Selective Insurance (SIGI) 10-K 28 Feb 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 14, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP INC	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000230557	'	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'Yes	'	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'	'
Entity Public Float	'	'	$1,248,863,936
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	56,160,519	'

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity – at carrying value (fair value: $416,981 – 2013; $594,661 – 2012)	$392,879	$554,069
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale – at fair value (amortized cost: $3,675,977 – 2013; $3,130,683 – 2012)	3,715,536	3,296,013
Equity securities, available-for-sale – at fair value (cost of: $155,350 – 2013; $132,441 – 2012)	192,771	151,382
Short-term investments (at cost which approximates fair value)	174,251	214,479
Other investments	107,875	114,076
Total investments (Note 5)	4,583,312	4,330,019
Cash	193	210
Interest and dividends due or accrued	37,382	35,984
Premiums receivable, net of allowance for uncollectible accounts of: $4,442 – 2013; $3,906 – 2012	524,870	484,388
Reinsurance recoverable, net (Note 8)	550,897	1,421,109
Prepaid reinsurance premiums (Note 8)	143,000	132,637
Current federal income tax (Note 14)	512	2,569
Deferred federal income tax (Note 14)	122,613	119,136
Property and equipment – at cost, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization of: $179,192 – 2013; $169,428 – 2012	50,834	47,131
Deferred policy acquisition costs (Note 3)	172,981	155,523
Goodwill (Note 11)	7,849	7,849
Other assets	75,727	57,661
Total assets	6,270,170	6,794,216
LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY	'	'
Reserve for losses and loss expenses (Note 9)	3,349,770	4,068,941
Unearned premiums	1,059,155	974,706
Notes payable (Note 10)	392,414	307,387
Accrued salaries and benefits	111,427	152,396
Other liabilities	203,476	200,194
Total liabilities	5,116,242	5,703,624
Stockholders’ Equity:	'	'
Preferred stock of $0 par value per share: Authorized shares: 5,000,000; no shares issued or outstanding	0	0
Common stock of $2 par value per share Authorized shares: 360,000,000 Issued: 99,120,235 - 2013; 98,194,224 - 2012	198,240	196,388
Additional paid-in capital	288,182	270,654
Retained earnings	1,202,015	1,125,154
Accumulated other comprehensive income (Note 6)	24,851	54,040
Treasury stock – at cost (shares: 43,198,622 – 2013; 43,030,776 – 2012)	-559,360	-555,644
Total stockholders’ equity	1,153,928	1,090,592
Commitments and contingencies (Notes 18 and 19)	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$6,270,170	$6,794,216

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity, fair value	$416,981	$594,661
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale, amortized cost	3,675,977	3,130,683
Equity securities, available-for-sale, cost	155,350	132,441
Premiums receivable, allowance for uncollectible accounts	4,442	3,906
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation and amortization	$179,192	$169,428
Preferred stock, par value per share	$0	$0
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0
Common stock, par value per share	$2	$2
Common stock, shares authorized	360,000,000	360,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	99,120,235	98,194,224
Treasury stock, shares	43,198,622	43,030,776

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of 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	$1,736,072	$1,584,119	$1,439,313
Net investment income earned	134,643	131,877	147,443
Net realized gains:	'	'	'
Net realized investment gains	26,375	13,252	15,426
Other-than-temporary impairments	-5,566	-1,711	-11,998
Other-than-temporary impairments on fixed maturity securities recognized in other comprehensive income	-77	-2,553	-1,188
Total net realized gains	20,732	8,988	2,240
Other income	12,294	9,118	8,479
Total revenues	1,903,741	1,734,102	1,597,475
Expenses:	'	'	'
Losses and loss expenses incurred	1,121,738	1,120,990	1,074,987
Policy acquisition costs	579,977	526,143	466,404
Interest expense	22,538	18,872	18,259
Other expenses	35,686	30,462	26,425
Total expenses	1,759,939	1,696,467	1,586,075
Income from continuing operations, before federal income tax	143,802	37,635	11,400
Federal income tax expense (benefit):	'	'	'
Current	24,147	5,647	-228
Deferred	12,240	-5,975	-11,055
Total federal income tax expense (benefit)	36,387	-328	-11,283
Net income from continuing operations	107,415	37,963	22,683
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax of $(538) – 2013; and $(350) – 2011	-997	0	-650
Net income	$106,418	$37,963	$22,033
Earnings per share:	'	'	'
Basic net income from continuing operations	$1.93	$0.69	$0.42
Basic net loss from discontinued operations	($0.02)	$0	($0.01)
Basic net income	$1.91	$0.69	$0.41
Diluted net income from continuing operations	$1.89	$0.68	$0.41
Diluted net loss from discontinued operations	($0.02)	$0	($0.01)
Diluted net income	$1.87	$0.68	$0.40
Dividends to stockholders	$0.52	$0.52	$0.52

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc1

Consolidated Statements of Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Statement [Abstract]	'	'	'
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, tax	($538)	$0	($350)

Consolidation_Statements_of_Co

Consolidation Statements of Comprehensive Income (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
Net income	$25,335	$32,653	$27,122	$21,308	$1,308	$18,274	$288	$18,093	$106,418	$37,963	$22,033
Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-54,557	30,937	45,592
Non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	50	1,660	772
Amount reclassified into net income: Held-to-maturity securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,025	-1,581	-1,484
Realized gains on available for sale securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-15,301	-6,118	-1,821
Total unrealized (losses) gains on investment securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-70,824	25,080	43,380
Amount reclassified into net income: Net actuarial loss	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,843	3,837	2,712
Amount reclassified into net income: Prior service cost	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6	97	97
Amount reclassified into net income: Curtailment expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	11	0	0
Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	41,635	-13,334	-8,110
Other comprehensive (loss) income	7,768	-2,195	-62,643	27,881	-30,971	26,507	5,520	10,690	'	'	'
Comprehensive income	33,103	30,458	-35,521	49,189	-29,663	44,781	5,808	28,783	77,229	49,709	57,303
Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amounts reclassified into net income: Non-credit other-than-temporary impairment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9	182	321
Other comprehensive (loss) income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	59	1,842	'
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net actuarial gain (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	38,775	-17,268	-10,919
Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,860	3,934	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amounts reclassified into net income: Non-credit other-than-temporary impairment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-13,457	-3,583	'
Other comprehensive (loss) income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($29,189)	$11,746	$35,270

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Common stock [Member]	Additional paid-in capital [Member]	Retained earnings [Member]	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member]	Treasury stock [Member]
Beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2010	'	$192,725,000	$244,613,000	$1,123,087,000	$7,024,000	($549,408,000)
Dividend reinvestment plan (shares: 63,349 – 2013; 90,110 – 2012; 100,383 – 2011)	'	201,000	1,417,000	'	'	'
Stock purchase and compensation plans (shares: 862,662 – 2013; 857,403 – 2012; 783,661 – 2011)	'	1,568,000	11,340,000	'	'	'
Net income	22,033,000	'	'	22,033,000	'	'
Dividends to stockholders ($0.52 per share – 2013, 2012, and 2011)	'	'	'	-28,801,000	'	'
Other comprehensive (loss) income	'	'	'	'	35,270,000	'
Acquisition of treasury stock (shares: 167,846 – 2013; 194,575 – 2012; 149,997 – 2011)	-2,741	'	'	'	'	-2,741,000
End of year at Dec. 31, 2011	1,058,328,000	194,494,000	257,370,000	1,116,319,000	42,294,000	-552,149,000
Dividend reinvestment plan (shares: 63,349 – 2013; 90,110 – 2012; 100,383 – 2011)	'	180,000	1,419,000	'	'	'
Stock purchase and compensation plans (shares: 862,662 – 2013; 857,403 – 2012; 783,661 – 2011)	'	1,714,000	11,865,000	'	'	'
Net income	37,963,000	'	'	37,963,000	'	'
Dividends to stockholders ($0.52 per share – 2013, 2012, and 2011)	'	'	'	-29,128,000	'	'
Other comprehensive (loss) income	'	'	'	'	11,746,000	'
Acquisition of treasury stock (shares: 167,846 – 2013; 194,575 – 2012; 149,997 – 2011)	-3,495	'	'	'	'	-3,495,000
End of year at Dec. 31, 2012	1,090,592,000	196,388,000	270,654,000	1,125,154,000	54,040,000	-555,644,000
Dividend reinvestment plan (shares: 63,349 – 2013; 90,110 – 2012; 100,383 – 2011)	'	127,000	1,396,000	'	'	'
Stock purchase and compensation plans (shares: 862,662 – 2013; 857,403 – 2012; 783,661 – 2011)	'	1,725,000	16,132,000	'	'	'
Net income	106,418,000	'	'	106,418,000	'	'
Dividends to stockholders ($0.52 per share – 2013, 2012, and 2011)	'	'	'	-29,557,000	'	'
Other comprehensive (loss) income	'	'	'	'	-29,189,000	'
Acquisition of treasury stock (shares: 167,846 – 2013; 194,575 – 2012; 149,997 – 2011)	-3,716	'	'	'	'	-3,716,000
End of year at Dec. 31, 2013	$1,153,928,000	$198,240,000	$288,182,000	$1,202,015,000	$24,851,000	($559,360,000)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Sto1

Consolidated Statements of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Dividend reinvestment plan, shares	'		'		63,349	90,110	100,383
Stock purchase and compensation plans, shares	'		'		862,662	857,403	783,661
Dividends to stockholders, per share	$0.13	[1]	$0.13	[1]	$0.52	$0.52	$0.52
Acquisition of treasury stock, shares	'		'		167,846	194,575	149,997
Preferred stock, par value per share	$0		$0		$0	$0	$0
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000		5,000,000		5,000,000	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0		0		0	0	0
Series A Preferred Stock [Member]	'		'		'	'	'
Preferred stock, par value per share	$0		$0		$0	$0	$0
Preferred stock, shares authorized	300,000		300,000		300,000	300,000	300,000
[1]	1 See Note 20. “Statutory Financial Information, Capital Requirements, and Restrictions on Dividends and Transfers of Funds” for a discussion of dividend restrictions.

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cashflow (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Operating Activities	'	'	'
Net income	$106,418	$37,963	$22,033
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	43,461	38,693	34,645
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations	997	0	650
Stock-based compensation expense	8,630	6,939	7,422
Undistributed (income) losses of equity method investments	202	1,651	-323
Net realized (gains) losses	-20,732	-8,988	-2,240
Retirement income plan curtailment expense	16	0	0
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Increase in reserves for losses and loss expenses, net of reinsurance recoverables	151,037	64,763	56,905
Increase in unearned premiums, net of prepaid reinsurance and advance premiums	75,246	82,777	46,334
Decrease (increase) in net federal income taxes	14,834	-7,812	372
Increase in premiums receivable	-40,482	-18,094	-45,116
Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs	-17,458	-19,762	-7,777
(Increase) decrease in interest and dividends due or accrued	-1,372	468	633
Increase in accrued salaries and benefits	18,685	6,533	1,521
Increase (decrease) in accrued insurance expenses	14,444	8,831	-636
Other-net	-17,802	32,737	8,534
Net adjustments	229,706	188,736	100,924
Net cash provided by operating activities	336,124	226,699	122,957
Investing Activities	'	'	'
Purchase of fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	-1,069,387	-884,911	-487,813
Purchase of equity securities, available-for-sale	-118,072	-83,833	-150,551
Purchase of other investments	-9,332	-12,990	-16,033
Purchase of short-term investments	-2,056,576	-1,735,691	-1,448,782
Purchase of subsidiary, net of cash acquired	0	255	-51,728
Sale of subsidiary	1,225	751	1,152
Sale of fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	20,126	103,572	146,435
Sale of short-term investments	2,096,805	1,738,255	1,433,441
Redemption and maturities of fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity	116,584	118,260	177,350
Redemption and maturities of fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	513,804	439,957	162,796
Sale of equity securities, available-for-sale	115,782	101,740	60,071
Distributions from other investments	12,039	24,801	25,622
Sale of other investments	0	1	16,357
Purchase of property, equipment, and other assets	-14,023	-12,879	-11,824
Net cash used in investing activities	-391,025	-202,712	-143,507
Financing Activities	'	'	'
Dividends to stockholders	-27,416	-26,944	-26,513
Acquisition of treasury stock	-3,716	-3,495	-2,741
Net proceeds from stock purchase and compensation plans	7,119	4,840	5,011
Proceeds from issuance of notes payable, net of debt issuance costs	178,435	0	0
Proceeds from borrowings	0	0	45,000
Principal payment of notes payable	-100,000	0	0
Excess tax benefits (expense) from share-based payment arrangements	1,545	1,060	-90
Repayment of capital lease obligations	-1,083	0	0
Net cash provided (used in) by financing activities	54,884	-24,539	20,667
Net (decrease) increase in cash	-17	-552	117
Cash, beginning of year	210	762	645
Cash, end of year	$193	$210	$762

Organization

Organization	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Organization [Abstract]	'
Organization	'
	Organization
	Selective Insurance Group, Inc., through its subsidiaries, (collectively referred to as “we,” “us,” or “our”) offers standard and excess and surplus lines (“E&S”) property and casualty insurance products. Selective Insurance Group, Inc. (referred to as the “Parent”) was incorporated in New Jersey in 1977 and its main offices are located in Branchville, New Jersey. The Parent’s common stock is publicly traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol “SIGI.” We have provided a glossary of terms as Exhibit 99.1 to this Form 10-K, which defines certain industry-specific and other terms that are used in this Form 10-K.
	We classify our business into three operating segments:
	•	Our Standard Insurance Operations segment, which is comprised of both commercial lines ("Commercial Lines") and personal lines ("Personal Lines") business, sells property and casualty insurance products and services in the standard market, including flood insurance through the National Flood Insurance Program's ("NFIPs") write-your-own ("WYO") program;
	•	Our E&S Insurance Operations segment sells Commercial Lines property and casualty insurance products and services to insureds who have not obtained coverage in the standard market; and
	•	Our Investments segment, which invests the premiums collected by our Standard and E&S Insurance Operations and amounts generated through our capital management strategies, which may include the issuance of debt and equity securities.

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Signifcant Accounting Policies	'
	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	(a) Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements ("Financial Statements") include the accounts of the Parent and its subsidiaries, and have been prepared in conformity with: (i) U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"); and (ii) the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
	(b) Use of Estimates
	The preparation of our Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported financial statement balances, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
	(c) Reclassifications
	Certain amounts in our prior years' Financial Statements and related notes have been reclassified to conform to the 2013 presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on our net income, stockholders' equity, or cash flows.
	(d) Investments
	Fixed maturity securities may include bonds, redeemable preferred stocks, mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”). Fixed maturity securities classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) are reported at fair value. Those fixed maturity securities that we have the ability and positive intent to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity (“HTM”) and are carried at either: (i) amortized cost; or (ii) market value at the date of transfer into the HTM category, adjusted for subsequent amortization. The amortized cost of fixed maturity securities is adjusted for the amortization of premiums and the accretion of discounts over the expected life of the security using the effective yield method. Premiums and discounts arising from the purchase of MBS are amortized over the expected life of the security based on future principal payments, and considering prepayments. These prepayments are estimated based on historical and projected cash flows. Prepayment assumptions are reviewed quarterly and adjusted to reflect actual prepayments and changes in expectations. Future amortization of any premium and/or discount is also adjusted to reflect the revised assumptions. Interest income, as well as amortization and accretion, is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated Statements of Income. The amortized cost of fixed maturity securities is written down to fair value when a decline in value is considered to be other than temporary. See the discussion below on realized investment gains and losses for a description of the accounting for impairments. Unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturity securities classified as AFS, net of tax, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI").
	Equity securities, which are classified as AFS, may include common stocks and non-redeemable preferred stocks, and are carried at fair value. Dividend income on these securities is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated Statement of Income. The associated unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, are included in AOCI. The cost of equity securities is written down to fair value when a decline in value is considered to be other than temporary. See the discussion below on realized investment gains and losses for a description of the accounting for impairments.
	Short-term investments may include certain money market instruments, savings accounts, commercial paper, and other debt issues purchased with a maturity of less than one year. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. The associated income is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated Statement of Income.
	Other investments may include alternative investments and other securities. Alternative investments are accounted for using the equity method. Our share of distributed and undistributed net income from alternative investments is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated Statement of Income. Investments in other securities are accounted for either under the equity method or carried at amortized cost under the effective yield method of accounting. Our share of distributed and undistributed net income is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated Statement of Income.
	Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of the cost of the specific investments sold and are credited or charged to income. Also included in realized gains and losses are the other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") charges recognized in earnings, which are discussed below.
	When the fair value of any investment is lower than its cost/amortized cost, an assessment is made to determine if the decline is other than temporary. We regularly review our entire investment portfolio for declines in fair value. If we believe that a decline in the value of an AFS security is temporary, we record the decline as an unrealized loss in AOCI. Temporary declines in the value of an HTM security are not recognized in the Financial Statements. Our assessment of a decline in fair value includes judgment as to the financial position and future prospects of the entity that issued the investment security, as well as a review of the security’s underlying collateral for fixed maturity investments. Broad changes in the overall market or interest rate environment generally will not lead to a write-down.
	Fixed Maturity Securities and Short-Term Investments
	Our evaluation for OTTI of a fixed maturity security or a short-term investment may include, but is not limited to, the evaluation of the following factors:
	•	Whether the decline appears to be issuer or industry specific;
	•	The degree to which the issuer is current or in arrears in making principal and interest payments on the fixed maturity security;
	•	The issuer’s current financial condition and ability to make future scheduled principal and interest payments on a timely basis;
	•	Evaluation of projected cash flows;
	•	Buy/hold/sell recommendations published by outside investment advisors and analysts; and
	•	Relevant rating history, analysis, and guidance provided by rating agencies and analysts.
	OTTI charges are recognized as a realized loss to the extent that they are credit related, unless we have the intent to sell the security or it is more-likely-than not that we will be required to sell the security. In those circumstances, the security is written down to fair value with the entire amount of the writedown charged to earnings as a component of realized losses.
	To determine if an impairment is other than temporary, we compare the present value of cash flows expected to be collected with the amortized cost of fixed maturity securities meeting certain criteria. In addition, this analysis is performed on all previously-impaired debt securities that continue to be held by us and all structured securities that were not of high-credit quality at the date of purchase. These impairment assessments may include, but are not limited to, discounted cash flow analyses ("DCFs").
	For structured securities, including CMBS, RMBS, ABS, and CDOs, we also consider variables such as expected default, severity, and prepayment assumptions based on security type and vintage, taking into consideration information from credit agencies, historical performance, and other relevant economic and performance factors.
	In making our assessment, we perform a DCF to determine the present value of future cash flows to be generated by the underlying collateral of the security. Any shortfall in the expected present value of the future cash flows, based on the DCF, from the amortized cost basis of a security is considered a “credit impairment,” with the remaining decline in fair value of a security considered as a “non-credit impairment.” As mentioned above, credit impairments are charged to earnings as a component of realized losses, while non-credit impairments are recorded to Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") as a component of unrealized losses.
	Discounted Cash Flow Assumptions
	The discount rate we use in a DCF is the effective interest rate implicit in the security at the date of acquisition for those structured securities that were not of high-credit quality at acquisition. For all other securities, we use a discount rate that equals the current yield, excluding the impact of previous OTTI charges, used to accrete the beneficial interest.
	If applicable, we use a conditional default rate assumption in the DCF to estimate future defaults. The conditional default rate is the proportion of all loans outstanding in a security at the beginning of a time period that are expected to default during that period. Our assumption of this rate takes into consideration the uncertainty of future defaults as well as whether or not these securities have experienced significant cumulative losses or delinquencies to date.
	If applicable, conditional default rate assumptions apply at the total collateral pool level held in the securitization trust. Generally, collateral conditional default rates will “ramp-up” over time as the collateral seasons, because the performance begins to weaken and losses begin to surface. As time passes, depending on the collateral type and vintage, losses will peak and performance will begin to improve as weaker borrowers are removed from the pool through delinquency resolutions. In the later years of a collateral pool’s life, performance is generally materially better as the resulting favorable selection of the portfolio improves the overall quality and performance.
	For CMBS, we also consider the net operating income (“NOI”) generated by the underlying properties. Our assumptions of the properties’ ultimate cash flows take into consideration both an immediate reduction to the reported NOIs and decreases to projected NOIs.
	If applicable, we also use a loan loss severity assumption in our DCF that is applied at the loan level of the collateral pool. The loan loss severity assumptions represent the estimated percentage loss on the loan-to-value exposure for a particular security. For CMBS, the loan loss severities applied are based on property type. Losses generated from the evaluations are then applied to the entire underlying deal structure in accordance with the original service agreements.
	Equity Securities
	Evaluation for OTTI of an equity security may include, but is not limited to, an evaluation of the following factors:
	•	Whether the decline appears to be issuer or industry specific;
	•	The relationship of market prices per share to book value per share at the date of acquisition and date of evaluation;
	•	The price-earnings ratio at the time of acquisition and date of evaluation;
	•	The financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, including any specific events that may influence the issuer's operations, coupled with our intention to hold the securities in the near-term;
	•	The recent income or loss of the issuer;
	•	The independent auditors' report on the issuer's recent financial statements;
	•	The dividend policy of the issuer at the date of acquisition and the date of evaluation;
	•	Buy/hold/sell recommendations or price projections published by outside investment advisors;
	•	Rating agency announcements;
	•	The length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been, or is expected to be, less than its cost in the near term; and
	•	Our expectation of when the cost of the security will be recovered.
	If there is a decline in the fair value on an equity security that we do not intend to hold, or if we determine the decline is other-than-temporary, including declines driven by market volatility for which we cannot assert will recover in the near term, we will write down the carrying value of the investment and record the charge through earnings as a component of realized losses.
	Other Investments
	Our evaluation for OTTI of an other investment (i.e., an alternative investment) may include, but is not limited to, conversations with the management of the alternative investment concerning the following:
	•	The current investment strategy;
	•	Changes made or future changes to be made to the investment strategy;
	•	Emerging issues that may affect the success of the strategy; and
	•	The appropriateness of the valuation methodology used regarding the underlying investments.
	If there is a decline in fair value on an other investment that we do not intend to hold, or if we determine the decline is other than temporary, we write down the cost of the investment and record the charge through earnings as a component of realized losses.
	(e) Fair Values of Financial Instruments
	Assets
	The fair values of our investments are generated using various valuation techniques and are placed into the fair value hierarchy considering the following: (i) the highest priority is given to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1); (ii) the next highest priority is given to quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets in markets that are not active and other inputs that can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets (Level 2); and (iii) the lowest priority is given to unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity and that reflect our assumptions about the exit price, including assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset (Level 3). An asset’s classification within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of significant input to its valuation. Transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy are recognized at the end of the reporting period.
	The techniques used to value our financial assets are as follows:
	•	For valuations of a large portion of our equity securities portfolio as well as U.S. Treasury Notes held in our fixed maturity securities portfolio, we receive prices from an independent pricing service that are based on observable market transactions. We validate these prices against a second external pricing service, and if established market value comparison thresholds are breached, further analysis is performed, in conjunction with our external investment managers, to determine the price to be used. These securities are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
	•	For approximately 99% of our fixed maturity securities portfolio, we utilize a market approach, using primarily matrix pricing models prepared by external pricing services. Matrix pricing models use mathematical techniques to value debt securities by relying on the securities relationship to other benchmark quoted securities, and not relying exclusively on quoted prices for specific securities, as the specific securities are not always frequently traded. As a matter of policy, we consistently use one pricing service as our primary source and secondary pricing services if prices are not available from the primary pricing service. In conjunction with our external investment portfolio managers, fixed maturity securities portfolio pricing is reviewed for reasonableness in the following ways: (i) comparing positions traded directly by the external investment portfolio managers to prices received from the third-party pricing services; (ii) comparing the primary vendor pricing to other third-party pricing services as well as benchmark indexed pricing; (iii) comparing market value fluctuations between months for reasonableness; and (iv) reviewing stale prices. If further analysis is needed, a challenge is sent to the pricing service for review and confirmation of the price. In addition to the tests described above, management performs a comparison of our prices to a secondary price source. Historically, we have not experienced significant variances in prices, and therefore, we have consistently used our primary pricing service. These prices are typically Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
	•	For the small portion of our fixed maturity securities portfolio that we cannot price using our primary or secondary service, we typically use non-binding broker quotes. These prices are from various broker/dealers that use bid or ask prices, or benchmarks to indices, in measuring the fair value of a security. For the small portion of non-public equity securities that we hold, we typically receive prices from a third party pricing service or through statements provided by the security issuer. In conjunction with our external investment portfolio managers, these fair value measurements are reviewed for reasonableness. This review typically includes an analysis of price fluctuations between months with variances over established thresholds being analyzed further. These prices are generally classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, as the inputs cannot be corroborated by observable market data.
	•	Short-term investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Given the liquid nature of our short-term investments, we generally validate their fair value by way of active trades within approximately one week of the financial statement close. These securities are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
	Liabilities
	The techniques used to value our notes payable are as follows:
•	The fair value of the 5.875% Senior Notes due February 9, 2043, and the 7.50% Junior Subordinated Notes that were originally due on September 27, 2066 but have been redeemed, are based on quoted market prices.
•	The fair values of the 7.25% Senior Notes due November 15, 2034 and the 6.70% Senior Notes due November 1, 2035 are based on matrix pricing models prepared by external pricing services.
•	The fair value of the 2.90% and 1.25% borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”) are estimated using a DCF based on a current borrowing rate provided by the FHLBI consistent with the remaining term of the borrowing.
See Note 7. “Fair Value Measurements” for a summary table of the fair value and related carrying amounts of financial instruments.
(f) Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
We estimate an allowance for doubtful accounts on our premiums receivable. This allowance is based on historical write-off percentages adjusted for the effects of current and anticipated trends. An account is charged off when we believe it is probable that we will not collect a receivable. In making this determination, we consider information obtained from our efforts to collect amounts due directly and/or through collection agencies.
(g) Share-Based Compensation
Share-based compensation consists of all share-based payment transactions in which an entity acquires goods or services by issuing (or offering to issue) its shares, share units, share options, or other equity instruments. The cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions are recognized in the Financial Statements based on the fair value of both equity and liability awards. The fair value is measured at grant date for equity awards, whereas the fair value for liability awards are remeasured at each reporting period. Both the fair value of equity and liability awards is recognized over the requisite service period. The requisite service period is typically the lesser of the vesting period or the period of time from the grant date to the date of retirement eligibility. The expense recognized for share-based awards, which, in some cases, contain performance criteria, is based on the number of shares or units expected to be issued at the end of the performance period.
(h) Reinsurance
Reinsurance recoverables represent estimates of amounts that will be recovered from reinsurers under our various treaties. Generally, amounts recoverable from reinsurers are recognized as assets at the same time and in a manner consistent with the paid and unpaid losses associated with the reinsured policies. An allowance for estimated uncollectible reinsurance is recorded based on an evaluation of balances due from reinsurers and other available information. We charge off reinsurance recoverables on paid losses when it becomes probable that we will not collect the balance.
(i) Property and Equipment
Property and equipment used in operations, including certain costs incurred to develop or obtain computer software for internal use, are capitalized and carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The following estimated useful lives can be considered as general guidelines:
Asset Category		Years
Computer hardware		3
Computer software		3 to 5
Internally developed software		5
Furniture and fixtures		10
Buildings and improvements		5 to 40
(j) Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
Deferred policy acquisition costs are limited to costs directly related to the successful acquisition of insurance contracts.  Costs meeting this definition typically include, among other things, sales commissions paid to agents, premium taxes, and the portion of employee salaries and benefits directly related to time spent on acquired contracts.  These costs are deferred and amortized over the life of the contracts.
Accounting guidance requires a premium deficiency analysis to be performed at the level an entity acquires, services, and measures the profitability of its insurance contracts.  We currently perform two premium deficiency analyses, one for Standard Insurance Operations and one for E&S Insurance Operations, considering the following:
•	Our marketing efforts for all of our product lines within our Standard Insurance Operations revolve around independent retail agencies and their touch points with our shared customers, the policyholders, while our E&S Insurance Operations revolve around our wholesale general agents.
•	We service our Standard Insurance Operations' agency distribution channel through our field model, which includes agency management specialists ("AMSs"), safety management specialists, claims management specialists ("CMSs"), and our Underwriting and Claims Service Centers, all of which service the entire population of insurance contracts acquired through each agency. For our E&S Insurance Operations, we use external adjusters to service claims on behalf of our customers.
•	We measure the profitability of our business for the Standard and E&S Insurance Operations separately, which is evident in, among other items, the structure of our incentive compensation programs. We measure the profitability and calculate the compensation of our independent retail agents based on the results of our Standard Insurance Operations and we measure the profitability and calculate the compensation of our wholesale general agents based on the results of our E&S Insurance Operations Segment.
There were no premium deficiencies for any of the reported years, as the sum of the anticipated losses and loss expenses, unamortized acquisition costs, policyholder dividends, and other expenses for our Standard Insurance Operations and E&S Insurance Operations segments did not exceed the related unearned premium and anticipated investment income. The investment yields assumed in the premium deficiency assessment for each reporting period, which are based on our actual average investment yield before tax as of the September 30 calculation date were 3.0% for 2013, 3.1% for 2012, and 4.0% for 2011. Deferred policy acquisition costs amortized to expense were $331.8 million for 2013, $298.5 million for 2012, and $266.1 million for 2011.
(k) Goodwill
Goodwill results from business acquisitions where the cost of assets and liabilities acquired exceeds the fair value of those assets and liabilities. A quantitative goodwill impairment analysis is performed if a quarterly qualitative analysis indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Goodwill is allocated to the reporting units for the purposes of these analyses, if appropriate.
(l) Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses
Reserves for losses and loss expenses are comprised of both case reserves and reserves for claims incurred but not yet reported ("IBNR"). Case reserves result from claims that have been reported to one or more of our ten insurance subsidiaries, which are collectively referred to as the "Insurance Subsidiaries," and are estimated for the amount of ultimate payment. IBNR reserves are established based on generally accepted actuarial techniques. Such techniques assume that past experience, adjusted for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends, are an appropriate basis for predicting future events. In applying generally accepted actuarial techniques, we also consider a range of possible loss and loss expense reserves in establishing IBNR.
The internal assumptions we consider in the estimation of the IBNR amounts for both asbestos and environmental and non-environmental reserves at our reporting dates are based on: (i) an analysis of both paid and incurred loss and loss expense development trends; (ii) an analysis of both paid and incurred claim count development trends; (iii) the exposure estimates for reported claims; (iv) recent development on exposure estimates with respect to individual large claims and the aggregate of all claims; (v) the rate at which new asbestos and environmental claims are being reported; and (vi) patterns of events observed by claims personnel or reported to them by defense counsel. External factors we monitor for the estimation of IBNR for both asbestos and environmental and non-environmental IBNR reserves include: (i) legislative enactments; (ii) judicial decisions; (iii) legal developments in the determination of liability and the imposition of damages; and (iv) trends in general economic conditions, including the effects of inflation. Adjustments to IBNR are made periodically to take into account changes in the volume of business written, claims frequency and severity, the mix of business, claims processing, and other items that management expects to affect our reserves for losses and loss expenses over time.
By using both individual estimates of reported claims and generally accepted actuarial reserving techniques, we estimate the ultimate net liability for losses and loss expenses. While the ultimate actual liability may be higher or lower than reserves established, we believe the reserves make a reasonable provision, in the aggregate, for all unpaid losses and loss expenses incurred. Any changes in the liability estimate may be material to the results of operations in future periods. We do not discount to present value that portion of our losses and loss expense reserves expected to be paid in future periods; however, our loss and loss expense reserves include anticipated recoveries for salvage and subrogation claims.
Overall reserves are reviewed for adequacy on a periodic basis. As part of the periodic review, we consider the range of possible loss and loss expense reserves, determined at the beginning of the year. This process assumes that past experience, adjusted for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends, is an appropriate basis for predicting future events. However, there is no precise method for subsequently evaluating the impact of any specific factor on the adequacy of reserves because the eventual deficiency or redundancy is affected by many factors. Based upon such reviews, we believe that the estimated reserves for losses and loss expenses make a reasonable provision to cover the ultimate cost of claims. However, the ultimate actual liability may be higher or lower than the reserve established. The changes in these estimates, resulting from the continuous review process and the differences between estimates and ultimate payments, are reflected in the consolidated statements of income for the period in which such estimates are changed and may be material to the results of operations in future periods.
(m) Revenue Recognition
The Insurance Subsidiaries' net premiums written include direct insurance policy writings, plus reinsurance assumed and estimates of premiums earned but unbilled on the workers compensation and general liability lines of insurance, less reinsurance ceded. The estimated premium on the workers compensation and general liability lines is referred to as audit premium. We estimate this premium, as it is anticipated to be either billed or returned on policies subsequent to expiration based on exposure levels (i.e. payroll or sales). Audit premium is based on historical trends adjusted for the uncertainty of future economic conditions. Economic instability could ultimately impact our estimates and assumptions, and changes in our estimate may be material to the results of operations in future periods. Premiums written are recognized as revenue over the period that coverage is provided using the semi-monthly pro-rata method. Unearned premiums and prepaid reinsurance premiums represent that portion of premiums written that are applicable to the unexpired terms of policies in force.
(n) Dividends to Policyholders
We establish reserves for dividends to policyholders on certain policies, most significantly workers compensation policies. These dividends are based on the policyholders' loss experience. The dividend reserves are established based on past experience, adjusted for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends. The expense for these dividends is recognized over a period that begins at policy inception and ends with the payment of the dividend. We do not issue policies that entitle the policyholder to participate in the earnings or surplus of the Insurance Subsidiaries.
(o) Federal Income Tax
We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Current federal income taxes are recognized for the estimated taxes payable or refundable on tax returns for the current year. Deferred federal income taxes arise from the recognition of temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is established when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. A liability for uncertain tax positions is recorded when it is more likely than not that a tax position will not be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The effect of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period of enactment.
(p) Leases
We have various operating leases for office space and equipment. Rental expense for such leases is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term. If a lease has a fixed and determinable escalation clause, or periods of rent holidays, the difference between rental expense and rent paid is included in "Other liabilities" as deferred rent in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
In addition, we have various capital leases for computer hardware and software. These leases are accounted for as an acquisition of an asset and an incurrence of an obligation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term.
(q) Pension
Our pension and post-retirement life benefit obligations and related costs are calculated using actuarial methods, within the framework of GAAP. Two key assumptions, the discount rate and the expected return on plan assets, are important elements of expense and/or liability measurement. We evaluate these key assumptions annually unless facts indicate that a more frequent review is required. Other assumptions involve demographic factors such as retirement age, mortality, turnover, and rate of compensation increases. The discount rate enables us to state expected future cash flows at their present value on the measurement date. The purpose of the discount rate is to determine the interest rates inherent in the price at which pension benefits could be effectively settled. Our discount rate selection is based on high-quality, long-term corporate bonds. To determine the expected long-term rate of return on the plan assets, we consider the current and expected asset allocation, as well as historical and expected returns on each plan asset class.

Adoption_of_Accounting_Pronoun

Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements
	In October 2010, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2010-26, Financial Services-Insurance (Topic 944): Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts (“ASU 2010-26”). ASU 2010-26 requires that only costs that are incremental or directly related to the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts are to be capitalized as a deferred acquisition cost. This includes, among other items, sales commissions paid to agents, premium taxes, and the portion of employee salaries and benefits directly related to time spent on acquired contracts. We adopted this guidance on January 1, 2012, with retrospective application and, as such, all historical data in this Form 10-K has been restated to reflect the revised guidance.
	The following tables provide select restated financial information:
	Income Statement Information
	Year ended December 31,		2011
	($ in thousands, except per share amounts)		As Originally		As
			Reported		Restated
	Policy acquisition costs		469,739		466,404
	Income from continuing operations, before federal income taxes		8,065		11,400
	Net income		19,865		22,033
	Net income per share:
	Basic		0.37		0.41
	Diluted		0.36		0.4
	Other Information
	Year ended December 31,		2011
	($ in thousands, except per share amounts)		As Originally		As
			Reported		Restated
	Underwriting loss		(106,919	)	(103,584	)
	Combined ratio		107.4		107.2
	In May 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-04, Amendments to Achieve Common Fair Value Measurement and Disclosure Requirements in U.S. GAAP and IFRS (“ASU 2011-04”). This guidance changes the wording used to describe the requirements in U.S. GAAP for measuring fair value and disclosing information about fair value measurements to improve consistency in the application and description of fair value between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. ASU 2011-04 clarifies that the concepts of highest and best use and valuation premise in a fair value measurement are relevant only when measuring the fair value of nonfinancial assets, and are not relevant when measuring the fair value of financial assets or liabilities. In addition, ASU 2011-04 expands the disclosures for unobservable inputs for Level 3 fair value measurements, requiring quantitative and qualitative information to be disclosed related to: (i) the valuation processes used; (ii) the sensitivity of the fair value measurement to changes in unobservable inputs and the interrelationships between those unobservable inputs; and (iii) the use of a nonfinancial asset in a way that differs from the asset’s highest and best use. ASU 2011-04 was effective prospectively for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. We have included the disclosures required by this guidance in our notes to the Financial Statements, where appropriate.
	In June 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-05, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Presentation of Comprehensive Income (“ASU 2011-05”). ASU 2011-05 requires that all non-owner changes in stockholders’ equity be presented either in a single continuous statement of comprehensive income or in two separate but consecutive statements. This standard eliminates the option to report other comprehensive income and its components in the statement of stockholders’ equity. ASU 2011-05 was effective, on a retrospective basis, for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. Based on an amendment issued in December 2011, companies are not required to present separate line items on the income statement for reclassification adjustments out of accumulated other comprehensive income into net income, as would have been required under the initial ASU. This guidance, which is ASU 2011-12, Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Deferral of the Effective Date for Amendments to the Presentation of Reclassifications of Items Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income in Accounting Standards Update No. 2011-05, was effective concurrently with ASU 2011-05. We have retroactively restated the Financial Statements to comply with the presentation required under this accounting guidance.
	In September 2011, the FASB issued ASU 2011-08, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Goodwill for Impairment ("ASU 2011-08"), which simplifies the requirements to test goodwill for impairment. ASU 2011-08 permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. If, after assessing events and circumstances, an entity determines that it is not more likely than not that the fair value of the reporting unit is less than the carrying amount, then performing the two-step impairment test is unnecessary. However, if the entity concludes otherwise, then it is required to perform the quantitative impairment test. ASU 2011-08 was effective for annual and interim goodwill impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2011, and early adoption was permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our financial condition or results of operation.
	In July 2012, the FASB issued ASU 2012-02, Intangibles-Goodwill and Other (Topic 350): Testing Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets for Impairment ("ASU 2012-02"), which reduces the cost and complexity of performing an impairment test for indefinite-lived intangible assets. This guidance permits an entity to first assess qualitative factors to determine whether it is more likely than not that an indefinite-lived intangible asset is impaired as a basis for determining whether it is necessary to perform a quantitative impairment test. ASU 2012-02 was effective for annual and interim intangible impairment tests performed for fiscal years beginning on, or after, September 15, 2012, and early adoption was permitted. The adoption of this guidance did not impact our financial condition or results of operation.
	In February 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-02, Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("ASU 2013-02"), which adds new disclosure requirements for items reclassified out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income ("AOCI"). ASU 2013-02 requires entities to disclose additional information about reclassification adjustments, including: (i) changes in AOCI balances by component; and (ii) significant items reclassified out of AOCI. Prospective application of ASU 2013-02 was effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2012. We have included the disclosures required by ASU 2013-02 in the notes to our Financial Statements, as required.
	Pronouncements to be effective in the future
	In July 2013, the FASB issued ASU 2013-11, Income Taxes, Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Tax Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists (a consensus of the FASB Emerging Issues Task Force) ("ASU 2013-11"). ASU 2013-11 applies to all entities with unrecognized tax benefits that also have tax loss or tax credit carryforwards in the same tax jurisdiction as of the reporting date. An unrecognized tax benefit is the difference between a tax position taken or expected to be taken in a tax return and the benefit that is more likely than not sustainable under examination. Under ASU 2013-11, an entity must net an unrecognized tax benefit, or a portion of an unrecognized tax benefit, against deferred tax assets for a net operating loss ("NOL") carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryforward except when:
	•	An NOL carryforward, a similar tax loss, or a tax credit carryfoward is not available as of the reporting date under the governing tax law to settle taxes that would result from the disallowance of the tax position; or
	•	The entity does not intend to use the deferred tax asset for this purpose.
	If either of these conditions exists, an entity should present an unrecognized tax benefit in the financial statements as a liability and should not net the unrecognized tax benefit with a deferred tax asset.
	ASU 2013-11 is effective for fiscal years, and interim periods within those years, beginning after December 15, 2013. The adoption of this guidance will not impact our financial condition or results of operation.
	In January 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-01, Accounting for Investments in Qualified Affordable Housing Projects ("ASU 2014-01").  ASU 2014-01 applies to all reporting entities that invest in flow-through limited liability entities that manage or invest in affordable housing projects that qualify for the low-income housing tax credit. ASU 2014-01 permits reporting entities to make an accounting policy election to account for their investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met. Under the proportional amortization method, an entity amortizes the initial cost of the investment in proportion to the tax credits and other tax benefits received and recognizes the net investment performance in the income statement as a component of income tax expense (benefit).  For those investments in qualified affordable housing projects not accounted for using the proportional amortization method, the investment should be accounted for as an equity method investment or a cost method investment.
	ASU 2014-01 is effective for public business entities for annual periods and interim periods within those annual periods, beginning after December 15, 2014.  The adoption of this guidance will not have a material impact on our financial condition or results of operations.

Statements_of_Cash_Flow

Statements of Cash Flow	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Statements of Cash Flow	'
	Statements of Cash Flow
	Supplemental cash flow information for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 is as follows:
	($ in thousands)	2013		2012	2011
	Cash paid (received) during the period for:
	Interest	$	21,465	18,779	18,207
	Federal income tax	20,000		6,421	(10,963	)
	Non-cash items:
	Tax-free exchange of fixed maturity securities, AFS	$	37,965	18,942	20,643
	Tax-free exchange of fixed maturity securities, HTM	15,820		25,168	21,870
	At December 31, 2013, included in "Other assets" on the Consolidated Balance Sheet was $7.3 million of cash received from the NFIP which is restricted to pay flood claims under the WYO program.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investments [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	Investments
	(a) Net unrealized gains on investments included in OCI by asset class were as follows for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011:
	($ in thousands)	2013				2012			2011
	AFS securities:
	Fixed maturity securities	$	39,559			165,330			130,517
	Equity securities	37,421				18,941			13,529
	Total AFS securities	76,980				184,271			144,046
	HTM securities:
	Fixed maturity securities	2,257				3,926			5,566
	Total HTM securities	2,257				3,926			5,566
	Total net unrealized gains	79,237				188,197			149,612
	Deferred income tax expense	(27,733		)		(65,869	)		(52,364	)
	Net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax	51,504				122,328			97,248
	(Decrease) increase in net unrealized gains in OCI, net of deferred income tax	$	(70,824	)		25,080			43,380
	(b) The amortized cost, net unrealized gains and losses, carrying value, unrecognized holding gains and losses, and fair value of HTM fixed maturity securities were as follows:
	December 31, 2013					Net
						Unrealized						Unrecognized			Unrecognized
		Amortized				Gains			Carrying			Holding			Holding		Fair
	($ in thousands)	Cost				(Losses)			Value			Gains			Losses		Value
	Foreign government	$	5,292			131			5,423			168			—		5,591
	Obligations of state and political subdivisions	348,109				4,013			352,122			17,634			—		369,756
	Corporate securities	28,174				(346	)		27,828			2,446			—		30,274
	ABS	3,413				(655	)		2,758			657			—		3,415
	CMBS	5,634				(886	)		4,748			3,197			—		7,945
	Total HTM fixed maturity securities	$	390,622			2,257			392,879			24,102			—		416,981
	December 31, 2012					Net
						Unrealized						Unrecognized			Unrecognized
		Amortized				Gains			Carrying			Holding			Holding		Fair
	($ in thousands)	Cost				(Losses)			Value			Gains			Losses		Value
	Foreign government	$	5,292			212			5,504			367			—		5,871
	Obligations of state and political subdivisions	491,180				6,769			497,949			28,996			(23	)	526,922
	Corporate securities	38,285				(812	)		37,473			4,648			—		42,121
	ABS	6,980				(1,052	)		5,928			1,170			—		7,098
	CMBS	8,406				(1,191	)		7,215			5,434			—		12,649
	Total HTM fixed maturity securities	$	550,143			3,926			554,069			40,615			(23	)	594,661
	Unrecognized holding gains/losses of HTM securities are not reflected in the Financial Statements, as they represent fair value fluctuations from the later of: (i) the date a security is designated as HTM; or (ii) the date that an OTTI charge is recognized on an HTM security, through the date of the balance sheet. Our HTM securities had an average duration of 2.2 years as of December 31, 2013.
	During 2013, 16 securities with a carrying value of $39.6 million and a net unrecognized gain position of $1.4 million, were reclassified from an HTM designation to an AFS designation due to credit rating downgrades by Moody’s Investors Service (“Moody’s”) and/or Standard and Poor’s ("S&P") Financial Services. These unexpected rating downgrades indicated significant deterioration of credit worthiness, which changed our intention to hold these securities to maturity.
	(c) The cost/amortized cost, unrealized gains and losses, and fair value of AFS securities were as follows:
	31-Dec-13
		Cost/
		Amortized				Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
	($ in thousands)	Cost				Gains			Losses			Value
	U.S. government and government agencies	$	163,218			10,661			(504	)		173,375
	Foreign government	29,781				906			(72	)		30,615
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	946,455				25,194			(20,025	)		951,624
	Corporate securities	1,707,928				44,004			(17,049	)		1,734,883
	ABS	140,430				934			(468	)		140,896
	CMBS1	172,288				2,462			(3,466	)		171,284
	RMBS2	515,877				7,273			(10,291	)		512,859
	AFS fixed maturity securities	3,675,977				91,434			(51,875	)		3,715,536
	AFS equity securities	155,350				37,517			(96	)		192,771
	Total AFS securities	$	3,831,327			128,951			(51,971	)		3,908,307
	December 31, 2012
		Cost/
		Amortized				Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
	($ in thousands)	Cost				Gains			Losses			Value
	U.S. government and government agencies	$	241,874			17,219			(1	)		259,092
	Foreign government	28,813				1,540			(124	)		30,229
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	773,953				44,398			(327	)		818,024
	Corporate securities	1,368,954				81,696			(402	)		1,450,248
	ABS	126,330				2,319			(9	)		128,640
	CMBS1	133,763				4,572			(1,216	)		137,119
	RMBS2	456,996				15,961			(296	)		472,661
AFS fixed maturity securities	3,130,683				167,705			(2,375	)		3,296,013
AFS equity securities	132,441				19,400			(459	)		151,382
Total AFS securities	$	3,263,124			187,105			(2,834	)		3,447,395
1 CMBS includes government guaranteed agency securities with a fair value of $30.0 million at December 31, 2013 and $48.9 million at December 31, 2012.
2 RMBS includes government guaranteed agency securities with a fair value of $55.2 million at December 31, 2013 and $91.0 million at December 31, 2012.
Unrealized gains and losses of AFS securities represent fair value fluctuations from the later of: (i) the date a security is designated as AFS; or (ii) the date that an OTTI charge is recognized on an AFS security, through the date of the balance sheet. These unrealized gains and losses are recorded in AOCI on the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
(d) The following tables summarize, for all securities in a net unrealized/unrecognized loss position at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the fair value and gross pre-tax net unrealized/unrecognized loss by asset class and by length of time those securities have been in a net loss position:
31-Dec-13	Less than 12 months							12 months or longer
($ in thousands)	Fair				Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized
	Value				Losses1			Value			Losses1
AFS securities:
U.S. government and government agencies	$	16,955			(500	)		507			(4	)
Foreign government	2,029				(30	)		2,955			(42	)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	442,531				(19,120	)		13,530			(905	)
Corporate securities	511,100				(15,911	)		14,771			(1,138	)
ABS	68,725				(468	)		—			—
CMBS	100,396				(2,950	)		6,298			(516	)
RMBS	268,943				(10,031	)		2,670			(260	)
Total fixed maturity securities	1,410,679				(49,010	)		40,731			(2,865	)
Equity securities	1,124				(96	)		—			—
Subtotal	$	1,411,803			(49,106	)		40,731			(2,865	)
	Less than 12 months										12 months or longer
($ in thousands)	Fair				Unrealized			Unrecognized			Fair			Unrealized		Unrecognized
	Value				Losses1			Gains2			Value			Losses1		Gains2
HTM securities:
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	$	65			(5	)		5			441			(20	)	14
ABS	—				—			—			2,490			(655	)	621
Subtotal	$	65			(5	)		5			2,931			(675	)	635
Total AFS and HTM	$	1,411,868			(49,111	)		5			43,662			(3,540	)	635
31-Dec-12	Less than 12 months							12 months or longer
($ in thousands)	Fair				Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized
	Value				Losses1			Value			Losses1
AFS securities:
U.S. government and government agencies	$	518			(1	)		—			—
Foreign government	—				—			2,871			(124	)
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	32,383				(327	)		—			—
Corporate securities	50,880				(402	)		—			—
ABS	9,137				(9	)		—			—
CMBS	7,637				(19	)		11,830			(1,197	)
RMBS	8,710				(59	)		5,035			(237	)
Total fixed maturity securities	109,265				(817	)		19,736			(1,558	)
Equity securities	15,901				(459	)		—			—
Subtotal	$	125,166			(1,276	)		19,736			(1,558	)
	Less than 12 months										12 months or longer
($ in thousands)	Fair				Unrealized			Unrecognized			Fair			Unrealized		Unrecognized
	Value				Losses1			Gains2			Value			Losses1		Gains2
HTM securities:
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	$	1,218			(33	)		29			1,108			(47	)	38
ABS	—				—			—			2,860			(840	)	753
Subtotal	$	1,218			(33	)		29			3,968			(887	)	791
Total AFS and HTM	$	126,384			(1,309	)		29			23,704			(2,445	)	791
1 Gross unrealized losses include non-OTTI unrealized amounts and OTTI losses recognized in AOCI. In addition, this column includes remaining unrealized gain or loss amounts on securities that were transferred to an HTM designation in the first quarter of 2009 for those securities that are in a net unrealized/unrecognized loss position.
2 Unrecognized holding gains represent fair value fluctuations from the later of: (i) the date a security is designated as HTM; or (ii) the date that an OTTI charge is recognized on an HTM security.
As evidenced by the table below, our net unrealized/unrecognized loss positions increased by $49.1 million as of December 31, 2013 compared to the prior year as follows:
($ in thousands)
31-Dec-13								31-Dec-12
Number of		% of		Unrealized/Unrecognized				Number of			% of		Unrealized/
Issues		Market/Book		Loss				Issues			Market/Book		Unrecognized
													Loss
556		80% - 99%		$	51,835			100			80% - 99%		$	2,701
1		60% - 79%		176				1			60% - 79%		233
—		40% - 59%		—				—			40% - 59%		—
—		20% - 39%		—				—			20% - 39%		—
—		0% - 19%		—				—			0% - 19%		—
				$	52,011								$	2,934
We have reviewed the securities in the tables above in accordance with our OTTI policy, as described in Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of this Form 10-K.
At December 31, 2013, we had 557 securities in an aggregate unrealized/unrecognized loss position of $52.0 million, $2.9 million of which have been in a loss position for more than 12 months. At December 31, 2012, we had 101 securities in an aggregate unrealized/unrecognized loss position of $2.9 million, $1.7 million of which have been in a loss position for more than 12 months. During 2013, interest rates, other than short-term, generally rose. For example, the yield on the 10-year U.S. Treasury Note rose by 127 basis points. This interest rate movement has negatively impacted our fixed maturity securities portfolio's valuation, thus increasing the number of securities in a loss position and the corresponding dollar amount of unrealized losses. The increase in the unrealized losses does not correspond to any issuer specific credit concerns; however, it does reflect an expected reduction in market value due to higher market interest rates. If interest rates rise further, it is reasonable to expect downward pressure on the fair market values within our fixed maturity securities portfolio, potentially resulting in an increased number of securities in a loss position for an extended period of time, and a corresponding increase in the dollar amount of unrealized losses. For a discussion regarding the sensitivity of interest rate movements and the related impacts on the fixed maturity securities portfolio, refer to Item 7A. "Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk" of this Form 10-K.
We do not intend to sell any securities in an unrealized/unrecognized loss position nor do we believe we will be required to sell these securities, and therefore we have concluded that they are temporarily impaired as of December 31, 2013. This conclusion reflects our current judgment as to the financial position and future prospects of the entity that issued the investment security and underlying collateral. If our judgment about an individual security changes in the future, we may ultimately record a credit loss after having originally concluded that one did not exist, which could have a material impact on our net income and financial position in future periods.
(e) Fixed-maturity securities at December 31, 2013, by contractual maturity are shown below. Mortgage-backed securities ("MBS") are included in the maturity tables using the estimated average life of each security. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because issuers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
Listed below is a summary of HTM fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2013:
($ in thousands)	Carrying Value				Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	67,784			70,422
Due after one year through five years	293,947				312,109
Due after five years through 10 years	31,148				34,450
Total HTM fixed maturity securities	$	392,879			$	416,981
Listed below is a summary of AFS fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2013:
($ in thousands)	Fair Value
Due in one year or less	$	375,313
Due after one year through five years	1,947,709
Due after five years through 10 years	1,363,912
Due after 10 years	28,602
Total AFS fixed maturity securities	$	3,715,536
(f) The following table summarizes our other investment portfolio by strategy and the remaining commitment amount associated with each strategy:
Other Investments	Carrying Value							2013
	December 31,				December 31,			Remaining
($ in thousands)	2013				2012			Commitment
Alternative Investments
Secondary private equity	$	25,618			28,032			7,739
Private equity	20,192				18,344			9,998
Energy/power generation	17,361				18,640			6,984
Mezzanine financing	12,738				12,692			18,249
Real estate	11,698				11,751			10,203
Distressed debt	11,579				12,728			2,965
Venture capital	7,025				7,477			400
Total alternative investments	106,211				109,664			56,538
Other securities	1,664				4,412			—
Total other investments	$	107,875			114,076			56,538
The following is a description of our alternative investment strategies:
Secondary Private Equity
This strategy purchases seasoned private equity funds from investors desiring liquidity prior to normal fund termination. Investments are made across all sectors of the private equity market, including leveraged buyouts, venture capital, distressed securities, mezzanine financing, real estate, and infrastructure.
Private Equity
This strategy makes private equity investments, primarily in established large and middle market companies across diverse industries globally.
Energy/Power Generation
This strategy invests primarily in cash flow generating assets in the coal, natural gas, power generation, and electric and gas transmission and distribution industries.
Mezzanine Financing
This strategy provides privately negotiated fixed income securities, generally with an equity component, to leveraged buyout (“LBO”) firms and private and publicly traded large, mid and small-cap companies to finance LBOs, recapitalizations, and acquisitions.
Real Estate
This strategy invests opportunistically in real estate in North America, Europe, and Asia via direct property ownership, joint ventures, mortgages, and investments in equity and debt instruments.
Distressed Debt
This strategy makes direct and indirect investments in debt and equity securities of companies that are experiencing financial and/or operational distress. Investments include buying indebtedness of bankrupt or financially troubled companies, small balance loan portfolios, special situations and capital structure arbitrage trades, commercial real estate mortgages and similar non-U.S. securities and debt obligations. This strategy also includes a fund of funds component.
The fund of funds component of our distressed debt strategy, which makes up approximately $7.9 million of our distressed debt strategy, encompasses a number of strategies that generally fall into one of the following broad categories:
Distressed Debt Funds – Trading-Focused
These funds focus on buying and selling debt of distressed companies (“Distressed Debt”).
Distressed Debt Funds – Restructuring-Focused
These funds focus on acquiring Distressed Debt with the intent of converting it into equity in a restructuring and taking control of the company.
Special Situations Funds
These funds pursue strategies that seek to take advantage of dislocations or opportunities in the market that are often related to, or are derivatives of, distressed investing. Special situations are often event-driven and characterized by complexity, market inefficiency, and excess risk premiums.
Private Equity Funds – Turnaround-Focused
These funds are a subset of private equity funds focused on investing in under-performing or distressed companies. These funds generally create value by acquiring the equity of these companies, in certain cases out of bankruptcy, and effecting operational turnarounds or financial restructuring.
Venture Capital
In general, these investments are venture capital investments made principally by investing in equity securities of privately held corporations, for long-term capital appreciation. This strategy also makes private equity investments in growth equity and buyout partnerships.
Our seven alternative investment strategies employ low or moderate levels of leverage and generally use hedging only to reduce foreign exchange or interest rate volatility. At this time, our alternative investment strategies do not include hedge funds. We cannot redeem our investments with the general partners of these investments; however, occasionally these partnerships can be traded on the secondary market. Once liquidation is triggered by clauses within the limited partnership agreements or at the funds’ stated end date, we will receive our final allocation of capital and any earned appreciation of the underlying investments, assuming we have not divested ourselves of our partnership interests prior to that time. We currently receive distributions from these alternative investments through the realization of the underlying investments in the limited partnerships. We anticipate that the general partners of these alternative investments will liquidate their underlying investment portfolios through 2026.
The following tables set forth summarized financial information for our investments that are accounted for under the equity method, which are primarily alternative investments. This information is presented in the aggregate for our other investment portfolio. Since the majority of these investments report results to us on a quarter lag, the summarized financial statement information is as of, and for the 12-month period ended, September 30:
Balance Sheet Information
September 30,
($ in millions)	2013				2012
Investments	$	11,020			12,214
Total assets	11,727				12,912
Total liabilities	573				657
Partners’ capital	11,154				12,255
Income Statement Information
12 months ended September 30,
($ in millions)	2013				2012			2011
Net investment income	$	406			226			564
Realized gains	913				1,015			893
Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)	382				(100	)		1,485
Net income	$	1,701			1,141			2,942
Insurance Subsidiaries' other investments income	15				9			21
(g) At December 31, 2013, we had fixed maturity securities, with a carrying value of $62.3 million, that were pledged as collateral for our outstanding borrowing of $58 million with the FHLBI. This outstanding borrowing is included in “Notes payable” on our Consolidated Balance Sheets.  In accordance with the terms of our agreement with the FHLBI, we retain all rights regarding these securities, which are included in the “U.S. government and government agencies,” “RMBS,” and “CMBS” classifications of our AFS fixed maturity securities portfolio.
Also at December 31, 2013, we had fixed maturity securities, with a carrying value of $22.1 million, and short-term investments with a carrying value of $0.7 million, that collateralize reinsurance obligations related to our 2011 acquisition of our E&S book of business. Similar to the FHLBI collateral discussion above, we retain all rights regarding these investments. The fixed maturity securities are included in the "Municipal," "Corporate," "U.S. government and government agencies," "RMBS," and "ABS" classifications of our AFS fixed maturity securities portfolio.
In addition, certain bonds with a carrying value of $26.5 million were on deposit with various state and regulatory agencies to comply with insurance laws. We retain all rights regarding these securities, which are primarily included in the "U.S. government and government agencies" classification of our AFS fixed maturity securities portfolio.
(h) The components of net investment income earned were as follows:
($ in thousands)	2013				2012			2011
Fixed maturity securities	$	121,582			124,687			129,710
Equity securities, dividend income	6,140				6,215			4,535
Short-term investments	117				151			160
Other investments	15,208				8,996			20,539
Miscellaneous income	—				—			133
Investment expenses	(8,404		)		(8,172	)		(7,634	)
Net investment income earned	$	134,643			131,877			147,443
(i) The following tables summarize OTTI by asset type for the periods indicated:
2013									Recognized in
($ in thousands)	Gross				Included in OCI				Earnings
HTM fixed maturity securities:
ABS	$	(44	)		(47		)		3
Total HTM fixed maturity securities	(44		)		(47		)		3
AFS fixed maturity securities:
RMBS	16				(30		)		46
Total AFS fixed maturity securities	16				(30		)		46
Equity securities	3,747				—				3,747
Total AFS securities	3,763				(30		)		3,793
Other investments	1,847				—				1,847
OTTI losses	$	5,566			$	(77	)		$	5,643
2012								Recognized in
($ in thousands)	Gross				Included in OCI			Earnings
AFS fixed maturity securities:
ABS	98				—			98
CMBS	(1,525		)		(2,335	)		810
RMBS	(35		)		(218	)		183
Total AFS fixed maturity securities	(1,462		)		(2,553	)		1,091
Equity securities	3,173				—			3,173
OTTI losses	$	1,711			(2,553	)		4,264
2011								Recognized in
($ in thousands)	Gross				Included in OCI			Earnings
AFS fixed maturity securities
Obligations of state and political subdivisions	$	17			—			17
Corporate securities	244				—			244
ABS	175				(546	)		721
CMBS	(149		)		(843	)		694
RMBS	346				201			145
Total AFS fixed maturity securities	633				(1,188	)		1,821
Equity securities	11,365				—			11,365
OTTI losses	$	11,998			(1,188	)		13,186
The majority of the OTTI charges in 2013, 2012, and 2011 were primarily comprised of charges on our equity portfolio. In 2013, $2.0 million related to securities that we did not believe would recover in the near term and $1.7 million related to securities for which we had the intent to sell. In 2012, $1.0 million related to securities that we did not believe would recover in the near term and $2.2 million related to securities for which we had the intent to sell. In 2011, $8.5 million related to securities that we did not believe would recover in the near term and $2.9 million related to securities for which we had the intent to sell. Also contributing to the OTTI charges in 2013 were $1.8 million of charges that relate to an investment in a limited liability company within our other investments portfolio that has sustained significant losses for which we do not anticipate recovery.
The following table sets forth, for the periods indicated, credit loss impairments on fixed maturity securities for which a portion of the OTTI charge was recognized in OCI, and the corresponding changes in such amounts:
($ in thousands)	2013				2012			2011
Balance, beginning of year	$	7,477			6,602			17,723
Credit losses remaining in retained earnings after adoption of OTTI accounting guidance	—				—			—
Addition for the amount related to credit loss for which an OTTI was not previously recognized	—				—			—
Reductions for securities sold during the period	—				—			—
Reductions for securities for which the amount previously recognized in OCI was recognized in earnings because of intention or potential requirement to sell before recovery of amortized cost	—				—			—
Reductions for securities for which the entire amount previously recognized in OCI was recognized in earnings due to a decrease in cash flows expected	—				—			(11,672	)
Additional increases to the amount related to credit loss for which an OTTI was previously recognized	11				875			551
Accretion of credit loss impairments previously recognized due to an increase in cash flows expected to be collected	—				—			—
Balance, end of year	$	7,488			7,477			6,602
(j) The components of net realized gains (losses), excluding OTTI charges, were as follows:
($ in thousands)	2013				2012			2011
HTM fixed maturity securities
Gains	$	195			194			4
Losses	(95		)		(217	)		(564	)
AFS fixed maturity securities
Gains	3,340				4,452			9,385
Losses	(373		)		(472	)		(70	)
AFS equity securities
Gains	24,776				10,901			6,671
Losses	(408		)		(1,205	)		—
Short-term investments
Losses	—				(2	)		—
Other investments
Gains	—				1			—
Losses	(1,060		)		(400	)		—
Total other net realized investment gains	26,375				13,252			15,426
Total OTTI charges recognized in earnings	(5,643		)		(4,264	)		(13,186	)
Total net realized gains	$	20,732			8,988			2,240
Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of the cost of the specific investments sold. Proceeds from the sale of AFS securities were $135.9 million in 2013, $205.3 million in 2012, and $206.5 million in 2011. Net realized gains in 2013, excluding OTTI charges, were driven by the sale of AFS equity securities due to the rebalancing of our high-dividend yield strategy holdings within our equity portfolio.
Net realized gains in 2012, excluding OTTI charges, were driven by: (i) calls and maturities; and (ii) the sale of AFS equity securities related to rebalancing of our high-dividend yield strategy holdings within our equity portfolio.
Net realized gains in 2011, excluding OTTI charges, were driven by: (i) calls and maturities; (ii) the sale of AFS fixed maturity securities, primarily corporate, municipal, and government holdings; and (iii) the sale of AFS equity securities to facilitate the reallocation of the equity portfolio to a high-dividend yield strategy.

Stockholders_Equity_and_Compre

Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'
Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income	'
	Stockholders’ Equity and Comprehensive Income
	(a)	Stockholders’ Equity
	As of December 31, 2013, we had 10.6 million shares reserved for various stock compensation and purchase plans, retirement plans and dividend reinvestment plans. As a convenience to our employees and directors, we repurchase the Parent’s stock from time-to-time as permitted under our stock-based compensation plans. The Parent has not had an authorized stock repurchase program since 2009. The following table provides information regarding the purchase of the Parent’s common stock during the 2011 through 2013 reporting periods:
	($ in thousands)
			Shares Purchased in Connection with Restricted Stock Vestings and Stock Option Exercises			Cost of Shares Purchased in Connection with Restricted Stock Vestings and Stock Option
	Period					Exercises
	2013		167,846			$	3,716
	2012		194,575			3,495
	2011		149,997			2,741
	Our ability to declare and pay dividends on the Parent's common stock is dependent on liquidity at the Parent coupled with the ability of the Insurance Subsidiaries to declare and pay dividends, if necessary, and/or the availability of other sources of liquidity to the Parent. See Note 20. “Statutory Financial Information, Capital Requirements, and Restrictions on Dividends and Transfers of Funds” for information regarding these dividend restrictions.
	(b) The components of comprehensive income, both gross and net of tax, for 2013, 2012, and 2011 were as follows:
	2013
	($ in thousands)		Gross				Tax		Net
	Net income		$	142,267			35,849		106,418
	Components of OCI:
	Unrealized losses on investment securities:
	Unrealized holding losses during the period		(83,934		)		(29,377	)	(54,557	)
	Non-credit OTTI recognized in OCI		77				27		50
	Amounts reclassified into net income:
	HTM securities		(1,577		)		(552	)	(1,025	)
	Non-credit OTTI		14				5		9
	Realized gains on AFS securities		(23,540		)		(8,239	)	(15,301	)
	Net unrealized losses		(108,960		)		(38,136	)	(70,824	)
	Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:
	Net actuarial gain		59,654				20,879		38,775
	Amounts reclassified into net income:
	Net actuarial loss		4,374				1,531		2,843
	Prior service cost		10				4		6
	Curtailment expense		16				5		11
	Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans		64,054				22,419		41,635
	Other comprehensive loss		(44,906		)		(15,717	)	(29,189	)
	Comprehensive income		$	97,361			20,132		77,229
	2012
	($ in thousands)		Gross				Tax		Net
	Net income		$	37,635			(328	)	37,963
	Components of OCI:
	Unrealized gains on investment securities:
	Unrealized holding gains during the period		47,594				16,657		30,937
	Non-credit OTTI recognized in OCI		2,554				894		1,660
	Amounts reclassified into net income:
	HTM securities		(2,432		)		(851	)	(1,581	)
	Non-credit OTTI		280				98		182
	Realized gains on AFS securities		(9,412		)		(3,294	)	(6,118	)
	Net unrealized gains		38,584				13,504		25,080
	Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:
	Net actuarial loss		(26,566		)		(9,298	)	(17,268	)
	Amounts reclassified into net income:
	Net actuarial loss		5,903				2,066		3,837
	Prior service cost		150				53		97
	Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans		(20,513		)		(7,179	)	(13,334	)
	Other comprehensive income		18,071				6,325		11,746
	Comprehensive income		$	55,706			5,997		49,709
	2011
	($ in thousands)		Gross				Tax		Net
	Net income		$	10,400			(11,633	)	22,033
	Components of OCI:
	Unrealized gains on investment securities:
	Unrealized holding gains during the period		70,140				24,548		45,592
	Non-credit OTTI recognized in OCI		1,188				416		772
	Amounts reclassified into net income:
	HTM securities		(2,283		)		(799	)	(1,484	)
	Non-credit OTTI		494				173		321
	Realized gains on AFS securities		(2,801		)		(980	)	(1,821	)
Net unrealized gains		66,738				23,358		43,380
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:
Net actuarial loss		(16,799		)		(5,880	)	(10,919	)
Amounts reclassified into net income:
Net actuarial loss		4,172				1,460		2,712
Prior service cost		150				53		97
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans		(12,477		)		(4,367	)	(8,110	)
Other comprehensive income		54,261				18,991		35,270
Comprehensive income		$	64,661			7,358		57,303
(c) The balances of, and changes in, each component of AOCI (net of taxes) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 were as follows:
		Net Unrealized (Loss) Gain
($ in thousands)		OTTI Related				HTM Related		All Other		Investments Subtotal		Defined Benefit Pension and Post- retirement Plans		Total AOCI
Balance, December 31, 2011		$	(3,500	)		4,622		96,125		97,247		(54,953	)	42,294
OCI before reclassifications		1,660				(447	)	31,384		32,597		(17,268	)	15,329
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		182				(1,581	)	(6,118	)	(7,517	)	3,934		(3,583	)
Net current period OCI		1,842				(2,028	)	25,266		25,080		(13,334	)	11,746
Balance, December 31, 2012		(1,658		)		2,594		121,391		122,327		(68,287	)	54,040
OCI before reclassifications		50				(102	)	(54,455	)	(54,507	)	38,775		(15,732	)
Amounts reclassified from AOCI		9				(1,025	)	(15,301	)	(16,317	)	2,860		(13,457	)
Net current period OCI		59				(1,127	)	(69,756	)	(70,824	)	41,635		(29,189	)
Balance, December 31, 2013		$	(1,599	)		1,467		51,635		51,503		(26,652	)	24,851
The reclassifications out of AOCI for 2013 are as follows:
					Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statement of Income
($ in thousands)	Year ended
	31-Dec-13
OTTI related
Amortization of non-credit OTTI losses on HTM securities	14				Net investment income earned
	14				Income from continuing operations, before federal income tax
	(5		)		Total federal income tax expense (benefit)
	9				Net income
HTM related
Unrealized gains and losses on HTM disposals	390				Net realized investment gains
Amortization of net unrealized gains on HTM securities	(1,967		)		Net investment income earned
	(1,577		)		Income from continuing operations, before federal income tax
	552				Total federal income tax expense (benefit)
	(1,025		)		Net income
Realized gains and losses on AFS
Realized gains and losses on AFS disposals	(23,540		)		Net realized investment gains
	(23,540		)		Income from continuing operations, before federal income tax
	8,239				Total federal income tax expense (benefit)
	(15,301		)		Net income
Defined benefit pension and post-retirement life plans
Net actuarial loss	909				Losses and loss expenses incurred
	3,465				Policy acquisition costs
	4,374				Income from continuing operations, before federal income tax
Prior service cost	7				Losses and loss expenses incurred
	3				Policy acquisition costs
	10				Income from continuing operations, before federal income tax
Curtailment expense	16				Policy acquisition costs
	16				Income from continuing operations, before federal income tax
Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement life	4,400				Income from continuing operations, before federal income tax
	(1,540		)		Total federal income tax expense (benefit)
	2,860				Net income
Total reclassifications for the period	$	(13,457	)		Net income

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	Fair Value Measurements
	The following table presents the carrying amounts and estimated fair values of our financial instruments as of December 31, 2013 and 2012:
		December 31, 2013					December 31, 2012
	($ in thousands)	Carrying Amount			Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	Financial Assets
	Fixed maturity securities:
	HTM	$	392,879		416,981		554,069		594,661
	AFS	3,715,536			3,715,536		3,296,013		3,296,013
	Equity securities, AFS	192,771			192,771		151,382		151,382
	Short-term investments	174,251			174,251		214,479		214,479
	Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR Solutions ("Selective HR")	—			—		2,705		2,705
	Financial Liabilities
	Notes payable:
	2.90% borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis ("FHLBI")	13,000			13,319		13,000		13,595
	1.25% borrowings from FHLBI	45,000			45,259		45,000		45,590
	7.50% Junior Notes	—			—		100,000		101,480
	7.25% Senior Notes	49,916			50,887		49,912		52,689
	6.70% Senior Notes	99,498			98,247		99,475		107,707
	5.875% Senior Notes	185,000			146,298		—		—
	Total notes payable	$	392,414		354,010		307,387		321,061
	For discussion regarding the fair value techniques of our financial instruments, refer to Note 2. "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" in this Form 10-K.
	The following tables provide quantitative disclosures of our financial assets that were measured at fair value at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
	December 31, 2013				Fair Value Measurements Using
	($ in thousands)	Assets Measured at Fair Value 12/31/13			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/ Liabilities		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)1		Significant Unobservable Inputs
					(Level 1)1				(Level 3)
	Description
	Measured on a recurring basis:
	AFS:
	U.S. government and government agencies	$	173,375		52,153		121,222		—
	Foreign government	30,615			—		30,615		—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	951,624			—		951,624		—
	Corporate securities	1,734,883			—		1,734,883		—
	ABS	140,896			—		140,896		—
	CMBS	171,284			—		171,284		—
	RMBS	512,859			—		512,859		—
	Total fixed maturity securities	3,715,536			52,153		3,663,383		—
	Equity securities	192,771			189,871		—		2,900
	Total AFS securities	3,908,307			242,024		3,663,383		2,900
	Short-term investments	174,251			174,251		—		—
	Total assets	$	4,082,558		416,275		3,663,383		2,900
	December 31, 2012				Fair Value Measurements Using
	($ in thousands)	Assets Measured at Fair Value 12/31/12			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/ Liabilities		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)1		Significant Unobservable Inputs
					(Level 1)1				(Level 3)
	Description
	Measured on a recurring basis:
	AFS:
	U.S. government and government agencies	$	259,092		115,861		123,442		19,789
	Foreign government	30,229			—		30,229		—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	818,024			—		818,024		—
	Corporate securities	1,450,247			—		1,447,301		2,946
	ABS	128,640			—		122,572		6,068
	CMBS	137,119			—		129,957		7,162
	RMBS	472,662			—		472,662		—
	Total fixed maturity securities	3,296,013			115,861		3,144,187		35,965
	Equity securities	151,382			147,775		—		3,607
	Total AFS securities	3,447,395			263,636		3,144,187		39,572
	Short-term investments	214,479			214,479		—		—
	Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR	2,705			—		—		2,705
	Total assets	$	3,664,579		478,115		3,144,187		42,277
	1 There were no transfers of securities between Level 1 and Level 2.
	The following table provides a summary of the changes in the fair value of securities measured using Level 3 inputs and related quantitative information for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012:
	2013
		Government			Corporate		ABS		CMBS		Equity		Receivable for		Total
	Proceeds
($ in thousands)	Related to Sale
	of Selective HR
Fair value, December 31, 2012	$	19,789		2,946		6,068		7,162		3,607		2,705		42,277
Total net (losses) gains for the period included in:
OCI1	(537		)	(7	)	(74	)	772		3,935		—		4,089
Net income2,3	(76		)	—		—		361		—		(1,480	)	(1,195	)
Purchases	—			—		—		—		—		—		—
Sales	—			—		—		—		—		—		—
Issuances	—			—		—		—		—		—		—
Settlements	(1,847		)	(168	)	—		(2,420	)	—		(225	)	(4,660	)
Transfers into Level 3	—			—		—		—		—		—		—
Transfers out of Level 3	(17,329		)	(2,771	)	(5,994	)	(5,875	)	(4,642	)	(1,000	)	(37,611	)
Fair value, December 31, 2013	$	—		—		—		—		2,900		—		2,900
2012
	Government			Corporate		ABS		CMBS		Equity		Receivable for		Total
												Proceeds
($ in thousands)												Related to Sale
												of Selective HR
Fair value, December 31, 2011	$	21,741		2,603		—		354		—		3,212		27,910
Total net (losses) gains for the period included in:
OCI1	(22		)	185		68		858		—		—		1,089
Net income2,3	(193		)	—		—		(51	)	—		244		—
Purchases	—			—		7,300		5,611		—		—		12,911
Sales	—			—		—		—		—		—		—
Issuances	—			—		—		—		—		—		—
Settlements	(1,737		)	(630	)	—		(624	)	—		(751	)	(3,742	)
Transfers into Level 3	—			788		—		8,247		3,607		—		12,642
Transfers out of Level 3	—			—		(1,300	)	(7,233	)	—		—		(8,533	)
Fair value, December 31, 2012	$	19,789		2,946		6,068		7,162		3,607		2,705		42,277
1 Amounts are reported in “Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during period” on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
2 Amounts are reported in “Net realized gains” for realized gains and losses and “Net investment income earned” for amortization of securities on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
3For the receivable related to the sale of Selective HR, amounts in “Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax” relate to an impairment charge and
amounts in “Other income” relate to interest accretion on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
As discussed in Note 2. "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies," in this Form 10-K, the fair value of our Level 3 fixed maturity securities are typically obtained through non-binding broker quotes, which we review for reasonableness. At December 31, 2013, there were no fixed maturity securities that were measured using Level 3 inputs. However during 2013, securities with a fair value of $32.0 million were transferred out of level 3 due to the availability of Level 2 pricing at December 31, 2013 that was not available previously.
In 2012, fixed maturity securities with a fair value of $9.0 million were transferred into Level 3 during the year. These
transfers were primarily related to securities that had been previously priced using Level 2 inputs, but due to the availability
and nature of the pricing used at the valuation dates, were priced using Level 3 inputs at December 31, 2012. In addition,
certain of these transfers related to securities that had previously been classified as HTM, and therefore not measured at fair
value, for which available pricing at December 31, 2012 used Level 3 inputs. Fixed maturity securities with a fair value of $8.5 million were transferred out of Level 3 due to the availability of Level 2 pricing at December 31, 2012 that was not available previously.
Equity securities with fair values of $2.9 million and $3.6 million were measured using Level 3 inputs at December 31, 2013
and 2012, respectively. During 2012, two non-publicly traded equity securities were transferred into Level 3 due
to the nature of the quotes used at the valuation date. One of these securities was transferred out of Level 3 and into Level 2 at
March 31, 2013, as the pricing as of that date was based on a quoted price in an inactive market. This security was
subsequently sold in the second quarter of 2013 for an amount that approximated the March 31, 2013 value. At each reporting
date, we review the fair value of the remaining Level 3 security for reasonableness.
At December 31, 2012, the receivable related to the sale of Selective HR was contingent on the purchaser's ability to retain
business subsequent to the sale. At that time, the fair value of this receivable was measured using unobservable inputs, the
most significant of which was our assumption regarding the retention of business. In the first quarter of 2013, we reached an
agreement with the purchaser to settle this receivable for an aggregate of $1.0 million, which was paid in two installments. As
a result, the receivable was transferred out of Level 3. See Note 12. "Discontinued Operations" of this Form 10-K for a
discussion of the impairment charge that was recorded on this receivable in the first quarter of 2013.
The following tables provide quantitative information regarding our financial assets and liabilities that were disclosed at fair value at December 31, 2013 and 2012:
31-Dec-13				Fair Value Measurements Using
($ in thousands)	Assets/Liabilities Disclosed at			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
	Fair Value 12/31/2013			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Financial Assets
HTM:
Foreign government	$	5,591		—		5,591		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	369,756			—		369,756		—
Corporate securities	30,274			—		30,274		—
ABS	3,415			—		3,415		—
CMBS	7,945			—		7,945		—
Total HTM fixed maturity securities	$	416,981		—		416,981		—
Financial Liabilities
Notes payable:
2.90% borrowings from FHLBI	13,319			—		13,319		—
1.25% borrowings from FHLBI	45,259			—		45,259		—
7.25% Senior Notes	50,887			—		50,887		—
6.70% Senior Notes	98,247			—		98,247		—
5.875% Senior Notes	146,298			146,298		—		—
Total notes payable	$	354,010		146,298		207,712		—
31-Dec-12				Fair Value Measurements Using
($ in thousands)	Assets/Liabilities Disclosed at			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
	Fair Value 12/31/2012			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
Financial Assets
HTM:
Foreign government	$	5,871		—		5,871		—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	526,922			—		526,922		—
Corporate securities	42,121			—		37,289		4,832
ABS	7,097			—		5,698		1,399
CMBS	12,650			—		12,650		—
Total HTM fixed maturity securities	$	594,661		—		588,430		6,231
Financial Liabilities
Notes payable:
2.90% borrowings from FHLBI	13,595			—		13,595		—
1.25% borrowings from FHLBI	45,590			—		45,590		—
7.50% Junior Notes	101,480			101,480		—		—
7.25% Senior Notes	52,689			—		52,689		—
6.70% Senior Notes	107,707			107,707		—		—
Total notes payable	$	321,061		209,187		111,874		—

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Reinsurance	'
	Reinsurance
	Our Financial Statements reflect the effects of assumed and ceded reinsurance transactions. Assumed reinsurance refers to the acceptance of certain insurance risks that other insurance entities have underwritten. Ceded reinsurance involves transferring certain insurance risks (along with the related written and earned premiums) that we have underwritten to other insurance companies that agree to share these risks. The primary purpose of ceded reinsurance is to protect the Insurance Subsidiaries from potential losses in excess of the amount that we are prepared to accept.
	The Insurance Subsidiaries remain liable to policyholders to the extent that any reinsurer becomes unable to meet their contractual obligations. We evaluate and monitor the financial condition of our reinsurers under voluntary reinsurance arrangements to minimize our exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. On an ongoing basis, we review amounts outstanding, length of collection period, changes in reinsurer credit ratings, and other relevant factors to determine collectability of reinsurance recoverables. The allowance for uncollectible reinsurance recoverables was $5.1 million at December 31, 2013 and $4.8 million at December 31, 2012.
	The following table represents our total reinsurance balances segregated by reinsurer to depict our concentration of risk throughout our reinsurance portfolio:
		As of December 31, 2013					As of December 31, 2012
	($ in thousands)	Reinsurance Balances			% of Net Unsecured Reinsurance		Reinsurance Balances			% of Net
										Unsecured Reinsurance
	Total reinsurance recoverables	$	550,897				$	1,421,109
	Total prepaid reinsurance premiums	143,000					132,637
	Less: collateral1	(119,732		)			(139,335		)
	Net unsecured reinsurance balances	574,165					1,414,411
	Federal and state pools2:
	NFIP	177,637			31		1,028,685			73
	NJ Unsatisfied Claim Judgment Fund	71,732			12		68,655			5
	Other	3,034			1		5,749			—
	Total federal and state pools	252,403			44		1,103,089			78
	Remaining unsecured reinsurance	321,762			56		311,322			22
	Hannover Ruckversicherungs AG (A.M. Best rated “A+”)	72,565			13		60,358			4
	Munich Re Group (A.M. Best rated “A+”)	69,749			12		66,283			5
	Swiss Re Group (A.M. Best rated “A+”)	48,234			8		52,189			4
	AXIS Reinsurance Company (A.M. Best rated “A+”)	45,114			8		35,064			3
	Partner Reinsurance Company of the U.S. (A.M. Best rated “A+”)	25,730			4		20,074			1
	QBE Reinsurance Corporation (A.M. Best rated "A")	15,665			3		13,871			1
	All other reinsurers	44,705			8		63,483			4
	Total	$	321,762		56	%	$	311,322		22
	1 Includes letters of credit, trust funds, and funds withheld.
	2 Considered to have minimal risk of default.
	Note: Some amounts may not foot due to rounding.
	The decrease in the reinsurance recoverable balance as of December 31, 2013 compared to December 31, 2012 is driven by the impact of Hurricane Sandy on the 2012 balance, including: (i) a $809.6 million decrease related to NFIP flood claims; and (ii) a $55.8 million decrease related to claims covered under our catastrophe excess of loss treaty.
	Under our reinsurance arrangements, which are prospective in nature, reinsurance premiums ceded are recorded as prepaid reinsurance and amortized over the remaining contract period in proportion to the reinsurance protection provided, or recorded periodically, as per the terms of the contract, in a direct relationship to the gross premium recording. Reinsurance recoveries are recognized as gross losses are incurred.
	The following table contains a listing of direct, assumed, and ceded reinsurance amounts for premiums written, premiums earned, and losses and loss expenses incurred:
	($ in thousands)	2013			2012		2011
	Premiums written:
	Direct	$	2,133,793		1,955,667		1,725,396
	Assumed	43,650			50,938		51,515
	Ceded	(367,284		)	(339,722	)	(291,559	)
	Net	$	1,810,159		1,666,883		1,485,352
	Premiums earned:
	Direct	$	2,048,530		1,873,007		1,693,021
	Assumed	44,464			65,884		29,011
	Ceded	(356,922		)	(354,772	)	(282,719	)
	Net	$	1,736,072		1,584,119		1,439,313
	Losses and loss expenses incurred:
	Direct	$	1,370,293		2,394,640		1,499,340
	Assumed	32,678			29,175		20,788
	Ceded	(281,233		)	(1,302,825	)	(445,141	)
	Net	$	1,121,738		1,120,990		1,074,987
	The growth in direct premium written (“DPW”) for the Insurance Subsidiaries in both 2013 and 2012 compared to the prior years reflects: (i) pure price increases that we have achieved in our Standard Insurance Operations; (ii) strong retention in our Standard Insurance Operations; and (iii) premium from our newly acquired E&S business. Direct premium earned increases in 2013 and 2012 were consistent with the fluctuation in DPW for 2013 and 2012 compared to the prior year.
	Assumed premium levels were high in 2011 as we began writing E&S business through a fronting arrangement in August 2011. This arrangement continued through April 2012, causing an increase in assumed premiums earned in 2012. The subsequent runoff of these earnings in 2013 caused the reduction in assumed net premiums earned in 2013.
	Direct losses and loss expenses decreased significantly in 2013, primarily due to the impact of Hurricane Sandy in 2012 which included the following: (i) $136.0 million in gross losses, of which $89.4 million were covered under our catastrophe excess of loss treaty, resulting in a net impact of $46.6 million; and (ii) $1 billion in gross flood losses that are 100% ceded to the federal government, resulting in no net loss to us. Partially offsetting these direct losses were flood claims handling fees of $18.3 million in 2012.
	The ceded premiums and losses related to our involvement with the NFIP, in which all of our flood premiums, losses and loss expenses are ceded to the NFIP, are as follows:
	($ in thousands)	2013			2012		2011
	Ceded premiums written	$	(236,309	)	(221,094	)	(206,711	)
	Ceded premiums earned	(228,650		)	(212,177	)	(198,153	)
	Ceded losses and loss expenses incurred	(183,142		)	(1,119,303	)	(352,619	)

Reserve_for_Losses_and_Loss_Ex

Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Insurance Loss Reserves [Abstract]	'
Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses	'
	Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses
	The table below provides a roll forward of reserves for losses and loss expenses for beginning and ending reserve balances:
	($ in thousands)	2013			2012		2011
	Gross reserves for losses and loss expenses, at beginning of year	$	4,068,941		3,144,924		2,830,058
	Less: reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses, at beginning of year	1,409,755			549,490		313,739
	Net reserves for losses and loss expenses, at beginning of year	2,659,186			2,595,434		2,516,319
	Incurred losses and loss expenses for claims occurring in the:
	Current year	1,147,263			1,146,591		1,113,733
	Prior years	(25,525		)	(25,601	)	(38,746	)
	Total incurred losses and loss expenses	1,121,738			1,120,990		1,074,987
	Paid losses and loss expenses for claims occurring in the:
	Current year	399,559			424,496		440,786
	Prior years	572,434			632,742		569,944
	Total paid losses and loss expenses	971,993			1,057,238		1,010,730
	Acquisition of Mesa Underwriters Specialty Insurance Company ("MUSIC") losses and loss expense reserves	—			—		14,858
	Net reserves for losses and loss expenses, at end of year	2,808,931			2,659,186		2,595,434
	Add: Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses, at end of year1	540,839			1,409,755		549,490
	Gross reserves for losses and loss expenses at end of year	$	3,349,770		4,068,941		3,144,924
	1 Includes $44.0 million related to the acquisition of MUSIC at December 31, 2011.
	The net losses and loss expense reserves increased by $149.7 million in 2013, $63.8 million in 2012, and $79.1 million in 2011. The losses and loss expense reserves are net of anticipated recoveries for salvage and subrogation claims, which amounted to $61.0 million for 2013, $62.2 million for 2012, and $67.6 million for 2011. The changes in the net losses and loss expense reserves were the result of growth in exposures, particularly associated with our E&S line of business, anticipated loss trends, changes in reinsurance retentions, and normal reserve changes inherent in the uncertainty in establishing reserves for losses and loss expenses. As additional information is collected in the loss settlement process, reserves are adjusted accordingly. These adjustments are reflected in the Consolidated Statements of Income in the period in which such adjustments are recognized. These changes could have a material impact on the results of operations of future periods when the adjustments are made.
	In 2013, we experienced overall favorable loss development of approximately $25.5 million, compared to $25.5 million in 2012 and $38.5 million in 2011. The following table summarizes the prior year development by line of business:
	Favorable/(Unfavorable) Prior Year Development
	($ in millions)	2013			2012		2011
	General Liability	$	20		(2.5	)	11.5
	Commercial Automobile	4.5			8.5		13
	Workers Compensation	(23.5		)	(2.5	)	(6.5	)
	Businessowners' Policies	9.5			9		11
	Commercial Property	7.5			3.5		5.5
	Homeowners	2.5			9		4.5
	Personal Automobile	3			(0.5	)	(1.0	)
	E&S	2			—		—
	Other	—			1		0.5
	Total	$	25.5		25.5		38.5
	The 2013 prior year favorable development of $25.5 million includes $14.5 million of favorable casualty development and $11.0 million of favorable property development. The property development was primarily related to favorable non-catastrophe loss activity, mostly in the 2012 accident year. The casualty lines were driven largely by favorable development in accident years 2006 through 2010, partially offset by unfavorable development in accident year 2012. The favorable development was driven primarily by lower than expected severities in general liability and commercial automobile, which represents a continued trend in these lines of business. The unfavorable development in accident year 2012 was driven by higher than expected severities in the general liability, commercial automobile, and workers compensation lines of business.
	The 2012 prior year favorable development of $25.5 million includes $18.0 million of casualty development and $7.5 million of property development. The property development was primarily related to the favorable non-catastrophe loss activity that occurred in the first quarter of 2012 mostly in the 2011 accident year. The casualty lines were driven by favorable development in the 2007 through 2009 accident years partially offset by unfavorable development in accident year 2011. The favorable development was driven by lower than expected severities in all of the major casualty lines, which represents a consistent trend in recent years. The unfavorable development in accident year 2011 was driven by: (i) higher than expected severities in the workers compensation and general liability lines; and (ii) higher than expected frequencies in the commercial auto line. This was partially offset by continued favorable development in the homeowners liability line, due to lower expected severity for this year.
	The 2011 prior year favorable development of $38.5 million includes $29.5 million of casualty development and $9.0 million of property development. Overall, the prior year development was driven by accident years 2006, 2008, and 2009, partially offset by the 2010 accident year. The favorable development was driven by the following: (i) premises and operations coverages on our general liability line; (ii) lower frequencies in the commercial automobile line; and (iii) continued favorable reported loss emergence on the liability coverage in our businessowners' policy line. The unfavorable development in accident year 2010 was driven by the following: (i) increased severities experienced in our workers compensation line; and (ii) products coverage on our general liability line.
	Reserves established for liability insurance include exposure to asbestos and environmental claims. These claims have arisen primarily from insured exposures in municipal government, small non-manufacturing commercial risk, and homeowners policies. The emergence of these claims is slow and highly unpredictable. There are significant uncertainties in estimating our exposure to asbestos and environmental claims (for both case and IBNR reserves) resulting from lack of relevant historical data, the delayed and inconsistent reporting patterns associated with these claims, and uncertainty as to the number and identity of claimants and complex legal and coverage issues. Legal issues that arise in asbestos and environmental cases include federal or state venue, choice of law, causation, admissibility of evidence, allocation of damages and contribution among joint defendants, successor and predecessor liability, and whether direct action against insurers can be maintained. Coverage issues that arise in asbestos and environmental cases include the interpretation and application of policy exclusions, the determination and calculation of policy limits, the determination of the ultimate amount of a loss, the extent to which a loss is covered by a policy, if at all, the obligation of an insurer to defend a claim, and the extent to which a party can prove the existence of coverage. Courts have reached different and sometimes inconsistent conclusions on these legal and coverage issues. We do not discount to present value that portion of our losses and loss expense reserves expected to be paid in future periods.
	The following table details our losses and loss expense reserves for various asbestos and environmental claims:
		2013
	($ in millions)	Gross			Net
	Asbestos	$	8.9		7.5
	Landfill sites	12.3			7.4
	Leaking underground storage tanks	11.6			10.3
	Total	$	32.8		25.2
	Estimating IBNR reserves for asbestos and environmental claims is difficult because of the delayed and inconsistent reporting patterns associated with these claims. In addition, there are significant uncertainties associated with estimating critical assumptions, such as average clean-up costs, third-party costs, potentially responsible party shares, allocation of damages, litigation and coverage costs, and potential state and federal legislative changes. Normal historically based actuarial approaches cannot be applied to asbestos and environmental claims because past loss history is not indicative of future potential asbestos and environmental losses. In addition, while certain alternative models can be applied, such models can produce significantly different results with small changes in assumptions.
	The following table provides a roll forward of gross and net asbestos and environmental incurred losses and loss expenses and related reserves thereon:
		2013					2012				2011
	($ in thousands)	Gross			Net		Gross		Net		Gross		Net
	Asbestos
	Reserves for losses and loss expenses at beginning of year	$	9,170		7,791		8,412		6,586		9,979		8,167
	Incurred losses and loss expenses	—			—		1,696		2,000		2,014		2,000
	Less: losses and loss expenses paid	(273		)	(273	)	(938	)	(795	)	(3,581	)	(3,581	)
	Reserves for losses and loss expenses at the end of year	$	8,897		7,518		9,170		7,791		8,412		6,586
	Environmental
	Reserves for losses and loss expenses at beginning of year	$	26,405		19,978		27,600		21,330		33,630		27,599
	Incurred losses and loss expenses	347			68		1,363		1,000		(4,285	)	(4,750	)
	Less: losses and loss expenses paid	(2,885		)	(2,397	)	(2,558	)	(2,352	)	(1,745	)	(1,519	)
	Reserves for losses and loss expenses at the end of year	$	23,867		17,649		26,405		19,978		27,600		21,330
	Total Asbestos and Environmental Claims
	Reserves for losses and loss expenses at beginning of year	$	35,575		27,769		36,012		27,916		43,609		35,766
	Incurred losses and loss expenses	347			68		3,059		3,000		(2,271	)	(2,750	)
	Less: losses and loss expenses paid	(3,158		)	(2,670	)	(3,496	)	(3,147	)	(5,326	)	(5,100	)
	Reserves for losses and loss expenses at the end of year	$	32,764		25,167		35,575		27,769		36,012		27,916

Indebtedness

Indebtedness	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Indebtedness	'
	Indebtedness
	(a) Notes Payable
	(1) In the first quarter of 2013, we issued $185 million of 5.875% Senior Notes due 2043. These notes pay interest on February 15, May 15, August 15, and November 15 of each year, beginning on May 15, 2013, and at maturity. The notes are callable by us on or after February 8, 2018, at a price equal to 100% of their principal outstanding amount, plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but excluding, the date of redemption. A portion of the proceeds from this debt issuance was used to fully redeem the $100 million aggregate principal amount of our 7.5% Junior Subordinated Notes due 2066, which had an associated $3.3 million pre-tax write-off for the remaining capitalized debt issuance costs on these notes. Of the remaining net proceeds, $57.1 million was used to make capital contributions to the Insurance Subsidiaries, while the balance was used for general corporate purposes. There are no financial debt covenants to which we are required to comply in regards to these Senior Notes.
	(2) In the first quarter of 2009, Selective Insurance Company of the Southeast and Selective Insurance Company of South Carolina (“Indiana Subsidiaries”) joined and invested in the FHLBI, which provides them with access to additional liquidity. The Indiana Subsidiaries’ aggregate investment was $2.9 million at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, respectively. Our investment provides us the ability to borrow up to 20 times the total amount of the FHLBI common stock purchased with additional collateral, at comparatively low borrowing rates. All borrowings from FHLBI are required to be secured by certain investments.
	The following is a summary of the Indiana Subsidiaries’ borrowings from the FHLBI:
	•	In 2011, the Indiana Subsidiaries borrowed $45 million in the aggregate from the FHLBI. The unpaid principal amount accrues interest of 1.25% and is paid on the 15th of every month. The principal amount is due on December 16, 2016. These funds were loaned to the Parent for use in the acquisition of MUSIC on December 31, 2011.
	•	In 2009, the Indiana Subsidiaries borrowed $13 million in the aggregate from the FHLBI. The unpaid principal amount accrues interest of 2.9% and is paid on the 15th of every month. The principal amount is due on December 15, 2014. These funds were loaned to the Parent to be used for general corporate purposes.
	(3) In the fourth quarter of 2005, we issued $100 million of 6.70% Senior Notes due 2035. These notes were issued at a discount of $0.7 million resulting in an effective yield of 6.754% and pay interest on May 1 and November 1 each year commencing on May 1, 2006. Net proceeds of approximately $50 million were used to fund an irrevocable trust to provide for certain payment obligations in respect of our outstanding debt. The remainder of the proceeds was used for general corporate purposes. The agreements covering these notes contain a standard default cross-acceleration provision that provides the 6.70% Senior Notes will enter a state of default upon the failure to pay principal when due or upon any event or condition that results in an acceleration of principal of any other debt instrument in excess of $10 million that we have outstanding concurrently with the 6.70% Senior Notes. There are no financial debt covenants to which we are required to comply in regards to these notes.
	(4) In the fourth quarter of 2004, we issued $50 million of 7.25% Senior Notes due 2034. These notes were issued at a discount of $0.1 million, resulting in an effective yield of 7.27% and pay interest on May 15 and November 15 each year. We contributed $25 million of the bond proceeds to the Insurance Subsidiaries as capital. The remainder of the proceeds was used for general corporate purposes. The agreements covering these notes contain a standard default cross-acceleration provision that provides the 7.25% Senior Notes will enter a state of default upon the failure to pay principal when due or upon any event or condition that results in an acceleration of principal of any other debt instrument in excess of $10 million that we have outstanding concurrently with the 7.25% Senior Notes. There are no financial debt covenants to which we are required to comply in regards to these notes.
	(b) Short-Term Debt
	Our Line of Credit was renewed effective September 26, 2013, with Wells Fargo Bank, National Association, as administrative agent, and Branch Banking and Trust Company, with a borrowing capacity of $30 million, which can be increased to $50 million with the approval of both lending partners. The Line of Credit provides the Parent with an additional source of short-term liquidity. The interest rate on our Line of Credit varies and is based on, among other factors, the Parent’s debt ratings. The Line of Credit expires on September 26, 2017. There have been no balances outstanding under this Line of Credit or the previous credit facility at December 31, 2013 or at any time during Twelve Months 2013.
	The Line of Credit agreement contains representations, warranties, and covenants that are customary for credit facilities of this type, including, without limitation, financial covenants under which we are obligated to maintain a minimum consolidated net worth, minimum combined statutory surplus, and maximum ratio of consolidated debt to total capitalization, and covenants limiting our ability to: (i) merge or liquidate; (ii) incur debt or liens; (iii) dispose of assets; (iv) make investments and acquisitions; and (v) engage in transactions with affiliates. The Line of Credit permits collateralized borrowings by the Indiana Subsidiaries from the FHLBI so long as the aggregate amount borrowed does not exceed 10% of the respective Indiana Subsidiary’s admitted assets from the preceding calendar year.
	The table below outlines information regarding certain of the covenants in the Line of Credit:
			Required as of	Actual as of
			31-Dec-13	31-Dec-13
	Consolidated net worth		$800 million	$1.2 billion
	Statutory surplus		Not less than $750 million	$1.3 billion
	Debt-to-capitalization ratio1		Not to exceed 35%	25.50%
	A.M. Best financial strength rating		Minimum of A-	A
	1 Calculated in accordance with Line of Credit agreement.
	In addition to the above requirements, the Line of Credit agreement contains a cross-default provision that provides that the Line of Credit will be in default if we fail to comply with any condition, covenant, or agreement (including payment of principal and interest when due on any debt with an aggregate principal amount of at least $20 million), which causes or permits the acceleration of principal.

Segment_Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Information	'
	Segment Information
	The disaggregated results of our three operating segments are used by senior management to manage our operations. These segments are evaluated based on the following:
	•	Our Standard Insurance Operations segment and our E&S Insurance Operations segment are evaluated based on statutory underwriting results (net premiums earned, incurred losses and loss expenses, policyholders dividends, policy acquisition costs, and other underwriting expenses), and statutory combined ratios; and
	•	Our Investments segment is evaluated based on after-tax net investment income and net realized gains and losses.
	Our combined insurance operations are subject to certain geographic concentrations, particularly in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the country. In 2013, approximately 23% of net premiums written were related to insurance policies written in New Jersey.
	The goodwill balance for our operating segments was $7.8 million at December 31, 2013 and 2012 related to our Standard Insurance Operations segment.
	In computing the results of each segment, we do not make adjustments for interest expense or net general corporate expenses. While we do not fully allocate taxes to all segments, we do allocate taxes to our investments segment as we manage that segment on after-tax results. We do not maintain separate investment portfolios for the segments and therefore, do not allocate assets to the segments.
	The following summaries present revenues from continuing operations (net investment income and net realized losses on investments in the case of the Investments segment) and pre-tax income from continuing operations for the individual segments:
	Revenue by Segment
	Years ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)		2013			2012		2011
	Standard Insurance Operations:
	Net premiums earned:
	Commercial automobile		$	310,994		288,010		279,610
	Workers compensation		267,612			262,108		259,354
	General liability		405,322			373,381		344,682
	Commercial property		224,412			202,340		192,989
	Businessowners’ policies		77,097			68,462		66,225
	Bonds		19,000			18,891		18,910
	Other		12,182			12,143		9,177
	Total standard Commercial Lines		1,316,619			1,225,335		1,170,947
	Personal automobile		152,005			152,142		148,824
	Homeowners		127,991			113,850		102,764
	Other		14,336			13,563		12,864
	Total standard Personal Lines		294,332			279,555		264,452
	Total Standard Insurance Operations net premiums earned		1,610,951			1,504,890		1,435,399
	Miscellaneous income		12,201			8,827		8,069
	Total Standard Insurance Operations revenue		1,623,152			1,513,717		1,443,468
	E&S Insurance Operations:
	Net premiums earned		125,121			79,229		3,914
	Investments:
	Net investment income		134,643			131,877		147,443
	Net realized investment gains		20,732			8,988		2,240
	Total investment revenues		155,375			140,865		149,683
	Total all segments		1,903,648			1,733,811		1,597,065
	Other income		93			291		410
	Total revenues from continuing operations		$	1,903,741		1,734,102		1,597,475
	Segment Income
	Years ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)		2013			2012		2011
	Standard Insurance Operations:
	Commercial Lines underwriting gain (loss)		$	33,856		(40,935	)	(49,952	)
	Personal Lines underwriting gain (loss)		8,645			(3,514	)	(46,971	)
	Total Standard Insurance Operations underwriting gain (loss), before federal income tax		42,501			(44,449	)	(96,923	)
	GAAP combined ratio		97.4		%	103		106.8
	Statutory combined ratio		97.1		%	102.5		106.4
	E&S Insurance Operations:
	Underwriting loss, before federal income tax		(3,735		)	(19,558	)	(6,661	)
	GAAP combined ratio		103		%	124.7		270.2
	Statutory combined ratio		102.9		%	118.8		131.3
	Investments:
	Net investment income		134,643			131,877		147,443
	Net realized investment gains		20,732			8,988		2,240
	Total investment income, before federal income tax		155,375			140,865		149,683
	Tax on investment income		40,489			34,758		37,139
	Total investment income, after federal income tax		$	114,886		106,107		112,544
	Reconciliation of Segment Results to Income from Continuing Operations, before Federal Income Tax
	Years ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)		2013			2012		2011
	Standard Insurance Operations underwriting gain (loss), before federal income tax		$	42,501		(44,449	)	(96,923	)
	E&S Insurance Operations underwriting loss, before federal income tax		(3,735		)	(19,558	)	(6,661	)
	Investment income, before federal income tax		155,375			140,865		149,683
	Total all segments		194,141			76,858		46,099
Interest expense		(22,538		)	(18,872	)	(18,259	)
General corporate and other expenses		(27,801		)	(20,351	)	(16,440	)
Income from continuing operations, before federal income tax		$	143,802		37,635		11,400

Discontinued_Operations

Discontinued Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Discontinued Operations and Disposal Groups [Abstract]	'
Discontinued Operations	'
	Discontinued Operations
	In the fourth quarter of 2009, we sold 100% of our interest in Selective HR for proceeds to be received over a 10-year period. These proceeds were based on the ability of the purchaser to retain and generate new worksite lives though the independent agents who distribute the products. In 2013, we settled the remaining receivable for an aggregate of $1.0 million, which was received in two installments during the second quarter of 2013, in full and final settlement of the contingent purchase price. An impairment of $1.5 million was recorded in the first quarter of 2013 and is included in "Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax" in the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings per Share
	The following table provides a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators of basic and diluted earnings per share ("EPS"):
	2013	Income			Shares	Per Share
	($ in thousands, except per share amounts)	(Numerator)			(Denominator)	Amount
	Basic EPS:
	Net income from continuing operations	$	107,415		55,638	$	1.93
	Net loss from discontinued operations	(997		)	55,638	(0.02		)
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	106,418		55,638	$	1.91
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock compensation plans	—			1,172
	Diluted EPS:
	Net income from continuing operations	$	107,415		56,810	$	1.89
	Net loss from discontinued operations	(997		)	56,810	(0.02		)
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	106,418		56,810	$	1.87
	2012	Income			Shares	Per Share
	($ in thousands, except per share amounts)	(Numerator)			(Denominator)	Amount
	Basic EPS:
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	37,963		54,880	$	0.69
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock compensation plans	—			1,053
	Diluted EPS:
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	37,963		55,933	$	0.68
	2011	Income			Shares	Per Share
	($ in thousands, except per share amounts)	(Numerator)			(Denominator)	Amount
	Basic EPS:
	Net income from continuing operations	$	22,683		54,095	$	0.42
	Net loss from discontinued operations	(650		)	54,095	(0.01		)
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	22,033		54,095	$	0.41
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock compensation plans	—			1,126
	Diluted EPS:
	Net income from continuing operations	$	22,683		55,221	$	0.41
	Net loss from discontinued operations	(650		)	55,221	(0.01		)
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	22,033		55,221	$	0.4

Federal_Income_Taxes

Federal Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Federal Income Taxes	'
	Federal Income Taxes
	(a) A reconciliation of federal income tax on income at the corporate rate to the effective tax rate is as follows:
	($ in thousands)	2013			2012		2011
	Tax at statutory rate of 35%	$	50,331		13,172		3,990
	Tax-advantaged interest	(12,718		)	(13,285	)	(14,381	)
	Dividends received deduction	(1,174		)	(1,260	)	(870	)
	Nonqualified deferred compensation	(425		)	(262	)	7
	Amortization of intangible assets	(101		)	687		—
	Other	474			620		(29	)
	Federal income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	$	36,387		(328	)	(11,283	)
	(b) The tax effects of the significant temporary differences that give rise to deferred tax assets and liabilities are as follows:
	($ in thousands)	2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net loss reserve discounting	$	87,967		97,561
	Net unearned premiums	64,167			58,981
	Employee benefits	19,912			39,752
	Long-term incentive compensation plans	12,904			10,078
	Temporary investment write-downs	7,586			8,236
	Net operating loss	2,818			12,120
	Tax credits	17,042			14,150
	Other	10,088			9,056
	Total deferred tax assets	222,484			249,934
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Deferred policy acquisition costs	59,164			53,187
	Unrealized gains on investment securities	31,345			67,501
	Other investment-related items, net	618			2,488
	Accelerated depreciation and amortization	8,744			7,622
	Total deferred tax liabilities	99,871			130,798
	Net deferred federal income tax asset	$	122,613		119,136
	After considering all evidence, both positive and negative, with respect to our federal tax loss carryback availability, expected levels of pre-tax financial statement income, and federal taxable income, we believe it is more likely than not that the existing deductible temporary differences will reverse during periods in which we generate net federal taxable income or have adequate federal carryback availability. As a result, we have no valuation allowance recognized for federal deferred tax assets at December 31, 2013 or 2012. The carryforward availability of our net operating loss will begin to expire in 2029 with the remainder expiring through 2031. Our alternative minimum tax credits, which are available to offset future regular taxable income, can be carried forward for an unlimited period of time.
	Stockholders' equity reflects tax benefits related to compensation expense deductions for share-based compensation awards of $19.2 million at December 31, 2013, $17.7 million at December 31, 2012, and $16.6 million at December 31, 2011.
	We have analyzed our tax positions in all open tax years, which as of December 31, 2013 were 2007 through 2012. The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS”) recently completed a limited scope examination of the 2007 through 2010 tax years, which resulted in no material changes. We do not have unrecognized tax expense or benefit as of December 31, 2013.
	In addition, we believe our tax positions will more likely than not be sustained upon examination, including related appeals or litigation. In the event we had a tax position that did not meet the more likely than not criteria, any tax, interest, and penalties incurred related to such a position would be reflected in "Total federal income tax expense (benefit)" on our Consolidated Statements of Income.

Retirement_Plans

Retirement Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Retirement Plans	'
	Retirement Plans
	(a) Selective Insurance Retirement Savings Plan (“Retirement Savings Plan”)
	SICA offers a voluntary defined contribution 401(k) plan to employees who meet eligibility requirements. Participants can contribute 2% to 50% of their defined compensation to the Retirement Savings Plan not to exceed limits established by the IRS. Employees age 50 or older who are contributing the maximum may also make additional contributions not to exceed the additional amount permitted by the IRS. Subject to IRS limits, the following table presents information regarding plan terms:
			As of January 1, 2011		As of April 5, 2013
	SICA match		100% of participant contributions up to the first 3% of defined compensation and 50% up to the next 3%		100% of participant contributions up to the first 3% of defined compensation and 50% up to the next 3%
	Non-elective contribution		Non-elective contributions of 4% of defined compensation for employees not eligible to participate in the Retirement Income Plan due to a date of hire after December 31, 2005		Non-elective contributions of 4% of defined compensation expanded to include employees impacted by the curtailment of the Retirement Income Plan
	Vesting of match/non-elective contribution		Immediately vested		Immediately vested
	Employer contributions to the Retirement Savings Plan amounted to $12.2 million in 2013, $8.2 million in 2012, and $7.0 million in 2011.
	(b) Deferred Compensation Plan
	SICA offers a nonqualified deferred compensation plan ("Deferred Compensation Plan") to a group of management or highly compensated employees (the "Participants") as a method of recognizing and retaining such employees. The Deferred Compensation Plan provides the Participants the opportunity to elect to defer receipt of specified portions of compensation and to have such deferred amounts deemed to be invested in specified investment options. A Participant in the Deferred Compensation Plan may, subject to certain limitations, elect to defer compensation or awards to be received, including up to: (i) 50% of annual base salary; (ii) 100% of annual bonus; and/or (iii) all or a percentage of such other compensation as otherwise designated by the administrator of the Deferred Compensation Plan.
	In addition to the deferrals elected by the Participants, SICA may also choose to make matching contributions to the deferral accounts of some or all Participants to the extent a Participant did not receive the maximum matching or non-elective contributions permissible under the Retirement Savings Plan due to limitations under the Internal Revenue Code or the Retirement Savings Plan. SICA may also choose at any time to make discretionary contributions to the deferral account of any Participant in our sole discretion. No discretionary contributions were made in 2013, 2012, or 2011. SICA contributed $0.2 million in 2013, a nominal amount in 2012, and $0.1 million in 2011 to the Deferred Compensation Plan.
	(c) Retirement Income Plan and Retirement Life Plan
	The Retirement Income Plan for Selective Insurance Company of America and the Supplemental Excess Retirement Plan (jointly referred to as the "Retirement Income Plan" or the "Plan") is a noncontributory defined benefit plan covering SICA employees who met each Plan's eligibility requirements prior to January 1, 2006. As of such date, the Plan was amended to eliminate eligibility for participation by employees first hired on or after January 1, 2006. In addition, the Plan was further amended in the first quarter of 2013 to curtail the accrual of additional benefits for all eligible employees after March 31, 2016. This curtailment resulted in a net actuarial gain recognized in OCI of $44.0 million on a pre-tax basis as of March 31, 2013.
	As a result of the curtailment, the Retirement Income Plan was re-measured as of March 31, 2013. When determining the most appropriate discount rate to be used in the valuation, we considered, among other factors, our expected payout patterns of the Retirement Income Plan's obligations, as well as our investment strategy. We ultimately selected the rate that we believe best represents our estimate of the inherent interest rate at which the Retirement Income Plan's liabilities can be effectively settled. The expected rate of return on plan assets at March 31, 2013 remained at 7.40%, consistent with our December 31, 2012 assumption. For re-measurement, we determined that the most appropriate discount rate was 4.66%, up slightly from 4.42% determined as of December 31, 2012.
	The Retirement Income Plan was amended as of July 1, 2002 to provide for different calculations based on service with SICA as of that date. Monthly benefits payable under the Retirement Income Plan at normal retirement age are computed under the terms of those calculations. The earliest retirement age is age 55 with 10 years of service or the attainment of 70 points (age plus years of service). If a participant chooses to begin receiving benefits before their 65th birthday, the amount of the participant's monthly benefit would be reduced in accordance with the provisions of the plan. At retirement, participants receive monthly pension payments and may choose among five payment options, including joint and survivor options.
	The funding policy provides that payments to the pension trust shall be equal to the minimum funding requirements of the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, plus additional amounts that the Board of Directors of SICA may approve from time to time.
	The funded status of the Retirement Income Plan and Retirement Life Plan was recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for 2013 and 2012, the details of which are as follows:
	December 31,		Retirement Income Plan							Retirement Life Plan
	($ in thousands)		2013				2012			2013			2012
	Change in Benefit Obligation:
	Benefit obligation, beginning of year		$	302,647			254,009			6,471			5,897
	Service cost		7,517				8,091			—			—
	Interest cost		12,477				12,981			283			302
	Actuarial (gains) losses		(29,656		)		33,596			(224	)		660
	Benefits paid		(6,978		)		(6,030	)		(329	)		(388	)
	Impact of curtailment		(29,603		)		—			—			—
	Benefit obligation, end of year		$	256,404			302,647			6,201			6,471
	Change in Fair Value of Assets:
	Fair value of assets, beginning of year		$	207,150			182,614			—			—
	Actual return on plan assets, net of expenses		15,925				21,896			—			—
	Contributions by the employer to funded plans		9,600				8,550			—			—
	Contributions by the employer to unfunded plans		120				120			—			—
	Benefits paid		(6,978		)		(6,030	)		—			—
	Fair value of assets, end of year		$	225,817			207,150			—			—
	Funded status		$	(30,587	)		(95,497	)		(6,201	)		(6,471	)
	Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
	Liabilities		$	(30,587	)		(95,497	)		(6,201	)		(6,471	)
	Net pension liability, end of year		$	(30,587	)		(95,497	)		(6,201	)		(6,471	)
	Amounts Recognized in AOCI:
	Prior service cost		$	—			26			—			—
	Net actuarial loss		39,640				103,365			1,363			1,667
	Total		$	39,640			103,391			1,363			1,667
	Other Information as of December 31:
	Accumulated benefit obligation		250,546			265,899			—			—
	Weighted-Average Liability Assumptions as of December 31:
	Discount rate		5.16	%		4.42		4.85		4.42
	Rate of compensation increase		4	%		4		—		—
			Retirement Income Plan										Retirement Life Plan
	($ in thousands)		2013				2012			2011			2013		2012		2011
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income:
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
	Service cost		$	7,517			8,091			7,575			—		—		—
	Interest cost		12,477				12,981			12,349			283		302		306
	Expected return on plan assets		(15,755		)		(14,206	)		(13,924	)		—		—		—
	Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost		10				150			150			—		—		—
	Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss		4,294				5,863			4,154			80		40		18
	Curtailment expense		16				—			—			—		—		—
	Total net periodic cost		8,559				12,879			10,304			363		342		324
	Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income:
	Net actuarial (gain) loss		(59,430		)		25,906			16,575			(224	)	660		224
	Reversal of amortization of net actuarial loss		(4,294		)		(5,863	)		(4,154	)		(80	)	(40	)	(18	)
	Reversal of amortization of prior service cost		(10		)		(150	)		(150	)		—		—		—
	Curtailment expense		(16		)		—			—			—		—		—
Total recognized in other comprehensive income		(63,750		)		19,893			12,271			(304	)	620		206
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income		$	(55,191	)		32,772			22,575			59		962		530
The amortization of prior service cost related to the Retirement Income Plan and Retirement Life Plan is determined using a straight-line amortization of the cost over the average remaining service period of employees expected to receive benefits under the Plans.
The estimated net actuarial loss for the Retirement Income Plan and Retirement Life Plan that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost during the 2014 fiscal year are $1.5 million and $0.1 million, respectively.
		Retirement Income Plan							Retirement Life Plan
		2013			2012		2011		2013		2012		2011
Weighted-Average Expense Assumptions for the years ended December 31:
Discount rate 1		4.66	%		5.16		5.55		4.42		5.16		5.55
Expected return on plan assets		7.4	%		7.75		8		—		—		—
Rate of compensation increase		4	%		4		4		—		—		—
1  Discount rate for the Retirement Income Plan changed from 4.42% as of December 31, 2012 to 4.66% as of March 31, 2013 due to the remeasurement that was performed with the curtailment of the Plan.
Our latest measurement date was December 31, 2013 and we lowered our expected return on plan assets to 6.92%, reflecting the lower interest rate environment, coupled with our investment strategy to closer match the duration of the assets and liabilities of the Retirement Income Plan. Our expected return is within a reasonable range considering the lower interest rate environment, as well as our actual 8.1% annualized return achieved since plan inception for all plan assets.
Our 2013 discount rate used to value the liability was 5.16% for the Retirement Income Plan and 4.85% for the Retirement Life Plan. When determining the most appropriate discount rate to be used in the valuation, we consider, among other factors, our expected payout patterns of the plans' obligations as well as our investment strategy and we ultimately select the rate that we believe best represents our estimate of the inherent interest rate at which our pension and post-retirement life benefits can be effectively settled.
Plan Assets
Assets of the Retirement Income Plan are invested to ensure that principal is preserved and enhanced over time. In addition, the Retirement Income Plan is expected to perform above average relative to comparable funds without assuming undue risk, and to add value through active management. Our return objective is to exceed the returns of the plan's policy benchmark, which is the return the plan would have earned if the assets were invested according to the target asset class weightings and earned index returns. The Retirement Income Plan's exposure to a concentration of credit risk is limited by the diversification of investments across varied financial instruments, including common stocks, mutual funds, non-publicly traded stocks, investments in limited partnerships, fixed income securities, and short-term investments. Allocations to these instruments may vary from time to time. In 2014, we will continue to phase in adjustments to the asset allocation of the Retirement Income Plan to steadily close the gap between the duration of the assets and the duration of the liabilities.
The Retirement Income Plan’s equity investments may not contain investments in any one security greater than 8% of the portfolio value, nor have more than 5% of the outstanding shares of any one corporation. The use of derivative instruments is permitted under certain circumstances, but shall not be used for unrelated speculative hedging or to apply leverage to portfolio positions. Within the alternative investments portfolio, some leverage is permitted as defined and limited by the partnership agreements.
The plan’s allocated target and ranges, as well as the actual weighted average asset allocation by investment categories, at December 31 was as follows:
		2013						2012
		Target		Range		Actual		Actual
		Percentage		Percentage		Percentage		Percentage
Equity:
International		10		18-Apr		8		7
Large Capitalization		15		Aug-32		13		15
Small and mid capitalization		5		15-Mar		5		7
Global asset allocation		10		0 - 15		12		10
Alternative investments		10		0 - 15		5		6
Fixed maturity:
Extended duration fixed maturity		50		20 - 80		42		24
Domestic core1						—		14
Global bond/high yield/emerging markets1						12		13
Cash and short-term investments		—		0 - 5		3		4
Total						100		100
1The Retirement Income Plan currently has fixed maturity security exposures that do not have target and range percentages since these exposures will be phased out over time as we opportunistically migrate from intermediate to long duration fixed maturity security strategies.
The Retirement Income Plan had no investments in the Parent’s common stock as of December 31, 2013 or 2012.
The fair value of our Retirement Income Plan investments is generated using various valuation techniques. We follow the methodology discussed in Note 2. “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies,” regarding pricing and valuation techniques, as well as the fair value hierarchy, for equity and fixed maturity securities and short-term investments held in the Retirement Income Plan.
The techniques used to determine the fair value of the Retirement Income Plan’s remaining invested assets are as follows:
•	Valuations for the majority of the investment funds utilize the market approach wherein the quoted prices in the active market for identical assets are used. These investment funds are traded in active markets at their net asset value per share. There are no restrictions as to the redemption of these investments nor do we have any contractual obligations to further invest in any of the individual mutual funds. These investments are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. Valuations of non-publicly traded investment funds are based upon the observable and verifiable market values of the underlying publicly traded securities and therefore are classified as Level 2 within the fair value hierarchy.
•	The deposit administration contract is carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Given the liquid nature of the underlying investments in overnight cash deposits and other short term duration products, we have determined that a correlation exists between the deposit administration contract and other short-term investments such as money market funds. As such, this investment is classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
•	For valuations of the investments in limited partnerships, fair value is based on the Retirement Income Plan’s ownership interest in the reported net asset values as a practical expedient. The majority of the net asset values are reported to us on a one quarter lag. We assess whether these reported net asset values are indicative of market activity that has occurred since the date of their valuation by the investees: (i) by reviewing the overall market fluctuation and whether a material impact to our investments' valuation could have occurred; and (ii) through routine conversations with the underlying funds' general partners/managers discussing, among other things, conditions or events having significant impacts to their portfolio assets that have occurred subsequent to the reported date, if any. Our limited partnership investments cannot be redeemed with the investees as our partnership agreements require our commitment for the duration of the underlying funds’ lives. There is no active plan to sell any of our remaining interests in the limited partnership investments; however, we may continue to entertain potential opportunities to limit our exposure to these investments through the use of the secondary market. These limited partnerships have been fair valued using Level 3 inputs.
The following tables provide quantitative disclosures of the Retirement Income Plan’s invested assets that are measured at fair value on a recurring basis:
31-Dec-13						Fair Value Measurements at 12/31/13 Using
($ in thousands)		Assets Measured at Fair Value At 12/31/13				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/ Liabilities			Significant Other Observable Inputs			Significant Unobservable Inputs
						(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Description
Investment funds:
International equity		$	17,548			5,574			11,974			—
Domestic large capitalization		30,436				30,436			—			—
Small and mid capitalization		6,326				6,326			—			—
Global asset allocation fund		27,257				27,257			—			—
Extended duration fixed maturity		96,920				96,920			—			—
Global bond/high yield/emerging markets fixed maturity		26,984				26,984			—			—
Total investment funds		205,471				193,497			11,974			—
Limited partnership investments:
Equity long/short hedge		41				—			—			41
Private equity		9,899				—			—			9,899
Real estate		2,219				—			—			2,219
Total limited partnerships		12,159				—			—			12,159
Common stocks:
Small and mid capitalization		6,350				6,350			—			—
Total common stocks		6,350				6,350			—			—
Short-term investments		963				963			—			—
Deposit administration contracts		1,023				—			1,023			—
Total invested assets		$	225,966			200,810			12,997			12,159
31-Dec-12						Fair Value Measurements at 12/31/12 Using
($ in thousands)		Assets Measured at Fair Value At 12/31/12				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/ Liabilities			Significant Other Observable Inputs			Significant Unobservable Inputs
						(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
Description
Investment funds:
International equity		$	15,751			6,025			9,726			—
Domestic large capitalization		22,910				22,910			—			—
Small and mid capitalization		6,805				6,805			—			—
Global asset allocation		20,778				20,778			—			—
Extended duration fixed maturity		50,556				50,556			—			—
Domestic core fixed maturity		29,984				29,984			—			—
Global bond/high yield/emerging markets fixed maturity		27,230				27,230			—			—
Total investment funds		174,014				164,288			9,726			—
Limited partnership investments:
Equity long/short hedge		41				—			—			41
Private equity		10,385				—			—			10,385
Real estate		2,205				—			—			2,205
Total limited partnerships		12,631				—			—			12,631
Common stocks:
Domestic large capitalization		9,938				9,938			—			—
Small and mid capitalization		7,897				7,897			—			—
Total common stocks		17,835				17,835			—			—
Short-term investments		1,629				1,629			—			—
Deposit administration contracts		979				—			979			—
Total invested assets		$	207,088			183,752			10,705			12,631
The following tables provide a summary of the changes in fair value of securities using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3):
Investments in Limited Partnerships
($ in thousands)		2013				2012
Fair value, beginning of year		$	12,631			15,180
Total gains (realized and unrealized)
included in changes in net assets		2,131				1,118
Purchases		560				434
Sales		—				—
Issuances		—				—
Settlements		(3,163		)		(4,142	)
Transfers into Level 3		—				41
Transfers out of Level 3		—				—
Fair value, end of year		$	12,159			12,631
The following table outlines a summary of our alternative investment portfolio by strategy and the remaining commitment amount associated with each strategy:
Alternative Investments		Carrying Value							2013
		December 31,				December 31,			Remaining
($ in thousands)		2013				2012			Amount
Equity long/short hedge		$	41			41			—
Private equity		9,899				10,385			3,293
Real estate		2,219				2,205			558
Total alternative investments		$	12,159			12,631			3,851
For a description of our private equity and real estate strategies, refer to Note 5. “Investments.” Our equity long/short hedge strategy invests opportunistically in equities and equity-related instruments in companies generally in the financial services sector. Investments within this strategy are permitted to be sold short in order to: (i) prospectively benefit from a correction in overvalued equities; and (ii) partially hedge portfolio assets due to the strategy’s heavy weighting toward the financial sector.
At December 31, 2013, the Retirement Income Plan had contractual obligations that expire at various dates through 2022 to further invest up to $3.9 million in alternative investments. There is no certainty that any such additional investment will be required. The Retirement Income Plan currently receives distributions from these alternative investments through the realization of the underlying investments in the limited partnerships. We anticipate that the general partners of these alternative investments will liquidate their underlying investment portfolios through 2022.
Contributions
We presently anticipate contributing $9.6 million to the Retirement Income Plan in 2014, none of which represents minimum required contribution amounts.
Benefit Payments
($ in thousands)		Retirement Income Plan				Retirement Life Plan
Benefits Expected to be Paid in Future
Fiscal Years:
2014		$	8,424			372
2015		9,263				382
2016		10,226				391
2017		11,245				400
2018		12,336				407
2019-2023		76,244				2,108

ShareBased_Payments

Share-Based Payments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Shared-Based Payments	'
	Share-Based Payments
	The following is a brief description of each of our share-based compensation plans:
	2005 Omnibus Stock Plan
	The Parent's 2005 Omnibus Stock Plan ("Stock Plan") was approved effective as of April 1, 2005 by stockholders on April 27, 2005. With the Stock Plan's approval, no further grants were available under the: (i) Parent's Stock Option Plan III, as amended ("Stock Option Plan III"); (ii) Parent's Stock Option Plan for Directors, as amended ("Stock Option Plan for Directors"); or (iii) Parent's Stock Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors, as amended ("Stock Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors"), but awards outstanding under these plans and the Parent's Stock Option Plan II, as amended ("Stock Option Plan II"), under which future grants ceased being available on May 22, 2002, shall continue in effect according to the terms of those plans and any applicable award agreements.
	Stockholders approved the amendment and restatement of the Stock Plan effective as of May 1, 2010 (the “Amended Stock Plan”) on April 28, 2010. Under the Amended Stock Plan, the Parent's Board of Directors' Salary and Employee Benefits Committee ("SEBC") may grant stock options, stock appreciation rights ("SARs"), restricted stock, restricted stock units ("RSUs"), phantom stock, stock bonuses, and other awards in such amounts and with such terms and conditions as it shall determine, subject to the provisions of the Amended Stock Plan. Each award granted under the Amended Stock Plan (except unconditional stock grants and the cash component of Director compensation) shall be evidenced by an agreement containing such restrictions as the SEBC may, in its sole discretion, deem necessary or desirable and which are not in conflict with the terms of the Amended Stock Plan. The maximum exercise period for an option grant under this plan is 10 years from the date of the grant. During 2013, we granted, net of forfeitures, 376,163 RSUs. During 2012, we granted, net of forfeitures, 326,213 RSUs. During 2011, we granted, net of forfeitures, 402,925 RSUs. No options to purchase common stock were granted in 2013, 2012, or 2011. As of December 31, 2013, 4,233,305 shares of the Parent's common stock were authorized under the Amended Stock Plan, and 3,445,663 shares remained available for issuance pursuant to outstanding stock options and RSUs granted under the Stock Plan and the Amended Stock Plan.
	During the vesting period, dividend equivalent units ("DEUs") are earned on RSUs. The DEUs are reinvested in the Parent's common stock at fair value on each dividend payment date. We accrued 23,505 DEUs in 2013; 32,558 DEUs in 2012; and 41,469 DEUs in 2011. In addition, 39,296 DEUs were vested in 2013, 48,224 DEUs were vested in 2012, and 33,532 were vested in 2011. The DEUs are subject to the same vesting period and conditions set forth in the award agreements for the related RSUs.
	Cash Incentive Plan
	The Parent's Cash Incentive Plan (“Cash Incentive Plan”) was approved effective April 1, 2005 by stockholders on April 27, 2005. Stockholders approved the amendment and restatement of the Cash Incentive Plan effective as of May 1, 2010 (the “Amended Cash Incentive Plan”) on April 28, 2010. Under the Amended Cash Incentive Plan, the SEBC may grant cash incentive units in such amounts and with such terms and conditions as it shall determine, subject to the provisions of the Amended Cash Incentive Plan. The initial dollar value of these grants will be adjusted to reflect the percentage increase or decrease in the total shareholder return on the Parent's common stock over a specified performance period. In addition, for certain grants, the number of units granted will be adjusted to reflect our performance on specified indicators as compared to targeted peer companies. Each award granted under the Amended Cash Incentive Plan shall be evidenced by an agreement containing such restrictions as the SEBC may, in its sole discretion, deem necessary or desirable and which are not in conflict with the terms of the Amended Cash Incentive Plan. We granted, net of forfeitures, 55,365 cash incentive units during 2013, 46,961 cash incentive units during 2012, and 46,879 cash incentive units during 2011.
	Stock Option Plan II
	As of December 31, 2013, 298,680 shares of the Parent's common stock remained available in the reserve for Stock Option Plan II, under which future grants ceased being available on May 22, 2002. Under Stock Option Plan II, employees were granted qualified and nonqualified stock options, with or without SARs, and restricted or unrestricted stock: (i) at not less than fair value on the date of grant; and (ii) subject to certain vesting periods as determined by the SEBC. Restricted stock awards also could be subject to the achievement of performance objectives as determined by the SEBC. The maximum exercise period for an option grant under this plan was 10 years from the date of the grant.
	Stock Option Plan III
	As of December 31, 2013, there were 275,244 shares of the Parent's common stock in the reserve for Stock Option Plan III, under which future grants ceased being available with the approval of the Stock Plan. Under Stock Option Plan III, employees were granted qualified and nonqualified stock options, with or without SARs, and restricted or unrestricted stock: (i) at not less than fair value on the date of grant, and (ii) subject to certain vesting restrictions determined by the SEBC. Restricted stock awards also could be subject to achievement of performance objectives as determined by the SEBC. The maximum exercise period for an option grant under this plan was 10 years from the date of the grant.
	Stock Option Plan for Directors
	As of December 31, 2013, 114,000 shares of the Parent's common stock remained in the reserve for the Stock Option Plan for Directors, under which future grants ceased being available with the approval of the Stock Plan. Non-employee directors participated in this plan and automatically received an annual nonqualified option to purchase 6,000 shares of the Parent's common stock at not less than fair value on the date of grant, which is typically on March 1. Options under this plan vested on the first anniversary of the grant and must be exercised by the tenth anniversary of the grant.
	Stock Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors
	As of December 31, 2013 there were 94,290 shares of the Parent's common stock available for issuance pursuant to outstanding stock option awards under the Stock Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors, under which future grants ceased being available with the approval of the Stock Plan. Under the Stock Compensation Plan for Non-employee Directors, Directors could elect to receive a portion of their annual compensation in shares of the Parent's common stock. There were no issuances under this plan in 2013, 2012, and 2011.
	Employee Stock Purchase Plan
	On April 29, 2009, the Parent’s stockholders approved the Parent’s Employee Stock Purchase Plan (2009) (“ESPP”). This plan replaced the previous employee stock purchase savings plan under which no further purchases could be made as of July 1, 2009. Under the ESPP, there were 870,930 shares of the Parent's common stock available for purchase as of December 31, 2013. The ESPP is available to all employees who meet the plan's eligibility requirements. The ESPP provides for the issuance of options to purchase shares of common stock. The purchase price is the lower of: (i) 85% of the closing market price at the time the option is granted; or (ii) 85% of the closing price at the time the option is exercised. Shares are generally issued on June 30 and December 31 of each year. Under the ESPP, we issued 122,951 shares to employees during 2013, 129,081 shares during 2012, and 131,705 shares during 2011.
	Agent Stock Purchase Plan
	On July 27, 2010, the SEBC approved the Parent’s Amended and Restated Stock Purchase Plan for Independent Insurance Agencies ("Agent Plan") which made immaterial amendments to the plan approved by stockholders on April 26, 2006. Under the Agent Plan, there were 2,098,020 shares of the Parent’s common stock available for purchase as of December 31, 2013. The Agent Plan provides for quarterly offerings in which our independent retail insurance agencies and wholesale general agencies, and certain eligible persons associated with the agencies, with contracts with the Insurance Subsidiaries can purchase the Parent's common stock at a 10% discount with a one year restricted period during which the shares purchased cannot be sold or transferred. Under the Agent Plan, we issued 86,388 shares in 2013, 89,723 shares in 2012, and 111,427 shares in 2011, and charged to expense $0.2 million in each year, with a corresponding income tax benefit of $0.1 million in each year.
	A summary of the stock option transactions under our share-based payment plans is as follows:
		Number		Weighted			Weighted	Aggregate
		of Shares		Average			Average	Intrinsic Value
				Exercise			Remaining	($ in thousands)
				Price			Contractual
							Life in Years
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	1,096,754		$	19.36
	Granted in 2013	—		—
	Exercised in 2013	182,201		16.98
	Forfeited or expired in 2013	11,114		26.59
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	903,439		$	19.75		3.92	$	6,705
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013	903,439		$	19.75		3.92	$	6,705
	The total intrinsic value of options exercised was $1.3 million during 2013, and $0.8 million in 2012 and 2011.
	A summary of the RSU transactions under our share-based payment plans is as follows:
		Number		Weighted
		of Shares		Average
				Grant Date
				Fair Value
	Unvested RSU awards at December 31, 2012	1,137,370		$	16.54
	Granted in 2013	396,713		21.03
	Vested in 2013	416,753		15.01
	Forfeited in 2013	20,550		17.24
	Unvested RSU awards at December 31, 2013	1,096,780		$	18.73
	As of December 31, 2013, total unrecognized compensation expense related to unvested RSU awards granted under our stock plans was $4.5 million. That expense is expected to be recognized over a weighted-average period of 1.8 years. The total intrinsic value of RSU vested was $9.1 million for 2013, $8.4 million for 2012, and $6.6 million for 2011. In connection with the vested RSUs, the total value of the DEU shares that also vested was $0.9 million during both 2013 and 2012, and $0.6 million in 2011.
	At December 31, 2013, the liability recorded in connection with our Cash Incentive Plan was $20.8 million. The fair value of the liability is re-measured at each reporting period through the settlement date of the awards, which is three years from the date of grant based on an amount expected to be paid. A Monte Carlo simulation is performed to approximate the projected fair value of the cash incentive units that, in accordance with the Cash Incentive Plan, is adjusted to reflect our performance on specified indicators as compared to targeted peer companies. The remaining cost associated with the cash incentive units is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of 1.2 years. The cash incentive unit payments made were $4.7 million in 2013, and $3.0 million in 2012 and 2011.
	In determining expense to be recorded for stock options granted under our share-based compensation plans, the fair value of each option award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black Scholes option valuation model ("Black Scholes"). The following are the significant assumptions used in applying Black Scholes: (i) the risk-free interest rate, which is the implied yield currently available on U.S. Treasury zero-coupon issues with an equal remaining term; (ii) the expected term, which is based on historical experience of similar awards; (iii) the dividend yield, which is determined by dividing the expected per share dividend during the coming year by the grant date stock price; and (iv) the expected volatility, which is based on the volatility of the Parent's stock price over a historical period comparable to the expected term. In applying Black Scholes, we use the weighted average assumptions illustrated in the following table:
		ESPP
		2013		2012		2011
	Risk-free interest rate	0.11	%	0.12		0.13
	Expected term	6 months		6 months		6 months
	Dividend yield	2.4	%	2.9		3
	Expected volatility	19	%	24		19
	The grant date fair value of RSUs is based on the market price of our common stock on the grant date, adjusted for the present value of our expected dividend payments. The expense recognized for share-based awards is based on the number of shares or units expected to be issued at the end of the performance period and the grant date fair value, and is amortized over the requisite service period.
	The weighted-average fair value of options and stock per share, including RSUs granted for the Parent's stock plans, during 2013, 2012, and 2011 is as follows:
		2013			2012		2011
	RSUs	$	21.03		17.62		17.17
	ESPP:
	Six month option	0.97			1.05		0.76
	Discount of grant date market value	3.24			2.7		2.62
	Total ESPP	4.21			3.75		3.38
	Agent Plan:
	Discount of grant date market value	2.4			1.76		1.62
	Share-based compensation expense charged against net income before tax was $19.9 million for the year ended December 31, 2013 with a corresponding income tax benefit of $6.8 million. Share-based compensation expense that was charged against net income before tax was $13.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2012 and $10.1 million for the year ended December 31, 2011 with corresponding income tax benefits of $4.8 million and $3.5 million, respectively.

Related_Party_Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
Related Party Transactions	'
	Related Party Transactions
	William M. Rue, a Director of the Parent, is Chairman of, and owns more than 10% of the equity of, Chas. E. Rue & Son, Inc., t/a Rue Insurance, a general independent retail insurance agency ("Rue Insurance"). Rue Insurance is an appointed independent retail agent of the Insurance Subsidiaries on terms and conditions similar to those of our other agents. Rue Insurance also places insurance for our business operations. Our relationship with Rue Insurance has existed since 1928.
	The following is a summary of transactions with Rue Insurance:
	•	Rue Insurance placed insurance policies with the Insurance Subsidiaries. Direct premiums written associated with these policies were $8.2 million in 2013, $7.7 million in 2012, and $7.8 million in 2011. In return, the Insurance Subsidiaries paid standard market commissions to Rue Insurance of $1.3 million in 2013, $1.3 million in 2012, and $1.2 million in 2011 including supplemental commissions.
	•	Rue Insurance placed insurance coverage for us with other insurance companies for which Rue Insurance was paid commission pursuant to its agreements with those carriers in 2012 and 2011. We paid premiums for such insurance coverage of $0.2 million in 2012 and 2011.
	In 2005, we established a private foundation, The Selective Group Foundation (the "Foundation"), under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. The Board of Directors of the Foundation is comprised of some of the Parent's officers. We made contributions to the Foundation in the amount of $0.4 million in each of 2013, 2012, and 2011.

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	(a) We purchase annuities from life insurance companies to fulfill obligations under claim settlements that provide for periodic future payments to claimants. As of December 31, 2013, we had purchased such annuities with a present value of $4.9 million for settlement of claims on a structured basis for which we are contingently liable. To our knowledge, there are no material defaults from any of the issuers of such annuities.
	(b) We have various operating leases for office space and equipment. Such lease agreements, which expire at various times, are generally renewed or replaced by similar leases. Rental expense under these leases amounted to $13.2 million in 2013, $13.1 million in 2012, and $11.6 million in 2011. We also lease computer hardware and software under capital lease agreements expiring at various dates through 2018. See Note 2(p) for information on our accounting policy regarding leases.
	In addition, certain leases for rented premises and equipment are non-cancelable, and liability for payment will continue even though the space or equipment may no longer be in use. At December 31, 2013, the total future minimum rental commitments under non-cancelable leases were $49.0 million and such yearly amounts are as follows:
	($ in millions)	Capital Leases		Operating Leases		Total
	2014	$	1.4	$	11.4	$	12.8
	2015	1.4		9.2		10.6
	2016	0.6		6.3		6.9
	2017	0.1		4.7		4.8
	2018	—		3.8		3.8
	After 2018	—		10.1		10.1
	Total minimum payment required	$	3.5	$	45.5	$	49
	(c) At December 31, 2013, we have contractual obligations that expire at various dates through 2026 to invest up to an additional $56.5 million in alternative and other investments. There is no certainty that any such additional investment will be required. For additional information regarding these investments, see item (f) of Note 5. "Investments" in this Form 10-K.

Litigation

Litigation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Loss Contingency, Information about Litigation Matters [Abstract]	'
Litigation	'
	Litigation
	In the ordinary course of conducting business, we are named as defendants in various legal proceedings. Most of these proceedings are claims litigation involving our Insurance Subsidiaries as either: (i) liability insurers defending or providing indemnity for third-party claims brought against insureds; or (ii) insurers defending first-party coverage claims brought against them. We account for such activity through the establishment of unpaid loss and loss expense reserves. We expect that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such ordinary course claims litigation, after consideration of provisions made for potential losses and costs of defense, will not be material to our consolidated financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
	Our Insurance Subsidiaries are also from time to time involved in other legal actions, some of which assert claims for substantial amounts. These actions include, among others, putative class actions seeking certification of a state or national class. Such putative class actions have alleged, for example, improper reimbursement of medical providers paid under workers compensation and personal and commercial automobile insurance policies. Our Insurance Subsidiaries also are involved from time to time in individual actions in which extra-contractual damages, punitive damages, or penalties are sought, such as claims alleging bad faith in the handling of insurance claims. We believe that we have valid defenses to these cases. We expect that the ultimate liability, if any, with respect to such lawsuits, after consideration of provisions made for estimated losses, will not be material to our consolidated financial condition. Nonetheless, given the large or indeterminate amounts sought in certain of these actions, and the inherent unpredictability of litigation, an adverse outcome in certain matters could, from time to time, have a material adverse effect on our consolidated results of operations or cash flows in particular quarterly or annual periods.

Statutory_Financial_Informatio

Statutory Financial Information, Capital Requirements, and Restrictions on Dividends and Transfers of Funds	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Insurance [Abstract]	'
Statutory Financial Information, Capital Requirments, and Retrictions on Dividends and Transfers of Funds	'
	Statutory Financial Information, Capital Requirements, and Restrictions on Dividends and Transfers of Funds
	(a) Statutory Financial Information
	The Insurance Subsidiaries prepare their statutory financial statements in accordance with accounting principles prescribed or permitted by the various state insurance departments of domicile. Prescribed statutory accounting principles include state laws, regulations, and general administrative rules, as well as a variety of publications of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC"). Permitted statutory accounting principles encompass all accounting principles that are not prescribed; such principles differ from state to state, may differ from company to company within a state and may change in the future. The Insurance Subsidiaries do not utilize any permitted statutory accounting principles that materially affect the determination of statutory surplus, statutory net income, or risk-based capital (“RBC”). As of December 31, 2013, the various state insurance departments of domicile have adopted the March 2013 version of the NAIC Accounting Practices and Procedures manual in its entirety, as a component of prescribed or permitted practices.
	The following table provides statutory data for each of our Insurance Subsidiaries:
		State of Domicile	Unassigned Surplus					Statutory Surplus		Statutory Net Income
	($ in millions)		2013			2012		2013	2012	2013	2012	2011
	SICA	New Jersey	$	309.2		246.2		463.4	369.9	53.1	29.8	15.2
	Selective Way Insurance Company ("SWIC")	New Jersey	201.3			167.6		250.3	211.2	27.5	10.1	7.8
	Selective Insurance Company of South Carolina ("SICSC")	Indiana	80.7			70.1		111.9	91.4	8.2	2.8	0.7
	Selective Insurance Company of the Southeast ("SICSE")	Indiana	56.2			50.1		81.8	69.7	6	1.6	0.3
	Selective Insurance Company of New York ("SICNY")	New York	51.5			45.3		79.3	72.6	6.9	2.7	1.5
	Selective Insurance Company of New England ("SICNE")	New Jersey	4.7			2.7		34.9	32.5	3.1	0.6	0.3
	Selective Auto Insurance Company of New Jersey ("SAICNJ")	New Jersey	14.2			7.6		57	45.9	2.5	1.5	0.7
	MUSIC	New Jersey	(6.2		)	(14.9	)	62.3	53.6	5.2	0.9	—
	Selective Casualty Insurance Company ("SCIC")	New Jersey	6.1			(2.2	)	80.5	72.2	6.6	0.2	—
	Selective Fire and Casualty Insurance Company ("SFCIC")	New Jersey	3.1			(0.9	)	35	31.1	3.1	0.2	—
	Total		$	720.8		571.6		1,256.40	1,050.10	122.2	50.4	26.5
	(b) Capital Requirements
	The Insurance Subsidiaries are required to maintain certain minimum amounts of statutory surplus to satisfy the requirements of their various state insurance departments of domicile. RBC requirements for property and casualty insurance companies are designed to assess capital adequacy and to raise the level of protection that statutory surplus provides for policyholders. The Insurance Subsidiaries combined total adjusted capital exceeded the authorized control level RBC, as defined by the NAIC, by 4.5:1 based on their 2013 statutory financial statements. The negative unassigned surplus balance for MUSIC existed prior to our acquisition of this company in 2011. This company has not generated sufficient net income as of yet to offset negative surplus items, such as non-admitted assets. In addition to statutory capital requirements, we are impacted by various rating agency requirements related to certain rating levels. These required capital levels may be more than statutory requirements.
	(c) Restrictions on Dividends and Transfers of Funds
	The Parent pays dividends to stockholders from funds available at the holding company level. As of December 31, 2013, the Parent had a $71.2 million investment portfolio available to fund future dividends and interest payments. This portfolio is not subject to any regulatory restrictions, whereas our consolidated retained earnings of $1.2 billion is predominately restricted due to the regulation associated with our Insurance Subsidiaries. In 2014, the Insurance Subsidiaries have the ability to provide for $126.7 million in annual dividends to the Parent; however, as regulated entities these dividends are subject to certain restrictions as is further discussed below. The Parent also has available to it other potential sources of liquidity, such as: (i) borrowings from our Indiana-domiciled Insurance Subsidiaries; (ii) debt issuances; (iii) common stock issuances; and (iv) borrowings under our Line of Credit. Borrowings from SICSE and SICSC are governed by approved intercompany lending agreements with the Parent that provide for additional capacity of $29.7 million as of December 31, 2013, after considering that borrowings under these lending agreements are restricted to 10% of the admitted assets of these respective subsidiaries. For additional restrictions on the Parent's debt, see Note 10. "Indebtedness" in this Form 10-K.
	Insurance Subsidiaries Dividend Restrictions
	As noted above, the restriction on our net assets and retained earnings is predominantly driven by our Insurance Subsidiaries' ability to pay dividends to the Parent under applicable law and regulations. Under the insurance laws of the domiciliary states of the Insurance Subsidiaries, New Jersey, Indiana, and New York, an insurer can potentially make an ordinary dividend payment if its statutory surplus following such dividend is reasonable in relation to its outstanding liabilities, is adequate to its financial needs, and the dividend does not exceed the insurer's unassigned surplus. In general, New Jersey defines an ordinary dividend as a dividend whose fair market value, together with other dividends made within the preceding 12 months, is less than the greater of 10% of the insurer's statutory surplus as of the preceding December 31, or the insurer's net income (excluding capital gains) for the 12-month period ending on the preceding December 31. Indiana's ordinary dividend calculation is consistent with New Jersey's, except that it does not exclude capital gains from net income. In general, New York defines an ordinary dividend as a dividend whose fair market value, together with other dividends made within the preceding 12 months, is less than the lesser of 10% of the insurer's statutory surplus, or 100% of adjusted net investment income. New Jersey and Indiana require notice of the declaration of any ordinary dividend distribution. During the notice period, the relevant state regulatory authority may disallow all or part of the proposed dividend if it determines that the dividend is not appropriate given the above considerations. New York does not require notice of ordinary dividends. Dividend payments exceeding ordinary dividends are referred to as extraordinary dividends and require review and approval by the applicable domiciliary insurance regulatory authority prior to payment.
	The following table provides quantitative data regarding all Insurance Subsidiaries' dividends paid to the Parent in 2013 for debt service, shareholder dividends, and general operating purposes:
	Dividends		Twelve Months ended December 31, 2013
	($ in millions)	State of Domicile	Ordinary Dividends Paid			Extraordinary Dividends Paid		Total Dividends Paid
	SICA	New Jersey	$	6		11		17
	SWIC	New Jersey	6.3			—		6.3
	SICSC	Indiana	1			—		1
	SICSE	Indiana	1.5			—		1.5
	SICNY	New York	2.4			—		2.4
	SICNE	New Jersey	2			—		2
	SAICNJ	New Jersey	1.9			—		1.9
	Total		$	21.1		11		32.1
	The extraordinary dividends paid in 2013 were part of the capitalization plan for the formation of SFCIC and SCIC.
	Based on the 2013 statutory financial statements, the maximum ordinary dividends that can be paid to the Parent by the Insurance Subsidiaries in 2014 are as follows:
			2014
	($ in millions)	State of Domicile	Maximum Ordinary
			Dividends Paid
	SICA	New Jersey	$	46.3
	SWIC	New Jersey	25
	SICSC	Indiana	11.2
	SICSE	Indiana	8.2
	SICNY	New York	7.9
	SICNE	New Jersey	3.5
	SAICNJ	New Jersey	6.8
	MUSIC	New Jersey	6.2
	SCIC	New Jersey	8.1
	SFCIC	New Jersey	3.5
	Total		$	126.7

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio

Quarterly Financial Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Quarterly Financial Information	'
	Quarterly Financial Information
	(unaudited, $ in thousands,	First Quarter				Second Quarter				Third Quarter				Fourth Quarter
	except per share data)	2013		2012		2013		2012		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Net premiums earned	420,940		378,829		426,252		392,212		437,568		406,225		451,312		406,853
	Net investment income earned	32,870		32,628		34,003		34,006		32,457		30,650		35,313		34,593
	Net realized gains (losses)	3,355		4,358		5,154		178		13,431		(1,088	)	(1,208	)	5,540
	Underwriting profit (loss)	12,161		(1,363	)	4,483		(26,962	)	10,151		861		11,971		(36,543	)
	Net income from continuing operations	22,305		18,093		27,122		288		32,653		18,274		25,335		1,308
	Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax	(997	)	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	Net income	21,308		18,093		27,122		288		32,653		18,274		25,335		1,308
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	27,881		10,690		(62,643	)	5,520		(2,195	)	26,507		7,768		(30,971	)
	Comprehensive income (loss)	49,189		28,783		(35,521	)	5,808		30,458		44,781		33,103		(29,663	)
	Net income per share:
	Basic	0.38		0.33		0.49		0.01		0.59		0.33		0.45		0.02
	Diluted	0.38		0.33		0.48		0.01		0.57		0.33		0.44		0.02
	Dividends to stockholders1	0.13		0.13		0.13		0.13		0.13		0.13		0.13		0.13
	Price range of common stock:2
	High	24.13		19		24.75		17.99		25.95		19.37		28.31		20.31
	Low	19.53		16.64		19.58		16.22		22.61		16.64		23.55		17.17
	The addition of all quarters may not agree to annual amounts on the Financial Statements due to rounding.
	1 See Note 20. “Statutory Financial Information, Capital Requirements, and Restrictions on Dividends and Transfers of Funds” for a discussion of dividend restrictions.
	2 These ranges of high and low prices of the Parent’s common stock, as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market, represent actual transactions. Price quotations do not include retail markups, markdowns, and commissions. The range of high and low prices for common stock for the period beginning January 2, 2014 and ending February 14, 2014 was $21.38 to $26.99.

Subsequent_Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Subsequent Events [Abstract]	'
Subsequent Events	'
	Subsequent Events
	As a result of severe weather conditions, our preliminary estimate for January catastrophe losses is between $28 million and $32 million. The losses were primarily from extreme cold caused by the polar vortex that impacted our entire 22 state footprint.

Schedule_I_Summay_of_Investmen

Schedule I - Summay of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract]	'
Schedule I - Summary of Investments- Other than Investments in Related Parties	'
	Types of investment
	($ in thousands)	Amortized Cost or Cost		Fair Value	Carrying Amount
	Fixed maturity securities:
	Held-to-maturity:
	Foreign government obligations	$	5,292	5,591	5,423
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	348,109		369,756	352,122
	Public utilities	12,294		13,234	12,250
	All other corporate securities	15,880		17,040	15,578
	Asset-backed securities	3,413		3,415	2,758
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	5,634		7,945	4,748
	Total fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity	390,622		416,981	392,879
	Available-for-sale:
	U.S. government and government agencies	163,218		173,375	173,375
	Foreign government obligations	29,781		30,615	30,615
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	946,455		951,624	951,624
	Public utilities	146,792		146,453	146,453
	All other corporate securities	1,561,136		1,588,430	1,588,430
	Asset-backed securities	140,430		140,896	140,896
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities	172,288		171,284	171,284
	Residential mortgage-backed securities	515,877		512,859	512,859
	Total fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	3,675,977		3,715,536	3,715,536
	Equity securities:
	Common stock:
	Public utilities	7,939		7,934	7,934
	Banks, trust and insurance companies	26,884		31,446	31,446
	Industrial, miscellaneous and all other	120,527		153,391	153,391
	Total equity securities, available-for-sale	155,350		192,771	192,771
	Short-term investments	174,251		174,251	174,251
	Other investments	107,875			107,875
	Total investments	$	4,504,075		4,583,312

Schedule_II_Parent_Corporation

Schedule II - Parent Corporation Finanical Statements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule II- Parent Corporation Financial Statements	'
	SCHEDULE II
	SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
	(Parent Corporation)
	Balance Sheets
		December 31,
	($ in thousands, except share amounts)	2013			2012
	Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale – at fair value (amortized cost: $55,447 – 2013; $40,701 - 2012)	$	55,623		41,202
	Short-term investments	15,399			26,787
	Cash	193			210
	Investment in subsidiaries	1,493,996			1,356,701
	Current federal income tax	28,471			8,133
	Deferred federal income tax	15,122			19,840
	Other assets	9,410			9,695
	Total assets	$	1,618,214		1,462,568
	Liabilities:
	Notes payable	$	334,414		249,387
	Intercompany notes payable	102,721			103,443
	Other liabilities	27,151			19,146
	Total liabilities	$	464,286		371,976
	Stockholders’ Equity:
	Preferred stock at $0 par value per share:
	Authorized shares 5,000,000; no shares issued or outstanding	$	—		—
	Common stock of $2 par value per share:
	Authorized shares:  360,000,000
	Issued:  99,120,235 – 2013; 98,194,224 – 2012	198,240			196,388
	Additional paid-in capital	288,182			270,654
	Retained earnings	1,202,015			1,125,154
	Accumulated other comprehensive income	24,851			54,040
	Treasury stock – at cost (shares:  43,198,622 – 2013; 43,030,776 – 2012)	(559,360		)	(555,644	)
	Total stockholders’ equity	1,153,928			1,090,592
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	1,618,214		1,462,568
	Information should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.
	SCHEDULE II (continued)
	SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
	(Parent Corporation)
	Statements of Income
		Year ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2013			2012		2011
	Revenues:
	Dividends from subsidiaries	$	32,129		196,091		63,025
	Net investment income earned	585			495		231
	Other income	55			464		362
	Total revenues	32,769			197,050		63,618
	Expenses:
	Interest expense	24,309			20,711		20,203
	Other expenses	27,888			20,632		16,832
	Total expenses	52,197			41,343		37,035
	(Loss) income from continuing operations, before federal income tax	(19,428		)	155,707		26,583
	Federal income tax benefit:
	Current	(22,779		)	(4,602	)	(12,785	)
	Deferred	4,835			(9,347	)	490
	Total federal income tax benefit	(17,944		)	(13,949	)	(12,295	)
	Net (loss) income from continuing operations before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries	(1,484		)	169,656		38,878
	Equity in undistributed income of continuing subsidiaries, net of tax	108,899			—		—
	Dividends in excess of continuing subsidiaries’ current year earnings	—			(131,693	)	(16,195	)
	Net income from continuing operations	107,415			37,963		22,683
	Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax of $(538) - 2013; and $(350) - 2011	(997		)	—		(650	)
	Net income	$	106,418		37,963		22,033
	Information should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.
	SCHEDULE II (continued)
	SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
	(Parent Corporation)
Statements of Cash Flows
	Year ended December 31,
($ in thousands)	2013			2012		2011
Operating Activities:
Net income	$	106,418		37,963		22,033
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries, net of tax	(108,899		)	—		—
Dividends in excess of continuing subsidiaries’ current year income	—			131,693		16,195
Stock-based compensation expense	8,630			6,939		7,422
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations	997			—		650
Realized gain	—			(219	)	—
Amortization – other	4,353			450		229
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Increase in accrued salaries and benefits	6,791			5,221		330
(Increase) decrease in net federal income taxes	(14,968		)	4,897		742
Other, net	1,204			(7,014	)	(2,234	)
Net adjustments	(101,892		)	141,967		23,334
Net cash provided by operating activities	4,526			179,930		45,367
Investing Activities:
Purchase of fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	(21,708		)	(148,604	)	(19,643	)
Redemption and maturities of fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	6,432			127,344		—
Redemption and maturities of fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity	—			—		796
Purchase of short-term investments	(241,748		)	(106,539	)	(128,378	)
Sale of short-term investments	253,136			113,700		144,538
Capital contribution to subsidiaries	(57,125		)	(139,122	)	—
Purchase of subsidiary, net of cash acquired	—			255		(51,728	)
Sale of subsidiary	1,225			751		1,152
Net cash used in investing activities	(59,788		)	(152,215	)	(53,263	)
Financing Activities:
Dividends to stockholders	(27,416		)	(26,944	)	(26,513	)
Acquisition of treasury stock	(3,716		)	(3,495	)	(2,741	)
Proceeds from notes payable, net of debt issuance costs	178,435			—		—
Net proceeds from stock purchase and compensation plans	7,119			4,840		5,011
Excess tax benefits (expense) from share-based payment arrangements	1,545			1,060		(90	)
Repayment of notes payable	(100,000		)	—		—
Borrowings from subsidiaries	—			—		45,000
Principal payment on borrowings from subsidiaries	(722		)	(3,688	)	(12,654	)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	55,245			(28,227	)	8,013
Net (decrease) increase in cash	(17		)	(512	)	117
Cash, beginning of year	210			722		605
Cash, end of year	$	193		210		722
Information should be read in conjunction with the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements of Selective Insurance Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries in Item 8. “Financial Statements and Supplementary Data.” of this Form 10-K.

Schedule_III_Supplementary_Ins

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule III- Supplementary Insurance Information	'
	($ in thousands)		Deferred		Reserve	Unearned premiums	Net	Net	Losses	Amortization	Other	Net
			policy		for loss		premiums earned	investment income1	and loss	of deferred	operating expenses3	premiums written
			acquisition costs		and loss expenses				expenses incurred	policy
										acquisition costs2
	Standard Insurance Operations Segment		$	156,546	3,189,498	995,830	1,610,951	—	1,037,711	303,540	227,199	1,678,497
	E&S Insurance Operations Segment		16,435		160,272	63,325	125,121	—	84,027	28,288	16,541	131,662
	Investments Segment		—		—	—	—	155,375	—	—	—	—
	Total		$	172,981	3,349,770	1,059,155	1,736,072	155,375	1,121,738	331,828	243,740	1,810,159
	1Includes “Net investment income earned” and “Net realized investment gains” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	2The total of “Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs” of $331,828 and “Other operating expenses” of $243,740 reconciles to the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows:
	Policy acquisition costs	$	579,977
	Other income3	(12,201		)
	Other expenses3	7,792
	Total	$	575,568
	3 In addition to amounts related to the Standard and E&S Insurance Operations segments, “Other income” and “Other expenses” on the Consolidated Statements of Income includes holding company income and expense amounts of $93 and $27,894, respectively.
	Year ended December 31, 2012
	($ in thousands)		Deferred		Reserve	Unearned premiums	Net	Net	Losses	Amortization	Other	Net
			policy		for loss		premiums earned	investment income1	and loss	of deferred	operating expenses3	premiums written
			acquisition costs		and loss expenses				expenses incurred	policy
										acquisition costs2
	Insurance Operations Segment		$	141,551	3,948,638	917,918	1,504,890	—	1,057,787	280,700	210,852	1,553,586
	E&S Insurance Operations Segment		13,972		120,303	56,788	79,229	—	63,203	17,847	17,737	113,297
	Investments Segment		—		—	—	—	140,865	—	—	—	—
	Total		$	155,523	4,068,941	974,706	1,584,119	140,865	1,120,990	298,547	228,589	1,666,883
	1Includes “Net investment income earned” and “Net realized investment gains” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	2 The total of “Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs” of $298,547 and “Other operating expenses” of $228,589 reconciles to the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows:
	Policy acquisition costs	$	526,143
	Other income3	(8,827		)
	Other expenses3	9,820
	Total	$	527,136
	3 In addition to amounts related to the Standard and E&S Insurance Operations segments, “Other income” and “Other expenses” on the Consolidated Statements of Income includes holding company income and expense amounts of $291 and $20,642, respectively.
	SCHEDULE III (continued)
	SELECTIVE INSURANCE GROUP, INC. AND CONSOLIDATED SUBSIDIARIES
	SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION
	Year ended December 31, 2011
	($ in thousands)		Deferred		Reserve	Unearned premiums	Net	Net	Losses	Amortization	Other	Net
			policy		for loss and loss expenses		premiums earned	investment income1	and loss	of deferred	operating expenses3	premiums written
			acquisition costs						expenses incurred	policy
										acquisition costs2
	Insurance Operations Segment		$	131,043	3,083,359	885,850	1,435,399	—	1,071,815	265,009	195,498	1,461,216
	E&S Insurance Operations Segment		4,718		61,565	21,141	3,914	—	3,172	1,052	6,351	24,133
	Investments Segment		—		—	—	—	149,683	—	—	—	—
	Total		$	135,761	3,144,924	906,991	1,439,313	149,683	1,074,987	266,061	201,849	1,485,349
	1 Includes “Net investment income earned” and “Net realized investment gains” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	2 The total of “Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs” of $266,061 and “Other operating expenses” of $201,849 reconciles to the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows:
	Policy acquisition costs	$	466,404
	Other income3	(8,069		)
	Other expenses3	9,575
	Total	$	467,910
	3 In addition to amounts related to the Insurance Operations segment, “Other income” and “Other expenses” on the Consolidated Statements of Income includes holding company income and expense amounts of $410 and $16,850, respectively.

Schedule_IV_Reinsurance

Schedule IV - Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]	'
Schedule IV - Reinsurance	'
	($ thousands)	Direct Amount		Assumed From Other Companies	Ceded to Other Companies	Net Amount	% of Amount Assumed To Net
	2013
	Premiums earned:
	Accident and health insurance	$	55	—	55	—	—
	Property and liability insurance	2,048,475		44,464	356,867	1,736,072	3	%
	Total premiums earned	2,048,530		44,464	356,922	1,736,072	3	%
	2012
	Premiums earned:
	Accident and health insurance	$	58	—	58	—	—
	Property and liability insurance	1,872,949		65,884	354,714	1,584,119	4	%
	Total premiums earned	1,873,007		65,884	354,772	1,584,119	4	%
	2011
	Premiums earned:
	Accident and health insurance	$	62	—	62	—	—
	Property and liability insurance	1,692,959		29,011	282,657	1,439,313	2	%
	Total premiums earned	1,693,021		29,011	282,719	1,439,313	2	%

Schedule_V_Allowance_for_Uncol

Schedule V - Allowance for Uncollectible Premiums and Other Receivables	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013								Dec. 31, 2012
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'								'
Schedule V - Allowance for Uncollectible Premiums and Other Receivables	'								'
	($ in thousands)	2013			2012		2011
	Balance, January 1	$	8,706		7,668		8,091
	Additions	3,733			4,536		4,990
	Deductions	(2,897		)	(3,498	)	(5,413	)
	Balance, December 31	$	9,542		8,706		7,668

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Principles of Consolidation	'
	Principles of Consolidation
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements ("Financial Statements") include the accounts of the Parent and its subsidiaries, and have been prepared in conformity with: (i) U.S. generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"); and (ii) the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"). All significant intercompany accounts and transactions are eliminated in consolidation.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of our Financial Statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported financial statement balances, as well as the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities. Actual results could differ from those estimates.
Reclassifications	'
	Reclassifications
	Certain amounts in our prior years' Financial Statements and related notes have been reclassified to conform to the 2013 presentation. Such reclassifications had no effect on our net income, stockholders' equity, or cash flows.
Investments	'
	Investments
	Fixed maturity securities may include bonds, redeemable preferred stocks, mortgage-backed securities (“MBS”) and asset-backed securities (“ABS”). Fixed maturity securities classified as available-for-sale (“AFS”) are reported at fair value. Those fixed maturity securities that we have the ability and positive intent to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity (“HTM”) and are carried at either: (i) amortized cost; or (ii) market value at the date of transfer into the HTM category, adjusted for subsequent amortization. The amortized cost of fixed maturity securities is adjusted for the amortization of premiums and the accretion of discounts over the expected life of the security using the effective yield method. Premiums and discounts arising from the purchase of MBS are amortized over the expected life of the security based on future principal payments, and considering prepayments. These prepayments are estimated based on historical and projected cash flows. Prepayment assumptions are reviewed quarterly and adjusted to reflect actual prepayments and changes in expectations. Future amortization of any premium and/or discount is also adjusted to reflect the revised assumptions. Interest income, as well as amortization and accretion, is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated Statements of Income. The amortized cost of fixed maturity securities is written down to fair value when a decline in value is considered to be other than temporary. See the discussion below on realized investment gains and losses for a description of the accounting for impairments. Unrealized gains and losses on fixed maturity securities classified as AFS, net of tax, are included in accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) ("AOCI").
	Equity securities, which are classified as AFS, may include common stocks and non-redeemable preferred stocks, and are carried at fair value. Dividend income on these securities is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated Statement of Income. The associated unrealized gains and losses, net of tax, are included in AOCI. The cost of equity securities is written down to fair value when a decline in value is considered to be other than temporary. See the discussion below on realized investment gains and losses for a description of the accounting for impairments.
	Short-term investments may include certain money market instruments, savings accounts, commercial paper, and other debt issues purchased with a maturity of less than one year. These investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. The associated income is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated Statement of Income.
	Other investments may include alternative investments and other securities. Alternative investments are accounted for using the equity method. Our share of distributed and undistributed net income from alternative investments is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated Statement of Income. Investments in other securities are accounted for either under the equity method or carried at amortized cost under the effective yield method of accounting. Our share of distributed and undistributed net income is included in "Net investment income earned" on our Consolidated Statement of Income.
	Realized gains and losses on the sale of investments are determined on the basis of the cost of the specific investments sold and are credited or charged to income. Also included in realized gains and losses are the other-than-temporary impairment ("OTTI") charges recognized in earnings, which are discussed below.
	When the fair value of any investment is lower than its cost/amortized cost, an assessment is made to determine if the decline is other than temporary. We regularly review our entire investment portfolio for declines in fair value. If we believe that a decline in the value of an AFS security is temporary, we record the decline as an unrealized loss in AOCI. Temporary declines in the value of an HTM security are not recognized in the Financial Statements. Our assessment of a decline in fair value includes judgment as to the financial position and future prospects of the entity that issued the investment security, as well as a review of the security’s underlying collateral for fixed maturity investments. Broad changes in the overall market or interest rate environment generally will not lead to a write-down.
	Fixed Maturity Securities and Short-Term Investments
	Our evaluation for OTTI of a fixed maturity security or a short-term investment may include, but is not limited to, the evaluation of the following factors:
	•	Whether the decline appears to be issuer or industry specific;
	•	The degree to which the issuer is current or in arrears in making principal and interest payments on the fixed maturity security;
	•	The issuer’s current financial condition and ability to make future scheduled principal and interest payments on a timely basis;
	•	Evaluation of projected cash flows;
	•	Buy/hold/sell recommendations published by outside investment advisors and analysts; and
	•	Relevant rating history, analysis, and guidance provided by rating agencies and analysts.
	OTTI charges are recognized as a realized loss to the extent that they are credit related, unless we have the intent to sell the security or it is more-likely-than not that we will be required to sell the security. In those circumstances, the security is written down to fair value with the entire amount of the writedown charged to earnings as a component of realized losses.
	To determine if an impairment is other than temporary, we compare the present value of cash flows expected to be collected with the amortized cost of fixed maturity securities meeting certain criteria. In addition, this analysis is performed on all previously-impaired debt securities that continue to be held by us and all structured securities that were not of high-credit quality at the date of purchase. These impairment assessments may include, but are not limited to, discounted cash flow analyses ("DCFs").
	For structured securities, including CMBS, RMBS, ABS, and CDOs, we also consider variables such as expected default, severity, and prepayment assumptions based on security type and vintage, taking into consideration information from credit agencies, historical performance, and other relevant economic and performance factors.
	In making our assessment, we perform a DCF to determine the present value of future cash flows to be generated by the underlying collateral of the security. Any shortfall in the expected present value of the future cash flows, based on the DCF, from the amortized cost basis of a security is considered a “credit impairment,” with the remaining decline in fair value of a security considered as a “non-credit impairment.” As mentioned above, credit impairments are charged to earnings as a component of realized losses, while non-credit impairments are recorded to Other Comprehensive Income ("OCI") as a component of unrealized losses.
	Discounted Cash Flow Assumptions
	The discount rate we use in a DCF is the effective interest rate implicit in the security at the date of acquisition for those structured securities that were not of high-credit quality at acquisition. For all other securities, we use a discount rate that equals the current yield, excluding the impact of previous OTTI charges, used to accrete the beneficial interest.
	If applicable, we use a conditional default rate assumption in the DCF to estimate future defaults. The conditional default rate is the proportion of all loans outstanding in a security at the beginning of a time period that are expected to default during that period. Our assumption of this rate takes into consideration the uncertainty of future defaults as well as whether or not these securities have experienced significant cumulative losses or delinquencies to date.
	If applicable, conditional default rate assumptions apply at the total collateral pool level held in the securitization trust. Generally, collateral conditional default rates will “ramp-up” over time as the collateral seasons, because the performance begins to weaken and losses begin to surface. As time passes, depending on the collateral type and vintage, losses will peak and performance will begin to improve as weaker borrowers are removed from the pool through delinquency resolutions. In the later years of a collateral pool’s life, performance is generally materially better as the resulting favorable selection of the portfolio improves the overall quality and performance.
	For CMBS, we also consider the net operating income (“NOI”) generated by the underlying properties. Our assumptions of the properties’ ultimate cash flows take into consideration both an immediate reduction to the reported NOIs and decreases to projected NOIs.
	If applicable, we also use a loan loss severity assumption in our DCF that is applied at the loan level of the collateral pool. The loan loss severity assumptions represent the estimated percentage loss on the loan-to-value exposure for a particular security. For CMBS, the loan loss severities applied are based on property type. Losses generated from the evaluations are then applied to the entire underlying deal structure in accordance with the original service agreements.
	Equity Securities
	Evaluation for OTTI of an equity security may include, but is not limited to, an evaluation of the following factors:
	•	Whether the decline appears to be issuer or industry specific;
	•	The relationship of market prices per share to book value per share at the date of acquisition and date of evaluation;
	•	The price-earnings ratio at the time of acquisition and date of evaluation;
	•	The financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer, including any specific events that may influence the issuer's operations, coupled with our intention to hold the securities in the near-term;
	•	The recent income or loss of the issuer;
	•	The independent auditors' report on the issuer's recent financial statements;
	•	The dividend policy of the issuer at the date of acquisition and the date of evaluation;
	•	Buy/hold/sell recommendations or price projections published by outside investment advisors;
	•	Rating agency announcements;
	•	The length of time and the extent to which the fair value has been, or is expected to be, less than its cost in the near term; and
	•	Our expectation of when the cost of the security will be recovered.
	If there is a decline in the fair value on an equity security that we do not intend to hold, or if we determine the decline is other-than-temporary, including declines driven by market volatility for which we cannot assert will recover in the near term, we will write down the carrying value of the investment and record the charge through earnings as a component of realized losses.
	Other Investments
	Our evaluation for OTTI of an other investment (i.e., an alternative investment) may include, but is not limited to, conversations with the management of the alternative investment concerning the following:
	•	The current investment strategy;
	•	Changes made or future changes to be made to the investment strategy;
	•	Emerging issues that may affect the success of the strategy; and
	•	The appropriateness of the valuation methodology used regarding the underlying investments.
	If there is a decline in fair value on an other investment that we do not intend to hold, or if we determine the decline is other than temporary, we write down the cost of the investment and record the charge through earnings as a component of realized losses.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Values of Financial Instruments
	Assets
	The fair values of our investments are generated using various valuation techniques and are placed into the fair value hierarchy considering the following: (i) the highest priority is given to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1); (ii) the next highest priority is given to quoted prices in markets that are not active or inputs that are observable either directly or indirectly, including quoted prices for similar assets in markets that are not active and other inputs that can be derived principally from, or corroborated by, observable market data for substantially the full term of the assets (Level 2); and (iii) the lowest priority is given to unobservable inputs supported by little or no market activity and that reflect our assumptions about the exit price, including assumptions that market participants would use in pricing the asset (Level 3). An asset’s classification within the fair value hierarchy is based on the lowest level of significant input to its valuation. Transfers between levels in the fair value hierarchy are recognized at the end of the reporting period.
	The techniques used to value our financial assets are as follows:
	•	For valuations of a large portion of our equity securities portfolio as well as U.S. Treasury Notes held in our fixed maturity securities portfolio, we receive prices from an independent pricing service that are based on observable market transactions. We validate these prices against a second external pricing service, and if established market value comparison thresholds are breached, further analysis is performed, in conjunction with our external investment managers, to determine the price to be used. These securities are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
	•	For approximately 99% of our fixed maturity securities portfolio, we utilize a market approach, using primarily matrix pricing models prepared by external pricing services. Matrix pricing models use mathematical techniques to value debt securities by relying on the securities relationship to other benchmark quoted securities, and not relying exclusively on quoted prices for specific securities, as the specific securities are not always frequently traded. As a matter of policy, we consistently use one pricing service as our primary source and secondary pricing services if prices are not available from the primary pricing service. In conjunction with our external investment portfolio managers, fixed maturity securities portfolio pricing is reviewed for reasonableness in the following ways: (i) comparing positions traded directly by the external investment portfolio managers to prices received from the third-party pricing services; (ii) comparing the primary vendor pricing to other third-party pricing services as well as benchmark indexed pricing; (iii) comparing market value fluctuations between months for reasonableness; and (iv) reviewing stale prices. If further analysis is needed, a challenge is sent to the pricing service for review and confirmation of the price. In addition to the tests described above, management performs a comparison of our prices to a secondary price source. Historically, we have not experienced significant variances in prices, and therefore, we have consistently used our primary pricing service. These prices are typically Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy.
	•	For the small portion of our fixed maturity securities portfolio that we cannot price using our primary or secondary service, we typically use non-binding broker quotes. These prices are from various broker/dealers that use bid or ask prices, or benchmarks to indices, in measuring the fair value of a security. For the small portion of non-public equity securities that we hold, we typically receive prices from a third party pricing service or through statements provided by the security issuer. In conjunction with our external investment portfolio managers, these fair value measurements are reviewed for reasonableness. This review typically includes an analysis of price fluctuations between months with variances over established thresholds being analyzed further. These prices are generally classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy, as the inputs cannot be corroborated by observable market data.
	•	Short-term investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value. Given the liquid nature of our short-term investments, we generally validate their fair value by way of active trades within approximately one week of the financial statement close. These securities are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy.
	Liabilities
	The techniques used to value our notes payable are as follows:
	•	The fair value of the 5.875% Senior Notes due February 9, 2043, and the 7.50% Junior Subordinated Notes that were originally due on September 27, 2066 but have been redeemed, are based on quoted market prices.
	•	The fair values of the 7.25% Senior Notes due November 15, 2034 and the 6.70% Senior Notes due November 1, 2035 are based on matrix pricing models prepared by external pricing services.
	•	The fair value of the 2.90% and 1.25% borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”) are estimated using a DCF based on a current borrowing rate provided by the FHLBI consistent with the remaining term of the borrowing.
	See Note 7. “Fair Value Measurements” for a summary table of the fair value and related carrying amounts of financial instruments.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	'
	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts
	We estimate an allowance for doubtful accounts on our premiums receivable. This allowance is based on historical write-off percentages adjusted for the effects of current and anticipated trends. An account is charged off when we believe it is probable that we will not collect a receivable. In making this determination, we consider information obtained from our efforts to collect amounts due directly and/or through collection agencies.
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	Share-based compensation consists of all share-based payment transactions in which an entity acquires goods or services by issuing (or offering to issue) its shares, share units, share options, or other equity instruments. The cost resulting from all share-based payment transactions are recognized in the Financial Statements based on the fair value of both equity and liability awards. The fair value is measured at grant date for equity awards, whereas the fair value for liability awards are remeasured at each reporting period. Both the fair value of equity and liability awards is recognized over the requisite service period. The requisite service period is typically the lesser of the vesting period or the period of time from the grant date to the date of retirement eligibility. The expense recognized for share-based awards, which, in some cases, contain performance criteria, is based on the number of shares or units expected to be issued at the end of the performance period.
Reinsurance	'
	Reinsurance
	Reinsurance recoverables represent estimates of amounts that will be recovered from reinsurers under our various treaties. Generally, amounts recoverable from reinsurers are recognized as assets at the same time and in a manner consistent with the paid and unpaid losses associated with the reinsured policies. An allowance for estimated uncollectible reinsurance is recorded based on an evaluation of balances due from reinsurers and other available information. We charge off reinsurance recoverables on paid losses when it becomes probable that we will not collect the balance.
Property and Equipment	'
	Property and Equipment
	Property and equipment used in operations, including certain costs incurred to develop or obtain computer software for internal use, are capitalized and carried at cost less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets. The following estimated useful lives can be considered as general guidelines:
	Asset Category		Years
	Computer hardware		3
	Computer software		3 to 5
	Internally developed software		5
	Furniture and fixtures		10
	Buildings and improvements		5 to 40
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	'
	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
	Deferred policy acquisition costs are limited to costs directly related to the successful acquisition of insurance contracts.  Costs meeting this definition typically include, among other things, sales commissions paid to agents, premium taxes, and the portion of employee salaries and benefits directly related to time spent on acquired contracts.  These costs are deferred and amortized over the life of the contracts.
	Accounting guidance requires a premium deficiency analysis to be performed at the level an entity acquires, services, and measures the profitability of its insurance contracts.  We currently perform two premium deficiency analyses, one for Standard Insurance Operations and one for E&S Insurance Operations, considering the following:
	•	Our marketing efforts for all of our product lines within our Standard Insurance Operations revolve around independent retail agencies and their touch points with our shared customers, the policyholders, while our E&S Insurance Operations revolve around our wholesale general agents.
	•	We service our Standard Insurance Operations' agency distribution channel through our field model, which includes agency management specialists ("AMSs"), safety management specialists, claims management specialists ("CMSs"), and our Underwriting and Claims Service Centers, all of which service the entire population of insurance contracts acquired through each agency. For our E&S Insurance Operations, we use external adjusters to service claims on behalf of our customers.
	•	We measure the profitability of our business for the Standard and E&S Insurance Operations separately, which is evident in, among other items, the structure of our incentive compensation programs. We measure the profitability and calculate the compensation of our independent retail agents based on the results of our Standard Insurance Operations and we measure the profitability and calculate the compensation of our wholesale general agents based on the results of our E&S Insurance Operations Segment.
	There were no premium deficiencies for any of the reported years, as the sum of the anticipated losses and loss expenses, unamortized acquisition costs, policyholder dividends, and other expenses for our Standard Insurance Operations and E&S Insurance Operations segments did not exceed the related unearned premium and anticipated investment income. The investment yields assumed in the premium deficiency assessment for each reporting period, which are based on our actual average investment yield before tax as of the September 30 calculation date were 3.0% for 2013, 3.1% for 2012, and 4.0% for 2011. Deferred policy acquisition costs amortized to expense were $331.8 million for 2013, $298.5 million for 2012, and $266.1 million for 2011.
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill
	Goodwill results from business acquisitions where the cost of assets and liabilities acquired exceeds the fair value of those assets and liabilities. A quantitative goodwill impairment analysis is performed if a quarterly qualitative analysis indicates that it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount. Goodwill is allocated to the reporting units for the purposes of these analyses, if appropriate.
Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses	'
	Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses
	Reserves for losses and loss expenses are comprised of both case reserves and reserves for claims incurred but not yet reported ("IBNR"). Case reserves result from claims that have been reported to one or more of our ten insurance subsidiaries, which are collectively referred to as the "Insurance Subsidiaries," and are estimated for the amount of ultimate payment. IBNR reserves are established based on generally accepted actuarial techniques. Such techniques assume that past experience, adjusted for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends, are an appropriate basis for predicting future events. In applying generally accepted actuarial techniques, we also consider a range of possible loss and loss expense reserves in establishing IBNR.
	The internal assumptions we consider in the estimation of the IBNR amounts for both asbestos and environmental and non-environmental reserves at our reporting dates are based on: (i) an analysis of both paid and incurred loss and loss expense development trends; (ii) an analysis of both paid and incurred claim count development trends; (iii) the exposure estimates for reported claims; (iv) recent development on exposure estimates with respect to individual large claims and the aggregate of all claims; (v) the rate at which new asbestos and environmental claims are being reported; and (vi) patterns of events observed by claims personnel or reported to them by defense counsel. External factors we monitor for the estimation of IBNR for both asbestos and environmental and non-environmental IBNR reserves include: (i) legislative enactments; (ii) judicial decisions; (iii) legal developments in the determination of liability and the imposition of damages; and (iv) trends in general economic conditions, including the effects of inflation. Adjustments to IBNR are made periodically to take into account changes in the volume of business written, claims frequency and severity, the mix of business, claims processing, and other items that management expects to affect our reserves for losses and loss expenses over time.
	By using both individual estimates of reported claims and generally accepted actuarial reserving techniques, we estimate the ultimate net liability for losses and loss expenses. While the ultimate actual liability may be higher or lower than reserves established, we believe the reserves make a reasonable provision, in the aggregate, for all unpaid losses and loss expenses incurred. Any changes in the liability estimate may be material to the results of operations in future periods. We do not discount to present value that portion of our losses and loss expense reserves expected to be paid in future periods; however, our loss and loss expense reserves include anticipated recoveries for salvage and subrogation claims.
	Overall reserves are reviewed for adequacy on a periodic basis. As part of the periodic review, we consider the range of possible loss and loss expense reserves, determined at the beginning of the year. This process assumes that past experience, adjusted for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends, is an appropriate basis for predicting future events. However, there is no precise method for subsequently evaluating the impact of any specific factor on the adequacy of reserves because the eventual deficiency or redundancy is affected by many factors. Based upon such reviews, we believe that the estimated reserves for losses and loss expenses make a reasonable provision to cover the ultimate cost of claims. However, the ultimate actual liability may be higher or lower than the reserve established. The changes in these estimates, resulting from the continuous review process and the differences between estimates and ultimate payments, are reflected in the consolidated statements of income for the period in which such estimates are changed and may be material to the results of operations in future periods.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	The Insurance Subsidiaries' net premiums written include direct insurance policy writings, plus reinsurance assumed and estimates of premiums earned but unbilled on the workers compensation and general liability lines of insurance, less reinsurance ceded. The estimated premium on the workers compensation and general liability lines is referred to as audit premium. We estimate this premium, as it is anticipated to be either billed or returned on policies subsequent to expiration based on exposure levels (i.e. payroll or sales). Audit premium is based on historical trends adjusted for the uncertainty of future economic conditions. Economic instability could ultimately impact our estimates and assumptions, and changes in our estimate may be material to the results of operations in future periods. Premiums written are recognized as revenue over the period that coverage is provided using the semi-monthly pro-rata method. Unearned premiums and prepaid reinsurance premiums represent that portion of premiums written that are applicable to the unexpired terms of policies in force.
Dividends to Policyholders	'
	Dividends to Policyholders
	We establish reserves for dividends to policyholders on certain policies, most significantly workers compensation policies. These dividends are based on the policyholders' loss experience. The dividend reserves are established based on past experience, adjusted for the effects of current developments and anticipated trends. The expense for these dividends is recognized over a period that begins at policy inception and ends with the payment of the dividend. We do not issue policies that entitle the policyholder to participate in the earnings or surplus of the Insurance Subsidiaries.
Federal Income Tax	'
	Federal Income Tax
	We use the asset and liability method of accounting for income taxes. Current federal income taxes are recognized for the estimated taxes payable or refundable on tax returns for the current year. Deferred federal income taxes arise from the recognition of temporary differences between financial statement carrying amounts and the tax basis of assets and liabilities. A valuation allowance is established when it is more likely than not that some portion of the deferred tax asset will not be realized. A liability for uncertain tax positions is recorded when it is more likely than not that a tax position will not be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The effect of a change in tax rates is recognized in the period of enactment.
Leases	'
	Leases
	We have various operating leases for office space and equipment. Rental expense for such leases is recorded on a straight-line basis over the lease term. If a lease has a fixed and determinable escalation clause, or periods of rent holidays, the difference between rental expense and rent paid is included in "Other liabilities" as deferred rent in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
	In addition, we have various capital leases for computer hardware and software. These leases are accounted for as an acquisition of an asset and an incurrence of an obligation. Depreciation is calculated using the straight-line method over the shorter of the estimated useful life of the asset or the lease term.
Pension	'
	Pension
	Our pension and post-retirement life benefit obligations and related costs are calculated using actuarial methods, within the framework of GAAP. Two key assumptions, the discount rate and the expected return on plan assets, are important elements of expense and/or liability measurement. We evaluate these key assumptions annually unless facts indicate that a more frequent review is required. Other assumptions involve demographic factors such as retirement age, mortality, turnover, and rate of compensation increases. The discount rate enables us to state expected future cash flows at their present value on the measurement date. The purpose of the discount rate is to determine the interest rates inherent in the price at which pension benefits could be effectively settled. Our discount rate selection is based on high-quality, long-term corporate bonds. To determine the expected long-term rate of return on the plan assets, we consider the current and expected asset allocation, as well as historical and expected returns on each plan asset class.

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Estimated Useful Life for Property and Equipment	'
	Asset Category	Years
	Computer hardware	3
	Computer software	3 to 5
	Internally developed software	5
	Furniture and fixtures	10
	Buildings and improvements	5 to 40

Adoption_of_Accounting_Pronoun1

Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of New Accounting Pronouncements Income Statement Information	'
	Income Statement Information
	Year ended December 31,	2011
	($ in thousands, except per share amounts)	As Originally		As
		Reported		Restated
	Policy acquisition costs	469,739		466,404
	Income from continuing operations, before federal income taxes	8,065		11,400
	Net income	19,865		22,033
	Net income per share:
	Basic	0.37		0.41
	Diluted	0.36		0.4
Schedule of New Accounting Pronouncements Other Information	'
	Other Information
	Year ended December 31,	2011
	($ in thousands, except per share amounts)	As Originally		As
		Reported		Restated
	Underwriting loss	(106,919	)	(103,584	)
	Combined ratio	107.4		107.2

Statements_of_Cash_Flow_Tables

Statements of Cash Flow (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Cash Flow, Supplemental Disclosures	'
	($ in thousands)	2013		2012	2011
	Cash paid (received) during the period for:
	Interest	$	21,465	18,779	18,207
	Federal income tax	20,000		6,421	(10,963	)
	Non-cash items:
	Tax-free exchange of fixed maturity securities, AFS	$	37,965	18,942	20,643
	Tax-free exchange of fixed maturity securities, HTM	15,820		25,168	21,870

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Investment [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Unrealized Gains On Investments	'
	($ in thousands)	2013				2012			2011
	AFS securities:
	Fixed maturity securities	$	39,559			165,330			130,517
	Equity securities	37,421				18,941			13,529
	Total AFS securities	76,980				184,271			144,046
	HTM securities:
	Fixed maturity securities	2,257				3,926			5,566
	Total HTM securities	2,257				3,926			5,566
	Total net unrealized gains	79,237				188,197			149,612
	Deferred income tax expense	(27,733		)		(65,869	)		(52,364	)
	Net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax	51,504				122,328			97,248
	(Decrease) increase in net unrealized gains in OCI, net of deferred income tax	$	(70,824	)		25,080			43,380
Schedule of Held-to-maturity Securities	'
	December 31, 2013					Net
						Unrealized						Unrecognized			Unrecognized
		Amortized				Gains			Carrying			Holding			Holding		Fair
	($ in thousands)	Cost				(Losses)			Value			Gains			Losses		Value
	Foreign government	$	5,292			131			5,423			168			—		5,591
	Obligations of state and political subdivisions	348,109				4,013			352,122			17,634			—		369,756
	Corporate securities	28,174				(346	)		27,828			2,446			—		30,274
	ABS	3,413				(655	)		2,758			657			—		3,415
	CMBS	5,634				(886	)		4,748			3,197			—		7,945
	Total HTM fixed maturity securities	$	390,622			2,257			392,879			24,102			—		416,981
	December 31, 2012					Net
						Unrealized						Unrecognized			Unrecognized
		Amortized				Gains			Carrying			Holding			Holding		Fair
	($ in thousands)	Cost				(Losses)			Value			Gains			Losses		Value
	Foreign government	$	5,292			212			5,504			367			—		5,871
	Obligations of state and political subdivisions	491,180				6,769			497,949			28,996			(23	)	526,922
	Corporate securities	38,285				(812	)		37,473			4,648			—		42,121
	ABS	6,980				(1,052	)		5,928			1,170			—		7,098
	CMBS	8,406				(1,191	)		7,215			5,434			—		12,649
	Total HTM fixed maturity securities	$	550,143			3,926			554,069			40,615			(23	)	594,661
Schedule of Available For Sale Securities	'
	31-Dec-13
		Cost/
		Amortized				Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
	($ in thousands)	Cost				Gains			Losses			Value
	U.S. government and government agencies	$	163,218			10,661			(504	)		173,375
	Foreign government	29,781				906			(72	)		30,615
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	946,455				25,194			(20,025	)		951,624
	Corporate securities	1,707,928				44,004			(17,049	)		1,734,883
	ABS	140,430				934			(468	)		140,896
	CMBS1	172,288				2,462			(3,466	)		171,284
	RMBS2	515,877				7,273			(10,291	)		512,859
	AFS fixed maturity securities	3,675,977				91,434			(51,875	)		3,715,536
	AFS equity securities	155,350				37,517			(96	)		192,771
	Total AFS securities	$	3,831,327			128,951			(51,971	)		3,908,307
	December 31, 2012
		Cost/
		Amortized				Unrealized			Unrealized			Fair
	($ in thousands)	Cost				Gains			Losses			Value
	U.S. government and government agencies	$	241,874			17,219			(1	)		259,092
	Foreign government	28,813				1,540			(124	)		30,229
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	773,953				44,398			(327	)		818,024
	Corporate securities	1,368,954				81,696			(402	)		1,450,248
	ABS	126,330				2,319			(9	)		128,640
	CMBS1	133,763				4,572			(1,216	)		137,119
	RMBS2	456,996				15,961			(296	)		472,661
	AFS fixed maturity securities	3,130,683				167,705			(2,375	)		3,296,013
	AFS equity securities	132,441				19,400			(459	)		151,382
	Total AFS securities	$	3,263,124			187,105			(2,834	)		3,447,395
	1 CMBS includes government guaranteed agency securities with a fair value of $30.0 million at December 31, 2013 and $48.9 million at December 31, 2012.
	2 RMBS includes government guaranteed agency securities with a fair value of $55.2 million at December 31, 2013 and $91.0 million at December 31, 2012.
Schedule of Fair Value and Gross Pre-Tax Net Unrealized/Unrecognized Loss of Securities by Length of Time	'
	31-Dec-13	Less than 12 months							12 months or longer
	($ in thousands)	Fair				Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized
		Value				Losses1			Value			Losses1
	AFS securities:
	U.S. government and government agencies	$	16,955			(500	)		507			(4	)
	Foreign government	2,029				(30	)		2,955			(42	)
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	442,531				(19,120	)		13,530			(905	)
	Corporate securities	511,100				(15,911	)		14,771			(1,138	)
	ABS	68,725				(468	)		—			—
	CMBS	100,396				(2,950	)		6,298			(516	)
	RMBS	268,943				(10,031	)		2,670			(260	)
	Total fixed maturity securities	1,410,679				(49,010	)		40,731			(2,865	)
	Equity securities	1,124				(96	)		—			—
	Subtotal	$	1,411,803			(49,106	)		40,731			(2,865	)
		Less than 12 months										12 months or longer
	($ in thousands)	Fair				Unrealized			Unrecognized			Fair			Unrealized		Unrecognized
		Value				Losses1			Gains2			Value			Losses1		Gains2
	HTM securities:
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	$	65			(5	)		5			441			(20	)	14
	ABS	—				—			—			2,490			(655	)	621
	Subtotal	$	65			(5	)		5			2,931			(675	)	635
	Total AFS and HTM	$	1,411,868			(49,111	)		5			43,662			(3,540	)	635
	31-Dec-12	Less than 12 months							12 months or longer
	($ in thousands)	Fair				Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized
		Value				Losses1			Value			Losses1
	AFS securities:
	U.S. government and government agencies	$	518			(1	)		—			—
	Foreign government	—				—			2,871			(124	)
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	32,383				(327	)		—			—
	Corporate securities	50,880				(402	)		—			—
	ABS	9,137				(9	)		—			—
	CMBS	7,637				(19	)		11,830			(1,197	)
	RMBS	8,710				(59	)		5,035			(237	)
	Total fixed maturity securities	109,265				(817	)		19,736			(1,558	)
	Equity securities	15,901				(459	)		—			—
	Subtotal	$	125,166			(1,276	)		19,736			(1,558	)
		Less than 12 months										12 months or longer
	($ in thousands)	Fair				Unrealized			Unrecognized			Fair			Unrealized		Unrecognized
		Value				Losses1			Gains2			Value			Losses1		Gains2
	HTM securities:
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	$	1,218			(33	)		29			1,108			(47	)	38
	ABS	—				—			—			2,860			(840	)	753
	Subtotal	$	1,218			(33	)		29			3,968			(887	)	791
	Total AFS and HTM	$	126,384			(1,309	)		29			23,704			(2,445	)	791
	1 Gross unrealized losses include non-OTTI unrealized amounts and OTTI losses recognized in AOCI. In addition, this column includes remaining unrealized gain or loss amounts on securities that were transferred to an HTM designation in the first quarter of 2009 for those securities that are in a net unrealized/unrecognized loss position.
	2 Unrecognized holding gains represent fair value fluctuations from the later of: (i) the date a security is designated as HTM; or (ii) the date that an OTTI charge is recognized on an HTM security.
Schedule of the Number of Securities in an Unrealized Unrecognized Loss Position	'
	($ in thousands)
	31-Dec-13								31-Dec-12
	Number of		% of		Unrealized/Unrecognized				Number of			% of		Unrealized/
	Issues		Market/Book		Loss				Issues			Market/Book		Unrecognized
														Loss
	556		80% - 99%		$	51,835			100			80% - 99%		$	2,701
	1		60% - 79%		176				1			60% - 79%		233
	—		40% - 59%		—				—			40% - 59%		—
	—		20% - 39%		—				—			20% - 39%		—
	—		0% - 19%		—				—			0% - 19%		—
					$	52,011								$	2,934
Schedule of Other Investment Portfolio by Strategy and the Remaining Commitment Amount Associated With Each Strategy	'
	Other Investments	Carrying Value							2013
		December 31,				December 31,			Remaining
	($ in thousands)	2013				2012			Commitment
	Alternative Investments
	Secondary private equity	$	25,618			28,032			7,739
	Private equity	20,192				18,344			9,998
	Energy/power generation	17,361				18,640			6,984
	Mezzanine financing	12,738				12,692			18,249
	Real estate	11,698				11,751			10,203
	Distressed debt	11,579				12,728			2,965
	Venture capital	7,025				7,477			400
	Total alternative investments	106,211				109,664			56,538
	Other securities	1,664				4,412			—
	Total other investments	$	107,875			114,076			56,538
Schedule of Aggregated Summarized Balance Sheet Financial Information For Partnerhips In Our Alternative Investment Portfolio	'
	Balance Sheet Information
	September 30,
	($ in millions)	2013				2012
	Investments	$	11,020			12,214
	Total assets	11,727				12,912
	Total liabilities	573				657
	Partners’ capital	11,154				12,255
Schedule of Aggregated Summarized Income Statement Financial Information For Partnerhips In Our Alternative Investment Portfolio	'
	Income Statement Information
	12 months ended September 30,
	($ in millions)	2013				2012			2011
	Net investment income	$	406			226			564
	Realized gains	913				1,015			893
	Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)	382				(100	)		1,485
	Net income	$	1,701			1,141			2,942
	Insurance Subsidiaries' other investments income	15				9			21
Schedule of Components of Net Investment Income Earned	'
	($ in thousands)	2013				2012			2011
	Fixed maturity securities	$	121,582			124,687			129,710
	Equity securities, dividend income	6,140				6,215			4,535
	Short-term investments	117				151			160
	Other investments	15,208				8,996			20,539
	Miscellaneous income	—				—			133
	Investment expenses	(8,404		)		(8,172	)		(7,634	)
	Net investment income earned	$	134,643			131,877			147,443
Schedule of OTTI by Asset Type	'
	2013									Recognized in
	($ in thousands)	Gross				Included in OCI				Earnings
	HTM fixed maturity securities:
	ABS	$	(44	)		(47		)		3
	Total HTM fixed maturity securities	(44		)		(47		)		3
	AFS fixed maturity securities:
	RMBS	16				(30		)		46
	Total AFS fixed maturity securities	16				(30		)		46
	Equity securities	3,747				—				3,747
	Total AFS securities	3,763				(30		)		3,793
	Other investments	1,847				—				1,847
	OTTI losses	$	5,566			$	(77	)		$	5,643
	2012								Recognized in
	($ in thousands)	Gross				Included in OCI			Earnings
	AFS fixed maturity securities:
	ABS	98				—			98
	CMBS	(1,525		)		(2,335	)		810
	RMBS	(35		)		(218	)		183
	Total AFS fixed maturity securities	(1,462		)		(2,553	)		1,091
	Equity securities	3,173				—			3,173
	OTTI losses	$	1,711			(2,553	)		4,264
	2011								Recognized in
	($ in thousands)	Gross				Included in OCI			Earnings
	AFS fixed maturity securities
	Obligations of state and political subdivisions	$	17			—			17
	Corporate securities	244				—			244
	ABS	175				(546	)		721
	CMBS	(149		)		(843	)		694
	RMBS	346				201			145
	Total AFS fixed maturity securities	633				(1,188	)		1,821
	Equity securities	11,365				—			11,365
	OTTI losses	$	11,998			(1,188	)		13,186
Schedule of Gross Credit Loss Impairments on Fixed Maturity Securities for Which a Portion of the OTTI Charge Was Recognized In OCI	'
	($ in thousands)	2013				2012			2011
	Balance, beginning of year	$	7,477			6,602			17,723
	Credit losses remaining in retained earnings after adoption of OTTI accounting guidance	—				—			—
	Addition for the amount related to credit loss for which an OTTI was not previously recognized	—				—			—
	Reductions for securities sold during the period	—				—			—
	Reductions for securities for which the amount previously recognized in OCI was recognized in earnings because of intention or potential requirement to sell before recovery of amortized cost	—				—			—
	Reductions for securities for which the entire amount previously recognized in OCI was recognized in earnings due to a decrease in cash flows expected	—				—			(11,672	)
	Additional increases to the amount related to credit loss for which an OTTI was previously recognized	11				875			551
	Accretion of credit loss impairments previously recognized due to an increase in cash flows expected to be collected	—				—			—
	Balance, end of year	$	7,488			7,477			6,602
Schedule of Components of Net Realized Gains (Losses) Excluding OTTI Charges	'
	($ in thousands)	2013				2012			2011
	HTM fixed maturity securities
	Gains	$	195			194			4
	Losses	(95		)		(217	)		(564	)
	AFS fixed maturity securities
	Gains	3,340				4,452			9,385
	Losses	(373		)		(472	)		(70	)
	AFS equity securities
	Gains	24,776				10,901			6,671
	Losses	(408		)		(1,205	)		—
	Short-term investments
	Losses	—				(2	)		—
	Other investments
	Gains	—				1			—
	Losses	(1,060		)		(400	)		—
	Total other net realized investment gains	26,375				13,252			15,426
	Total OTTI charges recognized in earnings	(5,643		)		(4,264	)		(13,186	)
	Total net realized gains	$	20,732			8,988			2,240
Held-to-maturity Securities [Member]	'
Investment [Line Items]	'
Schedule Of Fixed Maturity Securities By Contractual Maturities	'
	($ in thousands)	Carrying Value				Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	67,784			70,422
	Due after one year through five years	293,947				312,109
	Due after five years through 10 years	31,148				34,450
	Total HTM fixed maturity securities	$	392,879			$	416,981
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'
Investment [Line Items]	'
Schedule Of Fixed Maturity Securities By Contractual Maturities	'
	($ in thousands)	Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	375,313
	Due after one year through five years	1,947,709
	Due after five years through 10 years	1,363,912
	Due after 10 years	28,602
	Total AFS fixed maturity securities	$	3,715,536

Stockholders_Equity_and_Compre1

Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Parent's Common Stock	'
	($ in thousands)
			Shares Purchased in Connection with Restricted Stock Vestings and Stock Option Exercises			Cost of Shares Purchased in Connection with Restricted Stock Vestings and Stock Option
	Period					Exercises
	2013		167,846			$	3,716
	2012		194,575			3,495
	2011		149,997			2,741
Schedule of Components of Comprehensive Income-Gross and Net of Tax	'
	2013
	($ in thousands)		Gross				Tax		Net
	Net income		$	142,267			35,849		106,418
	Components of OCI:
	Unrealized losses on investment securities:
	Unrealized holding losses during the period		(83,934		)		(29,377	)	(54,557	)
	Non-credit OTTI recognized in OCI		77				27		50
	Amounts reclassified into net income:
	HTM securities		(1,577		)		(552	)	(1,025	)
	Non-credit OTTI		14				5		9
	Realized gains on AFS securities		(23,540		)		(8,239	)	(15,301	)
	Net unrealized losses		(108,960		)		(38,136	)	(70,824	)
	Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:
	Net actuarial gain		59,654				20,879		38,775
	Amounts reclassified into net income:
	Net actuarial loss		4,374				1,531		2,843
	Prior service cost		10				4		6
	Curtailment expense		16				5		11
	Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans		64,054				22,419		41,635
	Other comprehensive loss		(44,906		)		(15,717	)	(29,189	)
	Comprehensive income		$	97,361			20,132		77,229
	2012
	($ in thousands)		Gross				Tax		Net
	Net income		$	37,635			(328	)	37,963
	Components of OCI:
	Unrealized gains on investment securities:
	Unrealized holding gains during the period		47,594				16,657		30,937
	Non-credit OTTI recognized in OCI		2,554				894		1,660
	Amounts reclassified into net income:
	HTM securities		(2,432		)		(851	)	(1,581	)
	Non-credit OTTI		280				98		182
	Realized gains on AFS securities		(9,412		)		(3,294	)	(6,118	)
	Net unrealized gains		38,584				13,504		25,080
	Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:
	Net actuarial loss		(26,566		)		(9,298	)	(17,268	)
	Amounts reclassified into net income:
	Net actuarial loss		5,903				2,066		3,837
	Prior service cost		150				53		97
	Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans		(20,513		)		(7,179	)	(13,334	)
	Other comprehensive income		18,071				6,325		11,746
	Comprehensive income		$	55,706			5,997		49,709
	2011
	($ in thousands)		Gross				Tax		Net
	Net income		$	10,400			(11,633	)	22,033
	Components of OCI:
	Unrealized gains on investment securities:
	Unrealized holding gains during the period		70,140				24,548		45,592
	Non-credit OTTI recognized in OCI		1,188				416		772
	Amounts reclassified into net income:
	HTM securities		(2,283		)		(799	)	(1,484	)
	Non-credit OTTI		494				173		321
	Realized gains on AFS securities		(2,801		)		(980	)	(1,821	)
	Net unrealized gains		66,738				23,358		43,380
	Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans:
	Net actuarial loss		(16,799		)		(5,880	)	(10,919	)
	Amounts reclassified into net income:
	Net actuarial loss		4,172				1,460		2,712
	Prior service cost		150				53		97
	Defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans		(12,477		)		(4,367	)	(8,110	)
	Other comprehensive income		54,261				18,991		35,270
	Comprehensive income		$	64,661			7,358		57,303
Schedule of Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
			Net Unrealized (Loss) Gain
	($ in thousands)		OTTI Related				HTM Related		All Other		Investments Subtotal		Defined Benefit Pension and Post- retirement Plans		Total AOCI
	Balance, December 31, 2011		$	(3,500	)		4,622		96,125		97,247		(54,953	)	42,294
	OCI before reclassifications		1,660				(447	)	31,384		32,597		(17,268	)	15,329
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI		182				(1,581	)	(6,118	)	(7,517	)	3,934		(3,583	)
	Net current period OCI		1,842				(2,028	)	25,266		25,080		(13,334	)	11,746
	Balance, December 31, 2012		(1,658		)		2,594		121,391		122,327		(68,287	)	54,040
	OCI before reclassifications		50				(102	)	(54,455	)	(54,507	)	38,775		(15,732	)
	Amounts reclassified from AOCI		9				(1,025	)	(15,301	)	(16,317	)	2,860		(13,457	)
	Net current period OCI		59				(1,127	)	(69,756	)	(70,824	)	41,635		(29,189	)
	Balance, December 31, 2013		$	(1,599	)		1,467		51,635		51,503		(26,652	)	24,851
Schedule of Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
						Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statement of Income
	($ in thousands)	Year ended
		31-Dec-13
	OTTI related
	Amortization of non-credit OTTI losses on HTM securities	14				Net investment income earned
		14				Income from continuing operations, before federal income tax
		(5		)		Total federal income tax expense (benefit)
		9				Net income
	HTM related
	Unrealized gains and losses on HTM disposals	390				Net realized investment gains
	Amortization of net unrealized gains on HTM securities	(1,967		)		Net investment income earned
		(1,577		)		Income from continuing operations, before federal income tax
		552				Total federal income tax expense (benefit)
		(1,025		)		Net income
	Realized gains and losses on AFS
	Realized gains and losses on AFS disposals	(23,540		)		Net realized investment gains
		(23,540		)		Income from continuing operations, before federal income tax
		8,239				Total federal income tax expense (benefit)
		(15,301		)		Net income
	Defined benefit pension and post-retirement life plans
	Net actuarial loss	909				Losses and loss expenses incurred
		3,465				Policy acquisition costs
		4,374				Income from continuing operations, before federal income tax
	Prior service cost	7				Losses and loss expenses incurred
		3				Policy acquisition costs
		10				Income from continuing operations, before federal income tax
	Curtailment expense	16				Policy acquisition costs
		16				Income from continuing operations, before federal income tax
	Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement life	4,400				Income from continuing operations, before federal income tax
		(1,540		)		Total federal income tax expense (benefit)
		2,860				Net income
	Total reclassifications for the period	$	(13,457	)		Net income

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Carrying Amounts and Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments	'
		December 31, 2013					December 31, 2012
	($ in thousands)	Carrying Amount			Fair Value		Carrying Amount		Fair Value
	Financial Assets
	Fixed maturity securities:
	HTM	$	392,879		416,981		554,069		594,661
	AFS	3,715,536			3,715,536		3,296,013		3,296,013
	Equity securities, AFS	192,771			192,771		151,382		151,382
	Short-term investments	174,251			174,251		214,479		214,479
	Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR Solutions ("Selective HR")	—			—		2,705		2,705
	Financial Liabilities
	Notes payable:
	2.90% borrowings from the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis ("FHLBI")	13,000			13,319		13,000		13,595
	1.25% borrowings from FHLBI	45,000			45,259		45,000		45,590
	7.50% Junior Notes	—			—		100,000		101,480
	7.25% Senior Notes	49,916			50,887		49,912		52,689
	6.70% Senior Notes	99,498			98,247		99,475		107,707
	5.875% Senior Notes	185,000			146,298		—		—
	Total notes payable	$	392,414		354,010		307,387		321,061
Schedule of Quantitative Disclosures of our Financial Assets that were Measured at Fair Value	'
	December 31, 2013				Fair Value Measurements Using
	($ in thousands)	Assets Measured at Fair Value 12/31/13			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/ Liabilities		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)1		Significant Unobservable Inputs
					(Level 1)1				(Level 3)
	Description
	Measured on a recurring basis:
	AFS:
	U.S. government and government agencies	$	173,375		52,153		121,222		—
	Foreign government	30,615			—		30,615		—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	951,624			—		951,624		—
	Corporate securities	1,734,883			—		1,734,883		—
	ABS	140,896			—		140,896		—
	CMBS	171,284			—		171,284		—
	RMBS	512,859			—		512,859		—
	Total fixed maturity securities	3,715,536			52,153		3,663,383		—
	Equity securities	192,771			189,871		—		2,900
	Total AFS securities	3,908,307			242,024		3,663,383		2,900
	Short-term investments	174,251			174,251		—		—
	Total assets	$	4,082,558		416,275		3,663,383		2,900
	December 31, 2012				Fair Value Measurements Using
	($ in thousands)	Assets Measured at Fair Value 12/31/12			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/ Liabilities		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)1		Significant Unobservable Inputs
					(Level 1)1				(Level 3)
	Description
	Measured on a recurring basis:
	AFS:
	U.S. government and government agencies	$	259,092		115,861		123,442		19,789
	Foreign government	30,229			—		30,229		—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	818,024			—		818,024		—
	Corporate securities	1,450,247			—		1,447,301		2,946
	ABS	128,640			—		122,572		6,068
	CMBS	137,119			—		129,957		7,162
	RMBS	472,662			—		472,662		—
	Total fixed maturity securities	3,296,013			115,861		3,144,187		35,965
	Equity securities	151,382			147,775		—		3,607
	Total AFS securities	3,447,395			263,636		3,144,187		39,572
	Short-term investments	214,479			214,479		—		—
	Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR	2,705			—		—		2,705
	Total assets	$	3,664,579		478,115		3,144,187		42,277
	1 There were no transfers of securities between Level 1 and Level 2.
Schedule of Summary of the Changes in Fair Value of Securities Using Level 3 Inputs	'
	2013
		Government			Corporate		ABS		CMBS		Equity		Receivable for		Total
													Proceeds
	($ in thousands)												Related to Sale
													of Selective HR
	Fair value, December 31, 2012	$	19,789		2,946		6,068		7,162		3,607		2,705		42,277
	Total net (losses) gains for the period included in:
	OCI1	(537		)	(7	)	(74	)	772		3,935		—		4,089
	Net income2,3	(76		)	—		—		361		—		(1,480	)	(1,195	)
	Purchases	—			—		—		—		—		—		—
	Sales	—			—		—		—		—		—		—
	Issuances	—			—		—		—		—		—		—
	Settlements	(1,847		)	(168	)	—		(2,420	)	—		(225	)	(4,660	)
	Transfers into Level 3	—			—		—		—		—		—		—
	Transfers out of Level 3	(17,329		)	(2,771	)	(5,994	)	(5,875	)	(4,642	)	(1,000	)	(37,611	)
	Fair value, December 31, 2013	$	—		—		—		—		2,900		—		2,900
	2012
		Government			Corporate		ABS		CMBS		Equity		Receivable for		Total
													Proceeds
	($ in thousands)												Related to Sale
													of Selective HR
	Fair value, December 31, 2011	$	21,741		2,603		—		354		—		3,212		27,910
	Total net (losses) gains for the period included in:
	OCI1	(22		)	185		68		858		—		—		1,089
	Net income2,3	(193		)	—		—		(51	)	—		244		—
	Purchases	—			—		7,300		5,611		—		—		12,911
	Sales	—			—		—		—		—		—		—
	Issuances	—			—		—		—		—		—		—
	Settlements	(1,737		)	(630	)	—		(624	)	—		(751	)	(3,742	)
	Transfers into Level 3	—			788		—		8,247		3,607		—		12,642
	Transfers out of Level 3	—			—		(1,300	)	(7,233	)	—		—		(8,533	)
	Fair value, December 31, 2012	$	19,789		2,946		6,068		7,162		3,607		2,705		42,277
	1 Amounts are reported in “Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during period” on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
	2 Amounts are reported in “Net realized gains” for realized gains and losses and “Net investment income earned” for amortization of securities on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
	3For the receivable related to the sale of Selective HR, amounts in “Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax” relate to an impairment charge and
	amounts in “Other income” relate to interest accretion on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Schedule of Quantitative Information of our Financial Assets and Liabilities that were Disclosed at Fair Value	'
	31-Dec-13				Fair Value Measurements Using
	($ in thousands)	Assets/Liabilities Disclosed at			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
		Fair Value 12/31/2013			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Financial Assets
	HTM:
	Foreign government	$	5,591		—		5,591		—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	369,756			—		369,756		—
	Corporate securities	30,274			—		30,274		—
	ABS	3,415			—		3,415		—
	CMBS	7,945			—		7,945		—
	Total HTM fixed maturity securities	$	416,981		—		416,981		—
	Financial Liabilities
	Notes payable:
	2.90% borrowings from FHLBI	13,319			—		13,319		—
	1.25% borrowings from FHLBI	45,259			—		45,259		—
	7.25% Senior Notes	50,887			—		50,887		—
	6.70% Senior Notes	98,247			—		98,247		—
	5.875% Senior Notes	146,298			146,298		—		—
	Total notes payable	$	354,010		146,298		207,712		—
	31-Dec-12				Fair Value Measurements Using
	($ in thousands)	Assets/Liabilities Disclosed at			Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities		Significant Other Observable Inputs		Significant Unobservable Inputs
		Fair Value 12/31/2012			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Financial Assets
	HTM:
	Foreign government	$	5,871		—		5,871		—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	526,922			—		526,922		—
	Corporate securities	42,121			—		37,289		4,832
	ABS	7,097			—		5,698		1,399
	CMBS	12,650			—		12,650		—
	Total HTM fixed maturity securities	$	594,661		—		588,430		6,231
	Financial Liabilities
	Notes payable:
	2.90% borrowings from FHLBI	13,595			—		13,595		—
	1.25% borrowings from FHLBI	45,590			—		45,590		—
	7.50% Junior Notes	101,480			101,480		—		—
	7.25% Senior Notes	52,689			—		52,689		—
	6.70% Senior Notes	107,707			107,707		—		—
	Total notes payable	$	321,061		209,187		111,874		—

Reinsurance_Tables

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Total Reinsurance Balances Segregated By Reinsurer	'
		As of December 31, 2013					As of December 31, 2012
	($ in thousands)	Reinsurance Balances			% of Net Unsecured Reinsurance		Reinsurance Balances			% of Net
										Unsecured Reinsurance
	Total reinsurance recoverables	$	550,897				$	1,421,109
	Total prepaid reinsurance premiums	143,000					132,637
	Less: collateral1	(119,732		)			(139,335		)
	Net unsecured reinsurance balances	574,165					1,414,411
	Federal and state pools2:
	NFIP	177,637			31		1,028,685			73
	NJ Unsatisfied Claim Judgment Fund	71,732			12		68,655			5
	Other	3,034			1		5,749			—
	Total federal and state pools	252,403			44		1,103,089			78
	Remaining unsecured reinsurance	321,762			56		311,322			22
	Hannover Ruckversicherungs AG (A.M. Best rated “A+”)	72,565			13		60,358			4
	Munich Re Group (A.M. Best rated “A+”)	69,749			12		66,283			5
	Swiss Re Group (A.M. Best rated “A+”)	48,234			8		52,189			4
	AXIS Reinsurance Company (A.M. Best rated “A+”)	45,114			8		35,064			3
	Partner Reinsurance Company of the U.S. (A.M. Best rated “A+”)	25,730			4		20,074			1
	QBE Reinsurance Corporation (A.M. Best rated "A")	15,665			3		13,871			1
	All other reinsurers	44,705			8		63,483			4
	Total	$	321,762		56	%	$	311,322		22
	1 Includes letters of credit, trust funds, and funds withheld.
	2 Considered to have minimal risk of default.
	Note: Some amounts may not foot due to rounding.
List Of Direct, Assumed, And Ceded Reinsurance Amounts	'
	($ in thousands)	2013			2012		2011
	Premiums written:
	Direct	$	2,133,793		1,955,667		1,725,396
	Assumed	43,650			50,938		51,515
	Ceded	(367,284		)	(339,722	)	(291,559	)
	Net	$	1,810,159		1,666,883		1,485,352
	Premiums earned:
	Direct	$	2,048,530		1,873,007		1,693,021
	Assumed	44,464			65,884		29,011
	Ceded	(356,922		)	(354,772	)	(282,719	)
	Net	$	1,736,072		1,584,119		1,439,313
	Losses and loss expenses incurred:
	Direct	$	1,370,293		2,394,640		1,499,340
	Assumed	32,678			29,175		20,788
	Ceded	(281,233		)	(1,302,825	)	(445,141	)
	Net	$	1,121,738		1,120,990		1,074,987
Schedule of Ceded Premiums and Losses Related to Flood Operations	'
	($ in thousands)	2013			2012		2011
	Ceded premiums written	$	(236,309	)	(221,094	)	(206,711	)
	Ceded premiums earned	(228,650		)	(212,177	)	(198,153	)
	Ceded losses and loss expenses incurred	(183,142		)	(1,119,303	)	(352,619	)

Reserve_for_Losses_and_Loss_Ex1

Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Insurance Loss Reserves [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Roll Forward of Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses	'
	($ in thousands)	2013			2012		2011
	Gross reserves for losses and loss expenses, at beginning of year	$	4,068,941		3,144,924		2,830,058
	Less: reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses, at beginning of year	1,409,755			549,490		313,739
	Net reserves for losses and loss expenses, at beginning of year	2,659,186			2,595,434		2,516,319
	Incurred losses and loss expenses for claims occurring in the:
	Current year	1,147,263			1,146,591		1,113,733
	Prior years	(25,525		)	(25,601	)	(38,746	)
	Total incurred losses and loss expenses	1,121,738			1,120,990		1,074,987
	Paid losses and loss expenses for claims occurring in the:
	Current year	399,559			424,496		440,786
	Prior years	572,434			632,742		569,944
	Total paid losses and loss expenses	971,993			1,057,238		1,010,730
	Acquisition of Mesa Underwriters Specialty Insurance Company ("MUSIC") losses and loss expense reserves	—			—		14,858
	Net reserves for losses and loss expenses, at end of year	2,808,931			2,659,186		2,595,434
	Add: Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses and loss expenses, at end of year1	540,839			1,409,755		549,490
	Gross reserves for losses and loss expenses at end of year	$	3,349,770		4,068,941		3,144,924
	1 Includes $44.0 million related to the acquisition of MUSIC at December 31, 2011.
Schedule of Favorable/(Unfavorable) Prior Year Development	'
	Favorable/(Unfavorable) Prior Year Development
	($ in millions)	2013			2012		2011
	General Liability	$	20		(2.5	)	11.5
	Commercial Automobile	4.5			8.5		13
	Workers Compensation	(23.5		)	(2.5	)	(6.5	)
	Businessowners' Policies	9.5			9		11
	Commercial Property	7.5			3.5		5.5
	Homeowners	2.5			9		4.5
	Personal Automobile	3			(0.5	)	(1.0	)
	E&S	2			—		—
	Other	—			1		0.5
	Total	$	25.5		25.5		38.5
Schedule of Exposure to Various Asbestos and Environmental Claims	'
		2013
	($ in millions)	Gross			Net
	Asbestos	$	8.9		7.5
	Landfill sites	12.3			7.4
	Leaking underground storage tanks	11.6			10.3
	Total	$	32.8		25.2
Schedule of Roll Forward of Gross and Net Asbestos and Environmental Incurred Losses and Loss Expenses and Related Reserves	'
		2013					2012				2011
	($ in thousands)	Gross			Net		Gross		Net		Gross		Net
	Asbestos
	Reserves for losses and loss expenses at beginning of year	$	9,170		7,791		8,412		6,586		9,979		8,167
	Incurred losses and loss expenses	—			—		1,696		2,000		2,014		2,000
	Less: losses and loss expenses paid	(273		)	(273	)	(938	)	(795	)	(3,581	)	(3,581	)
	Reserves for losses and loss expenses at the end of year	$	8,897		7,518		9,170		7,791		8,412		6,586
	Environmental
	Reserves for losses and loss expenses at beginning of year	$	26,405		19,978		27,600		21,330		33,630		27,599
	Incurred losses and loss expenses	347			68		1,363		1,000		(4,285	)	(4,750	)
	Less: losses and loss expenses paid	(2,885		)	(2,397	)	(2,558	)	(2,352	)	(1,745	)	(1,519	)
	Reserves for losses and loss expenses at the end of year	$	23,867		17,649		26,405		19,978		27,600		21,330
	Total Asbestos and Environmental Claims
	Reserves for losses and loss expenses at beginning of year	$	35,575		27,769		36,012		27,916		43,609		35,766
	Incurred losses and loss expenses	347			68		3,059		3,000		(2,271	)	(2,750	)
	Less: losses and loss expenses paid	(3,158		)	(2,670	)	(3,496	)	(3,147	)	(5,326	)	(5,100	)
	Reserves for losses and loss expenses at the end of year	$	32,764		25,167		35,575		27,769		36,012		27,916

Indebtedness_Tables

Indebtedness (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Convenants in the Line of Credit	'
		Required as of	Actual as of
		31-Dec-13	31-Dec-13
	Consolidated net worth	$800 million	$1.2 billion
	Statutory surplus	Not less than $750 million	$1.3 billion
	Debt-to-capitalization ratio1	Not to exceed 35%	25.50%
	A.M. Best financial strength rating	Minimum of A-	A

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Revenue from Continuing Operations By Segment	'
	Revenue by Segment
	Years ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2013			2012		2011
	Standard Insurance Operations:
	Net premiums earned:
	Commercial automobile	$	310,994		288,010		279,610
	Workers compensation	267,612			262,108		259,354
	General liability	405,322			373,381		344,682
	Commercial property	224,412			202,340		192,989
	Businessowners’ policies	77,097			68,462		66,225
	Bonds	19,000			18,891		18,910
	Other	12,182			12,143		9,177
	Total standard Commercial Lines	1,316,619			1,225,335		1,170,947
	Personal automobile	152,005			152,142		148,824
	Homeowners	127,991			113,850		102,764
	Other	14,336			13,563		12,864
	Total standard Personal Lines	294,332			279,555		264,452
	Total Standard Insurance Operations net premiums earned	1,610,951			1,504,890		1,435,399
	Miscellaneous income	12,201			8,827		8,069
	Total Standard Insurance Operations revenue	1,623,152			1,513,717		1,443,468
	E&S Insurance Operations:
	Net premiums earned	125,121			79,229		3,914
	Investments:
	Net investment income	134,643			131,877		147,443
	Net realized investment gains	20,732			8,988		2,240
	Total investment revenues	155,375			140,865		149,683
	Total all segments	1,903,648			1,733,811		1,597,065
	Other income	93			291		410
	Total revenues from continuing operations	$	1,903,741		1,734,102		1,597,475
Schedule of Segment Income	'
	Segment Income
	Years ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2013			2012		2011
	Standard Insurance Operations:
	Commercial Lines underwriting gain (loss)	$	33,856		(40,935	)	(49,952	)
	Personal Lines underwriting gain (loss)	8,645			(3,514	)	(46,971	)
	Total Standard Insurance Operations underwriting gain (loss), before federal income tax	42,501			(44,449	)	(96,923	)
	GAAP combined ratio	97.4		%	103		106.8
	Statutory combined ratio	97.1		%	102.5		106.4
	E&S Insurance Operations:
	Underwriting loss, before federal income tax	(3,735		)	(19,558	)	(6,661	)
	GAAP combined ratio	103		%	124.7		270.2
	Statutory combined ratio	102.9		%	118.8		131.3
	Investments:
	Net investment income	134,643			131,877		147,443
	Net realized investment gains	20,732			8,988		2,240
	Total investment income, before federal income tax	155,375			140,865		149,683
	Tax on investment income	40,489			34,758		37,139
	Total investment income, after federal income tax	$	114,886		106,107		112,544
Schedule of Reconciliation of Segment Results to Income From Continuing Operations, Before Federal Income Tax	'
	Reconciliation of Segment Results to Income from Continuing Operations, before Federal Income Tax
	Years ended December 31,
	($ in thousands)	2013			2012		2011
	Standard Insurance Operations underwriting gain (loss), before federal income tax	$	42,501		(44,449	)	(96,923	)
	E&S Insurance Operations underwriting loss, before federal income tax	(3,735		)	(19,558	)	(6,661	)
	Investment income, before federal income tax	155,375			140,865		149,683
	Total all segments	194,141			76,858		46,099
	Interest expense	(22,538		)	(18,872	)	(18,259	)
	General corporate and other expenses	(27,801		)	(20,351	)	(16,440	)
	Income from continuing operations, before federal income tax	$	143,802		37,635		11,400

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Reconciliation of Earnings Per Share	'
	2013	Income			Shares	Per Share
	($ in thousands, except per share amounts)	(Numerator)			(Denominator)	Amount
	Basic EPS:
	Net income from continuing operations	$	107,415		55,638	$	1.93
	Net loss from discontinued operations	(997		)	55,638	(0.02		)
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	106,418		55,638	$	1.91
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock compensation plans	—			1,172
	Diluted EPS:
	Net income from continuing operations	$	107,415		56,810	$	1.89
	Net loss from discontinued operations	(997		)	56,810	(0.02		)
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	106,418		56,810	$	1.87
	2012	Income			Shares	Per Share
	($ in thousands, except per share amounts)	(Numerator)			(Denominator)	Amount
	Basic EPS:
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	37,963		54,880	$	0.69
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock compensation plans	—			1,053
	Diluted EPS:
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	37,963		55,933	$	0.68
	2011	Income			Shares	Per Share
	($ in thousands, except per share amounts)	(Numerator)			(Denominator)	Amount
	Basic EPS:
	Net income from continuing operations	$	22,683		54,095	$	0.42
	Net loss from discontinued operations	(650		)	54,095	(0.01		)
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	22,033		54,095	$	0.41
	Effect of dilutive securities:
	Stock compensation plans	—			1,126
	Diluted EPS:
	Net income from continuing operations	$	22,683		55,221	$	0.41
	Net loss from discontinued operations	(650		)	55,221	(0.01		)
	Net income available to common stockholders	$	22,033		55,221	$	0.4

Federal_Income_Taxes_Tables

Federal Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Reconciliation of Federal Income Tax on Income at the Corporate Rate to the Effective Tax Rate	'
	($ in thousands)	2013			2012		2011
	Tax at statutory rate of 35%	$	50,331		13,172		3,990
	Tax-advantaged interest	(12,718		)	(13,285	)	(14,381	)
	Dividends received deduction	(1,174		)	(1,260	)	(870	)
	Nonqualified deferred compensation	(425		)	(262	)	7
	Amortization of intangible assets	(101		)	687		—
	Other	474			620		(29	)
	Federal income tax expense (benefit) from continuing operations	$	36,387		(328	)	(11,283	)
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	'
	($ in thousands)	2013			2012
	Deferred tax assets:
	Net loss reserve discounting	$	87,967		97,561
	Net unearned premiums	64,167			58,981
	Employee benefits	19,912			39,752
	Long-term incentive compensation plans	12,904			10,078
	Temporary investment write-downs	7,586			8,236
	Net operating loss	2,818			12,120
	Tax credits	17,042			14,150
	Other	10,088			9,056
	Total deferred tax assets	222,484			249,934
	Deferred tax liabilities:
	Deferred policy acquisition costs	59,164			53,187
	Unrealized gains on investment securities	31,345			67,501
	Other investment-related items, net	618			2,488
	Accelerated depreciation and amortization	8,744			7,622
	Total deferred tax liabilities	99,871			130,798
	Net deferred federal income tax asset	$	122,613		119,136

Retirement_Plans_Tables

Retirement Plans (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Schedule Of Plan Terms In Effect And Revisions Of Retirement Savings Plan	'
		As of January 1, 2011		As of April 5, 2013
	SICA match	100% of participant contributions up to the first 3% of defined compensation and 50% up to the next 3%		100% of participant contributions up to the first 3% of defined compensation and 50% up to the next 3%
	Non-elective contribution	Non-elective contributions of 4% of defined compensation for employees not eligible to participate in the Retirement Income Plan due to a date of hire after December 31, 2005		Non-elective contributions of 4% of defined compensation expanded to include employees impacted by the curtailment of the Retirement Income Plan
	Vesting of match/non-elective contribution	Immediately vested		Immediately vested
Schedule of Funded Status Of Retirement Income Plan And Retirement Life Plan	'
	December 31,	Retirement Income Plan							Retirement Life Plan
	($ in thousands)	2013				2012			2013			2012
	Change in Benefit Obligation:
	Benefit obligation, beginning of year	$	302,647			254,009			6,471			5,897
	Service cost	7,517				8,091			—			—
	Interest cost	12,477				12,981			283			302
	Actuarial (gains) losses	(29,656		)		33,596			(224	)		660
	Benefits paid	(6,978		)		(6,030	)		(329	)		(388	)
	Impact of curtailment	(29,603		)		—			—			—
	Benefit obligation, end of year	$	256,404			302,647			6,201			6,471
	Change in Fair Value of Assets:
	Fair value of assets, beginning of year	$	207,150			182,614			—			—
	Actual return on plan assets, net of expenses	15,925				21,896			—			—
	Contributions by the employer to funded plans	9,600				8,550			—			—
	Contributions by the employer to unfunded plans	120				120			—			—
	Benefits paid	(6,978		)		(6,030	)		—			—
	Fair value of assets, end of year	$	225,817			207,150			—			—
	Funded status	$	(30,587	)		(95,497	)		(6,201	)		(6,471	)
Schedule of Amounts Recognized in Consolidated Balance Sheet	'
	Amounts Recognized in the Consolidated Balance Sheet:
	Liabilities	$	(30,587	)		(95,497	)		(6,201	)		(6,471	)
	Net pension liability, end of year	$	(30,587	)		(95,497	)		(6,201	)		(6,471	)
Schedule of Amounts recognized in Accumulated Other than Comprehensive Income	'
	Amounts Recognized in AOCI:
	Prior service cost	$	—			26			—			—
	Net actuarial loss	39,640				103,365			1,363			1,667
	Total	$	39,640			103,391			1,363			1,667
Schedule of Other Information as of December 31	'
	Other Information as of December 31:
	Accumulated benefit obligation	250,546			265,899			—			—
Schedule of Weighted-Average Liability Assumptions as of December 31	'
	Weighted-Average Liability Assumptions as of December 31:
	Discount rate	5.16	%		4.42		4.85		4.42
	Rate of compensation increase	4	%		4		—		—
Schedule of Components Of Net Periodic Benefit Cost And Other Amounts Recognized In Other Comprehensive Income	'
		Retirement Income Plan										Retirement Life Plan
	($ in thousands)	2013				2012			2011			2013		2012		2011
	Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income:
	Net Periodic Benefit Cost:
	Service cost	$	7,517			8,091			7,575			—		—		—
	Interest cost	12,477				12,981			12,349			283		302		306
	Expected return on plan assets	(15,755		)		(14,206	)		(13,924	)		—		—		—
	Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost	10				150			150			—		—		—
	Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss	4,294				5,863			4,154			80		40		18
	Curtailment expense	16				—			—			—		—		—
	Total net periodic cost	8,559				12,879			10,304			363		342		324
	Other Changes in Plan Assets and Benefit Obligations Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income:
	Net actuarial (gain) loss	(59,430		)		25,906			16,575			(224	)	660		224
	Reversal of amortization of net actuarial loss	(4,294		)		(5,863	)		(4,154	)		(80	)	(40	)	(18	)
	Reversal of amortization of prior service cost	(10		)		(150	)		(150	)		—		—		—
	Curtailment expense	(16		)		—			—			—		—		—
	Total recognized in other comprehensive income	(63,750		)		19,893			12,271			(304	)	620		206
	Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and other comprehensive income	$	(55,191	)		32,772			22,575			59		962		530
Schedule Of Weighted- Average Expense Assumptions	'
		Retirement Income Plan							Retirement Life Plan
		2013			2012		2011		2013		2012		2011
	Weighted-Average Expense Assumptions for the years ended December 31:
	Discount rate 1	4.66	%		5.16		5.55		4.42		5.16		5.55
	Expected return on plan assets	7.4	%		7.75		8		—		—		—
	Rate of compensation increase	4	%		4		4		—		—		—
	1  Discount rate for the Retirement Income Plan changed from 4.42% as of December 31, 2012 to 4.66% as of March 31, 2013 due to the remeasurement that was performed with the curtailment of the Plan.
Schedule of Allocation of Plan Assets	'
		2013						2012
		Target		Range		Actual		Actual
		Percentage		Percentage		Percentage		Percentage
	Equity:
	International	10		18-Apr		8		7
	Large Capitalization	15		Aug-32		13		15
	Small and mid capitalization	5		15-Mar		5		7
	Global asset allocation	10		0 - 15		12		10
	Alternative investments	10		0 - 15		5		6
	Fixed maturity:
	Extended duration fixed maturity	50		20 - 80		42		24
	Domestic core1					—		14
	Global bond/high yield/emerging markets1					12		13
	Cash and short-term investments	—		0 - 5		3		4
	Total					100		100
	1The Retirement Income Plan currently has fixed maturity security exposures that do not have target and range percentages since these exposures will be phased out over time as we opportunistically migrate from intermediate to long duration fixed maturity security strategies.
Schedule of Quantitative Disclosures of our Financial Assets that were Measured at Fair Value	'
	December 31, 2013					Fair Value Measurements Using
	($ in thousands)	Assets Measured at Fair Value 12/31/13				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/ Liabilities			Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)1			Significant Unobservable Inputs
						(Level 1)1						(Level 3)
	Description
	Measured on a recurring basis:
	AFS:
	U.S. government and government agencies	$	173,375			52,153			121,222			—
	Foreign government	30,615				—			30,615			—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	951,624				—			951,624			—
	Corporate securities	1,734,883				—			1,734,883			—
	ABS	140,896				—			140,896			—
	CMBS	171,284				—			171,284			—
	RMBS	512,859				—			512,859			—
	Total fixed maturity securities	3,715,536				52,153			3,663,383			—
	Equity securities	192,771				189,871			—			2,900
	Total AFS securities	3,908,307				242,024			3,663,383			2,900
	Short-term investments	174,251				174,251			—			—
	Total assets	$	4,082,558			416,275			3,663,383			2,900
	December 31, 2012					Fair Value Measurements Using
	($ in thousands)	Assets Measured at Fair Value 12/31/12				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/ Liabilities			Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)1			Significant Unobservable Inputs
						(Level 1)1						(Level 3)
	Description
	Measured on a recurring basis:
	AFS:
	U.S. government and government agencies	$	259,092			115,861			123,442			19,789
	Foreign government	30,229				—			30,229			—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	818,024				—			818,024			—
	Corporate securities	1,450,247				—			1,447,301			2,946
	ABS	128,640				—			122,572			6,068
	CMBS	137,119				—			129,957			7,162
	RMBS	472,662				—			472,662			—
	Total fixed maturity securities	3,296,013				115,861			3,144,187			35,965
	Equity securities	151,382				147,775			—			3,607
	Total AFS securities	3,447,395				263,636			3,144,187			39,572
	Short-term investments	214,479				214,479			—			—
	Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR	2,705				—			—			2,705
	Total assets	$	3,664,579			478,115			3,144,187			42,277
	1 There were no transfers of securities between Level 1 and Level 2.
Schedule of Effect of Significant Unobservable Inputs, Changes in Plan Assets	'
	Investments in Limited Partnerships
	($ in thousands)	2013				2012
	Fair value, beginning of year	$	12,631			15,180
	Total gains (realized and unrealized)
	included in changes in net assets	2,131				1,118
	Purchases	560				434
	Sales	—				—
	Issuances	—				—
	Settlements	(3,163		)		(4,142	)
	Transfers into Level 3	—				41
	Transfers out of Level 3	—				—
	Fair value, end of year	$	12,159			12,631
Schedule of Expected Benefit Payments	'
	($ in thousands)	Retirement Income Plan				Retirement Life Plan
	Benefits Expected to be Paid in Future
	Fiscal Years:
	2014	$	8,424			372
	2015	9,263				382
	2016	10,226				391
	2017	11,245				400
	2018	12,336				407
	2019-2023	76,244				2,108
Retirement Income Plan [Member]	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'
Schedule of Quantitative Disclosures of our Financial Assets that were Measured at Fair Value	'
	31-Dec-13					Fair Value Measurements at 12/31/13 Using
	($ in thousands)	Assets Measured at Fair Value At 12/31/13				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/ Liabilities			Significant Other Observable Inputs			Significant Unobservable Inputs
						(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Description
	Investment funds:
	International equity	$	17,548			5,574			11,974			—
	Domestic large capitalization	30,436				30,436			—			—
	Small and mid capitalization	6,326				6,326			—			—
	Global asset allocation fund	27,257				27,257			—			—
	Extended duration fixed maturity	96,920				96,920			—			—
	Global bond/high yield/emerging markets fixed maturity	26,984				26,984			—			—
	Total investment funds	205,471				193,497			11,974			—
	Limited partnership investments:
	Equity long/short hedge	41				—			—			41
	Private equity	9,899				—			—			9,899
	Real estate	2,219				—			—			2,219
	Total limited partnerships	12,159				—			—			12,159
	Common stocks:
	Small and mid capitalization	6,350				6,350			—			—
	Total common stocks	6,350				6,350			—			—
	Short-term investments	963				963			—			—
	Deposit administration contracts	1,023				—			1,023			—
	Total invested assets	$	225,966			200,810			12,997			12,159
	31-Dec-12					Fair Value Measurements at 12/31/12 Using
	($ in thousands)	Assets Measured at Fair Value At 12/31/12				Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/ Liabilities			Significant Other Observable Inputs			Significant Unobservable Inputs
						(Level 1)			(Level 2)			(Level 3)
	Description
	Investment funds:
	International equity	$	15,751			6,025			9,726			—
	Domestic large capitalization	22,910				22,910			—			—
	Small and mid capitalization	6,805				6,805			—			—
	Global asset allocation	20,778				20,778			—			—
	Extended duration fixed maturity	50,556				50,556			—			—
	Domestic core fixed maturity	29,984				29,984			—			—
	Global bond/high yield/emerging markets fixed maturity	27,230				27,230			—			—
	Total investment funds	174,014				164,288			9,726			—
	Limited partnership investments:
	Equity long/short hedge	41				—			—			41
	Private equity	10,385				—			—			10,385
	Real estate	2,205				—			—			2,205
	Total limited partnerships	12,631				—			—			12,631
	Common stocks:
	Domestic large capitalization	9,938				9,938			—			—
	Small and mid capitalization	7,897				7,897			—			—
	Total common stocks	17,835				17,835			—			—
	Short-term investments	1,629				1,629			—			—
	Deposit administration contracts	979				—			979			—
	Total invested assets	$	207,088			183,752			10,705			12,631
Schedule of Other Investment Portfolio By Strategy And Remaining Commitment Amount Associated With Each Strategy	'
	Alternative Investments	Carrying Value							2013
		December 31,				December 31,			Remaining
	($ in thousands)	2013				2012			Amount
	Equity long/short hedge	$	41			41			—
	Private equity	9,899				10,385			3,293
	Real estate	2,219				2,205			558
	Total alternative investments	$	12,159			12,631			3,851

ShareBased_Payments_Tables

Share-Based Payments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Summary of Stock Option Transactions under Share Based Payment Plans	'
		Number		Weighted			Weighted	Aggregate
		of Shares		Average			Average	Intrinsic Value
				Exercise			Remaining	($ in thousands)
				Price			Contractual
							Life in Years
	Outstanding at December 31, 2012	1,096,754		$	19.36
	Granted in 2013	—		—
	Exercised in 2013	182,201		16.98
	Forfeited or expired in 2013	11,114		26.59
	Outstanding at December 31, 2013	903,439		$	19.75		3.92	$	6,705
	Exercisable at December 31, 2013	903,439		$	19.75		3.92	$	6,705
Schedule of Summary of Restricted Stock Units Transactions under Share-Based Payment Plans	'
		Number		Weighted
		of Shares		Average
				Grant Date
				Fair Value
	Unvested RSU awards at December 31, 2012	1,137,370		$	16.54
	Granted in 2013	396,713		21.03
	Vested in 2013	416,753		15.01
	Forfeited in 2013	20,550		17.24
	Unvested RSU awards at December 31, 2013	1,096,780		$	18.73
Schedule of Weighted Average Assumptions for Employee Stock Purchase Plan	'
		ESPP
		2013		2012		2011
	Risk-free interest rate	0.11	%	0.12		0.13
	Expected term	6 months		6 months		6 months
	Dividend yield	2.4	%	2.9		3
	Expected volatility	19	%	24		19
Schedule of Weighted-Average Fair Value of Stock Per Share	'
		2013			2012		2011
	RSUs	$	21.03		17.62		17.17
	ESPP:
	Six month option	0.97			1.05		0.76
	Discount of grant date market value	3.24			2.7		2.62
	Total ESPP	4.21			3.75		3.38
	Agent Plan:
	Discount of grant date market value	2.4			1.76		1.62

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Commitments For Non-Cancelable Leases [Table Text Block]	'
	($ in millions)	Capital Leases		Operating Leases		Total
	2014	$	1.4	$	11.4	$	12.8
	2015	1.4		9.2		10.6
	2016	0.6		6.3		6.9
	2017	0.1		4.7		4.8
	2018	—		3.8		3.8
	After 2018	—		10.1		10.1
	Total minimum payment required	$	3.5	$	45.5	$	49

Statutory_Financial_Informatio1

Statutory Financial Information, Capital Requirements, and Restrictions on Dividends and Transfers of Funds (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Insurance [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Insurance Subsidiaries Statutory Surplus Data	'
		State of Domicile	Unassigned Surplus					Statutory Surplus		Statutory Net Income
	($ in millions)		2013			2012		2013	2012	2013	2012	2011
	SICA	New Jersey	$	309.2		246.2		463.4	369.9	53.1	29.8	15.2
	Selective Way Insurance Company ("SWIC")	New Jersey	201.3			167.6		250.3	211.2	27.5	10.1	7.8
	Selective Insurance Company of South Carolina ("SICSC")	Indiana	80.7			70.1		111.9	91.4	8.2	2.8	0.7
	Selective Insurance Company of the Southeast ("SICSE")	Indiana	56.2			50.1		81.8	69.7	6	1.6	0.3
	Selective Insurance Company of New York ("SICNY")	New York	51.5			45.3		79.3	72.6	6.9	2.7	1.5
	Selective Insurance Company of New England ("SICNE")	New Jersey	4.7			2.7		34.9	32.5	3.1	0.6	0.3
	Selective Auto Insurance Company of New Jersey ("SAICNJ")	New Jersey	14.2			7.6		57	45.9	2.5	1.5	0.7
	MUSIC	New Jersey	(6.2		)	(14.9	)	62.3	53.6	5.2	0.9	—
	Selective Casualty Insurance Company ("SCIC")	New Jersey	6.1			(2.2	)	80.5	72.2	6.6	0.2	—
	Selective Fire and Casualty Insurance Company ("SFCIC")	New Jersey	3.1			(0.9	)	35	31.1	3.1	0.2	—
	Total		$	720.8		571.6		1,256.40	1,050.10	122.2	50.4	26.5
Schedule of Insurance Subsidiaries Dividend Paid To Parent	'
	Dividends		Twelve Months ended December 31, 2013
	($ in millions)	State of Domicile	Ordinary Dividends Paid			Extraordinary Dividends Paid		Total Dividends Paid
	SICA	New Jersey	$	6		11		17
	SWIC	New Jersey	6.3			—		6.3
	SICSC	Indiana	1			—		1
	SICSE	Indiana	1.5			—		1.5
	SICNY	New York	2.4			—		2.4
	SICNE	New Jersey	2			—		2
	SAICNJ	New Jersey	1.9			—		1.9
	Total		$	21.1		11		32.1
Schedule of Maximum Payments Insurance Subsidiaries Of Ordinary Dividends	'
			2014
	($ in millions)	State of Domicile	Maximum Ordinary
			Dividends Paid
	SICA	New Jersey	$	46.3
	SWIC	New Jersey	25
	SICSC	Indiana	11.2
	SICSE	Indiana	8.2
	SICNY	New York	7.9
	SICNE	New Jersey	3.5
	SAICNJ	New Jersey	6.8
	MUSIC	New Jersey	6.2
	SCIC	New Jersey	8.1
	SFCIC	New Jersey	3.5
	Total		$	126.7

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio1

Quarterly Financial Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Quarterly Financial Information	'
	(unaudited, $ in thousands,	First Quarter				Second Quarter				Third Quarter				Fourth Quarter
	except per share data)	2013		2012		2013		2012		2013		2012		2013		2012
	Net premiums earned	420,940		378,829		426,252		392,212		437,568		406,225		451,312		406,853
	Net investment income earned	32,870		32,628		34,003		34,006		32,457		30,650		35,313		34,593
	Net realized gains (losses)	3,355		4,358		5,154		178		13,431		(1,088	)	(1,208	)	5,540
	Underwriting profit (loss)	12,161		(1,363	)	4,483		(26,962	)	10,151		861		11,971		(36,543	)
	Net income from continuing operations	22,305		18,093		27,122		288		32,653		18,274		25,335		1,308
	Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax	(997	)	—		—		—		—		—		—		—
	Net income	21,308		18,093		27,122		288		32,653		18,274		25,335		1,308
	Other comprehensive income (loss)	27,881		10,690		(62,643	)	5,520		(2,195	)	26,507		7,768		(30,971	)
	Comprehensive income (loss)	49,189		28,783		(35,521	)	5,808		30,458		44,781		33,103		(29,663	)
	Net income per share:
	Basic	0.38		0.33		0.49		0.01		0.59		0.33		0.45		0.02
	Diluted	0.38		0.33		0.48		0.01		0.57		0.33		0.44		0.02
	Dividends to stockholders1	0.13		0.13		0.13		0.13		0.13		0.13		0.13		0.13
	Price range of common stock:2
	High	24.13		19		24.75		17.99		25.95		19.37		28.31		20.31
	Low	19.53		16.64		19.58		16.22		22.61		16.64		23.55		17.17
	The addition of all quarters may not agree to annual amounts on the Financial Statements due to rounding.
	1 See Note 20. “Statutory Financial Information, Capital Requirements, and Restrictions on Dividends and Transfers of Funds” for a discussion of dividend restrictions.
	2 These ranges of high and low prices of the Parent’s common stock, as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market, represent actual transactions. Price quotations do not include retail markups, markdowns, and commissions. The range of high and low prices for common stock for the period beginning January 2, 2014 and ending February 14, 2014 was $21.38 to $26.99.

Organization_Narrative_Details

Organization (Narrative) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Number of Operating Segments	3

Summary_of_Significant_Account3

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Percentage of fixed maturity portfolio utilizing market approach	'	'	'	99.00%	'	'
Investment yields before tax assumed in premium deficiency assessment	3.00%	3.10%	4.00%	'	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs amortized to expense	'	'	'	$331.80	$298.50	$266.10
Number of insurance subsidiaries	'	'	'	10	'	'

Summary_of_Significant_Account4

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Property and Equipment) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Computer hardware [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'3
Internally developed software [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'5
Furniture and fixtures [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'10
Maximum [Member] | Computer software [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'5
Maximum [Member] | Building and improvements [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'40
Minimum [Member] | Computer software [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'3
Minimum [Member] | Building and improvements [Member]	'
Property, Plant and Equipment, Estimated Useful Lives	'5

Adoption_of_Accounting_Pronoun2

Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements (Income Statement Information) (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
Policy acquisition costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$579,977	$526,143	$466,404
Income from continuing operations, before federal income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	143,802	37,635	11,400
Net income	25,335	32,653	27,122	21,308	1,308	18,274	288	18,093	106,418	37,963	22,033
Basic net income per share	$0.45	$0.59	$0.49	$0.38	$0.02	$0.33	$0.01	$0.33	$1.91	$0.69	$0.41
Diluted net income per share	$0.44	$0.57	$0.48	$0.38	$0.02	$0.33	$0.01	$0.33	$1.87	$0.68	$0.40
As Originally Reported [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Policy acquisition costs	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	469,739
Income from continuing operations, before federal income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,065
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$19,865
Basic net income per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0.37
Diluted net income per share	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$0.36

Adoption_of_Accounting_Pronoun3

Adoption of Accounting Pronouncements(Other Information) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011
Underwriting loss	($103,584)
Combined Ratio	107.20%
As Originally Reported [Member]	'
Underwriting loss	($106,919)
Combined Ratio	107.40%

Statements_of_Cash_Flow_Cash_F

Statements of Cash Flow (Cash Flow Supplemental Disclosures) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Interest	$21,465,000	$18,779,000	$18,207,000
Federal income tax	20,000,000	6,421,000	-10,963,000
Tax-free exchange of fixed maturity security, AFS	37,965,000	18,942,000	20,643,000
Tax-free exchange of fixed maturity security, HTM	15,820,000	25,168,000	21,870,000
National Flood Insurance Program [Member]	'	'	'
Restricted cash	$7,300,000	'	'

Investments_Unrealized_Gains_o

Investments (Unrealized Gains on Investments) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net unrealized gains	$79,237	$188,197	$149,612
Deferred income tax expense	-27,733	-65,869	-52,364
Net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax	51,504	122,328	97,248
(Decrease) increase in net unrealized gains in OCI, net of deferred income tax	-70,824	25,080	43,380
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Net unrealized gains	39,559	165,330	130,517
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Net unrealized gains	37,421	18,941	13,529
Available-for-sale Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Net unrealized gains	76,980	184,271	144,046
Held To Maturity Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Net unrealized gains	2,257	3,926	5,566
Total HTM Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Net unrealized gains	$2,257	$3,926	$5,566

Investments_HeldToMaturity_Sec

Investments (Held-To-Maturity Securities Disclosure) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Securities
Amortized Cost	$390,622,000	$550,143,000
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)	2,257,000	3,926,000
Held-to-maturity Securities	392,879,000	554,069,000
Unrecognized Holding Gains	24,102,000	40,615,000
Unrecognized Holding Losses	0	-23,000
Fair Value	416,981,000	594,661,000
Held To Maturity Securities Average Duration	'2 years 2 months	'
Number of held to maturity securities transferred to available-for-sale	16	'
Securities reclassified from the HTM category to AFS carrying value	39,600,000	'
Securities reclassified from the HTM category to AFS net unrecognized gain	1,400,000	'
Foreign Government [Member]	'	'
Amortized Cost	5,292,000	5,292,000
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)	131,000	212,000
Held-to-maturity Securities	5,423,000	5,504,000
Unrecognized Holding Gains	168,000	367,000
Unrecognized Holding Losses	0	0
Fair Value	5,591,000	5,871,000
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member]	'	'
Amortized Cost	348,109,000	491,180,000
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)	4,013,000	6,769,000
Held-to-maturity Securities	352,122,000	497,949,000
Unrecognized Holding Gains	17,634,000	28,996,000
Unrecognized Holding Losses	0	-23,000
Fair Value	369,756,000	526,922,000
Corporate Securities [Member]	'	'
Amortized Cost	28,174,000	38,285,000
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)	-346,000	-812,000
Held-to-maturity Securities	27,828,000	37,473,000
Unrecognized Holding Gains	2,446,000	4,648,000
Unrecognized Holding Losses	0	0
Fair Value	30,274,000	42,121,000
Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Amortized Cost	3,413,000	6,980,000
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)	-655,000	-1,052,000
Held-to-maturity Securities	2,758,000	5,928,000
Unrecognized Holding Gains	657,000	1,170,000
Unrecognized Holding Losses	0	0
Fair Value	3,415,000	7,098,000
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Amortized Cost	5,634,000	8,406,000
Net Unrealized Gains (Losses)	-886,000	-1,191,000
Held-to-maturity Securities	4,748,000	7,215,000
Unrecognized Holding Gains	3,197,000	5,434,000
Unrecognized Holding Losses	0	0
Fair Value	$7,945,000	$12,649,000

Investments_AvailableForSale_S

Investments (Available-For-Sale Securities Disclosure) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost/Amortized Cost	$3,831,327,000		$3,263,124,000
Unrealized Gains	128,951,000		187,105,000
Unrealized Losses	-51,971,000		-2,834,000
Fair Value	3,908,307,000		3,447,395,000
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost/Amortized Cost	3,675,977,000		3,130,683,000
Unrealized Gains	91,434,000		167,705,000
Unrealized Losses	-51,875,000		-2,375,000
Fair Value	3,715,536,000		3,296,013,000
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | U.S. Government and Government Agencies [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost/Amortized Cost	163,218,000		241,874,000
Unrealized Gains	10,661,000		17,219,000
Unrealized Losses	-504,000		-1,000
Fair Value	173,375,000		259,092,000
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Foreign Government [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost/Amortized Cost	29,781,000		28,813,000
Unrealized Gains	906,000		1,540,000
Unrealized Losses	-72,000		-124,000
Fair Value	30,615,000		30,229,000
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost/Amortized Cost	946,455,000		773,953,000
Unrealized Gains	25,194,000		44,398,000
Unrealized Losses	-20,025,000		-327,000
Fair Value	951,624,000		818,024,000
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost/Amortized Cost	1,707,928,000		1,368,954,000
Unrealized Gains	44,004,000		81,696,000
Unrealized Losses	-17,049,000		-402,000
Fair Value	1,734,883,000		1,450,248,000
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost/Amortized Cost	140,430,000		126,330,000
Unrealized Gains	934,000		2,319,000
Unrealized Losses	-468,000		-9,000
Fair Value	140,896,000		128,640,000
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost/Amortized Cost	172,288,000	[1]	133,763,000	[1]
Unrealized Gains	2,462,000	[1]	4,572,000	[1]
Unrealized Losses	-3,466,000	[1]	-1,216,000	[1]
Fair Value	171,284,000	[1]	137,119,000	[1]
Government guaranteed agency securities fair value	30,000,000		48,900,000
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost/Amortized Cost	515,877,000	[2]	456,996,000	[2]
Unrealized Gains	7,273,000	[2]	15,961,000	[2]
Unrealized Losses	-10,291,000	[2]	-296,000	[2]
Fair Value	512,859,000	[2]	472,661,000	[2]
Government guaranteed agency securities fair value	55,200,000		91,000,000
Equity Securities [Member]	'		'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'		'
Cost/Amortized Cost	155,350,000		132,441,000
Unrealized Gains	37,517,000		19,400,000
Unrealized Losses	-96,000		-459,000
Fair Value	$192,771,000		$151,382,000
[1]	CMBS includes government guaranteed agency securities with a fair value of $30.0 million at December 31, 2013 and $48.9 million at December 31, 2012
[2]	RMBS includes government guaranteed agency securities with a fair value of $55.2 million at December 31, 2013 and $91.0 million at December 31, 2012.

Investments_Fair_Value_and_Gro

Investments (Fair Value and Gross Pre-Tax Net Unrealized Unrecognized Loss of Securities By Length of Time) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
AFS Fair Value, Less than 12 months	$1,411,803		$125,166
AFS Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-49,106	[1]	-1,276	[1]
AFS Fair Value, 12 months or longer	40,731		19,736
AFS Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-2,865	[1]	-1,558	[1]
HTM Fair Value, Less than 12 months	65		1,218
HTM Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-5	[1]	-33	[1]
HTM Unrecognized Gains, Less than 12 months	5	[2]	29	[2]
HTM Fair Value, 12 months or longer	2,931		3,968
HTM Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-675	[1]	-887	[1]
HTM Unrecognized Gains, 12 months or longer	635	[2]	791	[2]
Total AFS and HTM Fair Value, Less than 12 months	1,411,868		126,384
Total AFS and HTM Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-49,111	[1]	-1,309	[1]
Total AFS and HTM Fair Value, 12 months or longer	43,662		23,704
Total AFS and HTM Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-3,540	[1]	-2,445	[1]
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member]	'		'
HTM Fair Value, Less than 12 months	65		1,218
HTM Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-5	[1]	-33	[1]
HTM Unrecognized Gains, Less than 12 months	5	[2]	29	[2]
HTM Fair Value, 12 months or longer	441		1,108
HTM Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-20	[1]	-47	[1]
HTM Unrecognized Gains, 12 months or longer	14	[2]	38	[2]
Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'		'
HTM Fair Value, Less than 12 months	0		0
HTM Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	0	[1]	0	[1]
HTM Unrecognized Gains, Less than 12 months	0	[2]	0	[2]
HTM Fair Value, 12 months or longer	2,490		2,860
HTM Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-655	[1]	-840	[1]
HTM Unrecognized Gains, 12 months or longer	621	[2]	753	[2]
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'		'
AFS Fair Value, Less than 12 months	1,410,679		109,265
AFS Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-49,010	[1]	-817	[1]
AFS Fair Value, 12 months or longer	40,731		19,736
AFS Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-2,865	[1]	-1,558	[1]
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | U.S. Government and Government Agencies [Member]	'		'
AFS Fair Value, Less than 12 months	16,955		518
AFS Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-500	[1]	-1	[1]
AFS Fair Value, 12 months or longer	507		0
AFS Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-4	[1]	0	[1]
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Foreign Government [Member]	'		'
AFS Fair Value, Less than 12 months	2,029		0
AFS Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-30	[1]	0	[1]
AFS Fair Value, 12 months or longer	2,955		2,871
AFS Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-42	[1]	-124	[1]
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member]	'		'
AFS Fair Value, Less than 12 months	442,531		32,383
AFS Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-19,120	[1]	-327	[1]
AFS Fair Value, 12 months or longer	13,530		0
AFS Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-905	[1]	0	[1]
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member]	'		'
AFS Fair Value, Less than 12 months	511,100		50,880
AFS Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-15,911	[1]	-402	[1]
AFS Fair Value, 12 months or longer	14,771		0
AFS Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-1,138	[1]	0	[1]
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'		'
AFS Fair Value, Less than 12 months	68,725		9,137
AFS Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-468	[1]	-9	[1]
AFS Fair Value, 12 months or longer	0		0
AFS Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	0	[1]	0	[1]
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'		'
AFS Fair Value, Less than 12 months	100,396		7,637
AFS Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-2,950	[1]	-19	[1]
AFS Fair Value, 12 months or longer	6,298		11,830
AFS Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-516	[1]	-1,197	[1]
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'		'
AFS Fair Value, Less than 12 months	268,943		8,710
AFS Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-10,031	[1]	-59	[1]
AFS Fair Value, 12 months or longer	2,670		5,035
AFS Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	-260	[1]	-237	[1]
Equity Securities [Member]	'		'
AFS Fair Value, Less than 12 months	1,124		15,901
AFS Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 months	-96	[1]	-459	[1]
AFS Fair Value, 12 months or longer	0		0
AFS Unrealized Losses, 12 months or longer	$0	[1]	$0	[1]
[1]	Gross unrealized losses include non-OTTI unrealized amounts and OTTI losses recognized in AOCI. In addition, this column includes remaining unrealized gain or loss amounts on securities that were transferred to an HTM designation in the first quarter of 2009 for those securities that are in a net unrealized/unrecognized loss position.
[2]	Unrecognized holding gains represent fair value fluctuations from the later of: (i) the date a security is designated as HTM; or (ii) the date that an OTTI charge is recognized on an HTM security.

Investments_Number_of_Securiti

Investments (Number of Securities in an Unrealized Unrecognized Loss Position) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
	Securities	Securities
Number of securities in an unrealized/unrecognized loss position	557	101
Unrealized Unrecognized Loss	$52,011,000	$2,934,000
Unrealized Unrecognized Losses Period Increase Decrease	49,100,000	'
Securities In Unrealized Unrecognized Loss Position For More Than Twelve Months	2,900,000	1,700,000
Eighty Percent to Ninety-Nine Percent [Member]	'	'
Number of securities in an unrealized/unrecognized loss position	556	100
Unrealized Unrecognized Loss	51,835,000	2,701,000
Sixty Percent to Seventy-Nine Percent [Member]	'	'
Number of securities in an unrealized/unrecognized loss position	1	1
Unrealized Unrecognized Loss	176,000	233,000
Forty Percent to Fifty-Nine Percent [Member]	'	'
Number of securities in an unrealized/unrecognized loss position	0	0
Unrealized Unrecognized Loss	0	0
Twenty Percent to Thirty-Nine Percent [Member]	'	'
Number of securities in an unrealized/unrecognized loss position	0	0
Unrealized Unrecognized Loss	0	0
Zero Percent to Nineteen Percent [Member]	'	'
Number of securities in an unrealized/unrecognized loss position	0	0
Unrealized Unrecognized Loss	$0	$0
10 Year U.S. Treasury Note [Member]	'	'
Increase of Yield on Note	127	'

Investments_HTM_Fixed_Maturity

Investments (HTM Fixed Maturity Securities by Contractual Maturity) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Due in one year or less carrying value	$67,784	'
Due after one year through five years carrying value	293,947	'
Due after five years through 10 years carrying value	31,148	'
Total HTM fixed maturity securities carrying value	392,879	554,069
Due in one year or less fair value	70,422	'
Due after one year through five years fair value	312,109	'
Due after five years through 10 years fair value	34,450	'
Total HTM fixed maturity securities fair value	$416,981	$594,661

Investments_AFS_Fixed_Maturity

Investments (AFS Fixed Maturity Securities by Contractual Maturity) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments [Abstract]	'	'
Due in one year or less fair value	$375,313	'
Due after one year through five years fair value	1,947,709	'
Due after five years through 10 years fair value	1,363,912	'
Due after 10 years fair value	28,602	'
Total AFS fixed maturity securities	$3,715,536	$3,296,013

Investments_Other_Investment_P

Investments (Other Investment Portfolio by Strategy and the Remaining Commitment Amount Associated With Each Strategy) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Value	$107,875	$114,076
Alternative Investments [Member]	'	'
Carrying Value	106,211	109,664
Remaining Commitment	56,538	'
Other Investment Portfolio [Member]	'	'
Carrying Value	107,875	114,076
Remaining Commitment	56,538	'
Secondary Private Equity [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member]	'	'
Carrying Value	25,618	28,032
Remaining Commitment	7,739	'
Private Equity [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member]	'	'
Carrying Value	20,192	18,344
Remaining Commitment	9,998	'
Energy Power Generation [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member]	'	'
Carrying Value	17,361	18,640
Remaining Commitment	6,984	'
Mezzanine Financing [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member]	'	'
Carrying Value	12,738	12,692
Remaining Commitment	18,249	'
Real Estate [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member]	'	'
Carrying Value	11,698	11,751
Remaining Commitment	10,203	'
Distressed Debt [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member]	'	'
Carrying Value	11,579	12,728
Remaining Commitment	2,965	'
Venture Capital Funds [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member]	'	'
Carrying Value	7,025	7,477
Remaining Commitment	400	'
Other Securities [Member]	'	'
Carrying Value	1,664	4,412
Remaining Commitment	0	'
Fund of Funds Component [Member] | Distressed Debt [Member]	'	'
Carrying Value	$7,900	'

Investments_Aggregated_Balance

Investments (Aggregated Balance Sheet Summarized Financial Information for Partnerhips in our Alternative Investment Portfolio) (Details) (Details) (Investments Accounted For Under The Equity Method [Member], USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Investments Accounted For Under The Equity Method [Member]	'	'
Investments	$11,020	$12,214
Total assets	11,727	12,912
Total liabilities	573	657
Partners' capital	$11,154	$12,255

Investments_Aggregated_Income_

Investments (Aggregated Income Statement Summarized Financial Information for Partnerhips in our Alternative Investment Portfolio) (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

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2012

Sep. 30, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Investments Accounted For Under The Equity Method [Member]

Investments Accounted For Under The Equity Method [Member]

Investments Accounted For Under The Equity Method [Member]

Partnership Interest [Member]

Partnership Interest [Member]

Partnership Interest [Member]

Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net Investment Income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$406,000,000

$226,000,000

$564,000,000

'

'

'

Realized gains

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

913,000,000

1,015,000,000

893,000,000

'

'

'

Net change in unrealized appreciation (depreciation)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

382,000,000

-100,000,000

1,485,000,000

'

'

'

Net Income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,701,000,000

1,141,000,000

2,942,000,000

'

'

'

Net investment income earned

$35,313,000

$32,457,000

$34,003,000

$32,870,000

$34,593,000

$30,650,000

$34,006,000

$32,628,000

$134,643,000

$131,877,000

$147,443,000

'

'

'

$15,000,000

$9,000,000

$21,000,000

Investments_Investments_Pledge

Investments (Investments Pledged as Collateral) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Fixed maturity security pledged at carrying value	$62.30
Outstanding borrowing with the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis	58
Carrying value bonds on deposit with various state and regulatory agencies	26.5
Fixed Maturities [Member]	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Securities pledged as collateral for reinsurance obligations	22.1
Short-term Investments [Member]	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'
Securities pledged as collateral for reinsurance obligations	$0.70

Investments_Net_Investment_Inc

Investments (Net Investment Income) (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
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income earned	$35,313	$32,457	$34,003	$32,870	$34,593	$30,650	$34,006	$32,628	$134,643	$131,877	$147,443
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	121,582	124,687	129,710
Equity Securities, Dividend Income [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,140	6,215	4,535
Short-term Investments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	117	151	160
Other Investment Portfolio [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	15,208	8,996	20,539
Miscellaneous Investment Income [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	133
Investment Expenses [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Statement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($8,404)	($8,172)	($7,634)

Investments_OTTI_by_Asset_Type

Investments (OTTI by Asset Type) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
OTTI Losses Gross	$5,566,000	$1,711,000	$11,998,000
OTTI included in OCI	-77,000	-2,553,000	-1,188,000
Total OTTI charges recognized in earnings	5,643,000	4,264,000	13,186,000
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
OTTI Losses Gross	16,000	-1,462,000	633,000
OTTI included in OCI	-30,000	-2,553,000	-1,188,000
Total OTTI charges recognized in earnings	46,000	1,091,000	1,821,000
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Held To Maturity Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
OTTI Losses Gross	-44,000	'	'
OTTI included in OCI	-47,000	'	'
Total OTTI charges recognized in earnings	3,000	'	'
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
OTTI Losses Gross	3,747,000	3,173,000	11,365,000
OTTI included in OCI	0	0	0
Total OTTI charges recognized in earnings	3,747,000	3,173,000	11,365,000
Other Investments [Member]	'	'	'
OTTI Losses Gross	1,847,000	'	'
OTTI included in OCI	0	'	'
Total OTTI charges recognized in earnings	1,847,000	'	'
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
OTTI Losses Gross	3,763,000	'	'
OTTI included in OCI	-30,000	'	'
Total OTTI charges recognized in earnings	3,793,000	'	'
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member] | AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
OTTI Losses Gross	'	'	17,000
OTTI included in OCI	'	'	0
Total OTTI charges recognized in earnings	'	'	17,000
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member] | AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
OTTI Losses Gross	'	'	244,000
OTTI included in OCI	'	'	0
Total OTTI charges recognized in earnings	'	'	244,000
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
OTTI Losses Gross	'	98,000	175,000
OTTI included in OCI	'	0	-546,000
Total OTTI charges recognized in earnings	'	98,000	721,000
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Held To Maturity Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
OTTI Losses Gross	-44,000	'	'
OTTI included in OCI	-47,000	'	'
Total OTTI charges recognized in earnings	3,000	'	'
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
OTTI Losses Gross	'	-1,525,000	-149,000
OTTI included in OCI	'	-2,335,000	-843,000
Total OTTI charges recognized in earnings	'	810,000	694,000
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member] | AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
OTTI Losses Gross	16,000	-35,000	346,000
OTTI included in OCI	-30,000	-218,000	201,000
Total OTTI charges recognized in earnings	46,000	183,000	145,000
Securities Which Will Not Recover In The Near Term [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Total OTTI charges recognized in earnings	2,000,000	1,000,000	8,500,000
Securities In Loss Position With Intent to Sell [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'
Total OTTI charges recognized in earnings	$1,700,000	$2,200,000	$2,900,000

Investments_Gross_Credit_Loss_

Investments (Gross Credit Loss Impairments of Fixed Maturity Securities for Which a Portion of the OTTI Charge was Recognized in OCI) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Investments [Abstract]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	$7,477	$6,602	$17,723
Credit losses remaining in retained earnings after adoption of OTTI accounting guidance	0	0	0
Addition for the amount related to credit loss for which an OTTI was not previously recognized	0	0	0
Reductions for securities sold during the period	0	0	0
Reductions for securities for which the amount previously recognized in OCI was recognized in earnings because of intention or potential requirement to sell before recovery of amortized cost	0	0	0
Reductions for securities for which the entire amount previously recognized in OCI was recognized in earnings due to a decrease in cash flows expected	0	0	-11,672
Additional increases to the amount related to credit loss for which an OTTI was previously recognized	11	875	551
Accretion of credit loss impairments previously recognized due to an increase in cash flows expected to be collected	0	0	0
Balance, end of year	$7,488	$7,477	$6,602

Investments_Components_Of_Net_

Investments (Components Of Net Realized Gains, Excluding OTTI Charges) (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
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
HTM fixed maturity securities gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$195,000	$194,000	$4,000
HTM fixed maturity securities losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-95,000	-217,000	-564,000
Short term investments realized losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	-2,000	0
Other investment securities gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	1,000	0
Other investment securities losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,060,000	-400,000	0
Net realized investment gains	-1,208,000	13,431,000	5,154,000	3,355,000	5,540,000	-1,088,000	178,000	4,358,000	26,375,000	13,252,000	15,426,000
Total OTTI charges recognized in earnings	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-5,643,000	-4,264,000	-13,186,000
Total net realized gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	20,732,000	8,988,000	2,240,000
Proceeds from sale of available-for-sale securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	135,900,000	205,300,000	206,500,000
Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
AFS securities gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,340,000	4,452,000	9,385,000
AFS securities losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-373,000	-472,000	-70,000
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
AFS securities gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	24,776,000	10,901,000	6,671,000
AFS securities losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($408,000)	($1,205,000)	$0

Stockholders_Equity_and_Compre2

Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income (Purchase of Parent's Common Stock) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Attributable to Parent [Abstract]	'	'	'
Shares reserved for various stock compensation, purchase plans, retirement plan and dividend reinvestment plans	10,600,000	'	'
Shares Purchased in Connection with Restricted Stock Vestings and Stock Option Exercises	167,846	194,575	149,997
Cost of Shares Purchased in Connection with Restricted Stock Vestings and Stock Option Exercises	$3,716	$3,495	$2,741

Stockholders_Equity_and_Compre3

Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income (Components of Comprehensive Income-Gross and Net of Tax) (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
Net Income, Gross, Including discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$142,267	'	$10,400
Net income, Gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	143,802	37,635	11,400
Net Income, Tax, Including discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	35,849	'	-11,633
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	36,387	-328	-11,283
Net income	25,335	32,653	27,122	21,308	1,308	18,274	288	18,093	106,418	37,963	22,033
Unrealized holding losses during the period, Gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-83,934	47,594	70,140
Unrealized holding losses during the period, Tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-29,377	16,657	24,548
Unrealized holding losses arising during period	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-54,557	30,937	45,592
Non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income, Gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	77	2,554	1,188
Non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses recognized in other comprehensive income, Tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	27	894	416
Non-credit portion of other-than-temporary impairments recognized in other comprehensive income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	50	1,660	772
Amount reclassified into net income: HTM securities, Gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,577	-2,432	-2,283
Amounts reclassified into net income: HTM securities, Tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-552	-851	-799
Amount reclassified into net income: Held-to-maturity securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,025	-1,581	-1,484
Realized gains on AFS securities, Gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-23,540	-9,412	-2,801
Realized gains on AFS securities, Tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-8,239	-3,294	-980
Realized gains on available for sale securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-15,301	-6,118	-1,821
Net unrealized gains (losses), Gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-108,960	38,584	66,738
Net unrealized gains (losses), Tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-38,136	13,504	23,358
Total unrealized (losses) gains on investment securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-70,824	25,080	43,380
Amount reclassified into Net Income: Net actuarial loss, Gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,374	5,903	4,172
Amount reclassified into Net Income: Net actuarial loss, Tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,531	2,066	1,460
Amount reclassified into net income: Net actuarial loss	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,843	3,837	2,712
Amount reclassified into Net Income: Prior service cost, Gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	10	150	150
Amount reclassified into Net Income: Prior service cost, Tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4	53	53
Amount reclassified into net income: Prior service cost	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6	97	97
Amount reclassified into Net Income: Curtailment expense, Gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	16	'	'
Amount reclassified into Net Income: Curtailment expense, Tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5	'	'
Amount reclassified into net income: Curtailment expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	11	0	0
Defined pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, Gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	64,054	-20,513	-12,477
Defined pension and other post-retirement benefit plans, Tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	22,419	-7,179	-4,367
Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	41,635	-13,334	-8,110
Other comprehensive (loss) income	7,768	-2,195	-62,643	27,881	-30,971	26,507	5,520	10,690	'	'	'
Comprehensive income, Gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	97,361	55,706	64,661
Comprehensive income, Tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	20,132	5,997	7,358
Comprehensive income	33,103	30,458	-35,521	49,189	-29,663	44,781	5,808	28,783	77,229	49,709	57,303
Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Non-credit OTTI, Gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	14	280	494
Non-credit OTTI, Tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	5	98	173
Amounts reclassified into net income: Non-credit other-than-temporary impairment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	9	182	321
Other comprehensive (loss) income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	59	1,842	'
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net actuarial gain (loss), Gross	'	'	'	44,000	'	'	'	'	59,654	-26,566	-16,799
Net actuarial gain (loss), Tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	20,879	-9,298	-5,880
Net actuarial gain (loss)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	38,775	-17,268	-10,919
Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,860	3,934	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Amounts reclassified into net income: Non-credit other-than-temporary impairment	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-13,457	-3,583	'
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Gross	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-44,906	18,071	54,261
Other Comprehensive (Loss) Income, Tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-15,717	6,325	18,991
Other comprehensive (loss) income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($29,189)	$11,746	$35,270

Stockholders_Equity_and_Compre4

Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income (Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income) (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

Dec. 31, 2013

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance December,

'

'

'

$54,040

'

'

'

'

$54,040

'

'

$24,851

Amount reclassified from AOCI, HTM

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,025

-1,581

-1,484

'

Amounts reclassified from AOCI,All other

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-15,301

-6,118

-1,821

'

Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

41,635

-13,334

-8,110

'

Other comprehensive (loss) income

7,768

-2,195

-62,643

27,881

-30,971

26,507

5,520

10,690

'

'

'

'

Accumulated Other-than-Temporary Impairment [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance December,

'

'

'

-1,658

'

'

'

-3,500

-1,658

-3,500

'

-1,599

OCI before reclassifications

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50

1,660

'

'

Amount reclassified from AOCI

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9

182

321

'

Other comprehensive (loss) income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

59

1,842

'

'

Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance December,

'

'

'

-68,287

'

'

'

-54,953

-68,287

-54,953

'

-26,652

OCI before reclassifications, Defined Benefit Pension and Post Retirement Plans

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

38,775

-17,268

-10,919

'

Other Comprehensive (Income) Loss, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Adjustment, Net of Tax

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,860

3,934

'

'

Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance December,

'

'

'

54,040

'

'

'

42,294

54,040

42,294

'

24,851

OCI before reclassifications

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-15,732

15,329

'

'

Amount reclassified from AOCI

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-13,457

-3,583

'

'

Other comprehensive (loss) income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-29,189

11,746

35,270

'

Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] | Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss) [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance December,

'

'

'

2,594

'

'

'

4,622

2,594

4,622

'

1,467

OCI before reclassifications

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-102

-447

'

'

Other comprehensive (loss) income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,127

-2,028

'

'

Available-for-sale Securities [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance December,

'

'

'

121,391

'

'

'

96,125

121,391

96,125

'

51,635

OCI before reclassifications

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-54,455

31,384

'

'

Other comprehensive (loss) income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-69,756

25,266

'

'

Investments [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Balance December,

'

'

'

122,327

'

'

'

97,247

122,327

97,247

'

51,503

OCI before reclassifications

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-54,507

32,597

'

'

Amount reclassified from AOCI

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-16,317

-7,517

'

'

Other comprehensive (loss) income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

($70,824)

$25,080

'

'

Stockholders_Equity_and_Compre5

Stockholders' Equity and Comprehensive Income (Reclassification out of AOCI) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Total HTM Related, Tax	($552)	($851)	($799)
Amount reclassified from AOCI, HTM	-1,025	-1,581	-1,484
Total realized gains and losses on AFS disposals, gross	-23,540	-9,412	-2,801
Realized gains and losses on AFS disposals, Tax	8,239	3,294	980
Realized gains on available for sale securities	-15,301	-6,118	-1,821
Amount reclassified into Net Income: Net actuarial loss, Gross	4,374	5,903	4,172
Prior service cost	10	150	150
Curtailment Expense	16	'	'
Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement life, Gross	64,054	-20,513	-12,477
Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement life,Tax	22,419	-7,179	-4,367
Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans	41,635	-13,334	-8,110
Other-than-Temporary Impairment [Member]	'	'	'
Amount reclassified from AOCI	9	182	321
Policy acquisition costs [Member]	'	'	'
Amount reclassified into Net Income: Net actuarial loss, Gross	3,465	'	'
Prior service cost	3	'	'
Curtailment Expense	16	'	'
Loss and loss expense incurred [Member]	'	'	'
Amount reclassified into Net Income: Net actuarial loss, Gross	909	'	'
Prior service cost	7	'	'
Net Realized Investment Gains [Member]	'	'	'
Unrealized gains and losses on HTM disposals	390	'	'
Total realized gains and losses on AFS disposals, gross	-23,540	'	'
Net Income Financial Statement Line Item [Member]	'	'	'
Amount reclassified from AOCI	-13,457	'	'
Amount reclassified from AOCI, HTM	-1,025	'	'
Realized gains on available for sale securities	-15,301	'	'
Net Income Financial Statement Line Item [Member] | Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'
Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement plans	2,860	'	'
Net Income Financial Statement Line Item [Member] | Other-than-Temporary Impairment [Member]	'	'	'
Amount reclassified from AOCI	9	'	'
Total Federal Income Tax Expense [Member]	'	'	'
Total HTM Related, Tax	-552	'	'
Realized gains and losses on AFS disposals, Tax	8,239	'	'
Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement life,Tax	-1,540	'	'
Total Federal Income Tax Expense [Member] | Other-than-Temporary Impairment [Member]	'	'	'
Amortization of non-credit OTTI losses on HTM securities, tax	-5	'	'
Income From Continuing Operations Before Federal Income Tax [Member]	'	'	'
Amortization on net unrealized gains on HTM securities	-1,577	'	'
Total realized gains and losses on AFS disposals, gross	-23,540	'	'
Amount reclassified into Net Income: Net actuarial loss, Gross	4,374	'	'
Prior service cost	10	'	'
Curtailment Expense	16	'	'
Total defined benefit pension and post-retirement life, Gross	4,400	'	'
Net Investment Income Earned [Member]	'	'	'
Amortization on net unrealized gains on HTM securities	-1,967	'	'
Net Investment Income Earned [Member] | Other-than-Temporary Impairment [Member]	'	'	'
Amortization of non-credit OTTI losses on HTM securities	$14	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Carryi

Fair Value Measurements (Carrying Value and Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Held-to-maturity Securities	$392,879	$554,069
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	3,715,536	3,296,013
Equity securities, AFS	192,771	151,382
Short-term investments	174,251	214,479
Notes payable	392,414	307,387
Carrying Amount [Member]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	392,879	554,069
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	3,715,536	3,296,013
Equity securities, AFS	192,771	151,382
Short-term investments	174,251	214,479
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR solutions	0	2,705
Notes payable	392,414	307,387
Carrying Amount [Member] | Two Point Ninety Percent Borrowing From Federal Home Loan Bank [Member]	'	'
Notes payable	13,000	13,000
Carrying Amount [Member] | One Point Twenty Five Percent Borrowing From Federal Home Loan Bank [Member]	'	'
Notes payable	45,000	45,000
Carrying Amount [Member] | Seven Point Fifty Percent Junior Notes [Member]	'	'
Notes payable	0	100,000
Carrying Amount [Member] | Seven Point Twenty Five Percent Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Notes payable	49,916	49,912
Carrying Amount [Member] | Six Point Seventy Percent Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Notes payable	99,498	99,475
Carrying Amount [Member] | Five Point Eight Hundred Seventy Five [Member]	'	'
Notes payable	185,000	0
Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	416,981	594,661
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	3,715,536	3,296,013
Equity securities, AFS	192,771	151,382
Short-term investments	174,251	214,479
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR solutions	0	2,705
Notes payable	354,010	321,061
Fair Value [Member] | Two Point Ninety Percent Borrowing From Federal Home Loan Bank [Member]	'	'
Notes payable	13,319	13,595
Fair Value [Member] | One Point Twenty Five Percent Borrowing From Federal Home Loan Bank [Member]	'	'
Notes payable	45,259	45,590
Fair Value [Member] | Seven Point Fifty Percent Junior Notes [Member]	'	'
Notes payable	0	101,480
Fair Value [Member] | Seven Point Twenty Five Percent Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Notes payable	50,887	52,689
Fair Value [Member] | Six Point Seventy Percent Senior Notes [Member]	'	'
Notes payable	98,247	107,707
Fair Value [Member] | Five Point Eight Hundred Seventy Five [Member]	'	'
Notes payable	$146,298	$0

Fair_Value_Measurements_Quanti

Fair Value Measurements (Quantitative Disclosures at Fair Value Assets) (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]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$3,715,536		$3,296,013
Equity securities, AFS	192,771		151,382
Total AFS securities	3,908,307		3,447,395
Short-term investments	174,251		214,479
Fair Value [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	3,715,536		3,296,013
Equity securities, AFS	192,771		151,382
Total AFS securities	3,908,307		3,447,395
Short-term investments	174,251		214,479
Total Assets	4,082,558		3,664,579
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR	'		2,705
Fair Value [Member] | U.S. Government and Government Agencies and Authorities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	173,375		259,092
Fair Value [Member] | Foreign Government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	30,615		30,229
Fair Value [Member] | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	951,624		818,024
Fair Value [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,734,883		1,450,247
Fair Value [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	140,896		128,640
Fair Value [Member] | Commercial Mortgage-backed Securities (CMBS) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	171,284		137,119
Fair Value [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities (RMBS) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	512,859		472,662
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	52,153	[1]	115,861	[1]
Equity securities, AFS	189,871	[1]	147,775	[1]
Total AFS securities	242,024	[1]	263,636	[1]
Short-term investments	174,251	[1]	214,479	[1]
Total Assets	416,275	[1]	478,115	[1]
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR	'		0	[1]
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. Government and Government Agencies and Authorities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	52,153	[1]	115,861	[1]
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Foreign Government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Commercial Mortgage-backed Securities (CMBS) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities (RMBS) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0	[1]	0	[1]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	3,663,383	[1]	3,144,187	[1]
Equity securities, AFS	0	[1]	0	[1]
Total AFS securities	3,663,383		3,144,187
Short-term investments	0	[1]	0	[1]
Total Assets	3,663,383	[1]	3,144,187	[1]
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR	'		0	[1]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. Government and Government Agencies and Authorities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	121,222	[1]	123,442	[1]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Foreign Government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	30,615	[1]	30,229	[1]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	951,624	[1]	818,024	[1]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	1,734,883	[1]	1,447,301	[1]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	140,896	[1]	122,572	[1]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Commercial Mortgage-backed Securities (CMBS) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	171,284	[1]	129,957	[1]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities (RMBS) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	512,859	[1]	472,662	[1]
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0		35,965
Equity securities, AFS	2,900		3,607
Total AFS securities	2,900		39,572
Short-term investments	0		0
Total Assets	2,900		42,277
Receivable for proceeds related to sale of Selective HR	'		2,705
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | U.S. Government and Government Agencies and Authorities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0		19,789
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Foreign Government [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0		0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0		0
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0		2,946
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0		6,068
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Commercial Mortgage-backed Securities (CMBS) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	0		7,162
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities (RMBS) [Member] | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'		'
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Securities	$0		$0
[1]	There were no transfers of securities between Level 1 and Level 2.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Change

Fair Value Measurements (Changes in Fair Value of Securities Using Level 3 Inputs) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Beginning Balance	$42,277,000		$27,910,000
Total net (losses) gains for the period included in OCI	4,089,000	[1]	1,089,000	[1]
Total net (losses) gains for the period included in net income	-1,195,000	[2],[3]	0	[2],[3]
Purchases	0		12,911,000
Sales	0		0
Issuances	0		0
Settlements	-4,660,000		-3,742,000
Transfers into Level 3	0		12,642,000
Transfers out of Level 3	-37,611,000		-8,533,000
Fair Value, Ending Balance	2,900,000		42,277,000
Receivable Related To Sale Of Subsidiary	1,000,000		'
Number of non- public equity securities transferred into level 3	'		2
Equity Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Beginning Balance	3,607,000		0
Total net (losses) gains for the period included in OCI	3,935,000	[1]	0	[1]
Total net (losses) gains for the period included in net income	0	[2],[3]	0	[2],[3]
Purchases	0		0
Sales	0		0
Issuances	0		0
Settlements	0		0
Transfers into Level 3	0		3,607,000
Transfers out of Level 3	-4,642,000		0
Fair Value, Ending Balance	2,900,000		3,607,000
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | U.S. Government and Government Agencies [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Beginning Balance	19,789,000		21,741,000
Total net (losses) gains for the period included in OCI	-537,000	[1]	-22,000	[1]
Total net (losses) gains for the period included in net income	-76,000	[2],[3]	-193,000	[2],[3]
Purchases	0		0
Sales	0		0
Issuances	0		0
Settlements	-1,847,000		-1,737,000
Transfers into Level 3	0		0
Transfers out of Level 3	-17,329,000		0
Fair Value, Ending Balance	0		19,789,000
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Beginning Balance	2,946,000		2,603,000
Total net (losses) gains for the period included in OCI	-7,000	[1]	185,000	[1]
Total net (losses) gains for the period included in net income	0	[2],[3]	0	[2],[3]
Purchases	0		0
Sales	0		0
Issuances	0		0
Settlements	-168,000		-630,000
Transfers into Level 3	0		788,000
Transfers out of Level 3	-2,771,000		0
Fair Value, Ending Balance	0		2,946,000
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Beginning Balance	6,068,000		0
Total net (losses) gains for the period included in OCI	-74,000	[1]	68,000	[1]
Total net (losses) gains for the period included in net income	0	[2],[3]	0	[2],[3]
Purchases	0		7,300,000
Sales	0		0
Issuances	0		0
Settlements	0		0
Transfers into Level 3	0		0
Transfers out of Level 3	-5,994,000		-1,300,000
Fair Value, Ending Balance	0		6,068,000
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Commercial Mortgage-backed Securities (CMBS) [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Beginning Balance	7,162,000		354,000
Total net (losses) gains for the period included in OCI	772,000	[1]	858,000	[1]
Total net (losses) gains for the period included in net income	361,000	[2],[3]	-51,000	[2],[3]
Purchases	0		5,611,000
Sales	0		0
Issuances	0		0
Settlements	-2,420,000		-624,000
Transfers into Level 3	0		8,247,000
Transfers out of Level 3	-5,875,000		-7,233,000
Fair Value, Ending Balance	0		7,162,000
Receivable For Proceeds From Divestiture Of Businesses [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Fair Value, Beginning Balance	2,705,000		3,212,000
Total net (losses) gains for the period included in OCI	0	[1]	0	[1]
Total net (losses) gains for the period included in net income	-1,480,000	[2],[3]	244,000	[2],[3]
Purchases	0		0
Sales	0		0
Issuances	0		0
Settlements	-225,000		-751,000
Transfers into Level 3	0		0
Transfers out of Level 3	-1,000,000		0
Fair Value, Ending Balance	0		2,705,000
Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] | AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'		'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Line Items]	'		'
Transfers into Level 3	'		9,000,000
Transfers out of Level 3	($32,000,000)		($8,500,000)
[1]	Amounts are reported in “Unrealized holding (losses) gains arising during period” on the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
[2]	For the receivable related to the sale of Selective HR, amounts in “Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax” relate to an impairment charge and amounts in “Other income” relate to interest accretion on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
[3]	Amounts are reported in “Net realized gains” for realized gains and losses and “Net investment income earned” for amortization of securities on the Consolidated Statements of Income.

Fair_Value_Measurements_Quanti1

Fair Value Measurements (Quantitative Information of Our Financial Assets and Liabilities That Were Disclosed at Fair Value) (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]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	$392,879	$554,069
Notes payable	392,414	307,387
Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	416,981	594,661
Notes payable	354,010	321,061
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	0	0
Notes payable	146,298	209,187
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	416,981	588,430
Notes payable	207,712	111,874
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	0	6,231
Notes payable	0	0
Foreign Government [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	5,591	5,871
Foreign Government [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	0	0
Foreign Government [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	5,591	5,871
Foreign Government [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	0	0
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	369,756	526,922
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	0	0
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	369,756	526,922
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	0	0
Corporate Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	30,274	42,121
Corporate Securities [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	0	0
Corporate Securities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	30,274	37,289
Corporate Securities [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	0	4,832
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	3,415	7,097
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	0	0
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	3,415	5,698
Asset-backed Securities [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	0	1,399
Commercial Mortgage-backed Securities (CMBS) [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	7,945	12,650
Commercial Mortgage-backed Securities (CMBS) [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	0	0
Commercial Mortgage-backed Securities (CMBS) [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	7,945	12,650
Commercial Mortgage-backed Securities (CMBS) [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Held-to-maturity Securities	0	0
Two Point Ninety Percent Borrowing From Federal Home Loan Bank [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	13,319	13,595
Two Point Ninety Percent Borrowing From Federal Home Loan Bank [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	0	0
Two Point Ninety Percent Borrowing From Federal Home Loan Bank [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	13,319	13,595
Two Point Ninety Percent Borrowing From Federal Home Loan Bank [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	0	0
One Point Twenty Five Percent Borrowing From Federal Home Loan Bank [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	45,259	45,590
One Point Twenty Five Percent Borrowing From Federal Home Loan Bank [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	0	0
One Point Twenty Five Percent Borrowing From Federal Home Loan Bank [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	45,259	45,590
One Point Twenty Five Percent Borrowing From Federal Home Loan Bank [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	0	0
Seven Point Twenty Five Percent Senior Notes [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	50,887	52,689
Seven Point Twenty Five Percent Senior Notes [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	0	0
Seven Point Twenty Five Percent Senior Notes [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	50,887	52,689
Seven Point Twenty Five Percent Senior Notes [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	0	0
Six Point Seventy Percent Senior Notes [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	98,247	107,707
Six Point Seventy Percent Senior Notes [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	0	107,707
Six Point Seventy Percent Senior Notes [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	98,247	0
Six Point Seventy Percent Senior Notes [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	0	0
Seven Point Fifty Percent Junior Notes [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	'	101,480
Seven Point Fifty Percent Junior Notes [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	'	101,480
Seven Point Fifty Percent Junior Notes [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	'	0
Seven Point Fifty Percent Junior Notes [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	'	0
Five Point Eight Hundred Seventy Five [Member] | Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	146,298	'
Five Point Eight Hundred Seventy Five [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	146,298	'
Five Point Eight Hundred Seventy Five [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	0	'
Five Point Eight Hundred Seventy Five [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]	'	'
Notes payable	$0	'

Reinsurance_Total_Reinsurance_

Reinsurance (Total Reinsurance Balances Segregated By Reinsurer) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Allowance For Reinsurance Recoverable	$9,542,000		$8,706,000		$7,668,000	$8,091,000
Total reinsurance recoverables	550,897,000		1,421,109,000		'	'
Total prepaid reinsurance premiums	143,000,000		132,637,000		'	'
Less: collateral	-119,732,000	[1]	-139,335,000	[1]	'	'
Net unsecured reinsurance balances	574,165,000		1,414,411,000		'	'
National Flood Insurance Program [Member]	'		'		'	'
Net unsecured reinsurance balances	177,637,000	[2]	1,028,685,000	[2]	'	'
% of Net Unsecured Reinsurance	31.00%	[2]	73.00%	[2]	'	'
NJ Unsatisfied Claim Judgment Fund [Member]	'		'		'	'
Net unsecured reinsurance balances	71,732,000	[2]	68,655,000	[2]	'	'
% of Net Unsecured Reinsurance	12.00%	[2]	5.00%	[2]	'	'
Other Federal And State Pools [Member]	'		'		'	'
Net unsecured reinsurance balances	3,034,000	[2]	5,749,000	[2]	'	'
% of Net Unsecured Reinsurance	1.00%	[2]	0.00%	[2]	'	'
Total Federal And State Pools [Member]	'		'		'	'
Net unsecured reinsurance balances	252,403,000	[2]	1,103,089,000	[2]	'	'
% of Net Unsecured Reinsurance	44.00%	[2]	78.00%	[2]	'	'
Remaining Unsecured Reinsurance [Member]	'		'		'	'
Net unsecured reinsurance balances	321,762,000		311,322,000		'	'
% of Net Unsecured Reinsurance	56.00%		22.00%		'	'
Hanover Ruckversicherungs AG [Member]	'		'		'	'
Net unsecured reinsurance balances	72,565,000		60,358,000		'	'
% of Net Unsecured Reinsurance	13.00%		4.00%		'	'
Munich Re Group [Member]	'		'		'	'
Net unsecured reinsurance balances	69,749,000		66,283,000		'	'
% of Net Unsecured Reinsurance	12.00%		5.00%		'	'
Swiss Re Group [Member]	'		'		'	'
Net unsecured reinsurance balances	48,234,000		52,189,000		'	'
% of Net Unsecured Reinsurance	8.00%		4.00%		'	'
AXIS Reinsurance Company [Member]	'		'		'	'
Net unsecured reinsurance balances	45,114,000		35,064,000		'	'
% of Net Unsecured Reinsurance	8.00%		3.00%		'	'
Partner Reinsurance Company Of The US [Member]	'		'		'	'
Net unsecured reinsurance balances	25,730,000		20,074,000		'	'
% of Net Unsecured Reinsurance	4.00%		1.00%		'	'
QBE Reinsurance Corporation [Member]	'		'		'	'
Net unsecured reinsurance balances	15,665,000		13,871,000		'	'
% of Net Unsecured Reinsurance	3.00%		1.00%		'	'
All Other Reinsurers [Member]	'		'		'	'
Net unsecured reinsurance balances	44,705,000		63,483,000		'	'
% of Net Unsecured Reinsurance	8.00%		4.00%		'	'
Allowance for Reinsurance Recoverable [Member]	'		'		'	'
Allowance For Reinsurance Recoverable	5,100,000		4,800,000		'	'
Hurricane Sandy [Member] | National Flood Insurance Program [Member]	'		'		'	'
Decrease of Reinsurance Recoverables	809,600,000		'		'	'
Hurricane Sandy [Member] | Catatrophe excess of loss treaty [Member]	'		'		'	'
Decrease of Reinsurance Recoverables	$55,800,000		'		'	'
[1]	1 Includes letters of credit, trust funds, and funds withheld.
[2]	2 Considered to have minimal risk of default.

Reinsurance_List_of_direct_ass

Reinsurance (List of direct, assumed and ceded Reinsurance Amounts) (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
Premiums Written:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Direct	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$2,133,793,000	$1,955,667,000	$1,725,396,000
Assumed	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	43,650,000	50,938,000	51,515,000
Ceded premiums written	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-367,284,000	-339,722,000	-291,559,000
Net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,810,159,000	1,666,883,000	1,485,352,000
Premiums Earned:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Direct	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,048,530,000	1,873,007,000	1,693,021,000
Assumed	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	44,464,000	65,884,000	29,011,000
Ceded premiums earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-356,922,000	-354,772,000	-282,719,000
Total Net Premiums Earned	451,312,000	437,568,000	426,252,000	420,940,000	406,853,000	406,225,000	392,212,000	378,829,000	1,736,072,000	1,584,119,000	1,439,313,000
Losses and loss expenes incurred:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Direct	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,370,293,000	2,394,640,000	1,499,340,000
Assumed	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	32,678,000	29,175,000	20,788,000
Ceded losses and loss expenses incurred	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-281,233,000	-1,302,825,000	-445,141,000
Net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,121,738,000	1,120,990,000	1,074,987,000
Hurricane Sandy [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Losses and loss expenes incurred:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Losses on a gross basis	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	136,000,000	'	'
Losses on a net basis	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	46,600,000	'	'
Flood loss handling fee	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	18,300,000	'
Hurricane Sandy [Member] | National Flood Insurance Program [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Losses and loss expenes incurred:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ceded losses and loss expenses incurred	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,000,000,000	'	'
Hurricane Sandy [Member] | Catatrophe excess of loss treaty [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Losses and loss expenes incurred:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Ceded losses and loss expenses incurred	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$89,400,000	'	'

Reinsurance_Ceded_Premiums_and

Reinsurance (Ceded Premiums and Losses Related to Flood Operations) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Ceded premiums written	($367,284)	($339,722)	($291,559)
Ceded premiums earned	-356,922	-354,772	-282,719
Ceded losses and loss expenses incurred	-281,233	-1,302,825	-445,141
National Flood Insurance Program [Member]	'	'	'
Ceded premiums written	-236,309	-221,094	-206,711
Ceded premiums earned	-228,650	-212,177	-198,153
Ceded losses and loss expenses incurred	($183,142)	($1,119,303)	($352,619)

Reserve_of_Losses_and_Loss_Exp

Reserve of Losses and Loss Expenses (Rollforward of Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Gross reserves for losses and loss expenses, at beginning of year	$4,068,941,000	$3,144,924,000		$2,830,058,000
Less: reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss and loss expenses, at beginning of year	1,409,755,000	549,490,000	[1]	313,739,000
Net reserves for losses and loss expenses, at beginning of year	2,659,186,000	2,595,434,000		2,516,319,000
Incurred losses and loss expense for claims occurring in the current year	1,147,263,000	1,146,591,000		1,113,733,000
Incurred losses and loss expenses for claims occurring in the prior years	-25,525,000	-25,601,000		-38,746,000
Total incurred losses and loss expenses	1,121,738,000	1,120,990,000		1,074,987,000
Paid losses and loss expenses for claims occurring in current year	399,559,000	424,496,000		440,786,000
Paid losses and loss expenses for claims occurring in prior years	572,434,000	632,742,000		569,944,000
Total paid losses and loss expenses	971,993,000	1,057,238,000		1,010,730,000
Acquisition of Mesa Underwriters Specialty Insurance Company (MUSIC) loss and loss expense reserves	0	0		14,858,000
Net reserves for losses and loss expenses, at end of year	2,808,931,000	2,659,186,000		2,595,434,000
Add: reinsurance recoverable on unpaid loss and loss expenses, at end of year	540,839,000	1,409,755,000		549,490,000	[1]
Gross reserves for losses and loss expenses, at end of year	3,349,770,000	4,068,941,000		3,144,924,000
Increase of net loss and loss expense reserves	149,700,000	63,800,000		79,100,000
Anticipated recoveries for salvage and subrogation claims	61,000,000	62,200,000		67,600,000
Reinsurance recoverable related to the acquisition of MUSIC	'	'		$44,000,000
[1]	Includes $44.0 million related to the acquisition of MUSIC at December 31, 2011.

Reserve_for_Losses_and_Loss_Ex2

Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses (Reserve Loss Development) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Favorable or adverse loss development	($25,525)	($25,601)	($38,746)
Favorable or unfavorable loss development [Member]	'	'	'
Favorable or adverse loss development	25,500	25,500	38,500
Property Development	11,000	7,500	9,000
Casualty Development	14,500	18,000	29,500
Favorable or unfavorable loss development [Member] | General Liability [Member]	'	'	'
Favorable or adverse loss development	20,000	-2,500	11,500
Favorable or unfavorable loss development [Member] | Commercial Automobile [Member]	'	'	'
Favorable or adverse loss development	4,500	8,500	13,000
Favorable or unfavorable loss development [Member] | Workers' Compensation [Member]	'	'	'
Favorable or adverse loss development	-23,500	-2,500	-6,500
Favorable or unfavorable loss development [Member] | Business Owners' Policies [Member]	'	'	'
Favorable or adverse loss development	9,500	9,000	11,000
Favorable or unfavorable loss development [Member] | Commercial Property [Member]	'	'	'
Favorable or adverse loss development	7,500	3,500	5,500
Favorable or unfavorable loss development [Member] | Homeowners [Member]	'	'	'
Favorable or adverse loss development	2,500	9,000	4,500
Favorable or unfavorable loss development [Member] | Personal Automobile [Member]	'	'	'
Favorable or adverse loss development	3,000	-500	-1,000
Favorable or unfavorable loss development [Member] | Excess And Surplus Operations [Member]	'	'	'
Favorable or adverse loss development	2,000	0	0
Favorable or unfavorable loss development [Member] | Remaining Lines Of Business [Member]	'	'	'
Favorable or adverse loss development	$0	$1,000	$500

Reserve_for_Losses_and_Loss_Ex3

Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses (Exposure to Environmental Claims) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Liability For Environmental Claims Gross	$32,764	$35,575	$36,012	$43,609
Liability For Environmental Claims Net	25,167	27,769	27,916	35,766
Asbestos [Member]	'	'	'	'
Liability For Environmental Claims Gross	8,897	9,170	8,412	9,979
Liability For Environmental Claims Net	7,518	7,791	6,586	8,167
Landfill Sites Related Claims [Member]	'	'	'	'
Liability For Environmental Claims Gross	12,300	'	'	'
Liability For Environmental Claims Net	7,400	'	'	'
Leaking Underground Storage Tanks Claims [Member]	'	'	'	'
Liability For Environmental Claims Gross	11,600	'	'	'
Liability For Environmental Claims Net	$10,300	'	'	'

Reserve_for_Losses_and_Loss_Ex4

Reserve for Losses and Loss Expenses (Roll Forward of Gross and Net Asbestos and Net Environmental Incurred Losses and Loss Expenses and Related Reserves) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Reserves for losses and loss expenses at beginning of year, gross	$35,575	$36,012	$43,609
Incurred losses and loss expenses, gross	347	3,059	-2,271
Less: losses and loss expenses paid, gross	-3,158	-3,496	-5,326
Reserves for losses and loss expenses at the end of year, gross	32,764	35,575	36,012
Reserves for losses and loss expenses at beginning of year, net	27,769	27,916	35,766
Incurred losses and loss expenses, net	68	3,000	-2,750
Less: losses and loss expenses paid, net	-2,670	-3,147	-5,100
Reserves for losses and loss expenses at the end of year, net	25,167	27,769	27,916
Asbestos [Member]	'	'	'
Reserves for losses and loss expenses at beginning of year, gross	9,170	8,412	9,979
Incurred losses and loss expenses, gross	0	1,696	2,014
Less: losses and loss expenses paid, gross	-273	-938	-3,581
Reserves for losses and loss expenses at the end of year, gross	8,897	9,170	8,412
Reserves for losses and loss expenses at beginning of year, net	7,791	6,586	8,167
Incurred losses and loss expenses, net	0	2,000	2,000
Less: losses and loss expenses paid, net	-273	-795	-3,581
Reserves for losses and loss expenses at the end of year, net	7,518	7,791	6,586
Enviromental [Member]	'	'	'
Reserves for losses and loss expenses at beginning of year, gross	26,405	27,600	33,630
Incurred losses and loss expenses, gross	347	1,363	-4,285
Less: losses and loss expenses paid, gross	-2,885	-2,558	-1,745
Reserves for losses and loss expenses at the end of year, gross	23,867	26,405	27,600
Reserves for losses and loss expenses at beginning of year, net	19,978	21,330	27,599
Incurred losses and loss expenses, net	68	1,000	-4,750
Less: losses and loss expenses paid, net	-2,397	-2,352	-1,519
Reserves for losses and loss expenses at the end of year, net	$17,649	$19,978	$21,330

Indebtedness_Narrative_Details

Indebtedness (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2004	Dec. 31, 2005	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2009	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified			Five Point Eight Hundred Seventy Five [Member]	Redemption Of Seven Point Fifty Percent Junior Notes [Member]	Seven Point Twenty Five Percent Senior Notes due 2034 [Member]	Seven Point Twenty Five Percent Senior Notes due 2034 [Member]	Six Point Seventy Percent Senior Notes due 2035 [Member]	Six Point Seventy Percent Senior Notes due 2035 [Member]	Two Point Ninety Percent Borrowing From Federal Home Loan Bank due Dec. 15, 2014[Member]	One Point Twenty Five Percent Borrowing From Federal Home Loan Bank due Dec. 16, 2016 [Member]	Line of Credit expires Sept 26,2017 [Member]
Aggregate principal amount of notes	'	'	$185	$100	'	$50	$100	'	'	'	'
Write off of Deferred Debt Issuance Cost	'	'	'	3.3	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Discount for notes issued	'	'	'	'	'	0.1	0.7	'	'	'	'
Effective yield	'	'	'	'	'	7.27%	6.75%	'	'	'	'
Bond proceeds to Insurance Subsidiaries as capital	'	'	57.1	'	'	25	'	'	'	'	'
Acceleration of principal	'	'	'	'	10	'	'	10	'	'	20
Net proceeds from the issuance	'	'	'	'	'	'	50	'	'	'	'
Aggregate investment in FHLBI	2.9	2.9	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Borrowing threshold of FHLBI	20	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
FLHBI Borrowing	-58	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	13	45	'
Unpaid principal amount interest rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2.90%	1.25%	'
Line of credit borrowing capacity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	30
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$50
Maximum FHLBI borrowing percentage permitted by line of credit	10.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'

Indebtedness_Covenants_in_the_

Indebtedness (Covenants in the Line of Credit) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'		'	'
Consolidated net worth, required	$800,000,000		'	'
Statutory surplus, required	750,000,000		'	'
Debt-to-capitalization ratio, required	35.00%	[1]	'	'
Consolidated net worth, actual	1,153,928,000		1,090,592,000	1,058,328,000
Statutory surplus, actual	$1,256,400,000		$1,050,100,000	'
Debt-to-capitalization ratio, actual	25.50%	[1]	'	'
[1]	Calculated in accordance with Line of Credit agreement.

Segment_Information_Narrative_

Segment Information (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'	'
Number of Operating Segments	3	'
Goodwill balance for our operating segment	$7,849	$7,849
Percentage of net premiums written related to insurance policies written in New Jersey	23.00%	'

Segment_Information_Revenue_Fr

Segment Information (Revenue From Continuing Operations by Segment) (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

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums earned

$451,312

$437,568

$426,252

$420,940

$406,853

$406,225

$392,212

$378,829

$1,736,072

$1,584,119

$1,439,313

Other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,294

9,118

8,479

Net investment income

35,313

32,457

34,003

32,870

34,593

30,650

34,006

32,628

134,643

131,877

147,443

Net realized (gains) losses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,732

8,988

2,240

Total investment revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

155,375

140,865

149,683

Total all segments

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,903,648

1,733,811

1,597,065

Total revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,903,741

1,734,102

1,597,475

Commercial Automobile [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

310,994

288,010

279,610

Workers' Compensation [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

267,612

262,108

259,354

General Liability [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

405,322

373,381

344,682

Commercial Property [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

224,412

202,340

192,989

Business Owners' Policies [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

77,097

68,462

66,225

Bonds Segment [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

19,000

18,891

18,910

Other Commercial [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,182

12,143

9,177

Total standard Commercial Lines [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,316,619

1,225,335

1,170,947

Personal Automobile [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

152,005

152,142

148,824

Homeowners [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

127,991

113,850

102,764

Other Personal [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,336

13,563

12,864

Total standard Personal Lines [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

294,332

279,555

264,452

Total Standard Insurance Operations [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,610,951

1,504,890

1,435,399

Total Insurance Operations revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,623,152

1,513,717

1,443,468

Miscellaneous Income [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,201

[1]

8,827

[2]

8,069

[3]

Excess And Surplus Operations [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premiums earned

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

125,121

79,229

3,914

Other Income [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$93

$291

$410

[1]

In addition to amounts related to the Standard and E&S Insurance Operations segments, “Other income” and “Other expenses” on the Consolidated Statements of Income includes holding company income and expense amounts of $93 and $27,894, respectively.

[2]

In addition to amounts related to the Standard and E&S Insurance Operations segments, “Other income” and “Other expenses” on the Consolidated Statements of Income includes holding company income and expense amounts of $291 and $20,642, respectively.

[3]

In addition to amounts related to the Insurance Operations segment, “Other income” and “Other expenses” on the Consolidated Statements of Income includes holding company income and expense amounts of $410 and $16,850, respectively.

Segment_Information_Income_Fro

Segment Information (Income From Continuing Operations, Before Federal Income Tax) (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
Underwriting gain (loss), before federal income tax	$11,971	$10,151	$4,483	$12,161	($36,543)	$861	($26,962)	($1,363)	'	'	'
GAAP Combined Ratio	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	107.20%
Net investment income	35,313	32,457	34,003	32,870	34,593	30,650	34,006	32,628	134,643	131,877	147,443
Net realized investment gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	20,732	8,988	2,240
Total investment revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	155,375	140,865	149,683
Tax on investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	40,489	34,758	37,139
Total investment income, after federal income tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	114,886	106,107	112,544
Total standard Commercial Lines [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Underwriting gain (loss), before federal income tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	33,856	-40,935	-49,952
Total standard Personal Lines [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Underwriting gain (loss), before federal income tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	8,645	-3,514	-46,971
Total Standard Insurance Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Underwriting gain (loss), before federal income tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	42,501	-44,449	-96,923
GAAP Combined Ratio	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	97.40%	103.00%	106.80%
Statutory Combined Ratio	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	97.10%	102.50%	106.40%
Excess And Surplus Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Underwriting gain (loss), before federal income tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($3,735)	($19,558)	($6,661)
GAAP Combined Ratio	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	103.00%	124.70%	270.20%
Statutory Combined Ratio	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	102.90%	118.80%	131.30%

Segment_Information_Reconcilia

Segment Information (Reconciliation of Segment Results to Income from Continuing Operations, before Federal Income Tax (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
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Underwriting gain (loss), before federal income tax	$11,971	$10,151	$4,483	$12,161	($36,543)	$861	($26,962)	($1,363)	'	'	'
Total investment revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	155,375	140,865	149,683
Total all segments	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	194,141	76,858	46,099
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	22,538	18,872	18,259
Other General Expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	27,801	20,351	16,440
Income from continuing operations, before federal income tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	143,802	37,635	11,400
Total Standard Insurance Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Underwriting gain (loss), before federal income tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	42,501	-44,449	-96,923
Excess And Surplus Operations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Reconciling Item for Operating Profit (Loss) from Segment to Consolidated [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Underwriting gain (loss), before federal income tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($3,735)	($19,558)	($6,661)

Discontinued_Operations_Detail

Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2009
Percentage Of Interest Sold In Subsidiary	'	'	100.00%
Receivable Related To Sale Of Subsidiary	'	$1	'
Discontinued operation, loss from disposal of discontinued operation, before income tax	($1.50)	'	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Reconciliat

Earnings Per Share (Reconciliation of EPS) (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
Basic EPS: [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income from continuing operations	$25,335	$32,653	$27,122	$22,305	$1,308	$18,274	$288	$18,093	$107,415	$37,963	$22,683
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-997	0	-650
Net income	25,335	32,653	27,122	21,308	1,308	18,274	288	18,093	106,418	37,963	22,033
Net income, basic shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	55,638	54,880	54,095
Basic net income from continuing operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1.93	$0.69	$0.42
Basic net loss from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($0.02)	$0	($0.01)
Basic net income	$0.45	$0.59	$0.49	$0.38	$0.02	$0.33	$0.01	$0.33	$1.91	$0.69	$0.41
Effect of dilutive securities: [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock compensation plans, shares	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,172	1,053	1,126
Earnings Per Share, Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income from continuing operations	25,335	32,653	27,122	22,305	1,308	18,274	288	18,093	107,415	37,963	22,683
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-997	0	-650
Net income	$25,335	$32,653	$27,122	$21,308	$1,308	$18,274	$288	$18,093	$106,418	$37,963	$22,033
Shares net income, Diluted	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	56,810	55,933	55,221
Diluted net income from continuing operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1.89	$0.68	$0.41
Diluted net loss from discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($0.02)	$0	($0.01)
Diluted net income	$0.44	$0.57	$0.48	$0.38	$0.02	$0.33	$0.01	$0.33	$1.87	$0.68	$0.40

Federal_Income_Taxes_Reconcili

Federal Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Federal Income Tax on Income at the Corporate Rate to the Effective Tax Rate) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'
Tax at statutory rate of 35%	$50,331	$13,172	$3,990
Tax-advantaged interest	-12,718	-13,285	-14,381
Dividends received deduction	-1,174	-1,260	-870
Nonqualified deferred compensation	-425	-262	7
Amortization of Intangible Assets	-101	687	0
Other	474	620	-29
Total federal income tax expense (benefit)	$36,387	($328)	($11,283)

Federal_Income_Taxes_Deferred_

Federal Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Net loss reserve discounting	$87,967,000	$97,561,000	'
Net unearned premiums	64,167,000	58,981,000	'
Employee benefits	19,912,000	39,752,000	'
Long-term incentive compensation plans	12,904,000	10,078,000	'
Temporary investment write-downs	7,586,000	8,236,000	'
Net operating loss	2,818,000	12,120,000	'
Tax credits	17,042,000	14,150,000	'
Other	10,088,000	9,056,000	'
Total deferred tax assets	222,484,000	249,934,000	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs	59,164,000	53,187,000	'
Unrealized gains on investment securities	31,345,000	67,501,000	'
Other investments-related items, net	618,000	2,488,000	'
Accelerated depreciation and amortization	8,744,000	7,622,000	'
Total deferred tax liabilities	99,871,000	130,798,000	'
Net deferred federal income tax asset	122,613,000	119,136,000	'
Tax benefits related to compensation expense deductions for share-based compensation awards	$19,200,000	$17,700,000	$16,600,000

Retirement_Plans_Retirement_Sa

Retirement Plans (Retirement Savings Plan) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Apr. 05, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Apr. 05, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011	Apr. 05, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
In Millions, unless otherwise specified		Retirement Savings Plan [Member]	Retirement Savings Plan [Member]	Retirement Savings Plan [Member]	Non Elective Employer Contribution [Member]	Non Elective Employer Contribution [Member]	First Tier Of Employee Contributions [Member]	First Tier Of Employee Contributions [Member]	Second Tier Of Employee Contributions [Member]	Second Tier Of Employee Contributions [Member]
					Retirement Savings Plan [Member]	Retirement Savings Plan [Member]	Employer Match [Member]	Employer Match [Member]	Employer Match [Member]	Employer Match [Member]
							Retirement Savings Plan [Member]	Retirement Savings Plan [Member]	Retirement Savings Plan [Member]	Retirement Savings Plan [Member]
Minimum employee contribution of defined compensation to retirement savings plan percentage	2.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum employee contribution of defined compensation to retirement savings plan percentage	50.00%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Maximum employer match of employee contribution of defined compensation to retirement savings plan percentage	'	'	'	'	4.00%	4.00%	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%	3.00%
Defined contribution plan, employer matching contribution, percentage	'	'	'	'	'	'	100.00%	100.00%	50.00%	50.00%
Employer contribution	'	$12.20	$8.20	$7	'	'	'	'	'	'

Retirement_Plans_Deferred_Comp

Retirement Plans (Deferred Compensation Plan) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
Maximum Employee Contribution Of Annual Salary To Deferred Compensation Plan Percentage	50.00%	'
Maximum Employee Contribution Of Annual Bonus To Deferred Compensation Plan Percentage	100.00%	'
Deferred Compensation Plan Contributions By Employer	$0.20	$0.10

Retirement_Plans_Funded_Status

Retirement Plans (Funded Status of Retirement Income Plan and Retirement Life Plan) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Change In Benefit Obligation [Abstract]	'	'	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments	'	'	$0		'
Retirement Income Plan [Member]	'	'	'		'
Net actuarial gain (loss), Gross	'	59,430,000	-25,906,000		-16,575,000
Change In Benefit Obligation [Abstract]	'	'	'		'
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	302,647,000	302,647,000	254,009,000		'
Service cost	'	7,517,000	8,091,000		7,575,000
Interest cost	'	12,477,000	12,981,000		12,349,000
Actuarial losses	'	-29,656,000	33,596,000		'
Benefits paid	'	-6,978,000	-6,030,000		'
Benefit obligation, end of year	'	256,404,000	302,647,000		254,009,000
Change In Fair Value Of Assets Abstract	'	'	'		'
Fair value of assets, beginning of year	207,150,000	207,150,000	182,614,000		'
Actual return on plan assets, net of expenses	'	15,925,000	21,896,000		'
Contributions by the employer to funded plans	'	9,600,000	8,550,000		'
Contributions by the employer to unfunded plans	'	120,000	120,000		'
Benefits paid fair value	'	-6,978,000	-6,030,000		'
Fair value of assets, end of year	'	225,817,000	207,150,000		182,614,000
Funded status	'	-30,587,000	-95,497,000		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]	'	'	'		'
Liabilities	'	-30,587,000	-95,497,000		'
Net pension liability, end of year	'	-30,587,000	-95,497,000		'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'		'
Prior service cost	'	0	26,000		'
Net actuarial loss	'	39,640,000	103,365,000		'
Total	'	39,640,000	103,391,000		'
Weighted-Average Liability Asumptions	'	'	'		'
Discount rate	'	5.16%	4.42%	[1]	'
Rate of compensation increase	'	4.00%	4.00%		'
Accumulated benefit obligation	'	250,546,000	265,899,000		'
Retirement Life Plan [Member]	'	'	'		'
Net actuarial gain (loss), Gross	'	224,000	-660,000		-224,000
Change In Benefit Obligation [Abstract]	'	'	'		'
Benefit obligation, beginning of year	6,471,000	6,471,000	5,897,000		'
Service cost	'	0	0		0
Interest cost	'	283,000	302,000		306,000
Actuarial losses	'	-224,000	660,000		'
Benefits paid	'	-329,000	-388,000		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments	'	0	0		'
Benefit obligation, end of year	'	6,201,000	6,471,000		5,897,000
Change In Fair Value Of Assets Abstract	'	'	'		'
Fair value of assets, beginning of year	0	0	0		'
Actual return on plan assets, net of expenses	'	0	0		'
Contributions by the employer to funded plans	'	0	0		'
Contributions by the employer to unfunded plans	'	0	0		'
Benefits paid fair value	'	0	0		'
Fair value of assets, end of year	'	0	0		0
Funded status	'	-6,201,000	-6,471,000		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Amounts Recognized in Balance Sheet [Abstract]	'	'	'		'
Liabilities	'	-6,201,000	-6,471,000		'
Net pension liability, end of year	'	-6,201,000	-6,471,000		'
Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), before Tax [Abstract]	'	'	'		'
Prior service cost	'	0	0		'
Net actuarial loss	'	1,363,000	1,667,000		'
Total	'	1,363,000	1,667,000		'
Weighted-Average Liability Asumptions	'	'	'		'
Discount rate	'	4.85%	4.42%		'
Rate of compensation increase	'	0.00%	0.00%		'
Accumulated benefit obligation	'	0	0		'
FundedStatusOfRetirementIncomePlan [Member] | Retirement Income Plan [Member]	'	'	'		'
Change In Benefit Obligation [Abstract]	'	'	'		'
Defined Benefit Plan, Curtailments	'	-29,603,000	'		'
Accumulated Defined Benefit Plans Adjustment [Member]	'	'	'		'
Net actuarial gain (loss), Gross	$44,000,000	$59,654,000	($26,566,000)		($16,799,000)
[1]	Discount rate for the Retirement Income Plan changed from 4.42% as of December 31, 2012 to 4.66% as of March 31, 2013 due to the remeasurement that was performed with the curtailment of the Plan.

Retirement_Plans_Components_of

Retirement Plans (Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost and Other Amounts Recognized in Other Comprehensive Income) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Curtailment expense	$16,000	$0	$0
Reversal of amortization of net actuarial loss	4,374,000	5,903,000	4,172,000
Prior service cost	-10,000	-150,000	-150,000
Retirement Income Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Service cost	7,517,000	8,091,000	7,575,000
Interest cost	12,477,000	12,981,000	12,349,000
Expected return on plan assets	-15,755,000	-14,206,000	-13,924,000
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost	10,000	150,000	150,000
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss	4,294,000	5,863,000	4,154,000
Curtailment expense	16,000	0	0
Total net periodic cost	8,559,000	12,879,000	10,304,000
Net actuarial (gain) loss	-59,430,000	25,906,000	16,575,000
Reversal of amortization of net actuarial loss	4,294,000	5,863,000	4,154,000
Prior service cost	-10,000	-150,000	-150,000
Curtailment Expense	-16,000	0	0
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	-63,750,000	19,893,000	12,271,000
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and OCI	-55,191,000	32,772,000	22,575,000
Estimated net actuarial loss that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost	1,500,000	'	'
Retirement Life Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Service cost	0	0	0
Interest cost	283,000	302,000	306,000
Expected return on plan assets	0	0	0
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost	0	0	0
Amortization of unrecognized actuarial loss	80,000	40,000	18,000
Curtailment expense	0	0	0
Total net periodic cost	363,000	342,000	324,000
Net actuarial (gain) loss	-224,000	660,000	224,000
Reversal of amortization of net actuarial loss	80,000	40,000	18,000
Prior service cost	0	0	0
Curtailment Expense	0	0	0
Total recognized in other comprehensive income	-304,000	620,000	206,000
Total recognized in net periodic benefit cost and OCI	59,000	962,000	530,000
Estimated net actuarial loss that will be amortized from AOCI into net periodic benefit cost	$100,000	'	'

Retirement_Plans_WeightedAvera

Retirement Plans (Weighted-Average Expense Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Expected return on plan assets	6.92%		'		'
Annual return on plan assets	8.10%		'		'
Retirement Income Plan [Member]	'		'		'
Discount rate	4.66%	[1]	5.16%	[1]	5.55%	[1]
Expected return on plan assets	7.40%		7.75%		8.00%
Rate of compensation increase	4.00%		4.00%		4.00%
Discount rate used to value the liability	5.16%		4.42%	[1]	'
Retirement Life Plan [Member]	'		'		'
Discount rate	4.42%	[1]	5.16%	[1]	5.55%	[1]
Expected return on plan assets	0.00%		0.00%		0.00%
Rate of compensation increase	0.00%		0.00%		0.00%
Discount rate used to value the liability	4.85%		4.42%		'
[1]	Discount rate for the Retirement Income Plan changed from 4.42% as of December 31, 2012 to 4.66% as of March 31, 2013 due to the remeasurement that was performed with the curtailment of the Plan.

Retirement_Plans_Plans_Allocat

Retirement Plans (Plan's Allocated Target and Ranges and Actual Weighted Average Asset Allocation by Investment Categories) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Actual percentage	100.00%		100.00%
Maximum percentage of equity security value of total plans portfolio value that is allowed	8.00%		'
Maximum percentage of any corporation outstanding shares that is allowed for retirement income plan equity portfolio	5.00%		'
International Securities [Member]	'		'
Target percentage	10.00%		'
Actual percentage	8.00%		7.00%
Range minimum	'		4.00%
Range maximum	'		18.00%
Large Capitalization Securities [Member]	'		'
Target percentage	15.00%		'
Actual percentage	13.00%		15.00%
Range minimum	'		8.00%
Range maximum	'		32.00%
Small And Mid Capitalization Securities [Member]	'		'
Target percentage	5.00%		'
Actual percentage	5.00%		7.00%
Range minimum	'		3.00%
Range maximum	'		15.00%
Global Asset Allocation [Member]	'		'
Target percentage	10.00%		'
Actual percentage	12.00%		10.00%
Range minimum	'		0.00%
Range maximum	'		15.00%
Partnership Interest [Member]	'		'
Target percentage	10.00%		'
Actual percentage	5.00%		6.00%
Range minimum	'		0.00%
Range maximum	'		15.00%
Extended Duration Fixed Maturity [Member]	'		'
Target percentage	50.00%		'
Actual percentage	42.00%		24.00%
Range minimum	'		20.00%
Range maximum	'		80.00%
Domestic Core Debt Securities [Member]	'		'
Actual percentage	0.00%	[1]	14.00%	[1]
Global bond high yield emerging markets [Member]	'		'
Actual percentage	12.00%	[1]	13.00%	[1]
Cash and short term investments [Member]	'		'
Target percentage	0.00%		'
Actual percentage	3.00%		4.00%
Range minimum	'		0.00%
Range maximum	'		5.00%
[1]	The Retirement Income Plan currently has fixed maturity security exposures that do not have target and range percentages since these exposures will be phased out over time as we opportunistically migrate from intermediate to long duration fixed maturity security strategies.

Retirement_Plans_Quantitative_

Retirement Plans (Quantitative Disclosures of Retirement Income Plan's Invested Assets that are Measured at Fair Value on a Recurring Basis) (Details) (Retirement Income Plan [Member], USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	$225,817,000	$207,150,000	$182,614,000
Fair Value [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	225,966,000	207,088,000	'
Fair Value [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	205,471,000	174,014,000	'
Fair Value [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	12,159,000	12,631,000	'
Fair Value [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	6,350,000	17,835,000	'
Fair Value [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	963,000	1,629,000	'
Fair Value [Member] | Deposit Administration Contracts [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	1,023,000	979,000	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	200,810,000	183,752,000	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	193,497,000	164,288,000	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	6,350,000	17,835,000	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	963,000	1,629,000	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Deposit Administration Contracts [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	12,997,000	10,705,000	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	11,974,000	9,726,000	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Deposit Administration Contracts [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	1,023,000	979,000	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	12,159,000	12,631,000	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	12,159,000	12,631,000	15,180,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	12,159,000	12,631,000	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Deposit Administration Contracts [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
International equity [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	17,548,000	15,751,000	'
International equity [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	5,574,000	6,025,000	'
International equity [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	11,974,000	9,726,000	'
International equity [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Domestic large capitalization [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	30,436,000	22,910,000	'
Domestic large capitalization [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	'	9,938,000	'
Domestic large capitalization [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	30,436,000	22,910,000	'
Domestic large capitalization [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	'	9,938,000	'
Domestic large capitalization [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Domestic large capitalization [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	'	0	'
Domestic large capitalization [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Domestic large capitalization [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	'	0	'
Small And Mid Capitalization Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	6,326,000	6,805,000	'
Small And Mid Capitalization Securities [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	6,350,000	7,897,000	'
Small And Mid Capitalization Securities [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	6,326,000	6,805,000	'
Small And Mid Capitalization Securities [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	6,350,000	7,897,000	'
Small And Mid Capitalization Securities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Small And Mid Capitalization Securities [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Small And Mid Capitalization Securities [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Small And Mid Capitalization Securities [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Short-term Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Global Asset Allocation [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	27,257,000	20,778,000	'
Global Asset Allocation [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	27,257,000	20,778,000	'
Global Asset Allocation [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Global Asset Allocation [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Extended Duration Fixed Maturity [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	96,920,000	50,556,000	'
Extended Duration Fixed Maturity [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	96,920,000	50,556,000	'
Extended Duration Fixed Maturity [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Extended Duration Fixed Maturity [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Domestic Core Fixed Maturity [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	'	29,984,000	'
Domestic Core Fixed Maturity [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	'	29,984,000	'
Domestic Core Fixed Maturity [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	'	0	'
Domestic Core Fixed Maturity [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	'	0	'
Global bond high yield emerging markets [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	26,984,000	27,230,000	'
Global bond high yield emerging markets [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	26,984,000	27,230,000	'
Global bond high yield emerging markets [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Global bond high yield emerging markets [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Investment Funds [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Equity Long Short Hedge [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	41,000	41,000	'
Equity Long Short Hedge [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Equity Long Short Hedge [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Equity Long Short Hedge [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	41,000	41,000	'
Private Equity [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	9,899,000	10,385,000	'
Private Equity [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Private Equity [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Private Equity [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	9,899,000	10,385,000	'
Real Estate Strategy [Member] | Fair Value [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	2,219,000	2,205,000	'
Real Estate Strategy [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets/Liabilities (Level 1) [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Real Estate Strategy [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	0	0	'
Real Estate Strategy [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member] | Fair value, recurring [Member]	'	'	'
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Total Assets	$2,219,000	$2,205,000	'

Retirement_Plans_Changes_in_Fa

Retirement Plans (Changes in Fair Value of Securities Using Significant Unobservable Inputs) (Details) (Retirement Income Plan [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Fair value of assets, beginning of year	$207,150,000	$182,614,000
Total gains (realized and unrealized) included in changes in net assets	15,925,000	21,896,000
Fair value of assets, end of year	225,817,000	207,150,000
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member]	'	'
Fair value of assets, beginning of year	12,631,000	15,180,000
Total gains (realized and unrealized) included in changes in net assets	2,131,000	1,118,000
Purchases	560,000	434,000
Sales	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	-3,163,000	-4,142,000
Transfers into level 3	0	41,000
Transfers out of level 3	0	0
Fair value of assets, end of year	$12,159,000	$12,631,000

Retirement_Plans_Schedule_of_A

Retirement Plans (Schedule of Alternative Investment Portfolio by Strategy and Remaining Commitment) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Value	$107,875	$114,076
Alternative Investments [Member]	'	'
Carrying Value	106,211	109,664
Remaining Commitment	56,538	'
Alternative Investments [Member] | Private Equity [Member]	'	'
Carrying Value	20,192	18,344
Remaining Commitment	9,998	'
Alternative Investments [Member] | Real Estate Strategy [Member]	'	'
Carrying Value	11,698	11,751
Remaining Commitment	10,203	'
Retirement Income Plan [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member]	'	'
Carrying Value	12,159	12,631
Remaining Commitment	3,851	'
Retirement Income Plan [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member] | Equity Long Short Hedge [Member]	'	'
Carrying Value	41	41
Remaining Commitment	0	'
Retirement Income Plan [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member] | Private Equity [Member]	'	'
Carrying Value	9,899	10,385
Remaining Commitment	3,293	'
Retirement Income Plan [Member] | Alternative Investments [Member] | Real Estate Strategy [Member]	'	'
Carrying Value	2,219	2,205
Remaining Commitment	$558	'

Retirement_Plans_Benefit_Payme

Retirement Plans (Benefit Payments) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
2019 - 2023	$2,000
Retirement Income Plan [Member]	'
Estimated contribution from the employer	9,600,000
2014	8,424,000
2015	9,263,000
2016	10,226,000
2017	11,245,000
2018	12,336,000
2019 - 2023	76,244,000
Retirement Life Plan [Member]	'
2014	372,000
2015	382,000
2016	391,000
2017	400,000
2018	407,000
2019 - 2023	$2,108,000

ShareBased_Payments_Narrative_

Share-Based Payments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Stock Issued During Period Shares	862,662	857,403	783,661
Number of options granted	0	'	'
Stock Issued During Period Shares Dividend Reinvestment Plan	63,349	90,110	100,383
Expense charged	$19.90	$13.80	$10.10
Corresponding income tax benefit	6.8	4.8	3.5
Omnibus Stock Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Maximum exercise period for an option grant	'10 years	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Number of Shares Authorized	4,233,305	'	'
Number of shares available in reserve	3,445,663	'	'
DEUs accrued	23,505	32,558	41,469
DEU issuances	39,296	48,224	33,532
Cash Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Cash units granted, net of forfeiture	55,365	46,961	46,879
Stock Option II [Member]	'	'	'
Maximum exercise period for an option grant	'10 years	'	'
Number of shares available in reserve	298,680	'	'
Stock Option III [Member]	'	'	'
Maximum exercise period for an option grant	'10 years	'	'
Number of shares available in reserve	275,244	'	'
Stock Option Plan For Directors [Member]	'	'	'
Number of shares available in reserve	114,000	'	'
Stock Compensation Plan For Non Employee Directors [Member]	'	'	'
Number of shares available in reserve	94,290	'	'
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period Shares	122,951	129,081	131,705
Number of shares available in reserve	870,930	'	'
Discount from market price, offering date	85.00%	'	'
Discount from market price, purchase date	85.00%	'	'
Agent Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Stock Issued During Period Shares	86,388	89,723	111,427
Number of shares available in reserve	2,098,020	'	'
Discount from market price, purchase date	10.00%	'	'
Expense charged	0.2	0.2	0.2
Corresponding income tax benefit	$0.10	$0.10	$0.10
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member] | Omnibus Stock Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Number of restricted stock units granted net of forfeitures	376,163	326,213	402,925
Stock Option [Member] | Stock Option Plan For Directors [Member]	'	'	'
Number of options granted	6,000	'	'

ShareBased_Payments_Summary_of

Share-Based Payments (Summary of Stock Option Transactions under Share-Based Payment Plans) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Outstanding at December 31, 2012, number of shares	1,096,754	'	'
Granted in 2013, numbers of shares	0	'	'
Exercised in 2013, number of shares	182,201	'	'
Forfeited or expired 2013, number of shares	11,114	'	'
Outstanding at December 31, 2013, number of shares	903,439	1,096,754	'
Exercisable at December 31, 2013, number of shares	903,439	'	'
Outstanding at December 31, 2012, weighted average exercise price	$19.36	'	'
Granted in 2013, weighted average exercise price	$0	'	'
Exercised in 2013, weighted average exercise price	$16.98	'	'
Forfeited or expired 2013, weighted average exercise price	$26.59	'	'
Outstanding at December 31, 2013, weighted average exercise price	$19.75	$19.36	'
Exercisable as December 31, 2013, weighted average exercise price	$19.75	'	'
Outstanding at December 31, 2013, weighted average remaining contractual life in years	'3 years 10 months 30 days	'	'
Exercisable at December 31, 2013, weighted average remaining contractual life in years	'3 years 10 months 30 days	'	'
Outstanding at December 31, 2013, aggregate intrinsic value	$6,705,000	'	'
Exerciseable at December 31, 2013, aggregate intrinsic value	6,705,000	'	'
Total intrinsic value of option exercised	$1,300,000	$800,000	$800,000

ShareBased_Payments_Summary_of1

Share-Based Payments (Summary of the Restricted Stock Unit Transactions under Share-Based Payment Plans) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash Incentive Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Weighted average remaining expense life	'1 year 2 months 18 days	'	'
Share Based Compensation Liability Awards Amount Of Liability	$20.80	'	'
Cash incentive unit payments made	4.7	3	3
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'
Unvested RSU awards at December 31, 2012	'	1,137,370	'
Granted in 2013, number of shares	396,713	'	'
Vested in 2013, number of shares	416,753	'	'
Forfeited in 2013, number of shares	20,550	'	'
Unvested RSU awards at Decemeber 31, 2013, number of shares	1,096,780	'	1,137,370
Unvested RSU awards at December 31, 2012, weighted average grant date fair value	'	$16.54	'
Granted in 2013, weighted average grant date fair value	$21.03	$17.62	$17.17
Vested in 2013, weighted average grant date value	$15.01	'	'
Forfeited in 2013, weighted average grant date fair value	$17.24	'	'
Unvested RSU awards at December 31, 2013, weighted average grant date fair value	$18.73	'	$16.54
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested RSU awards	4.5	'	'
Weighted average remaining expense life	'1 year 9 months 18 days	'	'
Dividend Equivalent Units [Member]	'	'	'
Total intrinsic value of shares vested	0.9	0.9	0.6
Restricted Stock Units [Member]	'	'	'
Total intrinsic value of shares vested	$9.10	$8.40	$6.60

ShareBased_Payments_Weighted_A

Share-Based Payments (Weighted Average Assumptions for Employee Stock Purchase Plan and Other Options) (Details) (Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member])	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Risk-free interest rate	0.11%	0.12%	0.13%
Expected term	'6 months	'6 months	'6 months
Dividend yield	2.40%	2.90%	3.00%
Expected volatility	19.00%	24.00%	19.00%

ShareBased_Payments_WeightedAv

Share-Based Payments (Weighted-Average Fair Value of Options and Stock Per Share) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Share-based compensation expense charged against net income before tax	$19.90	$13.80	$10.10
Share-based compensation expense income tax benefit	$6.80	$4.80	$3.50
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]	'	'	'
Stock, weighted average grant date fair value	$21.03	$17.62	$17.17
Agent Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Stock, weighted average grant date fair value	$2.40	$1.76	$1.62
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]	'	'	'
Options, weighted average grant date fair value	$0.97	$1.05	$0.76
15% of grant date market value	$3.24	$2.70	$2.62
Total ESPP	$4.21	$3.75	$3.38

Related_Party_Transactions_Nar

Related Party Transactions (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Equity ownership percentage of director of parent of general independent retail insurance agency	10.00%	'	'
Direct premiums written	$2,133,793,000	$1,955,667,000	$1,725,396,000
Premiums paid to Rue Insurance for insurance coverage	0	200,000	200,000
Contributions to the Selective Group Foundation	400,000	400,000	400,000
Related Party Insurance Agency [Member]	'	'	'
Direct premiums written	8,200,000	7,700,000	7,800,000
Commissions paid to Rue Insurance	$1,300,000	$1,300,000	$1,200,000

Commitments_and_Contingencies_1

Commitments and Contingencies (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Purchase amount of annuities	$4,900,000	'	'
Rental expense for operating leases for office space and equipment	13,200,000	13,100,000	11,600,000
2018	'2018	'	'
Total minimum rental commitments under non-concellable leases	49,000,000	'	'
Other Investments [Member]	'	'	'
Remaining Commitment	$56,538,000	'	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_2

Commitments and Contingencies (Future Minimum Rental Commitments) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Millions, unless otherwise specified
2014- Capital Leases	$1.40
2015- Capital Leases	1.4
2016- Capital Leases	0.6
2017- Capital Leases	0.1
2018- Capital Leases	0
After 2018- Capital Leases	0
Total minimum payment required- Capital Leases	3.5
2014- Operating Leases	11.4
2015- Operating Leases	9.2
2016- Operating Leases	6.3
2017- Operating Leases	4.7
2018- Operating Leases	3.8
After 2018- Operating Leases	10.1
Total minimum payment required- Operating Leases	45.5
2014- Total Leases	12.8
2015- Total Leases	10.6
2016- Total Leases	6.9
2017- Total Leases	4.8
2018- Total Leases	3.8
After 2018- Total Leases	10.1
Total minimum payment required	$49

Statutory_Financial_Informatio2

Statutory Financial Information, Capital Requirements and Restrictions on Dividends and Transfers of Funds (Statutory Financial Information) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statutory unassigned surplus	$720.80	$571.60	'
Statutory surplus	1,256.40	1,050.10	'
Statutory net income	122.2	50.4	26.5
Selective Insurace Company of America (SICA) [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory unassigned surplus	309.2	246.2	'
Statutory surplus	463.4	369.9	'
Statutory net income	53.1	29.8	15.2
Selective Way Insurance Company (SWIC) [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory unassigned surplus	201.3	167.6	'
Statutory surplus	250.3	211.2	'
Statutory net income	27.5	10.1	7.8
Selective Insurance Company of South Carolina (SICSC) [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory unassigned surplus	80.7	70.1	'
Statutory surplus	111.9	91.4	'
Statutory net income	8.2	2.8	0.7
Selective Insurance Company of the Southeast (SICSE) [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory unassigned surplus	56.2	50.1	'
Statutory surplus	81.8	69.7	'
Statutory net income	6	1.6	0.3
Selective Insurance Company of New York (SICNY) [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory unassigned surplus	51.5	45.3	'
Statutory surplus	79.3	72.6	'
Statutory net income	6.9	2.7	1.5
Selective Insurance Company of New England (SICNE) [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory unassigned surplus	4.7	2.7	'
Statutory surplus	34.9	32.5	'
Statutory net income	3.1	0.6	0.3
Selective Auto Insurance Company of New Jersey (SAICNJ) [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory unassigned surplus	14.2	7.6	'
Statutory surplus	57	45.9	'
Statutory net income	2.5	1.5	0.7
Mesa Underwriting Specialty Insurance Company (MUSIC) [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory unassigned surplus	-6.2	-14.9	'
Statutory surplus	62.3	53.6	'
Statutory net income	5.2	0.9	0
Selective Casualty Insurance Company (SCIC) [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory unassigned surplus	6.1	-2.2	'
Statutory surplus	80.5	72.2	'
Statutory net income	6.6	0.2	0
Selective Fire and Casualty Insurance Company (SFCIC) [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory unassigned surplus	3.1	-0.9	'
Statutory surplus	35	31.1	'
Statutory net income	$3.10	$0.20	$0

Statutory_Financial_Informatio3

Statutory Financial Information, Capital Requirements, and Restrictions on Dividends and Transfers of Funds (Dividends) (Details) (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Statutory adjusted capital in excess of authorized risk based capital ratio	4.5	'
Retained earnings	$1,202,015,000	$1,125,154,000
Ordinary dividends paid	21,100,000	'
Extraordinary dividends paid	11,000,000	'
Total dividends paid	32,100,000	'
Maximum ordinary dividends	126,700,000	'
Maximum borrowing percentage	10.00%	'
Selective Insurace Company of America (SICA) [Member]	'	'
Ordinary dividends paid	6,000,000	'
Extraordinary dividends paid	11,000,000	'
Total dividends paid	17,000,000	'
Maximum ordinary dividends	46,300,000	'
Selective Way Insurance Company (SWIC) [Member]	'	'
Ordinary dividends paid	6,300,000	'
Extraordinary dividends paid	0	'
Total dividends paid	6,300,000	'
Maximum ordinary dividends	25,000,000	'
Selective Insurance Company of South Carolina (SICSC) [Member]	'	'
Ordinary dividends paid	1,000,000	'
Extraordinary dividends paid	0	'
Total dividends paid	1,000,000	'
Maximum ordinary dividends	11,200,000	'
Selective Insurance Company of the Southeast (SICSE) [Member]	'	'
Ordinary dividends paid	1,500,000	'
Extraordinary dividends paid	0	'
Total dividends paid	1,500,000	'
Maximum ordinary dividends	8,200,000	'
Selective Insurance Company of New York (SICNY) [Member]	'	'
Ordinary dividends paid	2,400,000	'
Extraordinary dividends paid	0	'
Total dividends paid	2,400,000	'
Maximum ordinary dividends	7,900,000	'
Selective Insurance Company of New England (SICNE) [Member]	'	'
Ordinary dividends paid	2,000,000	'
Extraordinary dividends paid	0	'
Total dividends paid	2,000,000	'
Maximum ordinary dividends	3,500,000	'
Selective Auto Insurance Company of New Jersey (SAICNJ) [Member]	'	'
Ordinary dividends paid	1,900,000	'
Extraordinary dividends paid	0	'
Total dividends paid	1,900,000	'
Maximum ordinary dividends	6,800,000	'
Mesa Underwriting Specialty Insurance Company (MUSIC) [Member]	'	'
Maximum ordinary dividends	6,200,000	'
Selective Casualty Insurance Company (SCIC) [Member]	'	'
Maximum ordinary dividends	8,100,000	'
Selective Fire and Casualty Insurance Company (SFCIC) [Member]	'	'
Maximum ordinary dividends	3,500,000	'
Parent Company [Member]	'	'
Investment Portfolio	71,000,000	'
Retained earnings	1,200,000,000	'
Additional Borrowing Capacity for Parent	$30,000,000	'

Quarterly_Financial_Informatio2

Quarterly Financial Information (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Feb. 14, 2014	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
Net premiums earned	'	$451,312		$437,568		$426,252		$420,940		$406,853		$406,225		$392,212		$378,829		$1,736,072	$1,584,119	$1,439,313
Net investment income	'	35,313		32,457		34,003		32,870		34,593		30,650		34,006		32,628		134,643	131,877	147,443
Net realized gains (losses)	'	-1,208		13,431		5,154		3,355		5,540		-1,088		178		4,358		26,375	13,252	15,426
Underwriting gain (loss), before federal income tax	'	11,971		10,151		4,483		12,161		-36,543		861		-26,962		-1,363		'	'	'
Net income from continuing operations	'	25,335		32,653		27,122		22,305		1,308		18,274		288		18,093		107,415	37,963	22,683
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations, net of tax	'	0		0		0		-997		0		0		0		0		'	'	'
Net income	'	25,335		32,653		27,122		21,308		1,308		18,274		288		18,093		106,418	37,963	22,033
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	7,768		-2,195		-62,643		27,881		-30,971		26,507		5,520		10,690		'	'	'
Total Comprehensive income (loss)	'	33,103		30,458		-35,521		49,189		-29,663		44,781		5,808		28,783		77,229	49,709	57,303
Basic net income per share	'	$0.45		$0.59		$0.49		$0.38		$0.02		$0.33		$0.01		$0.33		$1.91	$0.69	$0.41
Diluted net income per share	'	$0.44		$0.57		$0.48		$0.38		$0.02		$0.33		$0.01		$0.33		$1.87	$0.68	$0.40
Dividends to stockholders	'	$0.13	[1]	$0.13	[1]	$0.13	[1]	$0.13	[1]	$0.13	[1]	$0.13	[1]	$0.13	[1]	$0.13	[1]	$0.52	$0.52	$0.52
Price range common stock, high	26.99	28.31	[2]	25.95	[2]	24.75	[2]	24.13	[2]	20.31	[2]	19.37	[2]	17.99	[2]	19	[2]	'	'	'
Price range of common stock, low	21.38	23.55	[2]	22.61	[2]	19.58	[2]	19.53	[2]	17.17	[2]	16.64	[2]	16.22	[2]	16.64	[2]	'	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) [Member]	'	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		($29,189)	$11,746	$35,270
[1]	1 See Note 20. “Statutory Financial Information, Capital Requirements, and Restrictions on Dividends and Transfers of Funds” for a discussion of dividend restrictions.
[2]	2 These ranges of high and low prices of the Parent’s common stock, as reported by the NASDAQ Global Select Market, represent actual transactions. Price quotations do not include retail markups, markdowns, and commissions. The range of high and low prices for common stock for the period beginning January 2, 2014 and ending February 14, 2014 was $21.38 to $26.99.

Subsequent_events_Subsequent_e

Subsequent events Subsequent event (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
In Millions, unless otherwise specified		Maximum [Member]	Minimum [Member]
Estimated catastrophe losses	'	$32	$28
State Footprint	22	'	'

Schedule_I_Summay_of_Investmen1

Schedule I - Summay of Investments - Other Than Investments in Related Parties (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Amortized Cost or Cost	$4,504,075
Carrying Amount	4,583,312
Held-to-maturity Securities [Member]	'
Amortized Cost or Cost	390,622
Fair Value	416,981
Carrying Amount	392,879
Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member]	'
Amortized Cost or Cost	5,292
Fair Value	5,591
Carrying Amount	5,423
Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member]	'
Amortized Cost or Cost	348,109
Fair Value	369,756
Carrying Amount	352,122
Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] | Public utilities [Member]	'
Amortized Cost or Cost	12,294
Fair Value	13,234
Carrying Amount	12,250
Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] | All Other Corporate Securities [Member]	'
Amortized Cost or Cost	15,880
Fair Value	17,040
Carrying Amount	15,578
Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'
Amortized Cost or Cost	3,413
Fair Value	3,415
Carrying Amount	2,758
Held-to-maturity Securities [Member] | Commercial Mortgage-backed Securities (CMBS) [Member]	'
Amortized Cost or Cost	5,634
Fair Value	7,945
Carrying Amount	4,748
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member]	'
Amortized Cost or Cost	3,675,977
Fair Value	3,715,536
Carrying Amount	3,715,536
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | U.S. Government and Government Agencies [Member]	'
Amortized Cost or Cost	163,218
Fair Value	173,375
Carrying Amount	173,375
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Foreign Government Obligations [Member]	'
Amortized Cost or Cost	29,781
Fair Value	30,615
Carrying Amount	30,615
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member]	'
Amortized Cost or Cost	946,455
Fair Value	951,624
Carrying Amount	951,624
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Public utilities [Member]	'
Amortized Cost or Cost	146,792
Fair Value	146,453
Carrying Amount	146,453
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | All Other Corporate Securities [Member]	'
Amortized Cost or Cost	1,561,136
Fair Value	1,588,430
Carrying Amount	1,588,430
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]	'
Amortized Cost or Cost	140,430
Fair Value	140,896
Carrying Amount	140,896
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Commercial Mortgage-backed Securities (CMBS) [Member]	'
Amortized Cost or Cost	172,288
Fair Value	171,284
Carrying Amount	171,284
AFS Fixed Maturity Securities [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities (RMBS) [Member]	'
Amortized Cost or Cost	515,877
Fair Value	512,859
Carrying Amount	512,859
Equity Securities [Member]	'
Amortized Cost or Cost	155,350
Fair Value	192,771
Carrying Amount	192,771
Equity Securities [Member] | Public Utility, Equities [Member]	'
Amortized Cost or Cost	7,939
Fair Value	7,934
Carrying Amount	7,934
Equity Securities [Member] | Banks, Trust and Insurance Companies [Member]	'
Amortized Cost or Cost	26,884
Fair Value	31,446
Carrying Amount	31,446
Equity Securities [Member] | Industrial, Miscellaneous, and All Other [Member]	'
Amortized Cost or Cost	120,527
Fair Value	153,391
Carrying Amount	153,391
Short-term Investments [Member]	'
Amortized Cost or Cost	174,251
Fair Value	174,251
Carrying Amount	174,251
Other Investments [Member]	'
Amortized Cost or Cost	107,875
Carrying Amount	$107,875

Parent_Corporation_Balance_She

Parent Corporation Balance Sheet (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'	'	'
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale – at fair value (amortized cost: $55,447 - 2013; $40,701 – 2012)	$3,715,536	$3,296,013	'	'
Short-term investments	174,251	214,479	'	'
Cash	193	210	762	645
Current federal income tax	512	2,569	'	'
Deferred federal income tax	122,613	119,136	'	'
Other assets	75,727	57,661	'	'
Total assets	6,270,170	6,794,216	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Notes payable	392,414	307,387	'	'
Other liabilities	203,476	200,194	'	'
Total liabilities	5,116,242	5,703,624	'	'
Stockholders’ Equity:	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock of $0 par value per share: Authorized shares: 5,000,000; no shares issued or outstanding	0	0	'	'
Common stock of $2 par value per share Authorized shares: 360,000,000 Issued: 99,120,235 - 2013; 98,194,224 - 2012	198,240	196,388	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	288,182	270,654	'	'
Retained earnings	1,202,015	1,125,154	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	24,851	54,040	'	'
Treasury stock - at cost (shares: 43,198,622 - 2013; 43,030,776 - 2012)	-559,360	-555,644	'	'
Total stockholders’ equity	1,153,928	1,090,592	1,058,328	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	6,270,170	6,794,216	'	'
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'
ASSETS	'	'	'	'
Fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale – at fair value (amortized cost: $55,447 - 2013; $40,701 – 2012)	55,623	41,202	'	'
Short-term investments	15,399	26,787	'	'
Cash	193	210	722	605
Investment in subsidiaries	1,493,996	1,356,701	'	'
Current federal income tax	28,471	8,133	'	'
Deferred federal income tax	15,122	19,840	'	'
Other assets	9,410	9,695	'	'
Total assets	1,618,214	1,462,568	'	'
Liabilities:	'	'	'	'
Notes payable	334,414	249,387	'	'
Intercompany notes payable	102,721	103,443	'	'
Other liabilities	27,151	19,146	'	'
Total liabilities	464,286	371,976	'	'
Stockholders’ Equity:	'	'	'	'
Preferred stock of $0 par value per share: Authorized shares: 5,000,000; no shares issued or outstanding	0	0	'	'
Common stock of $2 par value per share Authorized shares: 360,000,000 Issued: 99,120,235 - 2013; 98,194,224 - 2012	198,240	196,388	'	'
Additional paid-in capital	288,182	270,654	'	'
Retained earnings	1,202,015	1,125,154	'	'
Accumulated other comprehensive income	24,851	54,040	'	'
Treasury stock - at cost (shares: 43,198,622 - 2013; 43,030,776 - 2012)	-559,360	-555,644	'	'
Total stockholders’ equity	1,153,928	1,090,592	'	'
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$1,618,214	$1,462,568	'	'

Parent_Corporation_Balance_She1

Parent Corporation Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost	$3,675,977	$3,130,683	'
Preferred stock, par value per share	$0	$0	$0
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0	0
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0	'
Common stock, par value per share	$2	$2	'
Common stock, shares authorized	360,000,000	360,000,000	'
Common stock, shares issued	99,120,235	98,194,224	'
Treasury stock, shares	43,198,622	43,030,776	'
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost	$55,447	$40,701	'
Preferred stock, par value per share	$0	$0	'
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000	'
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0	'
Preferred stock, shares outstanding	0	0	'
Common stock, par value per share	$2	$2	'
Common stock, shares authorized	360,000,000	360,000,000	'
Common stock, shares issued	99,120,235	98,194,224	'
Treasury stock, shares	43,198,622	43,030,776	'

Parent_Corporation_Statements_

Parent Corporation Statements of Income (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
Dividends Paid to Parent Company	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$32,100	'	'
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income earned	35,313	32,457	34,003	32,870	34,593	30,650	34,006	32,628	134,643	131,877	147,443
Other income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12,294	9,118	8,479
Total revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,903,741	1,734,102	1,597,475
Expenses:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	22,538	18,872	18,259
Other expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	35,686	30,462	26,425
Total expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,759,939	1,696,467	1,586,075
Federal income tax benefit:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	24,147	5,647	-228
Deferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	12,240	-5,975	-11,055
Total federal income tax expense (benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	36,387	-328	-11,283
Net (loss) income from continuing operations	25,335	32,653	27,122	22,305	1,308	18,274	288	18,093	107,415	37,963	22,683
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-997	0	-650
Net income	25,335	32,653	27,122	21,308	1,308	18,274	288	18,093	106,418	37,963	22,033
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends Paid to Parent Company	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	32,129	196,091	63,025
Revenues:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net investment income earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	585	495	231
Other income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	55	464	362
Total revenues	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	32,769	197,050	63,618
Expenses:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Interest expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	24,309	20,711	20,203
Other expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	27,888	20,632	16,832
Total expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	52,197	41,343	37,035
(Loss) Income from continuing operations before federal income tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-19,428	155,707	26,583
Federal income tax benefit:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Current	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-22,779	-4,602	-12,785
Deferred	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	4,835	-9,347	490
Total federal income tax expense (benefit)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-17,944	-13,949	-12,295
Net income from continuing operations before equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-1,484	169,656	38,878
Equity In Undistributed Income Of Continuing Subsidiaries Net Of Tax	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	108,899	0	0
Dividends in excess of continuing subsidiaries' current year earnings	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-131,693	-16,195
Net (loss) income from continuing operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	107,415	37,963	22,683
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-997	0	-650
Net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$106,418	$37,963	$22,033

Parent_Corporation_Statements_1

Parent Corporation 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	$106,418	$37,963	$22,033
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	8,630	6,939	7,422
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations	997	0	650
Realized gain	-20,732	-8,988	-2,240
Amortization - other	43,461	38,693	34,645
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Increase in accrued salaries and benefits	18,685	6,533	1,521
(Increase) decrease in net federal income taxes	14,834	-7,812	372
Other-net	-17,802	32,737	8,534
Net adjustments	229,706	188,736	100,924
Net cash provided by operating activities	336,124	226,699	122,957
Investing Activities	'	'	'
Purchase of fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	-1,069,387	-884,911	-487,813
Redemption and maturities of fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	513,804	439,957	162,796
Redemption and maturities of fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity	116,584	118,260	177,350
Purchase of short-term investments	-2,056,576	-1,735,691	-1,448,782
Sale of short-term investments	2,096,805	1,738,255	1,433,441
Purchase of subsidiary, net of cash acquired	0	255	-51,728
Sale of subsidiary	1,225	751	1,152
Net cash used in investing activities	-391,025	-202,712	-143,507
Financing Activities	'	'	'
Dividends to stockholders	-27,416	-26,944	-26,513
Acquisition of treasury stock	-3,716	-3,495	-2,741
Proceeds from notes payable, net of debt issuance costs	178,435	0	0
Net proceeds from stock purchase and compensation plans	7,119	4,840	5,011
Excess tax benefits (expense) from share-based payment arrangements	1,545	1,060	-90
Repayment of notes payable	-100,000	0	0
Net cash provided (used in) by financing activities	54,884	-24,539	20,667
Cash, beginning of year	210	762	645
Cash, end of year	193	210	762
Parent Company [Member]	'	'	'
Operating Activities	'	'	'
Net income	106,418	37,963	22,033
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Equity In Undistributed Income Of Continuing Subsidiaries Net Of Tax	-108,899	0	0
Dividends in excess of continuing subsidiaries' current year income	'	131,693	16,195
Stock-based compensation expense	8,630	6,939	7,422
Loss on disposal of discontinued operations	997	0	650
Realized gain	0	-219	0
Amortization - other	4,353	450	229
Changes in assets and liabilities:	'	'	'
Increase in accrued salaries and benefits	6,791	5,221	330
(Increase) decrease in net federal income taxes	-14,968	4,897	742
Other-net	1,204	-7,014	-2,234
Net adjustments	-101,892	141,967	23,334
Net cash provided by operating activities	4,526	179,930	45,367
Investing Activities	'	'	'
Purchase of fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	-21,708	-148,604	-19,643
Redemption and maturities of fixed maturity securities, available-for-sale	6,432	127,344	0
Redemption and maturities of fixed maturity securities, held-to-maturity	0	0	796
Purchase of short-term investments	-241,748	-106,539	-128,378
Sale of short-term investments	253,136	113,700	144,538
Capital contribution to subsidiaries	-57,125	-139,122	0
Purchase of subsidiary, net of cash acquired	0	255	-51,728
Sale of subsidiary	1,225	751	1,152
Net cash used in investing activities	-59,788	-152,215	-53,263
Financing Activities	'	'	'
Dividends to stockholders	-27,416	-26,944	-26,513
Acquisition of treasury stock	-3,716	-3,495	-2,741
Proceeds from notes payable, net of debt issuance costs	178,435	0	0
Net proceeds from stock purchase and compensation plans	7,119	4,840	5,011
Excess tax benefits (expense) from share-based payment arrangements	1,545	1,060	-90
Repayment of notes payable	-100,000	0	0
Borrowings from subsidiaries	0	0	45,000
Principal payments of borrowings from subsidiaries	-722	-3,688	-12,654
Net cash provided (used in) by financing activities	55,245	-28,227	8,013
Net (decrease) increase in cash	-17	-512	117
Cash, beginning of year	210	722	605
Cash, end of year	$193	$210	$722

Schedule_III_Supplementary_Ins1

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$172,981		$155,523		$135,761
Reserve for loss and loss expenses	3,349,770		4,068,941		3,144,924
Unearned premiums	1,059,155		974,706		906,991
Net premiums earned	1,736,072		1,584,119		1,439,313
Net investment income	155,375	[1]	140,865	[1]	149,683	[1]
Losses and loss expenses incurred	1,121,738		1,120,990		1,074,987
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	331,828	[2]	298,547	[3]	266,061	[4]
Other operating expenses	243,740	[5]	228,589	[6]	201,849	[7]
Net premiums written	1,810,159		1,666,883		1,485,349
Policy acquisition costs	579,977		526,143		466,404
Other income	-12,294		-9,118		-8,479
Other expenses	35,686		30,462		26,425
Total reinsurance recoverables	550,897		1,421,109		'
Total	575,568		527,136		467,910
Total Standard Insurance Operations [Member]	'		'		'
Deferred policy acquisition costs	156,546		141,551		131,043
Reserve for loss and loss expenses	3,189,498		3,948,638		3,083,359
Unearned premiums	995,830		917,918		885,850
Net premiums earned	1,610,951		1,504,890		1,435,399
Net investment income	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Losses and loss expenses incurred	1,037,711		1,057,787		1,071,815
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	303,540	[2]	280,700	[3]	265,009	[4]
Other operating expenses	227,199	[5]	210,852	[6]	195,498	[7]
Net premiums written	1,678,497		1,553,586		1,461,216
Excess And Surplus Operations [Member]	'		'		'
Deferred policy acquisition costs	16,435		13,972		4,718
Reserve for loss and loss expenses	160,272		120,303		61,565
Unearned premiums	63,325		56,788		21,141
Net premiums earned	125,121		79,229		3,914
Net investment income	0	[1]	0	[1]	0	[1]
Losses and loss expenses incurred	84,027		63,203		3,172
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	28,288	[2]	17,847	[3]	1,052	[4]
Other operating expenses	16,541	[5]	17,737	[6]	6,351	[7]
Net premiums written	131,662		113,297		24,133
Investments Segment [Member]	'		'		'
Deferred policy acquisition costs	0		0		0
Reserve for loss and loss expenses	0		0		0
Unearned premiums	0		0		0
Net premiums earned	0		0		0
Net investment income	155,375	[1]	140,865	[1]	149,683	[1]
Losses and loss expenses incurred	0		0		0
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	0	[2]	0	[3]	0	[4]
Other operating expenses	0	[5]	0	[6]	0	[7]
Net premiums written	0		0		0
Miscellaneous Income [Member]	'		'		'
Other income	-12,201	[5]	-8,827	[6]	-8,069	[7]
Other Income [Member]	'		'		'
Other income	-93		-291		-410
Miscellaneous Expense [Member]	'		'		'
Other expenses	7,792	[5]	9,820	[6]	9,575	[7]
Other Expense [Member]	'		'		'
Other expenses	$27,894		$20,642		$16,850
[1]	Includes “Net investment income earned” and “Net realized investment gains” on the Consolidated Statements of Income.
[2]	The total of “Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs” of $331,828 and “Other operating expenses” of $243,740 reconciles to the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows:
[3]	The total of “Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs” of $298,547 and “Other operating expenses” of $228,589 reconciles to the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows:
[4]	The total of “Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs” of $266,061 and “Other operating expenses” of $201,849 reconciles to the Consolidated Statements of Income as follows:
[5]	In addition to amounts related to the Standard and E&S Insurance Operations segments, “Other income” and “Other expenses” on the Consolidated Statements of Income includes holding company income and expense amounts of $93 and $27,894, respectively.
[6]	In addition to amounts related to the Standard and E&S Insurance Operations segments, “Other income” and “Other expenses” on the Consolidated Statements of Income includes holding company income and expense amounts of $291 and $20,642, respectively.
[7]	In addition to amounts related to the Insurance Operations segment, “Other income” and “Other expenses” on the Consolidated Statements of Income includes holding company income and expense amounts of $410 and $16,850, respectively.

Schedule_IV_Reinsurance_Detail

Schedule IV - Reinsurance (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
Direct Amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$2,048,530	$1,873,007	$1,693,021
Assumed From Other Companies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	44,464	65,884	29,011
Ceded to Other Companies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	356,922	354,772	282,719
Net premiums earned	451,312	437,568	426,252	420,940	406,853	406,225	392,212	378,829	1,736,072	1,584,119	1,439,313
Percentage of amount assumed to net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3.00%	4.00%	2.00%
Accident and Health Insurance Segment [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Direct Amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	55	58	62
Assumed From Other Companies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Ceded to Other Companies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	55	58	62
Net premiums earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Percentage of amount assumed to net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%
Property and liability insurance [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Direct Amount	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,048,475	1,872,949	1,692,959
Assumed From Other Companies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	44,464	65,884	29,011
Ceded to Other Companies	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	356,867	354,714	282,657
Net premiums earned	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$1,736,072	$1,584,119	$1,439,313
Percentage of amount assumed to net	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3.00%	4.00%	2.00%

Schedule_V_Allowance_for_Uncol1

Schedule V - Allowance for Uncollectible Premiums and Other Receivables (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Balance, January 1	$8,706	$7,668	$8,091
Additions	3,733	4,536	4,990
Deductions	-2,897	-3,498	-5,413
Balance, December 31	$9,542	$8,706	$7,668