CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments:
Fixed maturities, cost	$ 191,629	$ 201,986
Common and non-redeemable preferred stocks, cost	13,432	10,477
Other invested assets, cost	648	565
Receivables:
Insurance premiums and other, allowance for doubtful accounts	353	379
Shareholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	4,000,000	4,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	65,000	70,000
Preferred stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	65,000	70,000
Preferred stock, redemption value	$ 6,500	$ 7,000
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	22,400,894	22,400,894
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	21,251,203	21,216,542
Treasury stock, at cost (in shares)	1,149,691	1,184,352