Safety Insurance (SAFT) 10-Q 8 Aug 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Aug. 05, 2014
Document and Entity Information	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'SAFETY INSURANCE GROUP INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001172052	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	15,006,136
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments: Securities available for sale:	'	'
Fixed maturities, at fair value (amortized cost: $1,075,650 and $1,087,232)	$1,111,248	$1,104,957
Equity securities, at fair value (cost: $84,974 and $83,134)	97,540	91,871
Other invested assets	7,552	5,748
Total investments	1,216,340	1,202,576
Cash and cash equivalents	37,740	55,877
Accounts receivable, net of allowance for doubtful accounts	191,149	169,304
Receivable for securities sold	660	1,320
Accrued investment income	9,813	10,329
Taxes recoverable	566	709
Receivable from reinsurers related to paid loss and loss adjustment expenses	11,943	4,588
Receivable from reinsurers related to unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses	58,823	60,346
Ceded unearned premiums	18,649	17,900
Deferred policy acquisition costs	69,110	63,388
Deferred income taxes	'	3,984
Equity and deposits in pools	22,655	18,733
Other assets	15,475	16,403
Total assets	1,652,923	1,625,457
Liabilities	'	'
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	457,789	455,014
Unearned premium reserves	403,638	370,583
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	52,685	66,508
Payable for securities purchased	6,554	13,327
Payable to reinsurers	12,958	7,094
Deferred income taxes	3,752	'
Other liabilities	11,846	17,744
Total liabilities	949,222	930,270
Commitments and contingencies (Note 7)	'	'
Shareholders' equity	'	'
Common stock: $0.01 par value; 30,000,000 shares authorized; 17,288,504 and 17,207,929 shares issued	173	172
Additional paid-in capital	173,177	170,391
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net of taxes	31,306	17,200
Retained earnings	582,880	567,792
Treasury Stock, at cost: 2,279,570 and 1,819,547 shares	-83,835	-60,368
Total shareholders' equity	703,701	695,187
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$1,652,923	$1,625,457

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Consolidated Balance Sheets	'	'
Fixed maturities, at amortized cost	$1,075,650	$1,087,232
Equity securities, at cost	$84,974	$83,134
Common stock par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock shares issued	17,288,504	17,207,929
Treasury stock shares	2,279,570	1,819,547

Consolidated_Statements_of_Ope

Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Revenues	'	'	'	'
Net earned premiums	$178,150	$169,550	$354,120	$335,989
Net investment income	9,909	9,727	20,482	20,114
Net realized gains on investments	379	140	399	542
Finance and other service income	4,508	4,584	9,032	9,152
Total revenue	192,946	184,001	384,033	365,797
Expenses	'	'	'	'
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	108,550	106,976	229,438	219,121
Underwriting, operating and related expenses	54,418	51,467	107,825	101,565
Interest expense	23	21	45	43
Total expenses	162,991	158,464	337,308	320,729
Income before income taxes	29,955	25,537	46,725	45,068
Income tax expense	8,532	7,478	13,177	13,025
Net income	$21,423	$18,059	$33,548	$32,043
Earnings per weighted average common share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.40	$1.17	$2.19	$2.09
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.40	$1.17	$2.18	$2.08
Cash dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.60	$0.60	$1.20	$1.20
Number of shares used in computing earnings per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	15,271,200	15,380,053	15,307,808	15,359,983
Diluted (in shares)	15,352,692	15,421,300	15,379,199	15,389,236

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Net income	$21,423	$18,059	$33,548	$32,043
Unrealized holding gains (losses) during the period, net of tax expense (benefit) of $3,881, ($10,082), $7,735, and ($12,470)	7,207	-18,724	14,365	-23,159
Reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income, net of tax expense of ($132), ($49), ($140), and ($190)	-246	-91	-259	-352
Unrealized (losses) gains on securities available for sale	6,961	-18,815	14,106	-23,511
Comprehensive income (loss)	$28,384	($756)	$47,654	$8,532

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income	'	'	'	'
Tax expense (benefit) on unrealized holding gains (losses) during the period	$3,881	($10,082)	$7,735	($12,470)
Tax expense on reclassification adjustment for gains included in net income	($132)	($49)	($140)	($190)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cha

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Total
In Thousands
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$170	$163,041	$43,356	$543,361	($55,569)	$694,359
Net income	'	'	'	32,043	'	32,043
Other comprehensive income, net of deferred federal income taxes	'	'	-23,511	'	'	-23,511
Restricted share awards issued	1	187	'	'	'	188
Recognition of employee share-based compensation, net of deferred federal income taxes	'	2,364	'	'	'	2,364
Exercise of options, net of federal income taxes	1	2,165	'	'	'	2,166
Dividends paid and accrued	'	'	'	-18,452	'	-18,452
Acquisition of treasury stock	'	'	'	'	-4,799	-4,799
Balance at Jun. 30, 2013	172	167,757	19,845	556,952	-60,368	684,358
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	172	170,391	17,200	567,792	-60,368	695,187
Net income	'	'	'	33,548	'	33,548
Other comprehensive income, net of deferred federal income taxes	'	'	14,106	'	'	14,106
Restricted share awards issued	1	217	'	'	'	218
Recognition of employee share-based compensation, net of deferred federal income taxes	'	2,418	'	'	'	2,418
Exercise of options, net of federal income taxes	'	151	'	'	'	151
Dividends paid and accrued	'	'	'	-18,460	'	-18,460
Acquisition of treasury stock	'	'	'	'	-23,467	-23,467
Balance at Jun. 30, 2014	$173	$173,177	$31,306	$582,880	($83,835)	$703,701

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Cash flows from operating activities:	'	'
Net income	$33,548	$32,043
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization, net	6,602	7,273
Provision for deferred income taxes	140	225
Net realized gains on investments	-399	-542
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'
Accounts receivable	-21,845	-23,506
Accrued investment income	516	221
Receivable from reinsurers	-5,832	-10,847
Ceded unearned premiums	-749	-1,544
Deferred policy acquisition costs	-5,722	-5,086
Other assets	-3,529	3,347
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	2,775	8,754
Unearned premium reserves	33,055	34,092
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	-13,823	-16,943
Payable to reinsurers	5,864	4,964
Other liabilities	-5,978	2,647
Net cash provided by operating activities	24,623	35,098
Cash flows from investing activities:	'	'
Fixed maturities purchased	-113,200	-96,797
Equity securities purchased	-7,372	-24,922
Other invested assets purchase	-1,770	'
Proceeds from sales and paydowns of fixed maturities	92,726	85,978
Proceeds from maturities, redemptions, and calls of fixed maturities	23,248	20,705
Proceed from sales of equity securities	6,310	3,445
Fixed assets purchased	-1,006	-2,038
Net cash used for investing activities	-1,064	-13,629
Cash flows from financing activities:	'	'
Proceeds from stock options exercised	147	2,224
Excess tax benefit (expense) from stock options exercised	4	-59
Dividends paid to shareholders	-18,380	-18,430
Acquisition of treasury stock	-23,467	-4,799
Net cash used for financing activities	-41,696	-21,064
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-18,137	405
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	55,877	35,383
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$37,740	$35,788

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Basis of Presentation	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	1.  Basis of Presentation
	The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“GAAP”).  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 at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods.  Actual results could differ from these estimates.
	The consolidated financial statements include Safety Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (the “Company”).  The subsidiaries consist of Safety Insurance Company, Safety Indemnity Insurance Company, Safety Property and Casualty Insurance Company, Whiteshirts Asset Management Corporation (“WAMC”), and Whiteshirts Management Corporation, which is WAMC’s holding company.  All intercompany transactions have been eliminated.
	The financial information as of June 30, 2014 and for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 is unaudited; however, in the opinion of the Company, the information includes all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the financial condition, results of operations, and cash flows for the periods.  These unaudited interim consolidated financial statements may not be indicative of financial results for the full year and should be read in conjunction with the audited financial statements included in the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”) on March 17, 2014.
	The Company is a leading provider of property and casualty insurance focused primarily on the Massachusetts market.  The Company’s principal product line is automobile insurance.  The Company operates through its insurance company subsidiaries, Safety Insurance Company, Safety Indemnity Insurance Company, and Safety Property and Casualty Insurance Company (together referred to as the “Insurance Subsidiaries”).
	The Insurance Subsidiaries began writing private passenger automobile and homeowners insurance in New Hampshire during 2008, personal umbrella insurance in New Hampshire during 2009, and commercial automobile insurance in New Hampshire during 2011.

Recent_Accounting_Pronouncemen

Recent Accounting Pronouncements	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	2.  Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	On May 28, 2014, the FASB issued as final, ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) which supersedes virtually all existing revenue recognition guidance under GAAP. The update’s core principle is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. The update is effective for interim and annual reporting periods in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2016 and prohibits early adoption. The update allows for the use of either the retrospective or modified retrospective approach of adoption. The impact of adoption to the Company’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations is currently being evaluated.
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update (“ASU”) 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income. ASU 2013-02 requires entities to present in either a single note or parenthetically on the face of the financial statements, the effect of significant amounts reclassified from each component of accumulated other comprehensive income based on its source and the income statement line items affected by the reclassification. Items not required to be reclassified to net income in their entirety are cross referenced to a related footnote for additional information. ASU 2013-02 was effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The impact of adoption was not material to the Company’s consolidated financial condition and results of operations.

Earnings_per_Weighted_Average_

Earnings per Weighted Average Common Share	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings per Weighted Average Common Share	'
Earnings per Weighted Average Common Share	'
	3.  Earnings per Weighted Average Common Share
	Basic earnings per weighted average common share (“EPS”) is calculated by dividing net income by the weighted average number of basic common shares outstanding during the period including unvested restricted shares which are considered participating securities.  Diluted earnings per share amounts are based on the weighted average number of common shares including non-vested performance stock grants and the net effect of potentially dilutive common stock options.
	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted EPS for the periods indicated.
		Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net income available to common shareholders for basic and diluted earnings per share	$	21,423	$	18,059	$	33,548	$	32,043
	Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding used to calculate basic earnings per share	15,271,200		15,380,053		15,307,808		15,359,983
	Common equivalent shares- stock options	2,121		5,818		2,526		7,330
	Common equivalent shares- non-vested performance stock grants	79,371		35,429		68,865		21,923
	Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding used to calculate diluted earnings per share	15,352,692		15,421,300		15,379,199		15,389,236
	Basic earnings per share	$	1.40	$	1.17	$	2.19	$	2.09
	Diluted earnings per share	$	1.40	$	1.17	$	2.18	$	2.08
	Diluted EPS excludes stock options with exercise prices and exercise tax benefits greater than the average market price of the Company’s common stock during the period because their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.  There were no anti-dilutive stock options for both the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-Based Compensation	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	4.  Share-Based Compensation
	Management Omnibus Incentive Plan
	Long-term incentive compensation is provided under the Company’s 2002 Management Omnibus Incentive Plan (“the Incentive Plan”) which provides for a variety of share-based compensation awards, including nonqualified stock options, incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights and restricted stock (“RS”) awards.
	The maximum number of shares of common stock with respect to which awards may be granted is 2,500,000.  The Incentive Plan was amended in March of 2013 to remove “share recycling” plan provisions.  Hence, shares of stock covered by an award under the Incentive Plan that are forfeited are no longer available for issuance in connection with 2013 and future grants of awards.  At June 30, 2014, there were 455,072 shares available for future grant.  The Board of Directors and the Compensation Committee intend to issue more awards under the Incentive Plan in the future.
	Accounting and Reporting for Stock-Based Awards
	Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 718, Compensation —Stock Compensation requires the Company to measure and recognize the cost of employee services received in exchange for an award of equity instruments.  Under the provisions of ASC 718, share-based compensation cost is measured at the grant date, based on the fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the requisite service period (generally the vesting period of the equity grant).
	The following table summarizes stock option activity under the Incentive Plan for the six months ended June 30, 2014.
						Weighted
		Shares		Weighted		Average	Aggregate
		Under		Average		Remaining	Intrinsic
		Option		Exercise Price		Contractual Term	Value
	Outstanding at beginning of year	20,200		$	41.64
	Exercised	(4,000	)	$	36.76
	Outstanding at end of period	16,200		$	42.85	1.7  years	$	138
	Exercisable at end of period	16,200		$	42.85	1.7  years	$	138
	The aggregate intrinsic value in the preceding table represents the total pre-tax intrinsic value, which is the difference between the fair value based upon the Company’s closing stock price on June 30, 2014 and the exercise price which would have been received by the option holders had all option holders exercised their options as of that date.  The exercise price on stock options outstanding under the Incentive Plan at June 30, 2014 was $42.85. The range of exercise prices on stock options outstanding under the Incentive Plan at June 30, 2013 was $18.50 to $42.85.  The total intrinsic value of options exercised during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was $58 and $565, respectively.
	As of March 31, 2011, all compensation expense related to non-vested option awards had been recognized.  Cash received from options exercised was $147 and $2,224 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Restricted Stock
	Service-based restricted stock awarded in the form of unvested shares is recorded at the market value of the Company’s common stock on the grant date and amortized ratably as compensation expense over the requisite service period. Service-based restricted stock awards generally vest over a three-year period and vest 30% on the first and second anniversaries of the grant date and 40% on the third anniversary of the grant date, except for non-executive employees’ restricted stock awards which vest ratably over a five-year service period and independent directors’ stock awards which vest immediately.  Independent directors’ stock awards cannot be sold, assigned, pledged, or otherwise transferred, encumbered or disposed of until the recipient is no longer a member of the Board of Directors.
	In addition to service-based awards, the Company grants performance-based restricted shares to certain employees.  These performance shares cliff vest after a three-year performance period provided certain performance measures are attained.   A portion of these awards, which contain a market condition, vest according to the level of total shareholder return achieved by the Company compared to its property-casualty insurance peers over a three-year period. The remainder, which contain a performance condition, vest according to the level of Company’s combined ratio results compared to a target based on the historic performance of its property-casualty insurance peers.
	Actual payouts can range from 0% to 200% of target shares awarded depending upon the level of achievement of the respective market and performance conditions during a three fiscal-year performance period. Compensation expense for share awards with a performance condition is based on the probable number of awards expected to vest using the performance level most likely to be achieved at the end of the performance period.
	Performance-based awards with market conditions are accounted for and measured differently from an award that has a performance or service condition.  The effect of a market condition is reflected in the award’s fair value on the grant date.  That fair value is recognized as compensation cost over the requisite service period regardless of whether the market-based performance objective has been satisfied.
	All of the Company’s restricted stock awards are issued as incentive compensation and are equity classified.
	The following table summarizes restricted stock activity under the Incentive Plan during the six months ended June 30, 2014, assuming a target payout for the 2014 performance-based shares.
		Shares		Weighted		Performance-based	Weighted
		Under		Average		Shares Under	Average
		Restriction		Fair Value		Restriction	Fair Value
	Outstanding at beginning of year	211,234		$	43.51	37,456	$	44.13
	Granted	49,014		$	54.05	27,928	$	58.09
	Vested and unrestricted	(81,149	)	$	43.8	—	$	—
	Forfeited	(367	)	$	47.9	—	$	—
	Outstanding at end of period	178,732		$	46.28	65,384	$	50.1
	As of June 30, 2014, there was $8,647 of unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock awards that is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.9 years.  The total fair value of the shares that were vested and unrestricted during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 was $3,554 and $4,230, respectively.  For the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, the Company recorded compensation expense related to restricted stock of $1,514 and $1,489, net of income tax benefits of $815 and $801, respectively.

Investments

Investments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Investments	'
Investments	'
	5.  Investments
	The gross unrealized gains and losses on investments in fixed maturity securities, including redeemable preferred stocks that have characteristics of fixed maturities, and equity securities, including interests in mutual funds, and other invested assets were as follows for the periods indicated.
			As of June 30, 2014
									Gross Unrealized Losses (3)
			Cost or			Gross			Non-OTTI			OTTI			Estimated
			Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
			Cost			Gains			Losses			Losses (4)			Value
	U.S. Treasury securities		$	1,509		$	—		$	(1	)	$	—		$	1,508
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions		445,560			19,431			(571		)	—			464,420
	Residential mortgage-backed securities (1)		188,357			7,698			(1,693		)	—			194,362
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		27,837			252			(31		)	—			28,058
	Other asset-backed securities		12,375			83			—			—			12,458
	Corporate and other securities		400,012			11,138			(708		)	—			410,442
	Subtotal, fixed maturity securities		1,075,650			38,602			(3,004		)	—			1,111,248
	Equity securities (2)		84,974			12,664			(98		)	—			97,540
	Other invested assets (5)		7,552			—			—			—			7,552
	Totals		$	1,168,176		$	51,266		$	(3,102	)	$	—		$	1,216,340
			As of December 31, 2013
									Gross Unrealized Losses (3)
			Cost or			Gross			Non-OTTI			OTTI			Estimated
			Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
			Cost			Gains			Losses			Losses (4)			Value
	U.S. Treasury securities		$	1,510		$	—		$	(7	)	$	—		$	1,503
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions		461,256			10,248			(4,179		)	—			467,325
	Residential mortgage-backed securities (1)		205,053			6,879			(3,230		)	—			208,702
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		31,885			342			(8		)	—			32,219
	Other asset-backed securities		13,357			124			(36		)	—			13,445
	Corporate and other securities		374,171			9,882			(2,290		)	—			381,763
	Subtotal, fixed maturity securities		1,087,232			27,475			(9,750		)	—			1,104,957
	Equity securities (2)		83,134			8,821			(84		)	—			91,871
	Other invested assets (5)		5,748			—			—			—			5,748
	Totals		$	1,176,114		$	36,296		$	(9,834	)	$	—		$	1,202,576
		-1		Residential mortgage-backed securities consists primarily of obligations of U.S. Government agencies including collateralized mortgage obligations issued, guaranteed and/or insured by the following issuers: Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) and the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB).
		-2		Equity securities included interests in mutual funds held to fund the Company’s executive deferred compensation plan.
		-3		Our investment portfolio included 150 and 220 securities in an unrealized loss position at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
		-4		Amounts in this column represent other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
		-5		Other invested assets are accounted for under the equity method which approximated fair value.
	The amortized cost and the estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by maturity, are shown below for the period indicated.  Expected maturities will differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
			As of June 30, 2014
			Amortized			Estimated
			Cost			Fair Value
	Due in one year or less		$	42,154		$	42,955
	Due after one year through five years		322,593			331,183
	Due after five years through ten years		220,573			227,762
	Due after ten years		261,760			274,469
	Asset-backed securities		228,570			234,879
	Totals		$	1,075,650		$	1,111,248
	The gross realized gains and losses on sales of investments were as follows for the periods indicated.
			Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
			2014			2013			2014			2013
	Gross realized gains
	Fixed maturity securities		$	310		$	95		$	484		$	474
	Equity securities		406			61			817			87
	Gross realized losses
	Fixed maturity securities		(333		)	(14		)	(863		)	(16		)
	Equity securities		(4		)	(2		)	(39		)	(3		)
	Net realized gains on investments		$	379		$	140		$	399		$	542
	In the normal course of business, the Company enters into transactions involving various types of financial instruments, including investments in fixed maturities and equity securities.  Investment transactions have credit exposure to the extent that a counter party may default on an obligation to the Company.  Credit risk is a consequence of carrying, trading and investing in securities.  To manage credit risk, the Company focuses on higher quality fixed income securities, reviews the credit strength of all companies in which it invests, limits its exposure in any one investment and monitors the portfolio quality, taking into account credit ratings assigned by recognized statistical rating organizations.
	The following tables as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 present the gross unrealized losses included in the Company’s investment portfolio and the fair value of those securities aggregated by investment category.  The tables also present the length of time that they have been in a continuous unrealized loss position.
			As of June 30, 2014
			Less than 12 Months						12 Months or More						Total
			Estimated			Unrealized			Estimated			Unrealized			Estimated		Unrealized
			Fair Value			Losses			Fair Value			Losses			Fair Value		Losses
U.S. Treasury securities		$	—		$	—		$	1,509		$	1		$	1,509	$	1
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		28,139			219			18,661			352			46,800		571
Residential mortgage-backed securities		27,088			597			35,706			1,096			62,794		1,693
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		2,470			1			96			30			2,566		31
Corporate and other securities		43,484			306			28,222			402			71,706		708
Subtotal, fixed maturity securities		101,181			1,123			84,194			1,881			185,375		3,004
Equity securities		1,298			53			1,464			45			2,762		98
Total temporarily impaired securities		$	102,479		$	1,176		$	85,658		$	1,926		$	188,137	$	3,102
		As of December 31, 2013
		Less than 12 Months						12 Months or More						Total
		Estimated			Unrealized			Estimated			Unrealized			Estimated		Unrealized
		Fair Value			Losses			Fair Value			Losses			Fair Value		Losses
U.S. Treasury securities		$	1,503		$	7		$	—		$	—		$	1,503	$	7
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		131,114			3,898			3,362			281			134,476		4,179
Residential mortgage-backed securities		50,048			1,570			37,166			1,660			87,214		3,230
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		6,008			8			—			—			6,008		8
Other asset-backed securities		3,240			31			4,608			5			7,848		36
Corporate and other securities		86,312			2,223			2,235			67			88,547		2,290
Subtotal, fixed maturity securities		278,225			7,737			47,371			2,013			325,596		9,750
Equity securities		3,933			73			299			11			4,232		84
Total temporarily impaired securities		$	282,158		$	7,810		$	47,670		$	2,024		$	329,828	$	9,834
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments
ASC 320, Investments — Debt and Equity Securities requires entities to separate an OTTI of a debt security into two components when there are credit related losses associated with the impaired debt security for which the Company asserts that it does not have the intent to sell the security, and it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell the security before recovery of its cost basis.  Under ASC 320, the amount of the OTTI related to a credit loss is recognized in earnings, and the amount of the OTTI related to other factors is recorded as a component of other comprehensive income (loss).  In instances where no credit loss exists but it is more likely than not that the Company will have to sell the debt security prior to the anticipated recovery, the decline in market value below amortized cost is recognized as an OTTI in earnings.  In periods after the recognition of an OTTI on debt securities, the Company accounts for such securities as if they had been purchased on the measurement date of the OTTI at an amortized cost basis equal to the previous amortized cost basis less the OTTI recognized in earnings.  For debt securities for which OTTI was recognized in earnings, the difference between the new amortized cost basis and the cash flows expected to be collected will be accreted or amortized into net investment income.
The Company holds no subprime mortgage debt securities.  All of the Company’s holdings in mortgage-backed securities are either U.S. Government or Agency guaranteed or are rated investment grade by either Moody’s or Standard & Poor’s.
The unrealized losses in the Company’s fixed income and equity portfolio as of June 30, 2014 were reviewed for potential other-than-temporary asset impairments.  The Company held no securities at June 30, 2014 with a material (20% or greater) unrealized loss for four or more consecutive quarters.  Specific qualitative analysis was also performed for any additional securities appearing on the Company’s “Watch List,” if any.  Qualitative analysis considered such factors as the financial condition and the near term prospects of the issuer, whether the debtor is current on its contractually obligated interest and principal payments, changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency and the historical volatility of the fair value of the security.
The qualitative analysis performed by the Company concluded that the unrealized losses recorded on the investment portfolio at June 30, 2014 resulted from fluctuations in market interest rates and other temporary market conditions as opposed to fundamental changes in the credit quality of the issuers of such securities.  Therefore, decreases in fair values of the Company’s securities are viewed as being temporary.
During the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, there was no significant deterioration in the credit quality of any of the Company’s holdings and no OTTI charges were recorded related to the Company’s portfolio of investment securities.  At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, there were no amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income related to securities which were considered by the Company to be other-than-temporarily impaired.
Based upon the qualitative analysis performed, the Company’s decision to hold these securities, the Company’s current level of liquidity and its positive operating cash flows, management believes it is more likely than not that it will not be required to sell any of its securities before the anticipated recovery in the fair value to its amortized cost basis.
Net Investment Income
The components of net investment income were as follows:
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
Interest on fixed maturity securities		$	9,616		$	10,033		$	20,020		$	20,733
Dividends on equity securities		743			272			1,400			443
Equity in earnings of other invested assets		182			—			303			—
Interest on other assets		20			23			40			97
Interest on cash and cash equivalents		—			2			1			10
Total investment income		10,561			10,330			21,764			21,283
Investment expenses		652			603			1,282			1,169
Net investment income		$	9,909		$	9,727		$	20,482		$	20,114
Fair Value Measurements
ASC 820, Fair Value Measurements and Disclosure provides a revised definition of fair value, establishes a framework for measuring fair value and expands financial statement disclosure requirements for fair value information.  Under ASC 820, fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants (an exit price).  ASC 820  establishes a fair value hierarchy that distinguishes between inputs based on market data from independent sources (“observable inputs”) and a reporting entity’s internal assumptions based upon the best information available when external market data is limited or unavailable (“unobservable inputs”).  The fair value hierarchy in ASC 820 prioritizes fair value measurements into three levels based on the nature of the inputs as follows:
Level 1 — Valuations based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;
Level 2 — Valuations based on observable inputs that do not meet the criteria for Level 1, including quoted prices in inactive markets and quoted prices in active markets for similar, but not identical instruments; and
Level 3 — Valuations based on unobservable inputs.
Fair values for the Company’s fixed maturity securities are based on prices provided by its custodian bank and its investment managers.  Both the Company’s custodian bank and investment managers use a variety of independent, nationally recognized pricing services to determine market valuations. If the pricing service cannot provide fair value determinations, the Company obtains non-binding price quotes from broker-dealers.  A minimum of two quoted prices is obtained for the majority of the Company’s available-for-sale fixed maturity securities in its investment portfolio.  The Company’s custodian bank is its primary provider of quoted prices from third-party pricing services and broker-dealers.  To provide reasonable assurance of the validity of each price or quote, a secondary third-party pricing service or broker-dealer quote is obtained from the Company’s investment managers.  An examination of the pricing data is then performed for each security.  If the variance between the primary and secondary price quotes for a security is within an accepted tolerance level, the quoted price obtained from the Company’s custodian bank is used in the financial statements for the security.  If the variance between the primary and secondary price quotes exceeds an accepted tolerance level, the Company obtains a quote from an alternative source, if possible, and documents and resolves any differences between the pricing sources.  In addition, the Company may request that its investment managers and its traders provide input as to which vendor is providing prices that its traders believe are reflective of fair value for the security.  Following this process, the Company may decide to value the security in its financial statements using the secondary or alternative source if it believes that pricing is more reflective of the security’s value than the primary pricing provided by its custodian bank.  The Company analyzes market valuations received to verify reasonableness, to understand the key assumptions used and their sources, and to determine an appropriate ASC 820 fair value hierarchy level based upon trading activity and the observability of market inputs.  Based on this evaluation and investment class analysis, each price is classified into Level 1, 2 or 3.
Fair values of instruments are based on (i) quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1), (ii) quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets, quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active and model-derived valuations in which all significant inputs are observable in active markets (Level 2) or (iii) valuations derived from valuation techniques in which one or more significant inputs are unobservable in the marketplace (Level 3).
The Company’s Level 1 securities consist of equity securities whose values are based on quoted prices in active markets for identical assets.  The Company’s Level 2 securities are comprised of available-for-sale fixed maturity securities whose fair value was determined using observable market inputs.  The Company’s Level 3 security is a real estate investment trust equity investment whose fair value was determined using the trust’s net asset value obtained from its audited financial statements; however, the Company is required to submit a request 45 days before a quarter end to dispose of the security.  Fair values for securities for which quoted market prices were unavailable were estimated based upon reference to observable inputs such as benchmark interest rates, market comparables, and other relevant inputs.  Investments valued using these inputs include U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. Government agencies, obligations of international government agencies, obligations of states and political subdivisions, corporate securities, commercial and residential mortgage-backed securities, and other asset-backed securities.  Inputs into the fair value application that are utilized by asset class include but are not limited to:
	·		States and political subdivisions:  overall credit quality, including assessments of market sectors and the level and variability of sources of payment such as general obligation, revenue or lease; credit support such as insurance, state or local economic and political base, prefunded and escrowed to maturity covenants.
	·		Corporate fixed maturities: overall credit quality, the establishment of a risk adjusted credit spread over the applicable risk-free yield curve for discounted cash flow valuations; assessments of the level of industry economic sensitivity, company financial policies, indenture restrictive covenants, and/or security and collateral.
	·		Residential mortgage-backed securities, U.S. agency pass-throughs, collateralized mortgage obligations (“CMOs”), non U.S. agency CMOs:  estimates of prepayment speeds based upon historical prepayment rate trends, underlying collateral interest rates, original weighted average maturity, vintage year, borrower credit quality characteristics, interest rate and yield curve forecasts, U.S. government support programs, tax policies, and delinquency/default trends.
	·		Commercial mortgage-backed securities: overall credit quality, including assessments of the level and variability of credit support and collateral type such as office, retail, or lodging, predictability of cash flows for the deal structure, prevailing economic market conditions.
	·		Other asset-backed securities:  overall credit quality, estimates of prepayment speeds based upon historical trends and characteristics of underlying loans, including assessments of the level and variability of collateral, revenue generating agreements, area licenses agreements, product sourcing agreements and equipment and property leases.
	·		Real estate investment trust (“REIT”): net asset value per share derived from member ownership in capital venture to which a proportionate share of independently appraised net assets is attributed.
All unadjusted estimates of fair value for our fixed maturities priced by the pricing services as described above are included in the amounts disclosed in Level 2.
In order to ensure the fair value determination is representative of an exit price (consistent with ASC 820), the Company’s procedures for validating quotes or prices obtained from third parties include, but are not limited to, obtaining a minimum of two price quotes for each fixed maturity security if possible, as discussed above, the periodic testing of sales activity to determine if there are any significant differences between the market price used to value the security as of the balance sheet date and the sales price of the security for sales that occurred around the balance sheet date, and the periodic review of reports provided by its investment manager regarding those securities with ratings changes and securities placed on its “Watch List.” In addition, valuation techniques utilized by pricing services and prices obtained from external sources are reviewed by the Company’s external investment manager, whose investment professionals are familiar with the securities being priced and the markets in which they trade, to ensure the fair value determination is representative of an exit price (consistent with ASC 820).
With the exception of the REIT which is categorized as a Level 3 security, the Company’s entire available-for-sale portfolio was priced based upon quoted market prices or other observable inputs as of June 30, 2014.  There were no significant changes to the valuation process during the six months ending June 30, 2014.  As of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, no quotes or prices obtained were adjusted by management.  All broker quotes obtained were non-binding.
At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, investments in fixed maturities and equity securities classified as available-for-sale had a fair value which equaled carrying value of $1,208,788  and $1,196,828 , respectively. At June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, we held no short-term investments. The carrying values of cash and cash equivalents and investment income accrued approximated fair value.
The following tables summarize the Company’s total fair value measurements for available-for-sale investments for the periods indicated.
		As of June 30, 2014
		Total			Level 1 Inputs			Level 2 Inputs			Level 3 Inputs
U.S. Treasury securities		$	1,508		$	—		$	1,508		$	—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		464,420			—			464,420			—
Residential mortgage-backed securities		194,362			—			194,362			—
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		28,058			—			28,058			—
Other asset-backed securities		12,458			—			12,458			—
Corporate and other securities		410,442			—			410,442			—
Equity securities		97,540			81,154			—			16,386
Total investment securities		$	1,208,788		$	81,154		$	1,111,248		$	16,386
		As of December 31, 2013
		Total			Level 1 Inputs			Level 2 Inputs			Level 3 Inputs
U.S. Treasury securities		$	1,503		$	—		$	1,503		$	—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		467,325			—			467,325			—
Residential mortgage-backed securities		208,702			—			208,702			—
Commercial mortgage-backed securities		32,219			—			32,219			—
Other asset-backed securities		13,445			—			13,445			—
Corporate and other securities		381,763			—			381,763			—
Equity securities		91,871			75,951			—			15,920
Total investment securities		$	1,196,828		$	75,951		$	1,104,957		$	15,920
There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.
The following table summarizes the changes in the Company’s Level 3 fair value securities for the periods indicated.
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		Level 3			Level 3			Level 3			Level 3
		Fair Value			Fair Value			Fair Value			Fair Value
		Securities			Securities			Securities			Securities
Balance at beginning of period		$	16,194		$	5,406		$	15,920		$	5,346
Net gains and losses included in earnings		—			—			—			—
Net gains included in other comprehensive income		192			127			466			187
Purchases and sales		—			—			—			—
Transfers into Level 3		—			—			—			—
Transfers out of Level 3		—			—			—			—
Balance at end of period		$	16,386		$	5,533		$	16,386		$	5,533
Amount of total losses included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized losses related to assets still held at end of period		$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—
Transfers in and out of Level 3 are attributable to changes in the ability to observe significant inputs in determining fair value exit pricing.  As noted in the table above, no transfers were made in or out of level 3 during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.  The Company held one Level 3 security at June 30, 2014.

Loss_and_Loss_Adjustment_Expen

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves	'
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves	'
	6.   Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves
	The following table sets forth a reconciliation of beginning and ending reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”), as shown in the Company’s consolidated financial statements for the periods indicated.
		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013
	Reserves for losses and LAE at beginning of year	$	455,014		$	423,842
	Less receivable from reinsurers related to unpaid losses and LAE	(60,346		)	(52,185		)
	Net reserves for losses and LAE at beginning of year	394,668			371,657
	Incurred losses and LAE, related to:
	Current year	249,332			233,530
	Prior years	(19,894		)	(14,409		)
	Total incurred losses and LAE	229,438			219,121
	Paid losses and LAE related to:
	Current year	137,294			129,903
	Prior years	87,846			85,738
	Total paid losses and LAE	225,140			215,641
	Net reserves for losses and LAE at end of period	398,966			375,137
	Plus receivable from reinsurers related to unpaid losses and LAE	58,823			57,459
	Reserves for losses and LAE at end of period	$	457,789		$	432,596
	At the end of each period, the reserves were re-estimated for all prior accident years.  The Company’s prior year reserves decreased by $19,894 and $14,409 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and resulted from re-estimations of prior years ultimate loss and LAE liabilities.  The decrease in prior years reserves during the 2014 and 2013 periods are primarily composed of reductions in our retained automobile reserves and our retained homeowners reserves.
	The Company’s private passenger automobile line of business reserves decreased for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 primarily due to fewer incurred but not yet reported claims than previously estimated and better than previously estimated severity on the Company’s established bodily injury and property damage case reserves.
	Due to the nature of the risks that the Company underwrites and has historically underwritten, management does not believe that it has an exposure to asbestos or environmental pollution liabilities.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	7.  Commitments and Contingencies
	Various claims, generally incidental to the conduct of normal business, are pending or alleged against the Company from time to time. In the opinion of management, based in part on the advice of legal counsel, the ultimate resolution of such claims will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s consolidated financial statements. However, if estimates of the ultimate resolutions of those proceedings are revised, liabilities related to those proceedings could be adjusted in the near term.
	Massachusetts law requires that insurers licensed to do business in Massachusetts participate in the Massachusetts Insurers Insolvency Fund (“Insolvency Fund”).  Members of the Insolvency Fund are assessed a proportionate share of the obligations and expenses of the Insolvency Fund in connection with an insolvent insurer.  It is anticipated that there will be additional assessments from time to time relating to various insolvencies.  Although the timing and amounts of any future assessments are not known, based upon existing knowledge, management’s opinion is that such future assessments are not expected to have a material effect upon the financial position of the Company.

Debt

Debt	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Debt	'
Debt	'
	8.  Debt
	The Company has a Revolving Credit Agreement (the “Credit Agreement”) with RBS Citizens, NA (“RBS Citizens”).  The Credit Agreement provides a $30,000 revolving credit facility with an accordion feature allowing for future expansion of the committed amount up to $50,000.  Loans under the credit facility bear interest at the Company’s option at either (i) the LIBOR rate plus 1.25% per annum or (ii) the higher of RBS Citizens prime rate or 0.5% above the federal funds rate plus 1.25% per annum.  Interest only is payable prior to maturity.  The Credit Agreement has a maturity date of August 14, 2018.
	The Company’s obligations under the credit facility are secured by pledges of its assets and the capital stock of its operating subsidiaries.  The credit facility is guaranteed by the Company’s non-insurance company subsidiaries.  The credit facility contains covenants including requirements to maintain minimum risk-based capital ratios and statutory surplus of Safety Insurance Company as well as limitations or restrictions on indebtedness, liens, and other matters. As of June 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with all covenants.  In addition, the credit facility includes customary events of default, including a cross-default provision permitting the lenders to accelerate the facility if the Company (i) defaults in any payment obligation under debt having a principal amount in excess of $10,000 or (ii) fails to perform any other covenant permitting acceleration of all such debt.
	The Company had no amounts outstanding on its credit facility at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.  The credit facility commitment fee included in interest expense was computed at a rate of 0.25% per annum on the $30,000 commitment at June 30, 2014 and 2013.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Income Taxes	'
Income Taxes	'
	9.   Income Taxes
	Federal income tax expense for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 has been computed using estimated effective tax rates.  These rates are revised, if necessary, at the end of each successive interim period to reflect the current estimates of the annual effective tax rates.
	The Company believes that the positions taken on its income tax returns for open tax years will be sustained upon examination by the Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”).  Therefore, the Company has not recorded any liability for uncertain tax positions under ASC 740, Income Taxes.
	During the six months ended June 30, 2014, there were no material changes to the amount of the Company’s unrecognized tax benefits or to any assumptions regarding the amount of its ASC 740 liability.
	The Company’s U.S. federal tax return for the year ended December 31, 2011 was examined by the IRS.  The examination was completed during the quarter ending June 30, 2014 with no findings.  In the Company’s opinion, adequate tax liabilities have been established for all open years. However, the amount of these tax liabilities could be revised in the near term if estimates of the Company’s ultimate liability are revised. Tax years prior to 2010 are closed.

Share_Repurchase_Program

Share Repurchase Program	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Share Repurchase Program	'
Share Repurchase Program	'
	10.  Share Repurchase Program
	On August 3, 2007, the Board of Directors approved a share repurchase program of up to $30,000 of the Company’s outstanding common shares.  As of June 30, 2014, the Board of Directors had authorized increases to the existing share repurchase program of up to $150,000 of its outstanding common shares.  Under the program, the Company may repurchase shares of its common stock for cash in public or private transactions, in the open market or otherwise.  The timing of such repurchases and actual number of shares repurchased will depend on a variety of factors including price, market conditions and applicable regulatory and corporate requirements.  The program does not require the Company to repurchase any specific number of shares and it may be modified, suspended or terminated at any time without prior notice.
	During the six months ending June 30, 2014, the Company purchased 460,023 shares under the program at a cost of $23,467.  During the six months ending June 30, 2013, the Company purchased 90,902 shares on the open market under the program at a cost of $4,799.  As of June 30, 2014, the Company had purchased 2,279,570 shares at a cost of $83,835.  As of December 31, 2013, the Company had purchased 1,819,547 shares on the open market at a cost of $60,368.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	11.  Related Party Transactions
	Mr. A. Richard Caputo, Jr., a member of the Company’s Board of Directors and the Chairman of its Investment Committee, is a principal of The Jordan Company, LP (“Jordan”).  In 2012, the Company participated as a lender in two loans made by syndicates of lenders to a portfolio company in which funds managed by Jordan are controlling or a significant investor.  The first loan, made to Vantage Specialties, Inc., currently bears interest at a rate of 5.00% per annum and matures on February 10, 2018.  The Company’s original participation in the loan was $2,500.  The second loan, made to ARCAS Automotive (formerly known as Sequa Auto), currently bears interest at the rate of 6.25% per annum and has a maturity date of November 15, 2018. The Company’s original participation in the loan was $1,200. Both loans amortized in equal quarterly installments of 0.25% of the principal amount per quarter. The Company made the loans on the same terms as the other lenders participating in the syndicate.  The loans were subject to the approval of the Company’s full Investment Committee.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Subsequent Events	'
Subsequent Events	'
	12.  Subsequent Events
	The Company has evaluated subsequent events for recognition or disclosure in the consolidated financial statements filed on Form 10-Q with the SEC and no events have occurred that require recognition or disclosure.

Earnings_per_Weighted_Average_1

Earnings per Weighted Average Common Share (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Earnings per Weighted Average Common Share	'
Computation of basic and diluted EPS	'
		Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net income available to common shareholders for basic and diluted earnings per share	$	21,423	$	18,059	$	33,548	$	32,043
	Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding used to calculate basic earnings per share	15,271,200		15,380,053		15,307,808		15,359,983
	Common equivalent shares- stock options	2,121		5,818		2,526		7,330
	Common equivalent shares- non-vested performance stock grants	79,371		35,429		68,865		21,923
	Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding used to calculate diluted earnings per share	15,352,692		15,421,300		15,379,199		15,389,236
	Basic earnings per share	$	1.40	$	1.17	$	2.19	$	2.09
	Diluted earnings per share	$	1.40	$	1.17	$	2.18	$	2.08

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-Based Compensation	'
Schedule of stock option activity	'
						Weighted
		Shares		Weighted		Average	Aggregate
		Under		Average		Remaining	Intrinsic
		Option		Exercise Price		Contractual Term	Value
	Outstanding at beginning of year	20,200		$	41.64
	Exercised	(4,000	)	$	36.76
	Outstanding at end of period	16,200		$	42.85	1.7  years	$	138
	Exercisable at end of period	16,200		$	42.85	1.7  years	$	138
Schedule of performance-based restricted stock activity	'
		Shares		Weighted		Performance-based	Weighted
		Under		Average		Shares Under	Average
		Restriction		Fair Value		Restriction	Fair Value
	Outstanding at beginning of year	211,234		$	43.51	37,456	$	44.13
	Granted	49,014		$	54.05	27,928	$	58.09
	Vested and unrestricted	(81,149	)	$	43.8	—	$	—
	Forfeited	(367	)	$	47.9	—	$	—
	Outstanding at end of period	178,732		$	46.28	65,384	$	50.1

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Investments	'
Gross unrealized gains and losses on investments in securities	'
		As of June 30, 2014
								Gross Unrealized Losses (3)
		Cost or			Gross			Non-OTTI			OTTI			Estimated
		Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
		Cost			Gains			Losses			Losses (4)			Value
	U.S. Treasury securities	$	1,509		$	—		$	(1	)	$	—		$	1,508
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	445,560			19,431			(571		)	—			464,420
	Residential mortgage-backed securities (1)	188,357			7,698			(1,693		)	—			194,362
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	27,837			252			(31		)	—			28,058
	Other asset-backed securities	12,375			83			—			—			12,458
	Corporate and other securities	400,012			11,138			(708		)	—			410,442
	Subtotal, fixed maturity securities	1,075,650			38,602			(3,004		)	—			1,111,248
	Equity securities (2)	84,974			12,664			(98		)	—			97,540
	Other invested assets (5)	7,552			—			—			—			7,552
	Totals	$	1,168,176		$	51,266		$	(3,102	)	$	—		$	1,216,340
		As of December 31, 2013
								Gross Unrealized Losses (3)
		Cost or			Gross			Non-OTTI			OTTI			Estimated
		Amortized			Unrealized			Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
		Cost			Gains			Losses			Losses (4)			Value
	U.S. Treasury securities	$	1,510		$	—		$	(7	)	$	—		$	1,503
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	461,256			10,248			(4,179		)	—			467,325
	Residential mortgage-backed securities (1)	205,053			6,879			(3,230		)	—			208,702
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	31,885			342			(8		)	—			32,219
	Other asset-backed securities	13,357			124			(36		)	—			13,445
	Corporate and other securities	374,171			9,882			(2,290		)	—			381,763
	Subtotal, fixed maturity securities	1,087,232			27,475			(9,750		)	—			1,104,957
	Equity securities (2)	83,134			8,821			(84		)	—			91,871
	Other invested assets (5)	5,748			—			—			—			5,748
	Totals	$	1,176,114		$	36,296		$	(9,834	)	$	—		$	1,202,576
	(1)     Residential mortgage-backed securities consists primarily of obligations of U.S. Government agencies including collateralized mortgage obligations issued, guaranteed and/or insured by the following issuers: Government National Mortgage Association (GNMA), Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation (FHLMC), Federal National Mortgage Association (FNMA) and the Federal Home Loan Bank (FHLB).
	(2)     Equity securities included interests in mutual funds held to fund the Company’s executive deferred compensation plan.
	(3)     Our investment portfolio included 150 and 220 securities in an unrealized loss position at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively.
	(4)     Amounts in this column represent other-than-temporary impairment (“OTTI”) recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.
	(5)     Other invested assets are accounted for under the equity method which approximated fair value.
Amortized cost and the estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities, by maturity	'
		As of June 30, 2014
		Amortized			Estimated
		Cost			Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	42,154		$	42,955
	Due after one year through five years	322,593			331,183
	Due after five years through ten years	220,573			227,762
	Due after ten years	261,760			274,469
	Asset-backed securities	228,570			234,879
	Totals	$	1,075,650		$	1,111,248
Gross realized gains and losses on sales of investments	'
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Gross realized gains
	Fixed maturity securities	$	310		$	95		$	484		$	474
	Equity securities	406			61			817			87
	Gross realized losses
	Fixed maturity securities	(333		)	(14		)	(863		)	(16		)
	Equity securities	(4		)	(2		)	(39		)	(3		)
	Net realized gains on investments	$	379		$	140		$	399		$	542
Gross unrealized losses included in the Company's investment portfolio and the fair value of those securities	'
		As of June 30, 2014
		Less than 12 Months						12 Months or More						Total
		Estimated			Unrealized			Estimated			Unrealized			Estimated		Unrealized
		Fair Value			Losses			Fair Value			Losses			Fair Value		Losses
	U.S. Treasury securities	$	—		$	—		$	1,509		$	1		$	1,509	$	1
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	28,139			219			18,661			352			46,800		571
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	27,088			597			35,706			1,096			62,794		1,693
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	2,470			1			96			30			2,566		31
	Corporate and other securities	43,484			306			28,222			402			71,706		708
	Subtotal, fixed maturity securities	101,181			1,123			84,194			1,881			185,375		3,004
	Equity securities	1,298			53			1,464			45			2,762		98
	Total temporarily impaired securities	$	102,479		$	1,176		$	85,658		$	1,926		$	188,137	$	3,102
		As of December 31, 2013
		Less than 12 Months						12 Months or More						Total
		Estimated			Unrealized			Estimated			Unrealized			Estimated		Unrealized
		Fair Value			Losses			Fair Value			Losses			Fair Value		Losses
	U.S. Treasury securities	$	1,503		$	7		$	—		$	—		$	1,503	$	7
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	131,114			3,898			3,362			281			134,476		4,179
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	50,048			1,570			37,166			1,660			87,214		3,230
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	6,008			8			—			—			6,008		8
	Other asset-backed securities	3,240			31			4,608			5			7,848		36
	Corporate and other securities	86,312			2,223			2,235			67			88,547		2,290
	Subtotal, fixed maturity securities	278,225			7,737			47,371			2,013			325,596		9,750
	Equity securities	3,933			73			299			11			4,232		84
	Total temporarily impaired securities	$	282,158		$	7,810		$	47,670		$	2,024		$	329,828	$	9,834
Components of net investment income	'
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Interest on fixed maturity securities	$	9,616		$	10,033		$	20,020		$	20,733
	Dividends on equity securities	743			272			1,400			443
	Equity in earnings of other invested assets	182			—			303			—
	Interest on other assets	20			23			40			97
	Interest on cash and cash equivalents	—			2			1			10
	Total investment income	10,561			10,330			21,764			21,283
	Investment expenses	652			603			1,282			1,169
	Net investment income	$	9,909		$	9,727		$	20,482		$	20,114
Fair value measurements for available-for-sale investments	'
		As of June 30, 2014
		Total			Level 1 Inputs			Level 2 Inputs			Level 3 Inputs
	U.S. Treasury securities	$	1,508		$	—		$	1,508		$	—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	464,420			—			464,420			—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	194,362			—			194,362			—
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	28,058			—			28,058			—
	Other asset-backed securities	12,458			—			12,458			—
	Corporate and other securities	410,442			—			410,442			—
	Equity securities	97,540			81,154			—			16,386
	Total investment securities	$	1,208,788		$	81,154		$	1,111,248		$	16,386
		As of December 31, 2013
		Total			Level 1 Inputs			Level 2 Inputs			Level 3 Inputs
	U.S. Treasury securities	$	1,503		$	—		$	1,503		$	—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	467,325			—			467,325			—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	208,702			—			208,702			—
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	32,219			—			32,219			—
	Other asset-backed securities	13,445			—			13,445			—
	Corporate and other securities	381,763			—			381,763			—
	Equity securities	91,871			75,951			—			15,920
	Total investment securities	$	1,196,828		$	75,951		$	1,104,957		$	15,920
Changes in the Company's Level 3 fair value securities	'
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		Level 3			Level 3			Level 3			Level 3
		Fair Value			Fair Value			Fair Value			Fair Value
		Securities			Securities			Securities			Securities
	Balance at beginning of period	$	16,194		$	5,406		$	15,920		$	5,346
	Net gains and losses included in earnings	—			—			—			—
	Net gains included in other comprehensive income	192			127			466			187
	Purchases and sales	—			—			—			—
	Transfers into Level 3	—			—			—			—
	Transfers out of Level 3	—			—			—			—
	Balance at end of period	$	16,386		$	5,533		$	16,386		$	5,533
	Amount of total losses included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized losses related to assets still held at end of period	$	—		$	—		$	—		$	—

Loss_and_Loss_Adjustment_Expen1

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves	'
Schedule of reconciliation of beginning and ending reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses (LAE)	'
		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013
	Reserves for losses and LAE at beginning of year	$	455,014		$	423,842
	Less receivable from reinsurers related to unpaid losses and LAE	(60,346		)	(52,185		)
	Net reserves for losses and LAE at beginning of year	394,668			371,657
	Incurred losses and LAE, related to:
	Current year	249,332			233,530
	Prior years	(19,894		)	(14,409		)
	Total incurred losses and LAE	229,438			219,121
	Paid losses and LAE related to:
	Current year	137,294			129,903
	Prior years	87,846			85,738
	Total paid losses and LAE	225,140			215,641
	Net reserves for losses and LAE at end of period	398,966			375,137
	Plus receivable from reinsurers related to unpaid losses and LAE	58,823			57,459
	Reserves for losses and LAE at end of period	$	457,789		$	432,596

Earnings_per_Weighted_Average_2

Earnings per Weighted Average Common Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Earnings per Weighted Average Common Share	'	'	'	'
Net income available to common shareholders for basic and diluted earnings per share	$21,423	$18,059	$33,548	$32,043
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding used to calculate basic earnings per share	15,271,200	15,380,053	15,307,808	15,359,983
Common equivalent shares- stock options	2,121	5,818	2,526	7,330
Common equivalent shares- non-vested performance stock grants	79,371	35,429	68,865	21,923
Weighted average common and common equivalent shares outstanding used to calculate diluted earnings per share	15,352,692	15,421,300	15,379,199	15,389,236
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$1.40	$1.17	$2.19	$2.09
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$1.40	$1.17	$2.18	$2.08
Employee and Directors Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Anti-dilutive securities	'	'	'	'
Antidilutive common shares under options	0	0	0	0

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail

Share-Based Compensation (Details)	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-Based Compensation	'
Maximum number of shares of common stock with respect to which awards may be granted	2,500,000
Number of shares available for future grant	455,072

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail1

Share-Based Compensation (Details 2) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Shares Under Option	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of year (in shares)	20,200	'
Exercised (in shares)	-4,000	'
Outstanding at end of period (in shares)	16,200	'
Exercisable at end of period (in shares)	16,200	'
Weighted Average Exercise Price	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of year (in dollars per share)	$41.64	'
Exercised (in dollars per share)	$36.76	'
Outstanding at end of period (in dollars per share)	$42.85	'
Exercisable at end of period (in dollars per share)	$42.85	'
Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Term	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual term of options outstanding	'1 year 8 months 12 days	'
Weighted average remaining contractual term of options exercisable	'1 year 8 months 12 days	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value	'	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value of Options Outstanding	$138	'
Aggregate Intrinsic Value of Options Exercisable	138	'
Additional disclosure	'	'
Exercise price range, low end of range	'	$18.50
Exercise price range, high end of range	'	$42.85
Total intrinsic value of options exercised	58	565
Cash received from options exercised	$147	$2,224

ShareBased_Compensation_Detail2

Share-Based Compensation (Details 3) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Weighted Average Fair Value	'	'
Unrecognized compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock awards	$8,647	'
Weighted average period expected for recognition of compensation expense related to non-vested restricted stock awards	'1 year 10 months 24 days	'
Total fair value of the shares that were vested and unrestricted during the period	3,554	4,230
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'
Weighted Average Fair Value	'	'
Compensation expense	1,514	1,489
Income tax benefits from compensation expense	$815	$801
Restricted Stock [Member] | Non Executive Employees [Member]	'	'
Share-Based Compensation	'	'
Vesting period	'5 years	'
Restricted Stock [Member] | Executive Employees [Member]	'	'
Share-Based Compensation	'	'
Vesting period	'3 years	'
Restricted Stock [Member] | First Anniversary [Member] | Executive Employees [Member]	'	'
Share-Based Compensation	'	'
Actual Payouts (as a percent)	30.00%	'
Restricted Stock [Member] | Second Anniversary [Member] | Executive Employees [Member]	'	'
Share-Based Compensation	'	'
Actual Payouts (as a percent)	30.00%	'
Restricted Stock [Member] | Third Anniversary [Member] | Executive Employees [Member]	'	'
Share-Based Compensation	'	'
Actual Payouts (as a percent)	40.00%	'
Restricted Stock [Member] | Vesting Based on Performance [Member]	'	'
Share-Based Compensation	'	'
Vesting period	'3 years	'
Shares Under Restriction	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of year (in shares)	37,456	'
Granted (in shares)	27,928	'
Outstanding at end of year (in shares)	65,384	'
Weighted Average Fair Value	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of year (in dollars per share)	$44.13	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	$58.09	'
Outstanding at end of year (in dollars per share)	$50.10	'
Restricted Stock [Member] | Vesting Based on Performance [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'	'
Share-Based Compensation	'	'
Actual Payouts (as a percent)	0.00%	'
Restricted Stock [Member] | Vesting Based on Performance [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'	'
Share-Based Compensation	'	'
Actual Payouts (as a percent)	200.00%	'
Restricted Stock [Member] | Vesting Based on Service [Member]	'	'
Shares Under Restriction	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of year (in shares)	211,234	'
Granted (in shares)	49,014	'
Vested and unrestricted (in shares)	-81,149	'
Forfeited (in shares)	-367	'
Outstanding at end of year (in shares)	178,732	'
Weighted Average Fair Value	'	'
Outstanding at beginning of year (in dollars per share)	$43.51	'
Granted (in dollars per share)	$54.05	'
Vested and unrestricted (in dollars per share)	$43.80	'
Forfeited (in dollars per share)	$47.90	'
Outstanding at end of year (in dollars per share)	$46.28	'

Investments_Details

Investments (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
	item	item
Securities available-for-sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	$1,075,650	$1,087,232
Fixed maturity securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	38,602	27,475
Fixed maturity securities, Non-OTTI Gross Unrealized Losses	-3,004	-9,750
Fixed maturity securities, Estimated Fair Value	1,111,248	1,104,957
Equity securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	84,974	83,134
Equity securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	12,664	8,821
Equity securities, Non-OTTI Gross Unrealized Losses	-98	-84
Equity securities, Estimated Fair Value	97,540	91,871
Other invested assets, Cost or Amortized Cost	7,552	5,748
Other invested assets, Estimated Fair Value	7,552	5,748
Cost or Amortized Cost	1,168,176	1,176,114
Gross Unrealized Gains	51,266	36,296
Gross Unrealized Losses	-3,102	-9,834
Estimated Fair Value	1,216,340	1,202,576
Number of securities in an unrealized loss position	150	220
US Treasury Securities [Member]	'	'
Securities available-for-sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	1,509	1,510
Fixed maturity securities, Non-OTTI Gross Unrealized Losses	-1	-7
Fixed maturity securities, Estimated Fair Value	1,508	1,503
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Securities available-for-sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	445,560	461,256
Fixed maturity securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	19,431	10,248
Fixed maturity securities, Non-OTTI Gross Unrealized Losses	-571	-4,179
Fixed maturity securities, Estimated Fair Value	464,420	467,325
Mortgage Backed Securities Issued by US Government Agencies [Member]	'	'
Securities available-for-sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	188,357	205,053
Fixed maturity securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	7,698	6,879
Fixed maturity securities, Non-OTTI Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,693	-3,230
Fixed maturity securities, Estimated Fair Value	194,362	208,702
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Securities available-for-sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	27,837	31,885
Fixed maturity securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	252	342
Fixed maturity securities, Non-OTTI Gross Unrealized Losses	-31	-8
Fixed maturity securities, Estimated Fair Value	28,058	32,219
Asset-backed Securities, Securitized Loans and Receivables [Member]	'	'
Securities available-for-sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	12,375	13,357
Fixed maturity securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	83	124
Fixed maturity securities, Non-OTTI Gross Unrealized Losses	'	-36
Fixed maturity securities, Estimated Fair Value	12,458	13,445
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Securities available-for-sale	'	'
Fixed maturity securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	400,012	374,171
Fixed maturity securities, Gross Unrealized Gains	11,138	9,882
Fixed maturity securities, Non-OTTI Gross Unrealized Losses	-708	-2,290
Fixed maturity securities, Estimated Fair Value	$410,442	$381,763

Investments_Details_2

Investments (Details 2) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amortized Cost	'	'
Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost	$42,154	'
Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	322,593	'
Due after five years though ten years, Amortized Cost	220,573	'
Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	261,760	'
Asset-backed securities, Amortized Cost	228,570	'
Total, Amortized Cost	1,075,650	1,087,232
Fair Value	'	'
Due in one year or less, Fair Value	42,955	'
Due after one year through five years, Fair Value	331,183	'
Due after five years through ten years, Fair Value	227,762	'
Due after ten years, Fair Value	274,469	'
Asset-backed securities, Fair Value	234,879	'
Total, Fair Value	$1,111,248	$1,104,957

Investments_Details_3

Investments (Details 3) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Securities available-for-sale	'	'	'	'
Net realized gains on investments	$379	$140	$399	$542
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Securities available-for-sale	'	'	'	'
Gross realized gains	310	95	484	474
Gross realized losses	-333	-14	-863	-16
Equity Securities and Mutual Funds [Member]	'	'	'	'
Securities available-for-sale	'	'	'	'
Gross realized gains	406	61	817	87
Gross realized losses	($4)	($2)	($39)	($3)

Investments_Details_4

Investments (Details 4) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	item
Estimated Fair Value	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	$102,479	'	$282,158
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or More	85,658	'	47,670
Estimated Fair Value, Total	188,137	'	329,828
Unrealized Losses	'	'	'
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	1,176	'	7,810
Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or More	1,926	'	2,024
Unrealized Losses, Total	3,102	'	9,834
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments	'	'	'
Securities held with a material (20% or greater) unrealized loss for four or more consecutive quarters	0	'	'
Material loss threshold, percentage	20.00%	'	'
Material loss threshold, number of consecutive quarters	4	'	'
OTTI charges	0	0	'
Amounts included in accumulated other comprehensive income related to OTTI securities	0	'	0
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	101,181	'	278,225
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or More	84,194	'	47,371
Estimated Fair Value, Total	185,375	'	325,596
Unrealized Losses	'	'	'
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	1,123	'	7,737
Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or More	1,881	'	2,013
Unrealized Losses, Total	3,004	'	9,750
US Treasury Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	'	'	1,503
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or More	1,509	'	'
Estimated Fair Value, Total	1,509	'	1,503
Unrealized Losses	'	'	'
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	'	'	7
Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or More	1	'	'
Unrealized Losses, Total	1	'	7
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	28,139	'	131,114
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or More	18,661	'	3,362
Estimated Fair Value, Total	46,800	'	134,476
Unrealized Losses	'	'	'
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	219	'	3,898
Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or More	352	'	281
Unrealized Losses, Total	571	'	4,179
Mortgage Backed Securities Issued by US Government Agencies [Member]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	27,088	'	50,048
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or More	35,706	'	37,166
Estimated Fair Value, Total	62,794	'	87,214
Unrealized Losses	'	'	'
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	597	'	1,570
Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or More	1,096	'	1,660
Unrealized Losses, Total	1,693	'	3,230
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	2,470	'	6,008
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or More	96	'	'
Estimated Fair Value, Total	2,566	'	6,008
Unrealized Losses	'	'	'
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	1	'	8
Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or More	30	'	'
Unrealized Losses, Total	31	'	8
Asset-backed Securities, Securitized Loans and Receivables [Member]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	'	'	3,240
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or More	'	'	4,608
Estimated Fair Value, Total	'	'	7,848
Unrealized Losses	'	'	'
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	'	'	31
Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or More	'	'	5
Unrealized Losses, Total	'	'	36
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	43,484	'	86,312
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or More	28,222	'	2,235
Estimated Fair Value, Total	71,706	'	88,547
Unrealized Losses	'	'	'
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	306	'	2,223
Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or More	402	'	67
Unrealized Losses, Total	708	'	2,290
Equity Securities and Mutual Funds [Member]	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value, Less than 12 Months	1,298	'	3,933
Estimated Fair Value, 12 Months or More	1,464	'	299
Estimated Fair Value, Total	2,762	'	4,232
Unrealized Losses	'	'	'
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	53	'	73
Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or More	45	'	11
Unrealized Losses, Total	98	'	84
Subprime Mortgage Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments	'	'	'
Securities held	$0	'	'

Investments_Details_5

Investments (Details 5) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Components of net investment income	'	'	'	'
Interest on fixed maturity securities	$9,616	$10,033	$20,020	$20,733
Dividends on equity securities	743	272	1,400	443
Equity in earnings of other invested assets	182	'	303	'
Interest on other assets	20	23	40	97
Interest on cash and cash equivalents	'	2	1	10
Total investment income	10,561	10,330	21,764	21,283
Investment expenses	652	603	1,282	1,169
Net investment income	$9,909	$9,727	$20,482	$20,114

Investments_Details_6

Investments (Details 6) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments	'	'
Period of advance notice before quarter end to dispose of Level 3 security	'45 days	'
Fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Short-term investments	$0	$0
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Fair value measurement	1,208,788	1,196,828
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Fair value measurement	1,508	1,503
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Fair value measurement	464,420	467,325
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Mortgage Backed Securities Issued by US Government Agencies [Member]	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Fair value measurement	194,362	208,702
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Fair value measurement	28,058	32,219
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Asset-backed Securities, Securitized Loans and Receivables [Member]	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Fair value measurement	12,458	13,445
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Fair value measurement	410,442	381,763
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] | Equity Securities and Mutual Funds [Member]	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Fair value measurement	97,540	91,871
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Fair value measurement	81,154	75,951
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Equity Securities and Mutual Funds [Member]	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Fair value measurement	81,154	75,951
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Fair value measurement	1,111,248	1,104,957
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Fair value measurement	1,508	1,503
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Fair value measurement	464,420	467,325
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Mortgage Backed Securities Issued by US Government Agencies [Member]	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Fair value measurement	194,362	208,702
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Fair value measurement	28,058	32,219
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Asset-backed Securities, Securitized Loans and Receivables [Member]	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Fair value measurement	12,458	13,445
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Fair value measurement	410,442	381,763
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Fair value measurement	16,386	15,920
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Equity Securities and Mutual Funds [Member]	'	'
Fair value of financial instruments	'	'
Fair value measurement	$16,386	$15,920

Investments_Details_7

Investments (Details 7) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
	item		item
Transfers between Levels	'	'	'	'
Transfers from Level 1 to Level 2	$0	$0	$0	$0
Transfers from Level 2 to Level 1	0	0	0	0
Changes in the Company's Level 3 fair value securities	'	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	16,194	5,406	15,920	5,346
Net gains included in other comprehensive income	192	127	466	187
Balance at end of period	16,386	5,533	16,386	5,533
Transfers into Level 3	0	0	0	0
Transfers out of Level 3	$0	$0	$0	$0
Number of level 3 securities held	1	'	1	'

Loss_and_Loss_Adjustment_Expen2

Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense Reserves	'	'
Reserves for losses and LAE at beginning of year	$455,014	$423,842
Less receivable from reinsurers related to unpaid losses and LAE	-60,346	-52,185
Net reserves for losses and LAE at beginning of year	394,668	371,657
Incurred losses and LAE, related to:	'	'
Current year	249,332	233,530
Prior years	-19,894	-14,409
Total incurred losses and LAE	229,438	219,121
Paid losses and LAE related to:	'	'
Current year	137,294	129,903
Prior years	87,846	85,738
Total paid losses and LAE	225,140	215,641
Net reserves for losses and LAE at end of period	398,966	375,137
Plus receivable from reinsurers related to unpaid losses and LAE	58,823	57,459
Reserves for losses and LAE at end of period	457,789	432,596
Prior years reserves decrease	($19,894)	($14,409)

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (Revolving Credit Facility [Member], USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member]	'	'	'
Debt	'	'	'
Spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.25%	'	'
Variable interest rate basis	'LIBOR	'	'
Prime Rate [Member]	'	'	'
Debt	'	'	'
Spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.25%	'	'
Variable interest rate basis	'prime rate	'	'
Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate [Member]	'	'	'
Debt	'	'	'
Spread on variable rate (as a percent)	1.25%	'	'
Variable interest rate basis	'federal funds rate	'	'
Additional spread on variable rate (as a percent)	0.50%	'	'
RBS Citizens [Member]	'	'	'
Debt	'	'	'
Current borrowing capacity	$30,000	'	'
Maximum borrowing capacity	50,000	'	'
Default trigger, principal amount	10,000	'	'
Outstanding amount	$0	'	$0
Commitment fee (as a percent)	0.25%	0.25%	'

Share_Repurchase_Program_Detai

Share Repurchase Program (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Aug. 03, 2007	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Share Repurchase Program	'	'	'	'
Share Repurchase Program	$30,000	$150,000	'	'
Number of common shares purchased during period under the program	'	460,023	90,902	'
Cost of shares purchased during period	'	23,467	4,799	'
Treasury stock shares	'	2,279,570	'	1,819,547
Treasury stock, at cost	'	$83,835	'	$60,368

Related_Party_Transactions_Det

Related Party Transactions (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2012
Related party transaction	'	'
Number of loans in which the entity participated as lender	'	2
Loan to ARCAS Automotive [Member] | Director [Member]	'	'
Related party transaction	'	'
Interest rate (as a percent)	6.25%	'
Original participation in the loan	'	$1,200
Repayment, percentage of principal per quarter	0.25%	'
Loan to Vantage Specialties [Member] | Director [Member]	'	'
Related party transaction	'	'
Interest rate (as a percent)	5.00%	'
Original participation in the loan	'	$2,500
Repayment, percentage of principal per quarter	0.25%	'