Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Investments:
Fixed maturities	$ 443,584	$ 409,460
Equity securities	103,882	88,085
Limited partnerships	59,237	54,705
Short-term	3,580	3,675
Total Investments	610,283	555,925
Cash and cash equivalents	65,231	89,726
Accounts receivable	79,985	74,094
Reinsurance recoverable	135,313	138,404
Other assets	33,816	36,672
Current federal income taxes	10,582	3,354
Deferred federal income taxes	0	7,119
Total Assets	935,210	905,294
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Reserves for losses and loss expenses	410,488	421,556
Reserves for unearned premiums	37,674	39,919
Short-term borrowings	10,000	10,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	124,016	114,758
Deferred federal income taxes	8,674	0
Total Liablities	590,852	586,233
Shareholders' equity:
Additional paid-in capital	49,753	48,751
Unrealized net gains on investments	34,480	26,592
Retained earnings	259,490	243,084
Shareholders' equity	344,358	319,061
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	935,210	905,294
Class A voting [Member]
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	112	112
Class B non-voting [Member]
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	$ 523	$ 522