Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fixed income
Available-for-sale, at fair value	$ 1,379,012	$ 1,378,582
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost	651	11,728
Trading, at fair value		7
Equity securities, at fair value	392,156	375,788
Short-term investments, at cost	22,994	30,462
Cash	87,398	44,314
Total investments and cash	1,882,211	1,840,881
Bond issuance - proceeds receivable	148,596
Accrued investment income	12,781	14,403
Premiums and reinsurance balances receivable	157,213	139,355
Ceded unearned premium	69,842	73,192
Reinsurance balances recoverable on unpaid losses	360,194	359,884
Deferred policy acquisition costs	63,215	52,344
Property and equipment	36,007	27,987
Investment in unconsolidated investee	62,506	52,128
Goodwill and intangibles	75,140	76,113
Other assets	18,932	8,345
TOTAL ASSETS	2,886,637	2,644,632
Liabilities:
Unpaid losses and settlement expenses	1,135,698	1,158,483
Unearned premiums	416,886	369,346
Reinsurance balances payable	44,530	43,959
Funds held	64,047	56,633
Income taxes-deferred	54,337	55,566
Debt, notes payable due 2014	100,000	100,000
Debt, notes payable due 2023	150,000
Accrued expenses	49,108	49,933
Other liabilities	17,453	14,349
TOTAL LIABILITIES	2,032,059	1,848,269
Shareholders' Equity
Common stock ($1 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized) (32,911,923 shares issued, 21,446,816 shares outstanding at 9/30/13) (32,727,731 shares issued, 21,262,624 shares outstanding at 12/31/12)	32,912	32,728
Paid-in capital	240,125	235,262
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings	125,296	143,170
Retained earnings	849,244	778,202
Deferred compensation	10,482	11,106
Less: Treasury shares at cost (11,465,107 shares at 9/30/13 and 12/31/12)	(403,481)	(404,105)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	854,578	796,363
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	$ 2,886,637	$ 2,644,632