Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fixed income
Available-for-sale, at fair value	$ 1,251,451	$ 1,146,317
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost	161,756	260,226
Trading, at fair value	8	7
Equity securities, at fair value	406,399	388,689
Short-term investments, at cost	58,451	23,865
Cash	70,306	81,184
Total investments and cash	1,948,371	1,900,288
Accrued investment income	11,862	13,865
Premiums and reinsurance balances receivable	132,352	124,496
Ceded unearned premium	61,998	61,629
Reinsurance balances recoverable on unpaid losses	324,952	353,805
Deferred policy acquisition costs	51,655	52,105
Property and equipment	19,168	20,104
Investment in unconsolidated investees	53,146	49,968
Goodwill and intangibles	60,248	60,482
Other assets	15,198	18,092
TOTAL ASSETS	2,678,950	2,654,834
Liabilities:
Unpaid losses and settlement expenses	1,121,730	1,150,714
Unearned premiums	340,915	341,267
Reinsurance balances payable	52,318	50,861
Funds held	111,362	110,555
Income taxes-deferred	43,837	37,867
Bonds payable, long-term debt	100,000	100,000
Accrued expenses	42,558	58,883
Other liabilities	37,553	12,053
TOTAL LIABILITIES	1,850,273	1,862,200
Shareholders' Equity
Common stock ($1 par value) (32,674,960 shares issued at 3/31/12) (32,627,244 shares issued at 12/31/11)	32,675	32,627
Paid-in capital	231,331	227,788
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings	128,101	117,325
Retained earnings	829,569	807,893
Deferred compensation	9,179	10,445
Less: Treasury shares at cost (11,465,107 shares at 3/31/12) (11,465,107 shares at 12/31/11)	(402,178)	(403,444)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	828,677	792,634
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 2,678,950	$ 2,654,834