United Fire (UFCS) 10-K 2 Mar 15 2014 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Feb. 27, 2015	Jun. 30, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-14
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2014
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Trading Symbol	UFCS
Entity Registrant Name	UNITED FIRE GROUP INC
Entity Central Index Key	101199
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		24,988,503
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Public Float			$697.30

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fixed maturities
Held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $404 in 2014 and $669 in 2013)	$397	$656
Available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $2,773,566 in 2014 and $2,733,557 in 2013)	2,843,079	2,751,256
Trading securities, at fair value (amortized cost $14,363 in 2014 and $8,049 in 2013)	16,862	9,940
Equity securities
Available-for-sale, at fair value (cost $71,651 in 2014 and $70,957 in 2013)	245,843	229,368
Trading securities, at fair value (cost $3,708 in 2014 and $2,367 in 2013)	4,066	2,487
Mortgage loans	4,199	4,423
Policy loans	5,916	6,261
Other long-term investments	50,424	44,946
Short-term investments	175	800
Total Investments	3,170,961	3,050,137
Cash and cash equivalents	90,574	92,193
Accrued investment income	25,989	27,923
Premiums receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $618 in 2014 and $896 in 2013)	249,030	218,635
Deferred policy acquisition costs	139,719	150,092
Property and equipment (primarily land and buildings, at cost, less accumulated depreciation of $41,492 in 2014 and $36,972 in 2013)	49,247	47,218
Reinsurance receivables and recoverables	86,810	87,451
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	3,632	3,160
Income taxes receivable	0	1,786
Goodwill and net intangible assets	26,278	27,047
Other assets	14,449	15,030
Total assets	3,856,689	3,720,672
Future policy benefits and losses, claims and loss settlement expenses
Property and casualty insurance	969,437	960,651
Life insurance	1,447,764	1,472,132
Unearned premiums	378,725	340,464
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	212,577	142,677
Income taxes payable	5,012	0
Deferred income taxes	25,759	21,915
Total liabilities	3,039,274	2,937,839
Stockholders' equity
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 75,000,000 shares; 25,019,415 and 25,360,893 shares issued and outstanding in 2014 and 2013, respectively	25	25
Additional paid-in capital	202,676	211,574
Retained earnings	523,541	484,084
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	91,173	87,150
Total stockholders' equity	817,415	782,833
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$3,856,689	$3,720,672

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Balance Sheet Related Disclosures [Abstract]
Held-to-maturity fixed maturities	$404	$669
Fixed maturities, Available-for-sale securities, at amortized cost	2,773,566	2,733,557
Fixed maturities, Trading securities, at amortized cost	14,363	8,049
Equity Securities, Available-for-sale securities, at amortized cost	71,651	70,957
Equity Securities, Trading securities, at amortized cost	3,708	2,367
Allowance for doubtful accounts	618	896
Property and equipment accumulated depreciation	$41,492	$36,972
Common stock, par value per share (in usd per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	25,019,415	25,360,893
Common stock, shares outstanding	25,019,415	25,360,893

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues
Net premiums earned	$828,330		$754,846		$694,994
Investment income, net of investment expenses	104,609		112,799		111,905
Net realized investment gains (losses)
Other-than-temporary impairment charges	0		-139		-4
All other net realized gains (includes reclassifications for net unrealized gains on available-for-sale securities of $5,805 in 2014; $6,812 in 2013; and $4,102 in 2012 previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)	7,270		8,834		5,457
Total net realized investment gains	7,270		8,695		5,453
Other income	1,685		702		891
Total revenues	941,894		877,042		813,243
Benefits, losses and expenses
Losses and loss settlement expenses	536,243		458,814		459,706
Increase in liability for future policy benefits	36,623		37,625		43,095
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	167,449		153,677		141,834
Other underwriting expenses (includes reclassifications for employee benefit costs of $3,072 in 2014; $5,868 in 2013; and $4,971 in 2012 previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)	94,871		89,861		81,125
Interest on policyholders' accounts	30,245		35,163		41,409
Total benefits, losses and expenses	865,431		775,140		767,169
Income before income taxes	76,463		101,902		46,074
Federal income tax expense (includes reclassifications of ($704) in 2014; ($331) in 2013; and $304 in 2012 previously included in accumulated other comprehensive income)	17,326		25,762		5,862
Net income	59,137		76,140		40,212
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Change in net unrealized appreciation on investments	55,888		-35,489		34,436
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans	-47,685		24,066		-15,922
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax and reclassification adjustments	8,203		-11,423		18,514
Income tax effect	-2,871		3,998		-6,477
Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax, before reclassification adjustments	5,332		-7,425		12,037
Reclassifications for unrealized net gains on available-for-sale securities	-5,085		-6,812		-4,102
Reclassification adjustment for employee benefit costs included in expense	3,072		5,868		4,971
Total reclassification adjustments, before tax	-2,013		-944		869
Income tax effect	704		331		-304
Total reclassification adjustments, after tax	-1,309		-613		565
Comprehensive income	$63,160		$68,102		$52,814
Weighted average common shares outstanding (in shares)	25,230,854		25,325,695		25,447,918
Basic earnings per common share (in usd per share)	$2.34	[1]	$3.01	[1]	$1.58
Diluted earnings per common share (in usd per share)	$2.32	[1]	$2.98	[1]	$1.58
[1]	The sum of the quarterly reported amounts may not equal the full year, as each is computed independently.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc1

Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Statement [Abstract]
Reclassifications for unrealized net gains on available-for-sale securities	($5,085)	($6,812)	($4,102)
Reclassification adjustment for employee benefit costs	3,072	5,868	4,971
Reclassification adjustment, tax	$704	$331	($304)

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)		Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax [Member]
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balance, beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2011		$696,141	$25	$213,045	$400,485	$82,586
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Compensation expense and related tax benefit for stock-based award grants				1,686
Shares repurchased			0	-7,301
Shares issued for stock-based awards			0	1,106
Net income		40,212			40,212
Dividends on common stock ($0.78 per share in 2014; $0.69 per share in 2013; $0.60 per share in 2012)					-15,269
Change in net unrealized investment appreciation	[1]					19,720
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans	[2]					-7,118
All other changes in stockholders' equity accounts		-7,176
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2012		729,177	25	208,536	425,428	95,188
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Compensation expense and related tax benefit for stock-based award grants				1,289
Shares repurchased			0	-1,644
Shares issued for stock-based awards			0	3,393
Net income		76,140			76,140
Dividends on common stock ($0.78 per share in 2014; $0.69 per share in 2013; $0.60 per share in 2012)					-17,484
Change in net unrealized investment appreciation	[1]					-27,495
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans	[2]					19,457
All other changes in stockholders' equity accounts		-22,484
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2013		782,833	25	211,574	484,084	87,150
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Compensation expense and related tax benefit for stock-based award grants				1,784
Shares repurchased			0	-12,942
Shares issued for stock-based awards			0	2,260
Net income		59,137			59,137
Dividends on common stock ($0.78 per share in 2014; $0.69 per share in 2013; $0.60 per share in 2012)					-19,680
Change in net unrealized investment appreciation	[1]					33,022
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans	[2]					-28,999
All other changes in stockholders' equity accounts		-24,555
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2014		$817,415	$25	$202,676	$523,541	$91,173
[1]	The change in net unrealized appreciation is net of reclassification adjustments and income taxes.
[2]	The change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans is net of income taxes.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Shares repurchased (in shares)	461,835	59,603	340,159
Shares issued for stock-based awards (in shares)	108,679	193,033	87,363
Dividends on common stock (in usd per share)	$0.78	$0.69	$0.60

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Cash Flows From Operating Activities
Net income	$59,137	$76,140	$40,212
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Net accretion of bond premium	14,434	15,291	15,183
Depreciation and amortization	6,891	5,603	7,979
Stock-based compensation expense	1,944	1,777	1,764
Net realized investment gains	-7,270	-8,695	-5,453
Net cash flows from trading investments	-6,855	3,852	403
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	1,926	-368	7,452
Changes in:
Accrued investment income	1,934	2,452	1,844
Premiums receivable	-30,395	-30,346	-15,941
Deferred policy acquisition costs	-6,417	-2,690	-3,467
Reinsurance receivables	641	26,948	14,175
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	-472	-197	3,228
Income taxes receivable	1,786	14,750	10,206
Other assets	581	-1,417	3,603
Future policy benefits and losses, claims and loss settlement expenses	47,928	21,251	64,384
Unearned premiums	38,261	28,814	22,659
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	25,287	8,499	14,950
Income taxes payable	5,012	0	0
Deferred income taxes	-249	6,983	-8,234
Other, net	-2,813	-7,156	-2,871
Total adjustments	92,154	85,351	131,864
Net cash provided by operating activities	151,291	161,491	172,076
Cash Flows From Investing Activities
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale investments	3,091	23,007	20,324
Proceeds from call and maturity of held-to-maturity investments	260	1,004	2,709
Proceeds from call and maturity of available-for-sale investments	561,434	477,071	527,720
Proceeds from short-term and other investments	2,883	7,170	4,810
Purchase of held-to-maturity investments	0	0	-200
Purchase of available-for-sale investments	-614,044	-587,412	-653,467
Purchase of short-term and other investments	-4,351	-14,375	-10,350
Net purchases and sales of property and equipment	-8,151	-8,451	-2,886
Net cash used in investing activities	-58,878	-101,986	-111,340
Policyholders' account balances
Deposits to investment and universal life contracts	180,487	150,272	141,252
Withdrawals from investment and universal life contracts	-243,997	-208,827	-156,881
Repayment of short-term debt	0	0	-45,000
Repayment of trust preferred securities	0	0	-15,626
Payment of cash dividends	-19,680	-17,484	-15,269
Repurchase of common stock	-12,942	-1,644	-7,301
Issuance of common stock	2,260	3,393	1,106
Tax impact from issuance of common stock	-160	-488	-78
Net cash used in financing activities	-94,032	-74,778	-97,797
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	-1,619	-15,273	-37,061
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	92,193	107,466	144,527
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	$90,574	$92,193	$107,466

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Nature of Business
	United Fire Group, Inc. ("United Fire", the "Registrant", the "Company","we," "us," or "our") and its consolidated subsidiaries and affiliates are engaged in the business of writing property and casualty insurance and life insurance and selling annuities through a network of independent agencies. We report our operations in two business segments: property and casualty insurance and life insurance. Our insurance company subsidiaries are licensed as a property and casualty insurer in 43 states, plus the District of Columbia, and as a life insurer in 37 states.
	Holding Company Reorganization
	On February 1, 2012, United Fire & Casualty Company completed a corporate reorganization (the "Reorganization") that resulted in the creation of United Fire Group, Inc., an Iowa corporation, as the holding company and sole owner of United Fire & Casualty Company. In connection with the Reorganization, each share of United Fire & Casualty Company common stock (par value $3.33 1/3 per share) that was issued and outstanding immediately prior to the effective date was automatically converted into a share of United Fire Group, Inc. common stock (par value $0.001 per share). In addition, each outstanding option to purchase or other right to acquire shares of United Fire & Casualty Company common stock was automatically converted into an option to purchase or right to acquire, upon the same terms and conditions, an identical number of shares of United Fire Group, Inc. common stock. United Fire Group, Inc. became the publicly held corporation upon completion of the Reorganization.
	We have accounted for the Reorganization as a merger of entities under common control, which is similar to the former "pooling of interests method" to account for business combinations. Accordingly, the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the consolidated financial position and results of operations of United Fire & Casualty Company on the same basis as was historically presented, except that the amount reported for common stock at par value has been retrospectively restated to report the par value of United Fire Group, Inc. common stock. The resulting difference has been recorded in additional paid-in capital for all periods presented.
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include United Fire and its wholly owned subsidiaries: United Fire & Casualty Company, United Real Estate Holdings Company, LLC, United Life Insurance Company ("United Life"), Addison Insurance Company, American Indemnity Financial Corporation, Lafayette Insurance Company, United Fire & Indemnity Company, Texas General Indemnity Company (currently in run-off) and Mercer Insurance Group, Inc., Financial Pacific Insurance Company, Financial Pacific Insurance Group, Inc., Franklin Insurance Company, Mercer Insurance Company, and Mercer Insurance Company of New Jersey, Inc.
	United Fire Lloyds, an affiliate of United Fire & Indemnity Company, is organized as a Texas Lloyds plan, which is an aggregation of underwriters who, under a common name, engage in the business of insurance through a corporate attorney-in-fact. United Fire Lloyds is financially and operationally controlled by United Fire & Indemnity Company, its corporate attorney-in-fact, pursuant to three types of agreements: trust agreements between United Fire & Indemnity Company and certain individuals who agree to serve as trustees; articles of agreement among the trustees who agree to act as underwriters to establish how the Lloyds plan will be operated; and powers of attorney from each of the underwriters appointing a corporate attorney-in-fact, who is authorized to operate the Lloyds plan. Because United Fire & Indemnity Company can name the trustees, the Lloyds plan is perpetual, subject only to United Fire & Indemnity Company's desire to terminate it.
	United Fire & Indemnity Company provides all of the statutory capital necessary for the formation of the Lloyds plan by contributing capital to each of the trustees. The trust agreements require the trustees to become underwriters of the Lloyds plan, to contribute the capital to the Lloyds plan, to sign the articles of agreement and to appoint the attorney-in-fact. The trust agreements also require the trustees to pay to United Fire & Indemnity Company all of the profits and benefits received by the trustees as underwriters of the Lloyds plan, which means that United Fire & Indemnity Company has the right to receive 100 percent of the gains and profits from the Lloyds plan. The trustees serve at the pleasure of United Fire & Indemnity Company, which may remove a trustee and replace that trustee at any time. Termination of a trustee must be accompanied by the resignation of the trustee as an underwriter, so that the trustee can obtain the capital contribution from the Lloyds plan to reimburse United Fire & Indemnity Company. By retaining the ability to terminate trustees, United Fire & Indemnity Company possesses the ability to name and remove the underwriters.
	United Real Estate Holdings, LLC, formed in 2013, is a wholly owned subsidiary of United Fire & Casualty Company and is organized as an Iowa Limited Liability Corporation, an unincorporated association formed for the purpose of holding United Fire & Casualty Company's ownership in commercial real estate.
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), which differ in some respects from those followed in preparing our statutory reports to insurance regulatory authorities. Our stand-alone financial statements submitted to insurance regulatory authorities are presented on the basis of accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the insurance departments of the states in which we are domiciled ("statutory accounting principles").
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The financial statement categories that are most dependent on management estimates and assumptions include: investments; deferred policy acquisition costs; reinsurance receivables and recoverables (for net realizable value); future policy benefits and losses, claims and loss settlement expenses; and pension and postretirement benefit obligations.
	Property and Casualty Insurance Business
	Premiums written are deferred and recorded as earned premium on a daily pro rata basis over the terms of the respective policies. Unearned premium reserves are established for the portion of premiums written applicable to the unexpired term of insurance policies in force. Premiums receivable are presented net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts, which is based on a periodic evaluation of the aging and collectability of amounts due from agents and policyholders.
	To establish loss and loss settlement expense reserves, we make estimates and assumptions about the future development of claims. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates, which are subjective, complex and inherently uncertain. When we establish and adjust reserves, we do so given our knowledge at the time of the circumstances and facts of known claims. To the extent that we have overestimated or underestimated our loss and loss settlement expense reserves, we adjust the reserves in the period in which such adjustment is determined.
	We record our best estimate of reserves for claim litigation that arises in the ordinary course of business. We consider all of our pending litigation as of December 31, 2014 to be ordinary, routine and incidental to our business.
	Life Insurance Business
	Our whole life and term insurance (i.e., traditional business) premiums are reported as earned when due and benefits and expenses are associated with premium income in order to result in the recognition of profits over the lives of the related contracts. Premiums receivable are presented net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts. Income annuities with life contingencies (single premium immediate annuities and supplementary contracts) have premium recorded and any related expense charge fees recorded as income and expense when the contract is issued. On universal life and deferred annuity policies (i.e., non-traditional business), income and expenses are reported when charged and credited to policyholder account balances in order to result in recognition of profits over the lives of the related contracts. We accomplish this by means of a provision for future policy benefits and the deferral and subsequent amortization of policy acquisition costs.
	Liabilities for future policy benefits for traditional products are computed by the net level premium method, using interest assumptions ranging from 4.5 percent to 6.0 percent and withdrawal, mortality and morbidity assumptions appropriate at the time the policies were issued. Liabilities for non-traditional business are stated at policyholder account values before surrender charges. Liabilities for traditional immediate annuities are based primarily upon future anticipated cash flows using assumptions for mortality and interest rates. Liabilities for deferred annuities are carried at the account value.
	Reinsurance
	Premiums earned and losses and loss settlement expenses incurred are reported net of reinsurance ceded. Ceded insurance business is accounted for on a basis consistent with the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Refer to Note 4 "Reinsurance" for a discussion of our reinsurance activities.
	Investments
	Investments in fixed maturities include bonds and redeemable preferred stocks. Our investments in held-to-maturity fixed maturities are recorded at amortized cost. Our investments in available-for-sale fixed maturities and trading securities are recorded at fair value.
	Investments in equity securities, which include common and non-redeemable preferred stocks, are classified as available-for-sale or trading and are recorded at fair value.
	Changes in unrealized appreciation and depreciation, with respect to available-for-sale fixed maturities and equity securities, are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of applicable deferred income taxes, in stockholders' equity.
	Other long-term investments consist primarily of our interests in limited liability partnerships that are recorded on the equity method of accounting. Mortgage loans are recorded at their unpaid principal balance. Policy loans are recorded at the outstanding loan amount due from policyholders. Included in investments at December 31, 2014 and 2013, are securities on deposit with, or available to, various regulatory authorities as required by law, with fair values of $1,643,369 and $1,620,505, respectively.
	In 2014 we did not record any other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") charges in our investment portfolio. In 2013 and 2012, we recorded a pre-tax realized loss of $139 and $4, respectively, as a result of the recognition of OTTI charges on certain holdings in our investment portfolio. None of the OTTI charges were considered to have a noncredit related loss component. We review all of our investment holdings for appropriate valuation on an ongoing basis. Refer to Note 2 "Summary of Investments" for a discussion of our accounting policy for impairment recognition.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash, money market accounts, and non-negotiable certificates of deposit with original maturities of three months or less.
	In 2014, 2013, and 2012, we made payments for income taxes of $9,626, $13,628 and $11,920, respectively. In addition, we received federal tax refunds of $615, $8,744 and $15,798 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively, that resulted from the utilization of our 2009 net operating losses and net capital losses in the carryback period. We made no interest payments in 2014 and 2013. In 2012, we made interest payments of $961. These payments exclude interest credited to policyholders' accounts.
	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs ("DAC")
	Certain costs associated with underwriting new business (primarily commissions, premium taxes and variable underwriting and policy issue expenses associated with successful acquisition efforts) are deferred. The following table is a summary of the components of DAC that are reported in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements:
	Property & Casualty Insurance	2014				2013			2012
	Recorded asset at beginning of year	$	67,663			$	64,947		$	60,668
	Underwriting costs deferred	166,508				149,891			138,723
	Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	(161,310		)		(147,175		)	(132,771		)
	Amortization of value of business acquired	—				—			(1,673		)
	Recorded asset at end of year	$	72,861			$	67,663		$	64,947
	Life Insurance
	Recorded asset at beginning of year	$	82,429			$	40,353		$	45,986
	Underwriting costs deferred	7,357				6,476			6,578
	Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	(6,139		)		(6,502		)	(7,390		)
		$	83,647			$	40,327		$	45,174
	Change in "shadow" deferred policy acquisition costs	(16,789		)		42,102			(4,821		)
	Recorded asset at end of year	$	66,858			$	82,429		$	40,353
	Total
	Recorded asset at beginning of year	$	150,092			$	105,300		$	106,654
	Underwriting costs deferred	173,865				156,367			145,301
	Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	(167,449		)		(153,677		)	(140,161		)
	Amortization of value of business acquired	—				—			(1,673		)
		$	156,508			$	107,990		$	110,121
	Change in "shadow" deferred policy acquisition costs	(16,789		)		42,102			(4,821		)
	Recorded asset at end of year	$	139,719			$	150,092		$	105,300
	Property and casualty policy acquisition costs deferred are amortized as premium revenue is recognized. The method followed in computing DAC limits the amount of such deferred costs to their estimated realizable value. This takes into account the premium to be earned, losses and loss settlement expenses to be incurred and certain other costs expected to be incurred as the premium is earned.
	We defer and amortize policy acquisition costs on traditional life insurance policies over the premium-paying period in proportion to the ratio of the expected annual premium revenue to the expected total premium revenue. Expected annual premium revenue and gross profits are based on the same mortality and withdrawal assumptions used in determining future policy benefits. These assumptions are not revised after policy issuance unless the recorded DAC asset is deemed to be unrecoverable from future expected profits.
	We defer policy acquisition costs related to non-traditional business and amortize these costs in proportion to the ratio of the expected annual gross profits to the expected total gross profits. The assumptions used to determine expected gross profits include interest rate spread, mortality experience, expense margins and policy lapse experience. Of these factors, we anticipate that assumptions for investment returns, expenses and persistency are reasonably likely to have a significant impact on the rate of DAC amortization each year. Changes in the amount or timing of expected gross profits result in adjustments to the cumulative amortization of these costs. The effect on amortization of DAC for revisions to estimated gross profits is reported in earnings in the period the estimated gross profits are revised.
	The effect on DAC that results from the assumed realization of unrealized gains (losses) on investments allocated to non-traditional life insurance business is recognized with an offset, or "shadow" DAC, to net unrealized investment appreciation as of the balance sheet date. The “shadow" DAC adjustment decreased the DAC asset by $13,383 and increased the DAC asset by $3,407 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Property, Equipment and Depreciation
	Property and equipment is presented at cost less accumulated depreciation. The following table is a summary of the components of the property and equipment that are reported in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
		2014			2013
	Real Estate:
Land	$	7,414		$	7,163
Buildings	32,004			29,072
Furniture and fixtures	3,308			2,707
Computer equipment and software	3,289			3,197
Airplane	3,232			5,079
Total property and equipment	$	49,247		$	47,218
Expenditures for maintenance and repairs on property and equipment are generally expensed as incurred. We periodically review these assets for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the underlying asset may not be recoverable. A loss would be recognized if the estimated fair value of the asset were less than its carrying value.
Depreciation is computed primarily by the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
	Useful Life
Computer equipment and software	Three years
Furniture and fixtures	Seven years
Leasehold improvements	Shorter of the lease term or useful life of the asset
Real estate	Seven to thirty-nine years
Airplane	Five years
Depreciation expense totaled $6,122, $4,391 and $5,440 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
Goodwill and other intangible assets arise as a result of business combinations and consist of the excess of the fair value of consideration paid over the tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. We evaluate goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment at least on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of goodwill and other intangible assets may exceed its implied fair value. Goodwill is evaluated at the reporting unit level. Any impairment is charged to operations in the period that the impairment is identified. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, we performed a qualitative assessment of our goodwill. As a result of this assessment, we did not recognize an impairment charge on our goodwill in 2014, 2013 or 2012.
Our intangible assets, which consist primarily of agency relationships, trade names, licenses, and software, are being amortized by the straight-line method over periods ranging from 2 years to 15 years, with the exception of licenses, which are indefinite-lived and not amortized. We performed a qualitative assessment of our intangible assets. As a result of this assessment, we did not recognize an impairment charge on our intangible assets in 2014, 2013 and 2012. Amortization expense, which is allocated to the property and casualty insurance segment, totaled $769, $1,212 and $2,539 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Income Taxes
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are established based on differences between the financial statement bases of assets and liabilities and the tax bases of those same assets and liabilities, using the currently enacted statutory tax rates. Deferred income tax expense is measured by the year-to-year change in the net deferred tax asset or liability, except for certain changes in deferred tax amounts that affect stockholders' equity and do not impact federal income tax expense.
The Company performs a quarterly review of its tax positions and makes a determination whether it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination. If based on this review, it appears not more likely than not that the position will be sustained, the Company will calculate any unrecognized tax benefits and calculate any interest and penalties. At December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 the Company did not recognize any liability for unrecognized tax benefits. In addition, we have not accrued for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. However, if interest and penalties would need to be accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits, such amounts would be recognized as a component of federal income tax expense.
We file a consolidated federal income tax return. We also file income tax returns in various state jurisdictions. We are no longer subject to federal or state income tax examination for years before 2009. The Internal Revenue Service is conducting a routine examination of our income tax return for the 2011 tax year.
Stock-Based Compensation
We currently have two equity compensation plans. One plan allows us to grant restricted and unrestricted stock, stock appreciation rights, incentive stock options, and non-qualified stock options to employees. The other plan allows us to grant restricted and non-qualified stock options to non-employee directors.
We utilize the Black-Scholes option pricing method to establish the fair value of non-qualified stock options granted under our equity compensation plans. Our determination of the fair value of stock options on the date of grant using this option-pricing model is affected by our stock price, as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables, which include the expected volatility in our stock price, the expected term of the award, the expected dividends to be paid over the term of the award and the expected risk-free interest rate. Any changes in these assumptions may materially affect the estimated fair value of the award. For our restricted and unrestricted stock awards, we utilize the fair value of our common stock on the date of grant to establish the fair value of the award. Refer to Note 9 "Stock-Based Compensation" for further discussion.
Comprehensive Income
Comprehensive income includes all changes in stockholders' equity during a period except those resulting from investments by and dividends to stockholders.
Subsequent Events
In the preparation of the accompanying financial statements, the Company has evaluated all material subsequent events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date through the date on which the financial statements were issued for potential recognition or disclosure in the Company's financial statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards
Adopted Accounting Standards in 2014
Unrecognized tax benefit
In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The new guidance was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company currently does not have any liability for unrecognized tax benefits. The Company adopted the new guidance effective January 1, 2014. The adoption of the new guidance had no impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
Pending Adoption of Accounting Standards
Going Concern
In August 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on the disclosure of uncertainties about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern. The new guidance requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern and, if so, to disclose the fact and what the entity's plans are to alleviate that doubt. The guidance is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company will adopt the guidance on January 1, 2016. Management currently does not expect the adoption of the new guidance to have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
Troubled Debt Restructuring
In August 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance on the accounting for creditors who are holding receivables with troubled debt restructuring, specifically related to the classification of certain government guaranteed mortgage loans that are in foreclosure. The objective of this update is to provide greater consistency and transparency by addressing the classification of certain foreclosed mortgage loans guaranteed through government programs. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company will adopt the guidance on January 1, 2015. Management currently does not expect the adoption of the new guidance to have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
Share Based Payments
In June 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on the accounting for share based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. The new guidance requires a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the service period, be treated as a performance condition. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The amendments can be applied prospectively or retrospectively and early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt the guidance on January 1, 2016 and is currently evaluating the impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.
Revenue Recognition
In May 2014, the FASB issued comprehensive new guidance on revenue recognition which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The new guidance requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard creates a five-step model that requires companies to exercise judgment when considering the terms of the contract(s) and all relevant facts and circumstances. Insurance contracts are not within the scope of this new guidance. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company will adopt the guidance on January 1, 2017 and is currently evaluating the impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations and considering which transition method it will use in implementing the new guidance.
Discontinued Operations
In April 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on reporting discontinued operations and disclosures of disposals of components of an entity. The new guidance raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. It is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted but only for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. The Company will adopt the guidance on January 1, 2015. Management currently does not expect the adoption of the new guidance to have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.

SUMMARY_OF_INVESTMENTS

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS	SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS
	Fair Value of Investments
	The table that follows is a reconciliation of the amortized cost (cost for equity securities) to fair value of investments in held-to-maturity and available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	December 31, 2014
	Type of Investment	Cost or Amortized Cost				Gross Unrealized Appreciation				Gross Unrealized Depreciation				Fair Value
	HELD-TO-MATURITY
	Fixed maturities
	Bonds
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions	$	55			$	—			$	—			$	55
	Corporate bonds - financial services	200				—				—				200
	Mortgage-backed securities	142				7				—				149
	Total Held-to-Maturity Fixed Maturities	$	397			$	7			$	—			$	404
	AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
	Fixed maturities
	Bonds
	U.S. Treasury	$	25,856			$	168			$	52			$	25,972
	U.S. government agency	349,747				4,347				2,422				351,672
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions	748,632				30,395				742				778,285
	Foreign bonds	136,487				4,132				446				140,173
	Public utilities	206,366				6,479				488				212,357
	Corporate bonds
	Energy	135,068				2,858				793				137,133
	Industrials	211,256				6,373				2,154				215,475
	Consumer goods and services	172,623				4,702				324				177,001
	Health care	86,017				3,228				210				89,035
	Technology, media and telecommunications	131,465				3,863				799				134,529
	Financial services	215,095				8,574				87				223,582
	Mortgage-backed securities	17,121				483				46				17,558
	Collateralized mortgage obligations	335,092				7,003				4,806				337,289
	Asset-backed securities	2,741				277				—				3,018
	Total Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities	$	2,773,566			$	82,882			$	13,369			$	2,843,079
	Equity securities
	Common stocks
	Public utilities	$	7,231			$	13,103			$	44			$	20,290
	Energy	5,094				8,623				—				13,717
	Industrials	13,284				32,299				124				45,459
	Consumer goods and services	10,294				13,295				275				23,314
	Health care	7,920				22,436				—				30,356
	Technology, media and telecommunications	6,207				7,846				58				13,995
	Financial services	16,637				77,077				51				93,663
	Nonredeemable preferred stocks	4,984				72				7				5,049
	Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities	$	71,651			$	174,751			$	559			$	245,843
	Total Available-for-Sale Securities	$	2,845,217			$	257,633			$	13,928			$	3,088,922
	December 31, 2013
	Type of Investment	Cost or Amortized Cost				Gross Unrealized Appreciation				Gross Unrealized Depreciation				Fair Value
	HELD-TO-MATURITY
	Fixed maturities
	Bonds
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions	$	250			$	4			$	—			$	254
	Corporate bonds - financial services	200				—				—				200
	Mortgage-backed securities	206				9				—				215
	Total Held-to-Maturity Fixed Maturities	$	656			$	13			$	—			$	669
	AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
	Fixed maturities
	Bonds
	U.S. Treasury	$	33,612			$	423			$	140			$	33,895
	U.S. government agency	287,988				258				18,663				269,583
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions	690,461				34,151				10,705				713,907
	Foreign bonds	167,390				5,863				397				172,856
	Public utilities	213,479				6,873				1,776				218,576
	Corporate bonds
	Energy	157,620				4,398				1,008				161,010
	Industrials	234,221				5,626				2,819				237,028
	Consumer goods and services	165,565				3,770				1,421				167,914
Health care	91,008				3,138				1,200				92,946
Technology, media and telecommunications	121,746				2,541				3,321				120,966
Financial services	234,739				7,735				723				241,751
Mortgage-backed securities	22,034				323				291				22,066
Collateralized mortgage obligations	309,975				1,707				16,919				294,763
Asset-backed securities	3,719				276				—				3,995
Total Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities	$	2,733,557			$	77,082			$	59,383			$	2,751,256
Equity securities
Common stocks
Public utilities	$	7,231			$	9,068			$	27			$	16,272
Energy	5,094				9,269				—				14,363
Industrials	13,308				32,823				32				46,099
Consumer goods and services	10,363				10,895				—				21,258
Health care	7,920				17,078				—				24,998
Technology, media and telecommunications	6,204				7,183				83				13,304
Financial services	15,853				72,537				128				88,262
Nonredeemable preferred stocks	4,984				5				177				4,812
Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities	$	70,957			$	158,858			$	447			$	229,368
Total Available-for-Sale Securities	$	2,804,514			$	235,940			$	59,830			$	2,980,624
Maturities
The amortized cost and fair value of held-to-maturity, available-for-sale and trading fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2014, by contractual maturity, are shown in the following table. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations may be subject to prepayment risk and are therefore not categorized by contractual maturity.
	Held-To-Maturity								Available-For-Sale								Trading
December 31, 2014	Amortized Cost				Fair Value				Amortized Cost				Fair Value				Amortized Cost				Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	55			$	55			$	271,298			$	274,748			$	2,783			$	3,437
Due after one year through five years	200				200				838,504				875,291				6,157				6,685
Due after five years through 10 years	—				—				813,205				831,253				1,894				2,322
Due after 10 years	—				—				495,605				503,922				3,529				4,418
Asset-backed securities	—				—				2,741				3,018				—				—
Mortgage-backed securities	142				149				17,121				17,558				—				—
Collateralized mortgage obligations	—				—				335,092				337,289				—				—
	$	397			$	404			$	2,773,566			$	2,843,079			$	14,363			$	16,862
Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses
Net realized gains (losses) on disposition of investments are computed using the specific identification method and are included in the computation of net income. A summary of net realized investment gains (losses) for 2014, 2013 and 2012, is as follows:
	2014				2013				2012
Net realized investment gains (losses)
Fixed maturities:
Held-to-maturity	$	—			$	1			$	12
Available-for-sale	3,353				3,211				3,408
Trading securities
Change in fair value	609				1,183				683
Sales	1,339				788				406
Equity securities:
Available-for-sale	1,732				3,739				698
Trading securities
Change in fair value	238				(126		)		250
Sales	(1		)		38				—
Other-than-temporary-impairment charges:
Fixed maturities	—				(139		)		—
Equity securities	—				—				(4		)
Total net realized investment gains	$	7,270			$	8,695			$	5,453
The proceeds and gross realized gains (losses) on the sale of available-for-sale securities for 2014, 2013 and 2012, were as follows:
	2014				2013				2012
Proceeds from sales	$	3,091			$	23,007			$	20,324
Gross realized gains	900				451				513
Gross realized losses	(56		)		—				(37		)
There were no sales of held-to-maturity securities in 2014, 2013 and 2012.
Our investment portfolio includes trading securities with embedded derivatives. These securities are primarily convertible securities which are recorded at fair value. Income or loss, including the change in the fair value of these trading securities, is recognized currently in earnings as a component of net realized investment gains and losses. Our portfolio of trading securities had a fair value of $20,928 and $12,427 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
Net Investment Income
Net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, is comprised of the following:
Years Ended December 31,	2014				2013				2012
Investment income
Interest on fixed maturities	$	97,969			$	101,950			$	108,517
Dividends on equity securities	6,602				5,806				5,354
Income on other long-term investments
Investment income	1,927				1,194				232
Change in value (1)	1,917				7,030				2,562
Interest on mortgage loans	252				266				279
Interest on short-term investments	5				6				10
Interest on cash and cash equivalents	255				239				290
Other	1,998				1,632				825
Total investment income	$	110,925			$	118,123			$	118,069
Less investment expenses	6,316				5,324				6,164
Net investment income	$	104,609			$	112,799			$	111,905
-1	Represents the change in value of our interests in limited liability partnerships that are recorded on the equity method of accounting.
Funding Commitment
Pursuant to an agreement with one of our limited liability partnership investments, we are contractually committed through December 31, 2023 to make capital contributions upon request of the partnership. Our remaining potential contractual obligation was $11,830 at December 31, 2014.
Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation
A summary of changes in net unrealized investment appreciation for 2014, 2013 and 2012, is as follows:
	2014				2013				2012
Change in net unrealized investment appreciation
Available-for-sale fixed maturities	$	51,814			$	(132,579	)		$	15,816
Equity securities	15,781				48,176				19,339
Deferred policy acquisition costs	(16,789		)		42,102				(4,821		)
Income tax effect	(17,784		)		14,806				(10,614		)
Total change in net unrealized investment appreciation, net of tax	$	33,022			$	(27,495	)		$	19,720
We continually monitor the difference between our cost basis and the estimated fair value of our investments. Our accounting policy for impairment recognition requires OTTI charges to be recorded when we determine that it is more likely than not that we will be unable to collect all amounts due according to the contractual terms of the fixed maturity security or that the anticipated recovery in fair value of the equity security will not occur in a reasonable amount of time. Any shortfalls in these expected future cash flows are considered a credit loss impairment and are charged to earnings as a component of realized losses, while non-cash flow related factors are considered a non-credit loss impairment and are recorded to accumulated other comprehensive income as a component of unrealized losses.
Impairment charges on investments are recorded based on the fair value of the investments at the measurement date. Factors considered in evaluating whether a decline in value is other-than-temporary include: the length of time and the extent to which fair value has been less than cost; the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer; our intention to hold the investment; and the likelihood that we will be required to sell the investment.
The tables on the following pages summarize our fixed maturity and equity securities that were in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2014 and 2013. The securities are presented by the length of time they have been continuously in an unrealized loss position. It is possible that we could recognize OTTI charges in future periods on securities held at December 31, 2014 if future events or information cause us to determine that a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary.
We have evaluated the near-term prospects of the issuers of our fixed maturity securities in relation to the severity and duration of the unrealized loss which resulted in the recognition of a $139 credit loss OTTI in our Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, 2013. There were no OTTI losses on fixed maturity securities recognized in 2014 or 2012. We believe the unrealized depreciation in value of other securities in our fixed maturity portfolio is primarily attributable to changes in market interest rates and not the credit quality of the issuer. We have no intention to sell and it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell these securities until the fair value recovers to at least equal our cost basis or the securities mature.
We have evaluated the near-term prospects of the issuers of our equity securities in relation to the severity and duration of the unrealized loss which resulted in the recognition of a $4 OTTI loss in our Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income for the year ended December 31, 2012. There were no OTTI losses on equity securities recognized in 2014 or 2013. Our largest unrealized loss greater than 12 months on an individual equity security at December 31, 2014 was $54. We have no intention to sell any of these securities prior to a recovery in value, but will continue to monitor the fair value reported for these securities as part of our overall process to evaluate investments for OTTI recognition.
December 31, 2014	Less than 12 months											12 months or longer											Total
Type of Investment	Number			Fair				Gross Unrealized				Number			Fair				Gross Unrealized Depreciation				Fair		Gross Unrealized Depreciation
	of Issues			Value				Depreciation				of Issues			Value								Value
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Fixed maturities
Bonds
U.S. Treasury	4			$	2,343			$	6			4			$	5,069			$	46			$	7,412	$	52
U.S. government agency	11			41,064				70				35			95,198				2,352				136,262		2,422
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	18			30,859				185				62			50,847				557				81,706		742
Foreign bonds	6			17,158				446				—			—				—				17,158		446
Public utilities	10			21,839				194				4			3,611				294				25,450		488
Corporate bonds
Energy	8			17,416				420				3			7,061				373				24,477		793
Industrials	8			17,103				362				3			9,592				1,792				26,695		2,154
Consumer goods and services	11			28,344				258				7			10,064				66				38,408		324
Health care	3			8,244				36				3			7,104				174				15,348		210
Technology, media and telecommunications	4			8,860				68				4			15,742				731				24,602		799
Financial services	3			5,908				31				2			6,131				56				12,039		87
Mortgage-backed securities	9			425				21				2			1,991				25				2,416		46
Collateralized mortgage obligations	10			20,746				112				56			122,550				4,694				143,296		4,806
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities	105			$	220,309			$	2,209			185			$	334,960			$	11,160			$	555,269	$	13,369
Equity securities
Common stocks
Public utilities	3			$	263			$	44			—			$	—			$	—			$	263	$	44
Industrials	3			280				70				2			58				54				338		124
Consumer goods and services	1			129				272				2			15				3				144		275
Technology, media and telecommunications	4			503				14				5			218				44				721		58
Financial services	1			186				51				—			—				—				186		51
Nonredeemable preferred stocks	—			—				—				1			700				7				700		7
Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities	12			$	1,361			$	451			10			$	991			$	108			$	2,352	$	559
Total Available-for-Sale Securities	117			$	221,670			$	2,660			195			$	335,951			$	11,268			$	557,621	$	13,928
December 31, 2013	Less than 12 months											12 months or longer											Total
Type of Investment	Number			Fair				Gross Unrealized Depreciation				Number			Fair				Gross Unrealized Depreciation				Fair		Gross Unrealized Depreciation
	of Issues			Value								of Issues			Value								Value
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Fixed maturities
Bonds
U.S. Treasury	10			$	9,196			$	140			—			$	—			$	—			$	9,196	$	140
U.S. government agency	101			256,203				18,019				2			4,356				644				260,559		18,663
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	136			97,950				7,423				29			29,670				3,282				127,620		10,705
Foreign bonds	10			20,832				397				—			—				—				20,832		397
Public utilities	31			61,582				1,776				—			—				—				61,582		1,776
Corporate bonds
Energy	9			23,735				1,008				—			—				—				23,735		1,008
Industrials	34			77,788				2,819				—			—				—				77,788		2,819
Consumer goods and services	31			58,833				1,276				6			3,218				145				62,051		1,421
Health care	10			25,888				942				2			4,427				258				30,315		1,200
Technology, media and telecommunications	18			58,105				2,147				2			7,468				1,174				65,573		3,321
Financial services	7			15,191				720				1			1,525				3				16,716		723
Mortgage-backed securities	16			4,476				177				6			3,113				114				7,589		291
Collateralized mortgage obligations	111			208,855				11,062				23			55,184				5,857				264,039		16,919
Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities	524			$	918,634			$	47,906			71			$	108,961			$	11,477			$	1,027,595	$	59,383
Equity securities
Common stocks
Public utilities	—			$	—			$	—			3			$	281			$	27			$	281	$	27
Industrials	1			1				1				2			81				31				82		32
Technology, media and telecommunications	—			—				—				6			206				83				206		83
Financial services	—			—				—				4			215				128				215		128
Nonredeemable preferred stocks	3			3,493				116				2			1,170				61				4,663		177
Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities	4			$	3,494			$	117			17			$	1,953			$	330			$	5,447	$	447
Total Available-for-Sale Securities	528			$	922,128			$	48,023			88			$	110,914			$	11,807			$	1,033,042	$	59,830

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_INSTRU

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	Current accounting guidance on fair value measurements includes the application of a fair value hierarchy that requires us to maximize the use of observable inputs and minimize the use of unobservable inputs when measuring fair value. Our financial instruments that are recorded at fair value are categorized into a three-level hierarchy, which is based upon the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique. The fair value hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (i.e., Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (i.e., Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the financial instrument.
	Financial instruments recorded at fair value are categorized in the fair value hierarchy as follows:
	•	Level 1: Valuations are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical financial instruments that we have the ability to access.
	•	Level 2: Valuations are based on quoted prices for similar financial instruments, other than quoted prices included in Level 1, in markets that are not active or on inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly for the full term of the financial instrument.
	•	Level 3: Valuations are based on pricing or valuation techniques that require inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement of the financial instrument. Such inputs may reflect management's own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the financial instrument.
	We review our fair value hierarchy categorizations on a quarterly basis at which time the classification of certain financial instruments may change if the input observations have changed. Transfers between levels, if any, are recorded as of the beginning of the reporting period.
	To determine the fair value of the majority of our investments, we utilize prices obtained from independent, nationally recognized pricing services. We obtain one price for each security. When the pricing services cannot provide a determination of fair value for a specific security, we obtain non-binding price quotes from broker-dealers with whom we have had several years experience and who have demonstrated knowledge of the subject security. We request and utilize one broker quote per security.
	We validate the prices obtained from independent pricing services and brokers prior to their use for reporting purposes by evaluating their reasonableness on a monthly basis. Our validation process includes a review for unusual fluctuations. In our opinion, the pricing obtained at December 31, 2014 and 2013 was reasonable.
	In order to determine the proper classification in the fair value hierarchy for each security where the price is obtained from an independent pricing service, we obtain and evaluate the vendors' pricing procedures and inputs used to price the security, which include unadjusted quoted market prices for identical securities, such as a New York Stock Exchange closing price, and quoted prices for identical securities in markets that are not active. For fixed maturity securities, an evaluation of interest rates and yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals, volatility, prepayment speeds, credit risks and default rates may also be performed. We have determined that these processes and inputs result in fair values and classifications consistent with the applicable accounting guidance on fair value measurements.
	We estimate the fair value of our financial instruments based on relevant market information or by discounting estimated future cash flows at estimated current market discount rates appropriate to the specific asset or liability.
	When possible, we use quoted market prices to determine the fair value of fixed maturities, equity securities, trading securities and short-term investments. When quoted market prices do not exist, we base estimates of fair value on market information obtained from independent pricing services and brokers or on valuation techniques that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement of the financial instrument. Such inputs may reflect management's own assumptions about the assumptions a market participant would use in pricing the financial instrument. Our valuation techniques are discussed in more detail throughout this section.
	The fair value of our mortgage loans is determined by modeling performed by us based on the stated principal and coupon payments provided for in the loan agreements. These cash flows are then discounted using an appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate to determine the security's fair value, which is a Level 3 fair value measurement.
	The fair value of our policy loans is equivalent to carrying value, which is a reasonable estimate of fair value and are classified as Level 2. We do not make policy loans for amounts in excess of the cash surrender value of the related policy. In all instances, the policy loans are fully collateralized by the related liability for future policy benefits for traditional insurance policies or by the policyholders' account balance for non-traditional policies.
	Our other long-term investments consist primarily of our interests in limited liability partnerships that are recorded on the equity method of accounting. The fair value of the partnerships is obtained from the fund managers, which is based on the fair value of the underlying investments held in the partnerships. In management's opinion, these values represent a reasonable estimate of fair value. We have not adjusted the net asset value provided by the fund managers.
	For cash and cash equivalents and accrued investment income, carrying value is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term nature of these financial instruments.
	Policy reserves are developed and recorded for deferred annuities, which is an interest-sensitive product, and income annuities. The fair value of the reserve liability for these annuity products is based upon an estimate of the discounted pretax cash flows that are forecast for the underlying business, which is a Level 3 fair value measurement. We base the discount rate on the current U.S. Treasury spot yield curve, which is then risk-adjusted for nonperformance risk and, for interest-sensitive business, market risk factors. The risk-adjusted discount rate is developed using interest rates that are available in the market and representative of the risks applicable to the underlying business.
	A summary of the carrying value and estimated fair value of our financial instruments at December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Fair Value			Carrying Value			Fair Value			Carrying Value
	Assets
	Investments
	Fixed maturities:
	Held-to-maturity securities	$	404		$	397		$	669		$	656
	Available-for-sale securities	2,843,079			2,843,079			2,751,256			2,751,256
	Trading securities	16,862			16,862			9,940			9,940
	Equity securities:
	Available-for-sale securities	245,843			245,843			229,368			229,368
	Trading securities	4,066			4,066			2,487			2,487
	Mortgage loans	4,559			4,199			4,724			4,423
	Policy loans	5,916			5,916			6,261			6,261
	Other long-term investments	50,424			50,424			44,946			44,946
	Short-term investments	175			175			800			800
	Cash and cash equivalents	90,574			90,574			92,193			92,193
	Corporate-owned life insurance	918			918			—			—
	Liabilities
	Policy reserves
	Annuity (accumulations) (1)	$	865,802		$	863,606		$	941,636		$	925,832
	Annuity (benefit payments)	176,592			99,121			140,276			94,805
	(1) Annuity accumulations represent deferred annuity contracts that are currently earning interest.
	The following tables present the categorization for our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis in our Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
					Fair Value Measurements
	Description	December 31, 2014			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
	Fixed maturities
	Bonds
	U.S. Treasury	$	25,972		$	—		$	25,972		$	—
	U.S. government agency	351,672			—			351,672			—
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions	778,285			—			777,766			519
	Foreign bonds	140,173			—			140,173			—
	Public utilities	212,357			—			212,357			—
	Corporate bonds
	Energy	137,133			—			137,133			—
	Industrials	215,475			—			215,475			—
	Consumer goods and services	177,001			—			175,682			1,319
	Health care	89,035			—			89,035			—
	Technology, media and telecommunications	134,529			—			134,529			—
	Financial services	223,582			—			212,589			10,993
	Mortgage-backed securities	17,558			—			17,558			—
	Collateralized mortgage obligations	337,289			—			337,289			—
	Asset-backed securities	3,018			—			1,406			1,612
	Total Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities	$	2,843,079		$	—		$	2,828,636		$	14,443
	Equity securities
	Common stocks
Public utilities	$	20,290		$	20,290		$	—		$	—
Energy	13,717			13,717			—			—
Industrials	45,459			45,458			1			—
Consumer goods and services	23,314			23,314			—			—
Health care	30,356			30,356			—			—
Technology, media and telecommunications	13,995			13,995			—			—
Financial services	93,663			89,719			72			3,872
Nonredeemable preferred stocks	5,049			558			4,491			—
Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities	$	245,843		$	237,407		$	4,564		$	3,872
Total Available-for-Sale Securities	$	3,088,922		$	237,407		$	2,833,200		$	18,315
TRADING
Fixed maturities
Bonds
Corporate bonds
Industrials	3,352			—			3,352			—
Health care	2,425			—			2,425			—
Technology, media and telecommunications	338			—			338			—
Financial services	5,997			—			5,997			—
Redeemable preferred stocks	4,750			4,750			—			—
Equity securities
Energy	411			411			—			—
Consumer goods and services	1,034			1,034			—			—
Health care	327			327			—			—
Technology, media and telecommunications	411			411			—			—
Nonredeemable preferred stocks	1,883			1,883			—			—
Total Trading Securities	$	20,928		$	8,816		$	12,112		$	—
Short-Term Investments	$	175		$	175		$	—		$	—
Money Market Accounts	$	28,095		$	28,095		$	—		$	—
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	$	3,138,120		$	274,493		$	2,845,312		$	18,315
				Fair Value Measurements
Description	December 31, 2013			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Fixed maturities
Bonds
U.S. Treasury	$	33,895		$	—		$	33,895		$	—
U.S. government agency	269,583			—			269,583			—
States, municipalities and political subdivisions	713,907			—			713,209			698
Foreign bonds	172,856			—			172,856			—
Public utilities	218,576			—			218,576			—
Corporate bonds
Energy	161,010			—			161,010			—
Industrials	237,028			—			237,028			—
Consumer goods and services	167,914			—			166,460			1,454
Health care	92,946			—			92,946			—
Technology, media and telecommunications	120,966			—			120,966			—
Financial services	241,751			—			229,725			12,026
Mortgage-backed securities	22,066			—			22,066			—
Collateralized mortgage obligations	294,763			—			294,763			—
Asset-backed securities	3,995			—			1,966			2,029
Total Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities	$	2,751,256		$	—		$	2,735,049		$	16,207
Equity securities
Common stocks
Public utilities	$	16,272		$	16,272		$	—		$	—
Energy	14,363			14,363			—			—
Industrials	46,099			46,083			16			—
Consumer goods and services	21,258			21,258			—			—
Health care	24,998			24,998			—			—
Technology, media and telecommunications	13,304			13,304			—			—
Financial services	88,262			84,419			62			3,781
Nonredeemable preferred stocks	4,812			1,714			3,098			—
Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities	$	229,368		$	222,411		$	3,176		$	3,781
Total Available-for-Sale Securities	$	2,980,624		$	222,411		$	2,738,225		$	19,988
TRADING
Fixed maturities
Bonds
Foreign bonds	$	1,253		$	—		$	1,253		$	—
Corporate bonds
Industrials	1,122			—			1,122			—
Consumer goods and services	106			—			106			—
Health care	1,154			—			1,154			—
Technology, media and telecommunications	2,054			—			2,054			—
Financial services	1,866			—			1,866			—
Redeemable preferred stocks	2,385			2,385			—			—
Equity securities
Energy	563			563			—			—
Consumer goods and services	39			39			—			—
Health care	332			332			—			—
Nonredeemable preferred stocks	1,553			1,553			—			—
Total Trading Securities	$	12,427		$	4,872		$	7,555		$	—
Short-Term Investments	$	800		$	800		$	—		$	—
Money Market Accounts	$	37,811		$	37,811		$	—		$	—
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	$	3,031,662		$	265,894		$	2,745,780		$	19,988
The fair value of securities that are categorized as Level 1 is based on quoted market prices that are readily and regularly available.
The fair value of securities that are categorized as Level 2 is determined by management after reviewing non-binding fair value quotes obtained from independent pricing services and brokers. These fair value quotes are corroborated by other market observable data. Such estimated fair values do not necessarily represent the values for which these securities could have been sold at the reporting date.
For the year ended December 31, 2014, the change in our available-for-sale securities categorized as Level 1 and Level 2 is the result of investment purchases that were made using funds held in our money market accounts, disposals and the change in unrealized gains on both fixed maturities and equity securities. During the twelve month period ended December 31, 2014, there was one nonredeemable preferred stock security with a fair value of $1,228 transferred between Level 1 and Level 2 because the security was delisted and is no longer actively traded on a major exchange. During the twelve month period ended December 31, 2013, there were no transfers of securities between Level 1 and Level 2.
Securities categorized as Level 3 include holdings in certain private placement fixed maturity and equity securities for which an active market does not currently exist. The fair value of our Level 3 private placement securities is determined by management relying on pricing received from our independent pricing services and brokers consistent with the process to estimate fair value for Level 2 securities. However, securities are categorized as Level 3 if these quotes cannot be corroborated by other market observable data due to the unobservable nature of the brokers’ valuation processes. If pricing cannot be obtained from these sources, which occurs on a limited basis, management will perform a discounted cash flow analysis, using an appropriate risk-adjusted discount rate, on the underlying security to estimate fair value.
The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of our Level 3 securities for 2014:
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions			Corporate bonds			Asset-backed securities			Equities			Total
Balance at January 1, 2014	$	698		$	13,480		$	2,029		$	3,781		$	19,988
Realized gains (losses) (1)	—			11			—			(56		)	(45		)
Unrealized gains (losses) (1)	(34		)	(85		)	50			47			(22		)
Purchases	—			4			—			144			148
Disposals	(145		)	(1,098		)	(467		)	(44		)	(1,754		)
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	519		$	12,312		$	1,612		$	3,872		$	18,315
(1) Realized gains (losses) are recorded as a component of earnings, whereas unrealized gains (losses) are recorded as a component of comprehensive income.
The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of our Level 3 securities for 2013:
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions			Foreign bonds			Corporate bonds			Asset-backed securities			Equities			Total
Balance at January 1, 2013	$	750		$	558		$	16,108		$	2,488		$	3,636		$	23,540
Realized gains (1)	—			35			—			—			—			35
Unrealized gains (losses) (1)	83			14			1,277			(53		)	(28		)	1,293
Purchases	—			—			105			—			173			278
Disposals	(135		)	(607		)	(4,010		)	(406		)	—			(5,158		)
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	698		$	—		$	13,480		$	2,029		$	3,781		$	19,988
(1) Realized gains are recorded as a component of earnings, whereas unrealized gains (losses) are recorded as a component of comprehensive income.
The fixed maturities reported as disposals relate to the receipt of principal on calls or sinking fund bonds, in accordance with the indentures.
Corporate-Owned Life Insurance
The Company formed a rabbi trust in 2014 to fund obligations under the United Fire & Casualty Company Non-qualified Deferred Compensation Plan and United Fire Group Supplemental Executive Retirement and Deferral Plan (collectively the "Executive Retirement Plans"). Within the rabbi trust, corporate-owned life insurance ("COLI") policies are utilized as an investment vehicle and source of funding for the Company's Executive Retirement Plans. The COLI policies invest in mutual funds, which are priced daily by independent sources. As of December 31, 2014, the cash surrender value of the COLI policies was $918, which is equal to the fair value measured using Level 2 inputs, based on the underlying assets of the COLI policies, and is included in other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.

REINSURANCE

REINSURANCE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
REINSURANCE	REINSURANCE
	Property and Casualty Insurance Segment
	Ceded and Assumed Reinsurance
	Reinsurance is a contract by which one insurer, called the reinsurer, agrees to cover, under certain defined circumstances, a portion of the losses incurred by a primary insurer if a claim is made under a policy issued by the primary insurer. Our property and casualty insurance companies follow the industry practice of reinsuring a portion of their exposure by ceding to reinsurers a portion of the premium received and a portion of the risk under the policies written. We purchase reinsurance to reduce the net liability on individual risks to predetermined limits and to protect us against catastrophic losses, such as a hurricane or tornado. We do not engage in any reinsurance transactions classified as finite risk reinsurance.
	We account for premiums, written and earned, and losses incurred net of reinsurance ceded. The ceding of insurance does not legally discharge us from primary liability under our policies, and we must pay the loss if the reinsurer fails to meet its obligation. We periodically monitor the financial condition of our reinsurers to confirm that they are financially stable. We believe that all of our reinsurers are in an acceptable financial condition and there were no reinsurance balances at December 31, 2014 for which collection is at risk that would result in a material impact on our Consolidated Financial Statements. The amount of reinsurance recoverable on paid losses totaled $15,595 and $6,090 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	We also assume both property and casualty insurance from other insurance or reinsurance companies. Most of the business we have assumed is property insurance, with an emphasis on catastrophe coverage.
	Premiums and losses and loss settlement expenses related to our ceded and assumed business are as follows:
	Years Ended December 31,	2014		2013			2012
	Ceded Business
	Ceded premiums written	$	50,290	$	50,711		$	44,240
	Ceded premiums earned	49,818		50,514			47,467
	Loss and loss settlement expenses ceded(1)	9,728		(8,552		)	5,525
	Assumed Business
	Assumed premiums written	$	16,421	$	18,938		$	17,181
	Assumed premiums earned	16,265		18,485			16,889
	Loss and loss settlement expenses assumed	7,727		8,268			16,873
	(1) In 2013, a reduction in our direct IBNR reserves caused a corresponding reduction in ceded IBNR reserves.  This factor, coupled with a lack of significant large losses exceeding our reinsurance retentions resulted in negative loss and loss settlement expenses ceded for the year.
	In 2014, we renewed our participation in all but one of our assumed programs and added one new program to our portfolio. Loss and loss settlement expenses ceded increased in 2014 as compared to 2013 primarily due to an increase in catastrophe losses. We increased participation in one program in our assumed portfolio to replace lost premium from the program not renewed.
	In 2013, we renewed our participation in all but one of our assumed programs and added two new programs to our portfolio. Loss and loss settlement expenses assumed decreased in 2013 as compared to 2012 primarily due to a decrease in catastrophe losses. We added two new programs to replace the lost premium from the program not renewed and to take advantage of areas where we had exposure capacity.  One of the new programs has worldwide exposure and the other has exposure in the United Kingdom and Japan.
	In 2012, we renewed our participation in all of our assumed programs. We reduced our participation in programs with heavier Northeast U.S. exposure in response to the exposure added in this region from the Mercer Insurance Group acquisition. Losses and loss settlement expenses assumed were higher than historic levels due to several natural disasters, primarily the Thailand floods and Super Storm Sandy.
	Refer to Note 5 "Reserves for Losses and Loss Settlement Expenses" for an analysis of changes in our overall property and casualty insurance reserves.
	Reinsurance Programs and Retentions
	We have several programs that provide reinsurance coverage. This reinsurance coverage limits the risk of loss that we retain by reinsuring direct risks in excess of our retention limits. The following table provides a summary of our primary reinsurance programs. Retention amounts reflect the accumulated retentions and co-participation of all layers within a program. In 2013, we added a $3,000 aggregate annual deductible to our core program multi-line (casualty excess and property excess) which was increased to $4,000 in 2014.
		2014 Reinsurance Programs
	Type of Reinsurance	Stated Retention		Limits			Coverage
	Casualty excess of loss	$	2,000	$	40,000		100	%	of	$	38,000
	Property excess of loss	2,000		15,000			100	%	of	$	13,000
	Surety excess of loss	1,500		28,000			91	%	of	$	26,500
	Property catastrophe, excess	20,000		200,000			100	%	of	$	180,000
	Property catastrophe, excess	200,000		250,000			90.5	%	of	$	50,000
	Boiler and machinery	N/A		50,000			100	%	of	$	50,000
		2013 and 2012 Reinsurance Programs
	Type of Reinsurance	Stated Retention		Limits			Coverage
	Casualty excess of loss	$	2,000	$	40,000		100	%	of	$	38,000
	Property excess of loss	2,000		15,000			100	%	of	$	13,000
	Surety excess of loss	1,500		28,000			91	%	of	$	26,500
	Property catastrophe, excess	20,000		200,000			95	%	of	$	180,000
	Boiler and machinery	N/A		50,000			100	%	of	$	50,000
	If we incur catastrophe losses and loss settlement expenses that exceed the coverage limits of our reinsurance program, our property catastrophe program provides one guaranteed reinstatement. In such an instance, we are required to pay the reinsurers a reinstatement premium equal to the full amount of the original premium, which will reinstate the full amount of reinsurance available under the property catastrophe program.
	Life Insurance Segment
	Ceded and Assumed Reinsurance
	United Life purchases reinsurance to limit the dollar amount of any one risk of loss. Our retention on standard individual life cases is $300. Our accidental death benefit rider on an individual policy is reinsured at 100 percent, up to a maximum benefit of $250. Our group coverage, both life and accidental death and dismemberment, is reinsured at 50.0 percent with a retention of $75 for United Fire internal group coverage. Catastrophe excess reinsurance coverage applies when three or more insureds die in a catastrophic accident. For catastrophe excess claims, we retain the first $1,000 of ultimate net loss and the reinsurer agrees to indemnify us for the excess up to a maximum of $5,000. We supplement this coverage when appropriate with "known concentration" coverage. Known concentration coverage is typically tied to a specific event and time period, with a threshold of a minimum number of lives involved in the event, minimum event deductible (stated retention limit) and a maximum payout.
	Premiums and losses and loss settlement expenses related to our ceded business are as follows:
	Years Ended December 31,	2014		2013			2012
	Ceded Business
	Ceded insurance in-force	$	1,130,059	$	1,112,688		$	1,083,410
	Ceded premiums earned	2,959		2,792			2,621
	Loss and loss settlement expenses ceded	3,467		1,971			2,435
	The ceding of insurance does not legally discharge United Life from primary liability under its policies. United Life must pay the loss if the reinsurer fails to meet its obligations. We periodically monitor the financial condition of our reinsurers to confirm that they are financially stable. We believe that all of our reinsurers are in an acceptable financial condition. Approximately 99.0 percent of ceded life insurance in force as of December 31, 2014 has been ceded to five reinsurers.

RESERVES_FOR_LOSSES_AND_LOSS_S

RESERVES FOR LOSSES AND LOSS SETTLEMENT EXPENSES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Insurance Loss Reserves [Abstract]
RESERVES FOR LOSSES AND LOSS SETTLEMENT EXPENSES	RESERVES FOR LOSSES AND LOSS SETTLEMENT EXPENSES
	Because property and casualty insurance reserves are estimates of the unpaid portions of incurred losses that have been reported to us, as well as losses that have been incurred but not reported ("IBNR"), the establishment of appropriate reserves, including reserves for catastrophes, is an inherently uncertain and complex process. The ultimate cost of losses and related loss settlement expenses may vary materially from recorded amounts, which are based on management's best estimates. We regularly update our reserve estimates as new information becomes available and as events unfold that may affect the resolution of unsettled claims. Changes in prior year reserve estimates, which may be material, are reported as a component of losses and loss settlement expenses incurred in the period such changes are determined.
	The following table provides an analysis of changes in our property and casualty losses and loss settlement expense reserves for 2014, 2013 and 2012 (net of reinsurance amounts):
	Years Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
	Gross liability for losses and loss settlement expenses	$	960,651		$	971,911		$	945,051
	at beginning of year
	Ceded losses and loss settlement expenses	(75,150		)	(103,870		)	(120,359		)
	Net liability for losses and loss settlement expenses	$	885,501		$	868,041		$	824,692
	at beginning of year
	Losses and loss settlement expenses incurred
	for claims occurring during
	Current year	$	566,555		$	494,841		$	512,564
	Prior years	(56,744		)	(57,487		)	(73,427		)
	Total incurred	$	509,811		$	437,354		$	439,137
	Losses and loss settlement expense payments
	for claims occurring during
	Current year	$	247,651		$	203,868		$	201,632
	Prior years	241,981			216,026			194,156
	Total paid	$	489,632		$	419,894		$	395,788
	Net liability for losses and loss settlement expenses	$	905,680		$	885,501		$	868,041
	at end of year
	Ceded loss and loss settlement expenses	63,757			75,150			103,870
	Gross liability for losses and loss settlement expenses	$	969,437		$	960,651		$	971,911
	at end of year
	There are a multitude of factors that can impact loss reserve development. Those factors include, but are not limited to: historical data, the potential impact of various loss reserve development factors and trends including historical loss experience, legislative enactments, judicial decisions, legal developments in imposition of damages, experience with alternative dispute resolution, results of our medical bill review process, the potential impact of salvage and subrogation and changes and trends in general economic conditions, including the effects of inflation. All of these factors influence our estimates of required reserves and for long tail lines these factors can change over the course of the settlement of the claim. However, there is no precise method for evaluating the specific dollar impact of any individual factor on the development of reserves.
	The significant drivers of the favorable reserve development in 2014 were our long-tail liability lines, workers compensation, and automobile (both liability and physical damage). Much of the favorable long-tail liability development came from loss adjustment expense and is attributed to our litigation management initiative. Workers' compensation favorable development was due to the combination of claim reserve decreases along with favorable changes affecting loss adjustment expense. Changes in reserve development patterns have shown increased redundancies in reserves for reported claims along with relatively less need for IBNR claim reserves. Loss adjustment expense, closely tied to loss, generally decreases when loss decreases. Commercial auto liability continues to benefit from loss control and re-underwriting initiatives over the past two years as well as favorable changes affecting loss adjustment expense as reserve development patterns also showed a redundancy in reserves along with less need for IBNR claim reserves.
	The favorable reserve development in 2013 on prior year reserves was primarily related to our long-tail lines of commercial business including other liability, workers' compensation and auto liability. The significant driver of the favorable reserve development in 2013 was the other liability line, primarily due to additional recognition of relatively recent changes in reserve development patterns which have shown increased redundancies in reserves for reported claims along with relatively less need for IBNR claim reserves. Also, contributing to the favorable development in 2013, only to a lesser extent than the other liability line of business, were workers' compensation, commercial auto liability and surety lines of business.
	In 2012, we experienced favorable reserve development for reserves established for claims that occurred in prior years. The majority of this favorable reserve development is related to our long-tail lines of commercial business including other liability, workers' compensation and auto liability. The significant driver of the favorable reserve development in 2012 was the other liability line. The favorable reserve development is generally caused by changes in loss development patterns due to many of the factors cited above. Specifically, we observed a continuation of a trend, reducing the overall number of reported new construction defect claims and lower than expected loss emergence on known claims. In addition, in 2009 management began an initiative to control legal defense costs. As these costs are a significant component of the carried reserves for the other liability line, management believes this initiative is also contributing to the favorable reserve development trends.
	Reserves for all other lines of business, with the exception of assumed reinsurance, experienced favorable reserve development in 2012, only to a lesser extent than the other liability line. We attribute this remaining reserve development to the factors noted above. Our assumed reinsurance line was impacted by adverse reserve development on prior year catastrophes from accident year 2011 (Japan earthquake and tsunami, Thailand flood, and Christchurch, New Zealand earthquake) and from accident year 2010 (Canterbury, New Zealand earthquake).
	Generally, we base reserves for each claim on the estimated ultimate exposure for that claim. We believe that it is appropriate and reasonable to establish a best estimate for reserves within a range of reasonable estimates, especially when we are reserving for claims for bodily injury, disabilities and similar claims, for which settlements and verdicts can vary widely. Our reserving philosophy may result in favorable reserve development in future years that will decrease losses and loss settlement expenses for prior year claims in the year of adjustment. We realize that this philosophy, coupled with what we believe to be aggressive and successful claims management and loss settlement practices, has resulted in year-to-year redundancies in reserves. We believe our approach produces recorded reserves that are reasonably consistent as to their relative position within a range of reasonable reserves from year-to-year. However, conditions and trends that have affected the reserve development for a given year do change. Therefore, such development cannot be used to project future reserve redundancies or deficiencies.
	We are not aware of any significant contingent liabilities related to environmental issues. Because of the type of property coverage we write, we have potential exposure to environmental pollution, mold and asbestos claims. Our underwriters are aware of these exposures and use riders or endorsements to limit exposure.

STATUTORY_REPORTING_CAPITAL_RE

STATUTORY REPORTING, CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND DIVIDENDS AND RETAINED EARNINGS RESTRICTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Statutory Insurance Financial Information [Abstract]
STATUTORY REPORTING, CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND DIVIDENDS AND RETAINED EARNINGS RESTRICTIONS	STATUTORY REPORTING, CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND DIVIDENDS AND RETAINED EARNINGS RESTRICTIONS
	Statutory capital and surplus in regards to policyholders at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and statutory net income for the years then ended are as follows:
		Statutory Capital and Surplus		Statutory Net Income
	2014
	Property and casualty (1)	$	685,866	$	54,233
	Life, accident and health	155,667		3,517
	2013
	Property and casualty (1)	$	665,772	$	84,255
	Life, accident and health	157,974		5,942
	2012
	Property and casualty (1)	$	585,986	$	34,468
	Life, accident and health	158,720		7,420
	-1	Because United Fire & Casualty Company owns United Life Insurance Company, the property and casualty statutory capital and surplus includes life, accident and health statutory capital and surplus, and therefore represents our total consolidated statutory capital and surplus.
	State insurance holding company laws and regulations generally require approval from the insurer's domicile state insurance Commissioner for any material transaction or extraordinary dividend. For property and casualty insurers, a material transaction is defined as any sale, loan, exchange, transfer or guarantee with an affiliate where the aggregate value of the transaction exceeds 25 percent of the insurer's policyholders' surplus or three percent of its admitted assets (measured at December 31 of the preceding year), whichever is less. For life insurers, a material transaction with an affiliate is defined as a transaction with an aggregate value exceeding three percent of the life insurer's admitted assets (measured at December 31 of the preceding year).
	State laws and regulations generally limit the amount of funds that an insurance company may distribute to a parent as a dividend without Commissioner approval. As a holding company with no independent operations of its own, United Fire Group, Inc. relies on dividends received from its insurance company subsidiaries in order to pay dividends to its common shareholders. Dividends payable by our insurance subsidiaries are governed by the laws in the states in which they are domiciled. In all cases, these state laws permit the payment of dividends only from earned surplus arising from business operations. For example, under Iowa law, the maximum dividend or distribution that may be paid within a 12-month period without prior approval of the Iowa Insurance Commissioner is generally restricted to the greater of 10 percent of statutory surplus as of the preceding December 31, or net income of the preceding calendar year on a statutory basis, not greater than earned statutory surplus. Other states in which our insurance company subsidiaries are domiciled may impose similar restrictions on dividends and distributions. Based on these restrictions, at December 31, 2014, our insurance company subsidiary, United Fire & Casualty Company, is able to make a maximum of $39,587 in dividend payments without prior approval. At December 31, 2014, we were in compliance with applicable state laws and regulations. These restrictions will not have a material impact in meeting our cash obligations. In addition, United Fire Group, Inc. maintains a credit agreement, as discussed in Part II, Note 14 "Credit Facility", which permits us to borrow up to an aggregate principal amount of $125,000.
	We paid dividends to our common shareholders of $19,680, $17,484 and $15,269 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Payments of any future dividends and the amounts of such dividends, however, will depend upon factors such as net income, financial condition, capital requirements, and general business conditions. We will only pay dividends if declared by our Board of Directors, out of funds legally available, and subject to any other restrictions that may be applicable to us.
	In 2014, 2013 and 2012 ,United Fire & Casualty Company received dividends from its wholly-owned subsidiaries of $13,500, $26,335 and $19,750, respectively. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, United Fire & Casualty Company paid dividends to United Fire Group, Inc. totaling $29,000, $13,175 and $26,950, respectively. These intercompany dividend payments are eliminated for reporting in our Consolidated Financial Statements.
	A majority of our custodial assets are subject to a tri-party agreement between one of our subsidiary companies, United Life Insurance Company ("United Life"), the custodian, and the Iowa Insurance Commissioner. Under this agreement, as long as United Life maintains the minimum aggregate value of securities in the account (based on its legal reserve requirements), it is free to invest, withdraw or loan these funds or pay dividends using these funds without approval from the Commissioner. Investment of these funds is subject to the same limitations on asset class and credit quality imposed by the Commissioner on all insurance company invested assets. Investment income derived from these custodied funds is available for general corporate purposes and to satisfy corporate obligations without approval from the Commissioner.
	At December 31, 2014, United Life had net admitted assets, on a statutory basis, of $1,635,364, $218,711 in excess of its legal reserve requirement. Therefore, any restriction on funds deposited by United Life with the Iowa Insurance Commissioner would not materially affect its financial position or results of operations and its cash flows are sufficient to meet its operational requirements. Under the material transaction and dividend standards described above, United Life would be able to enter into an affiliate transaction and/or pay a dividend of $5,567 without approval from the Commissioner.
	Our property and casualty and life insurance subsidiaries are required to prepare and file statutory-basis financial statements in conformity with the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC") Accounting Practices and Procedures Manual, subject to any deviations prescribed or permitted by the applicable insurance commissioner and/or director. The accounting principles used to prepare these statutory-basis financial statements follow prescribed or permitted accounting practices that differ from GAAP. Prescribed statutory accounting principles include state laws, regulations and general administrative rules issued by the state of domicile, as well as a variety of publications and manuals of the NAIC. Permitted accounting practices encompass all accounting practices not prescribed, but allowed by the state of domicile. No material permitted accounting practices were used to prepare our statutory-basis financial statements during 2014, 2013 and 2012. Statutory accounting principles primarily differ from GAAP in that policy acquisition and certain sales inducement costs are charged to expense as incurred, goodwill is amortized, life insurance reserves are established based on different actuarial assumptions and the values reported for investments, pension obligations and deferred taxes are established on a different basis.
	We are directed by the state insurance departments' solvency regulations to calculate a required minimum level of statutory capital and surplus based on insurance risk factors. The risk-based capital results are used by the NAIC and state insurance departments to identify companies that merit regulatory attention or the initiation of regulatory action. Both United Life and United Fire & Casualty Company and its property and casualty insurance subsidiaries and affiliate had statutory capital and surplus in regards to policyholders well in excess of their required levels at December 31, 2014.

FEDERAL_INCOME_TAX

FEDERAL INCOME TAX	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
FEDERAL INCOME TAX	FEDERAL INCOME TAX
	Federal income tax expense (benefit) is composed of the following:
	Years Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
	Current	$	15,649		$	19,146		$	6,644
	Deferred	1,677			6,616			(782		)
	Total	$	17,326		$	25,762		$	5,862
	A reconciliation of income tax expense computed at the applicable federal tax rate of 35.0 percent to the amount recorded in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income is as follows:
	Years Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
	Computed expected income tax expense	$	26,762		$	35,666		$	16,126
	Tax-exempt municipal bond interest income	(7,417		)	(7,732		)	(8,027		)
	Nontaxable dividend income	(1,232		)	(1,053		)	(1,004		)
	Valuation allowance reduction	(548		)	(548		)	(547		)
	Acquisition related expenses	—			—			42
	Other, net	(239		)	(571		)	(728		)
	Federal income tax expense	$	17,326		$	25,762		$	5,862
	The significant components of our net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
	December 31,	2014			2013
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Net unrealized appreciation on investment securities:
	Equity securities	$	60,952		$	55,402
	All other securities	24,308			6,201
	Deferred policy acquisition costs	44,271			47,809
	Prepaid pension cost	2,973			2,556
	Net bond discount accretion	1,925			2,069
	Depreciation	2,667			2,355
	Revaluation of investment basis (1)	2,611			3,595
	Identifiable intangible assets (1)	3,808			4,056
	Other	8,152			7,530
	Gross deferred tax liability	$	151,667		$	131,573
	Deferred tax assets
	Financial statement reserves in excess of income tax reserves	$	35,800		$	39,041
	Unearned premium adjustment	26,146			23,502
	Net operating loss carryforwards	1,813			2,361
	Underfunded benefit plan obligation	31,473			15,858
	Postretirement benefits other than pensions	14,374			12,342
	Other-than-temporary impairment of investments	5,222			5,222
	Contingent ceding commission accrual	3,573			3,726
	Compensation expense related to stock options	4,582			4,062
	AMT credit carryforward	—			476
	Other	4,738			5,429
	Gross deferred tax asset	$	127,721		$	112,019
	Valuation allowance	(1,813		)	(2,361		)
	Deferred tax asset	$	125,908		$	109,658
	Net deferred tax liability	$	25,759		$	21,915
	(1) Related to our acquisition of Mercer Insurance Group.
	Due to our determination that we may not be able to fully realize the benefits of the net operating losses ("NOLs") acquired in the purchase of American Indemnity Financial Corporation in 1999, which are only available to offset the future taxable income of our property and casualty insurance operations and are further limited as to the amount that can be utilized in any given year, we have recorded a valuation allowance against these NOLs that totaled $1,813 and $2,361, respectively, at December 31, 2014 and 2013. Based on a yearly review, we determine whether the benefit of the NOLs can be realized, and, if so, the decrease in the valuation allowance is recorded as a reduction to current federal income tax expense. If NOLs expire during the year, the decrease in the valuation allowance is offset with a corresponding decrease to the deferred income tax asset. The valuation allowance was reduced by $548 during 2014 due to the realization of $1,565 in NOLs. No portion of the NOLs expired in 2014 or will expire in 2015. At December 31, 2014, we had no alternative minimum tax ("AMT") credit carryforwards.

EMPLOYEE_BENEFITS

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE BENEFITS	EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
	We offer various benefits to our employees including a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan, an employee/retiree health and dental benefit plan, a profit-sharing plan and an employee stock ownership plan.
	Pension and Postretirement Benefit Plans
	We offer a noncontributory defined benefit pension plan in which all of our employees are eligible to participate after they have completed one year of service, attained 21 years of age and have met the hourly service requirements. Retirement benefits under our pension plan are based on the number of years of service and level of compensation. Our policy to fund the pension plan on a current basis to not less than the minimum amounts required by the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974, as amended, and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended, is to assure that plan assets will be adequate to provide retirement benefits. We estimate that we will contribute approximately $6,352 to the pension plan in 2015.
	We also offer a health and dental benefit plan to all of our eligible employees and retirees that consists of two programs: (1) the self-funded employee health and dental benefit plan and (2) the self-funded (pre-65) and fully-funded (post-65) retiree health and dental benefit plan (the "postretirement benefit plan"). The postretirement benefit plan provides health and dental benefits to our retirees (and covered dependents) who have met the service and participation requirements stipulated by the postretirement benefit plan. The third party administrators for the postretirement benefit plan are responsible for making medical and dental care benefit payments. Participants are required to submit claims for reimbursement or payment to the claims administrator within twelve months after the end of the calendar year in which the charges were incurred. An unfunded benefit obligation is reported for the postretirement benefit plan in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	Investment Policies and Strategies
	Our investment policy and objective for the pension plan is to generate long-term capital growth and income, by way of a diversified investment portfolio along with appropriate employer contributions, which will allow us to provide for the pension plan's benefit obligation.
	The investments held by the pension plan at December 31, 2014 include the following asset categories:
	•	Fixed income securities, which may include bonds, and convertible securities;
	•	Equity securities, which may include various types of stock, such as large-cap, mid-cap, small-cap, and international stocks;
	•	Pooled separate accounts includes two separate funds, a bond and mortgage separate account and a real estate separate account;
	•	An arbitrage fund, which is a fund that takes advantage of price discrepancies, primarily equity securities, for the same asset in different markets;
	•	A group annuity contract that is administered by United Life, a subsidiary of United Fire; and
	•	Cash and cash equivalents, which include money market funds.
	We have an internal investment/retirement committee, which includes our Chief Executive Officer, Chief Investment Officer, and Chief Operating Officer, all of whom receive monthly information on the value of the pension plan assets and their performance. Quarterly, the committee meets to review and discuss the performance of the pension plan assets as well as the allocation of investments within the pension plan.
	As of December 31, 2014, we had six external investment managers that are allowed to exercise investment discretion, subject to limitations, if any, established by the investment/retirement committee. We utilize multiple investment managers in order to maximize the pension plan's investment return while mitigating risk. None of our investment managers uses leverage in managing the pension plan. Annually, the investment/retirement committee meets with each investment manager to review the investment manager's goals, objectives and the performance of the assets they manage. The decision to establish or terminate a relationship with an investment manager is at the discretion of our investment/retirement committee.
	We consider historical experience for comparable investments and the target allocations we have established for the various asset categories of the pension plan to determine the expected long-term rate of return, which is an assumption as to the average rate of earnings expected on the pension plan funds invested, or to be invested, by the pension plan, to provide for the settlement of benefits included in the projected pension benefit obligation. Investment securities, in general, are exposed to various risks, such as fluctuating interest rates, credit standing of the issuer of the security and overall market volatility. Annually, we perform an analysis of expected long-term rates of return based on the composition and allocation of our pension plan assets and recent economic conditions.
	The following is a summary of the pension plan's actual and target asset allocations at December 31, 2014 and 2013 by asset category:
																Target
	Pension Plan Assets	2014				% of Total			2013				% of Total			Allocation
	Fixed maturity securities - corporate bonds	$	9,035			8.8	%		$	4,489			4.9	%		0	%	-	15	%
	Redeemable preferred stock	2,254				2.2			1,381				1.5			0	%	-	10	%
	Equity securities(1)	58,223				56.6			39,481				42.8			50	%	-	70	%
	Pooled separate accounts
	Bond and mortgage separate account fund	6,417				6.3			5,657				6.1			0	%	-	40	%
	U.S. property separate account fund	9,895				9.6			8,763				9.5			0	%	-	25	%
	Arbitrage fund	7,637				7.4			5,516				6			0	%	-	10	%
	United Life annuity	8,506				8.3			8,101				8.8			5	%	-	10	%
	Cash and cash equivalents(1)	833				0.8			18,831				20.4			0	%	-	10	%
	Total plan assets	$	102,800			100	%		$	92,219			100	%
	(1) Cash and cash equivalents balance as a percent of total plan assets exceeded the target allocation in 2013 as we were in the process of reducing the number of external investment managers and moving funds between managers in early 2014.
	The investment return expectations for the pension plan are used to develop the asset allocation based on the specific needs of the pension plan. Accordingly, equity securities comprise the largest portion of our pension plan assets, as they yield the highest rate of return. The United Life annuity, which is the fourth largest asset category and was originally written by our life insurance subsidiary in 1976, provides a guaranteed rate of return. The interest rate on the group annuity contract is determined annually.
	The availability of assets held in cash and cash equivalents enables the pension plan to mitigate market risk that is associated with other types of investments and allows the pension plan to maintain liquidity both for the purpose of making future benefit payments to participants and their beneficiaries and for future investment opportunities.
	Valuation of Investments
	Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities
	Investments in fixed maturity and equity securities are stated at fair value based upon quoted market prices reported on recognized securities exchanges on the last business day of the year. Purchases and sales of securities are recorded as of the trade date.
	Pooled Separate Accounts
	The pension plan invested in two pooled separate account funds in 2013, a bond and mortgage separate account fund and a U.S. property separate account fund. Investments in the bond and mortgage separate account fund are stated at fair value as provided by the administrator of the fund based on the fair value of the underlying assets owned by the fund. The fair value measurement is classified within Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the investments in the U.S. property separate account fund is provided by the administrator of the fund based on the net asset value of the fund. The net asset value is based on the fair value of the underlying properties included in the fund. The fair value measurement is classified within Level 3 of the fair value hierarchy. We have not adjusted the net asset value provided by the custodian.
	Arbitrage Fund
	The fair value of the arbitrage fund is determined based on its net asset value, which is obtained from the custodian and determined monthly with issuances and redemptions of units of the fund made, based on the net asset value per unit as determined on the valuation date. We have not adjusted the net asset value provided by the custodian.
	United Life Annuity
	The United Life group annuity contract, which is a deposit administration contract, is stated at contract value as determined by United Life. Under the group annuity contract, the plan's investment account is credited with compound interest on the average account balance for the year. The interest rate is equivalent to the ratio of net investment income to mean assets of United Life, net of investment expenses.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents primarily consist of insured cash and money market funds held with various financial institutions. Interest is earned on a daily basis. The fair value of these funds approximates their cost basis due to their short-term nature.
	Fair Value Measurement
	The following tables present the categorization of the pension plan's assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
						Fair Value Measurements
	Description	December 31, 2014				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
	Fixed maturity securities - corporate bonds	$	9,035			$	—			$	9,035			$	—
	Redeemable preferred stock	2,254				2,254				—				—
	Equity securities	58,223				58,223				—				—
	Pooled separate accounts
	Bond and mortgage separate account fund	6,417				—				6,417				—
	U.S. property separate account fund	9,895				—				—				9,895
	Arbitrage fund	7,637				—				7,637				—
	Money market funds	826				826				—				—
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	94,287			$	61,303			$	23,089			$	9,895
						Fair Value Measurements
	Description	December 31, 2013				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
	Fixed maturity securities - corporate bonds	$	4,489			$	—			$	4,489			$	—
	Redeemable preferred stock	1,381				1,381				—				—
	Equity securities	39,481				39,481				—				—
	Pooled separate accounts
	Bond and mortgage separate account fund	5,657				—				5,657				—
U.S. property separate account fund	8,763				—				—				8,763
Arbitrage fund	5,516				—				5,516				—
Money market funds	17,323				17,323				—				—
Total assets measured at fair value	$	82,610			$	58,185			$	15,662			$	8,763
There were no transfers of assets in or out of Level 1 or Level 2 during the period.
The fair value of investments categorized as Level 1 is based on quoted market prices that are readily and regularly available.
The fair value of fixed maturity securities categorized as Level 2 is determined by management based on fair value information reported in the custodial statements, which is derived from recent trading activity of the underlying security in the financial markets. These securities represent various taxable bonds held by the pension plan.
The fair value of the arbitrage fund and bond and mortgage pooled separate account fund are categorized as Level 2 since there are no restrictions as to the pension plan's ability to redeem its investment at the net asset value of the fund as of the reporting date.
The following tables provide a summary of the changes in fair value of the pension plan's Level 3 securities:
	U.S. property separate account fund
Balance at January 1, 2014	$	8,763
Unrealized gains	1,132
Balance at December 31, 2014	$	9,895
	U.S. property separate account fund
Balance at January 1, 2013	$	—
Unrealized gains	763
Purchases	8,000
Balance at December 31, 2013	$	8,763
Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires us to make various estimates and assumptions that affect the reporting of net periodic benefit cost, plan assets and plan obligations for each plan at the date of the financial statements. Actual results could differ from these estimates. One significant estimate relates to the calculation of the benefit obligation for each plan. We annually establish the discount rate, which is an estimate of the interest rate at which these benefits could be effectively settled, that is used to determine the present value of the respective plan's benefit obligations as of December 31. In estimating the discount rate, we look to rates of return on high-quality, fixed-income investments currently available and expected to be available during the period to maturity of the respective plan's benefit obligations.
In October 2014, the Society of Actuaries finalized a new mortality table and a new mortality improvement scale. These updated tables reflect improved life expectancies and an expectation that the trend will continue. We have reviewed these updated tables and have updated the mortality assumptions based on this information and also based on research provided by our external actuaries. We will continue to monitor mortality assumptions and make changes as appropriate to reflect additional research and our resulting best estimate of future mortality rates.
Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations
The following actuarial assumptions were used to determine the reported plan benefit obligations at December 31:
Weighted-average assumptions as of	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Benefits
December 31,	2014			2013			2014			2013
Discount rate	3.86	%		4.84	%		3.86	%		4.84	%
Rate of compensation increase	3			3.5			N/A			N/A
Decreasing interest rates resulted in a significant decrease in the discount rates we use to value our respective plan's benefit obligations at December 31, 2014 compared to December 31, 2013. As a result, the valuation of the benefit obligations has increased, which has decreased the funded status of those plans as disclosed later in this section.
Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost
The following actuarial assumptions were used at January 1 to determine our reported net periodic benefit costs for the year ended December 31:
Weighted-average assumptions as of	Pension Benefits									Postretirement Benefits
January 1,	2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
Discount rate	4.84	%		4	%		4.5	%		4.84	%		4	%		4.5	%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.5			7.5			8			N/A			N/A			N/A
Rate of compensation increase	3.5			3.5			3.75			N/A			N/A			N/A
Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates
	Health Care Benefits						Dental Claims
Years Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2014			2013
Health care cost trend rates assumed for next year	7	%		7	%		4	%		4	%
Rate to which the health care trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)	4.5	%		4.5	%		N/A			N/A
Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2023			2019			N/A			N/A
Assumed health care cost trend rates have a significant effect on the amounts reported for the postretirement benefit plan. A 1.0 percent change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
		1% Increase				1% Decrease
Effect on the net periodic postretirement health care benefit cost		$	1,983			$	(1,533	)
Effect on the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation		14,637				(11,650		)
Benefit Obligation and Funded Status
The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of our plans:
	Pension Benefits								Postretirement Benefits
Years Ended December 31,	2014				2013				2014				2013
Reconciliation of benefit obligation
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	123,352			$	131,382			$	48,954			$	44,395
Service cost	5,210				6,300				3,696				3,875
Interest cost	5,874				5,175				2,342				1,759
Actuarial (gain) loss	26,590				(15,161		)		19,832				(1,449		)
Benefit payments and adjustments	(3,426		)		(4,344		)		(272		)		374
Benefit obligation at end of year (1)	$	157,600			$	123,352			$	74,552			$	48,954
Reconciliation of fair value of plan assets
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	92,219			$	75,276			$	—			$	—
Actual return on plan assets	6,591				14,287				—				—
Employer contributions	7,416				7,000				(272		)		374
Benefit payments and adjustments	(3,426		)		(4,344		)		272				(374		)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	102,800			$	92,219			$	—			$	—
Funded status at end of year	$	(54,800	)		$	(31,133	)		$	(74,552	)		$	(48,954	)
-1	For the pension plan, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation. For the postretirement benefit plan, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation.
Our accumulated pension benefit obligation was $138,180 and $106,207 at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
The following table displays the effect that the unrecognized prior service cost and unrecognized actuarial loss of our plans had on accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"), as reported in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets:
		Pension Benefits								Postretirement Benefits
Years Ended December 31		2014				2013				2014				2013
Amounts recognized in AOCI
Unrecognized prior service cost		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
Unrecognized actuarial loss		56,943				32,162				32,979				13,147
Total amounts recognized in AOCI		$	56,943			$	32,162			$	32,979			$	13,147
We anticipate amortization of the net actuarial losses for our pension plan in 2015 to be $4,546. We anticipate amortization of the net actuarial losses for our postretirement benefit plan in 2015 to be $2,920.
Net Periodic Benefit Cost
The components of the net periodic benefit cost for our pension and postretirement benefit plans are as follows:
	Pension Plan												Postretirement Benefit Plan
Years Ended December 31,	2014				2013				2012				2014				2013			2012
Net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	$	5,210			$	6,300			$	5,129			$	3,696			$	3,875		$	3,010
Interest cost	5,874				5,175				5,049				2,342				1,759			1,695
Expected return on plan assets	(6,956		)		(5,772		)		(5,345		)		—				—			—
Amortization of prior service cost	—				—				8				—				—			(6		)
Amortization of net loss	2,174				4,989				4,415				898				879			554
Net periodic benefit cost	$	6,302			$	10,692			$	9,256			$	6,936			$	6,513		$	5,253
Effective July 1, 2012, the former employees of Mercer Insurance Group, Inc. became eligible to participate in our pension plan. The inclusion of these employees resulted in an additional $854 of net periodic benefit cost recognized for 2012.
Projected Benefit Payments
The following table summarizes the expected benefits to be paid from our plans over the next 10 years:
		2015				2016				2017				2018				2019			2020 - 2024
Pension benefits		$	4,310			$	4,690			$	4,970			$	5,380			$	5,840		$	39,220
Postretirement benefits		$	1,140			$	1,340			$	1,550			$	1,800			$	2,080		$	15,370
Profit-Sharing Plan and Employee Stock Ownership Plan
We have a profit-sharing plan in which employees who meet service requirements are eligible to participate. The amount of our contribution is discretionary and is determined annually, but cannot exceed the amount deductible for federal income tax purposes. Our contribution to the profit-sharing plan for 2014, 2013 and 2012, was $3,847, $6,029 and $1,812, respectively.
We have an employee stock ownership plan (the "ESOP") for the benefit of eligible employees and their beneficiaries. All employees are eligible to participate in the ESOP upon completion of one year of service, meeting the hourly employment requirements and attaining 21 years of age. Contributions to the ESOP are made at our discretion. When made, these contributions are based upon a percentage of total payroll and are allocated to participants on the basis of compensation. We can make contributions in stock or cash, which the trustee uses to acquire shares of our stock to allocate to participants' accounts. As of December 31, 2014 and 2013, the ESOP owned 214,637 and 220,468 shares of United Fire common stock, respectively. Shares owned by the ESOP are included in shares issued and outstanding for purposes of calculating earnings per share, and dividends paid on the shares are charged to retained earnings. We made contributions to the ESOP of $250 and $100 in 2014 and 2012, respectively. We did not make any contributions to the ESOP in 2013.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	Non-Qualified Employee Stock Award Plan
	The United Fire Group, Inc. 2008 Stock Plan (the "2008 Stock Plan") authorized the issuance of restricted and unrestricted stock awards, stock appreciation rights, incentive stock options, and non-qualified stock options for up to 1,900,000 shares of United Fire common stock to employees. In May 2014, the Registrant's shareholders approved an additional 1,500,000 shares of United Fire common stock issuable at any time and from time to time pursuant to the Stock Plan, United Fire Group, Inc. Stock Plan, which amended and restated the 2008 Stock Plan (as amended, the "Stock Plan"). At December 31, 2014, there are 1,646,947 authorized shares remaining available for future issuance. The Stock Plan is administered by the Board of Directors, which determines those employees who will receive awards, when awards will be granted, and the terms and conditions of the awards. The Board of Directors may also take any action it deems necessary and appropriate for the administration of the Stock Plan. Pursuant to the Stock Plan, the Board of Directors may, at its sole discretion, grant awards to our employees who are in positions of substantial responsibility with United Fire.
	Options granted pursuant to the Stock Plan are granted to buy shares of United Fire's common stock at the market value of the stock on the date of grant. All outstanding option awards vest and are exercisable in installments of 20.0 percent of the number of shares covered by the option award each year from the grant date, unless the Board of Directors authorizes the acceleration of vesting. To the extent not exercised, vested option awards accumulate and are exercisable by the awardee, in whole or in part, in any subsequent year included in the option period, but not later than 10 years from the grant date. Restricted and unrestricted stock awards granted pursuant to the Stock Plan are granted at the market value of our common stock on the date of the grant. Restricted stock awards fully vest after 5 years from the date of issuance, unless accelerated upon the approval of the Board of Directors, at which time United Fire common stock will be issued to the awardee. All awards are generally granted free of charge to the eligible employees of United Fire as designated by the Board of Directors.
	The activity in the Stock Plan is displayed in the following table:
	Authorized Shares Available for Future Award Grants	Year Ended December 31, 2014			From Inception to December 31, 2014
	Beginning balance	353,649			1,900,000
	Additional shares authorized	1,500,000			1,500,000
	Number of awards granted	(314,013	)		(1,996,509	)
	Number of awards forfeited or expired	107,311			243,456
	Ending balance	1,646,947			1,646,947
	Number of option awards exercised	85,795			467,563
	Number of unrestricted stock awards granted	725			5,280
	Number of restricted stock awards vested	—			18,576
	Non-Qualified Non-Employee Director Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan
	The United Fire Group, Inc. 2005 Non-Qualified Non-Employee Director Stock Option and Restricted Stock Plan (the "Director Plan") authorizes the issuance of restricted stock awards and non-qualified stock options to purchase shares of United Fire's common stock to non-employee directors. At December 31, 2014, we had 87,194 authorized shares available for future issuance.
	The Board of Directors has the authority to determine which non-employee directors receive awards, when options and restricted stock shall be granted, the option price, the option expiration date, the date of grant, the vesting schedule of options or whether the options shall be immediately vested, the terms and conditions of options and restricted stock (other than those terms and conditions set forth in the plan) and the number of shares of common stock to be issued pursuant to an option agreement or restricted stock agreement (subject to limits set forth in the plan). The Board of Directors may also take any action it deems necessary and appropriate for the administration of the Director Plan.
	The activity in the Director Plan is displayed in the following table:
	Authorized Shares Available for Future Award Grants	Year Ended December 31, 2014			From Inception to December 31, 2014
	Beginning balance	103,912			300,000
	Number of awards granted	(16,718	)		(218,809	)
	Number of awards forfeited or expired	—			6,003
	Ending balance	87,194			87,194
	Number of option awards exercised	1,519			4,675
	Number of restricted stock awards vested	5,040			11,442
	Stock-Based Compensation Expense
	In 2014, 2013, and 2012, we recognized stock-based compensation expense of $1,944, $1,777 and $1,764, respectively. Stock-based compensation expense is recognized over the vesting period of the stock options.
	As of December 31, 2014, we had $5,371 in stock-based compensation expense that has yet to be recognized through our results of operations. We expect this compensation to be recognized in subsequent years according to the following table, except with respect to awards that are accelerated by the Board of Directors, in which case we will recognize any remaining compensation expense in the period in which the awards are accelerated.
	2015		$	1,864
	2016		1,439
	2017		1,200
	2018		778
	2019		90
	Total		$	5,371
	Analysis of Award Activity
	The analysis below details the award activity for 2014 and the awards outstanding at December 31, 2014, for both of our plans and ad hoc options, which were granted prior to the adoption of the other plans:
	Options	Shares			Weighted-Average Exercise Price				Weighted-Average Remaining Life (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	1,287,310			$	28.13
	Granted	270,502			29.61
	Exercised	(102,914	)		21.74
	Forfeited or expired	(96,609	)		30.98
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	1,358,289			$	28.7			5.23		$	4,287
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	788,287			$	30.88			4.57		$	1,985
	Intrinsic value is the difference between our share price on the last day of trading (i.e., December 31, 2014) and the price of the options when granted and represents the value that would have been received by option holders had they exercised their options on that date. These values change based on the fair market value of our shares. The intrinsic value of options exercised totaled $790, $1,383 and $229 in 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	The analysis below details the award activity for the restricted stock awards outstanding at December 31, 2014:
	Restricted stock awards	Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Non-vested at January 1, 2014	59,849			$	22.7
	Granted	16,718			27.21
	Vested	(5,040	)		29.52
	Non-vested at December 31, 2014	71,527			$	23.32
	In 2014, 2013 and 2012 we recognized $588, $407 and $329, respectively, in compensation expense related to the restricted stock awards. At December 31, 2014, we had $1,861 in compensation expense that has yet to be recognized through our results of operations related to the restricted stock awards. The intrinsic value of the non-vested restricted stock awards outstanding totaled $459, $358 and $1,187 at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Assumptions
	The weighted-average grant-date fair value of the options granted under our plans has been estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
	December 31,	2014				2013				2012
	Risk-free interest rate	2.19		%		1.37		%		1.37		%
	Expected volatility	36.58		%		34.32		%		37.06		%
	Expected option life (in years)	7				7				7
	Expected dividends (in dollars)	$	0.78			$	0.69			$	0.6
	Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the year (in dollars)	$	9.15			$	6.64			$	5.9
	The following table summarizes information regarding the stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014:
						Options Outstanding						Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise Prices					Number Outstanding (in shares)		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	Weighted-Average Exercise Price			Number Exercisable (in shares)	Weighted-Average Exercise Price
	$	15.01		-	21	268,101		6.09	$	19.97		140,111	$	19.6
	21.01			-	28	254,578		7.49	23.39			80,818	22.89
28.01			-	35	564,610		5.49	31.33			296,358	32.93
35.01			-	41	271,000		1.71	36.86			271,000	36.86
$	15.01		-	41	1,358,289		5.23	$	28.7		788,287	$	30.88

SEGMENT_INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	We have two reportable business segments in our operations: property and casualty insurance and life insurance. The property and casualty insurance segment has seven domestic locations from which it conducts its business. The life insurance segment operates from our home office. Because all of our insurance is sold domestically, we have no revenues allocable to foreign operations. The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in Note 1 to our Consolidated Financial Statements. We analyze results based on profitability (i.e., loss ratios), expenses and return on equity.
	Property and Casualty Insurance Segment
	We write both commercial and personal lines of property and casualty insurance. We focus on our commercial lines, which represented 91.0 percent of our property and casualty insurance premiums earned for 2014. Our personal lines represented 9.0 percent of our property and casualty insurance premiums earned for 2014.
	Products
	Our primary commercial policies are tailored business packages that include the following coverages: fire and allied lines, other liability, automobile, workers' compensation and surety. Our personal lines consist primarily of automobile and fire and allied lines coverage, including homeowners.
	Pricing
	Pricing levels for our property and casualty insurance products are influenced by many factors, including an estimation of expected losses, the expenses of producing, issuing and servicing business and managing claims, the time value of money associated with such loss and expense cash flows, and a reasonable allowance for profit. We have a disciplined approach to underwriting and risk management that emphasizes profitable growth rather than premium volume or market share. Our insurance company subsidiaries are subject to state laws and regulations regarding rate and policy form approvals. The applicable state laws and regulations establish standards in certain lines of business to ensure that rates are not excessive, inadequate, unfairly discriminatory, or used to engage in unfair price competition. Our ability to increase rates and the relative timing of the process are dependent upon each respective state's requirements, as well as the competitive market environment.
	Seasonality
	Our property and casualty insurance segment experiences some seasonality with regard to premiums written, which are generally highest in January and July and lowest during the fourth quarter. Although we experience some seasonality in our premiums written, premiums are earned ratably over the period of coverage. Losses and loss settlement expenses incurred tend to remain consistent throughout the year, with the exception of catastrophe losses. Catastrophes inherently are unpredictable and can occur at any time during the year from man-made or natural disaster events that include, but are not limited to, hail, tornadoes, hurricanes and windstorms.
	Life Insurance Segment
	Products
	United Life Insurance Company underwrites all of our life insurance business and sells annuities. Our principal products are single premium annuities, universal life products and traditional life (primarily single premium whole life insurance) products. We also underwrite and market other traditional products, including term life insurance and whole life insurance. We do not write variable annuities or variable insurance products.
	Life insurance in force, before ceded reinsurance, totaled $5,366,061 and $5,300,209 as of December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Traditional life insurance products represented 67.7 percent and 66.7 percent of our insurance in-force at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Universal life insurance represented 27.3 percent and 28.4 percent of insurance in force at December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Pricing
	Premiums for our life and health insurance products are based on assumptions with respect to mortality, morbidity, investment yields, expenses, and lapses and are also affected by state laws and regulations, as well as competition. Pricing assumptions are based on our experience, as well as the industry in general, depending upon the factor being considered. The actual profit or loss produced by a product will vary from the anticipated profit if the actual experience differs from the assumptions used in pricing the product.
	Premiums Earned by Segment
	The following table sets forth our net premiums earned by segment before intersegment eliminations:
	Years Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
	Property and Casualty Insurance Segment
	Net premiums earned
	Other liability	$	228,426		$	199,548		$	197,842
	Fire and allied lines	226,086			208,030			173,249
	Automobile	187,813			169,211			155,572
	Workers' compensation	88,522			81,616			68,643
	Fidelity and surety	19,212			18,746			17,713
	Reinsurance assumed	13,145			14,406			14,473
	Other	3,735			2,635			1,919
	Total net premiums earned	$	766,939		$	694,192		$	629,411
	Life Insurance Segment
	Net premiums earned
	Ordinary life (excluding universal life)	$	35,557		$	38,875		$	44,468
	Universal life policy fees	13,190			11,871			11,768
	Immediate annuities with life contingencies	11,639			8,837			8,158
	Accident and health	1,274			1,302			1,363
	Other	261			261			274
	Total net premiums earned	$	61,921		$	61,146		$	66,031
	Total revenue by segment includes sales to external customers and intersegment sales that are eliminated to arrive at the total revenues as reported in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income. We account for intersegment sales on the same basis as sales to external customers.
	The following table sets forth certain data for each of our business segments and is reconciled to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Depreciation and amortization expense and property and equipment acquisitions for 2014, 2013 and 2012 are reported in the property and casualty insurance segment.
		2014			2013			2012
	Property and Casualty Insurance:
	Revenues:
	Net premiums earned	$	766,939		$	694,192		$	629,411
	Investment income, net of investment expenses	44,219			46,279			40,305
	Net realized investment gains	4,177			6,260			3,896
	Other income	910			88			316
	Total revenues before eliminations	$	816,245		$	746,819		$	673,928
	Intersegment eliminations	18			53			(646		)
	Total revenues	$	816,263		$	746,872		$	673,282
	Net income before income taxes:
	Revenues	$	816,245		$	746,819		$	673,928
	Benefit, losses and expenses	750,768			658,645			637,648
	Total net income before eliminations	$	65,477		$	88,174		$	36,280
	Intersegment eliminations	548			545			(199		)
	Income before income taxes	$	66,025		$	88,719		$	36,081
	Income tax expense	13,649			21,263			2,569
	Net income	$	52,376		$	67,456		$	33,512
	Assets
	Total segment	$	2,360,764		$	2,218,464		$	2,149,356
	Intersegment eliminations	(233,141		)	(223,395		)	(244,041		)
	Total assets	$	2,127,623		$	1,995,069		$	1,905,315
	Life Insurance:
	Revenues:
	Net premiums earned	$	61,921		$	61,146		$	66,031
Investment income, net of investment expenses	60,373			66,467			70,026
Net realized investment gains	3,093			2,434			3,777
Other income	774			614			575
Total revenues before eliminations	$	126,161		$	130,661		$	140,409
Intersegment eliminations	(530		)	(491		)	(448		)
Total revenues	$	125,631		$	130,170		$	139,961
Net income before income taxes:
Revenues	$	126,161		$	130,661		$	140,409
Benefit, losses and expenses	115,361			117,159			130,135
Total net income before eliminations	$	10,800		$	13,502		$	10,274
Intersegment eliminations	(362		)	(319		)	(281		)
Income before income taxes	$	10,438		$	13,183		$	9,993
Income tax expense	3,677			4,499			3,293
Net income	$	6,761		$	8,684		$	6,700
Assets	$	1,729,066		$	1,725,603		$	1,789,338
Consolidated Totals:
Total revenues	$	941,894		$	877,042		$	813,243
Total net income	$	59,137		$	76,140		$	40,212
Total assets	$	3,856,689		$	3,720,672		$	3,694,653

QUARTERLY_SUPPLEMENTARY_FINANC

QUARTERLY SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
QUARTERLY SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)	QUARTERLY SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED)
	The following table sets forth our selected unaudited quarterly financial information:
	(In Thousands Except Share Data)
	Quarters	First		Second		Third			Fourth		Total
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Total revenues	$	222,904	$	232,673	$	235,865		$	250,452	$	941,894
	Income (loss) before income taxes	15,897		13,056		(2,845		)	50,355		76,463
	Net income	$	13,331	$	10,685	$	325		$	34,796	$	59,137
	Basic earnings per share (1)	$	0.53	$	0.42	$	0.01		$	1.39	$	2.34
	Diluted earnings per share (1)	0.52		0.42		0.01			1.38		2.32
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Total revenues	$	205,305	$	219,719	$	223,024		$	228,994	$	877,042
	Income before income taxes	29,850		20,318		14,395			37,339		101,902
	Net income	$	22,393	$	15,496	$	11,725		$	26,526	$	76,140
	Basic earnings per share (1)	$	0.89	$	0.61	$	0.46		$	1.04	$	3.01
	Diluted earnings per share (1)	0.88		0.61		0.45			1.04		2.98
	-1	The sum of the quarterly reported amounts may not equal the full year, as each is computed independently.

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE	EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE
	Basic earnings per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted-average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per share gives effect to all dilutive common shares outstanding during the reporting period. The dilutive shares we consider in our diluted earnings per share calculation relate to our outstanding stock options and restricted stock awards.
	We determine the dilutive effect of our outstanding stock options using the "treasury stock" method. Under this method, we assume the exercise of all of the outstanding stock options whose exercise price is less than the weighted-average market value of our common stock during the reporting period. This method also assumes that the proceeds from the hypothetical stock option exercises are used to repurchase shares of our common stock at the weighted-average market value of the stock during the reporting period. The net of the assumed stock options exercised and assumed common shares repurchased represents the number of dilutive common shares, which we add to the denominator of the earnings per share calculation.
	The components of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	(In Thousands Except Share and Per Share Data)	Basic		Diluted		Basic		Diluted		Basic		Diluted
	Net income	$	59,137	$	59,137	$	76,140	$	76,140	$	40,212	$	40,212
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding	25,230,854		25,230,854		25,325,695		25,325,695		25,447,918		25,447,918
	Add dilutive effect of restricted stock awards	—		114,313		—		59,849		—		54,338
	Add dilutive effect of stock options	—		148,496		—		145,831		—		2,270
	Weighted-average common shares	25,230,854		25,493,663		25,325,695		25,531,375		25,447,918		25,504,526
	Earnings per common share	$	2.34	$	2.32	$	3.01	$	2.98	$	1.58	$	1.58
	Awards excluded from diluted calculation(1)	—		835,610		—		638,478		—		901,008
	-1	Outstanding awards that are not "in-the-money" are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because the effect of including them would have been anti-dilutive.

LEASE_COMMITMENTS

LEASE COMMITMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
LEASE COMMITMENTS	LEASE COMMITMENTS
	At December 31, 2014, we were obligated under noncancelable operating lease agreements for office space, vehicles, computer equipment and office equipment. Most of our leases include renewal options, purchase options or both. These provisions may be exercised by us upon the expiration of the related lease agreements. Rental expense under our operating lease agreements was $7,040, $6,521 and $6,017 for 2014, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Our most significant lease arrangement is for office space for our regional office in Galveston, Texas. This lease expired in November 2014. The monthly lease payments for this office space total approximately $175.
	At December 31, 2014, our future minimum rental payments are as follows:
	2015	$	5,711
	2016	5,484
	2017	4,657
	2018	2,298
	2019	1,388
	Thereafter	1,461
	Total	$	20,999

CREDIT_FACILITY

CREDIT FACILITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
CREDIT FACILITY	CREDIT FACILITY
	In December 2011, United Fire entered into a credit agreement with a syndicate of financial institutions as lenders. KeyBank National Association is the administrative agent, lead arranger, sole book runner, swingline lender, and letter of credit issuer, and Bankers Trust Company is the syndication agent. The four-year credit agreement provides for a $100,000 unsecured revolving credit facility that includes a $20,000 letter of credit subfacility and a swing line subfacility in the amount of up to $5,000.
	On June 4, 2013, United Fire & Casualty Company, United Fire Group, Inc. and the syndicated lenders entered into an Assignment, Joinder, Assumption, and Release Agreement (the "Joinder Agreement") transferring the obligations under the credit agreement from United Fire & Casualty Company to United Fire Group, Inc. Effective with the execution of the Joinder Agreement, United Fire & Casualty Company was released from any further obligations under the credit agreement.
	During the term of this credit agreement, we have the right to increase the total credit facility from $100,000 up to $125,000 if no event of default has occurred and is continuing and certain other conditions are satisfied. The credit facility is available for general corporate purposes, including working capital, acquisitions and liquidity purposes. Any principal outstanding under the credit facility is due in full at maturity, on December 22, 2015. The interest rate is based on our monthly choice of either a base rate or the London Interbank Offered Rate ("LIBOR") plus, in each case, a calculated margin amount. A commitment fee on each lender's unused commitment under the credit facility is also payable quarterly.
	The credit agreement contains customary representations, covenants and events of default, including certain covenants that limit or restrict our ability to engage in certain activities. Subject to certain exceptions, these activities include restricting our ability to sell or transfer assets or enter into a merger or consolidate with another company, grant certain types of security interests, incur certain types of liens, impose restrictions on subsidiary dividends, enter into leaseback transactions, or incur certain indebtedness. The credit agreement contains certain financial covenants including covenants that require us to maintain a minimum consolidated net worth, a debt to capitalization ratio and minimum stockholders' equity.
	There was no outstanding balance on the credit facility at December 31, 2014 or 2013. We did not incur any interest expense related to this credit facility in 2014 or 2013. We incurred $780 in interest expense related to this credit facility in 2012. We were in compliance with all covenants of the credit agreement at December 31, 2014.
	In connection with our acquisition of Mercer Insurance Group on March 28, 2011, we acquired three statutory trusts with outstanding issuances of trust preferred securities balances as of the acquisition date of $15,614. We redeemed each of the trusts and related issuances in full in 2012. We incurred $509 of interest expense related to these trust preferred securities for 2012.

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS

INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
INTANGIBLE ASSETS	INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	The carrying value of our goodwill was $15,091 at both December 31, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The goodwill is fully allocated to our property and casualty insurance segment.
	Our major classes of intangible assets are presented in the following table:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Agency relationships	$	10,338		$	10,338
	Accumulated amortization - agency relationships	(3,654		)	(3,017		)
		$	6,684		$	7,321
	Software	$	3,260		$	3,260
	Accumulated amortization - software	(3,260		)	(3,260		)
		$	—		$	—
	Trade names	$	1,978		$	1,978
	Accumulated amortization - trade names	(495		)	(363		)
		$	1,483		$	1,615
	Favorable contract	$	286		$	286
	Accumulated amortization - favorable contract	(286		)	(286		)
		$	—		$	—
	State insurance licenses (1)	$	3,020		$	3,020
	Net intangible assets	$	11,187		$	11,956
	(1) The intangible asset for licenses has an indefinite life and therefore is not amortized.
	The estimated useful lives assigned to our major classes of amortizable intangible assets are as follows:
		Useful Life
	Agency relationships	Fifteen years
	Software	Two years
	Trade names	Fifteen years
	Favorable contract	Two years
	Our estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the next five years is as follows:
	2015	$	769
	2016	769
	2017	769
	2018	719
	2019	709

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Notes)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	The following table shows the changes in the components of our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
					Liability for
		Net unrealized			underfunded
		appreciation			employee
		on investments			benefit costs			Total
	Balance as of January 1, 2012	$	124,376		$	(41,790	)	$	82,586
	Change in accumulated other comprehensive income before reclassifications	22,386			(10,349		)	12,037
	Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income	(2,666		)	3,231			565
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	144,096		$	(48,908	)	$	95,188
	Change in accumulated other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(23,068		)	15,643			(7,425		)
	Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income	(4,427		)	3,814			(613		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	116,601		$	(29,451	)	$	87,150
	Change in accumulated other comprehensive income before reclassifications	36,328			(30,996		)	5,332
	Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income	(3,306		)	1,997			(1,309		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	149,623		$	(58,450	)	$	91,173

Schedule_I_Summary_of_Investme

Schedule I. Summary of Investments - Other than Investments in Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract]
Schedule I. Summary of Investments - Other than Investments in Related Parties	Schedule I. Summary of Investments — Other than Investments in Related Parties
	December 31, 2014	(In thousands)
		Cost or Amortized Cost				Amounts at Which Shown in Balance Sheet
	Type of Investment			Fair Value
	Fixed maturities
	Bonds
	United States Government and government agencies and authorities	$	375,603	$	377,644	$	377,644
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions	748,687		778,340		778,340
	Foreign governments	136,487		140,173		140,173
	Public utilities	206,366		212,357		212,357
	All other bonds	1,317,149		1,347,081		1,347,074
	Redeemable preferred stock	4,034		4,750		4,750
	Total fixed maturities	$	2,788,326	$	2,860,345	$	2,860,338
	Equity securities
	Common stocks
	Public utilities	$	7,231	$	20,290	$	20,290
	Banks, trusts and insurance companies	16,637		93,663		93,663
	Industrial, miscellaneous and all other	44,823		129,024		129,024
	Nonredeemable preferred stocks	6,668		6,932		6,932
	Total equity securities	$	75,359	$	249,909	$	249,909
	Mortgage loans on real estate	$	4,199	$	4,559	$	4,199
	Policy loans	5,916		5,916		5,916
	Other long-term investments	44,008		50,424		50,424
	Short-term investments	175		175		175
	Total investments	$	2,917,983	$	3,171,328	$	3,170,961

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Statements of Parent Company	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule II. Condensed Financial Statements of Parent Company	Schedule II. Condensed Financial Statements of Parent Company
	United Fire Group, Inc. (parent company only)
	Condensed Balance Sheets
		December 31,
	(In thousands, except share data)	2014			2013
	Assets
	Fixed maturities, held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $200 in 2014 and $200 in 2013)	$	200		$	200
	Investment in subsidiary	814,569			778,843
	Cash and cash equivalents	2,263			3,253
	Federal income tax receivable	383			537
	Accrued investment income	1			1
	Total assets	$	817,416		$	782,834
	Liabilities and stockholders' equity
	Liabilities	$	1		$	1
	Stockholders' equity
	Common stock, $0.001 par value, authorized 75,000,000 shares; 25,019,415 and 25,360,893 issued and outstanding in 2014 and 2013, respectively	$	25		$	25
	Additional paid-in capital	202,676			211,574
	Retained earnings	523,541			484,084
	Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	91,173			87,150
	Total stockholders' equity	$	817,415		$	782,833
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$	817,416		$	782,834
	This condensed financial information should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
	Schedule II. Condensed Financial Statements of Parent Company (continued)
	United Fire Group, Inc. (parent company only)
	Condensed Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income
		For the Years Ended December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012(1)
	Revenues
	Investment income	$	22		$	23		$	13
	Total revenues	22			23			13
	Expenses
	Other operating expenses	$	297		$	172		$	158
	Total expenses	297			172			158
	Loss before income taxes and equity in net income of subsidiary	(275		)	(149		)	(145		)
	Federal income tax benefit	(107		)	(49		)	(51		)
	Net loss before equity in net income of subsidiary	$	(168	)	$	(100	)	$	(94	)
	Equity in net income of subsidiary	59,305			76,240			40,306
	Net income	$	59,137		$	76,140		$	40,212
	Other comprehensive income (loss)
	Change in unrealized appreciation on investments held by subsidiary	$	55,888		$	(35,489	)	$	34,436
	Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans of subsidiary	(47,685		)	24,066			(15,922		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax and reclassification adjustments	$	8,203		$	(11,423	)	$	18,514
	Income tax effect	(2,871		)	3,998			(6,477		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax, before reclassification adjustments	$	5,332		$	(7,425	)	$	12,037
	Reclassification adjustment for net realized gains of the subsidiary included in income	(5,085		)	(6,812		)	(4,102		)
	Reclassification adjustment for employee benefit costs of the subsidiary included in expense	3,072			5,868			4,971
	Total reclassification adjustments, before tax	$	(2,013	)	$	(944	)	$	869
	Income tax effect	704			331			(304		)
	Total reclassification adjustments, after tax	$	(1,309	)	$	(613	)	$	565
	Comprehensive income	$	63,160		$	68,102		$	52,814
	(1) The Condensed Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income includes the full year 2012 results. The results of January 2012 are immaterial to the full year 2012 results.
	On February 1, 2012, we completed a holding company reorganization (the "Reorganization") of United Fire Group, Inc., United Fire & Casualty Company, and UFC MergeCo, Inc., an Iowa corporation formed for the purpose of facilitating the Reorganization. The Reorganization agreement was approved and adopted by United Fire & Casualty Company's shareholders at a special meeting held on January 24, 2012.
	United Fire Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return. The federal income tax provision represents an allocation under it's tax allocation agreements.
	This condensed financial information should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.
	Schedule II. Condensed Financial Statements of Parent Company (continued)
	United Fire Group, Inc. (parent company only)
	Condensed Statements of Cash Flows
		For the Years Ended December 31,
	(In thousands)	2014			2013			2012(1)
	Cash flows from operating activities
	Net income	$	59,137		$	76,140		$	40,212
	Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
	Equity in net income of subsidiary	(59,305		)	(76,240		)	(40,306		)
	Dividends received from subsidiary	29,000			13,175			26,950
Other, net	700			1,261			26
Total adjustments	$	(29,605	)	$	(61,804	)	$	(13,330	)
Net cash provided by operating activities	$	29,532		$	14,336		$	26,882
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of held-to-maturity investments	$	—		$	—		$	(200	)
Net cash used in investing activities	$	—		$	—		$	(200	)
Cash flows from financing activities
Repurchase of common stock	$	(12,942	)	$	(1,644	)	$	(7,301	)
Issuance of common stock	2,260			3,393			1,106
Tax impact from issuance of common stock	(160		)	(488		)	(78		)
Payment of cash dividends	(19,680		)	(17,484		)	(15,269		)
Net cash used in financing activities	$	(30,522	)	$	(16,223	)	$	(21,542	)
Net change in cash and cash equivalents	$	(990	)	$	(1,887	)	$	5,140
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	3,253			5,140			—
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$	2,263		$	3,253		$	5,140
(1) The Condensed Statement of Cash Flows includes the full year 2012 results. The results of January 2012 are immaterial to the full year 2012 results.
On February 1, 2012, we completed a holding company reorganization (the "Reorganization") of United Fire Group, Inc., United Fire & Casualty Company, and UFC MergeCo, Inc., an Iowa corporation formed for the purpose of facilitating the Reorganization. The Reorganization agreement was approved and adopted by United Fire & Casualty Company's shareholders at a special meeting held on January 24, 2012.
This condensed financial information should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and Notes included in Part II, Item 8 of this Form 10-K.

Schedule_III_Supplementary_Ins

Schedule III. Supplementary Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]
Schedule III. Supplementary Insurance Information	Schedule III. Supplementary Insurance Information
	(In thousands)	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs		Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expenses		Unearned Premiums		Earned Premium Revenue		Investment Income, Net		Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses		Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (3)		Other Underwriting Expenses		Interest on Policyholders' Accounts		Premiums Written (2)
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Property and casualty	$	72,861	$	969,437	$	378,635	$	766,939	$	44,236	$	509,811	$	161,310	$	79,117	$	—	$	804,715
	Life, accident and health (1)	66,858		1,447,764		90		61,391		60,373		63,055		6,139		15,754		30,245		—
	Total	$	139,719	$	2,417,201	$	378,725	$	828,330	$	104,609	$	572,866	$	167,449	$	94,871	$	30,245	$	804,715
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Property and casualty	$	67,663	$	960,651	$	340,387	$	694,192	$	46,332	$	437,354	$	147,175	$	73,626	$	—	$	722,821
	Life, accident and health (1)	82,429		1,472,132		77		60,654		66,467		59,085		6,502		16,235		35,163		—
	Total	$	150,092	$	2,432,783	$	340,464	$	754,846	$	112,799	$	496,439	$	153,677	$	89,861	$	35,163	$	722,821
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Property and casualty	$	64,947	$	971,911	$	311,561	$	629,411	$	41,879	$	439,137	$	134,444	$	63,620	$	—	$	655,331
	Life, accident and health (1)	40,353		1,498,176		89		65,583		70,026		63,664		7,390		17,505		41,409		—
	Total	$	105,300	$	2,470,087	$	311,650	$	694,994	$	111,905	$	502,801	$	141,834	$	81,125	$	41,409	$	655,331
	-1	Annuity deposits are included in future policy benefits, losses, claims and loss expenses.
	-2	Pursuant to Regulation S-X, premiums written does not apply to life insurance companies.
	-3	2012 includes amortization of the value of business acquired asset that was recorded as a result of our acquisition of Mercer Insurance Group, Inc. totaling $1,673.

Schedule_IV_Reinsurance

Schedule IV. Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]
Schedule IV. Reinsurance	Schedule IV. Reinsurance
	(In thousands)	Gross Amount		Ceded to Other Companies		Assumed From Other Companies		Net Amount		Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net Earned
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Life insurance in force	$	5,366,061	$	1,130,059	$	—	$	4,236,002
	Premiums earned
	Property and casualty insurance	$	800,492	$	49,818	$	16,265	$	766,939	2.12	%
	Life, accident and health insurance	64,350		2,959		—		61,391		—	%
	Total	$	864,842	$	52,777	$	16,265	$	828,330	1.96	%
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Life insurance in force	$	5,300,305	$	1,112,688	$	4	$	4,187,621
	Premiums earned
	Property and casualty insurance	$	726,221	$	50,514	$	18,485	$	694,192	2.66	%
	Life, accident and health insurance	63,446		2,792		—		60,654		—	%
	Total	$	789,667	$	53,306	$	18,485	$	754,846	2.45	%
	Year Ended December 31, 2012
	Life insurance in force	$	5,206,065	$	1,083,410	$	22	$	4,122,677
	Premiums earned
	Property and casualty insurance	$	659,989	$	47,467	$	16,889	$	629,411	2.68	%
	Life, accident and health insurance	68,204		2,621		—		65,583		—	%
	Total	$	728,193	$	50,088	$	16,889	$	694,994	2.43	%

Schedule_V_Valuation_and_Quali

Schedule V. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Schedule V. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	Schedule V. Valuation And Qualifying Accounts
	(In thousands)	Balance at beginning of period		Charged to costs and expenses		Deductions		Balance at end of period
	Description
	Allowance for bad debts
	Year Ended December 31, 2014	$	896	$	—	$	278	$	618
	Year Ended December 31, 2013	866		30		—		896
	Year Ended December 31, 2012	825		41		—		866
	Deferred tax asset valuation allowance (1)
	Year Ended December 31, 2014	$	2,361	$	—	$	548	$	1,813
	Year Ended December 31, 2013	2,909		—		548		2,361
	Year Ended December 31, 2012	3,456		—		547		2,909
	-1	Recorded in connection with the purchase of American Indemnity Financial Corporation in 1999.

Schedule_VI_Supplemental_Infor

Schedule VI. Supplemental Information Concerning Property and Casualty Insurance Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract]
Schedule VI. Supplemental Information Concerning Property and Casualty Insurance Operations	Schedule VI. Supplemental Information Concerning Property and Casualty Insurance Operations
	(In thousands)
	Affiliation with Registrant: United Fire & Casualty Company and consolidated property and casualty subsidiaries													Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to:					Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (1)
				Reserves for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses						Net Realized Investment Gains
		Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs										Net Investment Income									Paid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses
						Unearned Premiums		Earned Premiums						Current Year		Prior Years							Premiums Written
	2014	$	72,861	$	969,437	$	378,635	$	766,939	$	4,177	$	44,236	$	566,555	$	(56,744	)	$	161,310	$	489,631	$	804,715
	2013	$	67,663	$	960,651	$	340,387	$	694,192	$	6,260	$	46,332	$	494,841	$	(57,487	)	$	147,175	$	419,894	$	722,821
	2012	$	64,947	$	971,911	$	311,561	$	629,411	$	1,676	$	41,879	$	512,564	$	(73,427	)	$	134,444	$	395,788	$	655,331
	-1	2012 includes amortization of the value of business acquired asset that was recorded as a result of our acquisition of Mercer Insurance Group, Inc. totaling $1,673.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Principles of Consolidation	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include United Fire and its wholly owned subsidiaries: United Fire & Casualty Company, United Real Estate Holdings Company, LLC, United Life Insurance Company ("United Life"), Addison Insurance Company, American Indemnity Financial Corporation, Lafayette Insurance Company, United Fire & Indemnity Company, Texas General Indemnity Company (currently in run-off) and Mercer Insurance Group, Inc., Financial Pacific Insurance Company, Financial Pacific Insurance Group, Inc., Franklin Insurance Company, Mercer Insurance Company, and Mercer Insurance Company of New Jersey, Inc.
	United Fire Lloyds, an affiliate of United Fire & Indemnity Company, is organized as a Texas Lloyds plan, which is an aggregation of underwriters who, under a common name, engage in the business of insurance through a corporate attorney-in-fact. United Fire Lloyds is financially and operationally controlled by United Fire & Indemnity Company, its corporate attorney-in-fact, pursuant to three types of agreements: trust agreements between United Fire & Indemnity Company and certain individuals who agree to serve as trustees; articles of agreement among the trustees who agree to act as underwriters to establish how the Lloyds plan will be operated; and powers of attorney from each of the underwriters appointing a corporate attorney-in-fact, who is authorized to operate the Lloyds plan. Because United Fire & Indemnity Company can name the trustees, the Lloyds plan is perpetual, subject only to United Fire & Indemnity Company's desire to terminate it.
	United Fire & Indemnity Company provides all of the statutory capital necessary for the formation of the Lloyds plan by contributing capital to each of the trustees. The trust agreements require the trustees to become underwriters of the Lloyds plan, to contribute the capital to the Lloyds plan, to sign the articles of agreement and to appoint the attorney-in-fact. The trust agreements also require the trustees to pay to United Fire & Indemnity Company all of the profits and benefits received by the trustees as underwriters of the Lloyds plan, which means that United Fire & Indemnity Company has the right to receive 100 percent of the gains and profits from the Lloyds plan. The trustees serve at the pleasure of United Fire & Indemnity Company, which may remove a trustee and replace that trustee at any time. Termination of a trustee must be accompanied by the resignation of the trustee as an underwriter, so that the trustee can obtain the capital contribution from the Lloyds plan to reimburse United Fire & Indemnity Company. By retaining the ability to terminate trustees, United Fire & Indemnity Company possesses the ability to name and remove the underwriters.
	United Real Estate Holdings, LLC, formed in 2013, is a wholly owned subsidiary of United Fire & Casualty Company and is organized as an Iowa Limited Liability Corporation, an unincorporated association formed for the purpose of holding United Fire & Casualty Company's ownership in commercial real estate.
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), which differ in some respects from those followed in preparing our statutory reports to insurance regulatory authorities. Our stand-alone financial statements submitted to insurance regulatory authorities are presented on the basis of accounting practices prescribed or permitted by the insurance departments of the states in which we are domiciled ("statutory accounting principles").
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The financial statement categories that are most dependent on management estimates and assumptions include: investments; deferred policy acquisition costs; reinsurance receivables and recoverables (for net realizable value); future policy benefits and losses, claims and loss settlement expenses; and pension and postretirement benefit obligations.
Universal Life and Annuity Policies	On universal life and deferred annuity policies (i.e., non-traditional business), income and expenses are reported when charged and credited to policyholder account balances in order to result in recognition of profits over the lives of the related contracts. We accomplish this by means of a provision for future policy benefits and the deferral and subsequent amortization of policy acquisition costs.
Reinsurance	Reinsurance
	Premiums earned and losses and loss settlement expenses incurred are reported net of reinsurance ceded. Ceded insurance business is accounted for on a basis consistent with the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts.
Investments	Investments
	Investments in fixed maturities include bonds and redeemable preferred stocks. Our investments in held-to-maturity fixed maturities are recorded at amortized cost. Our investments in available-for-sale fixed maturities and trading securities are recorded at fair value.
	Investments in equity securities, which include common and non-redeemable preferred stocks, are classified as available-for-sale or trading and are recorded at fair value.
	Changes in unrealized appreciation and depreciation, with respect to available-for-sale fixed maturities and equity securities, are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of applicable deferred income taxes, in stockholders' equity.
	Other long-term investments consist primarily of our interests in limited liability partnerships that are recorded on the equity method of accounting. Mortgage loans are recorded at their unpaid principal balance. Policy loans are recorded at the outstanding loan amount due from policyholders.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	For purposes of reporting cash flows, cash and cash equivalents include cash, money market accounts, and non-negotiable certificates of deposit with original maturities of three months or less.
Property, Equipment and Depreciation	Property, Equipment and Depreciation
	Property and equipment is presented at cost less accumulated depreciation. The following table is a summary of the components of the property and equipment that are reported in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements.
		2014			2013
	Real Estate:
	Land	$	7,414		$	7,163
	Buildings	32,004			29,072
	Furniture and fixtures	3,308			2,707
	Computer equipment and software	3,289			3,197
	Airplane	3,232			5,079
	Total property and equipment	$	49,247		$	47,218
	Expenditures for maintenance and repairs on property and equipment are generally expensed as incurred. We periodically review these assets for impairment whenever events or changes in business circumstances indicate that the carrying value of the underlying asset may not be recoverable. A loss would be recognized if the estimated fair value of the asset were less than its carrying value.
	Depreciation is computed primarily by the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
		Useful Life
	Computer equipment and software	Three years
	Furniture and fixtures	Seven years
	Leasehold improvements	Shorter of the lease term or useful life of the asset
	Real estate	Seven to thirty-nine years
	Airplane	Five years
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill and other intangible assets arise as a result of business combinations and consist of the excess of the fair value of consideration paid over the tangible assets acquired and liabilities assumed. We evaluate goodwill and other intangible assets for impairment at least on an annual basis or whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that it is more likely than not that the carrying amount of goodwill and other intangible assets may exceed its implied fair value. Goodwill is evaluated at the reporting unit level. Any impairment is charged to operations in the period that the impairment is identified. In 2014, 2013 and 2012, we performed a qualitative assessment of our goodwill. As a result of this assessment, we did not recognize an impairment charge on our goodwill in 2014, 2013 or 2012.
	Our intangible assets, which consist primarily of agency relationships, trade names, licenses, and software, are being amortized by the straight-line method over periods ranging from 2 years to 15 years, with the exception of licenses, which are indefinite-lived and not amortized.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are established based on differences between the financial statement bases of assets and liabilities and the tax bases of those same assets and liabilities, using the currently enacted statutory tax rates. Deferred income tax expense is measured by the year-to-year change in the net deferred tax asset or liability, except for certain changes in deferred tax amounts that affect stockholders' equity and do not impact federal income tax expense.
	The Company performs a quarterly review of its tax positions and makes a determination whether it is more likely than not that the tax position will be sustained upon examination. If based on this review, it appears not more likely than not that the position will be sustained, the Company will calculate any unrecognized tax benefits and calculate any interest and penalties. At December 31, 2014, 2013, and 2012 the Company did not recognize any liability for unrecognized tax benefits. In addition, we have not accrued for interest and penalties related to unrecognized tax benefits. However, if interest and penalties would need to be accrued related to unrecognized tax benefits, such amounts would be recognized as a component of federal income tax expense.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation
	We currently have two equity compensation plans. One plan allows us to grant restricted and unrestricted stock, stock appreciation rights, incentive stock options, and non-qualified stock options to employees. The other plan allows us to grant restricted and non-qualified stock options to non-employee directors.
	We utilize the Black-Scholes option pricing method to establish the fair value of non-qualified stock options granted under our equity compensation plans. Our determination of the fair value of stock options on the date of grant using this option-pricing model is affected by our stock price, as well as assumptions regarding a number of complex and subjective variables, which include the expected volatility in our stock price, the expected term of the award, the expected dividends to be paid over the term of the award and the expected risk-free interest rate. Any changes in these assumptions may materially affect the estimated fair value of the award. For our restricted and unrestricted stock awards, we utilize the fair value of our common stock on the date of grant to establish the fair value of the award.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income
	Comprehensive income includes all changes in stockholders' equity during a period except those resulting from investments by and dividends to stockholders.
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events
	In the preparation of the accompanying financial statements, the Company has evaluated all material subsequent events or transactions that occurred after the balance sheet date through the date on which the financial statements were issued for potential recognition or disclosure in the Company's financial statements
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	Adopted Accounting Standards in 2014
	Unrecognized tax benefit
	In July 2013, the FASB issued guidance on the financial statement presentation of an unrecognized tax benefit when a net operating loss carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward exists. The new guidance was effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2013. The Company currently does not have any liability for unrecognized tax benefits. The Company adopted the new guidance effective January 1, 2014. The adoption of the new guidance had no impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
	Pending Adoption of Accounting Standards
	Going Concern
	In August 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on the disclosure of uncertainties about an entity's ability to continue as a going concern. The new guidance requires management to evaluate whether there is substantial doubt about the entity's ability to continue as a going concern and, if so, to disclose the fact and what the entity's plans are to alleviate that doubt. The guidance is effective for annual periods ending after December 15, 2016 and interim periods within annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company will adopt the guidance on January 1, 2016. Management currently does not expect the adoption of the new guidance to have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
	Troubled Debt Restructuring
	In August 2014, the FASB issued updated guidance on the accounting for creditors who are holding receivables with troubled debt restructuring, specifically related to the classification of certain government guaranteed mortgage loans that are in foreclosure. The objective of this update is to provide greater consistency and transparency by addressing the classification of certain foreclosed mortgage loans guaranteed through government programs. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. The Company will adopt the guidance on January 1, 2015. Management currently does not expect the adoption of the new guidance to have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
	Share Based Payments
	In June 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on the accounting for share based payments when the terms of an award provide that a performance target could be achieved after the requisite service period. The new guidance requires a performance target that affects vesting and that could be achieved after the service period, be treated as a performance condition. The guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The amendments can be applied prospectively or retrospectively and early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt the guidance on January 1, 2016 and is currently evaluating the impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations.
	Revenue Recognition
	In May 2014, the FASB issued comprehensive new guidance on revenue recognition which supersedes nearly all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The new guidance requires a company to recognize revenue when it transfers promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the company expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The standard creates a five-step model that requires companies to exercise judgment when considering the terms of the contract(s) and all relevant facts and circumstances. Insurance contracts are not within the scope of this new guidance. The new guidance is effective for annual and interim periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company will adopt the guidance on January 1, 2017 and is currently evaluating the impact on the Company's financial position and results of operations and considering which transition method it will use in implementing the new guidance.
	Discontinued Operations
	In April 2014, the FASB issued new guidance on reporting discontinued operations and disclosures of disposals of components of an entity. The new guidance raises the threshold for a disposal to qualify as a discontinued operation and requires new disclosures of both discontinued operations and certain other disposals that do not meet the definition of a discontinued operation. It is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2014. Early adoption is permitted but only for disposals that have not been reported in financial statements previously issued. The Company will adopt the guidance on January 1, 2015. Management currently does not expect the adoption of the new guidance to have an impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations.
Property and Casualty Insurance [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Loss and Loss Settlement Expense Reserves	To establish loss and loss settlement expense reserves, we make estimates and assumptions about the future development of claims. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates, which are subjective, complex and inherently uncertain. When we establish and adjust reserves, we do so given our knowledge at the time of the circumstances and facts of known claims. To the extent that we have overestimated or underestimated our loss and loss settlement expense reserves, we adjust the reserves in the period in which such adjustment is determined.
Life Insurance Business	Premiums written are deferred and recorded as earned premium on a daily pro rata basis over the terms of the respective policies. Unearned premium reserves are established for the portion of premiums written applicable to the unexpired term of insurance policies in force.
Premiums Receivable	Premiums receivable are presented net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts, which is based on a periodic evaluation of the aging and collectability of amounts due from agents and policyholders.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs ("DAC")
	Certain costs associated with underwriting new business (primarily commissions, premium taxes and variable underwriting and policy issue expenses associated with successful acquisition efforts) are deferred.
Life Insurance [Member]
Significant Accounting Policies [Line Items]
Life Insurance Business	Life Insurance Business
	Our whole life and term insurance (i.e., traditional business) premiums are reported as earned when due and benefits and expenses are associated with premium income in order to result in the recognition of profits over the lives of the related contracts.
Premiums Receivable	Premiums receivable are presented net of an estimated allowance for doubtful accounts.
Future Policy Benefits Liability	Liabilities for future policy benefits for traditional products are computed by the net level premium method, using interest assumptions ranging from 4.5 percent to 6.0 percent and withdrawal, mortality and morbidity assumptions appropriate at the time the policies were issued. Liabilities for non-traditional business are stated at policyholder account values before surrender charges. Liabilities for traditional immediate annuities are based primarily upon future anticipated cash flows using assumptions for mortality and interest rates. Liabilities for deferred annuities are carried at the account value.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs ("DAC")
	Certain costs associated with underwriting new business (primarily commissions, premium taxes and variable underwriting and policy issue expenses associated with successful acquisition efforts) are deferred. The following table is a summary of the components of DAC that are reported in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements:
	Property & Casualty Insurance	2014				2013			2012
	Recorded asset at beginning of year	$	67,663			$	64,947		$	60,668
	Underwriting costs deferred	166,508				149,891			138,723
	Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	(161,310		)		(147,175		)	(132,771		)
	Amortization of value of business acquired	—				—			(1,673		)
	Recorded asset at end of year	$	72,861			$	67,663		$	64,947
	Life Insurance
	Recorded asset at beginning of year	$	82,429			$	40,353		$	45,986
	Underwriting costs deferred	7,357				6,476			6,578
	Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	(6,139		)		(6,502		)	(7,390		)
		$	83,647			$	40,327		$	45,174
	Change in "shadow" deferred policy acquisition costs	(16,789		)		42,102			(4,821		)
	Recorded asset at end of year	$	66,858			$	82,429		$	40,353
	Total
	Recorded asset at beginning of year	$	150,092			$	105,300		$	106,654
	Underwriting costs deferred	173,865				156,367			145,301
	Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	(167,449		)		(153,677		)	(140,161		)
	Amortization of value of business acquired	—				—			(1,673		)
		$	156,508			$	107,990		$	110,121
	Change in "shadow" deferred policy acquisition costs	(16,789		)		42,102			(4,821		)
	Recorded asset at end of year	$	139,719			$	150,092		$	105,300
	Property and casualty policy acquisition costs deferred are amortized as premium revenue is recognized. The method followed in computing DAC limits the amount of such deferred costs to their estimated realizable value. This takes into account the premium to be earned, losses and loss settlement expenses to be incurred and certain other costs expected to be incurred as the premium is earned.
	We defer and amortize policy acquisition costs on traditional life insurance policies over the premium-paying period in proportion to the ratio of the expected annual premium revenue to the expected total premium revenue. Expected annual premium revenue and gross profits are based on the same mortality and withdrawal assumptions used in determining future policy benefits. These assumptions are not revised after policy issuance unless the recorded DAC asset is deemed to be unrecoverable from future expected profits.
	We defer policy acquisition costs related to non-traditional business and amortize these costs in proportion to the ratio of the expected annual gross profits to the expected total gross profits. The assumptions used to determine expected gross profits include interest rate spread, mortality experience, expense margins and policy lapse experience. Of these factors, we anticipate that assumptions for investment returns, expenses and persistency are reasonably likely to have a significant impact on the rate of DAC amortization each year. Changes in the amount or timing of expected gross profits result in adjustments to the cumulative amortization of these costs. The effect on amortization of DAC for revisions to estimated gross profits is reported in earnings in the period the estimated gross profits are revised.
	The effect on DAC that results from the assumed realization of unrealized gains (losses) on investments allocated to non-traditional life insurance business is recognized with an offset, or "shadow" DAC, to net unrealized investment appreciation as of the balance sheet date.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	The following table is a summary of the components of DAC that are reported in the accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements:
	Property & Casualty Insurance	2014			2013			2012
	Recorded asset at beginning of year	$	67,663		$	64,947		$	60,668
	Underwriting costs deferred	166,508			149,891			138,723
	Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	(161,310		)	(147,175		)	(132,771		)
	Amortization of value of business acquired	—			—			(1,673		)
	Recorded asset at end of year	$	72,861		$	67,663		$	64,947
	Life Insurance
	Recorded asset at beginning of year	$	82,429		$	40,353		$	45,986
	Underwriting costs deferred	7,357			6,476			6,578
	Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	(6,139		)	(6,502		)	(7,390		)
		$	83,647		$	40,327		$	45,174
	Change in "shadow" deferred policy acquisition costs	(16,789		)	42,102			(4,821		)
	Recorded asset at end of year	$	66,858		$	82,429		$	40,353
	Total
	Recorded asset at beginning of year	$	150,092		$	105,300		$	106,654
	Underwriting costs deferred	173,865			156,367			145,301
	Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	(167,449		)	(153,677		)	(140,161		)
	Amortization of value of business acquired	—			—			(1,673		)
		$	156,508		$	107,990		$	110,121
	Change in "shadow" deferred policy acquisition costs	(16,789		)	42,102			(4,821		)
	Recorded asset at end of year	$	139,719		$	150,092		$	105,300
Schedule of Estimated Useful Lives	Depreciation is computed primarily by the straight-line method over the following estimated useful lives:
		Useful Life
	Computer equipment and software	Three years
	Furniture and fixtures	Seven years
	Leasehold improvements	Shorter of the lease term or useful life of the asset
	Real estate	Seven to thirty-nine years
	Airplane	Five years

SUMMARY_OF_INVESTMENTS_Tables

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments [Abstract]
Fair Value of Investments	The table that follows is a reconciliation of the amortized cost (cost for equity securities) to fair value of investments in held-to-maturity and available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities as of December 31, 2014 and 2013.
	December 31, 2014
	Type of Investment	Cost or Amortized Cost				Gross Unrealized Appreciation				Gross Unrealized Depreciation				Fair Value
	HELD-TO-MATURITY
	Fixed maturities
	Bonds
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions	$	55			$	—			$	—			$	55
	Corporate bonds - financial services	200				—				—				200
	Mortgage-backed securities	142				7				—				149
	Total Held-to-Maturity Fixed Maturities	$	397			$	7			$	—			$	404
	AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
	Fixed maturities
	Bonds
	U.S. Treasury	$	25,856			$	168			$	52			$	25,972
	U.S. government agency	349,747				4,347				2,422				351,672
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions	748,632				30,395				742				778,285
	Foreign bonds	136,487				4,132				446				140,173
	Public utilities	206,366				6,479				488				212,357
	Corporate bonds
	Energy	135,068				2,858				793				137,133
	Industrials	211,256				6,373				2,154				215,475
	Consumer goods and services	172,623				4,702				324				177,001
	Health care	86,017				3,228				210				89,035
	Technology, media and telecommunications	131,465				3,863				799				134,529
	Financial services	215,095				8,574				87				223,582
	Mortgage-backed securities	17,121				483				46				17,558
	Collateralized mortgage obligations	335,092				7,003				4,806				337,289
	Asset-backed securities	2,741				277				—				3,018
	Total Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities	$	2,773,566			$	82,882			$	13,369			$	2,843,079
	Equity securities
	Common stocks
	Public utilities	$	7,231			$	13,103			$	44			$	20,290
	Energy	5,094				8,623				—				13,717
	Industrials	13,284				32,299				124				45,459
	Consumer goods and services	10,294				13,295				275				23,314
	Health care	7,920				22,436				—				30,356
	Technology, media and telecommunications	6,207				7,846				58				13,995
	Financial services	16,637				77,077				51				93,663
	Nonredeemable preferred stocks	4,984				72				7				5,049
	Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities	$	71,651			$	174,751			$	559			$	245,843
	Total Available-for-Sale Securities	$	2,845,217			$	257,633			$	13,928			$	3,088,922
	December 31, 2013
	Type of Investment	Cost or Amortized Cost				Gross Unrealized Appreciation				Gross Unrealized Depreciation				Fair Value
	HELD-TO-MATURITY
	Fixed maturities
	Bonds
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions	$	250			$	4			$	—			$	254
	Corporate bonds - financial services	200				—				—				200
	Mortgage-backed securities	206				9				—				215
	Total Held-to-Maturity Fixed Maturities	$	656			$	13			$	—			$	669
	AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
	Fixed maturities
	Bonds
	U.S. Treasury	$	33,612			$	423			$	140			$	33,895
	U.S. government agency	287,988				258				18,663				269,583
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions	690,461				34,151				10,705				713,907
	Foreign bonds	167,390				5,863				397				172,856
	Public utilities	213,479				6,873				1,776				218,576
	Corporate bonds
	Energy	157,620				4,398				1,008				161,010
	Industrials	234,221				5,626				2,819				237,028
	Consumer goods and services	165,565				3,770				1,421				167,914
	Health care	91,008				3,138				1,200				92,946
	Technology, media and telecommunications	121,746				2,541				3,321				120,966
Financial services	234,739				7,735				723				241,751
Mortgage-backed securities	22,034				323				291				22,066
Collateralized mortgage obligations	309,975				1,707				16,919				294,763
Asset-backed securities	3,719				276				—				3,995
Total Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities	$	2,733,557			$	77,082			$	59,383			$	2,751,256
Equity securities
Common stocks
Public utilities	$	7,231			$	9,068			$	27			$	16,272
Energy	5,094				9,269				—				14,363
Industrials	13,308				32,823				32				46,099
Consumer goods and services	10,363				10,895				—				21,258
Health care	7,920				17,078				—				24,998
Technology, media and telecommunications	6,204				7,183				83				13,304
Financial services	15,853				72,537				128				88,262
Nonredeemable preferred stocks	4,984				5				177				4,812
Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities	$	70,957			$	158,858			$	447			$	229,368
Total Available-for-Sale Securities	$	2,804,514			$	235,940			$	59,830			$	2,980,624
Maturities	The amortized cost and fair value of held-to-maturity, available-for-sale and trading fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2014, by contractual maturity, are shown in the following table. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Asset-backed securities, mortgage-backed securities and collateralized mortgage obligations may be subject to prepayment risk and are therefore not categorized by contractual maturity.
		Held-To-Maturity								Available-For-Sale								Trading
	December 31, 2014	Amortized Cost				Fair Value				Amortized Cost				Fair Value				Amortized Cost				Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	55			$	55			$	271,298			$	274,748			$	2,783			$	3,437
	Due after one year through five years	200				200				838,504				875,291				6,157				6,685
	Due after five years through 10 years	—				—				813,205				831,253				1,894				2,322
	Due after 10 years	—				—				495,605				503,922				3,529				4,418
	Asset-backed securities	—				—				2,741				3,018				—				—
	Mortgage-backed securities	142				149				17,121				17,558				—				—
	Collateralized mortgage obligations	—				—				335,092				337,289				—				—
		$	397			$	404			$	2,773,566			$	2,843,079			$	14,363			$	16,862
Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses	A summary of net realized investment gains (losses) for 2014, 2013 and 2012, is as follows:
		2014				2013				2012
	Net realized investment gains (losses)
	Fixed maturities:
	Held-to-maturity	$	—			$	1			$	12
	Available-for-sale	3,353				3,211				3,408
	Trading securities
	Change in fair value	609				1,183				683
	Sales	1,339				788				406
	Equity securities:
	Available-for-sale	1,732				3,739				698
	Trading securities
	Change in fair value	238				(126		)		250
	Sales	(1		)		38				—
	Other-than-temporary-impairment charges:
	Fixed maturities	—				(139		)		—
	Equity securities	—				—				(4		)
	Total net realized investment gains	$	7,270			$	8,695			$	5,453
Proceeds and Gross Realized Gains and Losses	The proceeds and gross realized gains (losses) on the sale of available-for-sale securities for 2014, 2013 and 2012, were as follows:
		2014				2013				2012
	Proceeds from sales	$	3,091			$	23,007			$	20,324
	Gross realized gains	900				451				513
	Gross realized losses	(56		)		—				(37		)
Net Investment Income	Net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012, is comprised of the following:
	Years Ended December 31,	2014				2013				2012
	Investment income
	Interest on fixed maturities	$	97,969			$	101,950			$	108,517
	Dividends on equity securities	6,602				5,806				5,354
	Income on other long-term investments
	Investment income	1,927				1,194				232
	Change in value (1)	1,917				7,030				2,562
	Interest on mortgage loans	252				266				279
	Interest on short-term investments	5				6				10
	Interest on cash and cash equivalents	255				239				290
	Other	1,998				1,632				825
	Total investment income	$	110,925			$	118,123			$	118,069
	Less investment expenses	6,316				5,324				6,164
	Net investment income	$	104,609			$	112,799			$	111,905
	-1	Represents the change in value of our interests in limited liability partnerships that are recorded on the equity method of accounting.
Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation	A summary of changes in net unrealized investment appreciation for 2014, 2013 and 2012, is as follows:
		2014				2013				2012
	Change in net unrealized investment appreciation
	Available-for-sale fixed maturities	$	51,814			$	(132,579	)		$	15,816
	Equity securities	15,781				48,176				19,339
	Deferred policy acquisition costs	(16,789		)		42,102				(4,821		)
	Income tax effect	(17,784		)		14,806				(10,614		)
	Total change in net unrealized investment appreciation, net of tax	$	33,022			$	(27,495	)		$	19,720
Investments in Unrealized Loss Position
	December 31, 2014	Less than 12 months											12 months or longer											Total
	Type of Investment	Number			Fair				Gross Unrealized				Number			Fair				Gross Unrealized Depreciation				Fair		Gross Unrealized Depreciation
		of Issues			Value				Depreciation				of Issues			Value								Value
	AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
	Fixed maturities
	Bonds
	U.S. Treasury	4			$	2,343			$	6			4			$	5,069			$	46			$	7,412	$	52
	U.S. government agency	11			41,064				70				35			95,198				2,352				136,262		2,422
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions	18			30,859				185				62			50,847				557				81,706		742
	Foreign bonds	6			17,158				446				—			—				—				17,158		446
	Public utilities	10			21,839				194				4			3,611				294				25,450		488
	Corporate bonds
	Energy	8			17,416				420				3			7,061				373				24,477		793
	Industrials	8			17,103				362				3			9,592				1,792				26,695		2,154
	Consumer goods and services	11			28,344				258				7			10,064				66				38,408		324
	Health care	3			8,244				36				3			7,104				174				15,348		210
	Technology, media and telecommunications	4			8,860				68				4			15,742				731				24,602		799
	Financial services	3			5,908				31				2			6,131				56				12,039		87
	Mortgage-backed securities	9			425				21				2			1,991				25				2,416		46
	Collateralized mortgage obligations	10			20,746				112				56			122,550				4,694				143,296		4,806
	Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities	105			$	220,309			$	2,209			185			$	334,960			$	11,160			$	555,269	$	13,369
	Equity securities
	Common stocks
	Public utilities	3			$	263			$	44			—			$	—			$	—			$	263	$	44
	Industrials	3			280				70				2			58				54				338		124
	Consumer goods and services	1			129				272				2			15				3				144		275
	Technology, media and telecommunications	4			503				14				5			218				44				721		58
	Financial services	1			186				51				—			—				—				186		51
	Nonredeemable preferred stocks	—			—				—				1			700				7				700		7
	Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities	12			$	1,361			$	451			10			$	991			$	108			$	2,352	$	559
	Total Available-for-Sale Securities	117			$	221,670			$	2,660			195			$	335,951			$	11,268			$	557,621	$	13,928
	December 31, 2013	Less than 12 months											12 months or longer											Total
	Type of Investment	Number			Fair				Gross Unrealized Depreciation				Number			Fair				Gross Unrealized Depreciation				Fair		Gross Unrealized Depreciation
		of Issues			Value								of Issues			Value								Value
	AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
	Fixed maturities
	Bonds
	U.S. Treasury	10			$	9,196			$	140			—			$	—			$	—			$	9,196	$	140
	U.S. government agency	101			256,203				18,019				2			4,356				644				260,559		18,663
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions	136			97,950				7,423				29			29,670				3,282				127,620		10,705
	Foreign bonds	10			20,832				397				—			—				—				20,832		397
	Public utilities	31			61,582				1,776				—			—				—				61,582		1,776
	Corporate bonds
	Energy	9			23,735				1,008				—			—				—				23,735		1,008
	Industrials	34			77,788				2,819				—			—				—				77,788		2,819
	Consumer goods and services	31			58,833				1,276				6			3,218				145				62,051		1,421
	Health care	10			25,888				942				2			4,427				258				30,315		1,200
	Technology, media and telecommunications	18			58,105				2,147				2			7,468				1,174				65,573		3,321
	Financial services	7			15,191				720				1			1,525				3				16,716		723
	Mortgage-backed securities	16			4,476				177				6			3,113				114				7,589		291
	Collateralized mortgage obligations	111			208,855				11,062				23			55,184				5,857				264,039		16,919
	Total Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturities	524			$	918,634			$	47,906			71			$	108,961			$	11,477			$	1,027,595	$	59,383
	Equity securities
	Common stocks
	Public utilities	—			$	—			$	—			3			$	281			$	27			$	281	$	27
	Industrials	1			1				1				2			81				31				82		32
	Technology, media and telecommunications	—			—				—				6			206				83				206		83
	Financial services	—			—				—				4			215				128				215		128
	Nonredeemable preferred stocks	3			3,493				116				2			1,170				61				4,663		177
	Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities	4			$	3,494			$	117			17			$	1,953			$	330			$	5,447	$	447
	Total Available-for-Sale Securities	528			$	922,128			$	48,023			88			$	110,914			$	11,807			$	1,033,042	$	59,830

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_INSTRU1

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments	A summary of the carrying value and estimated fair value of our financial instruments at December 31, 2014 and 2013 is as follows:
		December 31, 2014						December 31, 2013
		Fair Value			Carrying Value			Fair Value			Carrying Value
	Assets
	Investments
	Fixed maturities:
	Held-to-maturity securities	$	404		$	397		$	669		$	656
	Available-for-sale securities	2,843,079			2,843,079			2,751,256			2,751,256
	Trading securities	16,862			16,862			9,940			9,940
	Equity securities:
	Available-for-sale securities	245,843			245,843			229,368			229,368
	Trading securities	4,066			4,066			2,487			2,487
	Mortgage loans	4,559			4,199			4,724			4,423
	Policy loans	5,916			5,916			6,261			6,261
	Other long-term investments	50,424			50,424			44,946			44,946
	Short-term investments	175			175			800			800
	Cash and cash equivalents	90,574			90,574			92,193			92,193
	Corporate-owned life insurance	918			918			—			—
	Liabilities
	Policy reserves
	Annuity (accumulations) (1)	$	865,802		$	863,606		$	941,636		$	925,832
	Annuity (benefit payments)	176,592			99,121			140,276			94,805
	(1) Annuity accumulations represent deferred annuity contracts that are currently earning interest.
Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis	The following tables present the categorization for our financial instruments measured at fair value on a recurring basis in our Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
					Fair Value Measurements
	Description	December 31, 2014			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
	Fixed maturities
	Bonds
	U.S. Treasury	$	25,972		$	—		$	25,972		$	—
	U.S. government agency	351,672			—			351,672			—
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions	778,285			—			777,766			519
	Foreign bonds	140,173			—			140,173			—
	Public utilities	212,357			—			212,357			—
	Corporate bonds
	Energy	137,133			—			137,133			—
	Industrials	215,475			—			215,475			—
	Consumer goods and services	177,001			—			175,682			1,319
	Health care	89,035			—			89,035			—
	Technology, media and telecommunications	134,529			—			134,529			—
	Financial services	223,582			—			212,589			10,993
	Mortgage-backed securities	17,558			—			17,558			—
	Collateralized mortgage obligations	337,289			—			337,289			—
	Asset-backed securities	3,018			—			1,406			1,612
	Total Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities	$	2,843,079		$	—		$	2,828,636		$	14,443
	Equity securities
	Common stocks
	Public utilities	$	20,290		$	20,290		$	—		$	—
	Energy	13,717			13,717			—			—
	Industrials	45,459			45,458			1			—
	Consumer goods and services	23,314			23,314			—			—
	Health care	30,356			30,356			—			—
	Technology, media and telecommunications	13,995			13,995			—			—
	Financial services	93,663			89,719			72			3,872
	Nonredeemable preferred stocks	5,049			558			4,491			—
	Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities	$	245,843		$	237,407		$	4,564		$	3,872
	Total Available-for-Sale Securities	$	3,088,922		$	237,407		$	2,833,200		$	18,315
	TRADING
	Fixed maturities
	Bonds
	Corporate bonds
	Industrials	3,352			—			3,352			—
	Health care	2,425			—			2,425			—
	Technology, media and telecommunications	338			—			338			—
	Financial services	5,997			—			5,997			—
	Redeemable preferred stocks	4,750			4,750			—			—
	Equity securities
	Energy	411			411			—			—
	Consumer goods and services	1,034			1,034			—			—
	Health care	327			327			—			—
	Technology, media and telecommunications	411			411			—			—
	Nonredeemable preferred stocks	1,883			1,883			—			—
	Total Trading Securities	$	20,928		$	8,816		$	12,112		$	—
	Short-Term Investments	$	175		$	175		$	—		$	—
	Money Market Accounts	$	28,095		$	28,095		$	—		$	—
	Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	$	3,138,120		$	274,493		$	2,845,312		$	18,315
					Fair Value Measurements
	Description	December 31, 2013			Level 1			Level 2			Level 3
	AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
	Fixed maturities
	Bonds
	U.S. Treasury	$	33,895		$	—		$	33,895		$	—
	U.S. government agency	269,583			—			269,583			—
	States, municipalities and political subdivisions	713,907			—			713,209			698
	Foreign bonds	172,856			—			172,856			—
	Public utilities	218,576			—			218,576			—
	Corporate bonds
Energy	161,010			—			161,010			—
Industrials	237,028			—			237,028			—
Consumer goods and services	167,914			—			166,460			1,454
Health care	92,946			—			92,946			—
Technology, media and telecommunications	120,966			—			120,966			—
Financial services	241,751			—			229,725			12,026
Mortgage-backed securities	22,066			—			22,066			—
Collateralized mortgage obligations	294,763			—			294,763			—
Asset-backed securities	3,995			—			1,966			2,029
Total Available-For-Sale Fixed Maturities	$	2,751,256		$	—		$	2,735,049		$	16,207
Equity securities
Common stocks
Public utilities	$	16,272		$	16,272		$	—		$	—
Energy	14,363			14,363			—			—
Industrials	46,099			46,083			16			—
Consumer goods and services	21,258			21,258			—			—
Health care	24,998			24,998			—			—
Technology, media and telecommunications	13,304			13,304			—			—
Financial services	88,262			84,419			62			3,781
Nonredeemable preferred stocks	4,812			1,714			3,098			—
Total Available-for-Sale Equity Securities	$	229,368		$	222,411		$	3,176		$	3,781
Total Available-for-Sale Securities	$	2,980,624		$	222,411		$	2,738,225		$	19,988
TRADING
Fixed maturities
Bonds
Foreign bonds	$	1,253		$	—		$	1,253		$	—
Corporate bonds
Industrials	1,122			—			1,122			—
Consumer goods and services	106			—			106			—
Health care	1,154			—			1,154			—
Technology, media and telecommunications	2,054			—			2,054			—
Financial services	1,866			—			1,866			—
Redeemable preferred stocks	2,385			2,385			—			—
Equity securities
Energy	563			563			—			—
Consumer goods and services	39			39			—			—
Health care	332			332			—			—
Nonredeemable preferred stocks	1,553			1,553			—			—
Total Trading Securities	$	12,427		$	4,872		$	7,555		$	—
Short-Term Investments	$	800		$	800		$	—		$	—
Money Market Accounts	$	37,811		$	37,811		$	—		$	—
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	$	3,031,662		$	265,894		$	2,745,780		$	19,988
Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Securities	The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of our Level 3 securities for 2014:
		States, municipalities and political subdivisions			Corporate bonds			Asset-backed securities			Equities			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	698		$	13,480		$	2,029		$	3,781		$	19,988
	Realized gains (losses) (1)	—			11			—			(56		)	(45		)
	Unrealized gains (losses) (1)	(34		)	(85		)	50			47			(22		)
	Purchases	—			4			—			144			148
	Disposals	(145		)	(1,098		)	(467		)	(44		)	(1,754		)
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	519		$	12,312		$	1,612		$	3,872		$	18,315
	(1) Realized gains (losses) are recorded as a component of earnings, whereas unrealized gains (losses) are recorded as a component of comprehensive income.
	The following table provides a summary of the changes in fair value of our Level 3 securities for 2013:
		States, municipalities and political subdivisions			Foreign bonds			Corporate bonds			Asset-backed securities			Equities			Total
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	750		$	558		$	16,108		$	2,488		$	3,636		$	23,540
	Realized gains (1)	—			35			—			—			—			35
	Unrealized gains (losses) (1)	83			14			1,277			(53		)	(28		)	1,293
	Purchases	—			—			105			—			173			278
	Disposals	(135		)	(607		)	(4,010		)	(406		)	—			(5,158		)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	698		$	—		$	13,480		$	2,029		$	3,781		$	19,988
	(1) Realized gains are recorded as a component of earnings, whereas unrealized gains (losses) are recorded as a component of comprehensive income.

REINSURANCE_Tables

REINSURANCE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Property and Casualty Insurance [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Ceded and Assumed Reinsurance	Premiums and losses and loss settlement expenses related to our ceded and assumed business are as follows:
	Years Ended December 31,	2014		2013			2012
	Ceded Business
	Ceded premiums written	$	50,290	$	50,711		$	44,240
	Ceded premiums earned	49,818		50,514			47,467
	Loss and loss settlement expenses ceded(1)	9,728		(8,552		)	5,525
	Assumed Business
	Assumed premiums written	$	16,421	$	18,938		$	17,181
	Assumed premiums earned	16,265		18,485			16,889
	Loss and loss settlement expenses assumed	7,727		8,268			16,873
	(1) In 2013, a reduction in our direct IBNR reserves caused a corresponding reduction in ceded IBNR reserves.  This factor, coupled with a lack of significant large losses exceeding our reinsurance retentions resulted in negative loss and loss settlement expenses ceded for the year.
Reinsurance Programs and Retentions	The following table provides a summary of our primary reinsurance programs. Retention amounts reflect the accumulated retentions and co-participation of all layers within a program. In 2013, we added a $3,000 aggregate annual deductible to our core program multi-line (casualty excess and property excess) which was increased to $4,000 in 2014.
		2014 Reinsurance Programs
	Type of Reinsurance	Stated Retention		Limits			Coverage
	Casualty excess of loss	$	2,000	$	40,000		100	%	of	$	38,000
	Property excess of loss	2,000		15,000			100	%	of	$	13,000
	Surety excess of loss	1,500		28,000			91	%	of	$	26,500
	Property catastrophe, excess	20,000		200,000			100	%	of	$	180,000
	Property catastrophe, excess	200,000		250,000			90.5	%	of	$	50,000
	Boiler and machinery	N/A		50,000			100	%	of	$	50,000
		2013 and 2012 Reinsurance Programs
	Type of Reinsurance	Stated Retention		Limits			Coverage
	Casualty excess of loss	$	2,000	$	40,000		100	%	of	$	38,000
	Property excess of loss	2,000		15,000			100	%	of	$	13,000
	Surety excess of loss	1,500		28,000			91	%	of	$	26,500
	Property catastrophe, excess	20,000		200,000			95	%	of	$	180,000
	Boiler and machinery	N/A		50,000			100	%	of	$	50,000
Life Insurance [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Ceded and Assumed Reinsurance	Premiums and losses and loss settlement expenses related to our ceded business are as follows:
	Years Ended December 31,	2014		2013			2012
	Ceded Business
	Ceded insurance in-force	$	1,130,059	$	1,112,688		$	1,083,410
	Ceded premiums earned	2,959		2,792			2,621
	Loss and loss settlement expenses ceded	3,467		1,971			2,435

RESERVES_FOR_LOSSES_AND_LOSS_S1

RESERVES FOR LOSSES AND LOSS SETTLEMENT EXPENSES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Insurance Loss Reserves [Abstract]
Change in Property and Casualty Loss and Loss Settlement Expense Reserve	The following table provides an analysis of changes in our property and casualty losses and loss settlement expense reserves for 2014, 2013 and 2012 (net of reinsurance amounts):
	Years Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
	Gross liability for losses and loss settlement expenses	$	960,651		$	971,911		$	945,051
	at beginning of year
	Ceded losses and loss settlement expenses	(75,150		)	(103,870		)	(120,359		)
	Net liability for losses and loss settlement expenses	$	885,501		$	868,041		$	824,692
	at beginning of year
	Losses and loss settlement expenses incurred
	for claims occurring during
	Current year	$	566,555		$	494,841		$	512,564
	Prior years	(56,744		)	(57,487		)	(73,427		)
	Total incurred	$	509,811		$	437,354		$	439,137
	Losses and loss settlement expense payments
	for claims occurring during
	Current year	$	247,651		$	203,868		$	201,632
	Prior years	241,981			216,026			194,156
	Total paid	$	489,632		$	419,894		$	395,788
	Net liability for losses and loss settlement expenses	$	905,680		$	885,501		$	868,041
	at end of year
	Ceded loss and loss settlement expenses	63,757			75,150			103,870
	Gross liability for losses and loss settlement expenses	$	969,437		$	960,651		$	971,911
	at end of year

STATUTORY_REPORTING_CAPITAL_RE1

STATUTORY REPORTING, CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND DIVIDENDS AND RETAINED EARNINGS RESTRICTIONS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Statutory Insurance Financial Information [Abstract]
Statutory Capital, Surplus, and Net Income	Statutory capital and surplus in regards to policyholders at December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012 and statutory net income for the years then ended are as follows:
		Statutory Capital and Surplus		Statutory Net Income
	2014
	Property and casualty (1)	$	685,866	$	54,233
	Life, accident and health	155,667		3,517
	2013
	Property and casualty (1)	$	665,772	$	84,255
	Life, accident and health	157,974		5,942
	2012
	Property and casualty (1)	$	585,986	$	34,468
	Life, accident and health	158,720		7,420
	-1	Because United Fire & Casualty Company owns United Life Insurance Company, the property and casualty statutory capital and surplus includes life, accident and health statutory capital and surplus, and therefore represents our total consolidated statutory capital and surplus.

FEDERAL_INCOME_TAX_Tables

FEDERAL INCOME TAX (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	Federal income tax expense (benefit) is composed of the following:
	Years Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
	Current	$	15,649		$	19,146		$	6,644
	Deferred	1,677			6,616			(782		)
	Total	$	17,326		$	25,762		$	5,862
Income Tax Rate Reconciliation	A reconciliation of income tax expense computed at the applicable federal tax rate of 35.0 percent to the amount recorded in the accompanying Consolidated Statements of Income and Comprehensive Income is as follows:
	Years Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
	Computed expected income tax expense	$	26,762		$	35,666		$	16,126
	Tax-exempt municipal bond interest income	(7,417		)	(7,732		)	(8,027		)
	Nontaxable dividend income	(1,232		)	(1,053		)	(1,004		)
	Valuation allowance reduction	(548		)	(548		)	(547		)
	Acquisition related expenses	—			—			42
	Other, net	(239		)	(571		)	(728		)
	Federal income tax expense	$	17,326		$	25,762		$	5,862
Deferred Tax Liabilities	The significant components of our net deferred tax liability at December 31, 2014 and 2013 are as follows:
	December 31,	2014			2013
	Deferred tax liabilities
	Net unrealized appreciation on investment securities:
	Equity securities	$	60,952		$	55,402
	All other securities	24,308			6,201
	Deferred policy acquisition costs	44,271			47,809
	Prepaid pension cost	2,973			2,556
	Net bond discount accretion	1,925			2,069
	Depreciation	2,667			2,355
	Revaluation of investment basis (1)	2,611			3,595
	Identifiable intangible assets (1)	3,808			4,056
	Other	8,152			7,530
	Gross deferred tax liability	$	151,667		$	131,573
	Deferred tax assets
	Financial statement reserves in excess of income tax reserves	$	35,800		$	39,041
	Unearned premium adjustment	26,146			23,502
	Net operating loss carryforwards	1,813			2,361
	Underfunded benefit plan obligation	31,473			15,858
	Postretirement benefits other than pensions	14,374			12,342
	Other-than-temporary impairment of investments	5,222			5,222
	Contingent ceding commission accrual	3,573			3,726
	Compensation expense related to stock options	4,582			4,062
	AMT credit carryforward	—			476
	Other	4,738			5,429
	Gross deferred tax asset	$	127,721		$	112,019
	Valuation allowance	(1,813		)	(2,361		)
	Deferred tax asset	$	125,908		$	109,658
	Net deferred tax liability	$	25,759		$	21,915
	(1) Related to our acquisition of Mercer Insurance Group.

EMPLOYEE_BENEFITS_Tables

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Actual and Target Allocation of Plan Assets	The following is a summary of the pension plan's actual and target asset allocations at December 31, 2014 and 2013 by asset category:
																Target
	Pension Plan Assets	2014				% of Total			2013				% of Total			Allocation
	Fixed maturity securities - corporate bonds	$	9,035			8.8	%		$	4,489			4.9	%		0	%	-	15	%
	Redeemable preferred stock	2,254				2.2			1,381				1.5			0	%	-	10	%
	Equity securities(1)	58,223				56.6			39,481				42.8			50	%	-	70	%
	Pooled separate accounts
	Bond and mortgage separate account fund	6,417				6.3			5,657				6.1			0	%	-	40	%
	U.S. property separate account fund	9,895				9.6			8,763				9.5			0	%	-	25	%
	Arbitrage fund	7,637				7.4			5,516				6			0	%	-	10	%
	United Life annuity	8,506				8.3			8,101				8.8			5	%	-	10	%
	Cash and cash equivalents(1)	833				0.8			18,831				20.4			0	%	-	10	%
	Total plan assets	$	102,800			100	%		$	92,219			100	%
	(1) Cash and cash equivalents balance as a percent of total plan assets exceeded the target allocation in 2013 as we were in the process of reducing the number of external investment managers and moving funds between managers in early 2014.
Fair Value Measurement	The following tables present the categorization of the pension plan's assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis at December 31, 2014 and 2013:
						Fair Value Measurements
	Description	December 31, 2014				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
	Fixed maturity securities - corporate bonds	$	9,035			$	—			$	9,035			$	—
	Redeemable preferred stock	2,254				2,254				—				—
	Equity securities	58,223				58,223				—				—
	Pooled separate accounts
	Bond and mortgage separate account fund	6,417				—				6,417				—
	U.S. property separate account fund	9,895				—				—				9,895
	Arbitrage fund	7,637				—				7,637				—
	Money market funds	826				826				—				—
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	94,287			$	61,303			$	23,089			$	9,895
						Fair Value Measurements
	Description	December 31, 2013				Level 1				Level 2				Level 3
	Fixed maturity securities - corporate bonds	$	4,489			$	—			$	4,489			$	—
	Redeemable preferred stock	1,381				1,381				—				—
	Equity securities	39,481				39,481				—				—
	Pooled separate accounts
	Bond and mortgage separate account fund	5,657				—				5,657				—
	U.S. property separate account fund	8,763				—				—				8,763
	Arbitrage fund	5,516				—				5,516				—
	Money market funds	17,323				17,323				—				—
	Total assets measured at fair value	$	82,610			$	58,185			$	15,662			$	8,763
Schedule of Changes in Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets	The following tables provide a summary of the changes in fair value of the pension plan's Level 3 securities:
		U.S. property separate account fund
	Balance at January 1, 2014	$	8,763
	Unrealized gains	1,132
	Balance at December 31, 2014	$	9,895
		U.S. property separate account fund
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	—
	Unrealized gains	763
	Purchases	8,000
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	8,763
Schedule of Assumptions Used	The following actuarial assumptions were used at January 1 to determine our reported net periodic benefit costs for the year ended December 31:
	Weighted-average assumptions as of	Pension Benefits									Postretirement Benefits
	January 1,	2014			2013			2012			2014			2013			2012
	Discount rate	4.84	%		4	%		4.5	%		4.84	%		4	%		4.5	%
	Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.5			7.5			8			N/A			N/A			N/A
	Rate of compensation increase	3.5			3.5			3.75			N/A			N/A			N/A
	The following actuarial assumptions were used to determine the reported plan benefit obligations at December 31:
	Weighted-average assumptions as of	Pension Benefits						Postretirement Benefits
	December 31,	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Discount rate	3.86	%		4.84	%		3.86	%		4.84	%
	Rate of compensation increase	3			3.5			N/A			N/A
Schedule of Health Care Cost Trend Rates
		Health Care Benefits						Dental Claims
	Years Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2014			2013
	Health care cost trend rates assumed for next year	7	%		7	%		4	%		4	%
	Rate to which the health care trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)	4.5	%		4.5	%		N/A			N/A
	Year that the rate reaches the ultimate trend rate	2023			2019			N/A			N/A
Schedule of Effect of One-Percentage-Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates	A 1.0 percent change in assumed health care cost trend rates would have the following effects:
			1% Increase				1% Decrease
	Effect on the net periodic postretirement health care benefit cost		$	1,983			$	(1,533	)
	Effect on the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation		14,637				(11,650		)
Reconciliation of Benefit Obligations, Plan Assets, and Funded Status	The following table provides a reconciliation of benefit obligations, plan assets and funded status of our plans:
		Pension Benefits								Postretirement Benefits
	Years Ended December 31,	2014				2013				2014				2013
	Reconciliation of benefit obligation
	Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$	123,352			$	131,382			$	48,954			$	44,395
	Service cost	5,210				6,300				3,696				3,875
	Interest cost	5,874				5,175				2,342				1,759
	Actuarial (gain) loss	26,590				(15,161		)		19,832				(1,449		)
	Benefit payments and adjustments	(3,426		)		(4,344		)		(272		)		374
	Benefit obligation at end of year (1)	$	157,600			$	123,352			$	74,552			$	48,954
	Reconciliation of fair value of plan assets
	Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$	92,219			$	75,276			$	—			$	—
	Actual return on plan assets	6,591				14,287				—				—
	Employer contributions	7,416				7,000				(272		)		374
	Benefit payments and adjustments	(3,426		)		(4,344		)		272				(374		)
	Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$	102,800			$	92,219			$	—			$	—
	Funded status at end of year	$	(54,800	)		$	(31,133	)		$	(74,552	)		$	(48,954	)
	-1	For the pension plan, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation. For the postretirement benefit plan, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation.
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in AOCI	The following table displays the effect that the unrecognized prior service cost and unrecognized actuarial loss of our plans had on accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI"), as reported in the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets:
			Pension Benefits								Postretirement Benefits
	Years Ended December 31		2014				2013				2014				2013
	Amounts recognized in AOCI
	Unrecognized prior service cost		$	—			$	—			$	—			$	—
	Unrecognized actuarial loss		56,943				32,162				32,979				13,147
	Total amounts recognized in AOCI		$	56,943			$	32,162			$	32,979			$	13,147
Net Periodic Benefit Cost	The components of the net periodic benefit cost for our pension and postretirement benefit plans are as follows:
		Pension Plan												Postretirement Benefit Plan
	Years Ended December 31,	2014				2013				2012				2014				2013			2012
	Net periodic benefit cost
	Service cost	$	5,210			$	6,300			$	5,129			$	3,696			$	3,875		$	3,010
	Interest cost	5,874				5,175				5,049				2,342				1,759			1,695
	Expected return on plan assets	(6,956		)		(5,772		)		(5,345		)		—				—			—
	Amortization of prior service cost	—				—				8				—				—			(6		)
	Amortization of net loss	2,174				4,989				4,415				898				879			554
	Net periodic benefit cost	$	6,302			$	10,692			$	9,256			$	6,936			$	6,513		$	5,253
Projected Benefit Payments	The following table summarizes the expected benefits to be paid from our plans over the next 10 years:
			2015				2016				2017				2018				2019			2020 - 2024
	Pension benefits		$	4,310			$	4,690			$	4,970			$	5,380			$	5,840		$	39,220
	Postretirement benefits		$	1,140			$	1,340			$	1,550			$	1,800			$	2,080		$	15,370

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Tables

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Remaining Stock-Based Compensation Expense	We expect this compensation to be recognized in subsequent years according to the following table, except with respect to awards that are accelerated by the Board of Directors, in which case we will recognize any remaining compensation expense in the period in which the awards are accelerated.
	2015		$	1,864
	2016		1,439
	2017		1,200
	2018		778
	2019		90
	Total		$	5,371
Analysis of Award Activity	The analysis below details the award activity for 2014 and the awards outstanding at December 31, 2014, for both of our plans and ad hoc options, which were granted prior to the adoption of the other plans:
	Options	Shares			Weighted-Average Exercise Price				Weighted-Average Remaining Life (in years)		Aggregate Intrinsic Value
	Outstanding at January 1, 2014	1,287,310			$	28.13
	Granted	270,502			29.61
	Exercised	(102,914	)		21.74
	Forfeited or expired	(96,609	)		30.98
	Outstanding at December 31, 2014	1,358,289			$	28.7			5.23		$	4,287
	Exercisable at December 31, 2014	788,287			$	30.88			4.57		$	1,985
Schedule of Restricted Stock Units Award Activity	The analysis below details the award activity for the restricted stock awards outstanding at December 31, 2014:
	Restricted stock awards	Shares			Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
	Non-vested at January 1, 2014	59,849			$	22.7
	Granted	16,718			27.21
	Vested	(5,040	)		29.52
	Non-vested at December 31, 2014	71,527			$	23.32
Weighted-average Grant-Date Fair Value Assumptions	The weighted-average grant-date fair value of the options granted under our plans has been estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the following weighted-average assumptions:
	December 31,	2014				2013				2012
	Risk-free interest rate	2.19		%		1.37		%		1.37		%
	Expected volatility	36.58		%		34.32		%		37.06		%
	Expected option life (in years)	7				7				7
	Expected dividends (in dollars)	$	0.78			$	0.69			$	0.6
	Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the year (in dollars)	$	9.15			$	6.64			$	5.9
Stock Options Outstanding and Exercisable	The following table summarizes information regarding the stock options outstanding and exercisable at December 31, 2014:
						Options Outstanding						Options Exercisable
	Range of Exercise Prices					Number Outstanding (in shares)		Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	Weighted-Average Exercise Price			Number Exercisable (in shares)	Weighted-Average Exercise Price
	$	15.01		-	21	268,101		6.09	$	19.97		140,111	$	19.6
	21.01			-	28	254,578		7.49	23.39			80,818	22.89
	28.01			-	35	564,610		5.49	31.33			296,358	32.93
	35.01			-	41	271,000		1.71	36.86			271,000	36.86
	$	15.01		-	41	1,358,289		5.23	$	28.7		788,287	$	30.88
Employee Stock Award Plan-2008 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Activity in Stock Award Plans	The activity in the Stock Plan is displayed in the following table:
	Authorized Shares Available for Future Award Grants	Year Ended December 31, 2014			From Inception to December 31, 2014
	Beginning balance	353,649			1,900,000
	Additional shares authorized	1,500,000			1,500,000
	Number of awards granted	(314,013	)		(1,996,509	)
	Number of awards forfeited or expired	107,311			243,456
	Ending balance	1,646,947			1,646,947
	Number of option awards exercised	85,795			467,563
	Number of unrestricted stock awards granted	725			5,280
	Number of restricted stock awards vested	—			18,576
Director Plan - 2005 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Activity in Stock Award Plans	The activity in the Director Plan is displayed in the following table:
	Authorized Shares Available for Future Award Grants	Year Ended December 31, 2014			From Inception to December 31, 2014
	Beginning balance	103,912			300,000
	Number of awards granted	(16,718	)		(218,809	)
	Number of awards forfeited or expired	—			6,003
	Ending balance	87,194			87,194
	Number of option awards exercised	1,519			4,675
	Number of restricted stock awards vested	5,040			11,442

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Premiums Earned by Segments	The following table sets forth our net premiums earned by segment before intersegment eliminations:
	Years Ended December 31,	2014			2013			2012
	Property and Casualty Insurance Segment
	Net premiums earned
	Other liability	$	228,426		$	199,548		$	197,842
	Fire and allied lines	226,086			208,030			173,249
	Automobile	187,813			169,211			155,572
	Workers' compensation	88,522			81,616			68,643
	Fidelity and surety	19,212			18,746			17,713
	Reinsurance assumed	13,145			14,406			14,473
	Other	3,735			2,635			1,919
	Total net premiums earned	$	766,939		$	694,192		$	629,411
	Life Insurance Segment
	Net premiums earned
	Ordinary life (excluding universal life)	$	35,557		$	38,875		$	44,468
	Universal life policy fees	13,190			11,871			11,768
	Immediate annuities with life contingencies	11,639			8,837			8,158
	Accident and health	1,274			1,302			1,363
	Other	261			261			274
	Total net premiums earned	$	61,921		$	61,146		$	66,031
Segment Reporting Information	The following table sets forth certain data for each of our business segments and is reconciled to our Consolidated Financial Statements. Depreciation and amortization expense and property and equipment acquisitions for 2014, 2013 and 2012 are reported in the property and casualty insurance segment.
		2014			2013			2012
	Property and Casualty Insurance:
	Revenues:
	Net premiums earned	$	766,939		$	694,192		$	629,411
	Investment income, net of investment expenses	44,219			46,279			40,305
	Net realized investment gains	4,177			6,260			3,896
	Other income	910			88			316
	Total revenues before eliminations	$	816,245		$	746,819		$	673,928
	Intersegment eliminations	18			53			(646		)
	Total revenues	$	816,263		$	746,872		$	673,282
	Net income before income taxes:
	Revenues	$	816,245		$	746,819		$	673,928
	Benefit, losses and expenses	750,768			658,645			637,648
	Total net income before eliminations	$	65,477		$	88,174		$	36,280
	Intersegment eliminations	548			545			(199		)
	Income before income taxes	$	66,025		$	88,719		$	36,081
	Income tax expense	13,649			21,263			2,569
	Net income	$	52,376		$	67,456		$	33,512
	Assets
	Total segment	$	2,360,764		$	2,218,464		$	2,149,356
	Intersegment eliminations	(233,141		)	(223,395		)	(244,041		)
	Total assets	$	2,127,623		$	1,995,069		$	1,905,315
	Life Insurance:
	Revenues:
	Net premiums earned	$	61,921		$	61,146		$	66,031
	Investment income, net of investment expenses	60,373			66,467			70,026
	Net realized investment gains	3,093			2,434			3,777
	Other income	774			614			575
	Total revenues before eliminations	$	126,161		$	130,661		$	140,409
	Intersegment eliminations	(530		)	(491		)	(448		)
	Total revenues	$	125,631		$	130,170		$	139,961
	Net income before income taxes:
	Revenues	$	126,161		$	130,661		$	140,409
	Benefit, losses and expenses	115,361			117,159			130,135
	Total net income before eliminations	$	10,800		$	13,502		$	10,274
	Intersegment eliminations	(362		)	(319		)	(281		)
	Income before income taxes	$	10,438		$	13,183		$	9,993
	Income tax expense	3,677			4,499			3,293
	Net income	$	6,761		$	8,684		$	6,700
	Assets	$	1,729,066		$	1,725,603		$	1,789,338
	Consolidated Totals:
	Total revenues	$	941,894		$	877,042		$	813,243
	Total net income	$	59,137		$	76,140		$	40,212
	Total assets	$	3,856,689		$	3,720,672		$	3,694,653

QUARTERLY_SUPPLEMENTARY_FINANC1

QUARTERLY SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	The following table sets forth our selected unaudited quarterly financial information:
	(In Thousands Except Share Data)
	Quarters	First		Second		Third			Fourth		Total
	Year Ended December 31, 2014
	Total revenues	$	222,904	$	232,673	$	235,865		$	250,452	$	941,894
	Income (loss) before income taxes	15,897		13,056		(2,845		)	50,355		76,463
	Net income	$	13,331	$	10,685	$	325		$	34,796	$	59,137
	Basic earnings per share (1)	$	0.53	$	0.42	$	0.01		$	1.39	$	2.34
	Diluted earnings per share (1)	0.52		0.42		0.01			1.38		2.32
	Year Ended December 31, 2013
	Total revenues	$	205,305	$	219,719	$	223,024		$	228,994	$	877,042
	Income before income taxes	29,850		20,318		14,395			37,339		101,902
	Net income	$	22,393	$	15,496	$	11,725		$	26,526	$	76,140
	Basic earnings per share (1)	$	0.89	$	0.61	$	0.46		$	1.04	$	3.01
	Diluted earnings per share (1)	0.88		0.61		0.45			1.04		2.98
	-1	The sum of the quarterly reported amounts may not equal the full year, as each is computed independently.

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE_Tabl

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share	The components of basic and diluted earnings per share were as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2014				2013				2012
	(In Thousands Except Share and Per Share Data)	Basic		Diluted		Basic		Diluted		Basic		Diluted
	Net income	$	59,137	$	59,137	$	76,140	$	76,140	$	40,212	$	40,212
	Weighted-average common shares outstanding	25,230,854		25,230,854		25,325,695		25,325,695		25,447,918		25,447,918
	Add dilutive effect of restricted stock awards	—		114,313		—		59,849		—		54,338
	Add dilutive effect of stock options	—		148,496		—		145,831		—		2,270
	Weighted-average common shares	25,230,854		25,493,663		25,325,695		25,531,375		25,447,918		25,504,526
	Earnings per common share	$	2.34	$	2.32	$	3.01	$	2.98	$	1.58	$	1.58
	Awards excluded from diluted calculation(1)	—		835,610		—		638,478		—		901,008
	-1	Outstanding awards that are not "in-the-money" are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because the effect of including them would have been anti-dilutive.

LEASE_COMMITMENTS_Tables

LEASE COMMITMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Leases [Abstract]
Contractual Obligation, Fiscal Year Maturity Schedule	At December 31, 2014, our future minimum rental payments are as follows:
	2015	$	5,711
	2016	5,484
	2017	4,657
	2018	2,298
	2019	1,388
	Thereafter	1,461
	Total	$	20,999

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS_Tables

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived and Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	Our major classes of intangible assets are presented in the following table:
		Year Ended December 31,
		2014			2013
	Agency relationships	$	10,338		$	10,338
	Accumulated amortization - agency relationships	(3,654		)	(3,017		)
		$	6,684		$	7,321
	Software	$	3,260		$	3,260
	Accumulated amortization - software	(3,260		)	(3,260		)
		$	—		$	—
	Trade names	$	1,978		$	1,978
	Accumulated amortization - trade names	(495		)	(363		)
		$	1,483		$	1,615
	Favorable contract	$	286		$	286
	Accumulated amortization - favorable contract	(286		)	(286		)
		$	—		$	—
	State insurance licenses (1)	$	3,020		$	3,020
	Net intangible assets	$	11,187		$	11,956
	(1) The intangible asset for licenses has an indefinite life and therefore is not amortized.
Schedule Of Finite Lived Intangible Assets Useful Lives By Major Class	The estimated useful lives assigned to our major classes of amortizable intangible assets are as follows:
		Useful Life
	Agency relationships	Fifteen years
	Software	Two years
	Trade names	Fifteen years
	Favorable contract	Two years
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Future Amortization Expense	Our estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the next five years is as follows:
	2015	$	769
	2016	769
	2017	769
	2018	719
	2019	709

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV1

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Equity [Abstract]
Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following table shows the changes in the components of our accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax, for the years ended December 31, 2014, 2013 and 2012:
					Liability for
		Net unrealized			underfunded
		appreciation			employee
		on investments			benefit costs			Total
	Balance as of January 1, 2012	$	124,376		$	(41,790	)	$	82,586
	Change in accumulated other comprehensive income before reclassifications	22,386			(10,349		)	12,037
	Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income	(2,666		)	3,231			565
	Balance as of December 31, 2012	$	144,096		$	(48,908	)	$	95,188
	Change in accumulated other comprehensive income before reclassifications	(23,068		)	15,643			(7,425		)
	Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income	(4,427		)	3,814			(613		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	116,601		$	(29,451	)	$	87,150
	Change in accumulated other comprehensive income before reclassifications	36,328			(30,996		)	5,332
	Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income	(3,306		)	1,997			(1,309		)
	Balance as of December 31, 2014	$	149,623		$	(58,450	)	$	91,173

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Feb. 01, 2012
Item Effected [Line Items]
Common stock, par value per share (in usd per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Percentage of the gains and profits from the Lloyds plan available to United Fire & Indemnity Company	100.00%
Securities on deposit as required by law	$1,643,369,000	$1,620,505,000
Other-than-temporary impairment charges	0	139,000	4,000
Payment for income taxes	9,626,000	13,628,000	11,920,000
Federal tax refund received	615,000	8,744,000	15,798,000
Interest payment	0	0	961,000
Increase (decrease) in DAC asset	-13,383,000	3,407,000
Depreciation expense	6,122,000	4,391,000	5,440,000
Goodwill, impairment charge	0	0	0
Intangible assets, impairment charge	0	0	0
Unrecognized tax benefit	0	0	0
Minimum [Member]
Item Effected [Line Items]
Useful life of intangible assets	2 years
Maximum [Member]
Item Effected [Line Items]
Useful life of intangible assets	15 years
United Fire & Casualty Company [Member] | Febuary 2012 Reorganization [Member]
Item Effected [Line Items]
Common stock, par value per share (in usd per share)				$3.33
United Fire Group, Inc. [Member]
Item Effected [Line Items]
Common stock, par value per share (in usd per share)	$0.00	$0.00
United Fire Group, Inc. [Member] | Febuary 2012 Reorganization [Member]
Item Effected [Line Items]
Common stock, par value per share (in usd per share)				$0.00
Property and Casualty Insurance [Member]
Item Effected [Line Items]
Number of states in which we are licensed as insurer	43
Amortization expense	$769,000	$1,212,000	$2,539,000
Life Insurance [Member]
Item Effected [Line Items]
Number of states in which we are licensed as insurer	37
Traditional life insurance, interest rate assumptions, lower range	4.50%
Traditional life insurance, interest rate assumptions, upper range	6.00%

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward]
Recorded asset at beginning of year	$150,092	$105,300	$106,654
Underwriting costs deferred	173,865	156,367	145,301
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	-167,449	-153,677	-140,161
Amortization of value of business acquired	0	0	-1,673
Ending unamortized deferred policy acquisition costs	156,508	107,990	110,121
Change in shadow deferred policy acquisition costs	-16,789	42,102	-4,821
Recorded asset at end of year	139,719	150,092	105,300
Property and Casualty Insurance [Member]
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward]
Recorded asset at beginning of year	67,663	64,947	60,668
Underwriting costs deferred	166,508	149,891	138,723
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	-161,310	-147,175	-132,771
Amortization of value of business acquired	0	0	-1,673
Recorded asset at end of year	72,861	67,663	64,947
Life Insurance [Member]
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward]
Recorded asset at beginning of year	82,429	40,353	45,986
Underwriting costs deferred	7,357	6,476	6,578
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	-6,139	-6,502	-7,390
Ending unamortized deferred policy acquisition costs	83,647	40,327	45,174
Change in shadow deferred policy acquisition costs	-16,789	42,102	-4,821
Recorded asset at end of year	$66,858	$82,429	$40,353

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT5

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Property and Equipment) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$49,247	$47,218
Land [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	7,414	7,163
Buildings [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	32,004	29,072
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	3,308	2,707
Computer Equipment and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	3,289	3,197
Airplane [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment	$3,232	$5,079

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT6

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Useful Life) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Computer Equipment and Software [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life	3 years
Furniture and Fixtures [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life	7 years
Real Estate [Member] | Minimum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life	7 years
Real Estate [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life	39 years
Airplane [Member]
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Useful Life	5 years

SUMMARY_OF_INVESTMENTS_Fair_Va

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS (Fair Value of Investments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Held-To-Maturity
Cost or Amortized Cost	$397	$656
Held-to-maturity fixed maturities	404	669
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	2,845,217	2,804,514
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	257,633	235,940
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	13,928	59,830
Available-for-sale securities	3,088,922	2,980,624
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Held-To-Maturity
Cost or Amortized Cost	397	656
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	7	13
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	0	0
Held-to-maturity fixed maturities	404	669
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	2,773,566	2,733,557
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	82,882	77,082
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	13,369	59,383
Available-for-sale securities	2,843,079	2,751,256
U.S. Treasury [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	25,856	33,612
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	168	423
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	52	140
Available-for-sale securities	25,972	33,895
U.S. Government Agency [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	349,747	287,988
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	4,347	258
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	2,422	18,663
Available-for-sale securities	351,672	269,583
States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Held-To-Maturity
Cost or Amortized Cost	55	250
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	0	4
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	0	0
Held-to-maturity fixed maturities	55	254
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	748,632	690,461
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	30,395	34,151
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	742	10,705
Available-for-sale securities	778,285	713,907
Foreign Bonds [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	136,487	167,390
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	4,132	5,863
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	446	397
Available-for-sale securities	140,173	172,856
Public Utilities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	206,366	213,479
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	6,479	6,873
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	488	1,776
Available-for-sale securities	212,357	218,576
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Held-To-Maturity
Cost or Amortized Cost		200
Gross Unrealized Appreciation		0
Gross Unrealized Depreciation		0
Held-to-maturity fixed maturities		200
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Energy [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	135,068	157,620
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	2,858	4,398
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	793	1,008
Available-for-sale securities	137,133	161,010
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Industrials [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	211,256	234,221
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	6,373	5,626
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	2,154	2,819
Available-for-sale securities	215,475	237,028
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Consumer Goods and Services [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	172,623	165,565
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	4,702	3,770
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	324	1,421
Available-for-sale securities	177,001	167,914
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Health Care [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	86,017	91,008
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	3,228	3,138
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	210	1,200
Available-for-sale securities	89,035	92,946
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Technology, Media and Telecommunications [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	131,465	121,746
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	3,863	2,541
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	799	3,321
Available-for-sale securities	134,529	120,966
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Held-To-Maturity
Cost or Amortized Cost	200
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	0
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	0
Held-to-maturity fixed maturities	200
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	215,095	234,739
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	8,574	7,735
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	87	723
Available-for-sale securities	223,582	241,751
Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Held-To-Maturity
Cost or Amortized Cost	142	206
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	7	9
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	0	0
Held-to-maturity fixed maturities	149	215
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	17,121	22,034
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	483	323
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	46	291
Available-for-sale securities	17,558	22,066
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	335,092	309,975
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	7,003	1,707
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	4,806	16,919
Available-for-sale securities	337,289	294,763
Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	2,741	3,719
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	277	276
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	0	0
Available-for-sale securities	3,018	3,995
Equity Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	71,651	70,957
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	174,751	158,858
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	559	447
Available-for-sale securities	245,843	229,368
Common Stock [Member] | Public Utilities [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	7,231	7,231
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	13,103	9,068
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	44	27
Available-for-sale securities	20,290	16,272
Common Stock [Member] | Energy [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	5,094	5,094
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	8,623	9,269
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	0	0
Available-for-sale securities	13,717	14,363
Common Stock [Member] | Industrials [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	13,284	13,308
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	32,299	32,823
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	124	32
Available-for-sale securities	45,459	46,099
Common Stock [Member] | Consumer Goods and Services [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	10,294	10,363
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	13,295	10,895
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	275	0
Available-for-sale securities	23,314	21,258
Common Stock [Member] | Health Care [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	7,920	7,920
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	22,436	17,078
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	0	0
Available-for-sale securities	30,356	24,998
Common Stock [Member] | Technology, Media and Telecommunications [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	6,207	6,204
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	7,846	7,183
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	58	83
Available-for-sale securities	13,995	13,304
Common Stock [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	16,637	15,853
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	77,077	72,537
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	51	128
Available-for-sale securities	93,663	88,262
Nonredeemable Preferred Stocks [Member]
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	4,984	4,984
Gross Unrealized Appreciation	72	5
Gross Unrealized Depreciation	7	177
Available-for-sale securities	$5,049	$4,812

SUMMARY_OF_INVESTMENTS_Maturit

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS (Maturities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Held-To-Maturity, Amortized Cost
Cost or Amortized Cost	$397	$656
Held-To-Maturity, Fair Value
Fair Value	404	669
Available-For-Sale, Amortized Cost
Amortized Cost	2,845,217	2,804,514
Available-For-Sale, Fair Value
Fair Value	3,088,922	2,980,624
Trading, Fair Value
Fair Value	16,862	9,940
Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Available-For-Sale, Amortized Cost
Amortized Cost	2,741	3,719
Available-For-Sale, Fair Value
Fair Value	3,018	3,995
Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Held-To-Maturity, Amortized Cost
Cost or Amortized Cost	142	206
Held-To-Maturity, Fair Value
Fair Value	149	215
Available-For-Sale, Amortized Cost
Amortized Cost	17,121	22,034
Available-For-Sale, Fair Value
Fair Value	17,558	22,066
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member]
Available-For-Sale, Amortized Cost
Amortized Cost	335,092	309,975
Available-For-Sale, Fair Value
Fair Value	337,289	294,763
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Held-To-Maturity, Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	55
Due after one year through five years	200
Due after five years through 10 years	0
Due after 10 years	0
Cost or Amortized Cost	397
Held-To-Maturity, Fair Value
Due in one year or less	55
Due after one year through five years	200
Due after five years through 10 years	0
Due after 10 years	0
Fair Value	404
Available-For-Sale, Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	271,298
Due after one year through five years	838,504
Due after five years through 10 years	813,205
Due after 10 years	495,605
Amortized Cost	2,773,566
Available-For-Sale, Fair Value
Due in one year or less	274,748
Due after one year through five years	875,291
Due after five years through 10 years	831,253
Due after 10 years	503,922
Fair Value	2,843,079
Trading, Amortized Cost
Due in one year or less	2,783
Due after one year through five years	6,157
Due after five years through 10 years	1,894
Due after 10 years	3,529
Amortized Cost	14,363
Trading, Fair Value
Due in one year or less	3,437
Due after one year through five years	6,685
Due after five years through 10 years	2,322
Due after 10 years	4,418
Fair Value	16,862
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Held-To-Maturity, Amortized Cost
Not categorized by contractual maturity	0
Held-To-Maturity, Fair Value
Not categorized by contractual maturity	0
Available-For-Sale, Amortized Cost
Not categorized by contractual maturity	2,741
Available-For-Sale, Fair Value
Not categorized by contractual maturity	3,018
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Held-To-Maturity, Amortized Cost
Not categorized by contractual maturity	142
Held-To-Maturity, Fair Value
Not categorized by contractual maturity	149
Available-For-Sale, Amortized Cost
Not categorized by contractual maturity	17,121
Available-For-Sale, Fair Value
Not categorized by contractual maturity	17,558
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member]
Held-To-Maturity, Amortized Cost
Not categorized by contractual maturity	0
Held-To-Maturity, Fair Value
Not categorized by contractual maturity	0
Available-For-Sale, Amortized Cost
Not categorized by contractual maturity	335,092
Available-For-Sale, Fair Value
Not categorized by contractual maturity	$337,289

SUMMARY_OF_INVESTMENTS_Net_Rea

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS (Net Realized Investment Gains and Losses) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net realized investment gains (losses)	$7,270	$8,695	$5,453
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Proceeds from sales	3,091	23,007	20,324
Gross realized gains	900	451	513
Gross realized losses	-56	0	-37
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Held-to-maturity Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net realized investment gains (losses)	0	1	12
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net realized investment gains (losses)	3,353	3,211	3,408
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Trading Securities, Change in Fair Value [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net realized investment gains (losses)	609	1,183	683
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Trading Securities, Sales [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net realized investment gains (losses)	1,339	788	406
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Other-than-temporary-impairment Charges [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net realized investment gains (losses)	0	-139	0
Equity Securities [Member] | Available-for-sale Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net realized investment gains (losses)	1,732	3,739	698
Equity Securities [Member] | Trading Securities, Change in Fair Value [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net realized investment gains (losses)	238	-126	250
Equity Securities [Member] | Trading Securities, Sales [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net realized investment gains (losses)	-1	38	0
Equity Securities [Member] | Other-than-temporary-impairment Charges [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Net realized investment gains (losses)	$0	$0	($4)

SUMMARY_OF_INVESTMENTS_Net_Inv

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS (Net Investment Income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Other	$1,998		$1,632		$825
Total investment income	110,925		118,123		118,069
Less investment expense	6,316		5,324		6,164
Net Investment income	104,609		112,799		111,905
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Interest income	97,969		101,950		108,517
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Dividend income	6,602		5,806		5,354
Other Long-term Investments [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Interest income	1,927		1,194		232
Other Long-term Investments [Member] | Change in Value [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Other	1,917	[1]	7,030	[1]	2,562	[1]
Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Interest income	252		266		279
Short-term Investments [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Interest income	5		6		10
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Interest income	$255		$239		$290
[1]	Represents the change in value of our interests in limited liability partnerships that are recorded on the equity method of accounting.

SUMMARY_OF_INVESTMENTS_Unreali

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS (Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments [Abstract]
Available-for-sale fixed maturities	$51,814	($132,579)	$15,816
Equity securities	15,781	48,176	19,339
Deferred policy acquisition costs	-16,789	42,102	-4,821
Income tax effect	-17,784	14,806	-10,614
Total change in net unrealized investment appreciation, net of tax	$33,022	($27,495)	$19,720

SUMMARY_OF_INVESTMENTS_Investm

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS (Investments in Unrealized Loss Position) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	issue	issue
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Less than 12 months, Number of Issues	117	528
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	$221,670	$922,128
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	2,660	48,023
12 months or longer, Number of Issues	195	88
12 months or longer, Fair Value	335,951	110,914
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	11,268	11,807
Total, Fair Value	557,621	1,033,042
Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	13,928	59,830
Fixed Maturities [Member]
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Less than 12 months, Number of Issues	105	524
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	220,309	918,634
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	2,209	47,906
12 months or longer, Number of Issues	185	71
12 months or longer, Fair Value	334,960	108,961
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	11,160	11,477
Total, Fair Value	555,269	1,027,595
Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	13,369	59,383
U.S. Treasury [Member]
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Less than 12 months, Number of Issues	4	10
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	2,343	9,196
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	6	140
12 months or longer, Number of Issues	4	0
12 months or longer, Fair Value	5,069	0
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	46	0
Total, Fair Value	7,412	9,196
Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	52	140
U.S. Government Agency [Member]
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Less than 12 months, Number of Issues	11	101
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	41,064	256,203
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	70	18,019
12 months or longer, Number of Issues	35	2
12 months or longer, Fair Value	95,198	4,356
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	2,352	644
Total, Fair Value	136,262	260,559
Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	2,422	18,663
States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions [Member]
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Less than 12 months, Number of Issues	18	136
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	30,859	97,950
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	185	7,423
12 months or longer, Number of Issues	62	29
12 months or longer, Fair Value	50,847	29,670
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	557	3,282
Total, Fair Value	81,706	127,620
Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	742	10,705
Foreign Bonds [Member]
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Less than 12 months, Number of Issues	6	10
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	17,158	20,832
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	446	397
12 months or longer, Number of Issues	0	0
12 months or longer, Fair Value	0	0
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	0	0
Total, Fair Value	17,158	20,832
Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	446	397
Public Utilities [Member]
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Less than 12 months, Number of Issues	10	31
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	21,839	61,582
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	194	1,776
12 months or longer, Number of Issues	4	0
12 months or longer, Fair Value	3,611	0
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	294	0
Total, Fair Value	25,450	61,582
Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	488	1,776
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Energy [Member]
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Less than 12 months, Number of Issues	8	9
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	17,416	23,735
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	420	1,008
12 months or longer, Number of Issues	3	0
12 months or longer, Fair Value	7,061	0
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	373	0
Total, Fair Value	24,477	23,735
Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	793	1,008
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Industrials [Member]
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Less than 12 months, Number of Issues	8	34
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	17,103	77,788
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	362	2,819
12 months or longer, Number of Issues	3	0
12 months or longer, Fair Value	9,592	0
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	1,792	0
Total, Fair Value	26,695	77,788
Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	2,154	2,819
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Consumer Goods and Services [Member]
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Less than 12 months, Number of Issues	11	31
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	28,344	58,833
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	258	1,276
12 months or longer, Number of Issues	7	6
12 months or longer, Fair Value	10,064	3,218
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	66	145
Total, Fair Value	38,408	62,051
Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	324	1,421
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Health Care [Member]
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Less than 12 months, Number of Issues	3	10
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	8,244	25,888
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	36	942
12 months or longer, Number of Issues	3	2
12 months or longer, Fair Value	7,104	4,427
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	174	258
Total, Fair Value	15,348	30,315
Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	210	1,200
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Technology, Media and Telecommunications [Member]
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Less than 12 months, Number of Issues	4	18
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	8,860	58,105
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	68	2,147
12 months or longer, Number of Issues	4	2
12 months or longer, Fair Value	15,742	7,468
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	731	1,174
Total, Fair Value	24,602	65,573
Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	799	3,321
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Less than 12 months, Number of Issues	3	7
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	5,908	15,191
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	31	720
12 months or longer, Number of Issues	2	1
12 months or longer, Fair Value	6,131	1,525
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	56	3
Total, Fair Value	12,039	16,716
Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	87	723
Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Less than 12 months, Number of Issues	9	16
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	425	4,476
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	21	177
12 months or longer, Number of Issues	2	6
12 months or longer, Fair Value	1,991	3,113
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	25	114
Total, Fair Value	2,416	7,589
Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	46	291
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member]
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Less than 12 months, Number of Issues	10	111
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	20,746	208,855
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	112	11,062
12 months or longer, Number of Issues	56	23
12 months or longer, Fair Value	122,550	55,184
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	4,694	5,857
Total, Fair Value	143,296	264,039
Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	4,806	16,919
Equity Securities [Member]
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Less than 12 months, Number of Issues	12	4
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	1,361	3,494
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	451	117
12 months or longer, Number of Issues	10	17
12 months or longer, Fair Value	991	1,953
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	108	330
Total, Fair Value	2,352	5,447
Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	559	447
Common Stock [Member] | Public Utilities [Member]
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Less than 12 months, Number of Issues	3	0
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	263	0
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	44	0
12 months or longer, Number of Issues	0	3
12 months or longer, Fair Value	0	281
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	0	27
Total, Fair Value	263	281
Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	44	27
Common Stock [Member] | Industrials [Member]
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Less than 12 months, Number of Issues	3	1
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	280	1
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	70	1
12 months or longer, Number of Issues	2	2
12 months or longer, Fair Value	58	81
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	54	31
Total, Fair Value	338	82
Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	124	32
Common Stock [Member] | Consumer Goods and Services [Member]
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Less than 12 months, Number of Issues	1
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	129
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	272
12 months or longer, Number of Issues	2
12 months or longer, Fair Value	15
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	3
Total, Fair Value	144
Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	275
Common Stock [Member] | Technology, Media and Telecommunications [Member]
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Less than 12 months, Number of Issues	4	0
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	503	0
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	14	0
12 months or longer, Number of Issues	5	6
12 months or longer, Fair Value	218	206
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	44	83
Total, Fair Value	721	206
Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	58	83
Common Stock [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Less than 12 months, Number of Issues	1	0
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	186	0
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	51	0
12 months or longer, Number of Issues	0	4
12 months or longer, Fair Value	0	215
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	0	128
Total, Fair Value	186	215
Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	51	128
Nonredeemable Preferred Stocks [Member]
AVAILABLE-FOR-SALE
Less than 12 months, Number of Issues	0	3
Less than 12 months, Fair Value	0	3,493
Less than 12 months, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	0	116
12 months or longer, Number of Issues	1	2
12 months or longer, Fair Value	700	1,170
12 months or longer, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	7	61
Total, Fair Value	700	4,663
Total, Gross Unrealized Depreciation	$7	$177

SUMMARY_OF_INVESTMENTS_Narrati

SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Trading securities	$20,928,000	$12,427,000
Remaining potential off-balance sheet contractual obligation	11,830,000
Other-than-temporary impairment charges	0	139,000	4,000
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Other-than-temporary impairment charges	0	139,000	0
Equity Securities [Member]
Other-than-temporary impairment charges	0	0	4,000
Equity Securities [Member] | Maximum [Member]
Largest unrealized loss greater than 12 months on an individual security	$54,000

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_INSTRU2

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments
Held-to-maturity fixed maturities	$404		$669
Available-for-sale securities	3,088,922		2,980,624
Trading securities	20,928		12,427
Fair Value [Member]
Investments
Mortgage loans	4,559		4,724
Policy loans	5,916		6,261
Other long-term investments	50,424		44,946
Short-term investments	175		800
Cash and cash equivalents	90,574		92,193
Corporate-owned life insurance	918		0
Policy reserves
Annuity (accumulations)	865,802	[1]	941,636	[1]
Annuity (benefit payments)	176,592		140,276
Fair Value [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Investments
Held-to-maturity fixed maturities	404		669
Available-for-sale securities	2,843,079		2,751,256
Trading securities	16,862		9,940
Fair Value [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Investments
Available-for-sale securities	245,843		229,368
Trading securities	4,066		2,487
Carrying Value [Member]
Investments
Mortgage loans	4,199		4,423
Policy loans	5,916		6,261
Other long-term investments	50,424		44,946
Short-term investments	175		800
Cash and cash equivalents	90,574		92,193
Corporate-owned life insurance	918		0
Policy reserves
Annuity (accumulations)	863,606	[1]	925,832	[1]
Annuity (benefit payments)	99,121		94,805
Carrying Value [Member] | Fixed Maturities [Member]
Investments
Held-to-maturity fixed maturities	397		656
Available-for-sale securities	2,843,079		2,751,256
Trading securities	16,862		9,940
Carrying Value [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Investments
Available-for-sale securities	245,843		229,368
Trading securities	$4,066		$2,487
[1]	Annuity accumulations represent deferred annuity contracts that are currently earning interest.

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_INSTRU3

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Financial Instruments Measured at Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	security	security
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	$3,088,922	$2,980,624
Trading Securities	20,928	12,427
Number of securities transferred between Level 1 and 2	1	0
Fair value of security transferred between Level 1 and 2	1,228
Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	3,088,922	2,980,624
Trading Securities	20,928	12,427
Short- Term Investments	175	800
Money Market Accounts	28,095	37,811
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	3,138,120	3,031,662
Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	237,407	222,411
Trading Securities	8,816	4,872
Short- Term Investments	175	800
Money Market Accounts	28,095	37,811
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	274,493	265,894
Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	2,833,200	2,738,225
Trading Securities	12,112	7,555
Short- Term Investments	0	0
Money Market Accounts	0	0
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	2,845,312	2,745,780
Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	18,315	19,988
Trading Securities	0	0
Short- Term Investments	0	0
Money Market Accounts	0	0
Total Assets Measured at Fair Value	18,315	19,988
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	2,843,079	2,751,256
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	2,843,079	2,751,256
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	2,828,636	2,735,049
Fixed Maturities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	14,443	16,207
U.S. Treasury [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	25,972	33,895
U.S. Treasury [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	25,972	33,895
U.S. Treasury [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
U.S. Treasury [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	25,972	33,895
U.S. Treasury [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
U.S. Government Agency [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	351,672	269,583
U.S. Government Agency [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	351,672	269,583
U.S. Government Agency [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
U.S. Government Agency [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	351,672	269,583
U.S. Government Agency [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	778,285	713,907
States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	778,285	713,907
States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	777,766	713,209
States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	519	698
Foreign Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	140,173	172,856
Foreign Bonds [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	140,173	172,856
Trading Securities		1,253
Foreign Bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Trading Securities		0
Foreign Bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	140,173	172,856
Trading Securities		1,253
Foreign Bonds [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Trading Securities		0
Public Utilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	212,357	218,576
Public Utilities [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	212,357	218,576
Public Utilities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Public Utilities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	212,357	218,576
Public Utilities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	137,133	161,010
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Energy [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	137,133	161,010
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Energy [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Energy [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	137,133	161,010
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Energy [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Industrials [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	215,475	237,028
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Industrials [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	215,475	237,028
Trading Securities	3,352	1,122
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Industrials [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Trading Securities	0	0
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Industrials [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	215,475	237,028
Trading Securities	3,352	1,122
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Industrials [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Trading Securities	0	0
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Consumer Goods and Services [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	177,001	167,914
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Consumer Goods and Services [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	177,001	167,914
Trading Securities		106
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Consumer Goods and Services [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Trading Securities		0
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Consumer Goods and Services [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	175,682	166,460
Trading Securities		106
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Consumer Goods and Services [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,319	1,454
Trading Securities		0
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Health Care [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	89,035	92,946
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Health Care [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	89,035	92,946
Trading Securities	2,425	1,154
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Health Care [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Trading Securities	0	0
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Health Care [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	89,035	92,946
Trading Securities	2,425	1,154
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Health Care [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Trading Securities	0	0
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Technology, Media and Telecommunications [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	134,529	120,966
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Technology, Media and Telecommunications [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	134,529	120,966
Trading Securities	338	2,054
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Technology, Media and Telecommunications [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Trading Securities	0	0
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Technology, Media and Telecommunications [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	134,529	120,966
Trading Securities	338	2,054
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Technology, Media and Telecommunications [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Trading Securities	0	0
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	223,582	241,751
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Financial Services [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	223,582	241,751
Trading Securities	5,997	1,866
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Financial Services [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Trading Securities	0	0
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Financial Services [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	212,589	229,725
Trading Securities	5,997	1,866
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Financial Services [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	10,993	12,026
Trading Securities	0	0
Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	17,558	22,066
Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	17,558	22,066
Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	17,558	22,066
Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	337,289	294,763
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	337,289	294,763
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	337,289	294,763
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	3,018	3,995
Asset-Backed Securities [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	3,018	3,995
Asset-Backed Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Asset-Backed Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,406	1,966
Asset-Backed Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1,612	2,029
Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading Securities	4,750	2,385
Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading Securities	4,750	2,385
Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading Securities	0	0
Redeemable Preferred Stocks [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading Securities	0	0
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	245,843	229,368
Equity Securities [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	245,843	229,368
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	237,407	222,411
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	4,564	3,176
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	3,872	3,781
Equity Securities [Member] | Energy [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading Securities	411	563
Equity Securities [Member] | Energy [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading Securities	411	563
Equity Securities [Member] | Energy [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading Securities	0	0
Equity Securities [Member] | Energy [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading Securities	0	0
Equity Securities [Member] | Consumer Goods and Services [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading Securities	1,034	39
Equity Securities [Member] | Consumer Goods and Services [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading Securities	1,034	39
Equity Securities [Member] | Consumer Goods and Services [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading Securities	0	0
Equity Securities [Member] | Consumer Goods and Services [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading Securities	0	0
Equity Securities [Member] | Health Care [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading Securities	327	332
Equity Securities [Member] | Health Care [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading Securities	327	332
Equity Securities [Member] | Health Care [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading Securities	0	0
Equity Securities [Member] | Health Care [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading Securities	0	0
Equity Securities [Member] | Technology, Media and Telecommunications [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading Securities	411
Equity Securities [Member] | Technology, Media and Telecommunications [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading Securities	411
Equity Securities [Member] | Technology, Media and Telecommunications [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading Securities	0
Equity Securities [Member] | Technology, Media and Telecommunications [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Trading Securities	0
Common Stock [Member] | Public Utilities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	20,290	16,272
Common Stock [Member] | Public Utilities [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	20,290	16,272
Common Stock [Member] | Public Utilities [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	20,290	16,272
Common Stock [Member] | Public Utilities [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Common Stock [Member] | Public Utilities [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Common Stock [Member] | Energy [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	13,717	14,363
Common Stock [Member] | Energy [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	13,717	14,363
Common Stock [Member] | Energy [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	13,717	14,363
Common Stock [Member] | Energy [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Common Stock [Member] | Energy [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Common Stock [Member] | Industrials [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	45,459	46,099
Common Stock [Member] | Industrials [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	45,459	46,099
Common Stock [Member] | Industrials [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	45,458	46,083
Common Stock [Member] | Industrials [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	1	16
Common Stock [Member] | Industrials [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Common Stock [Member] | Consumer Goods and Services [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	23,314	21,258
Common Stock [Member] | Consumer Goods and Services [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	23,314	21,258
Common Stock [Member] | Consumer Goods and Services [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	23,314	21,258
Common Stock [Member] | Consumer Goods and Services [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Common Stock [Member] | Consumer Goods and Services [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Common Stock [Member] | Health Care [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	30,356	24,998
Common Stock [Member] | Health Care [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	30,356	24,998
Common Stock [Member] | Health Care [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	30,356	24,998
Common Stock [Member] | Health Care [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Common Stock [Member] | Health Care [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Common Stock [Member] | Technology, Media and Telecommunications [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	13,995	13,304
Common Stock [Member] | Technology, Media and Telecommunications [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	13,995	13,304
Common Stock [Member] | Technology, Media and Telecommunications [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	13,995	13,304
Common Stock [Member] | Technology, Media and Telecommunications [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Common Stock [Member] | Technology, Media and Telecommunications [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Common Stock [Member] | Financial Services [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	93,663	88,262
Common Stock [Member] | Financial Services [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	93,663	88,262
Common Stock [Member] | Financial Services [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	89,719	84,419
Common Stock [Member] | Financial Services [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	72	62
Common Stock [Member] | Financial Services [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	3,872	3,781
Nonredeemable Preferred Stocks [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	5,049	4,812
Nonredeemable Preferred Stocks [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	5,049	4,812
Trading Securities	1,883	1,553
Nonredeemable Preferred Stocks [Member] | Level 1 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	558	1,714
Trading Securities	1,883	1,553
Nonredeemable Preferred Stocks [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	4,491	3,098
Trading Securities	0	0
Nonredeemable Preferred Stocks [Member] | Level 3 [Member] | Recurring [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities	0	0
Trading Securities	$0	$0

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_INSTRU4

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Level 3 Securities) (Details) (Recurring [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$19,988		$23,540
Realized gains	-45	[1]	35	[1]
Unrealized gains (losses)	-22	[1]	1,293	[1]
Purchases	148		278
Disposals	-1,754		-5,158
Ending Balance	18,315		19,988
States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	698		750
Realized gains	0	[1]	0	[1]
Unrealized gains (losses)	-34	[1]	83	[1]
Purchases	0		0
Disposals	-145		-135
Ending Balance	519		698
Foreign Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance			558
Realized gains			35	[1]
Unrealized gains (losses)			14	[1]
Purchases			0
Disposals			-607
Ending Balance			0
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	13,480		16,108
Realized gains	11	[1]	0	[1]
Unrealized gains (losses)	-85	[1]	1,277	[1]
Purchases	4		105
Disposals	-1,098		-4,010
Ending Balance	12,312		13,480
Asset-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	2,029		2,488
Realized gains	0	[1]	0	[1]
Unrealized gains (losses)	50	[1]	-53	[1]
Purchases	0		0
Disposals	-467		-406
Ending Balance	1,612		2,029
Equities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	3,781		3,636
Realized gains	-56	[1]	0	[1]
Unrealized gains (losses)	47	[1]	-28	[1]
Purchases	144		173
Disposals	-44		0
Ending Balance	$3,872		$3,781
[1]	Realized gains (losses) are recorded as a component of earnings, whereas unrealized gains (losses) are recorded as a component of comprehensive income.

FAIR_VALUE_OF_FINANCIAL_INSTRU5

FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Corporate-Owned Life Insurance) (Details) (Rabbi Trust [Member], Level 2 [Member], Other Assets [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Rabbi Trust [Member] | Level 2 [Member] | Other Assets [Member]
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]
Cash surrender value	$918

REINSURANCE_Ceded_and_Assumed_

REINSURANCE (Ceded and Assumed Reinsurance) (Details) (Property and Casualty Insurance [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Property and Casualty Insurance [Member]
Reinsurance [Line Items]
Ceded premiums written	$50,290	$50,711		$44,240
Ceded premiums earned	49,818	50,514		47,467
Loss and loss settlement expenses ceded	9,728	-8,552	[1]	5,525
Assumed premiums written	16,421	18,938		17,181
Assumed premiums earned	16,265	18,485		16,889
Loss and loss settlement expenses assumed	$7,727	$8,268		$16,873
[1]	In 2013, a reduction in our direct IBNR reserves caused a corresponding reduction in ceded IBNR reserves. This factor, coupled with a lack of significant large losses exceeding our reinsurance retentions resulted in negative loss and loss settlement expenses ceded for the year.

REINSURANCE_Reinsurance_Progra

REINSURANCE (Reinsurance Programs) (Details) (Property and Casualty Insurance [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Casualty Excess of Loss [Member]
Reinsurance [Line Items]
Stated Retention	$2,000,000	$2,000,000	$2,000,000
Limits	40,000,000	40,000,000	40,000,000
Percentage of Coverage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Reinsurance Coverage Amount	38,000,000	38,000,000	38,000,000
Property Excess of Loss [Member]
Reinsurance [Line Items]
Stated Retention	2,000,000	2,000,000	2,000,000
Limits	15,000,000	15,000,000	15,000,000
Percentage of Coverage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Reinsurance Coverage Amount	13,000,000	13,000,000	13,000,000
Surety Excess of Loss [Member]
Reinsurance [Line Items]
Stated Retention	1,500,000	1,500,000	1,500,000
Limits	28,000,000	28,000,000	28,000,000
Percentage of Coverage	91.00%	91.00%	91.00%
Reinsurance Coverage Amount	26,500,000	26,500,000	26,500,000
Property Catastrophe [Member]
Reinsurance [Line Items]
Stated Retention	20,000,000	20,000,000	20,000,000
Limits	200,000,000	200,000,000	200,000,000
Percentage of Coverage	100.00%	95.00%	95.00%
Reinsurance Coverage Amount	180,000,000	180,000,000	180,000,000
Property Catastrophe [Member]
Reinsurance [Line Items]
Stated Retention	200,000,000
Limits	250,000,000
Percentage of Coverage	90.50%
Reinsurance Coverage Amount	50,000,000
Boiler and Machinery [Member]
Reinsurance [Line Items]
Limits	50,000,000	50,000,000	50,000,000
Percentage of Coverage	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Reinsurance Coverage Amount	$50,000,000	$50,000,000	$50,000,000

REINSURANCE_Life_Insurance_Seg

REINSURANCE (Life Insurance Segment) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reinsurance [Line Items]
Ceded insurance in-force	$1,130,059	$1,112,688	$1,083,410
Life Insurance [Member]
Reinsurance [Line Items]
Ceded insurance in-force	1,130,059	1,112,688	1,083,410
Ceded premiums earned	2,959	2,792	2,621
Loss and loss settlement expenses ceded	$3,467	$1,971	$2,435

REINSURANCE_Narratives_Details

REINSURANCE (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverables	$86,810,000	$87,451,000
Property and Casualty Insurance [Member]
Reinsurance [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverables	15,595,000	6,090,000
Property and Casualty Insurance [Member] | Casualty Excess and Property Excess [Member]
Reinsurance [Line Items]
Aggregate annual deductible	4,000	3,000,000
Life Insurance [Member]
Reinsurance [Line Items]
Number of reinsurers ceded approximately 99% of ceded life insurance in force	5
Life Insurance [Member] | Top Five Reinsurers [Member]
Reinsurance [Line Items]
Percentage of insurance in force	99.00%
Life Insurance [Member] | Individual Insurance Policies [Member]
Reinsurance [Line Items]
Stated retention	300,000
Percentage of coverage	100.00%
Reinsurance coverage amount	250,000
Life Insurance [Member] | Group Insurance Policies [Member]
Reinsurance [Line Items]
Percentage of coverage	50.00%
Retention amount	75,000
Life Insurance [Member] | Catastrophe [Member]
Reinsurance [Line Items]
Stated retention	1,000,000
Reinsurance coverage amount	$5,000,000

RESERVES_FOR_LOSSES_AND_LOSS_S2

RESERVES FOR LOSSES AND LOSS SETTLEMENT EXPENSES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Roll Forward]
Gross liability for losses and loss settlement expenses at beginning of year	$960,651	$971,911	$945,051
Ceded losses and loss settlement expenses	63,757	75,150	103,870	120,359
Net liability for losses and loss settlement expenses at beginning of year	885,501	868,041	824,692
Losses and loss settlement expenses incurred for claims occurring during
Current year	566,555	494,841	512,564
Prior years	-56,744	-57,487	-73,427
Total incurred	509,811	437,354	439,137
Losses and loss settlement expenses incurred for claims occurring during
Current year	247,651	203,868	201,632
Prior years	241,981	216,026	194,156
Total paid	489,632	419,894	395,788
Net liability for losses and loss settlement expenses at end of year	905,680	885,501	868,041
Ceded loss and loss settlement expenses	63,757	75,150	103,870	120,359
Gross liability for losses and loss settlement expenses at end of year	$969,437	$960,651	$971,911

STATUTORY_REPORTING_CAPITAL_RE2

STATUTORY REPORTING, CAPITAL REQUIREMENTS AND DIVIDENDS AND RETAINED EARNINGS RESTRICTIONS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Jun. 04, 2013
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Payment of cash dividends	$19,680,000		$17,484,000		$15,269,000
United Fire & Casualty Company [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Intercompany dividend payments that are eliminated in Consolidated Financial Statements	29,000,000		13,175,000		26,950,000
Subsidiaries [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Intercompany dividend payments that are eliminated in Consolidated Financial Statements	13,500,000		26,335,000		19,750,000
United Life [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Capital and Surplus	1,635,364,000
Net assets on statutory basis, in excess of the legal reserve requirement	218,711,000
Amount of dividend payment without approval from the commissioner	5,567,000
Revolving Credit Facility [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity	125,000,000						125,000,000
State of Iowa Insurance Department [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Maximum dividend distribution without prior approval	39,587,000
Property and Casualty Insurance [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Capital and Surplus	685,866,000	[1]	665,772,000	[1]	585,986,000	[1]
Statutory Net Income	54,233,000	[1]	84,255,000	[1]	34,468,000	[1]
Life, Accident and Health [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Capital and Surplus	155,667,000		157,974,000		158,720,000
Statutory Net Income	$3,517,000		$5,942,000		$7,420,000
[1]	Because United Fire & Casualty Company owns United Life Insurance Company, the property and casualty statutory capital and surplus includes life, accident and health statutory capital and surplus, and therefore represents our total consolidated statutory capital and surplus.

FEDERAL_INCOME_TAX_Income_Tax_

FEDERAL INCOME TAX (Income Tax) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current	$15,649	$19,146	$6,644
Deferred	1,677	6,616	-782
Federal income tax expense	$17,326	$25,762	$5,862

FEDERAL_INCOME_TAX_Reconciliat

FEDERAL INCOME TAX (Reconciliation) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Computed expected income tax expense	$26,762	$35,666	$16,126
Tax-exempt municipal bond interest income	-7,417	-7,732	-8,027
Nontaxable dividend income	-1,232	-1,053	-1,004
Valuation allowance reduction	-548	-548	-547
Acquisition related expenses	0	0	42
Other, net	-239	-571	-728
Federal income tax expense	$17,326	$25,762	$5,862

FEDERAL_INCOME_TAX_Net_Deferre

FEDERAL INCOME TAX (Net Deferred Tax Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Deferred tax liabilities
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$44,271		$47,809
Prepaid pension cost	2,973		2,556
Net bond discount accretion	1,925		2,069
Depreciation	2,667		2,355
Revaluation of investment basis	2,611	[1]	3,595	[1]
Identifiable intangible assets	3,808	[1]	4,056	[1]
Other	8,152		7,530
Gross deferred tax liability	151,667		131,573
Deferred tax assets
Financial statement reserves in excess of income tax reserves	35,800		39,041
Unearned premium adjustment	26,146		23,502
Net operating loss carryforwards	1,813		2,361
Underfunded benefit plan obligation	31,473		15,858
Postretirement benefits other than pensions	14,374		12,342
Other-than-temporary impairment of investments	5,222		5,222
Contingent ceding commission accrual	3,573	[1]	3,726	[1]
Compensation expense related to stock options	4,582		4,062
AMT credit carryforward	0		476
Other	4,738		5,429
Gross deferred tax asset	127,721		112,019
Valuation allowance	-1,813		-2,361
Deferred tax asset	125,908		109,658
Net deferred tax liability	25,759		21,915
Equity Securities [Member]
Deferred tax liabilities
Net unrealized appreciation on investment securities	60,952		55,402
All Other Securities [Member]
Deferred tax liabilities
Net unrealized appreciation on investment securities	$24,308		$6,201
[1]	Related to our acquisition of Mercer Insurance Group

FEDERAL_INCOME_TAX_Narratives_

FEDERAL INCOME TAX (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Effective income tax rate	35.00%
Valuation allowance	$1,813	$2,361
Realization of NOLs	1,565
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward	0	476
Valuation Allowance, Operating Loss Carryforwards [Member]
Valuation Allowance [Line Items]
Reduction in valuation allowance	$548

EMPLOYEE_BENEFITS_Narratives_D

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Narratives) (Details) (Pension Plan [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014
	investment_manager
Pension Plan [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Eligibility, minimum required service period	1 year
Eligibility, minimum age	21 years
Estimated employer contribution in next fiscal year	$6,352
Number of exernal investment managers	6

EMPLOYEE_BENEFITS_Asset_Alloca

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Asset Allocation) (Details) (Pension Plan [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan Assets	$102,800		$92,219		$75,276
Actual % of Total	100.00%		100.00%
Fixed Maturity Securities - Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan Assets	9,035		4,489
Actual % of Total	8.80%		4.90%
Target Allocation, Minimum Percentage	0.00%
Target Allocations, Maximum Percentage	15.00%
Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan Assets	2,254		1,381
Actual % of Total	2.20%		1.50%
Target Allocation, Minimum Percentage	0.00%
Target Allocations, Maximum Percentage	10.00%
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan Assets	58,223	[1]	39,481	[1]
Actual % of Total	56.60%	[1]	42.80%	[1]
Target Allocation, Minimum Percentage	50.00%	[1]
Target Allocations, Maximum Percentage	70.00%	[1]
Bond and Mortgage Separate Account Fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan Assets	6,417		5,657
Actual % of Total	6.30%		6.10%
Target Allocation, Minimum Percentage	0.00%
Target Allocations, Maximum Percentage	40.00%
U.S. Property Separate Account Fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan Assets	9,895		8,763
Actual % of Total	9.60%		9.50%
Target Allocation, Minimum Percentage	0.00%
Target Allocations, Maximum Percentage	25.00%
Arbitrage Fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan Assets	7,637		5,516
Actual % of Total	7.40%		6.00%
Target Allocation, Minimum Percentage	0.00%
Target Allocations, Maximum Percentage	10.00%
United Life Annuity [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan Assets	8,506		8,101
Actual % of Total	8.30%		8.80%
Target Allocation, Minimum Percentage	5.00%
Target Allocations, Maximum Percentage	10.00%
Cash and Cash Equivalents [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Plan Assets	$833	[1]	$18,831	[1]
Actual % of Total	0.80%	[1]	20.40%	[1]
Target Allocation, Minimum Percentage	0.00%	[1]
Target Allocations, Maximum Percentage	10.00%	[1]
[1]	Cash and cash equivalents balance as a percent of total plan assets exceeded the target allocation in 2013 as we were in the process of reducing the number of external investment managers and moving funds between managers in early 2014.

EMPLOYEE_BENEFITS_Fair_Value_o

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Fair Value of Plan Assets) (Details) (Pension Plan [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	$102,800		$92,219		$75,276
Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	61,303		58,185
Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	23,089		15,662
Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	9,895		8,763		0
Fair Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	94,287		82,610
Corporate Bonds [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	9,035		4,489
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	0		0
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	9,035		4,489
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	0		0
Corporate Bonds [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	9,035		4,489
Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	2,254		1,381
Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	2,254		1,381
Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	0		0
Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	0		0
Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	2,254		1,381
Equity Securities [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	58,223	[1]	39,481	[1]
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	58,223		39,481
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	0		0
Equity Securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	0		0
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	58,223		39,481
Bond and Mortgage Separate Account Fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	6,417		5,657
Bond and Mortgage Separate Account Fund [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	0		0
Bond and Mortgage Separate Account Fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	6,417		5,657
Bond and Mortgage Separate Account Fund [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	0		0
Bond and Mortgage Separate Account Fund [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	6,417		5,657
U.S. Property Separate Account Fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	9,895		8,763
U.S. Property Separate Account Fund [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	0		0
U.S. Property Separate Account Fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	0		0
U.S. Property Separate Account Fund [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	9,895		8,763
U.S. Property Separate Account Fund [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	9,895		8,763
Arbitrage Fund [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	7,637		5,516
Arbitrage Fund [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	0		0
Arbitrage Fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	7,637		5,516
Arbitrage Fund [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	0		0
Arbitrage Fund [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	7,637		5,516
Money Market Funds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	826		17,323
Money Market Funds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	0		0
Money Market Funds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	0		0
Money Market Funds [Member] | Fair Value [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Assets measured at fair value	$826		$17,323
[1]	Cash and cash equivalents balance as a percent of total plan assets exceeded the target allocation in 2013 as we were in the process of reducing the number of external investment managers and moving funds between managers in early 2014.

EMPLOYEE_BENEFITS_Change_in_Fa

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Change in Fair Value of Pension Plan Assets) (Details) (Pension Plan [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year			$75,276
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	102,800	92,219	75,276
Level 3 [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Fair Value of Plan Assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	8,763	0
Unrealized gains	1,132	763
Purchases		8,000
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$9,895	$8,763

EMPLOYEE_BENEFITS_Assumptions_

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Assumptions) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Plan [Member]
Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations [Abstract]
Discount rate	3.86%	4.84%
Rate of compensation increase	3.00%	3.50%
Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	4.84%	4.00%	4.50%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets	7.50%	7.50%	8.00%
Rate of compensation increase	3.50%	3.50%	3.75%
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Assumptions Used to Determine Benefit Obligations [Abstract]
Discount rate	3.86%	4.84%
Assumptions Used to Determine Net Periodic Benefit Cost [Abstract]
Discount rate	4.84%	4.00%	4.50%
Effect of One-Percentage Point Change in Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract]
Effect of 1% increase on the net periodic postretirement health care benefit cost	1,983
Effect of 1% decrease on the net periodic postretirement health care benefit cost	-1,533
Effect of 1% increase on the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	14,637
Effect of 1% decrease on the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	-11,650
Health Care Benefits [Member]
Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract]
Health care cost trend rates assumed for next year	7.00%	7.00%
Rate to which the health care trend rate is assumed to decline (ultimate trend rate)	4.50%	4.50%
Dental Claims [Member]
Assumed Health Care Cost Trend Rates [Abstract]
Health care cost trend rates assumed for next year	4.00%	4.00%

EMPLOYEE_BENEFITS_Obligation_a

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Obligation and Funded Status) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Benefits [Member]
Reconciliation of benefit obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$123,352	[1]	$131,382
Service cost	5,210		6,300		5,129
Interest cost	5,874		5,175		5,049
Actuarial (gain) loss	26,590		-15,161
Benefits payments and adjustments	-3,426		-4,344
Benefit obligation at end of year	157,600	[1]	123,352	[1]	131,382
Reconciliation of fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	92,219		75,276
Actual return on plan assets	6,591		14,287
Employer contributions	7,416		7,000
Benefits payments and adjustments	3,426		4,344
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	102,800		92,219		75,276
Funded status at end of year	-54,800		-31,133
Accumulated pension benefit obligation	138,180	[1]	106,207	[1]
Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Reconciliation of benefit obligation [Roll Forward]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	48,954	[1]	44,395
Service cost	3,696		3,875		3,010
Interest cost	2,342		1,759		1,695
Actuarial (gain) loss	19,832		-1,449
Benefits payments and adjustments	-272		-374
Benefit obligation at end of year	74,552	[1]	48,954	[1]	44,395
Reconciliation of fair value of plan assets [Roll Forward]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0		0
Actual return on plan assets	0		0
Employer contributions	-272		374
Benefits payments and adjustments	272		374
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0		0		0
Funded status at end of year	($74,552)		($48,954)
[1]	For the pension plan, the benefit obligation is the projected benefit obligation. For the postretirement benefit plan, the benefit obligation is the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation.

EMPLOYEE_BENEFITS_AOCI_Details

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (AOCI) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Unrecognized prior service cost	$0	$0
Unrecognized actuarial loss	56,943	32,162
Total amounts recognized in AOCI	56,943	32,162
Anticipated amortization of net actuarial losses in next fiscal year	4,546
Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Unrecognized prior service cost	0	0
Unrecognized actuarial loss	32,979	13,147
Total amounts recognized in AOCI	32,979	13,147
Anticipated amortization of net actuarial losses in next fiscal year	$2,920

EMPLOYEE_BENEFITS_Net_Periodic

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Net Periodic Benefit Cost) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Pension Plan [Member]
Net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	$5,210	$6,300	$5,129
Interest cost	5,874	5,175	5,049
Expected return on plan assets	-6,956	-5,772	-5,345
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	8
Amortization of net loss	2,174	4,989	4,415
Net periodic benefit cost	6,302	10,692	9,256
Pension Plan [Member] | Mercer Insurance Group [Member]
Net periodic benefit cost
Net periodic benefit cost			854
Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member]
Net periodic benefit cost
Service cost	3,696	3,875	3,010
Interest cost	2,342	1,759	1,695
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0
Amortization of prior service cost	0	0	-6
Amortization of net loss	898	879	554
Net periodic benefit cost	$6,936	$6,513	$5,253

EMPLOYEE_BENEFITS_Expected_Ben

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Expected Benefit Payments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Pension Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2015	$4,310
2016	4,690
2017	4,970
2018	5,380
2019	5,840
2020-2024	39,220
Postretirement Benefits [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
2015	1,140
2016	1,340
2017	1,550
2018	1,800
2019	2,080
2020-2024	$15,370

EMPLOYEE_BENEFITS_ProfitSharin

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (Profit-Sharing Plan and ESOP) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
ESOP, Minimum requisite service period	1 year
ESOP, minimum participant age	21 years
Number of United Fire Group, Inc. common stock shares owned in the ESOP	214,637	220,468
Employer contributions to ESOP	$250,000	$0	$100,000
Profit-Sharing Plan [Member]
Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) Disclosures [Line Items]
Employer contribution to the profit-sharing plan	$3,847,000	$6,029,000	$1,812,000

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Stock_

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Stock Award Plans) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended			79 Months Ended	120 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Available for Grant [Roll Forward]
Number of option awards exercised (in shares)	102,914
Stock-based compensation expense	$1,944	$1,777	$1,764
Stock-Basec Compensation Expense [Abstract]
2015	1,864			1,864	1,864
2016	1,439			1,439	1,439
2017	1,200			1,200	1,200
2018	778			778	778
2019	90			90	90
Total	5,371			5,371	5,371
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Available for Grant [Roll Forward]
Number of restricted stock awards vested (in shares)	5,040
Stock-based compensation expense	$588	$407	$329
Employee Stock Award Plan-2008 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Percentage of opton awards vest and exercisable in installments	20.00%
Award expiration term	10 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Available for Grant [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (in shares)	353,649			1,900,000
Additional shares authorized	1,500,000			1,500,000
Number of awards granted (in shares)	-314,013			-1,996,509
Number of awards forfeited or expired (in shares)	107,311			243,456
Ending balance (in shares)	1,646,947			1,646,947	1,646,947
Employee Stock Award Plan-2008 [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Available for Grant [Roll Forward]
Number of option awards exercised (in shares)	85,795			467,563
Employee Stock Award Plan-2008 [Member] | Unrestricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Available for Grant [Roll Forward]
Number of awards granted (in shares)	-725			-5,280
Employee Stock Award Plan-2008 [Member] | Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period of restricted stock awards	5 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Available for Grant [Roll Forward]
Number of restricted stock awards vested (in shares)	0			18,576
Director Plan - 2005 [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Available for Grant [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance (in shares)	103,912				300,000
Number of awards granted (in shares)	-16,718				-218,809
Number of awards forfeited or expired (in shares)	0				6,003
Ending balance (in shares)	87,194			87,194	87,194
Director Plan - 2005 [Member] | Stock Options [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Available for Grant [Roll Forward]
Number of option awards exercised (in shares)	1,519				4,675
Director Plan - 2005 [Member] | Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award Available for Grant [Roll Forward]
Number of restricted stock awards vested (in shares)	5,040				11,442

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Analys

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Analysis of Stock Options Award Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Shares
Outstanding at beginning of period (in shares)	1,287,310
Granted (in shares)	270,502
Exercised (in shares)	-102,914
Forfeited or expired (in shares)	-96,609
Outstanding at end of period ( in shares)	1,358,289	1,287,310
Exercisable at end of period (in shares)	788,287
Weighted-Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period (in usd per share)	$28.13
Granted (in usd per share)	$29.61
Exercised (in usd per share)	$21.74
Forfeited or expired (in usd per share)	$30.98
Outstanding at end of period (in usd per share)	$28.70	$28.13
Exercisable at end of period (in usd per share)	$30.88
Outstanding at end of period, Weighted-Average Remaining Life (in years)	5 years 2 months 23 days
Exercisable at end of period, Weighted-Average Remaining Life (in years)	4 years 6 months 25 days
Outstanding at end of period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	$4,287
Outstanding at end of period, Aggregate Intrinsic Value	1,985
Intrinsic value of options exercised	$790	$1,383	$229

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Analys1

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Analysis of Restricted Stock Award Activity) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Stock-based compensation expense	$1,944	$1,777	$1,764
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Shares
Non-vested at beginning of period (in shares)	59,849
Granted (in shares)	16,718
Vested (in shares)	-5,040
Non-vested at end of period (in shares)	71,527	59,849
Weighted-Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at beginning of period (in usd per share)	$22.70
Granted (in usd per share)	$27.21
Vested (in usd per share)	$29.52
Non-vested at end of period (in usd per share)	$23.32	$22.70
Stock-based compensation expense	588	407	329
Total compensation expense that has yet to be recognized	1,861
Intrinsic value of the unvested restricted stock awards outstanding	$459	$358	$1,187

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Assump

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Assumptions) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Risk-free interest rate	2.19%	1.37%	1.37%
Expected volatility	36.58%	34.32%	37.06%
Expected option life (in years)	7 years	7 years	7 years
Expected dividends (in dollars)	$0.78	$0.69	$0.60
Weighted-average grant-date fair value of options granted during the year (in dollars)	$9.15	$6.64	$5.90

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Exerci

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Exercise Price Range) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Lower Range (in usd per share)	$15.01
Range of Exercise Prices, Upper Range (in usd per share)	$41
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in shares)	1,358,289
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	5 years 2 months 23 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in usd per share)	$28.70
Number Exercisable (in shares)	788,287
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in usd per share)	$30.88
Exercise Price $15.01 to $21.00 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Lower Range (in usd per share)	$15.01
Range of Exercise Prices, Upper Range (in usd per share)	$21
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in shares)	268,101
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	6 years 1 month 2 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in usd per share)	$19.97
Number Exercisable (in shares)	140,111
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in usd per share)	$19.60
Exercise Price $21.01 to $28.00 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Lower Range (in usd per share)	$21.01
Range of Exercise Prices, Upper Range (in usd per share)	$28
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in shares)	254,578
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	7 years 5 months 26 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in usd per share)	$23.39
Number Exercisable (in shares)	80,818
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in usd per share)	$22.89
Exercise Price $28.01 to $35.00 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Lower Range (in usd per share)	$28.01
Range of Exercise Prices, Upper Range (in usd per share)	$35
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in shares)	564,610
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	5 years 5 months 26 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in usd per share)	$31.33
Number Exercisable (in shares)	296,358
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in usd per share)	$32.93
Exercise Price $35.01 to $41.00 [Member]
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Range of Exercise Prices, Lower Range (in usd per share)	$35.01
Range of Exercise Prices, Upper Range (in usd per share)	$41
Options Outstanding, Number Outstanding (in shares)	271,000
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Remaining Contractual Life (in years)	1 year 8 months 15 days
Options Outstanding, Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in usd per share)	$36.86
Number Exercisable (in shares)	271,000
Weighted-Average Exercise Price (in usd per share)	$36.86

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Narratives

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Narratives) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	segments
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable business segments	2
Life insurance in force before ceded reinsurance	$5,366,061	5,300,305	$5,206,065
Property and Casualty Insurance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of domestic business locations	7
Property and Casualty Insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Product Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of insurance in force	91.00%
Property and Casualty Insurance [Member] | Personal Lines [Member] | Product Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of insurance in force	9.00%
Life Insurance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Life insurance in force before ceded reinsurance	$5,366,061	5,300,209
Life Insurance [Member] | Traditional Life [Member] | Product Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of insurance in force	67.70%	66.70%
Life Insurance [Member] | Universal Life [Member] | Product Concentration Risk [Member] | Sales Revenue, Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Percentage of insurance in force	27.30%	28.40%

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Net_Premiu

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Net Premiums) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total net premium earned	$828,330	$754,846	$694,994
Property and Casualty Insurance Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Reinsurance assumed	16,265	18,485	16,889
Other	3,735	2,635	1,919
Property and Casualty Insurance Segment [Member] | Fire and Allied Lines [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net premiums earned	226,086	208,030	173,249
Property and Casualty Insurance Segment [Member] | Other Liability [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net premiums earned	228,426	199,548	197,842
Property and Casualty Insurance Segment [Member] | Automobile [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net premiums earned	187,813	169,211	155,572
Property and Casualty Insurance Segment [Member] | Workers' Compensation [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net premiums earned	88,522	81,616	68,643
Property and Casualty Insurance Segment [Member] | Fidelity and Surety [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Net premiums earned	19,212	18,746	17,713
Property and Casualty Insurance Segment [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total net premium earned	766,939	694,192	629,411
Property and Casualty Insurance Segment [Member] | Reinsurance Assumed Line of Business [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Reinsurance assumed	13,145	14,406	14,473
Life Insurance Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Other	261	261	274
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Ordinary Life (Excluding Universal Life) [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total net premium earned	35,557	38,875	44,468
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Universal Life Policy Fees [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total net premium earned	13,190	11,871	11,768
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Accident and Health [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total net premium earned	1,274	1,302	1,363
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Immediate Annuities with Life Contingencies [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total net premium earned	11,639	8,837	8,158
Life Insurance Segment [Member] | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item [Line Items]
Total net premium earned	$61,921	$61,146	$66,031

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Segments_D

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Segments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net premiums earned									$828,330	$754,846	$694,994
Investment income, net of investment expenses									104,609	112,799	111,905
Net realized investment gains									7,270	8,695	5,453
Other income									1,685	702	891
Total revenues	250,452	235,865	232,673	222,904	228,994	223,024	219,719	205,305	941,894	877,042	813,243
Benefits, losses and expenses									865,431	775,140	767,169
Income before income taxes	50,355	-2,845	13,056	15,897	37,339	14,395	20,318	29,850	76,463	101,902	46,074
Income tax expense									17,326	25,762	5,862
Net income	34,796	325	10,685	13,331	26,526	11,725	15,496	22,393	59,137	76,140	40,212
Total assets	3,856,689				3,720,672				3,856,689	3,720,672	3,694,653
Property and Casualty Insurance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									816,263	746,872	673,282
Income before income taxes									66,025	88,719	36,081
Income tax expense									13,649	21,263	2,569
Net income									52,376	67,456	33,512
Total assets	2,127,623				1,995,069				2,127,623	1,995,069	1,905,315
Life Insurance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									125,631	130,170	139,961
Income before income taxes									10,438	13,183	9,993
Income tax expense									3,677	4,499	3,293
Net income									6,761	8,684	6,700
Total assets	1,729,066				1,725,603				1,729,066	1,725,603	1,789,338
Operating Segments [Member] | Property and Casualty Insurance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net premiums earned									766,939	694,192	629,411
Investment income, net of investment expenses									44,219	46,279	40,305
Net realized investment gains									4,177	6,260	3,896
Other income									910	88	316
Total revenues									816,245	746,819	673,928
Benefits, losses and expenses									750,768	658,645	637,648
Total net income before eliminations									65,477	88,174	36,280
Total assets	2,360,764				2,218,464				2,360,764	2,218,464	2,149,356
Operating Segments [Member] | Life Insurance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net premiums earned									61,921	61,146	66,031
Investment income, net of investment expenses									60,373	66,467	70,026
Net realized investment gains									3,093	2,434	3,777
Other income									774	614	575
Total revenues									126,161	130,661	140,409
Benefits, losses and expenses									115,361	117,159	130,135
Total net income before eliminations									10,800	13,502	10,274
Intersegment Elimination [Member] | Property and Casualty Insurance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									18	53	-646
Intersegment eliminations									548	545	-199
Total assets	-233,141				-223,395				-233,141	-223,395	-244,041
Intersegment Elimination [Member] | Life Insurance [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Total revenues									-530	-491	-448
Intersegment eliminations									($362)	($319)	($281)

QUARTERLY_SUPPLEMENTARY_FINANC2

QUARTERLY SUPPLEMENTARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION (UNAUDITED) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Total revenues	$250,452	$235,865	$232,673	$222,904	$228,994	$223,024	$219,719	$205,305	$941,894		$877,042		$813,243
Income (loss) before income taxes	50,355	-2,845	13,056	15,897	37,339	14,395	20,318	29,850	76,463		101,902		46,074
Net income	$34,796	$325	$10,685	$13,331	$26,526	$11,725	$15,496	$22,393	$59,137		$76,140		$40,212
Basic earnings per share (in usd per share)	$1.39	$0.01	$0.42	$0.53	$1.04	$0.46	$0.61	$0.89	$2.34	[1]	$3.01	[1]	$1.58
Diluted earnings per share (in usd per share)	$1.38	$0.01	$0.42	$0.52	$1.04	$0.45	$0.61	$0.88	$2.32	[1]	$2.98	[1]	$1.58
[1]	The sum of the quarterly reported amounts may not equal the full year, as each is computed independently.

EARNINGS_PER_COMMON_SHARE_Deta

EARNINGS PER COMMON SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share [Line Items]
Net income	$34,796	$325	$10,685	$13,331	$26,526	$11,725	$15,496	$22,393	$59,137		$76,140		$40,212
Weighted-average common shares outstanding									25,230,854		25,325,695		25,447,918
Weighted-average common shares, Diluted									25,493,663		25,531,375		25,504,526
Basic earnings per common share (in usd per share)	$1.39	$0.01	$0.42	$0.53	$1.04	$0.46	$0.61	$0.89	$2.34	[1]	$3.01	[1]	$1.58
Diluted earnings per common share (in usd per share)	$1.38	$0.01	$0.42	$0.52	$1.04	$0.45	$0.61	$0.88	$2.32	[1]	$2.98	[1]	$1.58
Awards excluded from diluted calculation									835,610	[2]	638,478	[2]	901,008	[2]
Restricted Stock Awards [Member]
Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share [Line Items]
Add dilutive effect of share-based awards outstanding									114,313		59,849		54,338
Stock Options [Member]
Basic and Diluted Earnings per Share [Line Items]
Add dilutive effect of share-based awards outstanding									148,496		145,831		2,270
[1]	The sum of the quarterly reported amounts may not equal the full year, as each is computed independently.
[2]	Outstanding awards that are not "in-the-money" are excluded from the diluted earnings per share calculation because the effect of including them would have been anti-dilutive.

LEASE_COMMITMENTS_Details

LEASE COMMITMENTS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Rental expense, operating leases	$7,040	$6,521	$6,017
Future minimum rental payments:
2015	5,711
2016	5,484
2017	4,657
2018	2,298
2019	1,388
Thereafter	1,461
Total	20,999
Galveston Office Space [Member]
Operating Leased Assets [Line Items]
Annual lease payments	$175

CREDIT_FACILITY_Details

CREDIT FACILITY (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended		1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Jun. 04, 2013
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest expense incurred	$0	$0
Credit Facility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit agreement term			4 years
Current borrowing capacity			100,000,000		100,000,000
Maximum borrowing capacity	125,000,000				125,000,000
Outstanding balance	0	0
Interest expense incurred				780,000
Letter of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			20,000,000
Swing Line Subfacility [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Maximum borrowing capacity			$5,000,000

CREDIT_FACILITY_Trust_Preferre

CREDIT FACILITY (Trust Preferred Securities) (Details) (Mercer Insurance Group [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 28, 2011
		issues
Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption by Settlement [Line Items]
Interest expense, trust preferred securities	$509
Trust Preferred Securities [Member]
Financial Instruments Subject to Mandatory Redemption by Settlement [Line Items]
Number of issuances of securities assumed with acquisition		3
Outstanding balance of the securities assumed with acquisition		$15,614

INTANGIBLE_ASSETS_Details

INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule Of Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$15,091		$15,091
Net intangible assets	11,187		11,956
Estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the next five years:
2015	769
2016	769
2017	769
2018	719
2019	709
State Insurance Licenses [Member]
Schedule Of Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	3,020	[1]	3,020	[1]
Agency Relationships [Member]
Schedule Of Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	10,338		10,338
Accumulated amortization	-3,654		-3,017
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	6,684		7,321
Useful life of intangible assets	15 years
Software [Member]
Schedule Of Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	3,260		3,260
Accumulated amortization	-3,260		-3,260
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	0		0
Useful life of intangible assets	2 years
Trade Names [Member]
Schedule Of Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	1,978		1,978
Accumulated amortization	-495		-363
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	1,483		1,615
Useful life of intangible assets	15 years
Favorable Contract [Member]
Schedule Of Finite And Indefinite Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, gross	286		286
Accumulated amortization	-286		-286
Finite-lived intangible assets, net	$0		$0
Useful life of intangible assets	2 years
[1]	The intangible asset for licenses has an indefinite life and therefore is not amortized.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Balance as of beginning of period	$87,150	$95,188	$82,586
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income before reclassifications	5,332	-7,425	12,037
Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income	-1,309	-613	565
Balance as of end of period	91,173	87,150	95,188
Net Unrealized Appreciation on Investments [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Balance as of beginning of period	116,601	144,096	124,376
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income before reclassifications	36,328	-23,068	22,386
Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income	-3,306	-4,427	-2,666
Balance as of end of period	149,623	116,601	144,096
Liability for Underfunded Employee Benefit Costs [Member]
Increase (Decrease) in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Balance as of beginning of period	-29,451	-48,908	-41,790
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income before reclassifications	-30,996	15,643	-10,349
Reclassification adjustments from accumulated other comprehensive income	1,997	3,814	3,231
Balance as of end of period	($58,450)	($29,451)	($48,908)

Schedule_I_Summary_of_Investme1

Schedule I. Summary of Investments - Other than Investments in Related Parties (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	$2,917,983
Fair Value	3,171,328
Amounts at Which Shown in Balance Sheet	3,170,961
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	2,788,326
Fair Value	2,860,345
Amounts at Which Shown in Balance Sheet	2,860,338
United States Government and Government Agencies and Authorities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	375,603
Fair Value	377,644
Amounts at Which Shown in Balance Sheet	377,644
States, Municipalities and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	748,687
Fair Value	778,340
Amounts at Which Shown in Balance Sheet	778,340
Foreign Governments [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	136,487
Fair Value	140,173
Amounts at Which Shown in Balance Sheet	140,173
Public Utilities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	206,366
Fair Value	212,357
Amounts at Which Shown in Balance Sheet	212,357
All Other Bonds [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	1,317,149
Fair Value	1,347,081
Amounts at Which Shown in Balance Sheet	1,347,074
Redeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	4,034
Fair Value	4,750
Amounts at Which Shown in Balance Sheet	4,750
Equity Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	75,359
Fair Value	249,909
Amounts at Which Shown in Balance Sheet	249,909
Public Utilities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	7,231
Fair Value	20,290
Amounts at Which Shown in Balance Sheet	20,290
Banks, Trusts and Insurance Companies [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	16,637
Fair Value	93,663
Amounts at Which Shown in Balance Sheet	93,663
Industrial, Miscellaneous and All Other [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	44,823
Fair Value	129,024
Amounts at Which Shown in Balance Sheet	129,024
Nonredeemable Preferred Stocks [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	6,668
Fair Value	6,932
Amounts at Which Shown in Balance Sheet	6,932
Mortgage Loans on Real Estate [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	4,199
Fair Value	4,559
Amounts at Which Shown in Balance Sheet	4,199
Policy Loans [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	5,916
Fair Value	5,916
Amounts at Which Shown in Balance Sheet	5,916
Other Long-term Investments [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	44,008
Fair Value	50,424
Amounts at Which Shown in Balance Sheet	50,424
Short-term Investments [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost or Amortized Cost	175
Fair Value	175
Amounts at Which Shown in Balance Sheet	$175

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia1

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Statements of Parent Company (Condensed Balance Sheet) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $200 in 2014 and $200 in 2013)	$397	$656
Cash and cash equivalents	90,574	92,193	107,466		144,527
Federal income tax receivable	0	1,786
Accrued investment income	25,989	27,923
Total assets	3,856,689	3,720,672	3,694,653
Liabilities	3,039,274	2,937,839
Common stock, $0.001 par value, authorized 75,000,000 shares; 25,019,415 and 25,360,893 issued and outstanding in 2014 and 2013, respectively	25	25
Additional paid-in capital	202,676	211,574
Retained earnings	523,541	484,084
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	91,173	87,150	95,188		82,586
Total stockholders' equity	817,415	782,833	729,177		696,141
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	3,856,689	3,720,672
United Fire Group, Inc. [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities, held-to-maturity, at amortized cost (fair value $200 in 2014 and $200 in 2013)	200	200
Investment in subsidiary	814,569	778,843
Cash and cash equivalents	2,263	3,253	5,140	[1]	0	[1]
Federal income tax receivable	383	537
Accrued investment income	1	1
Total assets	817,416	782,834
Liabilities	1	1
Common stock, $0.001 par value, authorized 75,000,000 shares; 25,019,415 and 25,360,893 issued and outstanding in 2014 and 2013, respectively	25	25
Additional paid-in capital	202,676	211,574
Retained earnings	523,541	484,084
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	91,173	87,150
Total stockholders' equity	817,415	782,833
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$817,416	$782,834
[1]	The Condensed Statement of Cash Flows includes the full year 2012 results. The results of January 2012 are immaterial to the full year 2012 results.

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia2

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Statements of Parent Company (Condensed Balance Sheet) (Phantom) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity fixed maturities	$404	$669
Common stock, par value per share (in usd per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	25,019,415	25,360,893
Common stock, shares outstanding	25,019,415	25,360,893
United Fire Group, Inc. [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheet Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Held-to-maturity fixed maturities	$200	$200
Common stock, par value per share (in usd per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	25,019,415	25,360,893
Common stock, shares outstanding	25,019,415	25,360,893

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia3

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Statements of Parent Company (Condensed Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Revenues
Investment income									$104,609	$112,799	$111,905
Total revenues	250,452	235,865	232,673	222,904	228,994	223,024	219,719	205,305	941,894	877,042	813,243
Expenses
Income before income taxes	50,355	-2,845	13,056	15,897	37,339	14,395	20,318	29,850	76,463	101,902	46,074
Federal income tax benefit									17,326	25,762	5,862
Net income	34,796	325	10,685	13,331	26,526	11,725	15,496	22,393	59,137	76,140	40,212
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Change in unrealized appreciation on investments held by subsidiary									55,888	-35,489	34,436
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans									-47,685	24,066	-15,922
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax and reclassification adjustments									8,203	-11,423	18,514
Income tax effect									-2,871	3,998	-6,477
Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax, before reclassification adjustments									5,332	-7,425	12,037
Reclassifications for unrealized net gains on available-for-sale securities									-5,085	-6,812	-4,102
Reclassification adjustment for employee benefit costs included in expense									3,072	5,868	4,971
Total reclassification adjustments, before tax									-2,013	-944	869
Income tax effect									704	331	-304
Total reclassification adjustments, after tax									-1,309	-613	565
Comprehensive income									63,160	68,102	52,814
United Fire Group, Inc. [Member]
Revenues
Investment income									22	23	13	[1]
Total revenues									22	23	13	[1]
Expenses
Other operating expenses									297	172	158	[1]
Total expenses									297	172	158	[1]
Income before income taxes									-275	-149	-145	[1]
Federal income tax benefit									-107	-49	-51	[1]
Net loss before equity in net income of subsidiary									-168	-100	-94	[1]
Equity in net income of subsidiary									59,305	76,240	40,306	[1],[2]
Net income									59,137	76,140	40,212	[1],[2]
Other comprehensive income (loss)
Change in unrealized appreciation on investments held by subsidiary									55,888	-35,489	34,436	[1]
Change in liability for underfunded employee benefit plans									-47,685	24,066	-15,922	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax and reclassification adjustments									8,203	-11,423	18,514	[1]
Income tax effect									-2,871	3,998	-6,477	[1]
Other comprehensive income (loss), after tax, before reclassification adjustments									5,332	-7,425	12,037	[1]
Reclassifications for unrealized net gains on available-for-sale securities									-5,085	-6,812	-4,102	[1]
Reclassification adjustment for employee benefit costs included in expense									3,072	5,868	4,971	[1]
Total reclassification adjustments, before tax									-2,013	-944	869	[1]
Income tax effect									704	331	-304	[1]
Total reclassification adjustments, after tax									-1,309	-613	565	[1]
Comprehensive income									$63,160	$68,102	$52,814	[1]
[1]	The Condensed Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income includes the full year 2012 results. The results of January 2012 are immaterial to the full year 2012 results.
[2]	The Condensed Statement of Cash Flows includes the full year 2012 results. The results of January 2012 are immaterial to the full year 2012 results.

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia4

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Statements of Parent Company (Condensed Statement of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	$59,137	$76,140		$40,212
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Other, net	-2,813	-7,156		-2,871
Total adjustments	92,154	85,351		131,864
Net cash provided by operating activities	151,291	161,491		172,076
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of held-to-maturity investments	0	0		-200
Net cash used in investing activities	-58,878	-101,986		-111,340
Cash flows from financing activities
Repurchase of common stock	-12,942	-1,644		-7,301
Issuance of common stock	2,260	3,393		1,106
Tax impact from issuance of common stock	-160	-488		-78
Net cash used in financing activities	-94,032	-74,778		-97,797
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	-1,619	-15,273		-37,061
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	92,193	107,466		144,527
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	90,574	92,193		107,466
United Fire Group, Inc. [Member]
Cash flows from operating activities
Net income	59,137	76,140		40,212	[1],[2]
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities
Equity in net income of subsidiary	-59,305	-76,240		-40,306	[1],[2]
Dividends received from subsidiary	29,000	13,175		26,950	[1]
Other, net	700	1,261		26	[1]
Total adjustments	-29,605	-61,804		-13,330	[1]
Net cash provided by operating activities	29,532	14,336		26,882	[1]
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of held-to-maturity investments	0	0		-200	[1]
Net cash used in investing activities	0	0		-200	[1]
Cash flows from financing activities
Repurchase of common stock	-12,942	-1,644		-7,301	[1]
Issuance of common stock	2,260	3,393		1,106	[1]
Tax impact from issuance of common stock	-160	-488		-78	[1]
Payment of cash dividends	-19,680	-17,484		-15,269	[1]
Net cash used in financing activities	-30,522	-16,223		-21,542	[1]
Net Change in Cash and Cash Equivalents	-990	-1,887		5,140	[1]
Cash and Cash Equivalents at Beginning of Year	3,253	5,140	[1]	0	[1]
Cash and Cash Equivalents at End of Year	$2,263	$3,253		$5,140	[1]
[1]	The Condensed Statement of Cash Flows includes the full year 2012 results. The results of January 2012 are immaterial to the full year 2012 results.
[2]	The Condensed Statement of Income and Comprehensive Income includes the full year 2012 results. The results of January 2012 are immaterial to the full year 2012 results.

Schedule_III_Supplementary_Ins1

Schedule III. Supplementary Insurance Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	$139,719		$150,092		$105,300
Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expenses	2,417,201		2,432,783		2,470,087
Unearned Premiums	378,725		340,464		311,650
Earned Premium Revenue	828,330		754,846		694,994
Investment Income, Net	104,609		112,799		111,905
Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses	572,866		496,439		502,801
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	167,449		153,677		141,834	[1]
Other Underwriting Expenses	94,871		89,861		81,125
Interest on Policyholders' Accounts	30,245		35,163		41,409
Premiums Written	804,715	[2]	722,821		655,331
Amortization of the value of business acquired asset	0		0		1,673
Mercer Insurance Group [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Amortization of the value of business acquired asset					1,673
Property and Casualty Insurance [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	72,861		67,663		64,947
Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expenses	969,437		960,651		971,911
Unearned Premiums	378,635		340,387		311,561
Earned Premium Revenue	766,939		694,192		629,411
Investment Income, Net	44,236		46,332		41,879
Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses	509,811		437,354		439,137
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	161,310		147,175		134,444	[1]
Other Underwriting Expenses	79,117		73,626		63,620
Interest on Policyholders' Accounts	0		0		0
Premiums Written	804,715		722,821		655,331
Amortization of the value of business acquired asset	0		0		1,673
Life Insurance [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	66,858		82,429		40,353
Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expenses	1,447,764	[3]	1,472,132	[3]	1,498,176	[3]
Unearned Premiums	90		77		89
Earned Premium Revenue	61,391		60,654		65,583
Investment Income, Net	60,373		66,467		70,026
Benefits, Claims, Losses and Settlement Expenses	63,055		59,085		63,664
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	6,139		6,502		7,390	[1]
Other Underwriting Expenses	15,754		16,235		17,505
Interest on Policyholders' Accounts	30,245		35,163		41,409
Premiums Written	$0	[2]	$0	[2]	$0	[2]
[1]	2012 includes amortization of the value of business acquired asset that was recorded as a result of our acquisition of Mercer Insurance Group, Inc. totaling $1,673.
[2]	Pursuant to RegulationB S-X, premiums written does not apply to life insurance companies.
[3]	Annuity deposits are included in future policy benefits, losses, claims and loss expenses.

Schedule_IV_Reinsurance_Detail

Schedule IV. Reinsurance (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Gross Amount	$5,366,061	$5,300,305	$5,206,065
Ceded to Other Companies	1,130,059	1,112,688	1,083,410
Assumed From Other Companies	0	4	22
Net Amount	4,236,002	4,187,621	4,122,677
Property and Casualty Insurance [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Gross Amount	800,492	726,221	659,989
Ceded to Other Companies	49,818	50,514	47,467
Assumed From Other Companies	16,265	18,485	16,889
Net Amount	766,939	694,192	629,411
Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net Earned	2.12%	2.66%	2.68%
Life Insurance [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Gross Amount	64,350	63,446	68,204
Ceded to Other Companies	2,959	2,792	2,621
Assumed From Other Companies	0	0	0
Net Amount	61,391	60,654	65,583
Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net Earned	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Total [Member]
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Gross Amount	864,842	789,667	728,193
Ceded to Other Companies	52,777	53,306	50,088
Assumed From Other Companies	16,265	18,485	16,889
Net Amount	$828,330	$754,846	$694,994
Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net Earned	1.96%	2.45%	2.43%

Schedule_V_Valuation_and_Quali1

Schedule V. Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Allowance for bad debts
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	$896		$866		$825
Charged to costs and expenses	0		30		41
Deductions	278		0		0
Balance at end of period	618		896		866
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance
Movement in Valuation Allowances and Reserves [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of period	2,361	[1]	2,909	[1]	3,456	[1]
Charged to costs and expenses	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Deductions	548	[1]	548	[1]	547	[1]
Balance at end of period	$1,813	[1]	$2,361	[1]	$2,909	[1]
[1]	Recorded in connection with the purchase of American Indemnity Financial Corporation in 1999.

Schedule_VI_Supplemental_Infor1

Schedule VI. Supplemental Information Concerning Property and Casualty Insurance Operations (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Line Items]
Net Realized Investment Gains	$7,270		$8,695		$5,453
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to: Current Year	566,555		494,841		512,564
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to: Prior Years	-56,744		-57,487		-73,427
Amortization of the value of business acquired asset	0		0		1,673
Mercer Insurance Group [Member]
Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Line Items]
Amortization of the value of business acquired asset					1,673
Consolidated property and casualty insurance entity
Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	72,861		67,663		64,947
Reserves for Unpaid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses	969,437		960,651		971,911
Unearned Premiums	378,635		340,387		311,561
Earned Premiums	766,939		694,192		629,411
Net Realized Investment Gains	4,177		6,260		1,676
Net Investment Income	44,236		46,332		41,879
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to: Current Year	566,555		494,841		512,564
Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to: Prior Years	-56,744		-57,487		-73,427
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	161,310	[1]	147,175	[1]	134,444	[1]
Paid Claims and Claim Adjustment Expenses	489,631		419,894		395,788
Premiums Written	$804,715		$722,821		$655,331
[1]	2012 includes amortization of the value of business acquired asset that was recorded as a result of our acquisition of Mercer Insurance Group, Inc. totaling $1,673.