Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments
Fixed maturity securities - available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost: 2014 - $6,078,453 and 2013 - $5,921,487)	$ 6,333,191	$ 6,022,473
Equity securities - available for sale, at fair value (cost: 2014 - $394,685 and 2013 - $464,388)	448,685	517,466
Short-term investments, at cost (approximates fair value)	342,335	178,753
Total investments	7,124,211	6,718,692
Cash	70,907	58,301
Restricted cash and securities	130,920	125,777
Premium, claims and other receivables	676,340	580,107
Reinsurance recoverables	1,178,200	1,277,257
Ceded unearned premium	340,853	305,438
Ceded life and annuity benefits	53,406	56,491
Deferred policy acquisition costs	226,333	201,698
Goodwill	895,799	895,200
Other assets	165,022	125,559
Total assets	10,861,991	10,344,520
LIABILITIES
Loss and loss adjustment expense payable	3,841,497	3,902,132
Life and annuity policy benefits	53,406	56,491
Reinsurance, premium and claims payable	388,855	332,985
Unearned premium	1,272,969	1,134,849
Deferred ceding commissions	100,571	89,528
Notes payable	734,174	654,098
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	556,464	500,007
Total liabilities	6,947,936	6,670,090
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1.00 par value; 250,000 shares authorized (shares issued: 2014 - 126,252 and 2013 - 125,577; outstanding: 2014 - 100,050 and 2013 - 100,336)	126,252	125,577
Additional paid-in capital	1,091,773	1,073,105
Retained earnings	3,245,554	3,085,501
Accumulated other comprehensive income	220,422	118,651
Treasury stock, at cost (shares: 2014 - 26,202 and 2013 - 25,241)	(769,946)	(728,404)
Total shareholders' equity	3,914,055	3,674,430
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$ 10,861,991	$ 10,344,520