Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating activities
Net income (loss)	$ 36,588	$ 31,919	$ (28,175)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Change in accounts receivable and unearned premium	(16,488)	(13,089)	(27,227)
Change in accrued investment income	939	(50)	(291)
Change in reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	(1,618)	537	698
Change in losses and loss expenses reserves net of reinsurance	(1,264)	(2,289)	71,348
Change in other assets, other liabilities and current income taxes	29,892	29,850	18,430
Amortization of net policy acquisition costs	26,592	26,772	29,209
Net policy acquisition costs deferred	(25,819)	(25,285)	(28,961)
Provision for deferred income taxes	939	4,299	(9,340)
Bond amortization	5,068	6,055	5,673
(Gain) loss on sale of property	(27)	10	(36)
Depreciation	4,302	4,550	4,274
Net realized (gains) losses on investments	(23,515)	(9,011)	17,803
Compensation expense related to restricted stock	318	1,526	879
Net cash provided by operating activities	35,907	55,794	54,284
Investing activities
Purchases of fixed maturities and equity securities	(369,259)	(320,434)	(270,696)
Purchases of limited partnership interests	(3,568)	(2,154)	0
Distributions from limited partnerships	2,528	3,957	757
Proceeds from maturities	129,113	150,652	144,745
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities	207,723	103,106	128,018
Proceeds from sales of equity securities	29,858	8,674	16,883
Net sales (purchases) of short-term investments	(690)	(529)	841
Decrease in principal of notes receivable from employees	0	1,252	106
Purchases of property and equipment	(28,607)	(4,054)	(3,488)
Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment	261	228	129
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	(32,641)	(59,302)	17,295
Financing activities
Dividends paid to shareholders	(14,943)	(14,886)	(14,846)
Repayment on line of credit	0	0	(5,000)
Net cash used in financing activities	(14,943)	(14,886)	(19,846)
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	(575)	217	(230)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(12,252)	(18,177)	51,503
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	71,549	89,726	38,223
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$ 59,297	$ 71,549	$ 89,726