Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fixed income:
Available-for-sale, at fair value	$ 1,529,559	$ 1,495,087
Equity securities, at fair value	391,663	410,642
Short-term investments, at cost	16,008	16,339
Other invested assets	11,402	11,597
Cash	31,514	30,620
Total investments and cash	1,980,146	1,964,285
Accrued investment income	12,411	14,629
Premiums and reinsurance balances receivable	145,948	154,573
Ceded unearned premium	49,011	53,961
Reinsurance balances recoverable on unpaid losses	336,747	335,106
Deferred policy acquisition costs	65,247	65,123
Property and equipment	42,458	42,549
Investment in unconsolidated investees	65,089	60,046
Goodwill and intangibles	72,472	72,695
Other assets	11,035	12,575
TOTAL ASSETS	2,780,564	2,775,542
Liabilities:
Unpaid losses and settlement expenses	1,150,795	1,121,040
Unearned premiums	388,776	401,412
Reinsurance balances payable	33,083	38,013
Funds held	53,713	51,481
Income taxes - deferred	79,356	82,285
Bonds payable, long-term debt	149,636	149,625
Accrued expenses	33,902	63,148
Other liabilities	29,308	23,476
TOTAL LIABILITIES	1,918,569	1,930,480
Shareholders' Equity
Common stock ($1 par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized)(66,120,695 shares issued, 43,190,481 shares outstanding at 3/31/15)(66,032,929 shares issued, 43,102,715 shares outstanding at 12/31/14)	66,121	66,033
Paid-in capital	215,345	213,737
Accumulated other comprehensive earnings	163,788	171,383
Retained earnings	809,740	786,908
Deferred compensation	13,946	13,769
Less: Treasury shares at cost (22,930,214 shares at 3/31/15 and 12/31/14)	(406,945)	(406,768)
TOTAL SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	861,995	845,062
TOTAL LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	$ 2,780,564	$ 2,775,542