Employers (EIG) 10-K 20 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 13, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'Employers Holdings, Inc.	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0001379041	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well Know Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Common Stock Shares Outstanding	'	31,309,830	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$757,913,105
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Available for sale:	'	'
Fixed maturity securities at fair value (amortized cost $2,116,064 at December 31, 2013 and $1,869,142 at December 31, 2012)	$2,182,546	$2,024,428
Equity securities at fair value (cost $89,689 at December 31, 2013 and $81,067 at December 31, 2012)	162,312	125,086
Total investments	2,344,858	2,149,514
Cash and cash equivalents	34,503	140,661
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	6,564	5,353
Accrued investment income	20,255	19,356
Premiums receivable, less bad debt allowance of $7,064 at December 31, 2013 and $5,957 at December 31, 2012	279,080	223,011
Reinsurance recoverable for:	'	'
Paid losses	8,412	9,467
Unpaid losses, including bad debt allowance of $389 at December 31, 2013	742,666	805,386
Deferred policy acquisition costs	43,532	38,852
Deferred income taxes, net	58,062	26,231
Property and equipment, net	16,616	14,680
Intangible assets, net	9,685	10,558
Goodwill	36,192	36,192
Contingent commission receivable–LPT Agreement	25,104	19,141
Other assets	17,920	12,937
Total assets	3,643,449	3,511,339
Claims and policy liabilities:	'	'
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	2,330,491	2,231,540
Unearned premiums	303,967	265,149
Total claims and policy liabilities	2,634,458	2,496,689
Commissions and premium taxes payable	45,314	40,825
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	18,711	19,522
Deferred reinsurance gain—LPT Agreement	249,072	281,043
Notes payable	102,000	112,000
Other liabilities	25,191	21,879
Total liabilities	3,074,746	2,971,958
Commitments and contingencies (Note 13)	'	'
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 54,672,904 and 54,144,453 shares issued and 31,299,930 and 30,771,479 shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	547	542
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0
Additional paid-in capital	338,090	325,990
Retained earnings	502,198	445,850
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net	90,418	129,549
Treasury stock, at cost (23,372,974 shares at December 31, 2013 and 2012)	-362,550	-362,550
Total stockholders’ equity	568,703	539,381
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$3,643,449	$3,511,339

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Available for sale:	'	'
Fixed maturity securities, amortized cost	$2,205,753	$1,950,209
Premiums receivable, bad debt allowance	7,064	5,957
Reinsurance recoverables, allowance for unpaid losses	389	0
Stockholders' equity	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	54,672,904	54,144,453
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	31,299,930	30,771,479
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	25,000,000	25,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Treasury stock, at cost (in shares)	23,372,974	23,372,974
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Available for sale:	'	'
Fixed maturity securities, amortized cost	2,116,064	1,869,142
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Available for sale:	'	'
Fixed maturity securities, amortized cost	$89,689	$81,067

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues	'	'	'
Net premiums earned	$642,349	$501,464	$363,424
Net investment income	70,764	72,363	80,117
Realized gains on investments, net	9,529	5,048	20,161
Other income	939	307	452
Total revenues	723,581	579,182	464,154
Expenses	'	'	'
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	463,579	287,910	262,511
Commission expense	78,258	65,580	47,344
Underwriting and other operating expenses	125,324	124,644	104,140
Interest expense	3,246	3,504	3,642
Total expenses	670,407	481,638	417,637
Net income before income taxes	53,174	97,544	46,517
Income tax benefit	-10,650	-9,347	-2,106
Net income	63,824	106,891	48,623
Comprehensive income	'	'	'
Unrealized (losses) gains during the period (net of tax (benefit) expense of $(17,734), $8,675, and $24,602 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively)	-32,937	16,111	45,691
Reclassification adjustment for realized gains in net income (net of taxes of $3,335, $1,767, and $7,056 for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively)	-6,194	-3,281	-13,105
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	-39,131	12,830	32,586
Total comprehensive income	24,693	119,721	81,209
Earnings per common share (Note 19):	'	'	'
EPS, basic	$2.05	$3.40	$1.30
EPS, diluted	$2	$3.37	$1.30
Cash dividends declared per common share	$0.24	$0.24	$0.24
Realized gains on investments, net	'	'	'
Net realized gains on investments before credit related impairments on fixed maturity and equity securities	9,597	5,700	20,255
Other than temporary impairment, credit losses recognized in earnings	-68	-652	-94
Realized gains on investments, net	$9,529	$5,048	$20,161

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Other Comprehensive Income Parenthetical [Abstract]	'	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss), unrealized holding gain (loss) on securities arising during period, tax	($17,734)	$8,675	$24,602
Other comprehensive income (loss), reclassification adjustment for sale of securities included in net income, tax	$3,335	$1,767	$7,056

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders Equity (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net	Treasury Stock at Cost
In Thousands, except Share data
Stockholders' equity, value at Dec. 31, 2010	$477,603	$538	$314,212	$306,828	$84,133	($228,108)
Stockholders' equity, shares at Dec. 31, 2010	'	53,779,118	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation (Note 15), shares	'	0	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation (Note 15), value	3,742	0	3,742	0	0	0
Stock-options exercised, shares	'	92,646	'	'	'	'
Stock options exercised, value	1,531	1	1,530	0	0	0
Vesting of restricted stock units, net of shares withheld to satisfy minimum tax withholding (Note 15), shares	'	76,678	'	'	'	'
Vesting of restricted stock units, net of shares withheld to satisfy minimum tax withholding (Note 15), value	-512	-1	-513	0	0	0
Acquisition of treasury stock (Note 14), shares	'	0	'	'	'	'
Acquisition of treasury stock (Note 14), value	-92,647	0	0	0	0	-92,647
Dividend to common stockholders, shares	'	0	'	'	'	'
Dividend to common stockholders, value	8,943	0	18	8,961	0	0
Net income for the period	48,623	0	0	48,623	0	0
Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes	32,586	0	0	0	32,586	0
Stockholders' equity, value at Dec. 31, 2011	461,983	540	318,989	346,490	116,719	-320,755
Stockholders' equity, shares at Dec. 31, 2011	'	53,948,442	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation (Note 15), shares	'	0	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation (Note 15), value	6,141	0	6,141	0	0	0
Stock-options exercised, shares	'	101,261	'	'	'	'
Stock options exercised, value	1,431	1	1,430	0	0	0
Vesting of restricted stock units, net of shares withheld to satisfy minimum tax withholding (Note 15), shares	'	94,750	'	'	'	'
Vesting of restricted stock units, net of shares withheld to satisfy minimum tax withholding (Note 15), value	-592	-1	-593	0	0	0
Acquisition of treasury stock (Note 14), shares	'	0	'	'	'	'
Acquisition of treasury stock (Note 14), value	-41,795	0	0	0	0	-41,795
Dividend to common stockholders, shares	'	0	'	'	'	'
Dividend to common stockholders, value	7,508	0	23	7,531	0	0
Net income for the period	106,891	0	0	106,891	0	0
Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes	12,830	0	0	0	12,830	0
Stockholders' equity, value at Dec. 31, 2012	539,381	542	325,990	445,850	129,549	-362,550
Stockholders' equity, shares at Dec. 31, 2012	54,144,453	54,144,453	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation (Note 15), shares	'	0	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation (Note 15), value	5,622	0	5,622	0	0	0
Stock-options exercised, shares	'	411,295	'	'	'	'
Stock options exercised, value	7,356	4	7,352	0	0	0
Vesting of restricted stock units, net of shares withheld to satisfy minimum tax withholding (Note 15), shares	'	117,156	'	'	'	'
Vesting of restricted stock units, net of shares withheld to satisfy minimum tax withholding (Note 15), value	-894	-1	-895	0	0	0
Dividend to common stockholders, shares	'	0	'	'	'	'
Dividend to common stockholders, value	7,455	0	21	7,476	0	0
Net income for the period	63,824	0	0	63,824	0	0
Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes	-39,131	0	0	0	-39,131	0
Stockholders' equity, value at Dec. 31, 2013	$568,703	$547	$338,090	$502,198	$90,418	($362,550)
Stockholders' equity, shares at Dec. 31, 2013	54,672,904	54,672,904	'	'	'	'

Consolidated_Stockholders_Equi

Consolidated Stockholders Equity (Parentheticals) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stockholders Equity Parenthetical [Abstract]	'	'	'
Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of tax of	($21,069)	$6,908	$17,546

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating activities	'	'	'
Net income	$63,824	$106,891	$48,623
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	6,080	5,601	6,388
Stock-based compensation	5,622	6,141	3,742
Amortization of premium on investments, net	8,969	7,019	7,242
Deferred income tax benefit	-10,761	-10,999	-1,608
Realized gains on investments, net	-9,529	-5,048	-20,161
Other operating activities, adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash	241	134	-3,043
Change in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Premiums receivable	-57,175	-62,979	-48,399
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses	63,775	136,716	18,889
Federal income taxes recoverable	-3,663	100	2,055
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	98,951	-40,823	-7,366
Unearned premiums	38,818	70,216	45,448
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	-1,080	2,132	-5,645
Deferred reinsurance gain–LPT Agreement	-31,971	-84,920	-17,436
Contingent commission receivable–LPT Agreement	-5,963	-15,014	-1,863
Other	-2,413	16,082	15,518
Net cash provided by operating activities	163,725	131,249	42,384
Investing activities	'	'	'
Purchase of fixed maturity securities	-514,210	-444,001	-217,630
Purchase of equity securities	-30,499	-30,979	-21,080
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity securities	52,471	50,465	235,646
Proceeds from sale of equity securities	30,652	16,147	6,246
Proceeds from maturities and redemptions of investments	206,843	227,888	190,449
Proceeds from sale of fixed assets	780	226	396
Capital expenditures and other	-3,716	-5,116	-4,687
Restricted cash and cash equivalents (used in) provided by investing activities	-1,211	946	10,650
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	-258,890	-184,424	199,990
Financing activities	'	'	'
Acquisition of treasury stock	0	-41,795	-91,975
Cash transactions related to stock-based compensation	6,462	839	1,019
Dividends paid to stockholders	-7,455	-7,508	-8,943
Payments on notes payable	-10,000	-10,000	-10,000
Net cash used in financing activities	-10,993	-58,464	-109,899
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-106,158	-111,639	132,475
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	140,661	252,300	119,825
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	34,503	140,661	252,300
Cash paid (received) for income taxes	3,850	1,819	-2,697
Cash paid for interest	3,052	3,375	3,561
Schedule of non-cash transactions	'	'	'
Financed property and equipment purchases	$3,582	$3,106	$0

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Basis of Presentation [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation and Summary of Operations
	Nature of Operations and Organization
	Employers Holdings, Inc. (EHI) is a Nevada holding company. Through its wholly owned insurance subsidiaries, Employers Insurance Company of Nevada (EICN), Employers Compensation Insurance Company (ECIC), Employers Preferred Insurance Company (EPIC), and Employers Assurance Company (EAC), EHI is engaged in the commercial property and casualty insurance industry, specializing in workers' compensation products and services. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to the “Company” refer to EHI, together with its subsidiaries.
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated in consolidation.
	The Company considers an operating segment to be any component of its business whose operating results are regularly reviewed by the Company's chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and assess its performance based on discrete financial information. Currently, the Company has one operating segment, workers' compensation insurance and related services.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of the consolidated 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 consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. As a result, actual results could differ from these estimates. The most significant areas that require management judgment are the estimate of unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses (LAE), evaluation of reinsurance recoverables, recognition of premium revenue, deferred income taxes, investments, and the valuation of goodwill and intangible assets.
	Reclassifications
	Certain prior period information has been reclassified to conform to the current period presentation.

Changes_in_Estimates

Changes in Estimates	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Changes in Estimates [Abstract]	'
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections	'
	Changes in Estimates
	In 2013, the Company increased its estimate of contingent commission receivable – LPT Agreement as a result of the determination in the fourth quarter of 2013 that an adjustment was necessary to reflect observed favorable paid loss trends. This change in estimate resulted in a $4.3 million cumulative adjustment to the deferred reinsurance gain–LPT Agreement (Deferred Gain), which was also recognized in losses and LAE incurred in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, so that the Deferred Gain reflects the balance that would have existed had the revised reserves been recognized at the inception of the LPT Agreement (LPT Contingent Commission Adjustment). This change in estimate increased net income by $4.3 million, or $0.14 per basic and diluted share, respectively.
	In 2013, the Company reduced its estimated reserves ceded under the Loss Portfolio Transfer Agreement (LPT Agreement) by $27.5 million. This change in estimate resulted in a $19.0 million cumulative adjustment to the Deferred Gain, which was also recognized in losses and LAE incurred in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, so that the Deferred Gain reflects the balance that would have existed had the revised reserves been recognized at the inception of the LPT Agreement (LPT Reserve Adjustment). This change in estimate was the result of the determination that an adjustment was necessary to reflect observed favorable paid loss trends. This change in estimate increased net income by $19.0 million, or $0.61 and $0.59 per basic and diluted share, respectively.
	In 2013, the Company reallocated $27.2 million in reserves from non-taxable periods prior to January 1, 2000 to taxable years, which reduced our effective tax rate by 13.9 percentage points for the year ended December 31, 2013. This change in estimate was the result of the determination in the third quarter of 2013 that a reallocation of reserves among accident years was appropriate to address a continuation of observed loss trends. The income tax impact of this change in estimate increased net income by $7.4 million, or $0.24 and $0.23 per basic and diluted share, respectively.
	In 2012, the Company reduced its estimated reserves ceded under the LPT Agreement by $100.0 million. This change in estimate resulted in a $73.3 million LPT Reserve Adjustment. This change in estimate was the result of the determination in the fourth quarter of 2012 that an adjustment was necessary to reflect observed favorable paid loss trends. This change in estimate increased net income by $73.3 million, or $2.33 and $2.31 per basic and diluted share, respectively.
	In 2012, the Company increased its estimate of contingent commission receivable – LPT Agreement as a result of the determination in the fourth quarter of 2012 that an adjustment was necessary to reflect observed favorable paid loss trends. This change in estimate resulted in a $8.6 million LPT Contingent Commission Adjustment. This change in estimate also resulted in an additional $0.6 million bonus accrual that increased the income tax benefit by $0.2 million during the year ended December 31, 2012. This change in estimate increased net income by $8.2 million, or $0.26 per basic and diluted share.
	In 2012, the Company changed the estimate of its guaranty fund assessment liability as a result of the application of new information related to historical payment trends and reflected this change in its financial statements. This change in estimate resulted in a $2.9 million reduction of the accrued liability for guaranty fund assessments, offset by a $0.7 million reduction in the corresponding premium tax asset and a $0.8 million reduction in deferred acquisition costs (DAC) that reduced the Company's underwriting and other operating expense by a total of $1.4 million and reduced the income tax benefit by $0.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. This change in estimate increased net income by $1.2 million, or $0.04 per basic and diluted share, for the year ended December 31, 2012.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

'

Significant Accounting Policies

'

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an initial maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

Restricted cash and cash equivalents is primarily related to funds held in trust to secure the Company's line of credit and for reinsurance. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company held $28.2 million and $30.8 million, respectively, in trust for reinsurance, of which $3.5 million and $2.5 million was classified as restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Investments

The Company's investments in fixed maturity securities and equity securities are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of equity, net of deferred taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Investment income consists primarily of interest and dividends. Interest is recognized on an accrual basis, and dividends are recorded as earned at the ex-dividend date. Interest income on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities is determined using the effective-yield method based on estimated principal repayments. Mortgage-backed securities are adjusted for the effects of changes in prepayment assumptions on the related accretion of discount or amortization of premium of such securities using the retrospective method.

Realized capital gains and losses on investments are determined on a specific-identification basis.

When, in the opinion of management, a decline in the fair value of an equity security below its cost is considered to be “other-than-temporary,” the equity security's cost is written down to its fair value at the time the other-than-temporary decline is identified. The determination of an other-than-temporary decline for debt securities includes, in addition to other relevant factors, a presumption that if the market value is below cost by a significant amount for a period of time, a bifurcation of the write-down may be necessary. If management has the intent to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery, the investment is written down to its fair value and the entire impairment is recorded as a realized loss due to credit in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income. If management does not have the intent to sell or will not be required to sell the debt security but does not expect to recover the amortized cost basis of the debt security, the amount of the other-than-temporary impairment is bifurcated between credit loss and other loss and recorded as a component of realized gains and losses and to other comprehensive income, respectively, in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The amount of any write-down is determined by the difference between the cost or amortized cost of the debt security and its fair value at the time the other-than-temporary decline is identified (see Note 7).

Recognition of Revenue and Expense

Revenue Recognition

Premium revenue is recognized over the period of the contract in proportion to the amount of time insurance protection is provided. At the end of the policy term, payroll-based premium audits are performed on substantially all policyholder accounts to determine net premiums earned for the policy year. Earned but unbilled premiums include estimated future audit premiums based on the Company's historical experience. These estimates are subject to changes in policyholders' payrolls, economic conditions, and seasonality, and are continually reviewed and adjusted as experience develops or new information becomes known. Any such adjustments are included in current operations; however, they are partially offset by the resulting changes in losses and LAE, commission expenses, and premium taxes. The Company's premiums receivable on the consolidated balance sheet included $40.8 million and $19.6 million of additional premiums expected to be received from policyholders for final audits at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The Company establishes a bad debt allowance on its premiums receivable through a charge included in underwriting and other operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income. This bad debt allowance is determined based on estimates and assumptions to project future experience. After all collection efforts have been exhausted, the Company reduces the bad debt allowance for write-offs of premiums receivable that have been deemed uncollectible. The Company had write-offs, net of recoveries of amounts previously written off, of $2.5 million, $1.9 million, and $2.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Policy acquisition costs, consisting of commissions, premium taxes, and certain other underwriting costs that vary with, and are primarily related to, the successful production of new or renewal business are deferred and amortized as the related premiums are earned. Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, was $96.9 million, $85.9 million, and $74.5 million, respectively.

A premium deficiency would exist if expected future losses and LAE, expected policyholder dividends, deferred policy acquisition costs, and expected policy maintenance costs, offset by anticipated investment income, exceed the related unearned premiums. A premium deficiency would reduce the value of deferred policy acquisition costs. If the deficiency exceeded the deferred policy acquisition costs, a separate liability would be accrued for the excess deficiency. There was no premium deficiency at December 31, 2013 or 2012.

Unpaid Loss and LAE Reserves

Loss and LAE reserves represent management's best estimate of the ultimate net cost of all reported and unreported losses incurred for the applicable periods. The estimated reserves for losses and LAE include the accumulation of estimates for all claims reported prior to the balance sheet date, estimates (based on projections of relevant historical data) of claims incurred but not reported, and estimates of expenses for investigating and adjusting all incurred and unadjusted claims. Amounts reported are necessarily subject to the impact of future changes in economic, regulatory and social conditions. Management believes that, subject to the inherent variability in any such estimate, the reserves are within a reasonable and acceptable range of adequacy. Estimates for claims reported prior to the balance sheet date are continually monitored and reviewed, and as settlements are made or reserves adjusted, the differences are reported in current operations. Salvage and subrogation recoveries are estimated based on a review of the level of historical salvage and subrogation recoveries.

Reinsurance

In the ordinary course of business and in accordance with general insurance industry practices, the Company purchases excess of loss reinsurance to protect the Company against the impact of large and/or catastrophic losses in its workers' compensation business. Additionally, the Company is a party to a 100% quota share retroactive reinsurance agreement (see Note 11). This reinsurance reduces the financial impact of such losses on current operations and the equity of the Company. Reinsurance makes the assuming reinsurer liable to the ceding company to the extent of the reinsurance coverage provided. It does not, however, discharge the Company from its liability to its policyholders in the event the reinsurer is unable or unwilling to meet its obligations under its reinsurance agreement with the Company.

Net premiums earned and losses and LAE incurred are stated in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income after deduction of amounts ceded to reinsurers. Balances due from reinsurers on unpaid losses, including an estimate of such recoverables related to reserves for incurred but not reported losses, are reported as assets and are included in reinsurance recoverables even though amounts due on unpaid losses and LAE are not recoverable from the reinsurer until such losses are paid. Recoverables from reinsurers on unpaid losses and LAE amounted to $0.7 billion and $0.8 billion at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Ceded losses and LAE are accounted for on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the relevant reinsurance agreement.

The 100% quota share retroactive reinsurance agreement was entered into in 1999 by the Nevada State Industrial Insurance System (the Fund) and assumed by EICN, which the Company refers to as the LPT Agreement (see Note 11). Loss expenses are deemed to be 7% of total losses paid and are paid to the Company as compensation for management of the claims under the LPT Agreement. The Company accounts for this transaction as retroactive reinsurance, whereby the initial deferred gain was recorded as a liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as Deferred reinsurance gain–LPT Agreement. This gain is amortized using the recovery method, whereby the amortization is determined by the proportion of actual reinsurance recoveries to total estimated recoveries through the life of the LPT Agreement, and is recorded in losses and LAE incurred in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Any adjustment to the estimated reserves ceded under the LPT Agreement results in a cumulative adjustment to the Deferred Gain, which is also recognized in losses and LAE incurred in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, such that the Deferred Gain reflects the balance that would have existed had the revised reserves been recognized at the inception of the LPT Agreement.

Additionally, the Company is entitled to receive a contingent profit commission under the LPT Agreement. The contingent profit is equal to 30% of the favorable difference between actual paid losses and LAE and expected paid losses and LAE as established in the LPT Agreement based on losses paid through June 30, 2024. The contingent profit commission is paid every five years beginning June 30, 2004 for the first twenty-five years of the agreement. The Company is paid 30% of the favorable difference between the actual and expected losses and LAE paid at each calculation point. The Company could be required to return any previously received contingent profit commission, plus interest, in the event of unfavorable differences through June 30, 2024. The Company records its estimate of contingent profit commission in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as Contingent commission receivable–LPT Agreement and a corresponding liability is recorded on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets in Deferred reinsurance gain–LPT Agreement. The Contingent commission receivable–LPT Agreement is reduced as amounts are received from participating reinsurers. The related Deferred reinsurance gain–LPT Agreement is amortized using the recovery method. The amortization of the contingent profit commission is determined by the proportion of actual reinsurance recoveries to total estimated recoveries over the life of the contingent profit commission (through June 30, 2024), and is recorded in losses and LAE incurred in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Any adjustment to the contingent profit commission under the LPT Agreement results in a cumulative adjustment to the Deferred Gain, which is also recognized in losses and LAE incurred in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, such that the Deferred Gain reflects the balance that would have existed had the revised contingent profit commission been recognized at the inception of the LPT Agreement.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation (see Note 8). Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged against operations as incurred.

Electronic data processing equipment, software, furniture and equipment, and automobiles are depreciated using the straight-line method over three to seven years. Leasehold improvements are carried at cost less accumulated amortization. The Company amortizes leasehold improvements using the straight-line method over the lesser of the useful life of the asset or the remaining original lease term, excluding options or renewal periods. Leasehold improvements are generally amortized over three to five years.

Obligations Held Under Capital Leases

Leased property and equipment meeting capital lease criteria are capitalized at the lower of the present value of the related lease payments or the fair value of the leased asset at the inception of the lease. Amortization is calculated using the straight-line method based on the term of the lease and is included in the depreciation expense of property and equipment. See Note 13 for additional disclosures related to capital leases.

Income Taxes

The Company's accounting for income taxes considers the current and deferred tax consequences of all transactions that have been recognized in its consolidated financial statements using the provisions of enacted tax laws. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from a tax rate change affects net income or loss in the period that includes the enactment date of the tax rate change. The Company's income tax returns are subject to audit by the Internal Revenue Service and various state tax authorities. Significant disputes may arise with these tax authorities involving issues of the timing and amount of deductions and allocations of income among various tax jurisdictions because of differing interpretations of tax laws and regulations. The Company periodically evaluates exposures associated with tax filing positions. Although we believe our positions comply with applicable laws, liabilities are recorded based upon estimates of the ultimate outcomes of these matters.

In assessing whether deferred tax assets will be realized, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that it will generate future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. The Company considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning strategies, and projected future taxable income in making this assessment. If necessary, a valuation allowance is established to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amounts that are more likely than not to be realized.

Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are primarily cash and cash equivalents, investments, premiums receivable, and reinsurance recoverable balances.

Cash equivalents include investments in money market securities and securities backed by the U.S. government. Investments are diversified throughout many industries and geographic regions. The Company limits the amount of credit exposure with any one financial institution and believes that no significant concentration of credit risk exists with respect to cash and cash equivalents and investments.

At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the outstanding premiums receivable balance was generally diversified due to the large number of entities composing the Company's policyholder base and their dispersion across many different industries. The Company also has recoverables from its reinsurers. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company of its obligations to claimants or policyholders. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. The Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. The Company obtains collateral to mitigate the risks related to reinsurance insolvencies. At December 31, 2013, $5.8 million was collateralized by cash or letters of credit and an additional $1.3 billion was in trust accounts for reinsurance related to the LPT Agreement.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Estimated fair value amounts have been determined using available market information and other appropriate valuation methodologies. Judgment is required in developing the estimates of fair value where quoted market prices are not available. Accordingly, these estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions or estimating methodologies may have an effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value for financial instruments in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and in these notes for the years ended 2013 and 2012:

Cash and cash equivalents, premiums receivable, and accrued expenses and other liabilities. The carrying amounts for these financial instruments as reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets approximate their fair values.

Investments. The estimated fair values for available-for-sale securities generally represent quoted market prices for securities traded in the public marketplace or estimated values for securities not traded in the public marketplace. Additional data with respect to fair values of the Company's investment securities is disclosed in Note 6.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The Company tests for impairment of goodwill and non-amortizable intangible assets in the fourth quarter of each year. At the end of each quarter, management considers the results of the previous analysis as well as any recent developments that may constitute triggering events requiring the impairment analysis of goodwill and other intangible assets to be updated. The Company has assessed the effects of current economic conditions on the Company's financial condition and results of operations and changes in the Company's stock price and determined that there were no impairments as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Intangible assets related to state licenses are not subject to amortization. Intangibles related to insurance relationships will be amortized in proportion to the expected period of benefit over the next five years.

The gross carrying value, accumulated amortization, and net carrying value for the Company's intangible assets, by major class, as of December 31, were as follows:

2013

2012

Gross

Accumulated

Net

Gross

Accumulated

Net

Carrying

Amortization

Carrying

Carrying

Amortization

Carrying

Value

Value

Value

Value

(in thousands)

State licenses

$

7,700

$

7,700

$

7,700

$

7,700

Insurance relationships

9,400

$

(7,415

)

1,985

9,400

$

(6,542

)

2,858

Total

$

17,100

$

(7,415

)

$

9,685

$

17,100

$

(6,542

)

$

10,558

During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, the Company recognized $0.9 million, $1.2 million, and $1.6 million in amortization expenses, respectively. These amortization expenses are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income in underwriting and other operating expenses. Amortization expense is expected to be as follows:

Year

Amount

(in thousands)

2014

$

651

2015

489

2016

371

2017

285

2018

189

Total

$

1,985

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company issues stock-based payments, which are recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income based on their estimated fair values over the employees' service period (see Note 15).

New_Accounting_Standards

New Accounting Standards	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
New Accounting Standards [Abstract]	'
New Accounting Standards	'
	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
	In October 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) issued Accounting Standard Update (ASU) Number 2010-26, Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts that became effective in 2012. This guidance changed the definition of acquisition costs which may be capitalized to specify costs that relate directly to the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts, including underwriting, policy issuance and processing, medical and inspection, and sales force contract selling. It also defines incremental direct costs that must be capitalized as costs that result directly from contract transactions that are essential to contract issuance, which would not have been incurred had the contract transaction not occurred. All other costs are expensed as incurred. Capitalized costs are amortized over the life of the contract.
	The Company adopted this standard on a prospective basis on January 1, 2012. Under the new guidance, the Company capitalized acquisition costs totaling $87.2 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. Under the previous guidance, the amount capitalized would have been $102.5 million for the same period. The total effect of implementing this guidance was a $15.3 million decrease in the amount capitalized and a $8.2 million decrease in the amortization expense for the year ended December 31, 2012. The total amortization expense was $85.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2012. The net effect of implementing this guidance was a $7.1 million increase in underwriting and other operating expense for the year ended December 31, 2012.
	New Accounting Standards
	In February 2013, the Financial Accounting Standards Board issued Accounting Standards Update Number 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Topic 220). This update requires companies to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under GAAP that provide additional detail about those amounts. This update became effective prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted this update beginning in the first quarter of 2013. The adoption of this new guidance did not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.
	In September 2013, the Internal Revenue Service issued final regulations governing the income tax treatment of acquisitions, dispositions, and repairs of tangible property, Final Tangible Property Regulations Under Sections 162 and 263 (T.D. 9636). Taxpayers are required to follow the new regulations in taxable years beginning on or after January 1, 2014. The Company does not expect that these regulations will have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition or results of operations.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The carrying value and the estimated fair value of the Company's financial instruments as of December 31, were as follows:
		2013				2012
		Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value
	Financial assets	(in thousands)
	Investments (Note 7)	$	2,344,858	$	2,344,858	$	2,149,514	$	2,149,514
	Cash and cash equivalents	34,503		34,503		140,661		140,661
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents	6,564		6,564		5,353		5,353
	Financial liabilities
	Notes payable (Note 12)	$	102,000	$	105,540	$	112,000	$	118,207
	The Company's estimates of fair value for financial liabilities are based on the variable interest rate for the Company's existing line of credit to discount future payments on notes payable, and have been determined to be Level 2 fair value measurements, as defined below.
	Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value on the consolidated balance sheets are categorized based upon the levels of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. Level inputs are defined as follows:
	•	Level 1 - Inputs are unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets at the measurement date.
	•	Level 2 - Inputs other than Level 1 prices that are observable for similar assets or liabilities through corroboration with market data at the measurement date.
	•	Level 3 - Inputs that are unobservable that reflect management's best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the assets or liabilities at the measurement date.
	The following methods and assumptions were used to determine the fair value of each class of assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets:
	Fair values of available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities are based on quoted market prices, where available. These fair values are obtained primarily from third party pricing services, which generally use Level 1 or Level 2 inputs. The Company obtains a quoted price for each security from third party pricing services, which are derived through recently reported trades for identical or similar securities. For securities not actively traded, the third party pricing services may use quoted market prices of similar instruments or discounted cash flow analyses, incorporating inputs that are currently observable in the markets for similar securities. Inputs that are often used in the valuation methodologies include, but are not limited to, broker quotes, benchmark yields, credit spreads, default rates, and prepayment speeds. The Company also performs a quarterly analysis on the prices received from third parties to determine whether the prices are reasonable estimates of fair value, including confirming the fair values of these securities through observable market prices using an alternative pricing source. If differences are noted in this review, the Company may obtain additional information from other pricing services to validate the quoted price. There were no adjustments to prices obtained from third party pricing services as of December 31, 2013 or 2012 that were material to the consolidated financial statements.
	If quoted market prices and an estimate determined by using objectively verifiable information are unavailable, the Company produces an estimate of fair value based on internally developed valuation techniques, which, depending on the level of observable market inputs, will render the fair value estimate as Level 2 or Level 3. The Company bases all of its estimates of fair value for assets on the bid price as it represents what a third party market participant would be willing to pay in an arm's length transaction.
	These methods of valuation will only produce an estimate of fair value if there is objectively verifiable information to produce a valuation. If objectively verifiable information is not available, the Company would be required to produce an estimate of fair value using some of the same methodologies, making assumptions for market based inputs that are unavailable.
	Estimates of fair value for fixed maturity securities are based on estimates using objectively verifiable information and are included in the amount disclosed in Level 2 of the hierarchy. The fair value estimates for determining Level 3 fair value include the Company's assumptions about risk assessments and market participant assumptions based on the best information available, including quotes from market makers and other broker/dealers recognized as market participants, using standard or trade derived inputs, new issue data, monthly payment information, cash flow generation, prepayment speeds, spread adjustments, or rating updates.
	The following table presents the items in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets that are stated at fair value and the fair value measurements.
		December 31, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in thousands)
	Fixed maturity securities
	U.S. Treasuries	$	—	$	170,897	$	—	$	—	$	152,490	$	—
	U.S. Agencies	—		68,118		—		—		93,967		—
	States and municipalities	—		735,180		—		—		758,516		—
	Corporate securities	—		833,296		—		—		676,243		—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		258,431		—		—		252,852		—
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		65,110		—		—		56,120		—
	Asset-backed securities	—		51,514		—		—		34,240		—
	Total fixed maturity securities	$	—	$	2,182,546	$	—	$	—	$	2,024,428	$	—
	Equity securities	$	162,312	$	—	$	—	$	125,086	$	—	$	—
	The Company had no Level 3 investment activity during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	Investments
	The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses, and estimated fair value of the Company’s investments were as follows:
		Cost or Amortized			Gross			Gross				Estimated
		Cost			Unrealized			Unrealized				Fair Value
					Gains			Losses
	At December 31, 2013	(in thousands)
	Fixed maturity securities
	U.S. Treasuries	$	163,951		$	7,073		$	(127	)		$	170,897
	U.S. Agencies	64,985			3,137			(4		)		68,118
	States and municipalities	698,979			40,595			(4,394		)		735,180
	Corporate securities	814,283			28,671			(9,658		)		833,296
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	255,187			7,979			(4,735		)		258,431
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	67,066			316			(2,272		)		65,110
	Asset-backed securities	51,613			54			(153		)		51,514
	Total fixed maturity securities	2,116,064			87,825			(21,343		)		2,182,546
	Equity securities	89,689			72,844			(221		)		162,312
	Total investments	$	2,205,753		$	160,669		$	(21,564	)		$	2,344,858
	At December 31, 2012
	Fixed maturity securities
	U.S. Treasuries	$	138,839		$	13,651		$	—			$	152,490
	U.S. Agencies	88,202			5,765			—				93,967
	States and municipalities	689,776			68,740			—				758,516
	Corporate securities	627,047			49,461			(265		)		676,243
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	236,461			16,488			(97		)		252,852
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	54,755			1,410			(45		)		56,120
	Asset-backed securities	34,062			211			(33		)		34,240
	Total fixed maturity securities	1,869,142			155,726			(440		)		2,024,428
	Equity securities	81,067			45,399			(1,380		)		125,086
	Total investments	$	1,950,209		$	201,125		$	(1,820	)		$	2,149,514
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2013, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
		Amortized Cost			Estimated Fair Value
		(in thousands)
	Due in one year or less	$	147,157		$	149,369
	Due after one year through five years	777,480			812,822
	Due after five years through ten years	655,280			676,124
	Due after ten years	162,281			169,176
	Mortgage and asset-backed securities	373,866			375,055
	Total	$	2,116,064		$	2,182,546
	The following is a summary of investments that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
		December 31, 2013									December 31, 2012
		Estimated Fair Value			Gross Unrealized Losses			Number of Issues			Estimated Fair Value			Gross Unrealized Losses			Number of Issues
	Less than 12 months:	(dollars in thousands)
	Fixed maturity securities
	U.S. Treasuries	$	22,242		$	(127	)	7			$	—		$	—		—
	U.S. Agencies	1,631			(4		)	1			—			—			—
	States and municipalities	127,965			(4,394		)	34			—			—			—
	Corporate securities	326,608			(9,536		)	112			36,338			(265		)	12
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	129,586			(4,170		)	58			14,629			(28		)	6
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	35,878			(1,372		)	9			10,432			(45		)	4
	Asset-backed securities	25,825			(52		)	13			16,714			(33		)	5
	Total fixed maturity securities	669,735			(19,655		)	234			78,113			(371		)	27
	Equity securities	6,140			(208		)	17			11,645			(1,207		)	35
	Total less than 12 months	$	675,875		$	(19,863	)	251			$	89,758		$	(1,578	)	62
	Greater than 12 months:
	Fixed maturity securities
	Corporate securities	$	6,174		$	(122	)	3			$	—		$	—		—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	5,609			(565		)	11			2,341			(69		)	17
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	9,324			(900		)	3			—			—			—
	Asset-backed securities	8,938			(101		)	3			—			—			—
	Total fixed maturity securities	30,045			(1,688		)	20			2,341			(69		)	17
	Equity securities	303			(13		)	1			456			(173		)	4
	Total greater than 12 months	$	30,348		$	(1,701	)	21			$	2,797		$	(242	)	21
	Total available-for-sale:
Fixed maturity securities
U.S. Treasuries	$	22,242		$	(127	)	7			$	—		$	—		—
U.S. Agencies	1,631			(4		)	1			—			—			—
States and municipalities	127,965			(4,394		)	34			—			—			—
Corporate securities	332,782			(9,658		)	115			36,338			(265		)	12
Residential mortgage-backed securities	135,195			(4,735		)	69			16,970			(97		)	23
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	45,202			(2,272		)	12			10,432			(45		)	4
Asset-backed securities	34,763			(153		)	16			16,714			(33		)	5
Total fixed maturity securities	699,780			(21,343		)	254			80,454			(440		)	44
Equity securities	6,443			(221		)	18			12,101			(1,380		)	39
Total available-for-sale	$	706,223		$	(21,564	)	272			$	92,555		$	(1,820	)	83
Based on reviews of the fixed maturity securities, the Company determined that unrealized losses for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were primarily the result of changes in prevailing interest rates and not the credit quality of the issuers. The fixed maturity securities whose fair value was less than amortized cost were not determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired given the severity and duration of the impairment, the credit quality of the issuers, the Company’s intent on not selling the securities, and a determination that it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the securities until fair value recovers to above cost, or to maturity.
Based on reviews of the equity securities for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company recognized total impairments of $0.1 million and $0.7 million in the fair values of one and eleven equity securities as a result of the severity and duration of the change in fair values of those securities as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
Realized gains on investments, net and the change in unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity and equity securities are determined on a specific-identification basis and were as follows:
	Years Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
	(in thousands)
Realized gains on investments, net
Fixed maturity securities
Gross gains	$	761		$	3,779		$	19,463
Gross losses	(7		)	(5		)	(148		)
Realized gains on fixed maturity securities, net	$	754		$	3,774		$	19,315
Equity securities
Gross gains	$	9,093		$	2,156		$	1,169
Gross losses	(318		)	(882		)	(323		)
Realized gains on equity securities, net	$	8,775		$	1,274		$	846
Total	$	9,529		$	5,048		$	20,161
Change in unrealized (losses) gains
Fixed maturity securities	$	(88,803	)	$	8,803		$	47,897
Equity securities	28,603			10,935			2,235
Total	$	(60,200	)	$	19,738		$	50,132
Net investment income was as follows:
	Years Ended December 31,
	2013			2012			2011
	(in thousands)
Fixed maturity securities	$	69,458		$	71,293		$	80,361
Equity securities	3,812			3,248			1,885
Cash equivalents and restricted cash	99			351			279
	73,369			74,892			82,525
Investment expenses	(2,605		)	(2,529		)	(2,408		)
Net investment income	$	70,764		$	72,363		$	80,117
The Company is required by various state laws and regulations to keep securities or letters of credit in depository accounts with the states in which it does business. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, securities having a fair value of $602.4 million and $530.6 million, respectively, were on deposit. These laws and regulations govern not only the amount but also the type of security that is eligible for deposit. The deposits are limited to fixed maturity securities in all states. Additionally, certain reinsurance contracts require Company funds to be held in trust for the benefit of the ceding reinsurer to secure the outstanding liabilities assumed by the Company. The fair value of securities held in trust for reinsurance at December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $32.2 million and $35.0 million, respectively. The Company's debt was secured by fixed maturity securities and restricted cash and cash equivalents that had a fair value of $95.1 million and $110.4 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Property_and_Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment Disclosure	'
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment consists of the following:
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Furniture and equipment	$	2,896		$	2,896
	Leasehold improvements	4,439			4,309
	Computers and software	38,146			33,477
	Automobiles	1,208			1,369
		46,689			42,051
	Accumulated amortization and depreciation	(30,073		)	(27,371		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	16,616		$	14,680
	Depreciation and amortization expenses related to property and equipment for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 were $5.2 million, $4.4 million, and $4.8 million, respectively. Internally developed software costs of $0.8 million and $0.9 million were capitalized during the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The Company files a consolidated federal income tax return. The insurance subsidiaries pay premium taxes on gross premiums written in lieu of some states' income or franchise taxes.
	The provision for income taxes consisted of the following:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Current tax (benefit) expense:	(in thousands)
	Federal	$	89		$	1,964		$	(652	)
	State	22			(312		)	154
	Total current tax (benefit) expense	111			1,652			(498		)
	Deferred federal tax (benefit) expense	(10,761		)	(10,999		)	(1,608		)
	Income tax (benefit) expense	$	(10,650	)	$	(9,347	)	$	(2,106	)
	The difference between the statutory federal tax rate of 35% and the Company's effective tax rate on net income before income taxes as reflected in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income was as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Expense computed at statutory rate	$	18,611		$	34,140		$	16,281
	Dividends received deduction and tax-exempt interest	(9,033		)	(9,304		)	(11,409		)
	Pre-Privatization reserve adjustments, excluding LPT	(7,400		)	—			(1,602		)
	LPT deferred gain amortization	(6,632		)	(9,305		)	(6,755		)
	LPT Reserve Adjustment	(6,645		)	(25,672		)	—
	Other	449			794			1,379
	Income tax (benefit) expense	$	(10,650	)	$	(9,347	)	$	(2,106	)
	On January 1, 2000, EICN assumed the assets, liabilities, and operations of the Fund pursuant to legislation passed in the 1999 Nevada Legislature (the Privatization). Prior to the Privatization, the Fund was a part of the State of Nevada and therefore was not subject to federal income tax; accordingly, it did not take an income tax deduction with respect to the establishment of its unpaid loss and LAE reserves. Due to favorable loss experience after the Privatization, it was determined that certain of the pre-Privatization unpaid loss and LAE reserves assumed by EICN as part of the Privatization were no longer necessary and the unpaid loss and LAE reserves were reduced accordingly. Such downward adjustments of pre-Privatization unpaid loss reserves increases GAAP net income, but does not increase taxable income. There were downward adjustments of pre-Privatization unpaid loss reserves of $27.5 million and $4.6 million for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2011, respectively.
	The LPT Reserve Adjustments for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 increased GAAP net income by $19.0 million and $73.3 million, respectively, but did not increase taxable income. The LPT Contingent Commission Adjustment during the fourth quarter of 2012 increased net income by $8.6 million, but did not increase taxable income.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had no unrecognized tax benefits.
	Tax years 2008 through 2012 are subject to full examination by the federal taxing authority. Tax year 2006 is open to examination by the federal taxing authority only to the extent of benefits from the carry-back of certain capital losses from tax years 2008 and 2009. Currently, tax years 2006 through 2011 are under review by the federal taxing authority.
	The significant components of deferred income taxes, net, were as follows as of December 31:
		2013						2012
		Deferred Tax						Deferred Tax
		Assets			Liabilities			Assets			Liabilities
		(in thousands)
	Unrealized capital gains, net	$	—		$	48,687		$	—		$	69,756
	Deferred policy acquisition costs	—			15,323			—			13,692
	Intangible assets	—			3,390			—			3,695
	Loss reserve discounting for tax reporting	57,945			—			57,722			—
	Unearned premiums	20,639			—			18,119			—
	Allowance for bad debt	2,608			—			2,085			—
	Stock based compensation	4,603			—			4,339			—
	Accrued liabilities	8,292			—			5,095			—
	Minimum tax credit	13,177			—			13,090			—
	Net operating loss carryforward	22,832			—			15,111			—
	Other	1,169			5,803			1,401			3,588
	Total	$	131,265		$	73,203		$	116,962		$	90,731
	Deferred income taxes, net	$	58,062					$	26,231
	At December 31, 2013, the Company had a $65.2 million net operating loss carryforward. This is due to expire beginning 2029 through 2032.
	Deferred tax assets are required to be reduced by a valuation allowance if it is more likely than not that all or some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. Realization of the deferred income tax asset is dependent on the Company generating sufficient taxable income in future years as the deferred income tax charges become currently deductible for tax reporting purposes. Although realization is not assured, management believes that it is more likely than not that the net deferred income tax asset will be realized.

Liability_for_Unpaid_Losses_an

Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses [Abstract]	'
Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	'
	Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses
	The following table represents a reconciliation of changes in the liability for unpaid losses and LAE.
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
		(in thousands)
	Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of reinsurance, at beginning of period	$	2,231,540	$	2,272,363	$	2,279,729
	Less reinsurance recoverable, excluding bad debt allowance, on unpaid losses and LAE	805,386		940,840		956,043
	Net unpaid losses and LAE at beginning of period	1,426,154		1,331,523		1,323,686
	Losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, incurred in:
	Current year	494,579		386,044		280,683
	Prior years	6,934		1,800		1,127
	Total net losses and LAE incurred during the period	501,513		387,844		281,810
	Deduct payments for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, related to:
	Current year	78,523		67,672		55,405
	Prior years	261,708		225,541		218,568
	Total net payments for losses and LAE during the period	340,231		293,213		273,973
	Ending unpaid losses and LAE, net of reinsurance	1,587,436		1,426,154		1,331,523
	Reinsurance recoverable, excluding bad debt allowance, on unpaid losses and LAE	743,055		805,386		940,840
	Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of reinsurance, at end of period	$	2,330,491	$	2,231,540	$	2,272,363
	Total net losses and LAE included in the above table excludes the impact of the amortization of the Deferred Gain and the LPT Reserve Adjustment (Note 11).
	The increase in the estimate of incurred losses and LAE attributable to insured events in prior years in 2013 included $5.0 million related to actual paid losses that were more than expected and the impact of new information on selected patterns of claims emergence and payment used in the projection of future loss payments and $1.9 million related to the Company's assigned risk business. In 2012 and 2011, the increase in the estimate of incurred losses and LAE attributable to insured events in prior years was primarily related to the Company's assigned risk business.
	In California, where the Company's operations began on July 1, 2002, the actuaries' and management's initial expectations of ultimate losses and patterns of loss emergence and payment were based on benchmarks derived from analyses of historical insurance industry data in California. No historical data from the Company's California insurance subsidiary existed prior to July 1, 2002; however, some historical data was available for the prior years for some of the market segments the Company entered in California, but was limited as to the number of loss reserve evaluation points available. The industry-based benchmarks were judgmentally adjusted for the anticipated impact of significant environmental changes, specifically the enactment of major changes to the statutory workers' compensation benefit structure and the manner in which claims are administered and adjudicated in California. The actual emergence and payment of claims by the Company's California insurance subsidiary has been more favorable than those initial expectations through 2008, due at least in part to the enactment of the major changes in the California workers' compensation environment; however, our recent loss experience, beginning in 2010, indicates an upward trend in medical costs that is reflected in our loss reserves. Additionally, the Company's indemnity claims frequency (the number of claims expressed as a percentage of payroll) increased year-over-year in 2013. The Company's estimates assume that increasing medical cost trends will continue and will impact our long-term claims costs and loss reserves.
	In Nevada, the Company has compiled a lengthy history of workers' compensation claims payment patterns based on the business of the Fund and EICN, but the emergence and payment of claims in recent years has been more favorable than in the long-term history in Nevada with the Fund. The expected patterns of claim payments and emergence used in the projection of the Company's ultimate claim payments are based on both the long and short-term historical paid data. In recent evaluations, claim patterns have continued to emerge in a manner consistent with short-term historical data.
	Consequently, the Company's selection of claim projection patterns has relied more heavily on patterns observed in recent years.
	The Company continues to develop its own loss experience in California and will rely more on its experience and less on historical industry data in projecting its reserve requirements as such data becomes available. As the actual experience of the Company emerges, it will continue to evaluate prior estimates, which may result in additional adjustments in reserves.
	Loss reserves shown in the consolidated balance sheets are net of $22.9 million and $21.0 million for anticipated subrogation recoveries as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance [Abstract]	'
Reinsurance	'
	Reinsurance
	The Company is involved in the cession and assumption of reinsurance with non-affiliated companies. Risks are reinsured with other companies on both a quota share and excess of loss basis.
	Reinsurance transactions reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income were as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013						2012						2011
		Written			Earned			Written			Earned			Written			Earned
		(in thousands)
	Direct premiums	$	680,459		$	645,449		$	575,373		$	507,770		$	416,106		$	369,365
	Assumed premiums	9,412			8,305			4,954			4,345			2,406			2,533
	Gross premiums	689,871			653,754			580,327			512,115			418,512			371,898
	Ceded premiums	(11,405		)	(11,405		)	(10,651		)	(10,651		)	(8,474		)	(8,474		)
	Net premiums	$	678,466		$	642,349		$	569,676		$	501,464		$	410,038		$	363,424
	Ceded losses and LAE incurred	$	10,732					$	2,544					$	46,327
	Ceded losses and LAE incurred includes the amortization of the Deferred Gain and the LPT Reserve Adjustment.
	Excess of Loss Reinsurance
	The Company maintains reinsurance for losses from a single occurrence or event in excess of $5.0 million and up to $200.0 million, subject to a $2.0 million annual aggregate deductible and certain exclusions. The reinsurance coverage includes coverage for acts of terrorism, excluding nuclear, biological, chemical, and radiological events. Any liability outside the coverage limits of the reinsurance program is retained by the Company.
	LPT Agreement
	Recoverables from reinsurers on unpaid losses and LAE amounted to $0.7 billion and $0.8 billion at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. At each of December 31, 2013 and 2012, $0.6 billion and $0.7 billion, respectively, of those recoverables was related to the LPT Agreement that was entered into in 1999 by the Fund and assumed by EICN. Under the LPT Agreement, substantially all of the Fund's losses and LAE on claims incurred prior to July 1, 1995, have been ceded to three unaffiliated reinsurers on a 100% quota share basis. Investments have been placed in trust by the three reinsurers as security for payment of the reinsured claims. Under the LPT Agreement, initially $1.5 billion in liabilities for the incurred but unpaid losses and LAE related to claims incurred prior to July 1, 1995, were reinsured for consideration of $775.0 million. The LPT Agreement provides coverage up to $2.0 billion. Through December 31, 2013, the Company has paid losses and LAE claims totaling $0.6 billion related to the LPT Agreement.
	The Company amortized $14.6 million, $17.0 million, and $18.2 million of the Deferred Gain for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively. Additionally, the Deferred Gain was reduced by $19.0 million and $73.3 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively, due to favorable LPT Reserve Adjustments (Note 2). There was no LPT Reserve Adjustment in 2011.

Notes_Payable

Notes Payable	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Notes Payable [Abstract]	'
Notes Payable	'
	Notes Payable
	Notes payable is comprised of the following:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Amended Credit Facility, due December 31, 2015 with variable interest, as described below	$	70,000		$	80,000
	Dekania Surplus Note, due April 30, 2034 with variable interest of 425 basis points above 90-day LIBOR	10,000			10,000
	ICONS Surplus Note, due May 26, 2034 with variable interest of 425 basis points above 90-day LIBOR	12,000			12,000
	Alesco Surplus Note, due December 15, 2034 with variable interest of 405 basis points above 90-day LIBOR	10,000			10,000
	Balance	$	102,000		$	112,000
	On December 28, 2010, the Company entered into the Third Amended and Restated Credit Agreement (Amended Credit Facility) with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (Wells Fargo), under which the Company is provided with: (a) $100.0 million line of credit through December 31, 2011; (b) $90.0 million line of credit from January 1, 2012 through December 31, 2012; (c) $80.0 million line of credit from January 1, 2013 through December 31, 2013; (d) $70.0 million line of credit from January 1, 2014 through December 31, 2014; and (e) $60.0 million line of credit from January 1, 2015 through December 31, 2015. Amounts outstanding bear interest at a rate equal to, at the Company's option: (a) a fluctuating rate of 1.75% above prime rate or (b) a fixed rate that is 1.75% above the LIBOR rate then in effect. The Amended Credit Facility is secured by fixed maturity securities and cash and cash equivalents that had a fair value of $95.1 million at December 31, 2013. The Amended Credit Facility contains customary non-financial covenants and requires EHI to maintain 5% of the aggregate commitment amount of the line of credit in cash and cash equivalents at all times. The Company is currently in compliance with all applicable covenants. Interest paid during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 totaled $1.6 million, $1.9 million, and $2.0 million, respectively. In accordance with the terms of the contract, a repayment of $10.0 million was made toward the Amended Credit Facility on December 31, 2013.
	EPIC has a $10.0 million surplus note to Dekania CDO II, Ltd. issued as part of a pooled transaction. The note matures in 2034 and became callable by the Company in the second quarter of 2009. The terms of the note provide for quarterly interest payments at a rate 425 basis points in excess of the 90-day LIBOR. Both the payment of interest and repayment of the principal under this note and the surplus notes described in the succeeding two paragraphs are subject to the prior approval of the Florida Department of Financial Services. Interest paid during each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $0.5 million. Interest accrued as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $0.1 million.
	EPIC has a $12.0 million surplus note to ICONS, Inc. issued as part of a pooled transaction. The note matures in 2034 and became callable by the Company in the second quarter of 2009. The terms of the note provide for quarterly interest payments at a rate 425 basis points in excess of the 90-day LIBOR. Interest paid during each of the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $0.6 million. Interest accrued at each of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was $0.1 million.
	EPIC has a $10.0 million surplus note to Alesco Preferred Funding V, LTD issued as part of a pooled transaction. The note matures in 2034 and became callable by the Company in the fourth quarter of 2009. The terms of the note provide for quarterly interest payments at a rate 405 basis points in excess of the 90-day LIBOR. Interest paid during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 was $0.3 million, $0.5 million, and $0.4 million, respectively. Interest accrued as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 was less than $0.1 million.
	Principal payment obligations on notes payable outstanding at December 31, 2013, were as follows:
	Year		Principal Due
			(in thousands)
	2014		$	10,000
	2015		60,000
	2016		—
	2017		—
	2018		—
	Thereafter		32,000
	Total		$	102,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Leases
	The Company leases office facilities and certain equipment under operating and capital leases. Most leases have renewal options, typically with increased rental rates during the option period. Certain of these leases contain options to purchase the property at amounts that approximate fair market value; other leases contain options to purchase at a bargain purchase price. At December 31, 2013, the remaining lease terms expire over the next five years.
	The future lease payments for the next five years on these non-cancelable operating and capital leases at December 31, 2013, were as follows:
	Year	Operating Leases			Capital Leases
		(in thousands)
	2014	$	6,044		$	1,518
	2015	4,704			689
	2016	3,308			314
	2017	1,969			314
	2018	616			180
	Total	$	16,641		$	3,015
	Included in the future minimum capital lease payments are future interest charges of $0.4 million. Facilities rent expense was $5.0 million, $5.2 million, and $5.1 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	Property held under capital leases is included in property and equipment as follows:
	Asset Class	2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Furniture and equipment	$	—		$	100
	Computers and software	3,295			2,904
	Automobiles	1,208			1,369
		4,503			4,373
	Accumulated amortization	(1,681		)	(1,758		)
	Total	$	2,822		$	2,615
	Contingencies Surrounding Insurance Assessments
	All of the states where the Company's insurance subsidiaries are licensed to transact business require property and casualty insurers doing business within the respective state to pay various insurance assessments. The Company accrues a liability for estimated insurance assessments as direct premiums are written, losses are recorded, or as other events occur in accordance with various states' laws and regulations, and defers these costs and recognizes them as an expense as the related premiums are earned. The Company had an accrued liability for guaranty fund assessments, second injury funds assessments, and other insurance assessments totaling $13.1 million and $8.5 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. These liabilities are generally expected to be paid over one to eighty year periods based on individual states' regulations. The Company also recorded an asset of $5.1 million and $1.7 million, as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, for prepaid policy charges still to be collected in the future from policyholders, assessments that may be recovered through a reduction in future premium taxes in certain states, and for expected refunds of certain prepaid assessments based on a change in the Company's premium between the time when the prepayment was made and when the assessment becomes due. These assets are expected to be realized over two to ten year periods in accordance with their type and individual states' regulations.

Stockholders_Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'
Treasury Stock	'
	Stockholders' Equity
	Stock Repurchase Programs
	Since the Company's initial public offering in January 2007 through December 31, 2013, the Company repurchased a total of 23,372,974 shares of common stock at an average cost per share of $15.51, which is reported as treasury stock, at cost, on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. There were no stock repurchase programs authorized by the Board of Directors as of December 31, 2013.

StockBased_Compensation

Stock-Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Stock-Based Compensation	'
	Stock-Based Compensation
	The Employers Holdings, Inc. Amended and Restated Equity and Incentive Plan (the Plan) is administered by the Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors, which is authorized to grant, at its discretion, awards to officers, employees, non-employee directors, consultants, and independent contractors. The maximum number of common shares reserved for grants of awards under the Plan is 7,105,838 shares. The Plan provides for the grant of stock options (both incentive stock options and nonqualified stock options), stock appreciation rights, shares of restricted stock, restricted stock units (RSUs), performance stock units (PSUs), and other stock-based awards.
	As of December 31, 2013, nonqualified stock options, RSUs, and PSUs have been granted, but no incentive stock options, stock appreciation rights, or share of restricted stock have been granted under the Plan.
	Compensation costs are recognized based on expected performance, if applicable, net of any estimated forfeitures on a straight-line basis over the employee requisite service periods. Forfeiture rates are based on historical experience and are adjusted in subsequent periods for differences in actual forfeitures from those estimated. Net stock-based compensation expense recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income was as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
	Stock-based compensation expense related to:	(in thousands)
	Nonqualified stock options	$	1,715			$	1,958			$	1,648
	RSUs	2,276				2,435				2,094
	PSUs	1,631				1,748				—
	Total	5,622				6,141				3,742
	Less: related tax benefit	1,968				1,972				1,220
	Net stock-based compensation expense	$	3,654			$	4,169			$	2,522
	Nonqualified Stock Options
	The Company awarded “Founders' grants” to employees, excluding senior officers, in February 2007. The founders' grants awards vested pro-rata on each of the first three anniversaries of the effective date of the Company's initial public offering. The options expire seven years from the date of grant. Additional grants of nonqualified stock options awarded to certain officers of the Company have service vesting periods of four years after the date awarded and vest 25% on each of the subsequent four anniversaries of such date. The options are subject to accelerated vesting in certain limited circumstances, such as: death or disability, or in connection with a change of control of the Company. The options expire seven years from the date of grant.
	The fair value of the stock options granted is estimated using a Black-Scholes option pricing model that uses the assumptions noted in the following table. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, the expected stock price volatility used to value the options granted in 2013, 2012, and 2011 was based on the volatility of the Company's historical stock price since February 2007. The expected term of the options granted in 2013, 2012, and 2011 was calculated using the 'plain-vanilla' calculation provided in the guidance of the Securities and Exchange Commission's Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107. The dividend yield was calculated using amounts authorized by the Board of Directors. The risk-free interest rate is the yield on the grant date of the options of U.S. Treasury zero coupon securities with a maturity comparable to the expected term of the options.
	The Company anticipates issuing new shares upon exercise of stock options.
	The fair value of the stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 were calculated using the following weighted average assumptions:
		2013			2012			2011
	Expected volatility	40.1	%		42.7	%		43.6	%
	Expected life (in years)	4.8			4.8			4.8
	Dividend yield	1.1	%		1.4	%		1.2	%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.8	%		1.1	%		1.9	%
	Weighted average grant date fair values of options granted	$7.04			$5.64			$7.01
	Changes in outstanding stock options for the year ended December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		Number of Options			Weighted-Average Exercise Price				Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2010	1,763,103			$	16.14			4.8 years
	Granted	355,063			19.81				6.2 years
	Exercised	(92,646	)		16.53
	Expired	(49,445	)		17.32
	Forfeited	(187,369	)		15.36
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2011	1,788,706			16.9				4.3 years
	Granted	242,300			17.02				6.2 years
	Exercised	(101,261	)		14.13
	Expired	(98,973	)		18.78
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2012	1,830,772			16.97				3.7 years
	Granted	162,800			22.24				6.2 years
	Exercised	(411,295	)		17.89
	Expired	(6,900	)		17
	Forfeited	(28,479	)		18.9
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013	1,546,898			17.24				3.4 years
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013	983,441			16.22				2.6 years
	At December 31, 2013, the Company had yet to recognize $2.4 million in deferred compensation related to nonqualified stock option grants and expects to recognize these costs on a straight-line basis over the next 39 months. The fair value of options vested and the intrinsic value of outstanding and exercisable options as of December 31, were as follows:
		2013				2012				2011
		(in thousands)
	Fair value of options vested	$	1,809			$	1,948			$	1,929
	Intrinsic value of outstanding options	22,288				6,616				3,332
	Intrinsic value of exercisable options	15,173				3,918				1,508
	The intrinsic value of options exercised was $3.7 million, $0.5 million, and $0.3 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011.
	RSUs
	The Company has awarded RSUs to non-employee members of the Board of Directors and certain officers of the Company. The RSUs awarded to non-employee members of the Board of Directors vest on the first anniversary of the award date. RSU grants allow each non-employee Director to decide whether to defer settlement of the RSUs until six months after termination of Board service or settle the RSUs at vesting. Dividend equivalents are granted to Directors who elected to defer settlement of the RSUs after the grants vested. RSUs awarded to officers of the Company have a service vesting period of four years from the date awarded and vest 25% on each of the subsequent four anniversaries of such date. These RSUs are subject to accelerated vesting in certain limited circumstances, such as: death or disability of the holder, or in connection with a change of control of the Company.
	Changes in outstanding RSUs for the year ended December 31, 2013 were as follows:
			Number of RSUs			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2010		428,515			$	14.98
	Granted		157,570			19.12
	Forfeited		(62,618	)		15.29
	Vested		(105,278	)		15.25
	RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2011		418,189			16.42
	Granted		117,065			17.15
	Vested		(128,992	)		16.36
	RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2012		406,262			16.65
	Granted		84,215			23.57
	Forfeited		(10,924	)		18.85
Vested		(121,207	)		15.97
RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2013		358,346			18.44
Vested but unsettled RSUs at December 31, 2013		94,074			16.05
At December 31, 2013, the Company had yet to recognize $3.0 million in deferred compensation related to RSU grants and expects to recognize these costs on a straight-line basis over the next 39 months. The grant date fair value of RSUs vested and the intrinsic value of vested RSUs for the years ended December 31, were as follows:
	2013				2012				2011
	(in thousands)
Grant date fair value of RSUs vested	$	1,936			$	2,110			$	1,605
Intrinsic value of vested RSUs	2,872				2,235				1,865
The intrinsic value of outstanding RSUs was $11.3 million, $8.4 million, and $7.6 million at December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011.
PSUs
The Company awarded PSUs to certain officers of the Company as follows:
Date of Grant		Target Number Awarded			Fair Value on Date of Grant				Aggregate Fair Value on Date of Grant
									(in thousands)
March 2012(1)		158,900			$	17.02			$	2,704
March 2013(1)		147,440			22.24				3,279
-1	The PSUs have a performance period of three years and are subject to certain performance goals, based on the Company's statutory combined ratio, with payouts that range from 0% to 200% of the target awards.
At December 31, 2013, the Company had yet to recognize $1.7 million in deferred compensation related to PSU grants and expects to recognize these costs on a straight-line basis over the next 12 months. This is based on the expectation of the Company achieving the 200% target rate for the 2012 PSUs and 0% for the 2013 PSUs.

Statutory_Matters

Statutory Matters	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stautory Matters [Abstract]	'
Statutory Financial Data Disclosure	'
	Statutory Matters
	Statutory Financial Data
	The combined capital stock, surplus, and net income of the Company's insurance subsidiaries (EICN, ECIC, EPIC, and EAC), prepared in accordance with the statutory accounting practices (SAP) of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) as well as SAP permitted by the states of California, Florida, and Nevada, were as follows:
		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Capital stock and unassigned surplus	$	373,994	$	334,800
	Paid in capital	174,900		134,900
	Surplus notes	32,000		32,000
	Total statutory surplus	$	580,894	$	501,700
	Net income for the Company's insurance subsidiaries prepared in accordance with SAP for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012 and 2011 was $19.3 million, $13.5 million and $13.8 million, respectively.
	Treatment of the LPT Agreement and the surplus notes (see Notes 11 and 12) are the primary differences in the SAP-basis capital stock and total surplus of the insurance subsidiaries of $580.9 million and $501.7 million, and the GAAP-basis equity of the Company of $568.7 million and $539.4 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. Under SAP accounting, the retroactive reinsurance gain resulting from the LPT Agreement is recorded as a special component of surplus (special surplus funds) in the initial year of the contract, and not reported as unassigned surplus until the Company has recovered amounts in excess of the original consideration paid. The special surplus funds are also reduced by the amount of extraordinary dividends as approved by the Nevada Division of Insurance. Under SAP, the surplus notes are recorded as a separate component of surplus. Under SAP, changes to the estimated contingent profit commission under the LPT Agreement are reflected in commission expense in the period that the estimate is revised.
	Insurance Company Dividends
	The ability of EHI to pay dividends on the Company's common stock and to pay other expenses will be dependent to a significant extent upon the ability of the Nevada domiciled insurance company, EICN, and the Florida domiciled insurance company, EPIC, to pay dividends to their immediate holding company, Employers Group, Inc. (EGI) and, in turn, the ability of EGI to pay dividends to EHI. ECIC and EAC have the ability to declare and pay dividends to EICN and EPIC, respectively, subject to certain restrictions. The amount of dividends each of the Company's subsidiaries may pay to their immediate parent is limited by the laws of their respective state of domicile.
	Nevada law limits the payment of cash dividends by EICN to its parent by providing that payments cannot be made except from available and accumulated surplus, otherwise unrestricted (unassigned), and derived from realized net operating profits and realized and unrealized capital gains. A stock dividend may be paid out of any available surplus. A cash or stock dividend prohibited by these restrictions may only be declared and distributed as an extraordinary dividend upon the prior approval of the Nevada Commissioner of Insurance (Nevada Commissioner). EICN may not pay such an extraordinary dividend or make an extraordinary distribution until the Nevada Commissioner either approves or does not disapprove the payment within 30 days after receiving notice of its declaration. An extraordinary dividend or distribution is defined by statute to include any dividend or distribution of cash or property whose fair market value, together with that of other dividends or distributions made within the preceding 12 months, exceeds the greater of: (a) 10% of EICN's statutory surplus as regards to policyholders at the next preceding December 31; or (b) EICN's statutory net income, not including realized capital gains, for the 12-month period ending at the next preceding December 31. As of December 31, 2013, EICN had positive unassigned surplus of $324.9 million. During 2013, EICN did not pay any dividends. The maximum dividends that may be paid in 2014 by EICN without prior approval is $32.7 million.
	Under Florida law, without regulatory approval, EPIC may pay dividends if they do not exceed the greater of: the lesser of 10% of surplus or net income, not including realized capital gains, plus a 2-year carry forward; 10% of surplus, with dividends payable limited to unassigned funds minus 25% of unrealized capital gains; or, the lesser of 10% of surplus or net investment income plus a 3-year carry forward with dividends payable limited to unassigned funds minus 25% of unrealized capital gains. During 2013, EPIC did not pay any dividends. The maximum dividends that may be paid in 2014 by EPIC without prior approval is $25.4 million.
	Regulatory Requirements and Restrictions
	ECIC is subject to regulation by the California Department of Insurance (California DOI). The ability of ECIC to pay dividends was further limited by restrictions imposed by the California DOI in its approval of the Company's October 1, 2008 reinsurance pooling agreement. Under that approval: (a) ECIC must initiate discussions of its business plan with the California DOI if its premium to policyholder surplus ratio exceeds 1.5 to 1; (b) ECIC will not exceed a ratio of premium to policyholder surplus of 2 to 1 without approval of the California DOI; (c) if at any time ECIC's policyholder surplus decreases to 80% or less than the September 30, 2008 balance, ECIC shall cease issuing new policies in California, but may continue to renew existing policies until it has (i) received a capital infusion to bring its surplus position to the same level as that as of September 30, 2008 and (ii) submitted a new business plan to the California DOI; (d) ECIC will maintain a risk based capital (RBC) level of at least 350%; (e) should ECIC fail to comply with any commitments listed herein, ECIC will consent to any request by the California DOI to cease issuing new policies in California, but may continue to renew existing policies until such time that as ECIC is able to achieve full compliance with each commitment; and (f) the obligations listed shall only terminate with the written consent of the California DOI. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, ECIC was in compliance with these statutes.
	EPIC and EAC are subject to regulation by the Florida Department of Financial Services (FDFS). Florida statute Section 624.408 requires EPIC and EAC to maintain minimum capital and surplus of the greater of $4.0 million or 10% of total liabilities. Florida statute Section 624.4095 requires EPIC and EAC to maintain a ratio of written premiums times 1.25 to surplus of no greater than 10-to-1 for gross written premiums and 4-to-1 for net written premiums. During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, EPIC and EAC were in compliance with these statutes.
	Additionally, EICN, ECIC, EPIC, and EAC are required to comply with NAIC RBC requirements. RBC is a method of measuring the amount of capital appropriate for an insurance company to support its overall business operations in light of its size and risk profile. NAIC RBC standards are used by regulators to determine appropriate regulatory actions relating to insurers that show signs of weak or deteriorating conditions. As of December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, EICN, ECIC, EPIC, and EAC each had total adjusted capital above all regulatory action levels.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net	'
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net
	Accumulated other comprehensive income, net, is comprised of unrealized gains on investments classified as available-for-sale, net of deferred tax expense. The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Net unrealized gain on investments, before taxes	$	139,105		$	199,305
	Deferred tax expense	(48,687		)	(69,756		)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive income, net	$	90,418		$	129,549

Employee_Benefit_and_Retiremen

Employee Benefit and Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Employee Benefit and Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'
Compensation and Employee Benefit Plans	'
	Employee Benefit and Retirement Plans
	The Company maintains a 401(k) defined contribution plan covering all eligible Company employees (the Employers 401(k) Plan). Under the Employers 401(k) Plan, the Company's safe harbor matching consists of 100% matching contribution on salary deferrals up to 3% of compensation and then 50% matching contribution on salary deferrals from 3% to 5% of compensation. The Company's contribution to the Employers 401(k) Plan was $1.2 million, $1.5 million, and $1.5 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share includes no dilution and is computed by dividing income applicable to stockholders by the weighted average number of shares outstanding for the period. Diluted earnings per share reflect the potential dilutive impact of all convertible securities on earnings per share. Diluted earnings per share includes shares assumed issued under the “treasury stock method,” which reflects the potential dilution that would occur if outstanding options were to be exercised.
	The following table presents the net income and the weighted average shares outstanding used in the earnings per share calculations.
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands, except share data)
	Net income available to stockholders–basic and diluted	$	63,824		$	106,891		$	48,623
	Weighted average number of shares outstanding–basic	31,142,534			31,476,056			37,284,425
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Nonqualified stock options	464,334			104,837			74,430
	PSUs	177,040			—			—
	RSUs	154,259			141,164			150,232
	Dilutive potential shares	795,633			246,001			224,662
	Weighted average number of shares outstanding–diluted	31,938,167			31,722,057			37,509,087
	Diluted earnings per share exclude outstanding options and other common stock equivalents in periods where the inclusion of such options and common stock equivalents would be anti-dilutive. The following table presents options, PSUs and RSUs that were excluded from diluted earnings per share.
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012			2011
	Options excluded as the exercise price was greater than the average market price	—		900,180			1,095,920
	Options, PSUs and RSUs excluded under the treasury method, as the potential proceeds on settlement or exercise was greater than the value of shares acquired	162,800		401,200			505,635

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D

Selected Quarterly Financial Data	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Selecled Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Information	'
	Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)
	Quarterly results for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		2013 Quarters Ended
		March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Net premiums earned	$	147,975		$	159,953		$	164,429		$	169,992
	Realized gains on investments, net	794			3,866			1,075			3,794
	Losses and loss adjustment expenses	108,272			112,638			105,767			136,902
	Commission expense	18,393			20,127			19,946			19,792
	Underwriting and other operating expenses	31,540			32,249			32,493			29,042
	Income tax (benefit) expense	(226		)	1,209			(3,274		)	(8,359		)
	Net income	7,490			14,588			27,585			14,161
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic	0.24			0.47			0.88			0.45
	Diluted	0.24			0.46			0.86			0.44
		2012 Quarters Ended
		March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Net premiums earned	$	109,900		$	118,955		$	131,766		$	140,843
	Realized gains on investments, net	1,778			945			1,838			487
	Losses and loss adjustment expenses	80,518			87,809			96,823			22,760
	Commission expense	13,816			16,621			16,681			18,462
	Underwriting and other operating expenses	32,989			30,316			30,147			31,192
	Income tax (benefit) expense	(4,421		)	(2,309		)	(1,173		)	(1,444		)
	Net income	6,340			5,016			7,766			87,769
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic	0.19			0.16			0.25			2.85
	Diluted	0.19			0.16			0.25			2.82
	Fourth Quarter Adjustments
	The fourth quarter of 2013 was impacted by two changes in estimate, including: (1) a favorable LPT Reserve Adjustment, which reduced the Company's losses and LAE by $8.9 million, and increased net income by $8.9 million, or $0.28 per basic and diluted share, respectively; and (2) an LPT Contingent Commission Adjustment, which reduced the Company's losses and LAE by $2.7 million, resulting in an increase to net income of $2.7 million, or $0.09 and $0.08 per basic and diluted share, respectively.
	The fourth quarter of 2012 was impacted by two changes in estimate, including: (1) a favorable LPT Reserve Adjustment, which reduced the Company's losses and LAE by $73.3 million, and increased net income by $73.3 million, or $2.38 and $2.36 per basic and diluted share, respectively; and (2) an LPT Contingent Commission Adjustment, which reduced the Company's losses and LAE by $8.6 million, resulting in an increase to net income of $8.2 million, or $0.27 and $0.26 per basic and diluted share, respectively. See Note 2.
	Net Premiums Earned
	The increase in net premiums earned in 2013 and 2012 was primarily due to increasing policy count and rates.
	Losses and LAE
	Losses and LAE increased in the second quarter of 2013, primarily due to an increase in net earned premiums. The decrease in losses and LAE during the third quarter of 2013 was primarily due to a LPT Reserve Adjustment of $10.1 million. The increase in losses and LAE during the fourth quarter of 2013 was primarily due to an increase in the current accident year loss estimate to 77.0%, which increased the Company's losses and LAE by $21.5 million. Additionally, there was $5.1 million of unfavorable prior accident year loss development during the fourth quarter of 2013. These increases were partially offset by an $8.9 million LPT Reserve Adjustment and a $2.7 million LPT Contingent Commission Adjustment during the fourth quarter of 2013.
	Losses and LAE increased through the first three quarters of 2012 primarily due to an increase in net earned premiums. The decrease in losses and LAE during the fourth quarter of 2012 was primarily due to a LPT Reserve Adjustment of $73.3 million and a LPT Contingent Commission Adjustment of $8.6 million.
	Commission Expense
	The increased commission expense in the second quarter of 2013 was primarily due to higher net earned premiums.
	The increased commission expense in the second quarter of 2012 was primarily due to higher agency incentive commissions due to increased agent production during that quarter. The third quarter of 2012 was impacted by higher net earned premiums, partially offset by a decrease in the accrual for agency incentives. The increased commission expense in the fourth quarter of 2012 was primarily due to higher net earned premiums and an increase in the accrual for agency incentives.
	Underwriting and Other Operating Expenses
	Underwriting and other operating expenses increased through the third quarter of 2013 primarily due to increased compensation expenses and increased premium taxes and assessments as net premiums earned increased. During the fourth quarter of 2013, underwriting and other operating expenses decreased primarily due to a decrease in compensation expense.
	Underwriting and other operating expenses increased by $3.0 million, $2.2 million, $1.3 million, and $0.6 million in the first, second, third, and fourth quarters of 2012, respectively, due to the implementation of new accounting guidance for deferred policy acquisition costs. Additionally, underwriting and other operating expenses increased throughout 2012 primarily due to increased compensation expenses and increased premium taxes and assessments as net premiums earned increased.
	Income Taxes
	Income tax expense (benefit) for interim periods is measured using an estimated effective tax rate for the annual period based on projected net income and tax adjustments. On an interim basis, actual results to date replace the projections and the annual effective tax rate is updated. A cumulative change is recorded in the quarter the effective tax rate changes.
	The income tax benefit in the third and fourth quarters of 2013 was primarily related to a reallocation of reserves from non-taxable periods prior to January 1, 2000, which reduced our effective tax rate by 13.9 percentage points for the year ended December 31, 2013. The changes in estimate related to the LPT Reserve Adjustments in the third and fourth quarters of 2013 and the LPT Contingent Commission Adjustment in the fourth quarter of 2013 were tax-exempt. Additionally, the increase in current accident year loss estimate in the fourth quarter of 2013 reduced taxable net income during the quarter.
	The changes in estimate related to the LPT Reserve Adjustment and LPT Contingent Commission Adjustment in the fourth quarter of 2012 were tax-exempt.

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Notes to Condensed Financial Statments [Abstract]	'
Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	'
	Employers Holdings, Inc.
	Condensed Balance Sheets
			December 31,
			2013				2012
			(in thousands, except share data)
	Assets
	Investments:
	Investment in subsidiaries		$	447,619			$	382,985
	Investment in securities available-for-sale (amortized cost $108,890 in 2013 and $133,606 in 2012)		114,152				143,534
	Equity Securities at fair value (amortized cost $42,861 in 2013 and $30,678 in 2012)		52,503				32,256
	Total investments		614,274				558,775
	Cash and cash equivalents		6,371				40,149
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents		567				200
	Intercompany receivable		—				4,390
	Federal income taxes receivable		7,427				5,649
	Deferred income taxes, net		11,039				11,595
	Other assets		2,702				2,817
	Total assets		$	642,380			$	623,575
	Liabilities and stockholders' equity
	Accounts payable and accrued expenses		$	2,514			$	4,152
	Intercompany payable		1,163				—
	Notes payable		70,000				80,000
	Other liabilities		—				42
	Total liabilities		73,677				84,194
	Stockholders' equity:
	Common stock, $0.01 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized 54,672,904 and 54,144,453 shares issued and 31,299,930 and 30,771,479 shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively		547				542
	Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized non-issued		—				—
	Additional paid-in capital		338,090				325,990
	Retained earnings		502,198				445,850
	Accumulated other comprehensive income, net		90,418				129,549
	Treasury stock, at cost (23,372,974 shares at December 31, 2013 and 2012)		(362,550		)		(362,550		)
	Total stockholders' equity		568,703				539,381
	Total liabilities and stockholders' equity		$	642,380			$	623,575
	See accompanying notes.
	Employers Holdings, Inc.
	Condensed Statements of Income
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013				2012				2011
			(in thousands, except per share data)
	Revenues
	Net investment income		$	5,995			$	6,590			$	10,284
	Realized gains on investments		4,273				623				7,769
	Total revenues		10,268				7,213				18,053
	Expenses
	Other operating expenses		11,988				13,889				12,662
	Interest expense		1,621				1,880				2,040
	Total expenses		13,609				15,769				14,702
	Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiary		(3,341		)		(8,556		)		3,351
	Income tax (benefit) expense		(1,513		)		(4,109		)		279
	Net income before equity in earnings of subsidiary		(1,828		)		(4,447		)		3,072
	Equity in net income of subsidiary		65,652				111,338				45,551
	Net income		$	63,824			$	106,891			$	48,623
	Earnings per common share for the stated periods (Note 19):
	Basic		$	2.05			$	3.4			$	1.3
	Diluted		$	2			$	3.37			$	1.3
	Cash dividends declared per common share		$	0.24			$	0.24			$	0.24
	See accompanying notes.
	Employers Holdings, Inc.
	Condensed Statement of Cash Flows
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
		(in thousands)
	Operating activities
Net income	$	63,824			$	106,891			$	48,623
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities:
Equity in net income of subsidiary	(65,652		)		(111,338		)		(45,551		)
Realized gains on investments	(4,273		)		(623		)		(7,769		)
Stock-based compensation	5,622				6,141				3,742
Amortization of premium or investments, net	1,305				1,734				4,056
Deferred income tax expense	(486		)		(2,511		)		(1,803		)
Change in operating assets and liabilities:
Accounts payable, accrued expense and other liabilities	(1,680		)		1,929				(583		)
Federal income taxes	(1,778		)		(9,636		)		3,731
Other assets	115				796				2,126
Intercompany payable/receivable	5,553				9				3,087
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	2,550				(6,608		)		9,659
Investing activities
Purchase of fixed maturity securities	(29,485		)		—				—
Purchase of equity securities	(23,599		)		(23,909		)		(14,990		)
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity securities	35,466				—				133,232
Proceeds from maturities and redemptions of investments	17,645				47,677				27,420
Proceeds from sale of equity securities	15,473				8,843				—
Cash dividends received from subsidiary	3,555				—				67,380
Capital contributions to subsidiary	(44,023		)		(70,000		)		—
Restricted cash used in investing activities	(367		)		1,818				(1		)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(25,335		)		(35,571		)		213,041
Financing activities
Acquisition of treasury stock	—				(41,795		)		(91,975		)
Cash transactions related to stock-based compensation	6,462				839				1,019
Dividends paid to stockholders	(7,455		)		(7,508		)		(8,943		)
Payments on notes payable	(10,000		)		(10,000		)		(10,000		)
Net cash used in financing activities	(10,993		)		(58,464		)		(109,899		)
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(33,778		)		(100,643		)		112,801
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	40,149				140,792				27,991
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	$	6,371			$	40,149			$	140,792
See accompanying notes.
1. Nature of Operations and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
Operations and Basis of Presentation
Employers Holdings, Inc. (EHI) is a Nevada holding company. Through its wholly owned insurance subsidiaries, Employers Insurance Company of Nevada (EICN), Employers Compensation Insurance Company (ECIC), Employers Preferred Insurance Company (EPIC), and Employers Assurance Company (EAC), EHI is engaged in the commercial property and casualty insurance industry, specializing in workers' compensation products and services. Unless otherwise indicated, all references to the “Company” refer to EHI, together with its subsidiaries.
EHI prepares its condensed financial statements in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), using the equity method. Under the equity method, the investment in subsidiary is stated at cost plus equity in earnings of its subsidiary. EHI receives dividends from its insurance subsidiaries in the form of cash and securities. The book value for these securities is stated at the fair market value at the date of transfer. These condensed financial statements should be read in conjunction with EHI's consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.
Estimates and Assumptions
The preparation of the 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 revenue and expenses during the reporting period. As a result, actual results could differ from these estimates.
2. Income Taxes
EHI files a consolidated federal income tax return with its subsidiaries and has a tax allocation agreement with its subsidiaries. The equity in the undistributed earnings of subsidiaries included in the accompanying condensed statements of income is net of income taxes.
3. Investments
EHI primarily holds fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2013 for purposes of securing the Third and Amended and Restated Secured Revolving Credit Facility (Amended Credit Facility). The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2013, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
	Amortized				Estimated
	Cost				Fair Value
	(in thousands)
Due in one year or less	$	23,335			$	23,822
Due after one year through five years	61,030				64,989
Due after five years through ten years	10,599				11,014
Due after 10 years	13,926				14,327
Total	$	108,890			$	114,152
At December 31, 2013, the fixed maturity securities had unrealized gains of $5.3 million which are included in accumulated comprehensive income, net in the accompanying condensed balance sheets.
During 2013, EHI purchased equity securities and utilized market quotations to determine their fair values.
4. Notes Payable
On December 28, 2010, EHI and Wells Fargo Bank, National Association (Wells Fargo) entered into the Amended Credit Facility. See Note 12 of the Consolidated Financial Statements of Employers Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries included herein for a description of the terms of the Amended Credit Facility. Interest paid during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 totaled $1.6 million, $1.9 million, and $2.0 million, respectively. In accordance with the terms of the contract, a repayment of $10.0 million was made toward the Amended Credit Facility on December 31, 2013. The Amended Credit Facility is secured by fixed maturity securities which had a fair value of $95.1 million at December 31, 2013.
5. Stock-Based Compensation
During 2013, EHI awarded 162,800 non-qualified stock options to officers, 84,215 RSUs to non-employee Directors and officers, and 147,440 PSUs to officers. During 2012, EHI awarded 242,300 non-qualified stock options to officers, 117,065 RSUs to non-employee Directors and officers, and 158,900 PSUs to officers. See Note 15 of the Consolidated Financial Statements of Employers Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries' included herein for a detailed description of the stock-based compensation.

Schedule_VI_Supplemental_Infor

Schedule VI. Supplemental Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters	'
	Schedule VI. Supplemental Information Concerning Property - Casualty Insurance Operations
	Employers Holdings, Inc. and Subsidiaries
	Consolidated Supplemental Information Concerning Property and Casualty Insurance Operations
	Year	Deferred		Reserves For		Unearned		Net		Net Investment		Losses and		Losses and		Amortization		Paid Losses And LAE		Net
	Ended	Policy		Unpaid		Premiums		Premiums		Income		LAE Related		LAE Related to Prior		of Deferred				Premiums
		Acquisition		Losses And				Earned				to Current		Years		Policy				Written
		Costs		LAE								Years				Acquisition Costs
	(in thousands)
	2013	$	43,532	$	2,330,491	$	303,967	$	642,349	$	70,764	$	494,579	$	6,934	$	96,903	$	340,231	$	678,466
	2012	38,852		2,231,540		265,149		501,464		72,363		386,044		1,800		85,926		293,213		569,676
	2011	37,524		2,272,363		194,933		363,424		80,117		280,683		1,127		74,500		273,973		410,038

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]

'

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy

'

Cash and Cash Equivalents

The Company considers all highly liquid investments with an initial maturity of three months or less at the date of purchase to be cash equivalents.

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy

'

Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents

Restricted cash and cash equivalents is primarily related to funds held in trust to secure the Company's line of credit and for reinsurance. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company held $28.2 million and $30.8 million, respectively, in trust for reinsurance, of which $3.5 million and $2.5 million was classified as restricted cash and cash equivalents as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Investments, Policy

'

Investments

The Company's investments in fixed maturity securities and equity securities are classified as available-for-sale and are reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses excluded from earnings and reported as a separate component of equity, net of deferred taxes, in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Investment income consists primarily of interest and dividends. Interest is recognized on an accrual basis, and dividends are recorded as earned at the ex-dividend date. Interest income on mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities is determined using the effective-yield method based on estimated principal repayments. Mortgage-backed securities are adjusted for the effects of changes in prepayment assumptions on the related accretion of discount or amortization of premium of such securities using the retrospective method.

Realized capital gains and losses on investments are determined on a specific-identification basis.

When, in the opinion of management, a decline in the fair value of an equity security below its cost is considered to be “other-than-temporary,” the equity security's cost is written down to its fair value at the time the other-than-temporary decline is identified. The determination of an other-than-temporary decline for debt securities includes, in addition to other relevant factors, a presumption that if the market value is below cost by a significant amount for a period of time, a bifurcation of the write-down may be necessary. If management has the intent to sell the debt security or more likely than not will be required to sell the debt security before its anticipated recovery, the investment is written down to its fair value and the entire impairment is recorded as a realized loss due to credit in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income. If management does not have the intent to sell or will not be required to sell the debt security but does not expect to recover the amortized cost basis of the debt security, the amount of the other-than-temporary impairment is bifurcated between credit loss and other loss and recorded as a component of realized gains and losses and to other comprehensive income, respectively, in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income. The amount of any write-down is determined by the difference between the cost or amortized cost of the debt security and its fair value at the time the other-than-temporary decline is identified (see Note 7).

Revenue Recognition, Policy

'

Revenue Recognition

Premium revenue is recognized over the period of the contract in proportion to the amount of time insurance protection is provided. At the end of the policy term, payroll-based premium audits are performed on substantially all policyholder accounts to determine net premiums earned for the policy year. Earned but unbilled premiums include estimated future audit premiums based on the Company's historical experience. These estimates are subject to changes in policyholders' payrolls, economic conditions, and seasonality, and are continually reviewed and adjusted as experience develops or new information becomes known. Any such adjustments are included in current operations; however, they are partially offset by the resulting changes in losses and LAE, commission expenses, and premium taxes. The Company's premiums receivable on the consolidated balance sheet included $40.8 million and $19.6 million of additional premiums expected to be received from policyholders for final audits at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The Company establishes a bad debt allowance on its premiums receivable through a charge included in underwriting and other operating expenses in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income. This bad debt allowance is determined based on estimates and assumptions to project future experience. After all collection efforts have been exhausted, the Company reduces the bad debt allowance for write-offs of premiums receivable that have been deemed uncollectible. The Company had write-offs, net of recoveries of amounts previously written off, of $2.5 million, $1.9 million, and $2.2 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs, Policy

'

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs

Policy acquisition costs, consisting of commissions, premium taxes, and certain other underwriting costs that vary with, and are primarily related to, the successful production of new or renewal business are deferred and amortized as the related premiums are earned. Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, was $96.9 million, $85.9 million, and $74.5 million, respectively.

A premium deficiency would exist if expected future losses and LAE, expected policyholder dividends, deferred policy acquisition costs, and expected policy maintenance costs, offset by anticipated investment income, exceed the related unearned premiums. A premium deficiency would reduce the value of deferred policy acquisition costs. If the deficiency exceeded the deferred policy acquisition costs, a separate liability would be accrued for the excess deficiency. There was no premium deficiency at December 31, 2013 or 2012.

Unpaid Loss and LAE Reserves, Policy

'

Unpaid Loss and LAE Reserves

Loss and LAE reserves represent management's best estimate of the ultimate net cost of all reported and unreported losses incurred for the applicable periods. The estimated reserves for losses and LAE include the accumulation of estimates for all claims reported prior to the balance sheet date, estimates (based on projections of relevant historical data) of claims incurred but not reported, and estimates of expenses for investigating and adjusting all incurred and unadjusted claims. Amounts reported are necessarily subject to the impact of future changes in economic, regulatory and social conditions. Management believes that, subject to the inherent variability in any such estimate, the reserves are within a reasonable and acceptable range of adequacy. Estimates for claims reported prior to the balance sheet date are continually monitored and reviewed, and as settlements are made or reserves adjusted, the differences are reported in current operations. Salvage and subrogation recoveries are estimated based on a review of the level of historical salvage and subrogation recoveries.

Reinsurance, Policy

'

Reinsurance

In the ordinary course of business and in accordance with general insurance industry practices, the Company purchases excess of loss reinsurance to protect the Company against the impact of large and/or catastrophic losses in its workers' compensation business. Additionally, the Company is a party to a 100% quota share retroactive reinsurance agreement (see Note 11). This reinsurance reduces the financial impact of such losses on current operations and the equity of the Company. Reinsurance makes the assuming reinsurer liable to the ceding company to the extent of the reinsurance coverage provided. It does not, however, discharge the Company from its liability to its policyholders in the event the reinsurer is unable or unwilling to meet its obligations under its reinsurance agreement with the Company.

Net premiums earned and losses and LAE incurred are stated in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income after deduction of amounts ceded to reinsurers. Balances due from reinsurers on unpaid losses, including an estimate of such recoverables related to reserves for incurred but not reported losses, are reported as assets and are included in reinsurance recoverables even though amounts due on unpaid losses and LAE are not recoverable from the reinsurer until such losses are paid. Recoverables from reinsurers on unpaid losses and LAE amounted to $0.7 billion and $0.8 billion at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

Ceded losses and LAE are accounted for on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the relevant reinsurance agreement.

The 100% quota share retroactive reinsurance agreement was entered into in 1999 by the Nevada State Industrial Insurance System (the Fund) and assumed by EICN, which the Company refers to as the LPT Agreement (see Note 11). Loss expenses are deemed to be 7% of total losses paid and are paid to the Company as compensation for management of the claims under the LPT Agreement. The Company accounts for this transaction as retroactive reinsurance, whereby the initial deferred gain was recorded as a liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as Deferred reinsurance gain–LPT Agreement. This gain is amortized using the recovery method, whereby the amortization is determined by the proportion of actual reinsurance recoveries to total estimated recoveries through the life of the LPT Agreement, and is recorded in losses and LAE incurred in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Any adjustment to the estimated reserves ceded under the LPT Agreement results in a cumulative adjustment to the Deferred Gain, which is also recognized in losses and LAE incurred in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, such that the Deferred Gain reflects the balance that would have existed had the revised reserves been recognized at the inception of the LPT Agreement.

Additionally, the Company is entitled to receive a contingent profit commission under the LPT Agreement. The contingent profit is equal to 30% of the favorable difference between actual paid losses and LAE and expected paid losses and LAE as established in the LPT Agreement based on losses paid through June 30, 2024. The contingent profit commission is paid every five years beginning June 30, 2004 for the first twenty-five years of the agreement. The Company is paid 30% of the favorable difference between the actual and expected losses and LAE paid at each calculation point. The Company could be required to return any previously received contingent profit commission, plus interest, in the event of unfavorable differences through June 30, 2024. The Company records its estimate of contingent profit commission in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as Contingent commission receivable–LPT Agreement and a corresponding liability is recorded on the accompanying consolidated balance sheets in Deferred reinsurance gain–LPT Agreement. The Contingent commission receivable–LPT Agreement is reduced as amounts are received from participating reinsurers. The related Deferred reinsurance gain–LPT Agreement is amortized using the recovery method. The amortization of the contingent profit commission is determined by the proportion of actual reinsurance recoveries to total estimated recoveries over the life of the contingent profit commission (through June 30, 2024), and is recorded in losses and LAE incurred in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income. Any adjustment to the contingent profit commission under the LPT Agreement results in a cumulative adjustment to the Deferred Gain, which is also recognized in losses and LAE incurred in the consolidated statement of comprehensive income, such that the Deferred Gain reflects the balance that would have existed had the revised contingent profit commission been recognized at the inception of the LPT Agreement.

Property, and Equipment, Policy

'

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment are stated at cost less accumulated depreciation (see Note 8). Expenditures for maintenance and repairs are charged against operations as incurred.

Electronic data processing equipment, software, furniture and equipment, and automobiles are depreciated using the straight-line method over three to seven years. Leasehold improvements are carried at cost less accumulated amortization. The Company amortizes leasehold improvements using the straight-line method over the lesser of the useful life of the asset or the remaining original lease term, excluding options or renewal periods. Leasehold improvements are generally amortized over three to five years.

Obligations Held Under Capital Leases, Policy

'

Obligations Held Under Capital Leases

Leased property and equipment meeting capital lease criteria are capitalized at the lower of the present value of the related lease payments or the fair value of the leased asset at the inception of the lease. Amortization is calculated using the straight-line method based on the term of the lease and is included in the depreciation expense of property and equipment. See Note 13 for additional disclosures related to capital leases.

Income Taxes, Policy

'

Income Taxes

The Company's accounting for income taxes considers the current and deferred tax consequences of all transactions that have been recognized in its consolidated financial statements using the provisions of enacted tax laws. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse. The effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities resulting from a tax rate change affects net income or loss in the period that includes the enactment date of the tax rate change. The Company's income tax returns are subject to audit by the Internal Revenue Service and various state tax authorities. Significant disputes may arise with these tax authorities involving issues of the timing and amount of deductions and allocations of income among various tax jurisdictions because of differing interpretations of tax laws and regulations. The Company periodically evaluates exposures associated with tax filing positions. Although we believe our positions comply with applicable laws, liabilities are recorded based upon estimates of the ultimate outcomes of these matters.

In assessing whether deferred tax assets will be realized, the Company considers whether it is more likely than not that it will generate future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. The Company considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning strategies, and projected future taxable income in making this assessment. If necessary, a valuation allowance is established to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amounts that are more likely than not to be realized.

Credit Risk, Policy

'

Credit Risk

Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk are primarily cash and cash equivalents, investments, premiums receivable, and reinsurance recoverable balances.

Cash equivalents include investments in money market securities and securities backed by the U.S. government. Investments are diversified throughout many industries and geographic regions. The Company limits the amount of credit exposure with any one financial institution and believes that no significant concentration of credit risk exists with respect to cash and cash equivalents and investments.

At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the outstanding premiums receivable balance was generally diversified due to the large number of entities composing the Company's policyholder base and their dispersion across many different industries. The Company also has recoverables from its reinsurers. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company of its obligations to claimants or policyholders. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. The Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. The Company obtains collateral to mitigate the risks related to reinsurance insolvencies. At December 31, 2013, $5.8 million was collateralized by cash or letters of credit and an additional $1.3 billion was in trust accounts for reinsurance related to the LPT Agreement.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Policy

'

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Estimated fair value amounts have been determined using available market information and other appropriate valuation methodologies. Judgment is required in developing the estimates of fair value where quoted market prices are not available. Accordingly, these estimates are not necessarily indicative of the amounts that could be realized in a current market exchange. The use of different market assumptions or estimating methodologies may have an effect on the estimated fair value amounts.

The following methods and assumptions were used by the Company in estimating the fair value for financial instruments in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and in these notes for the years ended 2013 and 2012:

Cash and cash equivalents, premiums receivable, and accrued expenses and other liabilities. The carrying amounts for these financial instruments as reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets approximate their fair values.

Investments. The estimated fair values for available-for-sale securities generally represent quoted market prices for securities traded in the public marketplace or estimated values for securities not traded in the public marketplace. Additional data with respect to fair values of the Company's investment securities is disclosed in Note 6.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, Policy

'

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets

The Company tests for impairment of goodwill and non-amortizable intangible assets in the fourth quarter of each year. At the end of each quarter, management considers the results of the previous analysis as well as any recent developments that may constitute triggering events requiring the impairment analysis of goodwill and other intangible assets to be updated. The Company has assessed the effects of current economic conditions on the Company's financial condition and results of operations and changes in the Company's stock price and determined that there were no impairments as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.

Intangible assets related to state licenses are not subject to amortization. Intangibles related to insurance relationships will be amortized in proportion to the expected period of benefit over the next five years.

The gross carrying value, accumulated amortization, and net carrying value for the Company's intangible assets, by major class, as of December 31, were as follows:

2013

2012

Gross

Accumulated

Net

Gross

Accumulated

Net

Carrying

Amortization

Carrying

Carrying

Amortization

Carrying

Value

Value

Value

Value

(in thousands)

State licenses

$

7,700

$

7,700

$

7,700

$

7,700

Insurance relationships

9,400

$

(7,415

)

1,985

9,400

$

(6,542

)

2,858

Total

$

17,100

$

(7,415

)

$

9,685

$

17,100

$

(6,542

)

$

10,558

During the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, the Company recognized $0.9 million, $1.2 million, and $1.6 million in amortization expenses, respectively. These amortization expenses are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income in underwriting and other operating expenses. Amortization expense is expected to be as follows:

Year

Amount

(in thousands)

2014

$

651

2015

489

2016

371

2017

285

2018

189

Total

$

1,985

Stock-based Compensation, Policy

'

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company issues stock-based payments, which are recognized in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income based on their estimated fair values over the employees' service period (see Note 15).

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Schedule of intangible assets table	'
	The gross carrying value, accumulated amortization, and net carrying value for the Company's intangible assets, by major class, as of December 31, were as follows:
		2013								2012
		Gross			Accumulated			Net		Gross		Accumulated			Net
		Carrying			Amortization			Carrying		Carrying		Amortization			Carrying
		Value						Value		Value					Value
		(in thousands)
	State licenses	$	7,700					$	7,700	$	7,700				$	7,700
	Insurance relationships	9,400			$	(7,415	)	1,985		9,400		$	(6,542	)	2,858
	Total	$	17,100		$	(7,415	)	$	9,685	$	17,100	$	(6,542	)	$	10,558
Expected amortization expense table	'
	Amortization expense is expected to be as follows:
	Year		Amount
			(in thousands)
	2014		$	651
	2015		489
	2016		371
	2017		285
	2018		189
	Total		$	1,985

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value of Financial Instruments [Abstract]	'
Estimated fair value of financial instruments table	'
	The carrying value and the estimated fair value of the Company's financial instruments as of December 31, were as follows:
		2013				2012
		Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value		Carrying Value		Estimated Fair Value
	Financial assets	(in thousands)
	Investments (Note 7)	$	2,344,858	$	2,344,858	$	2,149,514	$	2,149,514
	Cash and cash equivalents	34,503		34,503		140,661		140,661
	Restricted cash and cash equivalents	6,564		6,564		5,353		5,353
	Financial liabilities
	Notes payable (Note 12)	$	102,000	$	105,540	$	112,000	$	118,207
Fair value, assets and liabilities measured on recurring basis table	'
	The following table presents the items in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets that are stated at fair value and the fair value measurements.
		December 31, 2013						December 31, 2012
		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3		Level 1		Level 2		Level 3
		(in thousands)
	Fixed maturity securities
	U.S. Treasuries	$	—	$	170,897	$	—	$	—	$	152,490	$	—
	U.S. Agencies	—		68,118		—		—		93,967		—
	States and municipalities	—		735,180		—		—		758,516		—
	Corporate securities	—		833,296		—		—		676,243		—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	—		258,431		—		—		252,852		—
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	—		65,110		—		—		56,120		—
	Asset-backed securities	—		51,514		—		—		34,240		—
	Total fixed maturity securities	$	—	$	2,182,546	$	—	$	—	$	2,024,428	$	—
	Equity securities	$	162,312	$	—	$	—	$	125,086	$	—	$	—

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments [Abstract]	'
Available-for-sale securities table	'
	The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, gross unrealized losses, and estimated fair value of the Company’s investments were as follows:
			Cost or Amortized				Gross			Gross				Estimated
			Cost				Unrealized			Unrealized				Fair Value
							Gains			Losses
	At December 31, 2013		(in thousands)
	Fixed maturity securities
	U.S. Treasuries		$	163,951			$	7,073		$	(127	)		$	170,897
	U.S. Agencies		64,985				3,137			(4		)		68,118
	States and municipalities		698,979				40,595			(4,394		)		735,180
	Corporate securities		814,283				28,671			(9,658		)		833,296
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		255,187				7,979			(4,735		)		258,431
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		67,066				316			(2,272		)		65,110
	Asset-backed securities		51,613				54			(153		)		51,514
	Total fixed maturity securities		2,116,064				87,825			(21,343		)		2,182,546
	Equity securities		89,689				72,844			(221		)		162,312
	Total investments		$	2,205,753			$	160,669		$	(21,564	)		$	2,344,858
	At December 31, 2012
	Fixed maturity securities
	U.S. Treasuries		$	138,839			$	13,651		$	—			$	152,490
	U.S. Agencies		88,202				5,765			—				93,967
	States and municipalities		689,776				68,740			—				758,516
	Corporate securities		627,047				49,461			(265		)		676,243
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		236,461				16,488			(97		)		252,852
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		54,755				1,410			(45		)		56,120
	Asset-backed securities		34,062				211			(33		)		34,240
	Total fixed maturity securities		1,869,142				155,726			(440		)		2,024,428
	Equity securities		81,067				45,399			(1,380		)		125,086
	Total investments		$	1,950,209			$	201,125		$	(1,820	)		$	2,149,514
Investments classified by contractual maturity date table	'
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2013, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
			Amortized Cost				Estimated Fair Value
			(in thousands)
	Due in one year or less		$	147,157			$	149,369
	Due after one year through five years		777,480				812,822
	Due after five years through ten years		655,280				676,124
	Due after ten years		162,281				169,176
	Mortgage and asset-backed securities		373,866				375,055
	Total		$	2,116,064			$	2,182,546
	EHI primarily holds fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2013 for purposes of securing the Third and Amended and Restated Secured Revolving Credit Facility (Amended Credit Facility). The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2013, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
		Amortized				Estimated
		Cost				Fair Value
		(in thousands)
	Due in one year or less	$	23,335			$	23,822
	Due after one year through five years	61,030				64,989
	Due after five years through ten years	10,599				11,014
	Due after 10 years	13,926				14,327
	Total	$	108,890			$	114,152
Unrealized loss on investments table	'
	The following is a summary of investments that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for less than 12 months and those that have been in a continuous unrealized loss position for 12 months or greater as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
			December 31, 2013										December 31, 2012
			Estimated Fair Value				Gross Unrealized Losses			Number of Issues			Estimated Fair Value			Gross Unrealized Losses			Number of Issues
	Less than 12 months:		(dollars in thousands)
	Fixed maturity securities
	U.S. Treasuries		$	22,242			$	(127	)	7			$	—		$	—		—
	U.S. Agencies		1,631				(4		)	1			—			—			—
	States and municipalities		127,965				(4,394		)	34			—			—			—
	Corporate securities		326,608				(9,536		)	112			36,338			(265		)	12
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		129,586				(4,170		)	58			14,629			(28		)	6
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		35,878				(1,372		)	9			10,432			(45		)	4
	Asset-backed securities		25,825				(52		)	13			16,714			(33		)	5
	Total fixed maturity securities		669,735				(19,655		)	234			78,113			(371		)	27
	Equity securities		6,140				(208		)	17			11,645			(1,207		)	35
	Total less than 12 months		$	675,875			$	(19,863	)	251			$	89,758		$	(1,578	)	62
	Greater than 12 months:
	Fixed maturity securities
	Corporate securities		$	6,174			$	(122	)	3			$	—		$	—		—
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		5,609				(565		)	11			2,341			(69		)	17
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		9,324				(900		)	3			—			—			—
	Asset-backed securities		8,938				(101		)	3			—			—			—
	Total fixed maturity securities		30,045				(1,688		)	20			2,341			(69		)	17
	Equity securities		303				(13		)	1			456			(173		)	4
	Total greater than 12 months		$	30,348			$	(1,701	)	21			$	2,797		$	(242	)	21
	Total available-for-sale:
	Fixed maturity securities
	U.S. Treasuries		$	22,242			$	(127	)	7			$	—		$	—		—
	U.S. Agencies		1,631				(4		)	1			—			—			—
	States and municipalities		127,965				(4,394		)	34			—			—			—
	Corporate securities		332,782				(9,658		)	115			36,338			(265		)	12
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		135,195				(4,735		)	69			16,970			(97		)	23
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		45,202				(2,272		)	12			10,432			(45		)	4
	Asset-backed securities		34,763				(153		)	16			16,714			(33		)	5
	Total fixed maturity securities		699,780				(21,343		)	254			80,454			(440		)	44
	Equity securities		6,443				(221		)	18			12,101			(1,380		)	39
	Total available-for-sale		$	706,223			$	(21,564	)	272			$	92,555		$	(1,820	)	83
Net realized gains and change in unrealized gains (losses), available for sale securities table	'
	Realized gains on investments, net and the change in unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity and equity securities are determined on a specific-identification basis and were as follows:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013				2012			2011
			(in thousands)
	Realized gains on investments, net
	Fixed maturity securities
	Gross gains		$	761			$	3,779		$	19,463
	Gross losses		(7		)		(5		)	(148		)
	Realized gains on fixed maturity securities, net		$	754			$	3,774		$	19,315
	Equity securities
	Gross gains		$	9,093			$	2,156		$	1,169
	Gross losses		(318		)		(882		)	(323		)
	Realized gains on equity securities, net		$	8,775			$	1,274		$	846
	Total		$	9,529			$	5,048		$	20,161
	Change in unrealized (losses) gains
	Fixed maturity securities		$	(88,803	)		$	8,803		$	47,897
	Equity securities		28,603				10,935			2,235
	Total		$	(60,200	)		$	19,738		$	50,132
Investment income table	'
	Net investment income was as follows:
			Years Ended December 31,
			2013				2012			2011
			(in thousands)
	Fixed maturity securities		$	69,458			$	71,293		$	80,361
	Equity securities		3,812				3,248			1,885
	Cash equivalents and restricted cash		99				351			279
			73,369				74,892			82,525
	Investment expenses		(2,605		)		(2,529		)	(2,408		)
	Net investment income		$	70,764			$	72,363		$	80,117

Property_and_Equipment_Tables

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Property and Equipment [Abstract]	'
Property, plant and equipment table	'
	Property and equipment consists of the following:
		As of December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Furniture and equipment	$	2,896		$	2,896
	Leasehold improvements	4,439			4,309
	Computers and software	38,146			33,477
	Automobiles	1,208			1,369
		46,689			42,051
	Accumulated amortization and depreciation	(30,073		)	(27,371		)
	Property and equipment, net	$	16,616		$	14,680

Income_Taxes_Tables

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Taxes [Abstract]	'
Summary of income tax contingencies table	'
	The provision for income taxes consisted of the following:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Current tax (benefit) expense:	(in thousands)
	Federal	$	89		$	1,964		$	(652	)
	State	22			(312		)	154
	Total current tax (benefit) expense	111			1,652			(498		)
	Deferred federal tax (benefit) expense	(10,761		)	(10,999		)	(1,608		)
	Income tax (benefit) expense	$	(10,650	)	$	(9,347	)	$	(2,106	)
Reconciliation of federal staturoty income tax rates to the effective tax rates table	'
	The difference between the statutory federal tax rate of 35% and the Company's effective tax rate on net income before income taxes as reflected in the consolidated statements of comprehensive income was as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands)
	Expense computed at statutory rate	$	18,611		$	34,140		$	16,281
	Dividends received deduction and tax-exempt interest	(9,033		)	(9,304		)	(11,409		)
	Pre-Privatization reserve adjustments, excluding LPT	(7,400		)	—			(1,602		)
	LPT deferred gain amortization	(6,632		)	(9,305		)	(6,755		)
	LPT Reserve Adjustment	(6,645		)	(25,672		)	—
	Other	449			794			1,379
	Income tax (benefit) expense	$	(10,650	)	$	(9,347	)	$	(2,106	)
Deferred tax assets and liabilities	'
	The significant components of deferred income taxes, net, were as follows as of December 31:
		2013						2012
		Deferred Tax						Deferred Tax
		Assets			Liabilities			Assets			Liabilities
		(in thousands)
	Unrealized capital gains, net	$	—		$	48,687		$	—		$	69,756
	Deferred policy acquisition costs	—			15,323			—			13,692
	Intangible assets	—			3,390			—			3,695
	Loss reserve discounting for tax reporting	57,945			—			57,722			—
	Unearned premiums	20,639			—			18,119			—
	Allowance for bad debt	2,608			—			2,085			—
	Stock based compensation	4,603			—			4,339			—
	Accrued liabilities	8,292			—			5,095			—
	Minimum tax credit	13,177			—			13,090			—
	Net operating loss carryforward	22,832			—			15,111			—
	Other	1,169			5,803			1,401			3,588
	Total	$	131,265		$	73,203		$	116,962		$	90,731
	Deferred income taxes, net	$	58,062					$	26,231

Liability_for_Unpaid_Losses_an1

Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses [Abstract]	'
Changes in the liability for unpaid losses and LAE table	'
	The following table represents a reconciliation of changes in the liability for unpaid losses and LAE.
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
		(in thousands)
	Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of reinsurance, at beginning of period	$	2,231,540	$	2,272,363	$	2,279,729
	Less reinsurance recoverable, excluding bad debt allowance, on unpaid losses and LAE	805,386		940,840		956,043
	Net unpaid losses and LAE at beginning of period	1,426,154		1,331,523		1,323,686
	Losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, incurred in:
	Current year	494,579		386,044		280,683
	Prior years	6,934		1,800		1,127
	Total net losses and LAE incurred during the period	501,513		387,844		281,810
	Deduct payments for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, related to:
	Current year	78,523		67,672		55,405
	Prior years	261,708		225,541		218,568
	Total net payments for losses and LAE during the period	340,231		293,213		273,973
	Ending unpaid losses and LAE, net of reinsurance	1,587,436		1,426,154		1,331,523
	Reinsurance recoverable, excluding bad debt allowance, on unpaid losses and LAE	743,055		805,386		940,840
	Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of reinsurance, at end of period	$	2,330,491	$	2,231,540	$	2,272,363

Reinsurance_Tables

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance [Abstract]	'
Supplemental schedule of reinsurance premiums for insurance companies table	'
	Reinsurance transactions reflected in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income were as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013						2012						2011
		Written			Earned			Written			Earned			Written			Earned
		(in thousands)
	Direct premiums	$	680,459		$	645,449		$	575,373		$	507,770		$	416,106		$	369,365
	Assumed premiums	9,412			8,305			4,954			4,345			2,406			2,533
	Gross premiums	689,871			653,754			580,327			512,115			418,512			371,898
	Ceded premiums	(11,405		)	(11,405		)	(10,651		)	(10,651		)	(8,474		)	(8,474		)
	Net premiums	$	678,466		$	642,349		$	569,676		$	501,464		$	410,038		$	363,424
	Ceded losses and LAE incurred	$	10,732					$	2,544					$	46,327

Notes_Payable_Tables

Notes Payable (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Notes Payable [Abstract]	'
Schedule of long-term debt instruments table	'
	Notes payable is comprised of the following:
		December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Amended Credit Facility, due December 31, 2015 with variable interest, as described below	$	70,000		$	80,000
	Dekania Surplus Note, due April 30, 2034 with variable interest of 425 basis points above 90-day LIBOR	10,000			10,000
	ICONS Surplus Note, due May 26, 2034 with variable interest of 425 basis points above 90-day LIBOR	12,000			12,000
	Alesco Surplus Note, due December 15, 2034 with variable interest of 405 basis points above 90-day LIBOR	10,000			10,000
	Balance	$	102,000		$	112,000
Schedule of maturities of long-term debt table	'
	Principal payment obligations on notes payable outstanding at December 31, 2013, were as follows:
	Year		Principal Due
			(in thousands)
	2014		$	10,000
	2015		60,000
	2016		—
	2017		—
	2018		—
	Thereafter		32,000
	Total		$	102,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Operating and capital leases schedule of future minimum lease payments table	'
	The future lease payments for the next five years on these non-cancelable operating and capital leases at December 31, 2013, were as follows:
	Year	Operating Leases			Capital Leases
		(in thousands)
	2014	$	6,044		$	1,518
	2015	4,704			689
	2016	3,308			314
	2017	1,969			314
	2018	616			180
	Total	$	16,641		$	3,015
Schedule of capital leased asssets table	'
	Property held under capital leases is included in property and equipment as follows:
	Asset Class	2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Furniture and equipment	$	—		$	100
	Computers and software	3,295			2,904
	Automobiles	1,208			1,369
		4,503			4,373
	Accumulated amortization	(1,681		)	(1,758		)
	Total	$	2,822		$	2,615

StockBased_Compensation_Tables

Stock-Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stock-Based Compensation [Abstract]	'
Schedule of compensation cost for share-based payment arrangements, allocation of share-based compensation costs by plan table	'
	Net stock-based compensation expense recognized in the accompanying consolidated statements of comprehensive income was as follows:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013				2012				2011
	Stock-based compensation expense related to:	(in thousands)
	Nonqualified stock options	$	1,715			$	1,958			$	1,648
	RSUs	2,276				2,435				2,094
	PSUs	1,631				1,748				—
	Total	5,622				6,141				3,742
	Less: related tax benefit	1,968				1,972				1,220
	Net stock-based compensation expense	$	3,654			$	4,169			$	2,522
Schedule of share-based payment award, stock options, valuation assumptions table	'
	The fair value of the stock options granted during the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 were calculated using the following weighted average assumptions:
		2013			2012			2011
	Expected volatility	40.1	%		42.7	%		43.6	%
	Expected life (in years)	4.8			4.8			4.8
	Dividend yield	1.1	%		1.4	%		1.2	%
	Risk-free interest rate	0.8	%		1.1	%		1.9	%
	Weighted average grant date fair values of options granted	$7.04			$5.64			$7.01
Schedule of share-based compensation arrangement by share-based payment award, options, vested and expected to vest, outstanding table	'
	Changes in outstanding stock options for the year ended December 31, 2013 were as follows:
		Number of Options			Weighted-Average Exercise Price				Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2010	1,763,103			$	16.14			4.8 years
	Granted	355,063			19.81				6.2 years
	Exercised	(92,646	)		16.53
	Expired	(49,445	)		17.32
	Forfeited	(187,369	)		15.36
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2011	1,788,706			16.9				4.3 years
	Granted	242,300			17.02				6.2 years
	Exercised	(101,261	)		14.13
	Expired	(98,973	)		18.78
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2012	1,830,772			16.97				3.7 years
	Granted	162,800			22.24				6.2 years
	Exercised	(411,295	)		17.89
	Expired	(6,900	)		17
	Forfeited	(28,479	)		18.9
	Options outstanding at December 31, 2013	1,546,898			17.24				3.4 years
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013	983,441			16.22				2.6 years
Schedule of fair value of options vested and instrinsic value of outstanding and exercisable options table	'
	The fair value of options vested and the intrinsic value of outstanding and exercisable options as of December 31, were as follows:
		2013				2012				2011
		(in thousands)
	Fair value of options vested	$	1,809			$	1,948			$	1,929
	Intrinsic value of outstanding options	22,288				6,616				3,332
	Intrinsic value of exercisable options	15,173				3,918				1,508
Schedule of share-based compensation, restricted stock and restricted stock units activity	'
	Changes in outstanding RSUs for the year ended December 31, 2013 were as follows:
			Number of RSUs			Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
	RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2010		428,515			$	14.98
	Granted		157,570			19.12
	Forfeited		(62,618	)		15.29
	Vested		(105,278	)		15.25
	RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2011		418,189			16.42
	Granted		117,065			17.15
	Vested		(128,992	)		16.36
	RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2012		406,262			16.65
	Granted		84,215			23.57
	Forfeited		(10,924	)		18.85
	Vested		(121,207	)		15.97
	RSUs outstanding at December 31, 2013		358,346			18.44
	Vested but unsettled RSUs at December 31, 2013		94,074			16.05
Schedule of fair value of RSUs vested and instrinsic value of outstanding and vested RSUs table	'
	The grant date fair value of RSUs vested and the intrinsic value of vested RSUs for the years ended December 31, were as follows:
		2013				2012				2011
		(in thousands)
	Grant date fair value of RSUs vested	$	1,936			$	2,110			$	1,605
	Intrinsic value of vested RSUs	2,872				2,235				1,865
PSUs awarded to certain officers table	'
	The Company awarded PSUs to certain officers of the Company as follows:
	Date of Grant		Target Number Awarded			Fair Value on Date of Grant				Aggregate Fair Value on Date of Grant
										(in thousands)
	March 2012(1)		158,900			$	17.02			$	2,704
	March 2013(1)		147,440			22.24				3,279
	-1	The PSUs have a performance period of three years and are subject to certain performance goals, based on the Company's statutory combined ratio, with payouts that range from 0% to 200% of the target awards.

Statutory_Matters_Tables

Statutory Matters (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Stat Matters [Abstract]	'
Statutory accounting practices disclosure table	'
	The combined capital stock, surplus, and net income of the Company's insurance subsidiaries (EICN, ECIC, EPIC, and EAC), prepared in accordance with the statutory accounting practices (SAP) of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) as well as SAP permitted by the states of California, Florida, and Nevada, were as follows:
		December 31,
		2013		2012
		(in thousands)
	Capital stock and unassigned surplus	$	373,994	$	334,800
	Paid in capital	174,900		134,900
	Surplus notes	32,000		32,000
	Total statutory surplus	$	580,894	$	501,700

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Schedule of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) table	'
	The following table summarizes the components of accumulated other comprehensive income, net:
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012
		(in thousands)
	Net unrealized gain on investments, before taxes	$	139,105		$	199,305
	Deferred tax expense	(48,687		)	(69,756		)
	Total accumulated other comprehensive income, net	$	90,418		$	129,549

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net income and weighted average common shares outstanding used in earnings per share calculations table	'
	The following table presents the net income and the weighted average shares outstanding used in the earnings per share calculations.
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(in thousands, except share data)
	Net income available to stockholders–basic and diluted	$	63,824		$	106,891		$	48,623
	Weighted average number of shares outstanding–basic	31,142,534			31,476,056			37,284,425
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Nonqualified stock options	464,334			104,837			74,430
	PSUs	177,040			—			—
	RSUs	154,259			141,164			150,232
	Dilutive potential shares	795,633			246,001			224,662
	Weighted average number of shares outstanding–diluted	31,938,167			31,722,057			37,509,087
Antidilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share table	'
	The following table presents options, PSUs and RSUs that were excluded from diluted earnings per share.
		Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012			2011
	Options excluded as the exercise price was greater than the average market price	—		900,180			1,095,920
	Options, PSUs and RSUs excluded under the treasury method, as the potential proceeds on settlement or exercise was greater than the value of shares acquired	162,800		401,200			505,635

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D1

Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Selecled Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information [Table Text Block]	'
	Quarterly results for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		2013 Quarters Ended
		March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Net premiums earned	$	147,975		$	159,953		$	164,429		$	169,992
	Realized gains on investments, net	794			3,866			1,075			3,794
	Losses and loss adjustment expenses	108,272			112,638			105,767			136,902
	Commission expense	18,393			20,127			19,946			19,792
	Underwriting and other operating expenses	31,540			32,249			32,493			29,042
	Income tax (benefit) expense	(226		)	1,209			(3,274		)	(8,359		)
	Net income	7,490			14,588			27,585			14,161
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic	0.24			0.47			0.88			0.45
	Diluted	0.24			0.46			0.86			0.44
		2012 Quarters Ended
		March 31			June 30			September 30			December 31
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Net premiums earned	$	109,900		$	118,955		$	131,766		$	140,843
	Realized gains on investments, net	1,778			945			1,838			487
	Losses and loss adjustment expenses	80,518			87,809			96,823			22,760
	Commission expense	13,816			16,621			16,681			18,462
	Underwriting and other operating expenses	32,989			30,316			30,147			31,192
	Income tax (benefit) expense	(4,421		)	(2,309		)	(1,173		)	(1,444		)
	Net income	6,340			5,016			7,766			87,769
	Earnings per common share:
	Basic	0.19			0.16			0.25			2.85
	Diluted	0.19			0.16			0.25			2.82

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia1

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Notes to Condensed Financial Statments [Abstract]	'
Investments classified by contractual maturity date table	'
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2013, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
			Amortized Cost			Estimated Fair Value
			(in thousands)
	Due in one year or less		$	147,157		$	149,369
	Due after one year through five years		777,480			812,822
	Due after five years through ten years		655,280			676,124
	Due after ten years		162,281			169,176
	Mortgage and asset-backed securities		373,866			375,055
	Total		$	2,116,064		$	2,182,546
	EHI primarily holds fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2013 for purposes of securing the Third and Amended and Restated Secured Revolving Credit Facility (Amended Credit Facility). The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2013, by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
		Amortized			Estimated
		Cost			Fair Value
		(in thousands)
	Due in one year or less	$	23,335		$	23,822
	Due after one year through five years	61,030			64,989
	Due after five years through ten years	10,599			11,014
	Due after 10 years	13,926			14,327
	Total	$	108,890		$	114,152

Schedule_II_Balance_Sheet_Pare

Schedule II - Balance Sheet Parenthetical (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Fixed maturity securities, amortized cost	$2,205,753	$1,950,209
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	54,672,904	54,144,453
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	31,299,930	30,771,479
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	25,000,000	25,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Treasury stock, at cost (in shares)	23,372,974	23,372,974
Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	150,000,000	150,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	25,000,000	25,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities, amortized cost	89,689	81,067
Equity Securities [Member] | Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities, amortized cost	42,861	30,678
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities, amortized cost	2,116,064	1,869,142
Debt Securities [Member] | Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities, amortized cost	$108,890	$133,606

Changes_in_Estimates_Details

Changes in Estimates (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Change to Contingent Profit Commission [Member]

Change to Contingent Profit Commission [Member]

Change to Contingent Profit Commission [Member]

Change to Contingent Profit Commission [Member]

Change Due to Estimated Reserves Ceded Under the LPT Agreement [Member]

Change Due to Estimated Reserves Ceded Under the LPT Agreement [Member]

Change Due to Estimated Reserves Ceded Under the LPT Agreement [Member]

Change Due to Estimated Reserves Ceded Under the LPT Agreement [Member]

Change Due to Estimated Reserves Ceded Under the LPT Agreement [Member]

Due to Change in Reserves for Non-Taxable Periods [Member]

Due to Change in Reserves for Non-Taxable Periods [Member]

Change to Estimate of its Guaranty Fund Assessment Liability [Member]

Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses

$2,330,491,000

'

'

'

$2,231,540,000

'

'

'

$2,330,491,000

$2,231,540,000

$2,272,363,000

'

'

'

'

$27,500,000

'

$100,000,000

$27,500,000

$100,000,000

'

$27,200,000

'

Amortization of deferred gain

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,600,000

17,000,000

18,200,000

2,700,000

8,600,000

4,300,000

8,600,000

8,900,000

10,100,000

73,300,000

19,000,000

73,300,000

'

'

'

Net income

14,161,000

27,585,000

14,588,000

7,490,000

87,769,000

7,766,000

5,016,000

6,340,000

63,824,000

106,891,000

48,623,000

2,700,000

8,200,000

4,300,000

8,200,000

8,900,000

'

73,300,000

19,000,000

73,300,000

'

7,400,000

1,200,000

EPS, basic

$0.45

$0.88

$0.47

$0.24

$2.85

$0.25

$0.16

$0.19

$2.05

$3.40

$1.30

$0.09

$0.27

'

'

'

'

$2.38

$0.61

$2.33

'

$0.24

'

EPS, diluted

$0.44

$0.86

$0.46

$0.24

$2.82

$0.25

$0.16

$0.19

$2

$3.37

$1.30

$0.08

$0.26

'

'

'

'

$2.36

$0.59

$2.31

'

$0.23

'

Commission expense

19,792,000

19,946,000

20,127,000

18,393,000

18,462,000

16,681,000

16,621,000

13,816,000

78,258,000

65,580,000

47,344,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accrued bonuses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

600,000

'

600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Income tax benefit

-8,359,000

-3,274,000

1,209,000

-226,000

-1,444,000

-1,173,000

-2,309,000

-4,421,000

-10,650,000

-9,347,000

-2,106,000

'

'

'

-200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

200,000

EPS, basic and diluted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.14

$0.26

$0.28

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.04

Other liabilities

25,191,000

'

'

'

21,879,000

'

'

'

25,191,000

21,879,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,900,000

Other assets

17,920,000

'

'

'

12,937,000

'

'

'

17,920,000

12,937,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

700,000

Deferred policy acquisition costs

43,532,000

'

'

'

38,852,000

'

'

'

43,532,000

38,852,000

37,524,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

800,000

Underwriting and other operating expenses

$29,042,000

$32,493,000

$32,249,000

$31,540,000

$31,192,000

$30,147,000

$30,316,000

$32,989,000

$125,324,000

$124,644,000

$104,140,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$1,400,000

Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

13.90%

'

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Reinsurance Funds Held (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reinsurance [Line Items]	'	'
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	$6,564,000	$5,353,000
Funds Held in Trust, Reinsurance Agreement [Domain]	'	'
Reinsurance [Line Items]	'	'
Funds held by or deposited with reinsureds	28,200,000	30,800,000
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	$3,500,000	$2,500,000

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Premiums receivable from policyholders for final audit	$40,800,000	$19,600,000	'
Write-offs, net of recoveries of amounts previously written off	2,500,000	1,900,000	2,200,000
Deferred policy acquisition cost, amortization expense	96,903,000	85,926,000	74,500,000
Reinsurance quota share, percentage	100.00%	'	'
Unpaid losses	742,666,000	805,386,000	'
LPT actual amounts paid versus expected amounts, period	'every five years	'	'
LPT actual amounts paid versus expected amounts, expiration period	'first twenty-five years	'	'
LPT favorable/ unfavorable difference, percentage	30.00%	'	'
LPT - loss expense as a percentange of losses paid, for management of LPT claims	7.00%	'	'
Collateralized by cash or letter of credit	5,800,000	'	'
LPT collateral held in trust account	1,300,000,000	'	'
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Intangible assets, gross carrying amount	17,100,000	17,100,000	'
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	-7,415,000	-6,542,000	'
Intangible assets, net	9,685,000	10,558,000	'
Amortization of intangible assets	900,000	1,200,000	1,600,000
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Net, Amortization Expense, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]	'	'	'
Future amortization expense, year one	651,000	'	'
Future amortization expense, year two	489,000	'	'
Future amortization expense, year three	371,000	'	'
Future amortization expense, year four	285,000	'	'
Future amortization expense, year five	189,000	'	'
Intangible assets, future amortization total	1,985,000	'	'
Licensing Agreements [Member]	'	'	'
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Intangible assets, gross carrying amount	7,700,000	7,700,000	'
Intangible assets, net	7,700,000	7,700,000	'
Service Agreements [Member]	'	'	'
Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) [Abstract]	'	'	'
Intangible assets, gross carrying amount	9,400,000	9,400,000	'
Intangible assets, accumulated amortization	-7,415,000	-6,542,000	'
Intangible assets, net	$1,985,000	$2,858,000	'
Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Method	'amortized over three to five years	'	'
Electronic Data Processing Equipment, Software, Furniture and Equipment and Automobiles [Member]	'	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets, Amortization Method	'straight-line method over three to seven years	'	'

New_Accounting_Standards_Guida

New Accounting Standards Guidance change for deferred policy acqusition costs (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition cost, amortization expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$96,903,000	$85,926,000	$74,500,000
Underwriting and other operating expenses	29,042,000	32,493,000	32,249,000	31,540,000	31,192,000	30,147,000	30,316,000	32,989,000	125,324,000	124,644,000	104,140,000
Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs, capitalized	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	87,200,000	'
Increase (decrease) in deferred policy acquisition costs, capitialized	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	15,300,000	'
Increase (decrease) in deferred policy acquisition costs, amortization expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,200,000	'
Underwriting and other operating expenses	'	'	'	'	600,000	1,300,000	2,200,000	3,000,000	'	7,100,000	'
Previous Accounting Guidance [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs, capitalized	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$102,500,000	'

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Investments	$2,344,858	$2,149,514	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	34,503	140,661	252,300	119,825
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	6,564	5,353	'	'
Notes payable	102,000	112,000	'	'
Investments, fair value	2,344,858	2,149,514	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents, estimated fair value	34,503	140,661	'	'
Notes payable, fair value	105,540	118,207	'	'
Estimate of Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	6,564	5,353	'	'
As Restated	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping, Financial Statement Captions [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Notes payable	'	$112,000	'	'

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments, Fair Value Inputs (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	$2,344,858	$2,149,514
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	2,182,546	2,024,428
Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	0	0
Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	2,182,546	2,024,428
Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	0	0
US Treasury Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	170,897	152,490
US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	0	0
US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	170,897	152,490
US Treasury Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	0	0
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	68,118	93,967
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	0	0
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	68,118	93,967
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	0	0
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	735,180	758,516
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	0	0
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	735,180	758,516
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	0	0
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	833,296	676,243
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	0	0
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	833,296	676,243
Corporate Debt Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	0	0
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	258,431	252,852
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	0	0
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	258,431	252,852
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	0	0
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	65,110	56,120
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	0	0
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	65,110	56,120
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	0	0
Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	51,514	34,240
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	0	0
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	51,514	34,240
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	0	0
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	162,312	125,086
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	162,312	125,086
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	0	0
Equity Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Investments	$0	$0

Investments_Details

Investments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
			Debt Securities [Member]	Debt Securities [Member]	US Treasury Securities [Member]	US Treasury Securities [Member]	US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member]	US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member]	US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	Asset-backed Securities [Member]	Asset-backed Securities [Member]	Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	Equity Securities [Member]	Equity Securities [Member]	Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member]	Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member]	Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member]	Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member]	Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member]	Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member]
																							Debt Securities [Member]	Debt Securities [Member]	Fixed Maturities and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Member]	Fixed Maturities and Restricted Cash Equivalents [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	$2,205,753	$1,950,209	$2,116,064	$1,869,142	$163,951	$138,839	$64,985	$88,202	$698,979	$689,776	$814,283	$627,047	$51,613	$34,062	$255,187	$236,461	$67,066	$54,755	$89,689	$81,067	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross unrealized gains	160,669	201,125	87,825	155,726	7,073	13,651	3,137	5,765	40,595	68,740	28,671	49,461	54	211	7,979	16,488	316	1,410	72,844	45,399	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross unrealized losses	-21,564	-1,820	-21,343	-440	-127	0	-4	0	-4,394	0	-9,658	-265	-153	-33	-4,735	-97	-2,272	-45	-221	-1,380	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investments	2,344,858	2,149,514	2,182,546	2,024,428	170,897	152,490	68,118	93,967	735,180	758,516	833,296	676,243	51,514	34,240	258,431	252,852	65,110	56,120	162,312	125,086	32,200	35,000	602,400	530,600	95,100	110,400
Deposit Assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investments	2,344,858	2,149,514	2,182,546	2,024,428	170,897	152,490	68,118	93,967	735,180	758,516	833,296	676,243	51,514	34,240	258,431	252,852	65,110	56,120	162,312	125,086	32,200	35,000	602,400	530,600	95,100	110,400
Assets Held-in-trust	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Investments	$2,344,858	$2,149,514	$2,182,546	$2,024,428	$170,897	$152,490	$68,118	$93,967	$735,180	$758,516	$833,296	$676,243	$51,514	$34,240	$258,431	$252,852	$65,110	$56,120	$162,312	$125,086	$32,200	$35,000	$602,400	$530,600	$95,100	$110,400

Investments_Amortized_Cost_and

Investments, Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amortized Cost	'	'
Due in one year or less, amortized cost	$147,157	'
Due after one year through five years, amortized cost	777,480	'
Due after five years through ten years, amortized cost	655,280	'
Due after ten years, amortized cost	162,281	'
Mortgage and asset-backed securities, amortized cost	373,866	'
Total, amortized cost	2,116,064	'
Estimated Fair Value	'	'
Due in one year or less, fair value	149,369	'
Due after one year through five years, fair value	812,822	'
Due after five years through ten years, fair value	676,124	'
Due after ten years, fair value	169,176	'
Mortgage and asset-backed securities, fair value	375,055	'
Total, fair value	$2,182,546	$2,024,428

Investments_Continuous_Loss_Po

Investments, Continuous Loss Position (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Estimated Fair Value	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value, less than 12 months	'	'	$675,875,000	$89,758,000
Estimated fair value, 12 months or greater	'	'	30,348,000	2,797,000
Estimated fair value, total	'	'	706,223,000	92,555,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'	'	'
Gross unrealized losses, less than 12 months	'	'	-19,863,000	-1,578,000
Gross unrealized losses, 12 months or greater	'	'	-1,701,000	-242,000
Estimated unrealized losses, total	'	'	-21,564,000	-1,820,000
Number of issues in loss position, less than 12 months	'	'	251	62
Number of issues in loss position, 12 months or greater	'	'	21	21
Number of issues in loss position, aggregate	'	'	272	83
Total impairments, value	100,000	700,000	'	'
Total impairments, number of securitites	'	'	1	11
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value, less than 12 months	'	'	669,735,000	78,113,000
Estimated fair value, 12 months or greater	'	'	30,045,000	2,341,000
Estimated fair value, total	'	'	699,780,000	80,454,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'	'	'
Gross unrealized losses, less than 12 months	'	'	-19,655,000	-371,000
Gross unrealized losses, 12 months or greater	'	'	-1,688,000	-69,000
Estimated unrealized losses, total	'	'	-21,343,000	-440,000
Number of issues in loss position, less than 12 months	'	'	234	27
Number of issues in loss position, 12 months or greater	'	'	20	17
Number of issues in loss position, aggregate	'	'	254	44
US Treasury Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value, less than 12 months	'	'	22,242,000	0
Estimated fair value, total	'	'	22,242,000	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'	'	'
Gross unrealized losses, less than 12 months	'	'	-127,000	0
Estimated unrealized losses, total	'	'	-127,000	0
Number of issues in loss position, less than 12 months	'	'	7	0
Number of issues in loss position, aggregate	'	'	7	0
US Government Agencies Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value, less than 12 months	'	'	1,631,000	0
Estimated fair value, total	'	'	1,631,000	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'	'	'
Gross unrealized losses, less than 12 months	'	'	-4,000	0
Estimated unrealized losses, total	'	'	-4,000	0
Number of issues in loss position, less than 12 months	'	'	1	0
Number of issues in loss position, aggregate	'	'	1	0
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value, less than 12 months	'	'	127,965,000	0
Estimated fair value, total	'	'	127,965,000	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'	'	'
Gross unrealized losses, less than 12 months	'	'	-4,394,000	0
Estimated unrealized losses, total	'	'	-4,394,000	0
Number of issues in loss position, less than 12 months	'	'	34	0
Number of issues in loss position, aggregate	'	'	34	0
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value, less than 12 months	'	'	326,608,000	36,338,000
Estimated fair value, 12 months or greater	'	'	6,174,000	0
Estimated fair value, total	'	'	332,782,000	36,338,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'	'	'
Gross unrealized losses, less than 12 months	'	'	-9,536,000	-265,000
Gross unrealized losses, 12 months or greater	'	'	-122,000	0
Estimated unrealized losses, total	'	'	-9,658,000	-265,000
Number of issues in loss position, less than 12 months	'	'	112	12
Number of issues in loss position, 12 months or greater	'	'	3	0
Number of issues in loss position, aggregate	'	'	115	12
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value, less than 12 months	'	'	129,586,000	14,629,000
Estimated fair value, 12 months or greater	'	'	5,609,000	2,341,000
Estimated fair value, total	'	'	135,195,000	16,970,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'	'	'
Gross unrealized losses, less than 12 months	'	'	-4,170,000	-28,000
Gross unrealized losses, 12 months or greater	'	'	-565,000	-69,000
Estimated unrealized losses, total	'	'	-4,735,000	-97,000
Number of issues in loss position, less than 12 months	'	'	58	6
Number of issues in loss position, 12 months or greater	'	'	11	17
Number of issues in loss position, aggregate	'	'	69	23
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value, less than 12 months	'	'	35,878,000	10,432,000
Estimated fair value, 12 months or greater	'	'	9,324,000	0
Estimated fair value, total	'	'	45,202,000	10,432,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'	'	'
Gross unrealized losses, less than 12 months	'	'	-1,372,000	-45,000
Gross unrealized losses, 12 months or greater	'	'	-900,000	0
Estimated unrealized losses, total	'	'	-2,272,000	-45,000
Number of issues in loss position, less than 12 months	'	'	9	4
Number of issues in loss position, 12 months or greater	'	'	3	0
Number of issues in loss position, aggregate	'	'	12	4
Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value, less than 12 months	'	'	25,825,000	16,714,000
Estimated fair value, 12 months or greater	'	'	8,938,000	0
Estimated fair value, total	'	'	34,763,000	16,714,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'	'	'
Gross unrealized losses, less than 12 months	'	'	-52,000	-33,000
Gross unrealized losses, 12 months or greater	'	'	-101,000	0
Estimated unrealized losses, total	'	'	-153,000	-33,000
Number of issues in loss position, less than 12 months	'	'	13	5
Number of issues in loss position, 12 months or greater	'	'	3	0
Number of issues in loss position, aggregate	'	'	16	5
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	'	'	'	'
Estimated fair value, less than 12 months	'	'	6,140,000	11,645,000
Estimated fair value, 12 months or greater	'	'	303,000	456,000
Estimated fair value, total	'	'	6,443,000	12,101,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'	'	'
Gross unrealized losses, less than 12 months	'	'	-208,000	-1,207,000
Gross unrealized losses, 12 months or greater	'	'	-13,000	-173,000
Estimated unrealized losses, total	'	'	($221,000)	($1,380,000)
Number of issues in loss position, less than 12 months	'	'	17	35
Number of issues in loss position, 12 months or greater	'	'	1	4
Number of issues in loss position, aggregate	'	'	18	39

Investments_Net_Realized_Gains

Investments, Net Realized Gains (Losses) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net realized gains (losses)	'	'	'
Realized gains on investments, net	$9,529	$5,048	$20,161
Change in unrealized gains (losses)	'	'	'
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity and equity securities	-60,200	19,738	50,132
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Net realized gains (losses)	'	'	'
Gross gains from sales	761	3,779	19,463
Gross losses from sales	-7	-5	-148
Realized gains on investments, net	754	3,774	19,315
Change in unrealized gains (losses)	'	'	'
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity and equity securities	-88,803	8,803	47,897
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Net realized gains (losses)	'	'	'
Gross gains from sales	9,093	2,156	1,169
Gross losses from sales	-318	-882	-323
Realized gains on investments, net	8,775	1,274	846
Change in unrealized gains (losses)	'	'	'
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on fixed maturity and equity securities	$28,603	$10,935	$2,235

Net_Investment_Income_Details

Net Investment Income (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'
Investment income	$73,369	$74,892	$82,525
Investment expenses	-2,605	-2,529	-2,408
Net investment income	70,764	72,363	80,117
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'
Investment income related to fixed maturity securities and short-term investments and cash equivalents	69,458	71,293	80,361
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'
Investment income related to equity securities	3,812	3,248	1,885
Short-term Investments [Member]	'	'	'
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]	'	'	'
Investment income related to fixed maturity securities and short-term investments and cash equivalents	$99	$351	$279

Property_and_Equipment_Propert

Property and Equipment Property and Equipment breakout (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$46,689,000	$42,051,000	'
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, property and equipment	30,073,000	27,371,000	'
Property and equipment, net	16,616,000	14,680,000	'
Utilities operating expense, depreciation and amortization	5,200,000	4,400,000	4,800,000
Payments to develop software	800,000	900,000	'
Office Equipment [Member]	'	'	'
Property and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	2,896,000	2,896,000	'
Leasehold Improvements [Member]	'	'	'
Property and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	4,439,000	4,309,000	'
Computer Equipment [Member]	'	'	'
Property and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	38,146,000	33,477,000	'
Automobiles [Member]	'	'	'
Property and Equipment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Property and equipment, gross	$1,208,000	$1,369,000	'

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Current Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current federal tax expense (benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$89,000	$1,964,000	($652,000)
Current state and local tax expense (benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	22,000	-312,000	154,000
Current income tax expense (benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	111,000	1,652,000	-498,000
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred income tax benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-10,761,000	-10,999,000	-1,608,000
Income tax benefit	-8,359,000	-3,274,000	1,209,000	-226,000	-1,444,000	-1,173,000	-2,309,000	-4,421,000	-10,650,000	-9,347,000	-2,106,000
Statutory federal tax rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	35.00%	'	'
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Expense computed at statutory rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	18,611,000	34,140,000	16,281,000
Dividends received deduction and tax-exempt interest	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-9,033,000	-9,304,000	-11,409,000
Pre-privatization reserve adjustment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-7,400,000	0	-1,602,000
LPT deferred gain amortization	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-6,632,000	-9,305,000	-6,755,000
LPT reserve adjustment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-6,645,000	-25,672,000	0
Income tax reconciliation, other	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	449,000	794,000	1,379,000
Downward adjustment of pre-privatization unpaid loss reserve	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	27,500,000	'	4,600,000
Net income	14,161,000	27,585,000	14,588,000	7,490,000	87,769,000	7,766,000	5,016,000	6,340,000	63,824,000	106,891,000	48,623,000
Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized capital gains, net	48,687,000	'	'	'	69,756,000	'	'	'	48,687,000	69,756,000	'
Deferred policy acquisition cost	15,323,000	'	'	'	13,692,000	'	'	'	15,323,000	13,692,000	'
Intangible assets	3,390,000	'	'	'	3,695,000	'	'	'	3,390,000	3,695,000	'
Other deferred tax liabilities	5,803,000	'	'	'	3,588,000	'	'	'	5,803,000	3,588,000	'
Total deferred tax liabilities	73,203,000	'	'	'	90,731,000	'	'	'	73,203,000	90,731,000	'
Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Loss reserves discounting for tax reporting	57,945,000	'	'	'	57,722,000	'	'	'	57,945,000	57,722,000	'
Unearned premiums	20,639,000	'	'	'	18,119,000	'	'	'	20,639,000	18,119,000	'
Allowance for bad debt	2,608,000	'	'	'	2,085,000	'	'	'	2,608,000	2,085,000	'
Stock based compensation	4,603,000	'	'	'	4,339,000	'	'	'	4,603,000	4,339,000	'
Accrued liabilities	8,292,000	'	'	'	5,095,000	'	'	'	8,292,000	5,095,000	'
Minimum tax credit	13,177,000	'	'	'	13,090,000	'	'	'	13,177,000	13,090,000	'
Net operating loss carry forward	22,832,000	'	'	'	15,111,000	'	'	'	22,832,000	15,111,000	'
Other deferred tax assets	1,169,000	'	'	'	1,401,000	'	'	'	1,169,000	1,401,000	'
Total deferred tax assets	131,265,000	'	'	'	116,962,000	'	'	'	131,265,000	116,962,000	'
Deferred income taxes, net	58,062,000	'	'	'	26,231,000	'	'	'	58,062,000	26,231,000	'
Operating loss carryforwards	65,200,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	65,200,000	'	'
Amortization of deferred gain	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	14,600,000	17,000,000	18,200,000
Change Due to Estimated Reserves Ceded Under the LPT Agreement [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	8,900,000	'	'	'	73,300,000	'	'	'	19,000,000	73,300,000	'
Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of deferred gain	8,900,000	10,100,000	'	'	73,300,000	'	'	'	19,000,000	73,300,000	'
Change to Contingent Profit Commission [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-200,000	'
Effective Income Tax Rate, Continuing Operations, Tax Rate Reconciliation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	2,700,000	'	'	'	8,200,000	'	'	'	4,300,000	8,200,000	'
Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of deferred gain	$2,700,000	'	'	'	$8,600,000	'	'	'	$4,300,000	$8,600,000	'

Liability_for_Unpaid_Losses_an2

Liability for Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of reinsurance, at beginning of period	$2,231,540,000	$2,272,363,000	$2,279,729,000
Loss reinsurance recoverable, excluding bad debt, on unpaid losses	805,386,000	940,840,000	956,043,000
Net unpaid losses and LAE at beginning of period	1,426,154,000	1,331,523,000	1,323,686,000
Losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, incurred in:	'	'	'
Current year	494,579,000	386,044,000	280,683,000
Prior years	6,934,000	1,800,000	1,127,000
Total net losses and LAE incurred during the period	501,513,000	387,844,000	281,810,000
Deduct payments for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, related to:	'	'	'
Current year	78,523,000	67,672,000	55,405,000
Prior years	261,708,000	225,541,000	218,568,000
Total net payments for losses and LAE during the period	340,231,000	293,213,000	273,973,000
Ending unpaid losses and LAE, net of reinsurance	1,587,436,000	1,426,154,000	1,331,523,000
Loss reinsurance recoverable, excluding bad debt, on unpaid losses	743,055,000	805,386,000	940,840,000
Unpaid losses and LAE, gross of reinsurance, at end of period	2,330,491,000	2,231,540,000	2,272,363,000
Salvage and subrogation recoveries, value	22,900,000	21,000,000	'
Losses and LAE actual paid were more than expected	'	'	'
Losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, incurred in:	'	'	'
Prior years	5,000,000	'	'
Related to involuntary assigned risk business	'	'	'
Losses and LAE, net of reinsurance, incurred in:	'	'	'
Prior years	$1,900,000	'	'

Reinsurance_Reinsurance_Premiu

Reinsurance Reinsurance Premium Note (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Premiums Written, Net	'	'	'
Direct premiums, written	$680,459	$575,373	$416,106
Assumed premiums written	9,412	4,954	2,406
Gross premiums, written	689,871	580,327	418,512
Ceded premiums written	-11,405	-10,651	-8,474
Premiums written, net	678,466	569,676	410,038
Premiums Earned, Net	'	'	'
Direct premiums earned	645,449	507,770	369,365
Assumed premiums earned	8,305	4,345	2,533
Gross premiums, earned	653,754	512,115	371,898
Ceded premiums earned	-11,405	-10,651	-8,474
Premiums earned, net	642,349	501,464	363,424
Ceded losses and LAE incurred	$10,732	$2,544	$46,327

Reinsurance_Excess_of_Loss_Det

Reinsurance Excess of Loss (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Excess of Loss [Abstract]	'
Minimum reinsurance for losses from single occurence or event	$5
Maximum reinsurance for losses from single occurence or event	200
Annual aggregate deductible	$2

Reinsurance_LPT_Agreement_Deta

Reinsurance LPT Agreement (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reinsurance Agreement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unpaid losses	$742,666,000	'	'	'	$805,386,000	'	'	'	$742,666,000	$805,386,000	'
Recoverables was related to the LPT agreement	600,000,000	'	'	'	700,000,000	'	'	'	600,000,000	700,000,000	'
Reinsurance quota share, percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	100.00%	'	'
Ceded premiums written	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	11,405,000	10,651,000	8,474,000
Coverage provided under LPT agreement	2,000,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,000,000,000	'	'
Paid losses and LAE claims related to LPT	600,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	600,000,000	'	'
Amortization of deferred gain	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	14,600,000	17,000,000	18,200,000
Net income	14,161,000	27,585,000	14,588,000	7,490,000	87,769,000	7,766,000	5,016,000	6,340,000	63,824,000	106,891,000	48,623,000
LPT Agreement [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reinsurance Agreement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Liabilities for the incurred but unpaid losses and LAE related to claims prior to July 1, 1995	1,500,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,500,000,000	'	'
Ceded premiums written	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	775,000,000	'	'
Change Due to Estimated Reserves Ceded Under the LPT Agreement [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Reinsurance Agreement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amortization of deferred gain	8,900,000	10,100,000	'	'	73,300,000	'	'	'	19,000,000	73,300,000	'
Net income	$8,900,000	'	'	'	$73,300,000	'	'	'	$19,000,000	$73,300,000	'

Notes_Payable_Outstanding_Deta

Notes Payable Outstanding (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2010
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Notes payable	$102,000,000	$112,000,000	'	'	'
Line of credit, percentage above prime rate	1.75%	'	'	'	'
Line of credit, percentage above LIBOR rate	1.75%	'	'	'	'
Line of credit facility, decrease, repayments	10,000,000	'	'	'	'
Cash paid for interest	3,052,000	3,375,000	3,561,000	'	'
Line of Credit [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Notes payable	70,000,000	80,000,000	90,000,000	60,000,000	100,000,000
Cash paid for interest	1,600,000	1,900,000	2,000,000	'	'
Dekania Surplus Note [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Notes payable	10,000,000	10,000,000	'	'	'
Notes payable, maturity date	'	30-Apr-34	'	'	'
Notes payable, callable	'second quarter of 2009	'	'	'	'
Interest rate, basis points in excess of the 90-day LIBOR	'425	'	'	'	'
Cash paid for interest	500,000	500,000	500,000	'	'
Accrued interest	100,000	100,000	'	'	'
ICONS Surpuls Note [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Notes payable	12,000,000	12,000,000	'	'	'
Notes payable, maturity date	26-May-34	'	'	'	'
Notes payable, callable	'second quarter of 2009	'	'	'	'
Interest rate, basis points in excess of the 90-day LIBOR	'425	'	'	'	'
Cash paid for interest	600,000	600,000	600,000	'	'
Accrued interest	100,000	100,000	'	'	'
Alesco Surplus Note [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Notes payable	10,000,000	10,000,000	'	'	'
Notes payable, maturity date	'	15-Dec-34	'	'	'
Notes payable, callable	'fourth quarter of 2009	'	'	'	'
Interest rate, basis points in excess of the 90-day LIBOR	'405	'	'	'	'
Cash paid for interest	300,000	500,000	400,000	'	'
Accrued interest	100,000	100,000	'	'	'
As Restated	'	'	'	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Notes payable	'	$112,000,000	'	'	'

Notes_Payable_Principal_paymen

Notes Payable Principal payment obligations on notes payable outstanding (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Capitalization, Long-term Debt [Line Items]	'	'
Repayments of principal in next twelve months	$10,000	'
Repayments of principal in year two	60,000	'
Repayments of principal in year three	0	'
Repayments of principal in year four	0	'
Repayments of principal in year five	0	'
Repayments of principal after year five	32,000	'
Notes payable	$102,000	$112,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies Future Lease Payments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'	'	'
Remaining lease terms expire over the next	'5 years	'	'
Future lease payments for non-cancelable operating and capital leases, in years	'5 years	'	'
Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]	'	'	'
Operating leases, future minimum payments due, current	$6,044,000	'	'
Operating leases, future minimum payments, due in two years	4,704,000	'	'
Operating leases, future minimum payments, due in three years	3,308,000	'	'
Operating leases, future minimum payments, due in four years	1,969,000	'	'
Operating leases, future minimum payments, due in five years	616,000	'	'
Operating leases, future minimum payments due	16,641,000	'	'
Capital Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due [Abstract]	'	'	'
Capital leases, future minimum payments due, current	1,518,000	'	'
Capital leases, future minimum payments due in two years	689,000	'	'
Capital leases, future minimum payments due in three years	314,000	'	'
Capital leases, future minimum payments due in four years	314,000	'	'
Capital leases, future minimum payments due in five years	180,000	'	'
Capital leases, future minimum payments due	3,015,000	'	'
Future interest charges included in capital lease payments	400,000	'	'
Facilities rent expense	$5,000,000	$5,200,000	$5,100,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies Property held under capital leases is included in property and equipment (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Property held under capital leases	'	'
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, property and equipment	($30,073)	($27,371)
Furniture and equipment	'	'
Property held under capital leases	'	'
Property held under captial leases	0	100
Computers and software	'	'
Property held under capital leases	'	'
Property held under captial leases	3,295	2,904
Automobiles [Member]	'	'
Property held under capital leases	'	'
Property held under captial leases	1,208	1,369
Assets Held under Capital Leases [Member]	'	'
Property held under capital leases	'	'
Property held under captial leases	4,503	4,373
Accumulated depreciation, depletion and amortization, property and equipment	-1,681	-1,758
Total property held under capital leases	$2,822	$2,615

Commitments_and_Contingencies_3

Commitments and Contingencies Contingencies Surrounding Insurance Assessments (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'
Amount of Insurance-related assessment liability	$13.10	$8.50
Payment period for assessment liability based on individual states regulations	'one to eighty year periods	'
Other assets, prepaid policy surcharges	$5.10	$1.70
Expected realization period for assets related to policy surcharges	'two to ten year periods	'

Stockholders_Equity_Details

Stockholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	59 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011
Accelerated Share Repurchases [Line Items]	'
Stock repurchased during period, shares	23,372,974
Accelerated share repurchases, final price paid per share	$15.51

StockBased_Compensation_Expens

Stock-Based Compensation Expense (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Maximum number of shares reserved for grants	7,105,838	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense [Abstract]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$5,622	$6,141	$3,742
Less: related tax benefit	1,968	1,972	1,220
Net stock-based compensation expense	3,654	4,169	2,522
Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense [Abstract]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	1,715	1,958	1,648
Restricted stock units (RSUs)	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense [Abstract]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	2,276	2,435	2,094
Performance Share Units [Member]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense [Abstract]	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	$1,631	$1,748	$0

StockBased_Compensation_Fair_M

Stock-Based Compensation Fair Market Value of Stock Options Granted, Calculated (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fair Market Value of Stock Options Granted, Calculated [Abstract]	'	'	'
Expected volatility	40.10%	42.70%	43.60%
Expected life (in years)	'4 years 274 days	'4 years 274 days	'4 years 274 days
Dividend yield	1.10%	1.40%	1.20%
Risk free interest rate	0.80%	1.10%	1.90%
Weighted average grant date fair value	$7.04	$5.64	$7.01

StockBased_Compensation_Change

Stock-Based Compensation Changes in Outstanding Stock Options (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value	$7.04	$5.64	$7.01	'
Stock Options [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Expiration period for options awarded	'P7Y	'	'	'
Service vesting period for options awarded	'4 years	'	'	'
Vesting rights for options awarded	'vest 25% on each of the subsequent four anniversaries of such date	'	'	'
Number of outstanding options or share units	1,546,898	1,830,772	1,788,706	1,763,103
Number of options or share units, granted	162,800	242,300	355,063	'
Stock-options exercised, shares	-411,295	-101,261	-92,646	'
Number of options or share units, expired	-6,900	-98,973	-49,445	'
Number of options or share units, forfeited	-28,479	'	-187,369	'
Number of exercisable options or share units	983,441	'	'	'
Weighted average exercise price, grants	$22.24	$17.02	$19.81	'
Weighted average exercise price, exercises	$17.89	$14.13	$16.53	'
Weighted average exercise price, expirations	$17	$18.78	$17.32	'
Weighted average exercise price, forfeitures	$18.90	'	$15.36	'
Weighted average exercise price, outstanding	$17.24	$16.97	$16.90	$16.14
Weighted average exercisable price	$16.22	'	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life	'3 years 164 days	'3 years 269 days	'4 years 98 days	'4 years 298 days
Share-based compensation expense, deferred	$2,400,000	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense, Period for Recognition	'39 months	'	'	'
Options vested, fair value	1,809,000	1,948,000	1,929,000	'
Options outstanding, intrinsic value	22,288,000	6,616,000	3,332,000	'
Options exercisable, intrinsic value	15,173,000	3,918,000	1,508,000	'
Options exercised, intrinsic value	3,700,000	500,000	300,000	'
Stock Options Granted [Domain]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life	'6 years 80 days	'6 years 76 days	'6 years 77 days	'
Stock Options Exercisable [Domain]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average remaining contractual life	'2 years 220 days	'	'	'
Restricted stock units (RSUs)	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Service vesting period for options awarded	'4 years	'	'	'
Vesting rights for options awarded	'vest 25% on each of the subsequent four anniversaries of such date	'	'	'
Number of outstanding options or share units	358,346	406,262	418,189	428,515
Number of options or share units, granted	84,215	117,065	157,570	'
Number of options or share units, forfeited	-10,924	'	-62,618	'
Number of vested options or share units	-121,207	-128,992	-105,278	'
Weighted average exercise price, grants	$23.57	$17.15	$19.12	'
Weighted average exercise price, forfeitures	$18.85	'	$15.29	'
Weighted average exercise price, vested	$15.97	$16.36	$15.25	'
Weighted average grant date fair value	$18.44	$16.65	$16.42	$14.98
Share-based compensation expense, deferred	3,000,000	'	'	'
Share-based compensation expense, Period for Recognition	'39 months	'	'	'
Options vested, fair value	1,936,000	2,110,000	1,605,000	'
Options outstanding, intrinsic value	11,342,000	8,361,000	7,565,000	'
Options exercisable, intrinsic value	$2,872,000	$2,235,000	$1,865,000	'
Restricted Stock Units Vested but Unsettled [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of outstanding options or share units	94,074	'	'	'
Weighted average grant date fair value	$16.05	'	'	'

StockBased_Compensation_Perfor

Stock-Based Compensation Performance Share Awards (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Performance share awards, minimum payout	0.00%	'	'
Performane share awards, maximum payout	200.00%	'	'
Performance share units [Member]	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'
Service vesting period for options awarded	'3 years	'	'
Number of outstanding options or share units	'	147,440	158,900
Share-based compensation options, exercise price on grant date	'	$22.24	$17.02
Fair value of awards awarded on grant date	'	$3,279,000	$2,704,000
Share-based compensation expense, deferred	$1,700,000	'	'
Share-based compensation expense, Period for Recognition	'12 months	'	'

Statutory_Matters_Statutory_Ma

Statutory Matters Statutory Matters (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended							12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
				EICN	EICN	EPIC	EPIC	ECIC	EAC and EPIC	EAC and EPIC
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Capital stock and unassigned surplus	$373,994,000	$334,800,000	'	$324,900,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Paid in capital	174,900,000	134,900,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Special surplus funds	0	0	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Surplus notes	32,000,000	32,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total statutory surplus	580,894,000	501,700,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,000,000	'
SAP, net income amount	19,300,000	13,500,000	13,800,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total stockholders’ equity	568,703,000	539,381,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum dividends that may be paid without prior approval	'	'	'	'	$32,700,000	$25,400,000	'	'	'	'
Extraordinary dividends, approves or does not disapprove the payment within	'	'	'	'30 days	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of surplus of EICN's statutory surplus as regards to policyholders	'	'	'	10.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of surplus used to calculate the lesser of 10% of surplus or net income, not including realized capital gains, plus a 2-year carry forward.	'	'	'	'	'	'	10.00%	'	'	'
Percentage of surplus used to calculate 10% of surplus, with dividends payable limited to unassigned funds minus 25% of unrealized capital gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	10.00%	'	'	'
Percentage of surplus used to calculate the lesser of 10% of surplus or net investment income plus a 3-year carry forward with dividends payable limited to unassigned funds minus 25% of unrealized capital gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	10.00%	'	'	'
Percentage of unassigned gains used to calculate 10% of surplus, with dividends payable limited to unassigned funds minus 25% of unrealized capital gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	25.00%	'	'	'
Percentage of unassigned gains used to calculate the lesser of 10% of surplus or net investment income plus a 3-year carry forward with dividends payable limited to unassigned funds minus 25% of unrealized capital gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	25.00%	'	'	'
ECIC must initiate discussions of its business plan with the California DOI if its premium to policyholder surplus ratio exceeds	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'1.5 to 1	'	'
ECIC will not exceed a ratio of premium to policyholder surplus of	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'2 to 1	'	'
If at any time ECIC's policyholder surplus decreases to	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	80.00%	'	'
Will maintain a risk based capital (RBC) level of at least	350.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Florida statute section 624.408 requires EPIC and EAC to maintain minimum capital and surplus of the greater of $4.0 million or 10% of total liabilities.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10.00%	'
Used to calculate ratio of written premium to surplus	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	' times 1.25
Net gross premiums to surplus ratio. Florida statute section 624.4095 requires net gross premiums times 1.25 not exceed this ratio.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'10-to-1	'
Net written premiums to surplus ratio. Florida statute section 624.4095 requires net written premiums times 1.25 not exceed this ratio.	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'4-to-1	'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'	'
Net unrealized gain on investments, before taxes	$139,105	$199,305
Deferred tax expense	-48,687	-69,756
Total accumulated other comprehensive income, net	($90,418)	($129,549)

Employee_Benefit_and_Retiremen1

Employee Benefit and Retirement Plans Employee Benefit and Retirement Plans (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Employee Benefit and Retirement Plans [Abstract]	'	'	'
Safe habor matching, 100%	100.00%	'	'
Employee contributions, 100% match, percentage	3.00%	'	'
Safe harbor matching 50%	50.00%	'	'
Employee contributions 50% match, percentage	3.00%	'	'
Employee contributions, maximum match, percentage	5.00%	'	'
Company's contributions to Employers 401(k)	$1.20	$1.50	$1.50

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	$14,161	$27,585	$14,588	$7,490	$87,769	$7,766	$5,016	$6,340	$63,824	$106,891	$48,623
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - basic	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	31,142,534	31,476,056	37,284,425
Effect of diluted securities:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	795,633	246,001	224,662
Weighted average number of shares outstanding - diluted	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	31,938,167	31,722,057	37,509,087
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Effect of diluted securities:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	464,334	104,837	74,430
Restricted stock units (RSUs)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Effect of diluted securities:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	154,259	141,164	150,232
Performance share units [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted, by Common Class [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Effect of diluted securities:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	177,040	0	0

Earnings_Per_Share_Antidilutiv

Earnings Per Share Antidilutive Securities (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of EPS	0	900,180	1,095,920
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'
Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items]	'	'	'
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of EPS	162,800	401,200	505,635

Selected_Quarterly_Financial_D2

Selected Quarterly Financial Data Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2012

Change to Current Loss Estimate [Member]

Change to Prior Accident Year Loss Estimate [Member]

Change Due to Estimated Reserves Ceded Under the LPT Agreement [Member]

Change Due to Estimated Reserves Ceded Under the LPT Agreement [Member]

Change Due to Estimated Reserves Ceded Under the LPT Agreement [Member]

Change Due to Estimated Reserves Ceded Under the LPT Agreement [Member]

Change Due to Estimated Reserves Ceded Under the LPT Agreement [Member]

Change to Contingent Profit Commission [Member]

Change to Contingent Profit Commission [Member]

Change to Contingent Profit Commission [Member]

Change to Contingent Profit Commission [Member]

Due to Change in Reserves for Non-Taxable Periods [Member]

Due to Change in Reserves for Non-Taxable Periods [Member]

Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]

Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]

Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]

Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]

Adjustments for New Accounting Pronouncement [Member]

Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums earned

$169,992,000

$164,429,000

$159,953,000

$147,975,000

$140,843,000

$131,766,000

$118,955,000

$109,900,000

$642,349,000

$501,464,000

$363,424,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Realized gains on investments, net

3,794,000

1,075,000

3,866,000

794,000

487,000

1,838,000

945,000

1,778,000

9,529,000

5,048,000

20,161,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Losses and loss adjustment expenses

136,902,000

105,767,000

112,638,000

108,272,000

22,760,000

96,823,000

87,809,000

80,518,000

463,579,000

287,910,000

262,511,000

21,500,000

5,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commission expense

19,792,000

19,946,000

20,127,000

18,393,000

18,462,000

16,681,000

16,621,000

13,816,000

78,258,000

65,580,000

47,344,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Underwriting and other operating expenses

29,042,000

32,493,000

32,249,000

31,540,000

31,192,000

30,147,000

30,316,000

32,989,000

125,324,000

124,644,000

104,140,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

600,000

1,300,000

2,200,000

3,000,000

7,100,000

Income tax benefit

-8,359,000

-3,274,000

1,209,000

-226,000

-1,444,000

-1,173,000

-2,309,000

-4,421,000

-10,650,000

-9,347,000

-2,106,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net income

14,161,000

27,585,000

14,588,000

7,490,000

87,769,000

7,766,000

5,016,000

6,340,000

63,824,000

106,891,000

48,623,000

'

'

8,900,000

'

73,300,000

19,000,000

73,300,000

2,700,000

8,200,000

4,300,000

8,200,000

'

7,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

Earnings per common share (Note 19):

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

EPS, basic

$0.45

$0.88

$0.47

$0.24

$2.85

$0.25

$0.16

$0.19

$2.05

$3.40

$1.30

'

'

'

'

$2.38

$0.61

$2.33

$0.09

$0.27

'

'

'

$0.24

'

'

'

'

'

EPS, diluted

$0.44

$0.86

$0.46

$0.24

$2.82

$0.25

$0.16

$0.19

$2

$3.37

$1.30

'

'

'

'

$2.36

$0.59

$2.31

$0.08

$0.26

'

'

'

$0.23

'

'

'

'

'

EPS, basic and diluted

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.28

'

'

'

'

'

'

$0.14

$0.26

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization of deferred gain

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$14,600,000

$17,000,000

$18,200,000

'

'

$8,900,000

$10,100,000

$73,300,000

$19,000,000

$73,300,000

$2,700,000

$8,600,000

$4,300,000

$8,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Policyholder Benefits and Claims Incurred, Net Current Year Percentage

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

77.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

13.90%

'

'

'

'

'

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia2

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments	'	'	'	'
Investment in securities available-for-sale (amortized cost $108,890 in 2013 and $133,606 in 2012)	$2,344,858	$2,149,514	'	'
Equity securities at fair value (amortized cost $42,861 in 2013 and $30,678 in 2012)	162,312	125,086	'	'
Total investments	2,344,858	2,149,514	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	34,503	140,661	252,300	119,825
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	6,564	5,353	'	'
Deferred income taxes, net	58,062	26,231	'	'
Other assets	17,920	12,937	'	'
Total assets	3,643,449	3,511,339	'	'
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	18,711	19,522	'	'
Notes payable	102,000	112,000	'	'
Other liabilities	25,191	21,879	'	'
Total liabilities	3,074,746	2,971,958	'	'
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'	'	'
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 54,672,904 and 54,144,453 shares issued and 31,299,930 and 30,771,479 shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	547	542	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	338,090	325,990	'	'
Retained earnings	502,198	445,850	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net	90,418	129,549	'	'
Treasury stock, at cost (23,372,974 shares at December 31, 2013 and 2012)	-362,550	-362,550	'	'
Total stockholders’ equity	568,703	539,381	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	3,643,449	3,511,339	'	'
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'
Investments	'	'	'	'
Investment in subsidiaries	447,619	382,985	'	'
Investment in securities available-for-sale (amortized cost $108,890 in 2013 and $133,606 in 2012)	114,152	143,534	'	'
Equity securities at fair value (amortized cost $42,861 in 2013 and $30,678 in 2012)	52,503	32,256	'	'
Total investments	614,274	558,775	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	6,371	40,149	140,792	27,991
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	567	200	'	'
Intercompany receivable	0	4,390	'	'
Federal income taxes recoverable	7,427	5,649	'	'
Deferred income taxes, net	11,039	11,595	'	'
Other assets	2,702	2,817	'	'
Total assets	642,380	623,575	'	'
Liabilities and stockholders’ equity	'	'	'	'
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	2,514	4,152	'	'
Intercompany payable	1,163	0	'	'
Notes payable	70,000	80,000	'	'
Other liabilities	0	42	'	'
Total liabilities	73,677	84,194	'	'
Stockholders’ equity:	'	'	'	'
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 150,000,000 shares authorized; 54,672,904 and 54,144,453 shares issued and 31,299,930 and 30,771,479 shares outstanding at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively	547	542	'	'
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 25,000,000 shares authorized; none issued	0	0	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	338,090	325,990	'	'
Retained earnings	502,198	445,850	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income, net	90,418	129,549	'	'
Treasury stock, at cost (23,372,974 shares at December 31, 2013 and 2012)	-362,550	-362,550	'	'
Total stockholders’ equity	568,703	539,381	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$642,380	$623,575	'	'

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia3

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Balance Sheets Parenthetical) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Fixed maturity securities, amortized cost	$2,205,753	$1,950,209
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	150,000,000	150,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	54,672,904	54,144,453
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	31,299,930	30,771,479
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	25,000,000	25,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Treasury stock, at cost (in shares)	23,372,974	23,372,974
Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	150,000,000	150,000,000
Preferred stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized (in shares)	25,000,000	25,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued (in shares)	0	0
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities, amortized cost	2,116,064	1,869,142
Debt Securities [Member] | Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities, amortized cost	108,890	133,606
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities, amortized cost	89,689	81,067
Equity Securities [Member] | Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities, amortized cost	$42,861	$30,678

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia4

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Statements of Income) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$70,764	$72,363	$80,117
Realized gains on investments	3,794	1,075	3,866	794	487	1,838	945	1,778	9,529	5,048	20,161
Total revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	723,581	579,182	464,154
Expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,246	3,504	3,642
Total expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	670,407	481,638	417,637
Income tax benefit	-8,359	-3,274	1,209	-226	-1,444	-1,173	-2,309	-4,421	-10,650	-9,347	-2,106
Net income	14,161	27,585	14,588	7,490	87,769	7,766	5,016	6,340	63,824	106,891	48,623
Earnings per common share for the stated periods (Note 20):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
EPS, basic	$0.45	$0.88	$0.47	$0.24	$2.85	$0.25	$0.16	$0.19	$2.05	$3.40	$1.30
EPS, diluted	$0.44	$0.86	$0.46	$0.24	$2.82	$0.25	$0.16	$0.19	$2	$3.37	$1.30
Cash dividends declared per common share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0.24	$0.24	$0.24
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5,995	6,590	10,284
Realized gains on investments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,273	623	7,769
Total revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10,268	7,213	18,053
Expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Other operating expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	11,988	13,889	12,662
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,621	1,880	2,040
Total expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	13,609	15,769	14,702
Income (loss) before income taxes and equity in earnings of subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-3,341	-8,556	3,351
Income tax benefit	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,513	-4,109	279
Net income (loss) before equity in earnings of subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,828	-4,447	3,072
Equity in net income of subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	65,652	111,338	45,551
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$63,824	$106,891	$48,623
Earnings per common share for the stated periods (Note 20):	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
EPS, basic	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$2.05	$3.40	$1.30
EPS, diluted	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$2	$3.37	$1.30

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia5

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Condensed Statements of Cash Flows) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating activities	'	'	'
Net income	$63,824	$106,891	$48,623
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'	'
Amortization expense	6,080	5,601	6,388
Realized gains on investments	-9,529	-5,048	-20,161
Stock-based compensation	5,622	6,141	3,742
Amortization of premium on investments, net	8,969	7,019	7,242
Deferred income tax expense	-10,761	-10,999	-1,608
Change in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	-1,080	2,132	-5,645
Federal income taxes	-3,663	100	2,055
Other assets	-2,413	16,082	15,518
Net cash provided by operating activities	163,725	131,249	42,384
Investing activities	'	'	'
Purchase of fixed maturity securities	-514,210	-444,001	-217,630
Purchase of equity securities	-30,499	-30,979	-21,080
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity securities	52,471	50,465	235,646
Proceeds from maturities and redemptions of investments	206,843	227,888	190,449
Proceeds from sale of equity securities	30,652	16,147	6,246
Capital Contributions to subsidiary	-44,023	-70,000	0
Restricted cash used in investing activities	-1,211	946	10,650
Net cash provided by investing activities	-258,890	-184,424	199,990
Financing activities	'	'	'
Acquisition of treasury stock	0	-41,795	-91,975
Cash transactions related to stock-based compensation	6,462	839	1,019
Dividends paid to stockholders	-7,455	-7,508	-8,943
Payments on notes payable	-10,000	-10,000	-10,000
Net cash used in financing activities	-10,993	-58,464	-109,899
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-106,158	-111,639	132,475
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	140,661	252,300	119,825
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	34,503	140,661	252,300
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Operating activities	'	'	'
Net income	63,824	106,891	48,623
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:	'	'	'
Equity in net income of subsidiaries	65,652	111,338	45,551
Realized gains on investments	-4,273	-623	-7,769
Stock-based compensation	5,622	6,141	3,742
Amortization of premium on investments, net	1,305	1,734	4,056
Deferred income tax expense	-486	-2,511	-1,803
Change in operating assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	-1,680	1,929	-583
Federal income taxes	-1,778	-9,636	3,731
Other assets	115	796	2,126
Intercompany payable/receivable	5,553	9	3,087
Net cash provided by operating activities	2,550	-6,608	9,659
Investing activities	'	'	'
Purchase of fixed maturity securities	-29,485	0	0
Purchase of equity securities	-23,599	-23,909	-14,990
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity securities	35,466	0	133,232
Proceeds from maturities and redemptions of investments	17,645	47,677	27,420
Proceeds from sale of equity securities	15,473	8,843	0
Cash dividends received from subsidiaries	3,555	0	67,380
Restricted cash used in investing activities	-367	1,818	-1
Net cash provided by investing activities	-25,335	-35,571	213,041
Financing activities	'	'	'
Acquisition of treasury stock	0	-41,795	-91,975
Cash transactions related to stock-based compensation	6,462	839	1,019
Dividends paid to stockholders	-7,455	-7,508	-8,943
Payments on notes payable	-10,000	-10,000	-10,000
Net cash used in financing activities	-10,993	-58,464	-109,899
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	-33,778	-100,643	112,801
Cash and cash equivalents at the beginning of the period	40,149	140,792	27,991
Cash and cash equivalents at the end of the period	$6,371	$40,149	$140,792

Schedule_II_Condensed_Financia6

Schedule II. Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Notes to Condensed Financial Statements) (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

Mar. 31, 2013

Mar. 31, 2012

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Parent Company [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Employee Stock Option [Member]

Restricted stock units (RSUs)

Restricted stock units (RSUs)

Restricted stock units (RSUs)

Restricted stock units (RSUs)

Performance share units [Member]

Performance share units [Member]

Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payments on notes payable

$10,000,000

$10,000,000

$10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortized Cost

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Due in one year or less, amortized cost

147,157,000

'

'

23,335,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Due after one year through five years, amortized cost

777,480,000

'

'

61,030,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Due after five years through ten years, amortized cost

655,280,000

'

'

10,599,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Due after ten years, amortized cost

162,281,000

'

'

13,926,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total, amortized cost

2,116,064,000

'

'

108,890,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of options or share units, granted

'

'

'

'

'

'

162,800

242,300

355,063

'

84,215

117,065

157,570

'

'

'

Estimated Fair Value

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Due in one year or less, fair value

149,369,000

'

'

23,822,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Due after one year through five years, fair value

812,822,000

'

'

64,989,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Due after five years through ten years, fair value

676,124,000

'

'

11,014,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Due after ten years, fair value

169,176,000

'

'

14,327,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total, fair value

2,182,546,000

2,024,428,000

'

114,152,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Change in net unrealized gains on investments, net of taxes

-39,131,000

12,830,000

32,586,000

5,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash paid for interest

3,052,000

3,375,000

3,561,000

1,600,000

1,900,000

2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Line of credit facility, decrease, repayments

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investments

$2,344,858,000

$2,149,514,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of outstanding options or share units

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,546,898

1,830,772

1,788,706

1,763,103

358,346

406,262

418,189

428,515

147,440

158,900

Schedule_VI_Supplemental_Infor1

Schedule VI. Supplemental Information (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$43,532	'	'	'	$38,852	'	'	'	$43,532	$38,852	$37,524
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	2,330,491	'	'	'	2,231,540	'	'	'	2,330,491	2,231,540	2,272,363
Unearned premiums	303,967	'	'	'	265,149	'	'	'	303,967	265,149	194,933
Net premiums earned	169,992	164,429	159,953	147,975	140,843	131,766	118,955	109,900	642,349	501,464	363,424
Net investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	70,764	72,363	80,117
Current year	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	494,579	386,044	280,683
Prior years	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,934	1,800	1,127
Deferred policy acquisition cost, amortization expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	96,903	85,926	74,500
Total net payments for losses and LAE during the period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	340,231	293,213	273,973
Premiums written, net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$678,466	$569,676	$410,038