Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments:
Fixed maturities (Amortized cost: 2016, $494,561; 2015, $442,578)	$ 491,904	$ 437,184
Equity securities (Cost: 2016, $64,902; 2015, $80,221)	119,945	145,498
Limited partnerships (Affiliated: 2016, $44,038; 2015, $45,009)	76,469	75,458
Short-term and other	1,500	2,220
Total Investments	689,818	660,360
Cash and cash equivalents	62,976	73,538
Accounts receivable--less allowance (2016, $542; 2015, $600)	64,984	66,522
Accrued investment income	3,882	3,989
Reinsurance recoverable	255,024	215,888
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	2,674	3,176
Deferred policy acquisition costs	1,172	1,443
Property and equipment--less accumulated depreciation (2016, $15,328; 2015, $14,768)	47,225	46,144
Other assets	23,779	11,009
Current federal income taxes recoverable	2,603	3,702
Total Assets	1,154,137	1,085,771
Reserves:
Losses and loss expenses	576,330	513,596
Unearned premiums	21,694	25,291
Total Reserves	598,024	538,887
Reinsurance payable	43,150	47,565
Short-term borrowings	20,000	20,000
Depository liabilities	9,910	16,847
Accounts payable and other liabilities	67,296	56,776
Deferred federal income taxes	11,412	11,198
Total Liabilities	749,792	691,273
Shareholders' equity:
Additional paid-in capital	54,286	52,946
Unrealized net gains on investments	34,051	38,924
Foreign exchange adjustment	(831)	(1,066)
Retained earnings	316,195	303,053
Shareholders' equity	404,345	394,498
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,154,137	1,085,771
Class A Voting [Member]
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	112	112
Class B Non-voting [Member]
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	$ 532	$ 529