Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Operating activities
Net income (loss)	$ (28,175)	$ 25,015	$ 44,802
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Change in accounts receivable and unearned premium	(27,227)	(6,511)	5,066
Change in accrued investment income	(291)	(260)	1,233
Change in reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	698	(1,787)	2,577
Change in losses and loss expenses reserves net of reinsurance	71,348	15,499	(28,569)
Change in other assets, other liabilities and current income taxes	18,430	24,984	21,324
Amortization of net policy acquisition costs	29,209	23,967	23,475
Net policy acquisition costs deferred	(28,961)	(23,888)	(26,054)
Provision for deferred income taxes	(9,340)	46	9,561
Bond amortization	5,673	4,211	3,643
(Gain) loss on sale of property	(36)	5	14
Depreciation	4,274	4,013	3,355
Net realized (gains) losses on investments	17,803	(16,485)	(30,816)
Compensation expense related to restricted stock	879	674	1,085
Net cash provided by operating activities	54,284	49,483	30,696
Investing activities
Purchases of fixed maturities and equity securities	(270,696)	(346,435)	(220,769)
Purchases of limited partnership interests	0	(7)	(7)
Distributions from limited partnerships	757	297	1,022
Proceeds from maturities	144,745	166,307	105,336
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities	128,018	105,206	121,722
Proceeds from sales of equity securities	16,883	15,743	13,328
Net sales (purchases) of short-term investments	841	(160)	30,118
Decrease in principal of notes receivable from employees	106	611	143
Purchases of property and equipment	(3,488)	(4,767)	(5,307)
Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment	129	212	188
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	17,295	(62,993)	45,774
Financing activities
Dividends paid to shareholders	(14,846)	(33,212)	(14,744)
Drawings on line of credit	0	8,000	11,000
Repayment on line of credit	(5,000)	(3,000)	(10,000)
Cost of treasury shares	0	0	(880)
Net cash used in financing activities	(19,846)	(28,212)	(14,624)
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(230)	441	1,001
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	51,503	(41,281)	62,847
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	38,223	79,504	16,657
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 89,726	$ 38,223	$ 79,504