Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fixed income
Available-for-sale, at fair value	$ 1,399,510	$ 1,378,582
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost	651	11,728
Trading, at fair value		7
Equity securities, at fair value	416,814	375,788
Short-term investments, at cost	10,816	30,462
Cash	12,757	44,314
Total investments and cash	1,840,548	1,840,881
Accrued investment income	14,849	14,403
Premiums and reinsurance balances receivable	159,297	139,355
Ceded unearned premium	79,493	73,192
Reinsurance balances recoverable on unpaid losses	339,132	359,884
Deferred policy acquisition costs	62,007	52,344
Property and equipment	34,491	27,987
Investment in unconsolidated investee	60,004	52,128
Goodwill and intangibles	75,463	76,113
Other assets	10,391	8,345
TOTAL ASSETS	2,675,675	2,644,632
Liabilities:
Unpaid losses and settlement expenses	1,111,491	1,158,483
Unearned premiums	429,858	369,346
Reinsurance balances payable	41,232	43,959
Funds held	57,759	56,633
Income taxes-deferred	51,586	55,566
Debt, notes payable	100,000	100,000
Accrued expenses	34,895	49,933
Other liabilities	24,217	14,349
TOTAL LIABILITIES	1,851,038	1,848,269
Shareholders' Equity
Common stock ($1 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized) (32,805,918 shares issued, 21,340,811 shares outstanding at 6/30/13) (32,727,731 shares issued, 21,262,624 shares outstanding at 12/31/12)	32,806	32,728
Paid-in capital	238,699	235,262
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings	127,242	143,170
Retained earnings	818,889	778,202
Deferred compensation	10,330	11,106
Less: Treasury shares at cost (11,465,107 shares at 6/30/13 and 12/31/12)	(403,329)	(404,105)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	824,637	796,363
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 2,675,675	$ 2,644,632