Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Investments:
Fixed maturities	$ 409,460	$ 415,554
Equity securities	88,085	96,657
Limited partnerships	54,705	77,352
Short-term and other	3,675	4,225
Total Investments	555,925	593,788
Cash and cash equivalents	89,726	38,223
Accounts receivable--less allowance (2011, $659; 2010, $621)	74,094	42,953
Accrued investment income	4,337	4,046
Reinsurance recoverable	138,404	127,228
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	3,059	3,199
Deferred policy acquisition costs	4,578	4,826
Property and equipment--less accumulated depreciation (2011, $13,486; 2010, $11,685)	12,991	13,869
Notes receivable from employees	1,302	1,414
Other assets	10,405	8,400
Current federal income taxes recoverable	3,354	0
Deferred federal income taxes	7,119	0
Total Assets	905,294	837,946
Reserves:
Losses and loss expenses	421,556	344,520
Unearned premiums	39,919	29,819
Total Reserves	461,475	374,339
Reinsurance payable	28,330	28,986
Short-term borrowings	10,000	15,000
Accounts payable and other liabilities	86,428	37,455
Current federal income taxes payable	0	6,659
Deferred federal income taxes	0	6,772
Total Liablities	586,233	469,211
Shareholders' equity:
Additional paid-in capital	48,751	47,874
Unrealized net gains on investments	26,592	33,894
Retained earnings	243,084	286,335
Shareholders' equity	319,061	368,735
Total liabilities and shareholders' Equity	905,294	837,946
Class A voting [Member]
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	112	112
Class B non-voting [Member]
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	$ 522	$ 520