Unaudited Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Investments:
Fixed maturities	$ 419,754	$ 445,669
Equity securities	129,446	107,582
Limited partnerships	59,722	59,954
Short-term	4,419	4,201
Total Investments	613,341	617,406
Cash and cash equivalents	103,387	71,549
Accounts receivable	93,059	83,400
Reinsurance recoverable	190,790	175,191
Other assets	63,555	32,232
Current federal income taxes	939	3,246
Total Assets	1,065,071	983,024
Liabilities and shareholders' equity
Reserves for losses and loss expenses	471,548	455,454
Reserves for unearned premiums	35,888	37,273
Short-term borrowings	10,000	10,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	168,513	125,007
Deferred federal income taxes	11,664	8,578
Total Liabilities	697,613	636,312
Shareholders' equity:
Additional paid-in capital	50,484	50,275
Unrealized net gains on investments	39,891	35,467
Foreign exchange adjustment	1,694	1,976
Retained earnings	274,752	258,358
Shareholders' equity	367,458	346,712
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,065,071	983,024
Class A voting [Member]
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	112	112
Class B non-voting [Member]
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	$ 525	$ 524