EMC Insurance (EMCI) 10-Q 7 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Oct. 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	'	13,546,384
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Un

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014		Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments:	'		'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $1,059,598 and $1,009,572)	$1,101,240		$1,027,984
Equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (cost $122,986 and $113,835)	187,383		169,848
Other long-term investments	6,730		2,392
Short-term investments	69,991		56,166
Total investments	1,365,344		1,256,390
Cash	381		239
Reinsurance receivables due from affiliate	31,691		34,760
Prepaid reinsurance premiums due from affiliate	9,869		9,717
Deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $42,008 and $37,414)	42,254		37,792
Amounts due from affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances	4,182		0
Prepaid pension and postretirement benefits due from affiliate	23,063		23,121
Accrued investment income	10,938		9,984
Accounts receivable	2,134		1,080
Income taxes recoverable	4,424		0
Goodwill	942		942
Other assets (affiliated $5,999 and $4,780)	6,148		4,908
Total assets	1,501,370		1,378,933
LIABILITIES	'		'
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $656,855 and $600,313)	665,280		610,181
Unearned premiums (affiliated $252,152 and $218,788)	253,108		220,627
Other policyholders' funds (all affiliated)	8,541		8,491
Surplus notes payable to affiliate	25,000		25,000
Amounts due affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances	0		13,522
Pension and postretirement benefits payable to affiliate	3,391		3,401
Income taxes payable	0		1,530
Deferred income taxes	23,526		12,822
Other liabilities (affiliated $19,943 and $25,161)	36,649		28,149
Total liabilities	1,015,495		923,723
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY	'		'
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 20,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 13,536,635 shares in 2014 and 13,306,027 shares in 2013	13,537		13,306
Additional paid-in capital	105,914		99,309
Accumulated other comprehensive income	78,229	[1]	59,010	[1]
Retained earnings	288,195		283,585
Total stockholders' equity	485,875		455,210
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$1,501,370		$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 $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Investments:	'	'
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, amortized cost	$1,059,598	$1,009,572
Equity securities available-for-sale, cost	122,986	113,835
Deferred policy acquisition costs from affiliates	42,008	37,414
Affiliated other assets	5,999	4,780
LIABILITIES	'	'
Affiliated losses and settlement expenses	656,855	600,313
Unearned premiums from affiliates	252,152	218,788
Affiliated other liabilities	$19,943	$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)	13,536,635	13,306,027
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	13,536,635	13,306,027

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
REVENUES	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned (affiliated $137,395, $130,873, $399,541, and $374,609)	$138,316	$132,362	$405,348	$380,048
Investment income, net	11,503	10,545	34,434	32,028
Net realized investment gains, excluding impairment losses on securities available-for-sale	171	1,010	4,092	3,874
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities available-for-sale	-561	-3	-877	-24
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	-561	-3	-877	-24
Net realized investment gains (losses)	-390	1,007	3,215	3,850
Other income (all affiliated)	202	195	584	593
Total revenues	149,631	144,109	443,581	416,519
LOSSES AND EXPENSES	'	'	'	'
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $106,090, $86,786, $298,444 and $244,756)	106,652	88,235	301,467	249,777
Dividends to policyholders (all affiliated)	2,588	4,220	6,517	8,747
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $24,761, $23,327, $73,365 and $68,177)	24,957	23,671	74,690	69,503
Other underwriting expenses (affiliated $13,907, $17,332, $43,229 and $48,387)	13,907	17,332	42,941	48,408
Interest expense (all affiliated)	84	84	253	300
Other expense (affiliated $(152), $544, $578 and $965)	-440	1,003	671	1,762
Total losses and expenses	147,748	134,545	426,539	378,497
Income before income tax expense (benefit)	1,883	9,564	17,042	38,022
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)	'	'	'	'
Current	-1,452	3,875	2,848	11,973
Deferred	1,106	-1,510	356	-1,635
Total income tax expense (benefit)	-346	2,365	3,204	10,338
Net income	$2,229	$7,199	$13,838	$27,684
Net income per common share - basic and diluted	$0.16	$0.55	$1.03	$2.12
Dividend per common share	$0.23	$0.21	$0.69	$0.63
Average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in shares)	13,511,692	13,131,323	13,443,798	13,044,351

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
REVENUES	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned, affiliated	$137,395	$130,873	$399,541	$374,609
LOSSES AND EXPENSES	'	'	'	'
Losses and settlement expenses, affiliated	106,090	86,786	298,444	244,756
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, affiliated	24,761	23,327	73,365	68,177
Other underwriting expenses, affiliated	13,907	17,332	43,229	48,387
Other expense, affiliated	($152)	$544	$578	$965

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Net income	$2,229	$7,199	$13,838		$27,684
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	'	'	'		'
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities, net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $(110), $(178), $12,927 and $(9,390)	-204	-331	24,007		-17,439
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income, net of income tax expense of $(184), $(353), $(1,862) and $(1,348)	-343	-654	-3,458		-2,502
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income), net of deferred income tax (expense) benefit of $(239), $191, $(717) and $574:	'	'	'		'
Net actuarial loss	94	470	282		1,411
Prior service credit	-537	-115	-1,612		-345
Total reclassification adjustment associated with affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans	-443	355	-1,330		1,066
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-990	-630	19,219	[1]	-18,875
Total comprehensive income	$1,239	$6,569	$33,057		$8,809
[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		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)	'	'	'	'
Change in unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities, deferred income tax expense (benefit)	($110)	($178)	$12,927	($9,390)
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment (gains) losses included in net income (loss), income tax (expense) benefit	-184	-353	-1,862	-1,348
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income), deferred income tax (expense) benefit	($239)	$191	($717)	$574

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Net income	$13,838	$27,684
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $56,542 and $18,213)	55,099	21,551
Unearned premiums (affiliated $33,364 and $40,590)	32,481	40,691
Other policyholders' funds due to affiliate	50	2,289
Amounts due to/from affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances	-17,704	-28,605
Net pension and postretirement benefits due from affiliate	-1,999	4,163
Reinsurance receivables due from affiliate	3,069	3,680
Prepaid reinsurance premiums due from affiliate	-152	-4,340
Commissions payable (affiliated $(2,607) and $(852))	-2,787	-868
Deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $(4,594) and $(5,446))	-4,462	-5,467
Accrued investment income	-954	-409
Current income tax	-5,855	2,035
Deferred income tax	356	-1,635
Net realized investment gains	-3,215	-3,850
Other, net (affiliated $(3,839) and $(1,044))	-546	-91
Total adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities	53,381	29,144
Net cash provided by operating activities	67,219	56,828
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Purchases of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	-137,283	-199,004
Disposals of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	97,799	159,214
Purchases of equity securities available-for-sale	-35,659	-33,374
Disposals of equity securities available-for-sale	31,036	30,491
Purchases of other long-term investments	-7,007	-644
Disposals of other long-term investments	344	154
Net purchases of short-term investments	-13,825	-11,152
Net cash used in investing activities	-64,595	-54,315
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Issuance of common stock through affiliatebs stock plans	6,647	5,941
Excess tax benefit associated with affiliatebs stock plans	99	52
Dividends paid to stockholders (affiliated $(5,415) and $(4,944))	-9,228	-8,235
Net cash used in financing activities	-2,482	-2,242
NET INCREASE IN CASH	142	271
Cash at the beginning of the year	239	330
Cash at the end of the quarter	$381	$601

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Losses and settlement expenses, affiliated	$56,542	$18,213
Unearned premiums, affiliated	33,364	40,590
Commissions payable, affiliated	-2,607	-852
Deferred policy acquisition costs, affiliated	-4,594	-5,446
Other, net, affiliated	-3,839	-1,044
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Dividends paid to stockholders, affiliated	($5,415)	($4,944)

BASIS_OF_PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 nine months ended September 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 September 30, 2014
			Property and			Reinsurance			Total
			casualty
			insurance
	Premiums written
	Direct		$	117,508		$	—		$	117,508
	Assumed from nonaffiliates		1,038			38,326			39,364
	Assumed from affiliates		137,591			—			137,591
	Ceded to nonaffiliates		(7,624		)	(3,735		)	(11,359		)
	Ceded to affiliates		(117,508		)	(2,767		)	(120,275		)
	Net premiums written		$	131,005		$	31,824		$	162,829
	Premiums earned
	Direct		$	93,571		$	—		$	93,571
	Assumed from nonaffiliates		963			37,369			38,332
	Assumed from affiliates		113,039			—			113,039
	Ceded to nonaffiliates		(6,050		)	(4,238		)	(10,288		)
	Ceded to affiliates		(93,571		)	(2,767		)	(96,338		)
	Net premiums earned		$	107,952		$	30,364		$	138,316
	Losses and settlement expenses incurred
	Direct		$	55,850		$	—		$	55,850
	Assumed from nonaffiliates		540			29,938			30,478
	Assumed from affiliates		78,147			291			78,438
	Ceded to nonaffiliates		(131		)	(2,621		)	(2,752		)
	Ceded to affiliates		(55,850		)	488			(55,362		)
	Net losses and settlement expenses incurred		$	78,556		$	28,096		$	106,652
			Three months ended September 30, 2013
			Property and			Reinsurance			Total
			casualty
			insurance
	Premiums written
	Direct		$	117,721		$	—		$	117,721
	Assumed from nonaffiliates		945			43,472			44,417
	Assumed from affiliates		128,564			—			128,564
	Ceded to nonaffiliates		(7,324		)	(5,163		)	(12,487		)
	Ceded to affiliates		(117,721		)	(3,448		)	(121,169		)
	Net premiums written		$	122,185		$	34,861		$	157,046
	Premiums earned
	Direct		$	91,944		$	—		$	91,944
	Assumed from nonaffiliates		814			40,219			41,033
	Assumed from affiliates		105,134			—			105,134
	Ceded to nonaffiliates		(5,863		)	(4,494		)	(10,357		)
	Ceded to affiliates		(91,944		)	(3,448		)	(95,392		)
	Net premiums earned		$	100,085		$	32,277		$	132,362
	Losses and settlement expenses incurred
	Direct		$	50,705		$	—		$	50,705
	Assumed from nonaffiliates		1,034			24,364			25,398
	Assumed from affiliates		64,168			296			64,464
	Ceded to nonaffiliates		436			(2,031		)	(1,595		)
	Ceded to affiliates		(50,705		)	(32		)	(50,737		)
	Net losses and settlement expenses incurred		$	65,638		$	22,597		$	88,235
			Nine months ended September 30, 2014
			Property and			Reinsurance			Total
			casualty
			insurance
	Premiums written
	Direct		$	298,400		$	—		$	298,400
	Assumed from nonaffiliates		2,818			110,346			113,164
	Assumed from affiliates		362,925			—			362,925
	Ceded to nonaffiliates		(19,761		)	(11,133		)	(30,894		)
	Ceded to affiliates		(298,400		)	(7,937		)	(306,337		)
	Net premiums written		$	345,982		$	91,276		$	437,258
Premiums earned
Direct		$	277,932		$	—		$	277,932
Assumed from nonaffiliates		2,698			113,014			115,712
Assumed from affiliates		328,317			—			328,317
Ceded to nonaffiliates		(18,299		)	(12,445		)	(30,744		)
Ceded to affiliates		(277,932		)	(7,937		)	(285,869		)
Net premiums earned		$	312,716		$	92,632		$	405,348
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct		$	179,277		$	—		$	179,277
Assumed from nonaffiliates		1,626			81,921			83,547
Assumed from affiliates		233,649			828			234,477
Ceded to nonaffiliates		(8,206		)	(8,880		)	(17,086		)
Ceded to affiliates		(179,277		)	529			(178,748		)
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred		$	227,069		$	74,398		$	301,467
		Nine months ended September 30, 2013
		Property and			Reinsurance			Total
		casualty
		insurance
Premiums written
Direct		$	296,467		$	—		$	296,467
Assumed from nonaffiliates		2,440			117,181			119,621
Assumed from affiliates		338,105			—			338,105
Ceded to nonaffiliates		(18,320		)	(14,912		)	(33,232		)
Ceded to affiliates		(296,467		)	(9,204		)	(305,671		)
Net premiums written		$	322,225		$	93,065		$	415,290
Premiums earned
Direct		$	267,579		$	—		$	267,579
Assumed from nonaffiliates		2,238			110,406			112,644
Assumed from affiliates		305,500			—			305,500
Ceded to nonaffiliates		(17,131		)	(11,761		)	(28,892		)
Ceded to affiliates		(267,579		)	(9,204		)	(276,783		)
Net premiums earned		$	290,607		$	89,441		$	380,048
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct		$	171,775		$	—		$	171,775
Assumed from nonaffiliates		1,461			60,063			61,524
Assumed from affiliates		197,525			731			198,256
Ceded to nonaffiliates		(3,300		)	(5,658		)	(8,958		)
Ceded to affiliates		(171,775		)	(1,045		)	(172,820		)
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred		$	195,686		$	54,091		$	249,777
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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 30, 2014	Property and			Reinsurance			Parent			Consolidated
		casualty						company
		insurance
	Premiums earned	$	107,952		$	30,364		$	—		$	138,316
	Underwriting profit (loss)	(4,414		)	(5,374		)	—			(9,788		)
	Net investment income (loss)	8,230			3,275			(2		)	11,503
	Realized investment gains (losses)	(286		)	(104		)	—			(390		)
	Other income	202			—			—			202
	Interest expense	84			—			—			84
	Other expenses	132			(1,028		)	456			(440		)
	Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	3,516		$	(1,175	)	$	(458	)	$	1,883
	Three months ended September 30, 2013	Property and			Reinsurance			Parent			Consolidated
		casualty						company
		insurance
	Premiums earned	$	100,085		$	32,277		$	—		$	132,362
	Underwriting profit (loss)	(3,945		)	2,849			—			(1,096		)
	Net investment income (loss)	7,677			2,870			(2		)	10,545
	Realized investment gains (losses)	720			287			—			1,007
	Other income	195			—			—			195
	Interest expense	84			—			—			84
	Other expenses	163			557			283			1,003
	Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	4,400		$	5,449		$	(285	)	$	9,564
	Nine months ended September 30, 2014	Property and			Reinsurance			Parent			Consolidated
		casualty						company
		insurance
	Premiums earned	$	312,716		$	92,632		$	—		$	405,348
	Underwriting profit (loss)	(15,868		)	(4,399		)	—			(20,267		)
	Net investment income (loss)	24,818			9,624			(8		)	34,434
	Realized investment gains (losses)	2,293			922			—			3,215
	Other income	584			—			—			584
	Interest expense	253			—			—			253
	Other expenses	540			(1,042		)	1,173			671
	Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	11,034		$	7,189		$	(1,181	)	$	17,042
	Assets	$	1,069,564		$	421,292		$	485,970		$	1,976,826
	Eliminations	—			—			(475,456		)	(475,456		)
	Net assets	$	1,069,564		$	421,292		$	10,514		$	1,501,370
	Nine months ended September 30, 2013	Property and			Reinsurance			Parent			Consolidated
		casualty						company
		insurance
	Premiums earned	$	290,607		$	89,441		$	—		$	380,048
	Underwriting profit (loss)	(11,752		)	15,365			—			3,613
	Net investment income (loss)	23,422			8,613			(7		)	32,028
	Realized investment gains (losses)	3,069			781			—			3,850
	Other income	593			—			—			593
	Interest expense	300			—			—			300
	Other expenses	554			217			991			1,762
	Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	14,478		$	24,542		$	(998	)	$	38,022
	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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, by line of insurance.
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Property and casualty insurance segment
	Commercial lines:
	Automobile	$	25,000		$	22,254		$	71,657		$	63,475
	Property	25,111			22,337			71,756			64,147
	Workers' compensation	22,209			20,784			65,172			61,338
Liability	22,090			20,066			63,600			57,701
Other	1,881			1,898			5,472			5,604
Total commercial lines	96,291			87,339			277,657			252,265
Personal lines:
Automobile	6,284			6,876			18,999			20,715
Property	5,177			5,688			15,483			17,104
Liability	200			182			577			523
Total personal lines	11,661			12,746			35,059			38,342
Total property and casualty insurance	$	107,952		$	100,085		$	312,716		$	290,607
Reinsurance segment
Pro rata reinsurance:
Property and liability	$	700		$	824		$	5,031		$	4,336
Property	1,198			5,862			7,263			14,134
Crop	1,400			612			2,613			1,558
Liability	3,148			1,432			8,661			2,950
Marine	3,526			4,444			11,774			10,401
Total pro rata reinsurance	9,972			13,174			35,342			33,379
Excess of loss reinsurance:
Property	17,248			16,509			48,507			47,958
Liability	3,051			2,594			8,689			8,104
Surety	93			—			94			—
Total excess of loss reinsurance	20,392			19,103			57,290			56,062
Total reinsurance	$	30,364		$	32,277		$	92,632		$	89,441
Consolidated	$	138,316		$	132,362		$	405,348		$	380,048

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	INCOME TAXES
	The actual income tax expense (benefit) for the three and nine months ended September 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						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Computed "expected" income tax expense	$	659		$	3,348		$	5,965		$	13,308
	Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from:
	Tax-exempt interest income	(757		)	(961		)	(2,559		)	(2,897		)
	Dividends received deduction	(247		)	(221		)	(725		)	(638		)
	Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction	151			188			493			541
	Other, net	(152		)	11			30			24
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	(346	)	$	2,365		$	3,204		$	10,338
	The Company had no provision for uncertain income tax positions at September 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 nine months ended September 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 2011.  The Company’s 2011 income tax return has been audited and no adjustments were proposed.

EMPLOYEE_RETIREMENT_PLANS

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Pension plans:
	Service cost	$	3,216		$	3,302		$	9,647		$	9,909
	Interest cost	2,416			1,914			7,248			5,742
	Expected return on plan assets	(5,183		)	(4,288		)	(15,549		)	(12,863		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	91			1,491			274			4,472
	Amortization of prior service cost	8			13			24			38
	Net periodic pension benefit cost	$	548		$	2,432		$	1,644		$	7,298
	Postretirement benefit plans:
	Service cost	$	315		$	1,575		$	945		$	4,725
	Interest cost	564			1,543			1,691			4,629
	Expected return on plan assets	(1,099		)	(908		)	(3,297		)	(2,723		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	413			923			1,238			2,770
	Amortization of prior service credit	(2,867		)	(622		)	(8,600		)	(1,868		)
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (income)	$	(2,674	)	$	2,511		$	(8,023	)	$	7,533
	The net periodic postretirement benefit income recognized on Employers Mutual's postretirement benefit plans during the three and nine months ended September 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 10 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 $170 and $753 for the three months and $510 and $2,260 for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (income) allocated to the Company amounted to $(770) and $728 for the three months and $(2,312) and $2,184 for the nine months ended September 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 $65 ($43 net of tax) and $78 ($50 net of tax) for the three months and $204 ($133 net of tax) and $220 ($144 net of tax) for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  During the first nine 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, 178,452 options were exercised under the plans at a weighted average exercise price of $21.30.

DISCLOSURES_ABOUT_THE_FAIR_VAL

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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
	September 30, 2014
	Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
	U.S. treasury		$	9,598		$	9,598
	U.S. government-sponsored agencies		204,363			204,363
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions		332,093			332,093
	Commercial mortgage-backed		51,693			51,693
	Residential mortgage-backed		98,406			98,406
	Other asset-backed		15,937			15,937
	Corporate		389,150			389,150
	Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		1,101,240			1,101,240
	Equity securities available-for-sale:
	Common stocks:
	Financial services		29,958			29,958
	Information technology		26,412			26,412
	Healthcare		25,003			25,003
	Consumer staples		14,724			14,724
	Consumer discretionary		19,239			19,239
	Energy		24,621			24,621
	Industrials		15,828			15,828
	Other		19,276			19,276
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks		12,322			12,322
	Total equity securities available-for-sale		187,383			187,383
	Short-term investments		69,991			69,991
	Liabilities:
	Surplus notes		25,000			11,557
			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 September 30, 2014, the Company had no securities priced solely from broker quotes (seven at December 31, 2013). At December 31, 2013 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 September 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 September 30, 2014 include ten fixed maturity securities (six at December 31, 2013). 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
					Fair value measurements using
30-Sep-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		$	9,598		$	—	$	9,598		$	—
U.S. government-sponsored agencies		204,363			—		204,363			—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions		332,093			—		332,093			—
Commercial mortgage-backed		51,693			—		51,693			—
Residential mortgage-backed		98,406			—		98,406			—
Other asset-backed		15,937			—		15,937			—
Corporate		389,150			—		387,274			1,876
Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale		1,101,240			—		1,099,364			1,876
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Common stocks:
Financial services		29,958			29,955		—			3
Information technology		26,412			26,412		—			—
Healthcare		25,003			25,003		—			—
Consumer staples		14,724			14,724		—			—
Consumer discretionary		19,239			19,239		—			—
Energy		24,621			24,621		—			—
Industrials		15,828			15,828		—			—
Other		19,276			19,276		—			—
Non-redeemable preferred stocks		12,322			7,736		4,586			—
Total equity securities available-for-sale		187,383			182,794		4,586			3
Short-term investments		69,991			69,991		—			—
Financial instruments not reported at fair value:
Liabilities:
Surplus notes		11,557			—		—			11,557
					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 nine months ended September 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 September 30, 2014		Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate			Equity securities		Total
					available-for-sale,
					financial services
Beginning balance		$	1,949		$	3	$	1,952
Settlements		(70		)	—		(70		)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)		(3		)	—		(3		)
Balance at September 30, 2014		$	1,876		$	3	$	1,879
Nine months ended September 30, 2014
Beginning balance		$	1,976		$	3	$	1,979
Settlements		(112		)	—		(112		)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)		12			—		12
Balance at September 30, 2014		$	1,876		$	3	$	1,879
		Fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
Three months ended September 30, 2013		Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate			Equity securities		Total
					available-for-sale,
					financial services
Beginning balance		$	948		$	3	$	951
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)		4			—		4
Balance at September 30, 2013		$	952		$	3	$	955
Nine months ended September 30, 2013
Beginning balance		$	—		$	2	$	2
Purchases		948			—		948
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)		4			1		5
Balance at September 30, 2013		$	952		$	3	$	955
There were no transfers into or out of Levels 1 or 2 during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2014 or 2013.  It is the Company’s policy to recognize transfers between levels at the beginning of the reporting period.

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows.  All securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value.
	September 30, 2014	Amortized			Gross			Gross			Estimated
		cost			unrealized			unrealized			fair value
					gains			losses
	Securities available-for-sale:
	Fixed maturity securities:
	U.S. treasury	$	9,565		$	132		$	99		$	9,598
	U.S. government-sponsored agencies	206,743			1,781			4,161			204,363
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	307,807			24,373			87			332,093
	Commercial mortgage-backed	47,513			4,180			—			51,693
	Residential mortgage-backed	100,371			992			2,957			98,406
	Other asset-backed	14,811			1,176			50			15,937
	Corporate	372,788			17,352			990			389,150
	Total fixed maturity securities	1,059,598			49,986			8,344			1,101,240
	Equity securities:
	Common stocks:
	Financial services	20,136			9,888			66			29,958
	Information technology	16,898			9,514			—			26,412
	Healthcare	14,008			11,003			8			25,003
	Consumer staples	9,985			4,739			—			14,724
	Consumer discretionary	9,886			9,353			—			19,239
	Energy	16,638			8,094			111			24,621
	Industrials	8,386			7,462			20			15,828
	Other	14,967			4,377			68			19,276
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	12,082			509			269			12,322
	Total equity securities	122,986			64,939			542			187,383
	Total securities available-for-sale	$	1,182,584		$	114,925		$	8,886		$	1,288,623
	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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, listed by length of time the securities were in an unrealized loss position.
	September 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	$	—		$	—		$	4,739		$	99		$	4,739	$	99
	U.S. government-sponsored agencies	32,507			112			95,617			4,049			128,124		4,161
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	—			—			3,715			87			3,715		87
Residential mortgage-backed	42,877			1,027			23,215			1,930			66,092		2,957
Other asset-backed	4,987			50			—			—			4,987		50
Corporate	44,368			372			24,511			618			68,879		990
Total, fixed maturity securities	124,739			1,561			151,797			6,783			276,536		8,344
Equity securities:
Common stocks:
Financial services	2,184			66			—			—			2,184		66
Healthcare	840			8			—			—			840		8
Energy	3,078			111			—			—			3,078		111
Industrials	351			20			—			—			351		20
Other	1,756			68			—			—			1,756		68
Non-redeemable preferred stocks	—			—			1,731			269			1,731		269
Total, equity securities	8,209			273			1,731			269			9,940		542
Total temporarily impaired securities	$	132,948		$	1,834		$	153,528		$	7,052		$	286,476	$	8,886
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 nearly every asset class at September 30, 2014 due to the decline in interest rates during the first nine 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 September 30, 2014.
No particular sector or individual security accounted for a material amount of unrealized losses on common stocks at September 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 September 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 September 30, 2014.
The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at September 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	$	23,233		$	23,647
Due after one year through five years	200,474			212,084
Due after five years through ten years	187,845			193,274
Due after ten years	500,162			522,136
Mortgage-backed securities	147,884			150,099
Totals	$	1,059,598		$	1,101,240
A summary of realized investment gains and (losses) is as follows:
	Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
	2014			2013			2014			2013
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
Gross realized investment gains	$	129		$	44		$	495		$	862
Gross realized investment losses	—			—			(92		)	(725		)
Equity securities available-for-sale:
Gross realized investment gains	1,140			968			6,456			4,292
Gross realized investment losses	(181		)	(2		)	(662		)	(555		)
"Other-than-temporary" impairments	(561		)	(3		)	(877		)	(24		)
Other long-term investments:
Gross realized investment losses	(917		)	—			(2,105		)	—
Totals	$	(390	)	$	1,007		$	3,215		$	3,850
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 nine months ended September 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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		24,007			—			24,007
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		(3,458		)	(1,330		)	(4,788		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		20,549			(1,330		)	19,219
	Balance at September 30, 2014		$	68,925		$	9,304		$	78,229
	-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 nine months ended September 30, 2014.
			Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (1)
	Accumulated other comprehensive		Three months ended			Nine months ended			Affected line item in the
	income components		September 30, 2014			September 30, 2014			consolidated statements
									of income
	Unrealized gains on investments:
	Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income		$	527		$	5,320		Net realized investment gains
	Deferred income tax expense		(184		)	(1,862		)	Income tax (expense) benefit, current
	Net reclassification adjustment		343			3,458
	Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations:
	Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income):
	Net actuarial loss		(144		)	(433		)	-2
	Prior service credit		826			2,480			-2
	Total before tax		682			2,047
	Deferred income tax expense		(239		)	(717		)	Income tax (expense) benefit, current
	Net reclassification adjustment		443			1,330
	Total reclassification adjustment		$	786		$	4,788
	-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	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 nine months ended September 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 September 30, 2014
		Property and			Reinsurance			Total
		casualty
		insurance
	Premiums written
	Direct	$	117,508		$	—		$	117,508
	Assumed from nonaffiliates	1,038			38,326			39,364
	Assumed from affiliates	137,591			—			137,591
	Ceded to nonaffiliates	(7,624		)	(3,735		)	(11,359		)
	Ceded to affiliates	(117,508		)	(2,767		)	(120,275		)
	Net premiums written	$	131,005		$	31,824		$	162,829
	Premiums earned
	Direct	$	93,571		$	—		$	93,571
	Assumed from nonaffiliates	963			37,369			38,332
	Assumed from affiliates	113,039			—			113,039
	Ceded to nonaffiliates	(6,050		)	(4,238		)	(10,288		)
	Ceded to affiliates	(93,571		)	(2,767		)	(96,338		)
	Net premiums earned	$	107,952		$	30,364		$	138,316
	Losses and settlement expenses incurred
	Direct	$	55,850		$	—		$	55,850
	Assumed from nonaffiliates	540			29,938			30,478
	Assumed from affiliates	78,147			291			78,438
	Ceded to nonaffiliates	(131		)	(2,621		)	(2,752		)
	Ceded to affiliates	(55,850		)	488			(55,362		)
	Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	$	78,556		$	28,096		$	106,652
		Three months ended September 30, 2013
		Property and			Reinsurance			Total
		casualty
		insurance
	Premiums written
	Direct	$	117,721		$	—		$	117,721
	Assumed from nonaffiliates	945			43,472			44,417
	Assumed from affiliates	128,564			—			128,564
	Ceded to nonaffiliates	(7,324		)	(5,163		)	(12,487		)
	Ceded to affiliates	(117,721		)	(3,448		)	(121,169		)
	Net premiums written	$	122,185		$	34,861		$	157,046
	Premiums earned
	Direct	$	91,944		$	—		$	91,944
	Assumed from nonaffiliates	814			40,219			41,033
	Assumed from affiliates	105,134			—			105,134
	Ceded to nonaffiliates	(5,863		)	(4,494		)	(10,357		)
	Ceded to affiliates	(91,944		)	(3,448		)	(95,392		)
	Net premiums earned	$	100,085		$	32,277		$	132,362
	Losses and settlement expenses incurred
	Direct	$	50,705		$	—		$	50,705
	Assumed from nonaffiliates	1,034			24,364			25,398
	Assumed from affiliates	64,168			296			64,464
	Ceded to nonaffiliates	436			(2,031		)	(1,595		)
	Ceded to affiliates	(50,705		)	(32		)	(50,737		)
	Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	$	65,638		$	22,597		$	88,235
		Nine months ended September 30, 2014
		Property and			Reinsurance			Total
		casualty
		insurance
	Premiums written
	Direct	$	298,400		$	—		$	298,400
	Assumed from nonaffiliates	2,818			110,346			113,164
	Assumed from affiliates	362,925			—			362,925
	Ceded to nonaffiliates	(19,761		)	(11,133		)	(30,894		)
	Ceded to affiliates	(298,400		)	(7,937		)	(306,337		)
	Net premiums written	$	345,982		$	91,276		$	437,258
	Premiums earned
Direct	$	277,932		$	—		$	277,932
Assumed from nonaffiliates	2,698			113,014			115,712
Assumed from affiliates	328,317			—			328,317
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(18,299		)	(12,445		)	(30,744		)
Ceded to affiliates	(277,932		)	(7,937		)	(285,869		)
Net premiums earned	$	312,716		$	92,632		$	405,348
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	$	179,277		$	—		$	179,277
Assumed from nonaffiliates	1,626			81,921			83,547
Assumed from affiliates	233,649			828			234,477
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(8,206		)	(8,880		)	(17,086		)
Ceded to affiliates	(179,277		)	529			(178,748		)
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	$	227,069		$	74,398		$	301,467
	Nine months ended September 30, 2013
	Property and			Reinsurance			Total
	casualty
	insurance
Premiums written
Direct	$	296,467		$	—		$	296,467
Assumed from nonaffiliates	2,440			117,181			119,621
Assumed from affiliates	338,105			—			338,105
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(18,320		)	(14,912		)	(33,232		)
Ceded to affiliates	(296,467		)	(9,204		)	(305,671		)
Net premiums written	$	322,225		$	93,065		$	415,290
Premiums earned
Direct	$	267,579		$	—		$	267,579
Assumed from nonaffiliates	2,238			110,406			112,644
Assumed from affiliates	305,500			—			305,500
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(17,131		)	(11,761		)	(28,892		)
Ceded to affiliates	(267,579		)	(9,204		)	(276,783		)
Net premiums earned	$	290,607		$	89,441		$	380,048
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	$	171,775		$	—		$	171,775
Assumed from nonaffiliates	1,461			60,063			61,524
Assumed from affiliates	197,525			731			198,256
Ceded to nonaffiliates	(3,300		)	(5,658		)	(8,958		)
Ceded to affiliates	(171,775		)	(1,045		)	(172,820		)
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	$	195,686		$	54,091		$	249,777

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Tables

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Summarized financial information for segments	'
	Summarized financial information for the Company’s segments is as follows:
	Three months ended September 30, 2014	Property and			Reinsurance			Parent			Consolidated
		casualty						company
		insurance
	Premiums earned	$	107,952		$	30,364		$	—		$	138,316
	Underwriting profit (loss)	(4,414		)	(5,374		)	—			(9,788		)
	Net investment income (loss)	8,230			3,275			(2		)	11,503
	Realized investment gains (losses)	(286		)	(104		)	—			(390		)
	Other income	202			—			—			202
	Interest expense	84			—			—			84
	Other expenses	132			(1,028		)	456			(440		)
	Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	3,516		$	(1,175	)	$	(458	)	$	1,883
	Three months ended September 30, 2013	Property and			Reinsurance			Parent			Consolidated
		casualty						company
		insurance
	Premiums earned	$	100,085		$	32,277		$	—		$	132,362
	Underwriting profit (loss)	(3,945		)	2,849			—			(1,096		)
	Net investment income (loss)	7,677			2,870			(2		)	10,545
	Realized investment gains (losses)	720			287			—			1,007
	Other income	195			—			—			195
	Interest expense	84			—			—			84
	Other expenses	163			557			283			1,003
	Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	4,400		$	5,449		$	(285	)	$	9,564
	Nine months ended September 30, 2014	Property and			Reinsurance			Parent			Consolidated
		casualty						company
		insurance
	Premiums earned	$	312,716		$	92,632		$	—		$	405,348
	Underwriting profit (loss)	(15,868		)	(4,399		)	—			(20,267		)
	Net investment income (loss)	24,818			9,624			(8		)	34,434
	Realized investment gains (losses)	2,293			922			—			3,215
	Other income	584			—			—			584
	Interest expense	253			—			—			253
	Other expenses	540			(1,042		)	1,173			671
	Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	11,034		$	7,189		$	(1,181	)	$	17,042
	Assets	$	1,069,564		$	421,292		$	485,970		$	1,976,826
	Eliminations	—			—			(475,456		)	(475,456		)
	Net assets	$	1,069,564		$	421,292		$	10,514		$	1,501,370
	Nine months ended September 30, 2013	Property and			Reinsurance			Parent			Consolidated
		casualty						company
		insurance
	Premiums earned	$	290,607		$	89,441		$	—		$	380,048
	Underwriting profit (loss)	(11,752		)	15,365			—			3,613
	Net investment income (loss)	23,422			8,613			(7		)	32,028
	Realized investment gains (losses)	3,069			781			—			3,850
	Other income	593			—			—			593
	Interest expense	300			—			—			300
	Other expenses	554			217			991			1,762
	Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$	14,478		$	24,542		$	(998	)	$	38,022
	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 nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, by line of insurance.
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Property and casualty insurance segment
	Commercial lines:
	Automobile	$	25,000		$	22,254		$	71,657		$	63,475
	Property	25,111			22,337			71,756			64,147
	Workers' compensation	22,209			20,784			65,172			61,338
	Liability	22,090			20,066			63,600			57,701
	Other	1,881			1,898			5,472			5,604
	Total commercial lines	96,291			87,339			277,657			252,265
	Personal lines:
	Automobile	6,284			6,876			18,999			20,715
	Property	5,177			5,688			15,483			17,104
	Liability	200			182			577			523
	Total personal lines	11,661			12,746			35,059			38,342
	Total property and casualty insurance	$	107,952		$	100,085		$	312,716		$	290,607
	Reinsurance segment
	Pro rata reinsurance:
	Property and liability	$	700		$	824		$	5,031		$	4,336
	Property	1,198			5,862			7,263			14,134
	Crop	1,400			612			2,613			1,558
	Liability	3,148			1,432			8,661			2,950
	Marine	3,526			4,444			11,774			10,401
	Total pro rata reinsurance	9,972			13,174			35,342			33,379
	Excess of loss reinsurance:
	Property	17,248			16,509			48,507			47,958
	Liability	3,051			2,594			8,689			8,104
	Surety	93			—			94			—
	Total excess of loss reinsurance	20,392			19,103			57,290			56,062
	Total reinsurance	$	30,364		$	32,277		$	92,632		$	89,441
	Consolidated	$	138,316		$	132,362		$	405,348		$	380,048

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit)	'
	The actual income tax expense (benefit) for the three and nine months ended September 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						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Computed "expected" income tax expense	$	659		$	3,348		$	5,965		$	13,308
	Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from:
	Tax-exempt interest income	(757		)	(961		)	(2,559		)	(2,897		)
	Dividends received deduction	(247		)	(221		)	(725		)	(638		)
	Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction	151			188			493			541
	Other, net	(152		)	11			30			24
	Income tax expense (benefit)	$	(346	)	$	2,365		$	3,204		$	10,338

EMPLOYEE_RETIREMENT_PLANS_Tabl

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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						Nine months ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Pension plans:
	Service cost	$	3,216		$	3,302		$	9,647		$	9,909
	Interest cost	2,416			1,914			7,248			5,742
	Expected return on plan assets	(5,183		)	(4,288		)	(15,549		)	(12,863		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	91			1,491			274			4,472
	Amortization of prior service cost	8			13			24			38
	Net periodic pension benefit cost	$	548		$	2,432		$	1,644		$	7,298
	Postretirement benefit plans:
	Service cost	$	315		$	1,575		$	945		$	4,725
	Interest cost	564			1,543			1,691			4,629
	Expected return on plan assets	(1,099		)	(908		)	(3,297		)	(2,723		)
	Amortization of net actuarial loss	413			923			1,238			2,770
	Amortization of prior service credit	(2,867		)	(622		)	(8,600		)	(1,868		)
	Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (income)	$	(2,674	)	$	2,511		$	(8,023	)	$	7,533

DISCLOSURES_ABOUT_THE_FAIR_VAL1

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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
	September 30, 2014
	Assets:
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
	U.S. treasury	$	9,598		$	9,598
	U.S. government-sponsored agencies	204,363			204,363
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	332,093			332,093
	Commercial mortgage-backed	51,693			51,693
	Residential mortgage-backed	98,406			98,406
	Other asset-backed	15,937			15,937
	Corporate	389,150			389,150
	Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,101,240			1,101,240
	Equity securities available-for-sale:
	Common stocks:
	Financial services	29,958			29,958
	Information technology	26,412			26,412
	Healthcare	25,003			25,003
	Consumer staples	14,724			14,724
	Consumer discretionary	19,239			19,239
	Energy	24,621			24,621
	Industrials	15,828			15,828
	Other	19,276			19,276
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	12,322			12,322
	Total equity securities available-for-sale	187,383			187,383
	Short-term investments	69,991			69,991
	Liabilities:
	Surplus notes	25,000			11,557
		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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
					Fair value measurements using
	30-Sep-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	$	9,598		$	—	$	9,598		$	—
	U.S. government-sponsored agencies	204,363			—		204,363			—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	332,093			—		332,093			—
	Commercial mortgage-backed	51,693			—		51,693			—
	Residential mortgage-backed	98,406			—		98,406			—
	Other asset-backed	15,937			—		15,937			—
	Corporate	389,150			—		387,274			1,876
	Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,101,240			—		1,099,364			1,876
	Equity securities available-for-sale:
	Common stocks:
	Financial services	29,958			29,955		—			3
	Information technology	26,412			26,412		—			—
	Healthcare	25,003			25,003		—			—
	Consumer staples	14,724			14,724		—			—
	Consumer discretionary	19,239			19,239		—			—
	Energy	24,621			24,621		—			—
	Industrials	15,828			15,828		—			—
	Other	19,276			19,276		—			—
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	12,322			7,736		4,586			—
	Total equity securities available-for-sale	187,383			182,794		4,586			3
	Short-term investments	69,991			69,991		—			—
	Financial instruments not reported at fair value:
	Liabilities:
	Surplus notes	11,557			—		—			11,557
					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 nine months ended September 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 September 30, 2014	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate			Equity securities		Total
					available-for-sale,
					financial services
	Beginning balance	$	1,949		$	3	$	1,952
	Settlements	(70		)	—		(70		)
	Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	(3		)	—		(3		)
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	1,876		$	3	$	1,879
	Nine months ended September 30, 2014
	Beginning balance	$	1,976		$	3	$	1,979
	Settlements	(112		)	—		(112		)
	Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	12			—		12
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	1,876		$	3	$	1,879
		Fair value measurements using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3)
	Three months ended September 30, 2013	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate			Equity securities		Total
					available-for-sale,
					financial services
	Beginning balance	$	948		$	3	$	951
	Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	4			—		4
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	952		$	3	$	955
	Nine months ended September 30, 2013
	Beginning balance	$	—		$	2	$	2
	Purchases	948			—		948
	Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	4			1		5
	Balance at September 30, 2013	$	952		$	3	$	955

INVESTMENTS_Tables

INVESTMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 are as follows.  All securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value.
	September 30, 2014	Amortized			Gross			Gross			Estimated
		cost			unrealized			unrealized			fair value
					gains			losses
	Securities available-for-sale:
	Fixed maturity securities:
	U.S. treasury	$	9,565		$	132		$	99		$	9,598
	U.S. government-sponsored agencies	206,743			1,781			4,161			204,363
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	307,807			24,373			87			332,093
	Commercial mortgage-backed	47,513			4,180			—			51,693
	Residential mortgage-backed	100,371			992			2,957			98,406
	Other asset-backed	14,811			1,176			50			15,937
	Corporate	372,788			17,352			990			389,150
	Total fixed maturity securities	1,059,598			49,986			8,344			1,101,240
	Equity securities:
	Common stocks:
	Financial services	20,136			9,888			66			29,958
	Information technology	16,898			9,514			—			26,412
	Healthcare	14,008			11,003			8			25,003
	Consumer staples	9,985			4,739			—			14,724
	Consumer discretionary	9,886			9,353			—			19,239
	Energy	16,638			8,094			111			24,621
	Industrials	8,386			7,462			20			15,828
	Other	14,967			4,377			68			19,276
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	12,082			509			269			12,322
	Total equity securities	122,986			64,939			542			187,383
	Total securities available-for-sale	$	1,182,584		$	114,925		$	8,886		$	1,288,623
	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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, listed by length of time the securities were in an unrealized loss position.
	September 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	$	—		$	—		$	4,739		$	99		$	4,739	$	99
	U.S. government-sponsored agencies	32,507			112			95,617			4,049			128,124		4,161
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions	—			—			3,715			87			3,715		87
	Residential mortgage-backed	42,877			1,027			23,215			1,930			66,092		2,957
	Other asset-backed	4,987			50			—			—			4,987		50
	Corporate	44,368			372			24,511			618			68,879		990
	Total, fixed maturity securities	124,739			1,561			151,797			6,783			276,536		8,344
	Equity securities:
	Common stocks:
	Financial services	2,184			66			—			—			2,184		66
	Healthcare	840			8			—			—			840		8
	Energy	3,078			111			—			—			3,078		111
	Industrials	351			20			—			—			351		20
	Other	1,756			68			—			—			1,756		68
	Non-redeemable preferred stocks	—			—			1,731			269			1,731		269
	Total, equity securities	8,209			273			1,731			269			9,940		542
	Total temporarily impaired securities	$	132,948		$	1,834		$	153,528		$	7,052		$	286,476	$	8,886
	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 September 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	$	23,233		$	23,647
	Due after one year through five years	200,474			212,084
	Due after five years through ten years	187,845			193,274
	Due after ten years	500,162			522,136
	Mortgage-backed securities	147,884			150,099
	Totals	$	1,059,598		$	1,101,240
Summary of realized investment gains and (losses)	'
	A summary of realized investment gains and (losses) is as follows:
		Three months ended September 30,						Nine months ended September 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
	Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale:
	Gross realized investment gains	$	129		$	44		$	495		$	862
	Gross realized investment losses	—			—			(92		)	(725		)
	Equity securities available-for-sale:
	Gross realized investment gains	1,140			968			6,456			4,292
	Gross realized investment losses	(181		)	(2		)	(662		)	(555		)
	"Other-than-temporary" impairments	(561		)	(3		)	(877		)	(24		)
	Other long-term investments:
	Gross realized investment losses	(917		)	—			(2,105		)	—
	Totals	$	(390	)	$	1,007		$	3,215		$	3,850

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV1

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 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		24,007			—			24,007
	Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income		(3,458		)	(1,330		)	(4,788		)
	Other comprehensive income (loss)		20,549			(1,330		)	19,219
	Balance at September 30, 2014		$	68,925		$	9,304		$	78,229
	-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 nine months ended September 30, 2014.
			Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (1)
	Accumulated other comprehensive		Three months ended			Nine months ended			Affected line item in the
	income components		September 30, 2014			September 30, 2014			consolidated statements
									of income
	Unrealized gains on investments:
	Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income		$	527		$	5,320		Net realized investment gains
	Deferred income tax expense		(184		)	(1,862		)	Income tax (expense) benefit, current
	Net reclassification adjustment		343			3,458
	Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations:
	Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income):
	Net actuarial loss		(144		)	(433		)	-2
	Prior service credit		826			2,480			-2
	Total before tax		682			2,047
	Deferred income tax expense		(239		)	(717		)	Income tax (expense) benefit, current
	Net reclassification adjustment		443			1,330
	Total reclassification adjustment		$	786		$	4,788
	-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 $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 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])	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 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		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Premiums written	'	'	'	'
Net premiums written	$162,829	$157,046	$437,258	$415,290
Premiums earned	'	'	'	'
Net premiums earned	138,316	132,362	405,348	380,048
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	'	'	'	'
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	106,652	88,235	301,467	249,777
Affiliated Entity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Premiums written	'	'	'	'
Assumed	137,591	128,564	362,925	338,105
Ceded	-120,275	-121,169	-306,337	-305,671
Premiums earned	'	'	'	'
Assumed	113,039	105,134	328,317	305,500
Ceded	-96,338	-95,392	-285,869	-276,783
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	'	'	'	'
Assumed	78,438	64,464	234,477	198,256
Ceded	-55,362	-50,737	-178,748	-172,820
Non Affiliated Entity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Premiums written	'	'	'	'
Direct	117,508	117,721	298,400	296,467
Assumed	39,364	44,417	113,164	119,621
Ceded	-11,359	-12,487	-30,894	-33,232
Premiums earned	'	'	'	'
Direct	93,571	91,944	277,932	267,579
Assumed	38,332	41,033	115,712	112,644
Ceded	-10,288	-10,357	-30,744	-28,892
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	'	'	'	'
Direct	55,850	50,705	179,277	171,775
Assumed	30,478	25,398	83,547	61,524
Ceded	-2,752	-1,595	-17,086	-8,958
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	131,005	122,185	345,982	322,225
Premiums earned	'	'	'	'
Net premiums earned	107,952	100,085	312,716	290,607
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	'	'	'	'
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	78,556	65,638	227,069	195,686
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Premiums written	'	'	'	'
Assumed	137,591	128,564	362,925	338,105
Ceded	-117,508	-117,721	-298,400	-296,467
Premiums earned	'	'	'	'
Assumed	113,039	105,134	328,317	305,500
Ceded	-93,571	-91,944	-277,932	-267,579
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	'	'	'	'
Assumed	78,147	64,168	233,649	197,525
Ceded	-55,850	-50,705	-179,277	-171,775
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Non Affiliated Entity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Premiums written	'	'	'	'
Direct	117,508	117,721	298,400	296,467
Assumed	1,038	945	2,818	2,440
Ceded	-7,624	-7,324	-19,761	-18,320
Premiums earned	'	'	'	'
Direct	93,571	91,944	277,932	267,579
Assumed	963	814	2,698	2,238
Ceded	-6,050	-5,863	-18,299	-17,131
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	'	'	'	'
Direct	55,850	50,705	179,277	171,775
Assumed	540	1,034	1,626	1,461
Ceded	-131	436	-8,206	-3,300
Reinsurance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Premiums written	'	'	'	'
Net premiums written	31,824	34,861	91,276	93,065
Premiums earned	'	'	'	'
Net premiums earned	30,364	32,277	92,632	89,441
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	'	'	'	'
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	28,096	22,597	74,398	54,091
Reinsurance [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Premiums written	'	'	'	'
Assumed	0	0	0	0
Ceded	-2,767	-3,448	-7,937	-9,204
Premiums earned	'	'	'	'
Assumed	0	0	0	0
Ceded	-2,767	-3,448	-7,937	-9,204
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	'	'	'	'
Assumed	291	296	828	731
Ceded	488	-32	529	-1,045
Reinsurance [Member] | Non Affiliated Entity [Member]	'	'	'	'
Premiums written	'	'	'	'
Direct	0	0	0	0
Assumed	38,326	43,472	110,346	117,181
Ceded	-3,735	-5,163	-11,133	-14,912
Premiums earned	'	'	'	'
Direct	0	0	0	0
Assumed	37,369	40,219	113,014	110,406
Ceded	-4,238	-4,494	-12,445	-11,761
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	'	'	'	'
Direct	0	0	0	0
Assumed	29,938	24,364	81,921	60,063
Ceded	($2,621)	($2,031)	($8,880)	($5,658)

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Summarized

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Summarized financial information by segment (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated	'	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	$138,316	$132,362	$405,348	$380,048	'
Underwriting profit (loss)	-9,788	-1,096	-20,267	3,613	'
Net investment income (loss)	11,503	10,545	34,434	32,028	'
Realized investment gains (losses)	-390	1,007	3,215	3,850	'
Other income	202	195	584	593	'
Interest expense	84	84	253	300	'
Other expenses	-440	1,003	671	1,762	'
Income before income tax expense (benefit)	1,883	9,564	17,042	38,022	'
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	1,976,826	'	1,976,826	'	1,821,398
Eliminations	-475,456	'	-475,456	'	-441,984
Reclassifications	'	'	'	'	-481
Total assets	1,501,370	'	1,501,370	'	1,378,933
Property and casualty insurance [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated	'	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	107,952	100,085	312,716	290,607	'
Underwriting profit (loss)	-4,414	-3,945	-15,868	-11,752	'
Net investment income (loss)	8,230	7,677	24,818	23,422	'
Realized investment gains (losses)	-286	720	2,293	3,069	'
Other income	202	195	584	593	'
Interest expense	84	84	253	300	'
Other expenses	132	163	540	554	'
Income before income tax expense (benefit)	3,516	4,400	11,034	14,478	'
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	1,069,564	'	1,069,564	'	978,746
Eliminations	0	'	0	'	0
Reclassifications	'	'	'	'	0
Total assets	1,069,564	'	1,069,564	'	978,746
Reinsurance [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated	'	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	30,364	32,277	92,632	89,441	'
Underwriting profit (loss)	-5,374	2,849	-4,399	15,365	'
Net investment income (loss)	3,275	2,870	9,624	8,613	'
Realized investment gains (losses)	-104	287	922	781	'
Other income	0	0	0	0	'
Interest expense	0	0	0	0	'
Other expenses	-1,028	557	-1,042	217	'
Income before income tax expense (benefit)	-1,175	5,449	7,189	24,542	'
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	421,292	'	421,292	'	387,284
Eliminations	0	'	0	'	0
Reclassifications	'	'	'	'	0
Total assets	421,292	'	421,292	'	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	-8	-7	'
Realized investment gains (losses)	0	0	0	0	'
Other income	0	0	0	0	'
Interest expense	0	0	0	0	'
Other expenses	456	283	1,173	991	'
Income before income tax expense (benefit)	-458	-285	-1,181	-998	'
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated	'	'	'	'	'
Assets	485,970	'	485,970	'	455,368
Eliminations	-475,456	'	-475,456	'	-441,984
Reclassifications	'	'	'	'	-481
Total assets	$10,514	'	$10,514	'	$12,903

SEGMENT_INFORMATION_Net_premiu

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Net premiums earned by segment and lines of insurance (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	$138,316	$132,362	$405,348	$380,048
Property and casualty insurance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	107,952	100,085	312,716	290,607
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	96,291	87,339	277,657	252,265
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Automobile Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	25,000	22,254	71,657	63,475
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Property Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	25,111	22,337	71,756	64,147
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Workers Compensation Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	22,209	20,784	65,172	61,338
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Liability Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	22,090	20,066	63,600	57,701
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Other Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	1,881	1,898	5,472	5,604
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Personal Lines [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	11,661	12,746	35,059	38,342
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Personal Lines [Member] | Automobile Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	6,284	6,876	18,999	20,715
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Personal Lines [Member] | Property Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	5,177	5,688	15,483	17,104
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Personal Lines [Member] | Liability Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	200	182	577	523
Reinsurance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	30,364	32,277	92,632	89,441
Reinsurance [Member] | Pro rata reinsurance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	9,972	13,174	35,342	33,379
Reinsurance [Member] | Pro rata reinsurance [Member] | Property And Liability Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	700	824	5,031	4,336
Reinsurance [Member] | Pro rata reinsurance [Member] | Property Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	1,198	5,862	7,263	14,134
Reinsurance [Member] | Pro rata reinsurance [Member] | Liability Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	3,148	1,432	8,661	2,950
Reinsurance [Member] | Pro rata reinsurance [Member] | Crop Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	1,400	612	2,613	1,558
Reinsurance [Member] | Pro rata reinsurance [Member] | Marine And Aviation Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	3,526	4,444	11,774	10,401
Reinsurance [Member] | Excess of loss reinsurance [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	20,392	19,103	57,290	56,062
Reinsurance [Member] | Excess of loss reinsurance [Member] | Property Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	17,248	16,509	48,507	47,958
Reinsurance [Member] | Excess of loss reinsurance [Member] | Liability Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	3,051	2,594	8,689	8,104
Reinsurance [Member] | Excess of loss reinsurance [Member] | Fidelity And Surety Insurance L O B [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Premiums earned	$93	$0	$94	$0

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 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	$659	$3,348	$5,965	$13,308	'
Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from:	'	'	'	'	'
Tax-exempt interest income	-757	-961	-2,559	-2,897	'
Dividends received deduction	-247	-221	-725	-638	'
Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction	151	188	493	541	'
Other, net	-152	11	30	24	'
Total income tax expense (benefit)	-346	2,365	3,204	10,338	'
Provision for uncertain tax positions	$0	'	$0	'	$0

EMPLOYEE_RETIREMENT_PLANS_Deta

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Pension plans [Member] | Emc Insurance Companies [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Service cost	$3,216	$3,302	$9,647	$9,909
Interest cost	2,416	1,914	7,248	5,742
Expected return on plan assets	-5,183	-4,288	-15,549	-12,863
Amortization of net actuarial loss	91	1,491	274	4,472
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	8	13	24	38
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	548	2,432	1,644	7,298
Pension plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Group, Inc. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	170	753	510	2,260
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	945	4,725
Interest cost	564	1,543	1,691	4,629
Expected return on plan assets	-1,099	-908	-3,297	-2,723
Amortization of net actuarial loss	413	923	1,238	2,770
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	-2,867	-622	-8,600	-1,868
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	-2,674	2,511	-8,023	7,533
Amortization period for prior service credit from plan amendment	'	'	'10 years	'
Postretirement benefit plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Group, Inc. [Member]	'	'	'	'
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	-770	728	-2,312	2,184
Entity's share of estimated contributions to employee benefit plan	'	'	$0	'

STOCKBASED_COMPENSATION_Detail

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
			Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Number of stock option plans	'	'	2	'
Recognized compensation expense	$65	$78	$204	$220
Recognized compensation expense, net of tax	$43	$50	$133	$144
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)	'	'	178,452	'
Weighted average exercise price of options exercised during period (in dollars per share)	'	'	$21.30	'

DISCLOSURES_ABOUT_THE_FAIR_VAL2

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$1,288,623	$1,197,832
Short-term investments	69,991	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	0	7
Number of securities not priced by independent pricing service	10	6
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,101,240	1,027,984
US Treasury Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	9,598	9,412
US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	204,363	146,946
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	332,093	357,052
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	51,693	68,939
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	98,406	94,179
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	15,937	12,648
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	389,150	338,808
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	187,383	169,848
Common stocks Financial services [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	29,958	28,498
Common stocks Information technology [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	26,412	18,917
Common stocks Healthcare [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	25,003	21,945
Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	14,724	13,011
Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,239	21,031
Common stocks Energy [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	24,621	21,117
Common stocks Industrials [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	15,828	17,264
Common stocks Other [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,276	17,811
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,322	10,254
Carrying amount [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Short-term investments	69,991	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	1,101,240	1,027,984
Carrying amount [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	9,598	9,412
Carrying amount [Member] | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	204,363	146,946
Carrying amount [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	332,093	357,052
Carrying amount [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	51,693	68,939
Carrying amount [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	98,406	94,179
Carrying amount [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	15,937	12,648
Carrying amount [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	389,150	338,808
Carrying amount [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	187,383	169,848
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Financial services [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	29,958	28,498
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Information technology [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	26,412	18,917
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Healthcare [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	25,003	21,945
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	14,724	13,011
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,239	21,031
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Energy [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	24,621	21,117
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Industrials [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	15,828	17,264
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Other [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,276	17,811
Carrying amount [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,322	10,254
Estimated fair value [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Short-term investments	69,991	56,166
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Surplus notes	11,557	10,040
Estimated fair value [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,101,240	1,027,984
Estimated fair value [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	9,598	9,412
Estimated fair value [Member] | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	204,363	146,946
Estimated fair value [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	332,093	357,052
Estimated fair value [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	51,693	68,939
Estimated fair value [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	98,406	94,179
Estimated fair value [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	15,937	12,648
Estimated fair value [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	389,150	338,808
Estimated fair value [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	187,383	169,848
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Financial services [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	29,958	28,498
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Information technology [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	26,412	18,917
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Healthcare [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	25,003	21,945
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	14,724	13,011
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,239	21,031
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Energy [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	24,621	21,117
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Industrials [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	15,828	17,264
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Other [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,276	17,811
Estimated fair value [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$12,322	$10,254

DISCLOSURES_ABOUT_THE_FAIR_VAL3

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, Recurring Measurement Inputs (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$1,288,623	$1,197,832
Short-term investments	69,991	56,166
Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'
Surplus notes	25,000	25,000
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,101,240	1,027,984
US Treasury Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	9,598	9,412
US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	204,363	146,946
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	332,093	357,052
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	51,693	68,939
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	98,406	94,179
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	15,937	12,648
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	389,150	338,808
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	187,383	169,848
Common stocks Financial services [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	29,958	28,498
Common stocks Information technology [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	26,412	18,917
Common stocks Healthcare [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	25,003	21,945
Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	14,724	13,011
Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,239	21,031
Common stocks Energy [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	24,621	21,117
Common stocks Industrials [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	15,828	17,264
Common stocks Other [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,276	17,811
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,322	10,254
Recurring [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Short-term investments	69,991	56,166
Recurring [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,101,240	1,027,984
Recurring [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	9,598	9,412
Recurring [Member] | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	204,363	146,946
Recurring [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	332,093	357,052
Recurring [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	51,693	68,939
Recurring [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	98,406	94,179
Recurring [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	15,937	12,648
Recurring [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	389,150	338,808
Recurring [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	187,383	169,848
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Financial services [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	29,958	28,498
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Information technology [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	26,412	18,917
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Healthcare [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	25,003	21,945
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	14,724	13,011
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,239	21,031
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Energy [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	24,621	21,117
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Industrials [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	15,828	17,264
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Other [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,276	17,811
Recurring [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,322	10,254
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Short-term investments	69,991	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	182,794	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	29,955	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	26,412	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	25,003	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	14,724	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	19,239	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	24,621	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	15,828	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	19,276	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	7,736	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	1,099,364	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	9,598	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	204,363	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	332,093	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	51,693	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	98,406	94,179
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	15,937	12,648
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	387,274	336,832
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]	'	'
Assets [Abstract]	'	'
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	4,586	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	4,586	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	1,876	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	1,876	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	11,557	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	$11,557	$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		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	$1,952	$951	$1,979	$2
Purchases	'	'	'	948
Settlements	-70	'	-112	'
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	-3	4	12	5
Balance at end of period	1,879	955	1,879	955
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	1,949	948	1,976	0
Purchases	'	'	'	948
Settlements	-70	'	-112	'
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	-3	4	12	4
Balance at end of period	1,876	952	1,876	952
Common stocks Financial services [Member]	'	'	'	'
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance	3	3	3	2
Purchases	'	'	'	0
Settlements	0	'	0	'
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	1
Balance at end of period	$3	$3	$3	$3

INVESTMENTS_Details

INVESTMENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	$1,182,584	'	$1,182,584	'	$1,123,407
Gross unrealized gains	114,925	'	114,925	'	98,434
Gross unrealized losses	8,886	'	8,886	'	24,009
Estimated fair value	1,288,623	'	1,288,623	'	1,197,832
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	132,948	'	132,948	'	318,108
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	1,834	'	1,834	'	18,717
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	153,528	'	153,528	'	43,692
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	7,052	'	7,052	'	5,292
Total, Fair value	286,476	'	286,476	'	361,800
Total, Unrealized losses	8,886	'	8,886	'	24,009
Amortized cost	'	'	'	'	'
Due in one year or less	23,233	'	23,233	'	'
Due after one year through five years	200,474	'	200,474	'	'
Due after five years through ten years	187,845	'	187,845	'	'
Due after ten years	500,162	'	500,162	'	'
Mortgage-backed securities	147,884	'	147,884	'	'
Totals	1,059,598	'	1,059,598	'	1,009,572
Estimated fair value	'	'	'	'	'
Due in one year or less	23,647	'	23,647	'	'
Due after one year through five years	212,084	'	212,084	'	'
Due after five years through ten years	193,274	'	193,274	'	'
Due after ten years	522,136	'	522,136	'	'
Mortgage-backed securities	150,099	'	150,099	'	'
Totals	1,101,240	'	1,101,240	'	1,027,984
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
'Other-than-temporary' impairments	-561	-3	-877	-24	'
Net realized investment gains (losses)	-390	1,007	3,215	3,850	'
Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	1,059,598	'	1,059,598	'	1,009,572
Gross unrealized gains	49,986	'	49,986	'	41,236
Gross unrealized losses	8,344	'	8,344	'	22,824
Estimated fair value	1,101,240	'	1,101,240	'	1,027,984
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	124,739	'	124,739	'	308,972
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	1,561	'	1,561	'	18,048
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	151,797	'	151,797	'	42,208
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	6,783	'	6,783	'	4,776
Total, Fair value	276,536	'	276,536	'	351,180
Total, Unrealized losses	8,344	'	8,344	'	22,824
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale, Gross realized investment gains	129	44	495	862	'
Available-for-sale, Gross realized investment losses	0	0	-92	-725	'
US Treasury Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	9,565	'	9,565	'	9,540
Gross unrealized gains	132	'	132	'	191
Gross unrealized losses	99	'	99	'	319
Estimated fair value	9,598	'	9,598	'	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	4,739	'	4,739	'	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	99	'	99	'	0
Total, Fair value	4,739	'	4,739	'	4,507
Total, Unrealized losses	99	'	99	'	319
US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	206,743	'	206,743	'	156,981
Gross unrealized gains	1,781	'	1,781	'	1,356
Gross unrealized losses	4,161	'	4,161	'	11,391
Estimated fair value	204,363	'	204,363	'	146,946
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	32,507	'	32,507	'	93,856
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	112	'	112	'	8,120
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	95,617	'	95,617	'	24,053
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	4,049	'	4,049	'	3,271
Total, Fair value	128,124	'	128,124	'	117,909
Total, Unrealized losses	4,161	'	4,161	'	11,391
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	307,807	'	307,807	'	346,554
Gross unrealized gains	24,373	'	24,373	'	15,040
Gross unrealized losses	87	'	87	'	4,542
Estimated fair value	332,093	'	332,093	'	357,052
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	0	'	0	'	74,523
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	4,335
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	3,715	'	3,715	'	3,008
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	87	'	87	'	207
Total, Fair value	3,715	'	3,715	'	77,531
Total, Unrealized losses	87	'	87	'	4,542
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	47,513	'	47,513	'	63,185
Gross unrealized gains	4,180	'	4,180	'	5,842
Gross unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	88
Estimated fair value	51,693	'	51,693	'	68,939
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	'	'	'	'	10,551
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	'	'	'	'	88
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	'	'	'	'	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	'	'	'	'	0
Total, Fair value	'	'	'	'	10,551
Total, Unrealized losses	'	'	'	'	88
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	100,371	'	100,371	'	96,058
Gross unrealized gains	992	'	992	'	1,073
Gross unrealized losses	2,957	'	2,957	'	2,952
Estimated fair value	98,406	'	98,406	'	94,179
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	42,877	'	42,877	'	44,243
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	1,027	'	1,027	'	2,482
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	23,215	'	23,215	'	4,600
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	1,930	'	1,930	'	470
Total, Fair value	66,092	'	66,092	'	48,843
Total, Unrealized losses	2,957	'	2,957	'	2,952
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	14,811	'	14,811	'	11,456
Gross unrealized gains	1,176	'	1,176	'	1,192
Gross unrealized losses	50	'	50	'	0
Estimated fair value	15,937	'	15,937	'	12,648
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	4,987	'	4,987	'	'
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	50	'	50	'	'
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0	'	0	'	'
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	'
Total, Fair value	4,987	'	4,987	'	'
Total, Unrealized losses	50	'	50	'	'
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	372,788	'	372,788	'	325,798
Gross unrealized gains	17,352	'	17,352	'	16,542
Gross unrealized losses	990	'	990	'	3,532
Estimated fair value	389,150	'	389,150	'	338,808
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	44,368	'	44,368	'	81,292
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	372	'	372	'	2,704
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	24,511	'	24,511	'	10,547
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	618	'	618	'	828
Total, Fair value	68,879	'	68,879	'	91,839
Total, Unrealized losses	990	'	990	'	3,532
Equity Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	122,986	'	122,986	'	113,835
Gross unrealized gains	64,939	'	64,939	'	57,198
Gross unrealized losses	542	'	542	'	1,185
Estimated fair value	187,383	'	187,383	'	169,848
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	8,209	'	8,209	'	9,136
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	273	'	273	'	669
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	1,731	'	1,731	'	1,484
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	269	'	269	'	516
Total, Fair value	9,940	'	9,940	'	10,620
Total, Unrealized losses	542	'	542	'	1,185
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Available-for-sale, Gross realized investment gains	1,140	968	6,456	4,292	'
Available-for-sale, Gross realized investment losses	-181	-2	-662	-555	'
'Other-than-temporary' impairments	-561	-3	-877	-24	'
Common stocks Financial services [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	20,136	'	20,136	'	19,273
Gross unrealized gains	9,888	'	9,888	'	9,374
Gross unrealized losses	66	'	66	'	149
Estimated fair value	29,958	'	29,958	'	28,498
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	2,184	'	2,184	'	2,801
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	66	'	66	'	149
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0	'	0	'	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	0
Total, Fair value	2,184	'	2,184	'	2,801
Total, Unrealized losses	66	'	66	'	149
Common stocks Information technology [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	16,898	'	16,898	'	12,645
Gross unrealized gains	9,514	'	9,514	'	6,301
Gross unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	29
Estimated fair value	26,412	'	26,412	'	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	14,008	'	14,008	'	12,801
Gross unrealized gains	11,003	'	11,003	'	9,144
Gross unrealized losses	8	'	8	'	0
Estimated fair value	25,003	'	25,003	'	21,945
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	840	'	840	'	'
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	8	'	8	'	'
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0	'	0	'	'
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	'
Total, Fair value	840	'	840	'	'
Total, Unrealized losses	8	'	8	'	'
Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	9,985	'	9,985	'	9,162
Gross unrealized gains	4,739	'	4,739	'	3,849
Gross unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	0
Estimated fair value	14,724	'	14,724	'	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	9,886	'	9,886	'	10,722
Gross unrealized gains	9,353	'	9,353	'	10,309
Gross unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	0
Estimated fair value	19,239	'	19,239	'	21,031
Common stocks Energy [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	16,638	'	16,638	'	14,102
Gross unrealized gains	8,094	'	8,094	'	7,341
Gross unrealized losses	111	'	111	'	326
Estimated fair value	24,621	'	24,621	'	21,117
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	3,078	'	3,078	'	1,450
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	111	'	111	'	326
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0	'	0	'	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	0
Total, Fair value	3,078	'	3,078	'	1,450
Total, Unrealized losses	111	'	111	'	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	7,462	'	7,462	'	6,075
Gross unrealized losses	20	'	20	'	1
Estimated fair value	15,828	'	15,828	'	17,264
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	351	'	351	'	625
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	20	'	20	'	1
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0	'	0	'	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	0
Total, Fair value	351	'	351	'	625
Total, Unrealized losses	20	'	20	'	1
Common stocks Other [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Amortized cost	14,967	'	14,967	'	13,358
Gross unrealized gains	4,377	'	4,377	'	4,489
Gross unrealized losses	68	'	68	'	36
Estimated fair value	19,276	'	19,276	'	17,811
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than twelve months, Fair value	1,756	'	1,756	'	1,499
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	68	'	68	'	36
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0	'	0	'	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0	'	0	'	0
Total, Fair value	1,756	'	1,756	'	1,499
Total, Unrealized losses	68	'	68	'	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	509	'	509	'	316
Gross unrealized losses	269	'	269	'	644
Estimated fair value	12,322	'	12,322	'	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	1,731	'	1,731	'	1,484
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	269	'	269	'	516
Total, Fair value	1,731	'	1,731	'	3,605
Total, Unrealized losses	269	'	269	'	644
Other Long-term Investments [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Other long-term investments, Gross realized investment losses	($917)	$0	($2,105)	$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			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Balance at December 31, 2013	'		'	$59,010	[1]	'
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	'		'	24,007	[1]	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	'		'	-4,788	[1]	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	-990		-630	19,219	[1]	-18,875
Balance at September 30, 2014	78,229	[1]	'	78,229	[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	'		'	24,007	[1]	'
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	'		'	-3,458	[1]	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'		'	20,549	[1]	'
Balance at September 30, 2014	68,925	[1]	'	68,925	[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	'		'	-1,330	[1]	'
Other comprehensive income (loss)	'		'	-1,330	[1]	'
Balance at September 30, 2014	$9,304	[1]	'	$9,304	[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			9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]	'		'	'		'
Net realized investment gains (losses)	($390)		$1,007	$3,215		$3,850
Income tax expense (benefit), current	1,452		-3,875	-2,848		-11,973
Total reclassification adjustment	786	[1]	'	4,788	[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)	527	[1]	'	5,320	[1]	'
Income tax expense (benefit), current	-184	[1]	'	-1,862	[1]	'
Total reclassification adjustment	343	[1]	'	3,458	[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	-144	[1],[2]	'	-433	[1],[2]	'
Prior service credit	826	[1],[2]	'	2,480	[1],[2]	'
Total before tax	682	[1]	'	2,047	[1]	'
Income tax expense (benefit), current	-239	[1]	'	-717	[1]	'
Total reclassification adjustment	$443	[1]	'	$1,330	[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).