Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2014 - $5,910,038 and 2013 - $5,921,487)	$ 6,095,626	$ 6,022,473
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2014 - $391,779 and 2013 - $464,388)	426,089	517,466
Short-term investments, at cost (approximates fair value)	427,700	178,753
Total investments	6,949,415	6,718,692
Cash	72,524	58,301
Restricted cash and securities	122,950	125,777
Premium, claims and other receivables	630,844	580,107
Reinsurance recoverables	1,221,444	1,277,257
Ceded unearned premium	311,372	305,438
Ceded life and annuity benefits	55,599	56,491
Deferred policy acquisition costs	210,356	201,698
Goodwill	895,501	895,200
Other assets	179,779	125,559
Total assets	10,649,784	10,344,520
LIABILITIES
Loss and loss adjustment expense payable	3,847,417	3,902,132
Life and annuity policy benefits	55,599	56,491
Reinsurance, premium and claims payable	400,681	332,985
Unearned premium	1,167,308	1,134,849
Deferred ceding commissions	92,460	89,528
Notes payable	724,136	654,098
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	580,070	500,007
Total liabilities	6,867,671	6,670,090
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1.00 par value; 250,000 shares authorized (shares issued: 2014 - 126,062 and 2013 - 125,577; outstanding: 2014 - 100,085 and 2013 - 100,336)	126,062	125,577
Additional paid-in capital	1,082,735	1,073,105
Retained earnings	3,170,912	3,085,501
Accumulated other comprehensive income	162,221	118,651
Treasury stock, at cost (shares: 2014 - 25,977 and 2013 - 25,241)	(759,817)	(728,404)
Total shareholders' equity	3,782,113	3,674,430
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 10,649,784	$ 10,344,520