Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ASSETS
Fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity - at carrying value (fair value: $646,035 - 2012; $758,043 - 2011)	$ 600,716	$ 712,348
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale - at fair value (amortized cost: $3,091,740 - 2012; $2,766,856 - 2011)	3,269,960	2,897,373
Equity securities, available-for-sale - at fair value (cost of: $127,867 - 2012; $143,826 - 2011)	155,577	157,355
Short-term investments (at cost which approximates fair value)	184,878	217,044
Other investments	122,081	128,301
Total investments	4,333,212	4,112,421
Cash	315	762
Interest and dividends due or accrued	35,541	35,842
Premiums receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of: $3,684 - 2012; $3,768 - 2011	519,953	466,294
Reinsurance recoverables, net	482,579	561,855
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	138,785	147,686
Current federal income tax	6,349	731
Deferred federal income tax	91,916	119,486	[1]
Property and equipment - at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of: $167,052 - 2012; $160,294 - 2011	45,969	43,947
Deferred policy acquisition costs	161,505	135,761
Goodwill	7,849	7,849
Other assets	55,968	52,835
Total assets	5,879,941	5,685,469
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Reserve for losses and loss expenses	3,103,111	3,144,924
Unearned premiums	1,017,076	906,991
Notes payable	307,380	307,360
Accrued salaries and benefits	124,662	119,297
Other liabilities	203,334	148,569
Total liabilities	4,755,563	4,627,141
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock of $0 par value per share: Authorized shares: 5,000,000; no shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock of $2 par value per share Authorized shares: 360,000,000 Issued: 98,014,074 - 2012; 97,246,711 - 2011	196,028	194,494
Additional paid-in capital	267,527	257,370
Retained earnings	1,131,115	1,116,319
Accumulated other comprehensive income	85,011	42,294
Treasury stock - at cost (shares: 43,012,714 - 2012; 42,836,201 - 2011)	(555,303)	(552,149)
Total stockholders' equity	1,124,378	1,058,328
Commitments and contingencies
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 5,879,941	$ 5,685,469

[1] 1 Included in the deferred federal income tax recoverable amount is an adjustment of $0.6 million reflecting the revaluation of a deferred tax asset acquired as part of the purchase of Mesa Underwriters Specialty Insurance Company ("MUSIC" ). For additional information, see Footnote 14, "Federal Income Taxes"