Segment Information (Income From Continuing Operations, Before Federal Income Tax) (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Underwriting income (loss), before federal income tax	$ 861	$ (64,779)	$ (27,464)	$ (111,479)
GAAP combined ratio	99.80%	118.00%	102.30%	110.50%
Net realized investment (losses) gains	(1,088)	(2,045)	3,448	5,861
Statutory combined ratio	98.40%	116.40%	101.20%	109.60%
Net investment income	30,650	35,786	97,284	118,604
Total investment income, before federal income tax	29,562	33,741	100,732	124,465
Total all segments	30,423	(31,038)	73,268	12,986
Interest expense	(4,725)	(4,559)	(14,148)	(13,675)
General corporate and other expenses	(5,384)	(1,886)	(16,307)	(10,735)
Income (loss) from continuing operations before federal income tax	20,314	(37,483)	42,813	(11,424)
Total Commercial Lines [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Underwriting income (loss), before federal income tax	(6,359)	(36,512)	(30,367)	(66,150)
Total Personal Lines [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Underwriting income (loss), before federal income tax	$ 7,220	$ (28,267)	$ 2,903	$ (45,329)