Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Operating activities
Net income (loss)	$ 31,919	$ (28,175)	$ 25,015
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Change in accounts receivable and unearned premium	(13,089)	(27,227)	(6,511)
Change in accrued investment income	(50)	(291)	(260)
Change in reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	537	698	(1,787)
Change in losses and loss expenses reserves net of reinsurance	(2,289)	71,348	15,499
Change in other assets, other liabilities and current income taxes	29,850	18,430	24,984
Amortization of net policy acquisition costs	26,772	29,209	23,967
Net policy acquisition costs deferred	(25,285)	(28,961)	(23,888)
Provision for deferred income taxes	4,299	(9,340)	46
Bond amortization	6,055	5,673	4,211
(Gain) loss on sale of property	10	(36)	5
Depreciation	4,550	4,274	4,013
Net realized (gains) losses on investments	(9,011)	17,803	(16,485)
Compensation expense related to restricted stock	1,526	879	674
Net cash provided by operating activities	55,794	54,284	49,483
Investing activities
Purchases of fixed maturities and equity securities	(320,434)	(270,696)	(346,435)
Purchases of limited partnership interests	(2,154)	0	(7)
Distributions from limited partnerships	3,957	757	297
Proceeds from maturities	150,652	144,745	166,307
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities	103,106	128,018	105,206
Proceeds from sales of equity securities	8,674	16,883	15,743
Net sales (purchases) of short-term investments	(529)	841	(160)
Decrease in principal of notes receivable from employees	1,252	106	611
Purchases of property and equipment	(4,054)	(3,488)	(4,767)
Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment	228	129	212
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(59,302)	17,295	(62,993)
Financing activities
Dividends paid to shareholders	(14,886)	(14,846)	(33,212)
Drawings on line of credit	0	0	8,000
Repayment on line of credit	0	(5,000)	(3,000)
Net cash used in financing activities	(14,886)	(19,846)	(28,212)
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	217	(230)	441
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(18,177)	51,503	(41,281)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	89,726	38,223	79,504
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 71,549	$ 89,726	$ 38,223