Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fixed income
Available-for-sale, at fair value	$ 1,413,570	$ 1,378,582
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost	5,736	11,728
Trading, at fair value	6	7
Equity securities, at fair value	407,680	375,788
Short-term investments, at cost	3,465	30,462
Cash	22,371	44,314
Total investments and cash	1,852,828	1,840,881
Accrued investment income	12,904	14,403
Premiums and reinsurance balances receivable	117,599	139,355
Ceded unearned premium	69,888	73,192
Reinsurance balances recoverable on unpaid losses	338,553	359,884
Deferred policy acquisition costs	55,130	52,344
Property and equipment	31,464	27,987
Investment in unconsolidated investee	55,533	52,128
Goodwill and intangibles	75,787	76,113
Other assets	10,593	8,345
TOTAL ASSETS	2,620,279	2,644,632
Liabilities:
Unpaid losses and settlement expenses	1,111,725	1,158,483
Unearned premiums	374,857	369,346
Reinsurance balances payable	26,041	43,959
Funds held	59,637	56,633
Income taxes-deferred	68,049	55,566
Bonds payable, long-term debt	100,000	100,000
Accrued expenses	34,206	49,933
Other liabilities	12,249	14,349
TOTAL LIABILITIES	1,786,764	1,848,269
Shareholders' Equity
Common stock ($1 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized) (32,747,665 shares issued, 21,282,558 shares outstanding at 3/31/13) (32,727,731 shares issued, 21,262,624 shares outstanding at 12/31/12)	32,748	32,728
Paid-in capital	236,801	235,262
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings	160,723	143,170
Retained earnings	796,242	778,202
Deferred compensation	10,162	11,106
Less: Treasury shares at cost (11,465,107 shares at 3/31/13 and 12/31/12)	(403,161)	(404,105)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	833,515	796,363
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 2,620,279	$ 2,644,632