluted Diluted Diluted earnings per common share Earnings Per Share Policy [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Earnings Per Share Eligible Item Or Group For Fair Value Option [Axis] Eligible Item or Group for Fair Value Option [Axis] Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Equity [Abstract] Equity [Abstract] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Securities [Member] Equity Securities [Member] Estimate Of Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Fair Value [Member] Excess Tax Benefit From Share Based Compensation Financing Activities Tax benefit from share-based payments Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Change In Unrealized Gain Loss Included In Earnings Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Change In Unrealized Gain Loss Included In Earnings Total gains unrealized (Included in earnings as part of net investment income) Fair Value Assets Measured On Recurring Basis Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Text Block] Summary of Changes in Fair Value of Assets Measured at Fair Value Fair Value By Balance Sheet Grouping [Text Block] Summary of Carrying Values and Corresponding Fair Values for Financial Instruments Fair Value By Fair Value Hierarchy Level [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value By Measurement Basis [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value By Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value Disclosure Item Amounts [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract] Fair Value Inputs Level 1 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level 2 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Fair Value Inputs Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value Measurement Inputs Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurement Policy Policy [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Line Items] Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Table] Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Table] Fair Value Measurements Disclosure [Table] Fair Value Measurements Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Measurements Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Purchases Purchases Fair Value Measurement With Unobservable Inputs Reconciliation Recurring Basis Asset Value Ending balance Beginning balance Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Line Items] Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Line Items] Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Line Items] Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Table] Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Table] Fair Value Of Financial Instruments [Table] Fair Value Option Eligible Item Or Group [Domain] Fair Value, Option, Eligible Item or Group [Domain] Funds Held Under Reinsurance Agreements Liability Amounts held for others Gain Loss On Sale Of Property Plant Equipment Loss on sale of asset Held To Maturity Securities Fixed maturity securities-held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $576,989 and $627,349 in 2013 and 2012, respectively) Total, Amortized Cost Basis Amortized Cost Fixed maturity securities-held-to-maturity This item represents the excess of amortized cost basis over fair value of securities in a gain position and which are categorized as held-to-maturity. Held To Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Gain Gross Unrealized Gains This item represents the excess of amortized cost basis over fair value of securities in a loss position and which are categorized as held-to-maturity. Held To Maturity Securities Accumulated Unrecognized Holding Loss Held-to-Maturity, Gross Unrealized Losses, Total Gross Unrealized Losses Amount of accumulated pre-tax unrealized loss on investments in held-to-maturity securities that have been in a loss position for twelve months or longer. Held To Maturity Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position 12 Months Or Longer Accumulated Loss Held-to-Maturity, Gross Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or Greater Held To Maturity Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses, Total This item represents the excess of amortized cost basis over fair value of securities that have been in a loss position for less than twelve months for those securities which are categorized as held-to-maturity. Held To Maturity Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than 12 Months Accumulated Loss Held-to-Maturity, Gross Unrealized Losses, Less Than 12 Months Held To Maturity Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Less Than Twelve Months Fair Value Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses, Less Than 12 Months Held To Maturity Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Twelve Months Or Longer Fair Value Held-to-Maturity, Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses 12 Months or Greater Held To Maturity Securities Debt Maturities After Five Through Ten Years Fair Value Five to ten years, Fair Value Held To Maturity Securities Debt Maturities After Five Through Ten Years Net Carrying Amount Five to ten years, Amortized Cost Basis Held To Maturity Securities Debt Maturities After One Through Five Years Fair Value One to five years, Fair Value Held To Maturity Securities Debt Maturities After One Through Five Years Net Carrying Amount One to five years, Amortized Cost Basis Held To Maturity Securities Debt Maturities After Ten Years Fair Value More than ten years, Fair Value Held To Maturity Securities Debt Maturities After Ten Years Net Carrying Amount More than ten years, Amortized Cost Basis Held To Maturity Securities Debt Maturities Within One Year Fair Value Less than one year, Fair Value Held To Maturity Securities Debt Maturities Within One Year Net Carrying Amount Less than one year, Amortized Cost Basis Held To Maturity Securities Debt Maturities Without Single Maturity Date Fair Value Held-to-maturity, Fair Value Held To Maturity Securities Debt Maturities Without Single Maturity Date Net Carrying Amount Held-to-maturity, Amortized Cost Held To Maturity Securities Fair Value Securities held-to-maturity-fixed maturity, Fair Value Total, Fair Value Fixed maturity securities, fair value Fair Value Fixed maturity securities-held-to-maturity Heldtomaturity Securities [Member] Total held-to-maturity securities [Member] Held To Maturity Securities Table [Text Block] Held To Maturity Securities Table [Text Block] Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Amortized Cost Held To Maturity Table [Text Block] Held To Maturity Table [Text Block] Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses and Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Investments Classified as Held-to-maturity Impairment Of Investments Impairment losses recognized Net realized gains/(losses) on investments Income Loss From Continuing Operations Before Income Taxes Minority Interest And Income Loss From Equity Method Investments Income before income taxes Income Statement [Abstract] Income Statement [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Expense Benefit Income tax expense Income Tax Policy [Text Block] Income Taxes Income Tax Receivable Federal income tax recoverable Increase Decrease Amounts Held For Others And Policyholder Deposits Increase Decrease Amounts Held For Others And Policyholder Deposits Amounts held for others and policyholder deposits Increase Decrease In Accounts Payable And Accrued Liabilities Accounts payable and other liabilities Increase Decrease In Accrued Investment Income Receivable Accrued interest receivable Increase Decrease In Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Deferred policy acquisition costs Increase Decrease In Loss And Loss Adjustment Expense Reserve Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses Increase Decrease In Operating Capital [Abstract] Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Increase Decrease In Other Operating Capital Net Other assets and federal income tax recoverable Increase Decrease In Premiums Receivable Premiums receivable, net Increase Decrease In Unearned Premiums Unearned premiums Increase Decrease Reinsurance Balances Increase Decrease Reinsurance Balances Reinsurance balances Incremental Common Shares Attributable To Share Based Payment Arrangements Stock options and performance shares Information By Category Of Debt Security [Axis] Debt Security Category [Axis] Insurance Commissions Commissions Assessments mandated by statute or regulatory authority that is related directly or indirectly to underwriting activities, including pools for self-insurance and excluding premium taxes and income taxes. The funds derived from the assessments generally enable a government guarantor to pay insurance claims in the event that the underwriting insurer is insolvent or otherwise unable to meet its payment obligations. Insurance Related Assessments Insurance-related assessments Interest Expense Interest expense Investment [Line Items] Investment [Line Items] Investment Related Liabilities Payable for investments purchased Investments Total investments Investments [Abstract] Investments: Investments Classified By Contractual Maturity Date Table [Text Block] Summary of Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Investments in Fixed Maturity Securities, by Contractual Maturity Investments Debt And Equity Securities [Abstract] Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract] Investments In Debt And Marketable Equity Securities And Certain Trading Assets Disclosure [Text Block] Investments Investments Schedule [Abstract] Investments Schedule [Abstract] Investment [Table] Investment [Table] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type [Axis] Investment Type Categorization [Member] Investments [Domain] Labor And Related Expense Salaries and benefits Liabilities Total liabilities Liabilities [Abstract] Liabilities: Liabilities And Stockholders Equity Total liabilities and shareholders' equity Liability For Claims And Claims Adjustment Expense Reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses Major Types Of Debt And Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Axis] Major Types Of Debt And Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt and Equity Securities [Domain] Major Types Of Debt Securities [Domain] Major Types of Debt Securities [Domain] Marketable Securities [Line Items] Marketable Securities [Line Items] Marketable Securities [Line Items] Marketable Securities Realized Gain Loss Net realized gains/(losses) on investments Net realized (gains)/losses on investments Marketable Securities [Table] Marketable Securities [Table] Marketable Securities [Table] Maximum [Member] Maximum [Member] Minimum [Member] Minimum [Member] Mortgage Backed Securities Issued By U S Government Sponsored Enterprises [Member] U.S. agency-based mortgage-backed securities [Member] Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities [Abstract] Financing Activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Financing Activities Continuing Operations Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities [Abstract] Investing Activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Investing Activities Continuing Operations Net cash used in investing activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities [Abstract] Operating Activities Net Cash Provided By Used In Operating Activities Continuing Operations Net cash provided by operating activities Net Fixed Maturity [Member] Net Fixed Maturity [Member] Total fixed maturity [Member] Net Income Loss Net income Net income Net income, as reported Net Income Loss Available To Common Stockholders Basic Net income available to common shareholders-basic Net Income Loss Available To Common Stockholders Diluted Net income available to common shareholders Net income available to common shareholders-diluted Net Investment Income Net investment income New Accounting Pronouncements And Changes In Accounting Principles [Text Block] Recently Issued Accounting Pronouncements Number Of Equity Incentive Plans Number Of Equity Incentive Plans Number of equity incentive plans Number of Securities Accounted For Gross Unrealized Losses Number Of Securities Accounted For Gross Unrealized Losses Number of securities accounted for gross unrealized losses Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Organization Consolidation And Presentation Of Financial Statements Disclosure [Text Block] Basis of Presentation Other Assets Other assets Other Comprehensive Income Loss Before Reclassifications Net Of Tax Other comprehensive income/(loss) before reclassification Other Comprehensive Income Loss Before Tax Income before income taxes Other Comprehensive Income Loss Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease [Abstract] Other comprehensive income: Other Comprehensive Income Loss Reclassification Adjustment From A O C I For Sale Of Securities Tax Income tax expense Other Comprehensive Income Unrealized Holding Gain Loss On Securities Arising During Period Net Of Tax Unrealized gain/(loss) on securities, net of tax Net current period other comprehensive income Other Depreciation And Amortization Depreciation Other Income Fee and other income Other Investment Fair Value Disclosure Other Investment Fair Value Disclosure Other Investments Other Investment [Member] Other Investment [Member] Other Investment [Member] Other Investments Other investments Securities available for sale/Available-for-sale, Fair Value Other Investments [Member] Other Investments [Member] Other Liabilities Accounts payable and other liabilities Other Than Temporary Impairment Credit Losses Recognized In Earnings Categories Of Investments [Domain] Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings, Categories of Investments [Domain] Participating Securities Distributed And Undistributed Earning Participating Securities Distributed And Undistributed Earning Less allocated income to unvested shares Payments Of Dividends Common Stock Dividends to stockholders Payments To Acquire Available For Sale Securities Purchases of investments available-for-sale Payments To Acquire Held To Maturity Securities Purchases of investments held-to-maturity Payments To Acquire Other Investments Purchases of other invested assets Payments To Acquire Property Plant And Equipment Purchases of property and equipment Payments To Acquire Short Term Investments Purchases of short-term investments Percentage of comparable consolidated amount. Percentage Of Comparable Consolidated Amount Percentage of comparable consolidated amounts Policyholder Benefits And Claims Incurred Net Loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred Policyholder Contract Deposits Policyholder deposits Policyholder Dividends Policyholder dividends Portion At Fair Value Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Fair Value [Member] Premiums Earned Net Net premiums earned Premiums Receivable At Carrying Value Premiums receivable, net of allowance Premiums Written Gross Gross premiums written Premiums Written Net Net premiums written Proceeds From Issuance Of Trust Preferred Securities Proceeds from issuance of trust preferred securities Proceeds From Maturities Prepayments And Calls Of Held To Maturity Securities Proceeds from maturities of investments held-to-maturity Proceeds From Sale And Maturity Of Available For Sale Securities Proceeds from sales and maturities of investments available-for-sale Proceeds From Sale And Maturity Of Short Term Investments Proceeds From Sale And Maturity Of Short Term Investments Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term investments Proceeds From Stock Options Exercised Proceeds from stock option exercises Property Plant And Equipment Net Property and equipment, net Purchase Of Subordinated Debt Purchase Of Subordinated Debt Purchase of subordinated debt securities Range [Axis] Range [Axis] Range [Member] Range [Domain] Realized Gain Loss On Marketable Securities And Cost Method Investments Excluding Other Than Temporary Impairments And Other Investments Net realized gains/(losses) on investments Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items] Reclassification From Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Current Period Net Of Tax Net income Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Table] Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Table [Text Block] Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reinsurance Payable Reinsurance premiums payable Reinsurance Recoverables Amounts recoverable from reinsurers Repayments Of Subordinated Debt Redemption of debt securities Redemption of subordinated debt security Retained Earnings Accumulated Deficit Accumulated earnings Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Earnings Revenues Total revenues Revenues [Abstract] Revenues Revised Expiration Date Of Share Repurchase Program Revised Expiration Date Of Share Repurchase Program Share repurchase program, extended authorization date Schedule Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss Table [Text Block] Schedule of Changes in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (AOCI) Schedule Of Available For Sale Securities Reconciliation Table [Text Block] Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses and Cost or Amortized Cost and Fair Value of Investments Classified as Available-for-sale Schedule Of Earnings Per Share Basic And Diluted Table [Text Block] Summary of Earnings Per Share Schedule Of Fair Value Assets And Liabilities Measured On Recurring Basis Table [Text Block] Schedule of Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis Schedule Of Unrealized Loss On Investments Table [Text Block] Investment Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Securities continuous unrealized loss position aggregate losses. Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Aggregate Losses Gross Unrealized Losses, Total Securities continuous unrealized loss position fair value. Securities Continuous Unrealized Loss Position Fair Value Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses, Total Share Based Compensation Share-based compensation Share Repurchase Program Date Share Repurchase Program Date Share repurchase program, current authorization date Short Term Investments Short-term investments Short term investments fair value disclosure. Short Term Investments Fair Value Disclosure Short-term Investments Statement Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Statement Of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Statement Of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Statement Of Income And Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Statement Of Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Stockholders Equity Ending Balance Beginning Balance Total shareholders' equity Stockholders Equity [Abstract] Shareholders' equity: Stock Issued During Period Shares New Issues Restricted common stock issued, Shares Stock Issued During Period Shares Stock Options Exercised Options exercised, Shares Stock options exercised, Shares Stock Repurchase Program Authorized Amount Share repurchase program, new limit amount Subordinated Debt Subordinated debt securities Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Line Items] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Event [Member] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Abstract] Subsequent Events [Text Block] Subsequent Events Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event [Table] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Axis] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Subsequent Event Type [Domain] Tax Adjustments Settlements And Unusual Provisions Company recognized uncertain tax positions Text Block [Abstract] Text Block [Abstract] Trading Symbol Trading Symbol Treasury Stock [Member] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock Shares Treasury stock, at cost Treasury Stock Shares Acquired Treasury stock, shares purchased Treasury Stock [Text Block] Treasury Stock Treasury Stock (Textual) [Abstract] Treasury Stock Textual [Abstract] Treasury Stock Textual [Abstract] Treasury Stock Value Treasury stock at cost (1,258,250 shares in 2013 and 2012) Costs incurred during the period related to the acquisition or renewal of insurance contracts. Includes general and administrative expenses. Underwriting And Certain Other Operating Costs Underwriting and certain other operating costs Unearned Premiums Unearned premiums Unrecognized Tax Benefits Period Increase Decrease Unrecognized tax benefits U S States And Political Subdivisions [Member] States and political subdivisions [Member] U S Treasury And Government [Member] U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government agencies [Member] Variable interest entities. Variable Interest Entities [Text Block] Variable Interest Entities Weighted Average Number Of Diluted Shares Outstanding Diluted Diluted weighted average common shares Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding [Abstract] Shares used in computing earnings per share Weighted Average Number Of Shares Outstanding Basic Weighted average common shares Basic Basic weighted average common shares