EMC Insurance (EMCI) 10-Q 7 Aug 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 31, 2014
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000356130	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	'No	'
Entity Voluntary Filers	'No	'
Entity Current Reporting Status	'Yes	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	13,502,960
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Un

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments:	'		'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $1,028,029 and $1,009,572)	$1,071,203		$1,027,984
Equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (cost $120,870 and $113,835)	184,576		169,848
Other long-term investments	6,159		2,392
Short-term investments	59,799		56,166
Total investments	1,321,737		1,256,390
Cash	568		239
Reinsurance receivables due from affiliate	35,045		34,760
Prepaid reinsurance premiums due from affiliate	8,796		9,717
Deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $39,064 and $37,414)	39,306		37,792
Prepaid pension and postretirement benefits due from affiliate	23,082		23,121
Accrued investment income	10,192		9,984
Accounts receivable	2,379		1,080
Income taxes recoverable	3,058		0
Goodwill	942		942
Other assets (affiliated $4,097 and $4,780)	4,291		4,908
Total assets	1,449,396		1,378,933
LIABILITIES	'		'
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $643,270 and $600,313)	651,884		610,181
Unearned premiums (affiliated $226,518 and $218,788)	227,555		220,627
Other policyholders' funds (all affiliated)	8,705		8,491
Surplus notes payable to affiliate	25,000		25,000
Amounts due affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances	5,167		13,522
Pension and postretirement benefits payable to affiliate	3,348		3,401
Income taxes payable	0		1,530
Deferred income taxes	22,953		12,822
Other liabilities (affiliated $18,049 and $25,161)	18,159		28,149
Total liabilities	962,771		923,723
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'		'
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 20,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 13,498,385 shares in 2014 and 13,306,027 shares in 2013	13,498		13,306
Additional paid-in capital	104,854		99,309
Accumulated other comprehensive income	79,219	[1]	59,010	[1]
Retained earnings	289,054		283,585
Total stockholders' equity	486,625		455,210
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$1,449,396		$1,378,933
[1]	All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Un1

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Investments:	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, amortized cost	$1,028,029	$1,009,572
Equity securities available-for-sale, cost	120,870	113,835
Deferred policy acquisition costs from affiliates	39,064	37,414
Affiliated other assets	4,097	4,780
LIABILITIES	'	'
Affiliated losses and settlement expenses	643,270	600,313
Unearned premiums from affiliates	226,518	218,788
Affiliated other liabilities	$18,049	$25,161
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'	'
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$1	$1
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	13,498,385	13,306,027
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	13,498,385	13,306,027

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
REVENUES	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned (affiliated $130,214, $124,619, $262,146, and $243,736)	$133,952	$127,189	$267,032	$247,686
Investment income, net	11,076	11,040	22,931	21,483
Net realized investment gains, excluding impairment losses on securities available-for-sale	2,343	175	3,921	2,864
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities available-for-sale	0	0	-316	-21
Portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities available-for-sale reclassified from other comprehensive income (before taxes)	0	0	0	0
Net impairment losses on securities available-for-sale	0	0	-316	-21
Net realized investment gains	2,343	175	3,605	2,843
Other income (all affiliated)	181	163	382	398
Total revenues	147,552	138,567	293,950	272,410
LOSSES AND EXPENSES	'	'	'	'
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $103,663, $85,491, $192,354 and $157,970)	105,846	88,968	194,815	161,542
Dividends to policyholders (all affiliated)	2,213	2,333	3,929	4,527
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $24,175, $22,900, $48,604 and $44,850)	25,118	23,565	49,733	45,832
Other underwriting expenses (affiliated $13,892, $15,034, $29,322 and $31,055)	13,604	15,055	29,034	31,076
Interest expense (all affiliated)	85	85	169	216
Other expense (affiliated $334, $334, $730 and $421)	416	612	1,111	759
Total losses and expenses	147,282	130,618	278,791	243,952
Income before income tax expense	270	7,949	15,159	28,458
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)	'	'	'	'
Current	198	2,602	4,300	8,098
Deferred	-942	-865	-750	-125
Total income tax expense (benefit)	-744	1,737	3,550	7,973
Net income	$1,014	$6,212	$11,609	$20,485
Net income per common share - basic and diluted	$0.08	$0.48	$0.87	$1.58
Dividend per common share	$0.23	$0.21	$0.46	$0.42
Average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in shares)	13,470,972	13,055,443	13,409,851	13,000,865

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
REVENUES	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned, affiliated	$130,214	$124,619	$262,146	$243,736
LOSSES AND EXPENSES	'	'	'	'
Losses and settlement expenses, affiliated	103,663	85,491	192,354	157,970
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, affiliated	24,175	22,900	48,604	44,850
Other underwriting expenses, affiliated	13,892	15,034	29,322	31,055
Other expense, affiliated	$334	$334	$730	$421

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Net income	$1,014	$6,212	$11,609		$20,485
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	'	'	'		'
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities, net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $7,171, $(12,910), $13,037 and $(9,212)	13,317	-23,975	24,211		-17,108
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income, net of income tax expense of $(1,107), $(61), $(1,678) and $(995)	-2,056	-114	-3,115		-1,848
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income), net of deferred income tax (expense) benefit of $(236), $194, $(478) and $383:	'	'	'		'
Net actuarial loss	100	475	188		941
Prior service credit	-538	-115	-1,075		-230
Total reclassification adjustment associated with affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans	-438	360	-887		711
Other comprehensive income (loss)	10,823	-23,729	20,209	[1]	-18,245
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$11,837	($17,517)	$31,818		$2,240
[1]	All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	'	'	'	'
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities, deferred income tax expense (benefit)	$7,171	($12,910)	$13,037	($9,212)
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment (gains) losses included in net income (loss), income tax (expense) benefit	-1,107	-61	-1,678	-995
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income), deferred income tax (expense) benefit	($236)	$194	($478)	$383

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Net income	$11,609	$20,485
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $42,957 and $11,611)	41,703	13,246
Unearned premiums (affiliated $7,730 and $13,524)	6,928	13,644
Other policyholders' funds due to affiliate	214	680
Amounts due to/from affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances	-8,355	-16,517
Net pension and postretirement benefits due from affiliate	-1,379	2,731
Reinsurance receivables due from affiliate	-285	1,513
Prepaid reinsurance premiums due from affiliate	921	-2,210
Commissions payable (affiliated $(4,536) and $(3,512))	-4,716	-3,528
Deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $(1,650) and $2,177)	-1,514	-2,204
Accrued investment income	-208	-95
Current income tax	-4,513	-1,539
Deferred income tax	-750	-125
Net realized investment gains	-3,605	-2,843
Other, net (affiliated $(1,913) and $(4,148))	-295	-3,452
Total adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities	24,146	-699
Net cash provided by operating activities	35,755	19,786
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Purchases of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	-87,159	-157,816
Disposals of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	64,056	118,360
Purchases of equity securities available-for-sale	-26,493	-23,236
Disposals of equity securities available-for-sale	23,589	23,927
Purchases of other long-term investments	-5,537	-178
Disposals of other long-term investments	209	153
Net (purchases) disposals of short-term investments	-3,633	19,497
Net cash used in investing activities	-34,968	-19,293
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Issuance of common stock through affiliatebs stock plans	5,607	5,116
Excess tax benefit associated with affiliatebs stock plans	75	44
Dividends paid to stockholders (affiliated $(3,610) and $(3,296))	-6,140	-5,477
Net cash used in financing activities	-458	-317
NET INCREASE IN CASH	329	176
Cash at the beginning of the year	239	330
Cash at the end of the quarter	$568	$506

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Losses and settlement expenses, affiliated	$42,957	$11,611
Unearned premiums, affiliated	7,730	13,524
Commissions payable, affiliated	-4,536	-3,512
Deferred policy acquisition costs, affiliated	-1,650	2,177
Other, net, affiliated	-1,913	-4,148
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Dividends paid to stockholders, affiliated	($3,610)	($3,296)

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
BASIS OF PRESENTATION	'
	BASIS OF PRESENTATION
	EMC Insurance Group Inc., a majority owned subsidiary of Employers Mutual Casualty Company (Employers Mutual), is an insurance holding company with operations in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance.  The Company writes property and casualty insurance in both commercial and personal lines of insurance, with a focus on medium-sized commercial accounts.  The term “Company” is used interchangeably to describe EMC Insurance Group Inc. (Parent Company only) and EMC Insurance Group Inc. and its subsidiaries.
	The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X.  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.  The Company has evaluated all subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued.  In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the interim financial statements have been included.  The results of operations for the interim periods reported are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year.  The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2013 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements.
	During the first quarter of 2014, the Company invested $4,367 in a limited partnership that is designed to help protect the Company from a sudden and significant decline in the value of its equity portfolio. This investment is included in "other long-term investments" in the Company's financial statements and is carried under the equity method of accounting. Because of the nature of this investment, which was made solely to implement the equity tail-risk hedging strategy, changes in the carrying value of the limited partnership are recorded as realized investment gains (losses), rather than as a component of investment income.
	Certain amounts previously reported in the prior years’ consolidated financial statements have been reclassified or adjusted to conform to current year presentation.
	In reading these financial statements, reference should be made to the Company’s 2013 Form 10-K or the 2013 Annual Report to Stockholders for more detailed footnote information.

TRANSACTIONS_WITH_AFFILIATES

TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]	'
TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES	'
	TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES
	The terms of the excess of loss reinsurance agreement between EMC Reinsurance Company and Employers Mutual have been revised beginning January 1, 2014.  Effective January 1, 2014, the cost of the excess of loss coverage decreased from 9.0 percent of total assumed reinsurance premiums written to 8.0 percent of total assumed reinsurance premiums written (no changes to the amount of losses retained per event).

REINSURANCE

REINSURANCE	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]	'
REINSURANCE	'
	REINSURANCE
	The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned, and losses and settlement expenses incurred, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 is presented below.  The classification of the assumed and ceded reinsurance amounts between affiliates and nonaffiliates is based on the participants in the underlying reinsurance agreements, and is intended to provide an understanding of the actual source of the reinsurance activities.  This presentation differs from the classifications used in the consolidated financial statements, where all amounts flowing through the pooling, quota share and excess of loss agreements with Employers Mutual are reported as “affiliated” balances.
			Three months ended June 30, 2014
			Property and			Reinsurance			Total
			casualty
			insurance
	Premiums written
	Direct		$	90,851		$	—		$	90,851
	Assumed from nonaffiliates		993			32,506			33,499
	Assumed from affiliates		118,286			—			118,286
	Ceded to nonaffiliates		(6,815		)	(3,636		)	(10,451		)
	Ceded to affiliates		(90,851		)	(2,310		)	(93,161		)
	Net premiums written		$	112,464		$	26,560		$	139,024
	Premiums earned
	Direct		$	93,286		$	—		$	93,286
	Assumed from nonaffiliates		891			36,695			37,586
	Assumed from affiliates		109,397			—			109,397
	Ceded to nonaffiliates		(6,771		)	(3,950		)	(10,721		)
	Ceded to affiliates		(93,286		)	(2,310		)	(95,596		)
	Net premiums earned		$	103,517		$	30,435		$	133,952
	Losses and settlement expenses incurred
	Direct		$	75,417		$	—		$	75,417
	Assumed from nonaffiliates		484			27,583			28,067
	Assumed from affiliates		87,330			246			87,576
	Ceded to nonaffiliates		(7,027		)	(2,792		)	(9,819		)
	Ceded to affiliates		(75,417		)	22			(75,395		)
	Net losses and settlement expenses incurred		$	80,787		$	25,059		$	105,846
			Three months ended June 30, 2013
			Property and			Reinsurance			Total
			casualty
			insurance
	Premiums written
	Direct		$	89,858		$	—		$	89,858
	Assumed from nonaffiliates		882			38,996			39,878
	Assumed from affiliates		110,140			—			110,140
	Ceded to nonaffiliates		(5,763		)	(5,090		)	(10,853		)
	Ceded to affiliates		(89,858		)	(3,051		)	(92,909		)
	Net premiums written		$	105,259		$	30,855		$	136,114
	Premiums earned
	Direct		$	90,493		$	—		$	90,493
	Assumed from nonaffiliates		763			36,951			37,714
	Assumed from affiliates		102,770			—			102,770
	Ceded to nonaffiliates		(5,716		)	(4,528		)	(10,244		)
	Ceded to affiliates		(90,493		)	(3,051		)	(93,544		)
	Net premiums earned		$	97,817		$	29,372		$	127,189
	Losses and settlement expenses incurred
	Direct		$	71,466		$	—		$	71,466
	Assumed from nonaffiliates		34			16,692			16,726
	Assumed from affiliates		76,771			211			76,982
	Ceded to nonaffiliates		(2,725		)	(2,179		)	(4,904		)
	Ceded to affiliates		(71,466		)	164			(71,302		)
	Net losses and settlement expenses incurred		$	74,080		$	14,888		$	88,968
			Six months ended June 30, 2014
			Property and			Reinsurance			Total
			casualty
			insurance
	Premiums written
	Direct		$	180,892		$	—		$	180,892
	Assumed from nonaffiliates		1,780			72,020			73,800
	Assumed from affiliates		225,334			—			225,334
	Ceded to nonaffiliates		(12,137		)	(7,398		)	(19,535		)
	Ceded to affiliates		(180,892		)	(5,170		)	(186,062		)
	Net premiums written		$	214,977		$	59,452		$	274,429
Premiums earned
Direct		$	184,361		$	—		$	184,361
Assumed from nonaffiliates		1,735			75,645			77,380
Assumed from affiliates		215,278			—			215,278
Ceded to nonaffiliates		(12,249		)	(8,207		)	(20,456		)
Ceded to affiliates		(184,361		)	(5,170		)	(189,531		)
Net premiums earned		$	204,764		$	62,268		$	267,032
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct		$	123,427		$	—		$	123,427
Assumed from nonaffiliates		1,086			51,983			53,069
Assumed from affiliates		155,502			537			156,039
Ceded to nonaffiliates		(8,075		)	(6,259		)	(14,334		)
Ceded to affiliates		(123,427		)	41			(123,386		)
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred		$	148,513		$	46,302		$	194,815
		Six months ended June 30, 2013
		Property and			Reinsurance			Total
		casualty
		insurance
Premiums written
Direct		$	178,746		$	—		$	178,746
Assumed from nonaffiliates		1,495			73,709			75,204
Assumed from affiliates		209,541			—			209,541
Ceded to nonaffiliates		(10,996		)	(9,749		)	(20,745		)
Ceded to affiliates		(178,746		)	(5,756		)	(184,502		)
Net premiums written		$	200,040		$	58,204		$	258,244
Premiums earned
Direct		$	175,635		$	—		$	175,635
Assumed from nonaffiliates		1,424			70,187			71,611
Assumed from affiliates		200,366			—			200,366
Ceded to nonaffiliates		(11,268		)	(7,267		)	(18,535		)
Ceded to affiliates		(175,635		)	(5,756		)	(181,391		)
Net premiums earned		$	190,522		$	57,164		$	247,686
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct		$	121,070		$	—		$	121,070
Assumed from nonaffiliates		427			35,699			36,126
Assumed from affiliates		133,357			435			133,792
Ceded to nonaffiliates		(3,736		)	(3,627		)	(7,363		)
Ceded to affiliates		(121,070		)	(1,013		)	(122,083		)
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred		$	130,048		$	31,494		$	161,542
Individual lines in the above tables are defined as follows:
•	“Direct” represents business produced by the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries.
•	“Assumed from nonaffiliates” for the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries represents their aggregate 30 percent pool participation percentage of involuntary business assumed by the pool participants pursuant to state law.  For the reinsurance subsidiary, this line represents the reinsurance business assumed through the quota share agreement (including “fronting” activities initiated by Employers Mutual) and the business assumed outside the quota share agreement.
•	“Assumed from affiliates” for the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries represents their aggregate 30 percent pool participation percentage of all the pool members’ direct business.  The amounts reported under the caption “Losses and settlement expenses incurred” also include claim-related services provided by Employers Mutual that are allocated to the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries and the reinsurance subsidiary.
•	“Ceded to nonaffiliates” for the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries represents their aggregate 30 percent pool participation percentage of 1) the amounts ceded to nonaffiliated reinsurance companies in accordance with the terms of the reinsurance agreements providing protection to the pool and each of its participants, and 2) the amounts ceded on a mandatory basis to state organizations in connection with various programs.  For the reinsurance subsidiary, this line includes reinsurance business that is ceded to other insurance companies in connection with “fronting” activities initiated by Employers Mutual.
•	“Ceded to affiliates” for the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries represents the cession of their direct business to Employers Mutual under the terms of the pooling agreement.  For the reinsurance subsidiary this line represents amounts ceded to Employers Mutual under the terms of the excess of loss reinsurance agreement.

SEGMENT_INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
SEGMENT INFORMATION	'
	SEGMENT INFORMATION
	The Company’s operations consist of a property and casualty insurance segment and a reinsurance segment.  The property and casualty insurance segment writes both commercial and personal lines of insurance, with a focus on medium-sized commercial accounts.  The reinsurance segment provides reinsurance for other insurers and reinsurers.  The segments are managed separately due to differences in the insurance products sold and the business environments in which they operate.
	Summarized financial information for the Company’s segments is as follows:
	Three months ended June 30, 2014	Property and			Reinsurance			Parent			Consolidated
		casualty						company
		insurance
	Premiums earned	$	103,517		$	30,435		$	—		$	133,952
	Underwriting profit (loss)	(10,979		)	(1,850		)	—			(12,829		)
	Net investment income (loss)	7,972			3,106			(2		)	11,076
	Realized investment gains (losses)	1,568			775			—			2,343
	Other income	181			—			—			181
	Interest expense	85			—			—			85
	Other expenses	234			(181		)	363			416
	Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	(1,577	)	$	2,212		$	(365	)	$	270
	Three months ended June 30, 2013	Property and			Reinsurance			Parent			Consolidated
		casualty						company
		insurance
	Premiums earned	$	97,817		$	29,372		$	—		$	127,189
	Underwriting profit (loss)	(10,423		)	7,691			—			(2,732		)
	Net investment income (loss)	8,096			2,946			(2		)	11,040
	Realized investment gains (losses)	392			(217		)	—			175
	Other income	163			—			—			163
	Interest expense	85			—			—			85
	Other expenses	186			101			325			612
	Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	(2,043	)	$	10,319		$	(327	)	$	7,949
	Six months ended June 30, 2014	Property and			Reinsurance			Parent			Consolidated
		casualty						company
		insurance
	Premiums earned	$	204,764		$	62,268		$	—		$	267,032
	Underwriting profit (loss)	(11,454		)	975			—			(10,479		)
	Net investment income (loss)	16,588			6,349			(6		)	22,931
	Realized investment gains (losses)	2,579			1,026			—			3,605
	Other income	382			—			—			382
	Interest expense	169			—			—			169
	Other expenses	408			(14		)	717			1,111
	Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	7,518		$	8,364		$	(723	)	$	15,159
	Assets	$	1,024,174		$	413,061		$	486,734		$	1,923,969
	Eliminations	—			—			(473,962		)	(473,962		)
	Reclassifications	—			(465		)	(146		)	(611		)
	Net assets	$	1,024,174		$	412,596		$	12,626		$	1,449,396
	Six months ended June 30, 2013	Property and			Reinsurance			Parent			Consolidated
		casualty						company
		insurance
	Premiums earned	$	190,522		$	57,164		$	—		$	247,686
	Underwriting profit (loss)	(7,807		)	12,516			—			4,709
	Net investment income (loss)	15,745			5,743			(5		)	21,483
	Realized investment gains (losses)	2,349			494			—			2,843
	Other income	398			—			—			398
	Interest expense	216			—			—			216
	Other expenses	391			(340		)	708			759
	Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	10,078		$	19,093		$	(713	)	$	28,458
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Assets	$	978,746		$	387,284		$	455,368		$	1,821,398
	Eliminations	—			—			(441,984		)	(441,984		)
	Reclassifications	—			—			(481		)	(481		)
	Net assets	$	978,746		$	387,284		$	12,903		$	1,378,933
	The following table displays the net premiums earned of the property and casualty insurance segment and the reinsurance segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, by line of insurance.
		Three months ended June 30,						Six months ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Property and casualty insurance segment
	Commercial lines:
	Automobile	$	23,855		$	21,097		$	46,657		$	41,221
	Property	23,328			21,425			46,645			41,810
Workers' compensation	21,910			21,027			42,963			40,554
Liability	21,055			19,602			41,510			37,635
Other	1,812			1,843			3,591			3,706
Total commercial lines	91,960			84,994			181,366			164,926
Personal lines:
Automobile	6,304			6,917			12,715			13,839
Property	5,062			5,729			10,306			11,416
Liability	191			177			377			341
Total personal lines	11,557			12,823			23,398			25,596
Total property and casualty insurance	$	103,517		$	97,817		$	204,764		$	190,522
Reinsurance segment
Pro rata reinsurance:
Property and liability	$	3,267		$	2,483		$	4,331		$	3,512
Property	288			3,645			6,065			8,272
Crop	775			506			1,213			946
Liability	2,721			1,125			5,513			1,518
Marine	4,837			2,546			8,248			5,957
Total pro rata reinsurance	11,888			10,305			25,370			20,205
Excess of loss reinsurance:
Property	15,800			16,228			31,259			31,449
Liability	2,747			2,839			5,638			5,510
Surety	—			—			1			—
Total excess of loss reinsurance	18,547			19,067			36,898			36,959
Total reinsurance	$	30,435		$	29,372		$	62,268		$	57,164
Consolidated	$	133,952		$	127,189		$	267,032		$	247,686

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	INCOME TAXES
	The actual income tax expense (benefit) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 differed from the “expected” income tax expense (benefit) for those periods (computed by applying the United States federal corporate tax rate of 35 percent to income before income tax expense (benefit)) as follows:
		Three months ended						Six months ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Computed "expected" income tax expense	$	95		$	2,782		$	5,306		$	9,960
	Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from:
	Tax-exempt interest income	(858		)	(993		)	(1,802		)	(1,936		)
	Dividends received deduction	(258		)	(222		)	(478		)	(417		)
	Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction	167			182			342			353
	Other, net	110			(12		)	182			13
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	(744	)	$	1,737		$	3,550		$	7,973
	The Company had no provision for uncertain income tax positions at June 30, 2014 or December 31, 2013.  The Company did not recognize any interest or other penalties related to U.S. federal or state income taxes during the three or six months ended June 30, 2014 or 2013.  It is the Company’s accounting policy to reflect income tax penalties as other expense, and interest as interest expense.
	The Company files a U.S. federal income tax return, along with various state income tax returns.  The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2010.  The Company’s 2011 income tax return has been audited and no adjustments were proposed.

EMPLOYEE_RETIREMENT_PLANS

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS	'
	EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS
	The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans is as follows:
		Three months ended						Six months ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Pension plans:
	Service cost	$	3,240		$	3,181		$	6,431		$	6,607
	Interest cost	2,451			1,918			4,832			3,828
	Expected return on plan assets	(5,183		)	(4,287		)	(10,366		)	(8,575		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	119			1,515			183			2,981
	Amortization of prior service cost	8			12			16			25
	Net periodic pension benefit cost	$	635		$	2,339		$	1,096		$	4,866
	Postretirement benefit plans:
	Service cost	$	315		$	1,575		$	630		$	3,150
	Interest cost	563			1,543			1,127			3,086
	Expected return on plan assets	(1,099		)	(907		)	(2,198		)	(1,815		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	412			923			825			1,847
	Amortization of prior service credit	(2,866		)	(623		)	(5,733		)	(1,246		)
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (income)	$	(2,675	)	$	2,511		$	(5,349	)	$	5,022
	The net periodic postretirement benefit income recognized on Employers Mutual's postretirement benefit plans during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 is due to a plan amendment that was announced in the fourth quarter of 2013. This plan amendment generated a large prior service credit that is being amortized into net periodic benefit cost over a number of years. In addition, the service cost and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost of the revised plan declined significantly.
	Net periodic pension benefit cost allocated to the Company amounted to $196 and $725 for the three months and $340 and $1,507 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (income) allocated to the Company amounted to $(771) and $728 for the three months and $(1,542) and $1,456 for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	The Company’s share of Employers Mutual’s 2014 planned contributions to the pension plan and the Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trust, if made, will be approximately $4,500 and $0, respectively.

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]	'
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	'
	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION
	The Company has no stock-based compensation plans of its own; however, Employers Mutual has several stock plans which utilize the common stock of the Company.  Employers Mutual can provide the common stock required under its plans by: 1) using shares of common stock that it currently owns; 2) purchasing common stock on the open market; or 3) directly purchasing common stock from the Company at the current fair value.  Employers Mutual has historically purchased common stock from the Company for use in its stock plans and its non-employee director stock plans.  Beginning with the second quarter 2014 purchase, Employers Mutual is also purchasing common stock from the Company to fulfill its obligations under its employee stock purchase plan (previously the shares needed for this were purchased on the open market).
	Stock Plans
	Employers Mutual currently maintains two separate stock plans for the benefit of officers and key employees of Employers Mutual and its subsidiaries.  A total of 1,500,000 shares of the Company’s common stock have been reserved for issuance under the 2003 Employers Mutual Casualty Company Incentive Stock Option Plan (2003 Plan) and a total of 2,000,000 shares have been reserved for issuance under the 2007 Employers Mutual Casualty Company Stock Incentive Plan (2007 Plan).
	The 2003 Plan permits the issuance of incentive stock options only, while the 2007 Plan permits the issuance of performance shares, performance units, and other stock-based awards, in addition to qualified (incentive) and non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units.  Both plans provide for a ten-year time limit for granting awards.  No additional options can be granted under the 2003 Plan due to the expiration of the term of the plan. Options granted under the plans generally have a vesting period of five years, with options becoming exercisable in equal annual cumulative increments commencing on the first anniversary of the option grant.  Option prices cannot be less than the fair value of the common stock on the date of grant. Restricted stock awards granted under the 2007 Plan generally have a vesting period of four years, with shares vesting in equal annual cumulative increments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant. Holders of unvested shares receive compensation income equal to the amount of any dividends declared.
	The Senior Executive Compensation and Stock Option Committee (the “Committee”) of Employers Mutual’s Board of Directors (the “Board”) grants the awards and is the administrator of the plans.  The Company’s Compensation Committee must consider and approve all awards granted to the Company’s executive officers.
	The Company recognized compensation expense from these plans of $88 ($57 net of tax) and $78 ($51 net of tax) for the three months and $139 ($90 net of tax) and $142 ($94 net of tax) for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  During the first six months of 2014, 62,764 shares of restricted stock were granted under the 2007 Plan to eligible participants and 14,117 shares of restricted stock vested. In addition, 140,253 options were exercised under the plans at a weighted average exercise price of $21.37.

DISCLOSURES_ABOUT_THE_FAIR_VAL

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	'
	DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS
	The carrying amount and the estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments is summarized below.
			Carrying			Estimated
			amount			fair value
	June 30, 2014
	Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
	U.S. treasury		$	9,615		$	9,615
	U.S. government-sponsored agencies		185,481			185,481
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions		342,501			342,501
	Commercial mortgage-backed		55,594			55,594
	Residential mortgage-backed		97,235			97,235
	Other asset-backed		11,564			11,564
	Corporate		369,213			369,213
	Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		1,071,203			1,071,203
	Equity securities available-for-sale:
	Common stocks:
	Financial services		31,701			31,701
	Information technology		23,945			23,945
	Healthcare		22,298			22,298
	Consumer staples		13,474			13,474
	Consumer discretionary		20,776			20,776
	Energy		27,137			27,137
	Industrials		14,805			14,805
	Other		17,947			17,947
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks		12,493			12,493
	Total equity securities available-for-sale		184,576			184,576
	Short-term investments		59,799			59,799
	Liabilities:
	Surplus notes		25,000			11,485
			Carrying			Estimated
			amount			fair value
	December 31, 2013
	Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
	U.S. treasury		$	9,412		$	9,412
	U.S. government-sponsored agencies		146,946			146,946
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions		357,052			357,052
	Commercial mortgage-backed		68,939			68,939
	Residential mortgage-backed		94,179			94,179
	Other asset-backed		12,648			12,648
	Corporate		338,808			338,808
	Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		1,027,984			1,027,984
	Equity securities available-for-sale:
	Common stocks:
	Financial services		28,498			28,498
	Information technology		18,917			18,917
	Healthcare		21,945			21,945
	Consumer staples		13,011			13,011
	Consumer discretionary		21,031			21,031
	Energy		21,117			21,117
	Industrials		17,264			17,264
	Other		17,811			17,811
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks		10,254			10,254
	Total equity securities available-for-sale		169,848			169,848
	Short-term investments		56,166			56,166
	Liabilities:
	Surplus notes		25,000			10,040
	The estimated fair value of fixed maturity and equity securities is based on quoted market prices, where available.  In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on a variety of valuation techniques depending on the type of security.
	Short-term investments generally include money market funds, U.S. Treasury bills and commercial paper.  Short-term investments are carried at fair value, which approximates cost, due to the highly liquid nature of the securities.   Short-term securities are classified as Level 1 fair value measurements when the fair values can be validated by recent trades.  When recent trades are not available, fair value is deemed to be the cost basis and the securities are classified as Level 2 fair value measurements.
	The estimated fair value of the surplus notes is derived by discounting future expected cash flows at a rate deemed appropriate.  The discount rate was set at the average of current yields-to-maturity on several insurance company surplus notes that are traded in observable markets, adjusted upward by 50 basis points to reflect illiquidity and perceived risk premium differences. Other assumptions include a 25-year term (the surplus notes have no stated maturity date) and an interest rate that continues at the current 1.35 percent interest rate. The rate is typically adjusted every five years and is based upon the then-current Federal Home Loan Bank borrowing rate for 5-year funds available to Employers Mutual.
	Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  The following fair value hierarchy prioritizes inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value:
		Level 1 -	Unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets that the Company has the ability to access.
	Level 2 -	Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets; quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in inactive markets; or valuations based on models where the significant inputs are observable (e.g., interest rates, yield curves, prepayment speeds, default rates, loss severities, etc.) or can be corroborated by observable market data.
	Level 3 -	Prices or valuation techniques that require significant unobservable inputs because observable inputs are not available.  The unobservable inputs may reflect the Company’s own judgments about the assumptions that market participants would use.
The Company uses an independent pricing source to obtain the estimated fair values of a majority of its securities, subject to an internal validation.  The fair values are based on quoted market prices, where available.  This is typically the case for equity securities and money market funds, which are accordingly classified as Level 1 fair value measurements.  In cases where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on a variety of valuation techniques depending on the type of security.  Fixed maturity securities, non-redeemable preferred stocks and various short-term investments in the Company’s portfolio may not trade on a daily basis; however, observable inputs are utilized in their valuations, and these securities are therefore classified as Level 2 fair value measurements.  Following is a brief description of the various pricing techniques used by the independent pricing source for different asset classes.
•	U.S. Treasury securities (including bonds, notes, and bills) are priced according to a number of live data sources, including active market makers and inter-dealer brokers.  Prices from these sources are reviewed based on the sources’ historical accuracy for individual issues and maturity ranges.
•	U.S. government-sponsored agencies and corporate securities (including fixed-rate corporate bonds and medium-term notes) are priced by determining a bullet (non-call) spread scale for each issuer for maturities going out to forty years.  These spreads represent credit risk and are obtained from the new issue market, secondary trading, and dealer quotes.  An option adjusted spread model is incorporated to adjust spreads of issues that have early redemption features.  The final spread is then added to the U.S. Treasury curve.
•	Obligations of states and political subdivisions are priced by tracking and analyzing actively quoted issues and reported trades, material event notices and benchmark yields.  Municipal bonds with similar characteristics are grouped together into market sectors, and internal yield curves are constructed daily for these sectors.  Individual bond evaluations are extrapolated from these sectors, with the ability to make individual spread adjustments for attributes such as discounts, premiums, alternative minimum tax, and/or whether or not the bond is callable.
•	Mortgage-backed and asset-backed securities are first reviewed for the appropriate pricing speed (if prepayable), spread, yield and volatility.  The securities are priced with models using spreads and other information solicited from Wall Street buy- and sell-side sources, including primary and secondary dealers, portfolio managers, and research analysts.  To determine a tranche’s price, first the benchmark yield is determined and adjusted for collateral performance, tranche level attributes and market conditions.  Then the cash flow for each tranche is generated (using consensus prepayment speed assumptions including, as appropriate, a prepayment projection based on historical statistics of the underlying collateral).  The tranche-level yield is used to discount the cash flows and generate the price.  Depending on the characteristics of the tranche, a volatility-driven, multi-dimensional single cash flow stream model or an option-adjusted spread model may be used.  When cash flows or other security structure or market information is not available, broker quotes may be used.
On a quarterly basis, the Company receives from its independent pricing service a list of fixed maturity securities, if any, that were priced solely from broker quotes.  For these securities, fair value may be determined using the broker quotes, or by the Company using similar pricing techniques as the Company’s independent pricing service.  Depending on the level of observable inputs, these securities would be classified as Level 2 or Level 3 fair value measurements.   At June 30, 2014, one security was priced solely from a broker quote (seven at December 31, 2013); however, all of these securities were reported as Level 2 fair value measurements due to the broker quote prices approximating the Company's price estimates obtained by applying pricing techniques with observable inputs.
A small number of the Company’s securities are not priced by the independent pricing service.  One is an equity security that is reported as a Level 3 fair value measurement at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, since no reliable observable inputs are used in its valuation.  This equity security continues to be reported at the fair value obtained from the Securities Valuation Office (SVO) of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC).  The SVO establishes a per share price for this security based on an annual review of that company’s financial statements, typically performed during the second quarter.  The other securities not priced by the Company’s independent pricing service at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 include six fixed maturity securities. Two of these fixed maturity securities, classified as Level 3 fair value measurements, are corporate securities that convey premium tax benefits and are not publicly traded. The fair values for these securities are based on discounted cash flow analyses. The other fixed maturity securities are classified as Level 2 fair value measurements.  The fair values for these fixed maturity securities were obtained from either the SVO or the Company's investment custodian using similar pricing techniques as the Company’s independent pricing service.
Presented in the table below are the estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
					Fair value measurements using
30-Jun-14		Total			Quoted		Significant			Significant
					prices in		other			unobservable
					active markets		observable			inputs
					for identical		inputs			(Level 3)
					assets		(Level 2)
					(Level 1)
Financial instruments reported at fair value on recurring basis:
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
U.S. treasury		$	9,615		$	—	$	9,615		$	—
U.S. government-sponsored agencies		185,481			—		185,481			—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		342,501			—		342,501			—
Commercial mortgage-backed		55,594			—		55,594			—
Residential mortgage-backed		97,235			—		97,235			—
Other asset-backed		11,564			—		11,564			—
Corporate		369,213			—		367,264			1,949
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		1,071,203			—		1,069,254			1,949
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stocks:
Financial services		31,701			31,698		—			3
Information technology		23,945			23,945		—			—
Healthcare		22,298			22,298		—			—
Consumer staples		13,474			13,474		—			—
Consumer discretionary		20,776			20,776		—			—
Energy		27,137			27,137		—			—
Industrials		14,805			14,805		—			—
Other		17,947			17,947		—			—
Non-redeemable preferred stocks		12,493			7,850		4,643			—
Total equity securities available-for-sale		184,576			179,930		4,643			3
Short-term investments		59,799			59,799		—			—
Financial instruments not reported at fair value:
Liabilities:
Surplus notes		11,485			—		—			11,485
					Fair value measurements using
31-Dec-13		Total			Quoted		Significant			Significant
					prices in		other			unobservable
					active markets		observable			inputs
					for identical		inputs			(Level 3)
					assets		(Level 2)
					(Level 1)
Financial instruments reported at fair value on recurring basis:
Assets:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
U.S. treasury		$	9,412		$	—	$	9,412		$	—
U.S. government-sponsored agencies		146,946			—		146,946			—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		357,052			—		357,052			—
Commercial mortgage-backed		68,939			—		68,939			—
Residential mortgage-backed		94,179			—		94,179			—
Other asset-backed		12,648			—		12,648			—
Corporate		338,808			—		336,832			1,976
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		1,027,984			—		1,026,008			1,976
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stocks:
Financial services		28,498			28,495		—			3
Information technology		18,917			18,917		—			—
Healthcare		21,945			21,945		—			—
Consumer staples		13,011			13,011		—			—
Consumer discretionary		21,031			21,031		—			—
Energy		21,117			21,117		—			—
Industrials		17,264			17,264		—			—
Other		17,811			17,811		—			—
Non-redeemable preferred stocks		10,254			5,795		4,459			—
Total equity securities available-for-sale		169,848			165,386		4,459			3
Short-term investments		56,166			56,166		—			—
Financial instruments not reported at fair value:
Liabilities:
Surplus notes		10,040			—		—			10,040
Presented in the table below is a reconciliation of the assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.  Any unrealized gains or losses on these securities are recognized in other comprehensive income.  Any gains or losses from disposals or impairments of these securities are reported as realized investment gains or losses in net income.
		Fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Three months ended June 30, 2014		Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate			Equity securities		Total
					available-for-sale,
					financial services
Beginning balance		$	1,975		$	3	$	1,978
Settlements		(42		)	—		(42		)
Unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income (loss)		16			—		16
Balance at June 30, 2014		$	1,949		$	3	$	1,952
Six months ended June 30, 2014
Beginning balance		$	1,976		$	3	$	1,979
Settlements		(42		)	—		(42		)
Unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income (loss)		15			—		15
Balance at June 30, 2014		$	1,949		$	3	$	1,952
		Fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Three months ended June 30, 2013		Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate			Equity securities		Total
					available-for-sale,
					financial services
Beginning balance		$	—		$	2	$	2
Purchases		948			—		948
Unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income (loss)		—			1		1
Balance at June 30, 2013		$	948		$	3	$	951
Six months ended June 30, 2013
Beginning balance		$	—		$	2	$	2
Purchases		948			—		948
Unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income (loss)		—			1		1
Balance at June 30, 2013		$	948		$	3	$	951
There were no transfers into or out of Levels 1 or 2 during the three or six months ended June 30, 2014 or 2013.  It is the Company’s policy to recognize transfers between levels at the beginning of the reporting period.

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
INVESTMENTS	'
	INVESTMENTS
	Investments of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to the insurance laws of the state of their incorporation.  These laws prescribe the kind, quality and concentration of investments that may be made by insurance companies.  In general, these laws permit investments, within specified limits and subject to certain qualifications, in federal, state and municipal obligations, corporate bonds, preferred and common stocks and real estate mortgages.  The Company believes that it is in compliance with these laws.
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available-for-sale as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows.  All securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value.
	June 30, 2014	Amortized			Gross			Gross			Estimated
		cost			unrealized			unrealized			fair value
					gains			losses
	Securities available-for-sale:
	Fixed maturity securities:
	U.S. treasury	$	9,556		$	157		$	98		$	9,615
	U.S. government-sponsored agencies	188,583			1,875			4,977			185,481
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	319,885			23,196			580			342,501
	Commercial mortgage-backed	50,708			4,886			—			55,594
	Residential mortgage-backed	98,894			987			2,646			97,235
	Other asset-backed	10,306			1,258			—			11,564
	Corporate	350,097			19,848			732			369,213
	Total fixed maturity securities	1,028,029			52,207			9,033			1,071,203
	Equity securities:
	Common stocks:
	Financial services	21,346			10,374			19			31,701
	Information technology	15,666			8,279			—			23,945
	Healthcare	12,516			9,783			1			22,298
	Consumer staples	9,189			4,285			—			13,474
	Consumer discretionary	10,478			10,298			—			20,776
	Energy	17,879			9,261			3			27,137
	Industrials	8,386			6,423			4			14,805
	Other	13,328			4,620			1			17,947
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	12,082			660			249			12,493
	Total equity securities	120,870			63,983			277			184,576
	Total securities available-for-sale	$	1,148,899		$	116,190		$	9,310		$	1,255,779
	December 31, 2013	Amortized			Gross			Gross			Estimated
		cost			unrealized			unrealized			fair value
					gains			losses
	Securities available-for-sale:
	Fixed maturity securities:
	U.S. treasury	$	9,540		$	191		$	319		$	9,412
	U.S. government-sponsored agencies	156,981			1,356			11,391			146,946
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	346,554			15,040			4,542			357,052
	Commercial mortgage-backed	63,185			5,842			88			68,939
	Residential mortgage-backed	96,058			1,073			2,952			94,179
	Other asset-backed	11,456			1,192			—			12,648
	Corporate	325,798			16,542			3,532			338,808
	Total fixed maturity securities	1,009,572			41,236			22,824			1,027,984
	Equity securities:
	Common stocks:
	Financial services	19,273			9,374			149			28,498
	Information technology	12,645			6,301			29			18,917
	Healthcare	12,801			9,144			—			21,945
	Consumer staples	9,162			3,849			—			13,011
	Consumer discretionary	10,722			10,309			—			21,031
	Energy	14,102			7,341			326			21,117
	Industrials	11,190			6,075			1			17,264
	Other	13,358			4,489			36			17,811
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	10,582			316			644			10,254
	Total equity securities	113,835			57,198			1,185			169,848
	Total securities available-for-sale	$	1,123,407		$	98,434		$	24,009		$	1,197,832
	The following table sets forth the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses associated with investment securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, listed by length of time the securities were in an unrealized loss position.
	June 30, 2014	Less than twelve months						Twelve months or longer						Total
		Fair			Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
		value			losses			value			losses			value		losses
	Fixed maturity securities:
	U.S. treasury	$	—		$	—		$	4,736		$	98		$	4,736	$	98
	U.S. government-sponsored agencies	12,638			47			102,022			4,930			114,660		4,977
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	3,445			10			41,566			570			45,011		580
Commercial mortgage-backed	344			—			—			—			344		—
Residential mortgage-backed	24,586			973			25,938			1,673			50,524		2,646
Corporate	16,235			87			31,889			645			48,124		732
Total, fixed maturity securities	57,248			1,117			206,151			7,916			263,399		9,033
Equity securities:
Common stocks:
Financial services	265			19			—			—			265		19
Healthcare	65			1			—			—			65		1
Energy	1,315			3			—			—			1,315		3
Industrials	118			4			—			—			118		4
Other	26			1			—			—			26		1
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	—			—			1,750			249			1,750		249
Total, equity securities	1,789			28			1,750			249			3,539		277
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	59,037		$	1,145		$	207,901		$	8,165		$	266,938	$	9,310
December 31, 2013	Less than twelve months						Twelve months or longer						Total
	Fair			Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
	value			losses			value			losses			value		losses
Fixed maturity securities:
U.S. treasury	$	4,507		$	319		$	—		$	—		$	4,507	$	319
U.S. government-sponsored agencies	93,856			8,120			24,053			3,271			117,909		11,391
Obligations of states and political subdivisions	74,523			4,335			3,008			207			77,531		4,542
Commercial mortgage-backed	10,551			88			—			—			10,551		88
Residential mortgage-backed	44,243			2,482			4,600			470			48,843		2,952
Corporate	81,292			2,704			10,547			828			91,839		3,532
Total, fixed maturity securities	308,972			18,048			42,208			4,776			351,180		22,824
Equity securities:
Common stocks:
Financial services	2,801			149			—			—			2,801		149
Information technology	610			29			—			—			610		29
Consumer staples	30			—			—			—			30		—
Energy	1,450			326			—			—			1,450		326
Industrials	625			1			—			—			625		1
Other	1,499			36			—			—			1,499		36
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	2,121			128			1,484			516			3,605		644
Total, equity securities	9,136			669			1,484			516			10,620		1,185
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	318,108		$	18,717		$	43,692		$	5,292		$	361,800	$	24,009
Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities decreased in every asset class at June 30, 2014 due to the decline in interest rates during the first six months of 2014.  Most of these securities are considered investment grade by credit rating agencies. Because management does not intend to sell these securities, does not believe it will be required to sell these securities before recovery, and believes it will collect the amounts due on these securities, it was determined that these securities were not “other-than-temporarily” impaired at June 30, 2014.
No particular sector or individual security accounted for a material amount of unrealized losses on common stocks at June 30, 2014.  The Company believes the unrealized losses on common stocks are primarily due to general fluctuations in the equity markets.  Because the Company has the ability and intent to hold these securities for a reasonable amount of time to allow for recovery, it was determined that these securities were not “other-than-temporarily” impaired at June 30, 2014.
All of the Company’s preferred stock holdings are perpetual preferred stocks.  The Company evaluates perpetual preferred stocks with unrealized losses for “other-than-temporary” impairment similar to fixed maturity securities since they have debt-like characteristics such as periodic cash flows in the form of dividends and call features, are rated by rating agencies and are priced like other long-term callable fixed maturity securities.  There was no evidence of any credit deterioration in the issuers of the preferred stocks and the Company does not intend to sell these securities before recovery, nor does it believe it will be required to sell these securities before recovery; therefore, it was determined that these securities were not “other-than-temporarily” impaired at June 30, 2014.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2014, by contractual maturity, are shown below.  Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations, with or without call or prepayment penalties.
	Amortized			Estimated
	cost			fair value
Securities available-for-sale:
Due in one year or less	$	14,324		$	14,582
Due after one year through five years	209,948			223,617
Due after five years through ten years	166,906			173,341
Due after ten years	487,249			506,834
Mortgage-backed securities	149,602			152,829
Totals	$	1,028,029		$	1,071,203
A summary of realized investment gains and (losses) is as follows:
	Three months ended June 30,						Six months ended June 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Gross realized investment gains	$	285		$	132		$	366		$	818
Gross realized investment losses	—			(725		)	(92		)	(725		)
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Gross realized investment gains	3,283			1,233			5,316			3,324
Gross realized investment losses	(405		)	(465		)	(481		)	(553		)
"Other-than-temporary" impairments	—			—			(316		)	(21		)
Other long-term investments:
Gross realized investment losses	(820		)	—			(1,188		)	—
Totals	$	2,343		$	175		$	3,605		$	2,843
Gains and losses realized on the disposition of investments are included in net income.  The cost of investments sold is determined on the specific identification method using the highest cost basis first.  The realized investment losses recognized on other long-term investments for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 represent changes in the carrying value of a limited partnership that was purchased to implement an equity tail-risk hedging strategy. The amount reported as “other-than-temporary” impairments on equity securities does not include any individually significant items. The Company did not have any outstanding cumulative credit losses on fixed maturity securities that have been recognized in earnings from “other-than-temporary” impairments during any of the reported periods.

CONTINGENT_LIABILITIES

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	'
	CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
	The Company and Employers Mutual and its other subsidiaries are parties to numerous lawsuits arising in the normal course of the insurance business.  The Company believes that the resolution of these lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or its results of operations.  The companies involved have established reserves which are believed adequate to cover any potential liabilities arising out of all such pending or threatened proceedings.
	The participants in the pooling agreement have purchased annuities from life insurance companies, under which the claimant is payee, to fund future payments that are fixed pursuant to specific claim settlement provisions.  The Company’s share of case loss reserves eliminated by the purchase of those annuities was $178 at December 31, 2013.  The Company had a contingent liability for the aggregate guaranteed amount of the annuities of $245 at December 31, 2013 should the issuers of those annuities fail to perform.  Although management is not able to verify the amount, the Company would likely have a similar contingent liability at June 30, 2014.  The probability of a material loss due to failure of performance by the issuers of these annuities is considered remote.

STOCK_REPURCHASE_PROGRAM

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Equity [Abstract]	'
STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM	'
	STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM
	On November 3, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $15,000 stock repurchase program.  This program became effective immediately and does not have an expiration date.  The timing and terms of the purchases are determined by management based on market conditions and are conducted in accordance with the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission.  Common stock repurchased under this program will be retired by the Company.  No purchases have been made under this program.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	'
	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	The Company has available-for-sale securities and receives an allocation of the actuarial losses and net prior service credits associated with Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans, both of which generate accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) amounts.  The following table reconciles, by component, the beginning and ending balances of accumulated other comprehensive income.
			Accumulated other comprehensive income by component (1)
			Unrealized			Unrecognized			Total
			gains (losses) on			pension and
			available-for-			postretirement
			sale securities			benefit obligations
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	48,376		$	10,634		$	59,010
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		24,211			—			24,211
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		(3,115		)	(887		)	(4,002		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		21,096			(887		)	20,209
	Balance at June 30, 2014		$	69,472		$	9,747		$	79,219
	-1	All amounts are net of tax.  Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.
	The following table displays amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014.
			Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (1)
	Accumulated other comprehensive		Three months ended			Six months ended			Affected line item in the
	income components		June 30, 2014			June 30, 2014			consolidated statements
									of income
	Unrealized gains on investments:
	Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income		$	3,163		$	4,793		Net realized investment gains
	Deferred income tax expense		(1,107		)	(1,678		)	Income tax (expense) benefit, current
	Net reclassification adjustment		2,056			3,115
	Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations:
	Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income):
	Net actuarial loss		(153		)	(289		)	-2
	Prior service credit		827			1,654			-2
	Total before tax		674			1,365
	Deferred income tax expense		(236		)	(478		)	Income tax (expense) benefit, current
	Net reclassification adjustment		438			887
	Total reclassification adjustment		$	2,494		$	4,002
	-1	Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to net income
	-2	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income) (see Note 6, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details).

NEW_ACCOUNTING_PRONOUNCEMENTS

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	'
	NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS
	In January 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) updated its guidance related to the Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures Topic 323 of the Accounting Standards CodificationTM (Codification or ASC).  The objective of this update is to improve the reporting of investments in flow-through limited liability entities that manage or invest in affordable housing projects that qualify for low-income housing tax credits.  This updated guidance allows an entity to elect to account for its investments in qualified affordable housing projects using the proportional amortization method if certain conditions are met.  Current accounting guidance contains similar, but more restrictive, conditions to elect to use the effective yield method to account for these investments. This guidance is to be applied retrospectively to annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2014.  Early adoption is permitted.  The Company will adopt this guidance during the first quarter of 2015.  Adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on the consolidated financial condition or operating results of the Company.

REINSURANCE_Tables

REINSURANCE (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of reinsurance transactions for insurance companies	'
	The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned, and losses and settlement expenses incurred, for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 is presented below.  The classification of the assumed and ceded reinsurance amounts between affiliates and nonaffiliates is based on the participants in the underlying reinsurance agreements, and is intended to provide an understanding of the actual source of the reinsurance activities.  This presentation differs from the classifications used in the consolidated financial statements, where all amounts flowing through the pooling, quota share and excess of loss agreements with Employers Mutual are reported as “affiliated” balances.
		Three months ended June 30, 2014
		Property and			Reinsurance			Total
		casualty
		insurance
	Premiums written
	Direct	$	90,851		$	—		$	90,851
	Assumed from nonaffiliates	993			32,506			33,499
	Assumed from affiliates	118,286			—			118,286
	Ceded to nonaffiliates	(6,815		)	(3,636		)	(10,451		)
	Ceded to affiliates	(90,851		)	(2,310		)	(93,161		)
	Net premiums written	$	112,464		$	26,560		$	139,024
	Premiums earned
	Direct	$	93,286		$	—		$	93,286
	Assumed from nonaffiliates	891			36,695			37,586
	Assumed from affiliates	109,397			—			109,397
	Ceded to nonaffiliates	(6,771		)	(3,950		)	(10,721		)
	Ceded to affiliates	(93,286		)	(2,310		)	(95,596		)
	Net premiums earned	$	103,517		$	30,435		$	133,952
	Losses and settlement expenses incurred
	Direct	$	75,417		$	—		$	75,417
	Assumed from nonaffiliates	484			27,583			28,067
	Assumed from affiliates	87,330			246			87,576
	Ceded to nonaffiliates	(7,027		)	(2,792		)	(9,819		)
	Ceded to affiliates	(75,417		)	22			(75,395		)
	Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	$	80,787		$	25,059		$	105,846
		Three months ended June 30, 2013
		Property and			Reinsurance			Total
		casualty
		insurance
	Premiums written
	Direct	$	89,858		$	—		$	89,858
	Assumed from nonaffiliates	882			38,996			39,878
	Assumed from affiliates	110,140			—			110,140
	Ceded to nonaffiliates	(5,763		)	(5,090		)	(10,853		)
	Ceded to affiliates	(89,858		)	(3,051		)	(92,909		)
	Net premiums written	$	105,259		$	30,855		$	136,114
	Premiums earned
	Direct	$	90,493		$	—		$	90,493
	Assumed from nonaffiliates	763			36,951			37,714
	Assumed from affiliates	102,770			—			102,770
	Ceded to nonaffiliates	(5,716		)	(4,528		)	(10,244		)
	Ceded to affiliates	(90,493		)	(3,051		)	(93,544		)
	Net premiums earned	$	97,817		$	29,372		$	127,189
	Losses and settlement expenses incurred
	Direct	$	71,466		$	—		$	71,466
	Assumed from nonaffiliates	34			16,692			16,726
	Assumed from affiliates	76,771			211			76,982
	Ceded to nonaffiliates	(2,725		)	(2,179		)	(4,904		)
	Ceded to affiliates	(71,466		)	164			(71,302		)
	Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	$	74,080		$	14,888		$	88,968
		Six months ended June 30, 2014
		Property and			Reinsurance			Total
		casualty
		insurance
	Premiums written
	Direct	$	180,892		$	—		$	180,892
	Assumed from nonaffiliates	1,780			72,020			73,800
	Assumed from affiliates	225,334			—			225,334
	Ceded to nonaffiliates	(12,137		)	(7,398		)	(19,535		)
	Ceded to affiliates	(180,892		)	(5,170		)	(186,062		)
	Net premiums written	$	214,977		$	59,452		$	274,429
	Premiums earned
Direct	$	184,361		$	—		$	184,361
Assumed from nonaffiliates	1,735			75,645			77,380
Assumed from affiliates	215,278			—			215,278
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(12,249		)	(8,207		)	(20,456		)
Ceded to affiliates	(184,361		)	(5,170		)	(189,531		)
Net premiums earned	$	204,764		$	62,268		$	267,032
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	$	123,427		$	—		$	123,427
Assumed from nonaffiliates	1,086			51,983			53,069
Assumed from affiliates	155,502			537			156,039
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(8,075		)	(6,259		)	(14,334		)
Ceded to affiliates	(123,427		)	41			(123,386		)
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	$	148,513		$	46,302		$	194,815
	Six months ended June 30, 2013
	Property and			Reinsurance			Total
	casualty
	insurance
Premiums written
Direct	$	178,746		$	—		$	178,746
Assumed from nonaffiliates	1,495			73,709			75,204
Assumed from affiliates	209,541			—			209,541
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(10,996		)	(9,749		)	(20,745		)
Ceded to affiliates	(178,746		)	(5,756		)	(184,502		)
Net premiums written	$	200,040		$	58,204		$	258,244
Premiums earned
Direct	$	175,635		$	—		$	175,635
Assumed from nonaffiliates	1,424			70,187			71,611
Assumed from affiliates	200,366			—			200,366
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(11,268		)	(7,267		)	(18,535		)
Ceded to affiliates	(175,635		)	(5,756		)	(181,391		)
Net premiums earned	$	190,522		$	57,164		$	247,686
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	$	121,070		$	—		$	121,070
Assumed from nonaffiliates	427			35,699			36,126
Assumed from affiliates	133,357			435			133,792
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(3,736		)	(3,627		)	(7,363		)
Ceded to affiliates	(121,070		)	(1,013		)	(122,083		)
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	$	130,048		$	31,494		$	161,542

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Summarized financial information for segments	'
	Summarized financial information for the Company’s segments is as follows:
	Three months ended June 30, 2014	Property and			Reinsurance			Parent			Consolidated
		casualty						company
		insurance
	Premiums earned	$	103,517		$	30,435		$	—		$	133,952
	Underwriting profit (loss)	(10,979		)	(1,850		)	—			(12,829		)
	Net investment income (loss)	7,972			3,106			(2		)	11,076
	Realized investment gains (losses)	1,568			775			—			2,343
	Other income	181			—			—			181
	Interest expense	85			—			—			85
	Other expenses	234			(181		)	363			416
	Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	(1,577	)	$	2,212		$	(365	)	$	270
	Three months ended June 30, 2013	Property and			Reinsurance			Parent			Consolidated
		casualty						company
		insurance
	Premiums earned	$	97,817		$	29,372		$	—		$	127,189
	Underwriting profit (loss)	(10,423		)	7,691			—			(2,732		)
	Net investment income (loss)	8,096			2,946			(2		)	11,040
	Realized investment gains (losses)	392			(217		)	—			175
	Other income	163			—			—			163
	Interest expense	85			—			—			85
	Other expenses	186			101			325			612
	Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	(2,043	)	$	10,319		$	(327	)	$	7,949
	Six months ended June 30, 2014	Property and			Reinsurance			Parent			Consolidated
		casualty						company
		insurance
	Premiums earned	$	204,764		$	62,268		$	—		$	267,032
	Underwriting profit (loss)	(11,454		)	975			—			(10,479		)
	Net investment income (loss)	16,588			6,349			(6		)	22,931
	Realized investment gains (losses)	2,579			1,026			—			3,605
	Other income	382			—			—			382
	Interest expense	169			—			—			169
	Other expenses	408			(14		)	717			1,111
	Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	7,518		$	8,364		$	(723	)	$	15,159
	Assets	$	1,024,174		$	413,061		$	486,734		$	1,923,969
	Eliminations	—			—			(473,962		)	(473,962		)
	Reclassifications	—			(465		)	(146		)	(611		)
	Net assets	$	1,024,174		$	412,596		$	12,626		$	1,449,396
	Six months ended June 30, 2013	Property and			Reinsurance			Parent			Consolidated
		casualty						company
		insurance
	Premiums earned	$	190,522		$	57,164		$	—		$	247,686
	Underwriting profit (loss)	(7,807		)	12,516			—			4,709
	Net investment income (loss)	15,745			5,743			(5		)	21,483
	Realized investment gains (losses)	2,349			494			—			2,843
	Other income	398			—			—			398
	Interest expense	216			—			—			216
	Other expenses	391			(340		)	708			759
	Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	10,078		$	19,093		$	(713	)	$	28,458
	Year ended December 31, 2013
	Assets	$	978,746		$	387,284		$	455,368		$	1,821,398
	Eliminations	—			—			(441,984		)	(441,984		)
	Reclassifications	—			—			(481		)	(481		)
	Net assets	$	978,746		$	387,284		$	12,903		$	1,378,933
Summary of net premiums earned by line of insurance	'
	The following table displays the net premiums earned of the property and casualty insurance segment and the reinsurance segment for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, by line of insurance.
		Three months ended June 30,						Six months ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Property and casualty insurance segment
	Commercial lines:
	Automobile	$	23,855		$	21,097		$	46,657		$	41,221
	Property	23,328			21,425			46,645			41,810
	Workers' compensation	21,910			21,027			42,963			40,554
	Liability	21,055			19,602			41,510			37,635
	Other	1,812			1,843			3,591			3,706
	Total commercial lines	91,960			84,994			181,366			164,926
	Personal lines:
	Automobile	6,304			6,917			12,715			13,839
	Property	5,062			5,729			10,306			11,416
	Liability	191			177			377			341
	Total personal lines	11,557			12,823			23,398			25,596
	Total property and casualty insurance	$	103,517		$	97,817		$	204,764		$	190,522
	Reinsurance segment
	Pro rata reinsurance:
	Property and liability	$	3,267		$	2,483		$	4,331		$	3,512
	Property	288			3,645			6,065			8,272
	Crop	775			506			1,213			946
	Liability	2,721			1,125			5,513			1,518
	Marine	4,837			2,546			8,248			5,957
	Total pro rata reinsurance	11,888			10,305			25,370			20,205
	Excess of loss reinsurance:
	Property	15,800			16,228			31,259			31,449
	Liability	2,747			2,839			5,638			5,510
	Surety	—			—			1			—
	Total excess of loss reinsurance	18,547			19,067			36,898			36,959
	Total reinsurance	$	30,435		$	29,372		$	62,268		$	57,164
	Consolidated	$	133,952		$	127,189		$	267,032		$	247,686

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit)	'
	The actual income tax expense (benefit) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013 differed from the “expected” income tax expense (benefit) for those periods (computed by applying the United States federal corporate tax rate of 35 percent to income before income tax expense (benefit)) as follows:
		Three months ended						Six months ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Computed "expected" income tax expense	$	95		$	2,782		$	5,306		$	9,960
	Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from:
	Tax-exempt interest income	(858		)	(993		)	(1,802		)	(1,936		)
	Dividends received deduction	(258		)	(222		)	(478		)	(417		)
	Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction	167			182			342			353
	Other, net	110			(12		)	182			13
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	(744	)	$	1,737		$	3,550		$	7,973

EMPLOYEE_RETIREMENT_PLANS_Tabl

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost	'
	The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans is as follows:
		Three months ended						Six months ended
		June 30,						June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Pension plans:
	Service cost	$	3,240		$	3,181		$	6,431		$	6,607
	Interest cost	2,451			1,918			4,832			3,828
	Expected return on plan assets	(5,183		)	(4,287		)	(10,366		)	(8,575		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	119			1,515			183			2,981
	Amortization of prior service cost	8			12			16			25
	Net periodic pension benefit cost	$	635		$	2,339		$	1,096		$	4,866
	Postretirement benefit plans:
	Service cost	$	315		$	1,575		$	630		$	3,150
	Interest cost	563			1,543			1,127			3,086
	Expected return on plan assets	(1,099		)	(907		)	(2,198		)	(1,815		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	412			923			825			1,847
	Amortization of prior service credit	(2,866		)	(623		)	(5,733		)	(1,246		)
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (income)	$	(2,675	)	$	2,511		$	(5,349	)	$	5,022

DISCLOSURES_ABOUT_THE_FAIR_VAL1

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Summary of carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments	'
	The carrying amount and the estimated fair value of the Company’s financial instruments is summarized below.
		Carrying			Estimated
		amount			fair value
	June 30, 2014
	Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
	U.S. treasury	$	9,615		$	9,615
	U.S. government-sponsored agencies	185,481			185,481
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	342,501			342,501
	Commercial mortgage-backed	55,594			55,594
	Residential mortgage-backed	97,235			97,235
	Other asset-backed	11,564			11,564
	Corporate	369,213			369,213
	Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,071,203			1,071,203
	Equity securities available-for-sale:
	Common stocks:
	Financial services	31,701			31,701
	Information technology	23,945			23,945
	Healthcare	22,298			22,298
	Consumer staples	13,474			13,474
	Consumer discretionary	20,776			20,776
	Energy	27,137			27,137
	Industrials	14,805			14,805
	Other	17,947			17,947
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	12,493			12,493
	Total equity securities available-for-sale	184,576			184,576
	Short-term investments	59,799			59,799
	Liabilities:
	Surplus notes	25,000			11,485
		Carrying			Estimated
		amount			fair value
	December 31, 2013
	Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
	U.S. treasury	$	9,412		$	9,412
	U.S. government-sponsored agencies	146,946			146,946
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	357,052			357,052
	Commercial mortgage-backed	68,939			68,939
	Residential mortgage-backed	94,179			94,179
	Other asset-backed	12,648			12,648
	Corporate	338,808			338,808
	Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,027,984			1,027,984
	Equity securities available-for-sale:
	Common stocks:
	Financial services	28,498			28,498
	Information technology	18,917			18,917
	Healthcare	21,945			21,945
	Consumer staples	13,011			13,011
	Consumer discretionary	21,031			21,031
	Energy	21,117			21,117
	Industrials	17,264			17,264
	Other	17,811			17,811
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	10,254			10,254
	Total equity securities available-for-sale	169,848			169,848
	Short-term investments	56,166			56,166
	Liabilities:
	Surplus notes	25,000			10,040
Summary of assets and liabilities measured on recurring and non-recurring basis	'
	Presented in the table below are the estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
					Fair value measurements using
	30-Jun-14	Total			Quoted		Significant			Significant
					prices in		other			unobservable
					active markets		observable			inputs
					for identical		inputs			(Level 3)
					assets		(Level 2)
					(Level 1)
	Financial instruments reported at fair value on recurring basis:
	Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
	U.S. treasury	$	9,615		$	—	$	9,615		$	—
	U.S. government-sponsored agencies	185,481			—		185,481			—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	342,501			—		342,501			—
	Commercial mortgage-backed	55,594			—		55,594			—
	Residential mortgage-backed	97,235			—		97,235			—
	Other asset-backed	11,564			—		11,564			—
	Corporate	369,213			—		367,264			1,949
	Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,071,203			—		1,069,254			1,949
	Equity securities available-for-sale:
	Common stocks:
	Financial services	31,701			31,698		—			3
	Information technology	23,945			23,945		—			—
	Healthcare	22,298			22,298		—			—
	Consumer staples	13,474			13,474		—			—
	Consumer discretionary	20,776			20,776		—			—
	Energy	27,137			27,137		—			—
	Industrials	14,805			14,805		—			—
	Other	17,947			17,947		—			—
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	12,493			7,850		4,643			—
	Total equity securities available-for-sale	184,576			179,930		4,643			3
	Short-term investments	59,799			59,799		—			—
	Financial instruments not reported at fair value:
	Liabilities:
	Surplus notes	11,485			—		—			11,485
					Fair value measurements using
	31-Dec-13	Total			Quoted		Significant			Significant
					prices in		other			unobservable
					active markets		observable			inputs
					for identical		inputs			(Level 3)
					assets		(Level 2)
					(Level 1)
	Financial instruments reported at fair value on recurring basis:
	Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
	U.S. treasury	$	9,412		$	—	$	9,412		$	—
	U.S. government-sponsored agencies	146,946			—		146,946			—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	357,052			—		357,052			—
	Commercial mortgage-backed	68,939			—		68,939			—
	Residential mortgage-backed	94,179			—		94,179			—
	Other asset-backed	12,648			—		12,648			—
	Corporate	338,808			—		336,832			1,976
	Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,027,984			—		1,026,008			1,976
	Equity securities available-for-sale:
	Common stocks:
	Financial services	28,498			28,495		—			3
	Information technology	18,917			18,917		—			—
	Healthcare	21,945			21,945		—			—
	Consumer staples	13,011			13,011		—			—
	Consumer discretionary	21,031			21,031		—			—
	Energy	21,117			21,117		—			—
	Industrials	17,264			17,264		—			—
	Other	17,811			17,811		—			—
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	10,254			5,795		4,459			—
Total equity securities available-for-sale	169,848			165,386		4,459			3
Short-term investments	56,166			56,166		—			—
Financial instruments not reported at fair value:
Liabilities:
Surplus notes	10,040			—		—			10,040
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs	'
	Presented in the table below is a reconciliation of the assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three and six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.  Any unrealized gains or losses on these securities are recognized in other comprehensive income.  Any gains or losses from disposals or impairments of these securities are reported as realized investment gains or losses in net income.
		Fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
	Three months ended June 30, 2014	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate			Equity securities		Total
					available-for-sale,
					financial services
	Beginning balance	$	1,975		$	3	$	1,978
	Settlements	(42		)	—		(42		)
	Unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income (loss)	16			—		16
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	1,949		$	3	$	1,952
	Six months ended June 30, 2014
	Beginning balance	$	1,976		$	3	$	1,979
	Settlements	(42		)	—		(42		)
	Unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income (loss)	15			—		15
	Balance at June 30, 2014	$	1,949		$	3	$	1,952
		Fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
	Three months ended June 30, 2013	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate			Equity securities		Total
					available-for-sale,
					financial services
	Beginning balance	$	—		$	2	$	2
	Purchases	948			—		948
	Unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income (loss)	—			1		1
	Balance at June 30, 2013	$	948		$	3	$	951
	Six months ended June 30, 2013
	Beginning balance	$	—		$	2	$	2
	Purchases	948			—		948
	Unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income (loss)	—			1		1
	Balance at June 30, 2013	$	948		$	3	$	951

INVESTMENTS_Tables

INVESTMENTS (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of available-for-sale securities from cost basis to fair value	'
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available-for-sale as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows.  All securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value.
	June 30, 2014	Amortized			Gross			Gross			Estimated
		cost			unrealized			unrealized			fair value
					gains			losses
	Securities available-for-sale:
	Fixed maturity securities:
	U.S. treasury	$	9,556		$	157		$	98		$	9,615
	U.S. government-sponsored agencies	188,583			1,875			4,977			185,481
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	319,885			23,196			580			342,501
	Commercial mortgage-backed	50,708			4,886			—			55,594
	Residential mortgage-backed	98,894			987			2,646			97,235
	Other asset-backed	10,306			1,258			—			11,564
	Corporate	350,097			19,848			732			369,213
	Total fixed maturity securities	1,028,029			52,207			9,033			1,071,203
	Equity securities:
	Common stocks:
	Financial services	21,346			10,374			19			31,701
	Information technology	15,666			8,279			—			23,945
	Healthcare	12,516			9,783			1			22,298
	Consumer staples	9,189			4,285			—			13,474
	Consumer discretionary	10,478			10,298			—			20,776
	Energy	17,879			9,261			3			27,137
	Industrials	8,386			6,423			4			14,805
	Other	13,328			4,620			1			17,947
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	12,082			660			249			12,493
	Total equity securities	120,870			63,983			277			184,576
	Total securities available-for-sale	$	1,148,899		$	116,190		$	9,310		$	1,255,779
	December 31, 2013	Amortized			Gross			Gross			Estimated
		cost			unrealized			unrealized			fair value
					gains			losses
	Securities available-for-sale:
	Fixed maturity securities:
	U.S. treasury	$	9,540		$	191		$	319		$	9,412
	U.S. government-sponsored agencies	156,981			1,356			11,391			146,946
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	346,554			15,040			4,542			357,052
	Commercial mortgage-backed	63,185			5,842			88			68,939
	Residential mortgage-backed	96,058			1,073			2,952			94,179
	Other asset-backed	11,456			1,192			—			12,648
	Corporate	325,798			16,542			3,532			338,808
	Total fixed maturity securities	1,009,572			41,236			22,824			1,027,984
	Equity securities:
	Common stocks:
	Financial services	19,273			9,374			149			28,498
	Information technology	12,645			6,301			29			18,917
	Healthcare	12,801			9,144			—			21,945
	Consumer staples	9,162			3,849			—			13,011
	Consumer discretionary	10,722			10,309			—			21,031
	Energy	14,102			7,341			326			21,117
	Industrials	11,190			6,075			1			17,264
	Other	13,358			4,489			36			17,811
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	10,582			316			644			10,254
	Total equity securities	113,835			57,198			1,185			169,848
	Total securities available-for-sale	$	1,123,407		$	98,434		$	24,009		$	1,197,832
Estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses associated with investment securities	'
	The following table sets forth the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses associated with investment securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, listed by length of time the securities were in an unrealized loss position.
	June 30, 2014	Less than twelve months						Twelve months or longer						Total
		Fair			Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
		value			losses			value			losses			value		losses
	Fixed maturity securities:
	U.S. treasury	$	—		$	—		$	4,736		$	98		$	4,736	$	98
	U.S. government-sponsored agencies	12,638			47			102,022			4,930			114,660		4,977
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	3,445			10			41,566			570			45,011		580
	Commercial mortgage-backed	344			—			—			—			344		—
	Residential mortgage-backed	24,586			973			25,938			1,673			50,524		2,646
	Corporate	16,235			87			31,889			645			48,124		732
	Total, fixed maturity securities	57,248			1,117			206,151			7,916			263,399		9,033
	Equity securities:
	Common stocks:
	Financial services	265			19			—			—			265		19
	Healthcare	65			1			—			—			65		1
	Energy	1,315			3			—			—			1,315		3
	Industrials	118			4			—			—			118		4
	Other	26			1			—			—			26		1
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	—			—			1,750			249			1,750		249
	Total, equity securities	1,789			28			1,750			249			3,539		277
	Total temporarily impaired securities	$	59,037		$	1,145		$	207,901		$	8,165		$	266,938	$	9,310
	December 31, 2013	Less than twelve months						Twelve months or longer						Total
		Fair			Unrealized			Fair			Unrealized			Fair		Unrealized
		value			losses			value			losses			value		losses
	Fixed maturity securities:
	U.S. treasury	$	4,507		$	319		$	—		$	—		$	4,507	$	319
	U.S. government-sponsored agencies	93,856			8,120			24,053			3,271			117,909		11,391
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	74,523			4,335			3,008			207			77,531		4,542
	Commercial mortgage-backed	10,551			88			—			—			10,551		88
	Residential mortgage-backed	44,243			2,482			4,600			470			48,843		2,952
	Corporate	81,292			2,704			10,547			828			91,839		3,532
	Total, fixed maturity securities	308,972			18,048			42,208			4,776			351,180		22,824
	Equity securities:
	Common stocks:
	Financial services	2,801			149			—			—			2,801		149
	Information technology	610			29			—			—			610		29
	Consumer staples	30			—			—			—			30		—
	Energy	1,450			326			—			—			1,450		326
	Industrials	625			1			—			—			625		1
	Other	1,499			36			—			—			1,499		36
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	2,121			128			1,484			516			3,605		644
	Total, equity securities	9,136			669			1,484			516			10,620		1,185
	Total temporarily impaired securities	$	318,108		$	18,717		$	43,692		$	5,292		$	361,800	$	24,009
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities	'
	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at June 30, 2014, by contractual maturity, are shown below.  Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations, with or without call or prepayment penalties.
		Amortized			Estimated
		cost			fair value
	Securities available-for-sale:
	Due in one year or less	$	14,324		$	14,582
	Due after one year through five years	209,948			223,617
	Due after five years through ten years	166,906			173,341
	Due after ten years	487,249			506,834
	Mortgage-backed securities	149,602			152,829
	Totals	$	1,028,029		$	1,071,203
Summary of realized investment gains and (losses)	'
	A summary of realized investment gains and (losses) is as follows:
		Three months ended June 30,						Six months ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
	Gross realized investment gains	$	285		$	132		$	366		$	818
	Gross realized investment losses	—			(725		)	(92		)	(725		)
	Equity securities available-for-sale:
	Gross realized investment gains	3,283			1,233			5,316			3,324
	Gross realized investment losses	(405		)	(465		)	(481		)	(553		)
	"Other-than-temporary" impairments	—			—			(316		)	(21		)
	Other long-term investments:
	Gross realized investment losses	(820		)	—			(1,188		)	—
	Totals	$	2,343		$	175		$	3,605		$	2,843

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV1

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]	'
Schedule of beginning and ending balances of accumulated other comprehensive income	'
	The following table reconciles, by component, the beginning and ending balances of accumulated other comprehensive income.
			Accumulated other comprehensive income by component (1)
			Unrealized			Unrecognized			Total
			gains (losses) on			pension and
			available-for-			postretirement
			sale securities			benefit obligations
	Balance at December 31, 2013		$	48,376		$	10,634		$	59,010
	Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications		24,211			—			24,211
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		(3,115		)	(887		)	(4,002		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		21,096			(887		)	20,209
	Balance at June 30, 2014		$	69,472		$	9,747		$	79,219
	-1	All amounts are net of tax.  Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	'
	The following table displays amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income during the three and six months ended June 30, 2014.
			Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (1)
	Accumulated other comprehensive		Three months ended			Six months ended			Affected line item in the
	income components		June 30, 2014			June 30, 2014			consolidated statements
									of income
	Unrealized gains on investments:
	Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income		$	3,163		$	4,793		Net realized investment gains
	Deferred income tax expense		(1,107		)	(1,678		)	Income tax (expense) benefit, current
	Net reclassification adjustment		2,056			3,115
	Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations:
	Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income):
	Net actuarial loss		(153		)	(289		)	-2
	Prior service credit		827			1,654			-2
	Total before tax		674			1,365
	Deferred income tax expense		(236		)	(478		)	Income tax (expense) benefit, current
	Net reclassification adjustment		438			887
	Total reclassification adjustment		$	2,494		$	4,002
	-1	Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to net income
	-2	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income) (see Note 6, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details).

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION_Details

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Payments to Acquire Investments [Abstract]	'
Payments to Acquire Universa Limited Partnership Interest	$4,367

TRANSACTIONS_WITH_AFFILIATES_D

TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES (Details) (Reinsurance [Member], Affiliated Entity [Member])	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage cost of protection to assumed reinsurance premiums written (in hundredths)	8.00%	9.00%

REINSURANCE_Details

REINSURANCE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Premiums written	'	'	'	'
Net premiums written	$139,024	$136,114	$274,429	$258,244
Premiums earned	'	'	'	'
Net premiums earned	133,952	127,189	267,032	247,686
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	'	'	'	'
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	105,846	88,968	194,815	161,542
Affiliated Entity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Premiums written	'	'	'	'
Assumed	118,286	110,140	225,334	209,541
Ceded	-93,161	-92,909	-186,062	-184,502
Premiums earned	'	'	'	'
Assumed	109,397	102,770	215,278	200,366
Ceded	-95,596	-93,544	-189,531	-181,391
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	'	'	'	'
Assumed	87,576	76,982	156,039	133,792
Ceded	-75,395	-71,302	-123,386	-122,083
Non Affiliated Entity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Premiums written	'	'	'	'
Direct	90,851	89,858	180,892	178,746
Assumed	33,499	39,878	73,800	75,204
Ceded	-10,451	-10,853	-19,535	-20,745
Premiums earned	'	'	'	'
Direct	93,286	90,493	184,361	175,635
Assumed	37,586	37,714	77,380	71,611
Ceded	-10,721	-10,244	-20,456	-18,535
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	'	'	'	'
Direct	75,417	71,466	123,427	121,070
Assumed	28,067	16,726	53,069	36,126
Ceded	-9,819	-4,904	-14,334	-7,363
Property and casualty insurance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reinsurance Transactions For Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of pool participation	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Premiums written	'	'	'	'
Net premiums written	112,464	105,259	214,977	200,040
Premiums earned	'	'	'	'
Net premiums earned	103,517	97,817	204,764	190,522
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	'	'	'	'
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	80,787	74,080	148,513	130,048
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Premiums written	'	'	'	'
Assumed	118,286	110,140	225,334	209,541
Ceded	-90,851	-89,858	-180,892	-178,746
Premiums earned	'	'	'	'
Assumed	109,397	102,770	215,278	200,366
Ceded	-93,286	-90,493	-184,361	-175,635
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	'	'	'	'
Assumed	87,330	76,771	155,502	133,357
Ceded	-75,417	-71,466	-123,427	-121,070
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Non Affiliated Entity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Premiums written	'	'	'	'
Direct	90,851	89,858	180,892	178,746
Assumed	993	882	1,780	1,495
Ceded	-6,815	-5,763	-12,137	-10,996
Premiums earned	'	'	'	'
Direct	93,286	90,493	184,361	175,635
Assumed	891	763	1,735	1,424
Ceded	-6,771	-5,716	-12,249	-11,268
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	'	'	'	'
Direct	75,417	71,466	123,427	121,070
Assumed	484	34	1,086	427
Ceded	-7,027	-2,725	-8,075	-3,736
Reinsurance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Premiums written	'	'	'	'
Net premiums written	26,560	30,855	59,452	58,204
Premiums earned	'	'	'	'
Net premiums earned	30,435	29,372	62,268	57,164
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	'	'	'	'
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	25,059	14,888	46,302	31,494
Reinsurance [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Premiums written	'	'	'	'
Assumed	0	0	0	0
Ceded	-2,310	-3,051	-5,170	-5,756
Premiums earned	'	'	'	'
Assumed	0	0	0	0
Ceded	-2,310	-3,051	-5,170	-5,756
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	'	'	'	'
Assumed	246	211	537	435
Ceded	22	164	41	-1,013
Reinsurance [Member] | Non Affiliated Entity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Premiums written	'	'	'	'
Direct	0	0	0	0
Assumed	32,506	38,996	72,020	73,709
Ceded	-3,636	-5,090	-7,398	-9,749
Premiums earned	'	'	'	'
Direct	0	0	0	0
Assumed	36,695	36,951	75,645	70,187
Ceded	-3,950	-4,528	-8,207	-7,267
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	'	'	'	'
Direct	0	0	0	0
Assumed	27,583	16,692	51,983	35,699
Ceded	($2,792)	($2,179)	($6,259)	($3,627)

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Summarized

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Summarized financial information by segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated	'	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	$133,952	$127,189	$267,032	$247,686	'
Underwriting profit (loss)	-12,829	-2,732	-10,479	4,709	'
Net investment income (loss)	11,076	11,040	22,931	21,483	'
Realized investment gains (losses)	2,343	175	3,605	2,843	'
Other income	181	163	382	398	'
Interest expense	85	85	169	216	'
Other expenses	416	612	1,111	759	'
Income before income tax expense	270	7,949	15,159	28,458	'
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	1,923,969	'	1,923,969	'	1,821,398
Eliminations	-473,962	'	-473,962	'	-441,984
Reclassifications	-611	'	-611	'	-481
Total assets	1,449,396	'	1,449,396	'	1,378,933
Property and casualty insurance [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated	'	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	103,517	97,817	204,764	190,522	'
Underwriting profit (loss)	-10,979	-10,423	-11,454	-7,807	'
Net investment income (loss)	7,972	8,096	16,588	15,745	'
Realized investment gains (losses)	1,568	392	2,579	2,349	'
Other income	181	163	382	398	'
Interest expense	85	85	169	216	'
Other expenses	234	186	408	391	'
Income before income tax expense	-1,577	-2,043	7,518	10,078	'
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	1,024,174	'	1,024,174	'	978,746
Eliminations	0	'	0	'	0
Reclassifications	0	'	0	'	0
Total assets	1,024,174	'	1,024,174	'	978,746
Reinsurance [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated	'	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	30,435	29,372	62,268	57,164	'
Underwriting profit (loss)	-1,850	7,691	975	12,516	'
Net investment income (loss)	3,106	2,946	6,349	5,743	'
Realized investment gains (losses)	775	-217	1,026	494	'
Other income	0	0	0	0	'
Interest expense	0	0	0	0	'
Other expenses	-181	101	-14	-340	'
Income before income tax expense	2,212	10,319	8,364	19,093	'
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	413,061	'	413,061	'	387,284
Eliminations	0	'	0	'	0
Reclassifications	-465	'	-465	'	0
Total assets	412,596	'	412,596	'	387,284
Parent company [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated	'	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	0	0	0	0	'
Underwriting profit (loss)	0	0	0	0	'
Net investment income (loss)	-2	-2	-6	-5	'
Realized investment gains (losses)	0	0	0	0	'
Other income	0	0	0	0	'
Interest expense	0	0	0	0	'
Other expenses	363	325	717	708	'
Income before income tax expense	-365	-327	-723	-713	'
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	486,734	'	486,734	'	455,368
Eliminations	-473,962	'	-473,962	'	-441,984
Reclassifications	-146	'	-146	'	-481
Total assets	$12,626	'	$12,626	'	$12,903

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Net_premiu

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Net premiums earned by segment and lines of insurance (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	$133,952	$127,189	$267,032	$247,686
Property and casualty insurance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	103,517	97,817	204,764	190,522
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	91,960	84,994	181,366	164,926
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Automobile Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	23,855	21,097	46,657	41,221
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Property Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	23,328	21,425	46,645	41,810
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Workers Compensation Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	21,910	21,027	42,963	40,554
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Liability Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	21,055	19,602	41,510	37,635
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Other Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	1,812	1,843	3,591	3,706
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Personal Lines [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	11,557	12,823	23,398	25,596
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Personal Lines [Member] | Automobile Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	6,304	6,917	12,715	13,839
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Personal Lines [Member] | Property Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	5,062	5,729	10,306	11,416
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Personal Lines [Member] | Liability Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	191	177	377	341
Reinsurance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	30,435	29,372	62,268	57,164
Reinsurance [Member] | Pro rata reinsurance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	11,888	10,305	25,370	20,205
Reinsurance [Member] | Pro rata reinsurance [Member] | Property And Liability Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	3,267	2,483	4,331	3,512
Reinsurance [Member] | Pro rata reinsurance [Member] | Property Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	288	3,645	6,065	8,272
Reinsurance [Member] | Pro rata reinsurance [Member] | Liability Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	2,721	1,125	5,513	1,518
Reinsurance [Member] | Pro rata reinsurance [Member] | Crop Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	775	506	1,213	946
Reinsurance [Member] | Pro rata reinsurance [Member] | Marine And Aviation Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	4,837	2,546	8,248	5,957
Reinsurance [Member] | Excess of loss reinsurance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	18,547	19,067	36,898	36,959
Reinsurance [Member] | Excess of loss reinsurance [Member] | Property Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	15,800	16,228	31,259	31,449
Reinsurance [Member] | Excess of loss reinsurance [Member] | Liability Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	2,747	2,839	5,638	5,510
Reinsurance [Member] | Excess of loss reinsurance [Member] | Fidelity And Surety Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	$0	$0	$1	$0

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Income tax expense (benefit) reconciliation [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
United States federal corporate tax rate (in hundredths)	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	35.00%	'
Computed expected income tax expense	$95	$2,782	$5,306	$9,960	'
Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from:	'	'	'	'	'
Tax-exempt interest income	-858	-993	-1,802	-1,936	'
Dividends received deduction	-258	-222	-478	-417	'
Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction	167	182	342	353	'
Other, net	110	-12	182	13	'
Total income tax expense (benefit)	-744	1,737	3,550	7,973	'
Provision for uncertain tax positions	$0	'	$0	'	$0

EMPLOYEE_RETIREMENT_PLANS_Deta

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Pension plans [Member] | Emc Insurance Companies [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$3,240	$3,181	$6,431	$6,607
Interest cost	2,451	1,918	4,832	3,828
Expected return on plan assets	-5,183	-4,287	-10,366	-8,575
Amortization of net actuarial loss	119	1,515	183	2,981
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	8	12	16	25
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	635	2,339	1,096	4,866
Pension plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Group, Inc. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	196	725	340	1,507
Entity's share of estimated contributions to employee benefit plan	'	'	4,500	'
Postretirement benefit plans [Member] | Emc Insurance Companies [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	315	1,575	630	3,150
Interest cost	563	1,543	1,127	3,086
Expected return on plan assets	-1,099	-907	-2,198	-1,815
Amortization of net actuarial loss	412	923	825	1,847
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-2,866	-623	-5,733	-1,246
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	-2,675	2,511	-5,349	5,022
Postretirement benefit plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Group, Inc. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	-771	728	-1,542	1,456
Entity's share of estimated contributions to employee benefit plan	'	'	$0	'

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Detail

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
			Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of stock option plans	'	'	2	'
Recognized compensation expense	$88	$78	$139	$142
Recognized compensation expense, net of tax	$57	$51	$90	$94
Employers Mutual Casualty Company Incentive Stock Option 2003 Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Registered shares (in shares)	1,500,000	'	1,500,000	'
Time limit for granting awards	'	'	'10 years	'
Employers Mutual Casualty Company Stock Incentive 2007 Plan [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Registered shares (in shares)	2,000,000	'	2,000,000	'
Time limit for granting awards	'	'	'10 years	'
Restricted Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'	'	'4 years	'
Number of restricted stock shares granted during period (in shares)	'	'	62,764	'
Number of restricted stock shares vested during period (in shares)	'	'	14,117	'
Employee Stock Option [Member]	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Vesting period	'	'	'5 years	'
Options exercised during period (in shares)	'	'	140,253	'
Weighted average exercise price of options exercised during period (in dollars per share)	'	'	$21.37	'

DISCLOSURES_ABOUT_THE_FAIR_VAL2

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$1,255,779	$1,197,832
Short-term investments	59,799	56,166
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Surplus notes	25,000	25,000
Period for surplus notes included in assumptions	'25 years	'25 years
Current interest rate on surplus notes	1.35%	1.35%
Upward adjustment to fair value input discount rate (percent)	0.50%	0.50%
Period after which rate is adjusted	'5 years	'5 years
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Number Of Broker Quoted Securities	1	7
Number of securities not priced by independent pricing service	6	6
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,071,203	1,027,984
US Treasury Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	9,615	9,412
US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	185,481	146,946
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	342,501	357,052
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	55,594	68,939
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	97,235	94,179
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	11,564	12,648
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	369,213	338,808
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	184,576	169,848
Common stocks Financial services [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	31,701	28,498
Common stocks Information technology [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	23,945	18,917
Common stocks Healthcare [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	22,298	21,945
Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	13,474	13,011
Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	20,776	21,031
Common stocks Energy [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	27,137	21,117
Common stocks Industrials [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	14,805	17,264
Common stocks Other [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	17,947	17,811
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,493	10,254
Carrying amount [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Short-term investments	59,799	56,166
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Surplus notes	25,000	25,000
Carrying amount [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,071,203	1,027,984
Carrying amount [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	9,615	9,412
Carrying amount [Member] | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	185,481	146,946
Carrying amount [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	342,501	357,052
Carrying amount [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	55,594	68,939
Carrying amount [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	97,235	94,179
Carrying amount [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	11,564	12,648
Carrying amount [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	369,213	338,808
Carrying amount [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	184,576	169,848
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Financial services [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	31,701	28,498
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Information technology [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	23,945	18,917
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Healthcare [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	22,298	21,945
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	13,474	13,011
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	20,776	21,031
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Energy [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	27,137	21,117
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Industrials [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	14,805	17,264
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Other [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	17,947	17,811
Carrying amount [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,493	10,254
Estimated fair value [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Short-term investments	59,799	56,166
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Surplus notes	11,485	10,040
Estimated fair value [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,071,203	1,027,984
Estimated fair value [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	9,615	9,412
Estimated fair value [Member] | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	185,481	146,946
Estimated fair value [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	342,501	357,052
Estimated fair value [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	55,594	68,939
Estimated fair value [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	97,235	94,179
Estimated fair value [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	11,564	12,648
Estimated fair value [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	369,213	338,808
Estimated fair value [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	184,576	169,848
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Financial services [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	31,701	28,498
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Information technology [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	23,945	18,917
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Healthcare [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	22,298	21,945
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	13,474	13,011
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	20,776	21,031
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Energy [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	27,137	21,117
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Industrials [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	14,805	17,264
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Other [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	17,947	17,811
Estimated fair value [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$12,493	$10,254

DISCLOSURES_ABOUT_THE_FAIR_VAL3

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, Recurring Measurement Inputs (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$1,255,779	$1,197,832
Short-term investments	59,799	56,166
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Surplus notes	25,000	25,000
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,071,203	1,027,984
US Treasury Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	9,615	9,412
US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	185,481	146,946
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	342,501	357,052
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	55,594	68,939
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	97,235	94,179
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	11,564	12,648
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	369,213	338,808
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	184,576	169,848
Common stocks Financial services [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	31,701	28,498
Common stocks Information technology [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	23,945	18,917
Common stocks Healthcare [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	22,298	21,945
Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	13,474	13,011
Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	20,776	21,031
Common stocks Energy [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	27,137	21,117
Common stocks Industrials [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	14,805	17,264
Common stocks Other [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	17,947	17,811
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,493	10,254
Recurring [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Short-term investments	59,799	56,166
Recurring [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,071,203	1,027,984
Recurring [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	9,615	9,412
Recurring [Member] | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	185,481	146,946
Recurring [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	342,501	357,052
Recurring [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	55,594	68,939
Recurring [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	97,235	94,179
Recurring [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	11,564	12,648
Recurring [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	369,213	338,808
Recurring [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	184,576	169,848
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Financial services [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	31,701	28,498
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Information technology [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	23,945	18,917
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Healthcare [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	22,298	21,945
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	13,474	13,011
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	20,776	21,031
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Energy [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	27,137	21,117
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Industrials [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	14,805	17,264
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Other [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	17,947	17,811
Recurring [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,493	10,254
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Short-term investments	59,799	56,166
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	179,930	165,386
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Common stocks Financial services [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	31,698	28,495
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Common stocks Information technology [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	23,945	18,917
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Common stocks Healthcare [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	22,298	21,945
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	13,474	13,011
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	20,776	21,031
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Common stocks Energy [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	27,137	21,117
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Common stocks Industrials [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	14,805	17,264
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Common stocks Other [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	17,947	17,811
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	7,850	5,795
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Short-term investments	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,069,254	1,026,008
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	9,615	9,412
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	185,481	146,946
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	342,501	357,052
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	55,594	68,939
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	97,235	94,179
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	11,564	12,648
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	367,264	336,832
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	4,643	4,459
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Common stocks Financial services [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Common stocks Information technology [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Common stocks Healthcare [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Common stocks Energy [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Common stocks Industrials [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Common stocks Other [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	4,643	4,459
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Short-term investments	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,949	1,976
Number of securities categorized as Level 3 fair value measurements	2	2
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,949	1,976
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	3	3
Number of securities categorized as Level 3 fair value measurements	1	1
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Common stocks Financial services [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	3	3
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Common stocks Information technology [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Common stocks Healthcare [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Common stocks Energy [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Common stocks Industrials [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Common stocks Other [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0
Not Reported At Fair Value [Member]	'	'
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Surplus notes	11,485	10,040
Not Reported At Fair Value [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Surplus notes	0	0
Not Reported At Fair Value [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Surplus notes	0	0
Not Reported At Fair Value [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Surplus notes	$11,485	$10,040

DISCLOSURES_ABOUT_THE_FAIR_VAL4

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, Unobservable Input Reconciliation (Details) (Recurring [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$1,978	$2	$1,979	$2
Purchases	'	948	'	948
Settlements	-42	'	-42	'
Unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income (loss)	16	1	15	1
Balance at end of period	1,952	951	1,952	951
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	1,975	0	1,976	0
Purchases	'	948	'	948
Settlements	-42	'	-42	'
Unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income (loss)	16	0	15	0
Balance at end of period	1,949	948	1,949	948
Common stocks Financial services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	3	2	3	2
Purchases	'	0	'	0
Settlements	0	'	0	'
Unrealized gains included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	1	0	1
Balance at end of period	$3	$3	$3	$3

INVESTMENTS_Details

INVESTMENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	$1,148,899	'	$1,148,899	'	$1,123,407
Gross unrealized gains	116,190	'	116,190	'	98,434
Gross unrealized losses	9,310	'	9,310	'	24,009
Estimated fair value	1,255,779	'	1,255,779	'	1,197,832
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	59,037	'	59,037	'	318,108
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	1,145	'	1,145	'	18,717
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	207,901	'	207,901	'	43,692
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	8,165	'	8,165	'	5,292
Total, Fair value	266,938	'	266,938	'	361,800
Total, Unrealized losses	9,310	'	9,310	'	24,009
Amortized cost	'	'	'	'	'
Due in one year or less	14,324	'	14,324	'	'
Due after one year through five years	209,948	'	209,948	'	'
Due after five years through ten years	166,906	'	166,906	'	'
Due after ten years	487,249	'	487,249	'	'
Mortgage-backed securities	149,602	'	149,602	'	'
Totals	1,028,029	'	1,028,029	'	1,009,572
Estimated fair value	'	'	'	'	'
Due in one year or less	14,582	'	14,582	'	'
Due after one year through five years	223,617	'	223,617	'	'
Due after five years through ten years	173,341	'	173,341	'	'
Due after ten years	506,834	'	506,834	'	'
Mortgage-backed securities	152,829	'	152,829	'	'
Totals	1,071,203	'	1,071,203	'	1,027,984
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
'Other-than-temporary' impairments	0	0	-316	-21	'
Net realized investment gains (losses)	2,343	175	3,605	2,843	'
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	1,028,029	'	1,028,029	'	1,009,572
Gross unrealized gains	52,207	'	52,207	'	41,236
Gross unrealized losses	9,033	'	9,033	'	22,824
Estimated fair value	1,071,203	'	1,071,203	'	1,027,984
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	57,248	'	57,248	'	308,972
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	1,117	'	1,117	'	18,048
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	206,151	'	206,151	'	42,208
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	7,916	'	7,916	'	4,776
Total, Fair value	263,399	'	263,399	'	351,180
Total, Unrealized losses	9,033	'	9,033	'	22,824
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale, Gross realized investment gains	285	132	366	818	'
Available-for-sale, Gross realized investment losses	0	-725	-92	-725	'
US Treasury Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	9,556	'	9,556	'	9,540
Gross unrealized gains	157	'	157	'	191
Gross unrealized losses	98	'	98	'	319
Estimated fair value	9,615	'	9,615	'	9,412
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	0	'	0	'	4,507
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	319
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	4,736	'	4,736	'	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	98	'	98	'	0
Total, Fair value	4,736	'	4,736	'	4,507
Total, Unrealized losses	98	'	98	'	319
US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	188,583	'	188,583	'	156,981
Gross unrealized gains	1,875	'	1,875	'	1,356
Gross unrealized losses	4,977	'	4,977	'	11,391
Estimated fair value	185,481	'	185,481	'	146,946
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	12,638	'	12,638	'	93,856
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	47	'	47	'	8,120
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	102,022	'	102,022	'	24,053
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	4,930	'	4,930	'	3,271
Total, Fair value	114,660	'	114,660	'	117,909
Total, Unrealized losses	4,977	'	4,977	'	11,391
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	319,885	'	319,885	'	346,554
Gross unrealized gains	23,196	'	23,196	'	15,040
Gross unrealized losses	580	'	580	'	4,542
Estimated fair value	342,501	'	342,501	'	357,052
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	3,445	'	3,445	'	74,523
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	10	'	10	'	4,335
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	41,566	'	41,566	'	3,008
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	570	'	570	'	207
Total, Fair value	45,011	'	45,011	'	77,531
Total, Unrealized losses	580	'	580	'	4,542
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	50,708	'	50,708	'	63,185
Gross unrealized gains	4,886	'	4,886	'	5,842
Gross unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	88
Estimated fair value	55,594	'	55,594	'	68,939
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	344	'	344	'	10,551
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	88
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0	'	0	'	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	0
Total, Fair value	344	'	344	'	10,551
Total, Unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	88
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	98,894	'	98,894	'	96,058
Gross unrealized gains	987	'	987	'	1,073
Gross unrealized losses	2,646	'	2,646	'	2,952
Estimated fair value	97,235	'	97,235	'	94,179
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	24,586	'	24,586	'	44,243
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	973	'	973	'	2,482
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	25,938	'	25,938	'	4,600
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	1,673	'	1,673	'	470
Total, Fair value	50,524	'	50,524	'	48,843
Total, Unrealized losses	2,646	'	2,646	'	2,952
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	10,306	'	10,306	'	11,456
Gross unrealized gains	1,258	'	1,258	'	1,192
Gross unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	0
Estimated fair value	11,564	'	11,564	'	12,648
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	350,097	'	350,097	'	325,798
Gross unrealized gains	19,848	'	19,848	'	16,542
Gross unrealized losses	732	'	732	'	3,532
Estimated fair value	369,213	'	369,213	'	338,808
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	16,235	'	16,235	'	81,292
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	87	'	87	'	2,704
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	31,889	'	31,889	'	10,547
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	645	'	645	'	828
Total, Fair value	48,124	'	48,124	'	91,839
Total, Unrealized losses	732	'	732	'	3,532
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	120,870	'	120,870	'	113,835
Gross unrealized gains	63,983	'	63,983	'	57,198
Gross unrealized losses	277	'	277	'	1,185
Estimated fair value	184,576	'	184,576	'	169,848
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	1,789	'	1,789	'	9,136
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	28	'	28	'	669
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	1,750	'	1,750	'	1,484
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	249	'	249	'	516
Total, Fair value	3,539	'	3,539	'	10,620
Total, Unrealized losses	277	'	277	'	1,185
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale, Gross realized investment gains	3,283	1,233	5,316	3,324	'
Available-for-sale, Gross realized investment losses	-405	-465	-481	-553	'
'Other-than-temporary' impairments	0	0	-316	-21	'
Common stocks Financial services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	21,346	'	21,346	'	19,273
Gross unrealized gains	10,374	'	10,374	'	9,374
Gross unrealized losses	19	'	19	'	149
Estimated fair value	31,701	'	31,701	'	28,498
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	265	'	265	'	2,801
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	19	'	19	'	149
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0	'	0	'	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	0
Total, Fair value	265	'	265	'	2,801
Total, Unrealized losses	19	'	19	'	149
Common stocks Information technology [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	15,666	'	15,666	'	12,645
Gross unrealized gains	8,279	'	8,279	'	6,301
Gross unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	29
Estimated fair value	23,945	'	23,945	'	18,917
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	'	'	'	'	610
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	'	'	'	'	29
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	'	'	'	'	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	'	'	'	'	0
Total, Fair value	'	'	'	'	610
Total, Unrealized losses	'	'	'	'	29
Common stocks Healthcare [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	12,516	'	12,516	'	12,801
Gross unrealized gains	9,783	'	9,783	'	9,144
Gross unrealized losses	1	'	1	'	0
Estimated fair value	22,298	'	22,298	'	21,945
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	'	65	'	65	'
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	'	1	'	1	'
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	'	0	'	0	'
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	'	0	'	0	'
Total, Fair value	'	65	'	65	'
Total, Unrealized losses	'	1	'	1	'
Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	9,189	'	9,189	'	9,162
Gross unrealized gains	4,285	'	4,285	'	3,849
Gross unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	0
Estimated fair value	13,474	'	13,474	'	13,011
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	'	'	'	'	30
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	'	'	'	'	0
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	'	'	'	'	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	'	'	'	'	0
Total, Fair value	'	'	'	'	30
Total, Unrealized losses	'	'	'	'	0
Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	10,478	'	10,478	'	10,722
Gross unrealized gains	10,298	'	10,298	'	10,309
Gross unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	0
Estimated fair value	20,776	'	20,776	'	21,031
Common stocks Energy [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	17,879	'	17,879	'	14,102
Gross unrealized gains	9,261	'	9,261	'	7,341
Gross unrealized losses	3	'	3	'	326
Estimated fair value	27,137	'	27,137	'	21,117
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	1,315	'	1,315	'	1,450
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	3	'	3	'	326
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0	'	0	'	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	0
Total, Fair value	1,315	'	1,315	'	1,450
Total, Unrealized losses	3	'	3	'	326
Common stocks Industrials [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	8,386	'	8,386	'	11,190
Gross unrealized gains	6,423	'	6,423	'	6,075
Gross unrealized losses	4	'	4	'	1
Estimated fair value	14,805	'	14,805	'	17,264
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	118	'	118	'	625
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	4	'	4	'	1
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0	'	0	'	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	0
Total, Fair value	118	'	118	'	625
Total, Unrealized losses	4	'	4	'	1
Common stocks Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	13,328	'	13,328	'	13,358
Gross unrealized gains	4,620	'	4,620	'	4,489
Gross unrealized losses	1	'	1	'	36
Estimated fair value	17,947	'	17,947	'	17,811
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	26	'	26	'	1,499
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	1	'	1	'	36
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0	'	0	'	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	0
Total, Fair value	26	'	26	'	1,499
Total, Unrealized losses	1	'	1	'	36
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	12,082	'	12,082	'	10,582
Gross unrealized gains	660	'	660	'	316
Gross unrealized losses	249	'	249	'	644
Estimated fair value	12,493	'	12,493	'	10,254
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	0	'	0	'	2,121
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	128
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	1,750	'	1,750	'	1,484
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	249	'	249	'	516
Total, Fair value	1,750	'	1,750	'	3,605
Total, Unrealized losses	249	'	249	'	644
Other Long-term Investments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Other long-term investments, Gross realized investment losses	($820)	$0	($1,188)	$0	'

CONTINGENT_LIABILITIES_Details

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Entity's share of case loss reserves, eliminated by the purchase of annuities	$178
Contingent liability for aggregate guaranteed amount of annuities	$245

STOCK_REPURCHASE_PROGRAM_Detai

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM (Details) (USD $)	Nov. 03, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Equity [Abstract]	'
Authorized amount of stock repurchase program	$15,000

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Balance at December 31, 2013	'		'	$59,010	[1]	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'		'	24,211	[1]	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	'		'	-4,002	[1]	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	10,823		-23,729	20,209	[1]	-18,245
Balance at June 30, 2014	79,219	[1]	'	79,219	[1]	'
Unrealized Gains and (Losses) on Available-for-sale securities	'		'	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Balance at December 31, 2013	'		'	48,376	[1]	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'		'	24,211	[1]	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	'		'	-3,115	[1]	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'		'	21,096	[1]	'
Balance at June 30, 2014	69,472	[1]	'	69,472	[1]	'
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations	'		'	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Balance at December 31, 2013	'		'	10,634	[1]	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'		'	0	[1]	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	'		'	-887	[1]	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'		'	-887	[1]	'
Balance at June 30, 2014	$9,747	[1]	'	$9,747	[1]	'
[1]	All amounts are net of tax. Amounts in parentheses indicate debits.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV3

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Net realized investment gains (losses)	$2,343		$175	$3,605		$2,843
Income tax expense (benefit), current	-198		-2,602	-4,300		-8,098
Total reclassification adjustment	2,494	[1]	'	4,002	[1]	'
Unrealized Gains and (Losses) on Available-for-sale securities | Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'		'	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Net realized investment gains (losses)	3,163	[1]	'	4,793	[1]	'
Income tax expense (benefit), current	-1,107	[1]	'	-1,678	[1]	'
Total reclassification adjustment	2,056	[1]	'	3,115	[1]	'
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations | Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	'		'	'		'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Net actuarial loss	-153	[1],[2]	'	-289	[1],[2]	'
Prior service credit	827	[1],[2]	'	1,654	[1],[2]	'
Total before tax	674	[1]	'	1,365	[1]	'
Income tax expense (benefit), current	-236	[1]	'	-478	[1]	'
Total reclassification adjustment	$438	[1]	'	$887	[1]	'
[1]	Amounts in parentheses indicate debits to net income
[2]	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income) (see Note 6, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details).