EMC Insurance (EMCI) 10-Q 6 Nov 15 2015 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Oct. 30, 2015
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC
Entity Central Index Key	356,130
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		20,746,326
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2015

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Un

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $1,139,373 and $1,080,006)	$ 1,177,961	$ 1,127,499
Equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (cost $142,941 and $123,972)	194,305	197,036
Other long-term investments	15,396	6,227
Short-term investments	32,798	53,262
Total investments	1,420,460	1,384,024
Cash	570	383
Reinsurance receivables due from affiliate	25,399	28,603
Prepaid reinsurance premiums due from affiliate	7,638	8,865
Deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $44,559 and $38,930)	44,710	39,343
Prepaid pension and postretirement benefits due from affiliate	18,162	17,360
Accrued investment income	11,716	10,295
Amounts receivable under reverse repurchase agreements	16,850	0
Accounts receivable	1,402	1,767
Income taxes recoverable	2,657	0
Goodwill	942	942
Other assets (affiliated $4,611 and $4,900)	5,019	6,238
Total assets	1,555,525	1,497,820
LIABILITIES
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $675,247 and $650,652)	683,930	661,309
Unearned premiums (affiliated $263,096 and $230,460)	263,686	232,093
Other policyholders' funds (all affiliated)	8,593	10,153
Surplus notes payable to affiliate	25,000	25,000
Amounts due affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances	7,347	8,559
Pension benefits payable to affiliate	4,082	4,162
Income taxes payable	0	3
Deferred income taxes	19,295	28,654
Other liabilities (affiliated $23,547 and $23,941)	23,659	25,001
Total liabilities	1,035,592	994,934
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 20,720,855 shares in 2015 and 20,344,409 shares in 2014	20,721	20,344
Additional paid-in capital	107,426	99,891
Accumulated other comprehensive income	60,804	81,662
Retained earnings	330,982	300,989
Total stockholders' equity	519,933	502,886
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,555,525	$ 1,497,820

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (U3

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, amortized cost	$ 1,139,373	$ 1,080,006
Equity securities available-for-sale, cost	142,941	123,972
Deferred policy acquisition costs from affiliates	44,559	38,930
Affiliated other assets	4,611	4,900
LIABILITIES
Affiliated losses and settlement expenses	675,247	650,652
Unearned premiums from affiliates	263,096	230,460
Affiliated other liabilities	$ 23,547	$ 23,941
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$ 1	$ 1
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	20,720,855	20,344,409
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	20,720,855	20,344,409

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
REVENUES
Premiums earned (affiliated $144,540, $137,395, $425,513 and $399,541)	$ 145,788	$ 138,316	$ 429,124	$ 405,348
Net investment income	11,299	11,503	33,946	34,434
Net realized investment gains, excluding impairment losses on securities available-for-sale	8,126	171	12,848	4,092
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities available-for-sale	(628)	(561)	(1,293)	(877)
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	(628)	(561)	(1,293)	(877)
Net realized investment gains (losses)	7,498	(390)	11,555	3,215
Other income (affiliated $420, $727, $1,119 and $1,088)	519	1,230	1,622	1,626
Total revenues	165,104	150,659	476,247	444,623
LOSSES AND EXPENSES
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $101,323, $106,090, $278,915 and $298,444)	102,685	106,652	280,603	301,467
Dividends to policyholders (all affiliated)	3,555	2,588	6,492	6,517
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $25,835, $24,761, $77,872 and $73,365)	26,139	24,957	78,823	74,690
Other underwriting expenses (affiliated $16,046, $13,907, $50,297 and $43,229)	16,045	13,907	50,351	42,941
Interest expense (all affiliated)	84	84	253	253
Other expenses (affiliated $473, $373, $1,363 and $1,082)	675	588	1,992	1,713
Total losses and expenses	149,183	148,776	418,514	427,581
Income before income tax expense (benefit)	15,921	1,883	57,733	17,042
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)
Current	3,081	(1,452)	15,594	2,848
Deferred	1,651	1,106	1,872	356
Total income tax expense (benefit)	4,732	(346)	17,466	3,204
Net income	$ 11,189	$ 2,229	$ 40,267	$ 13,838
Net income per common share - basic and diluted	$ 0.54	$ 0.11	$ 1.96	$ 0.69
Dividend per common share	$ 0.170	$ 0.153	$ 0.503	$ 0.460
Average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in shares)	20,684,890	20,267,538	20,577,493	20,165,697

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INC5

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
REVENUES
Premiums earned, affiliated	$ 144,540	$ 137,395	$ 425,513	$ 399,541
Other income, affiliated	420	727	1,119	1,088
LOSSES AND EXPENSES
Losses and settlement expenses, affiliated	101,323	106,090	278,915	298,444
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, affiliated	25,835	24,761	77,872	73,365
Other underwriting expenses, affiliated	16,046	13,907	50,297	43,229
Other expense, affiliated	$ 473	$ 373	$ 1,363	$ 1,082

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Net income	$ 11,189	$ 2,229	$ 40,267	$ 13,838
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities, net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $(2,288), $(110), $(7,998) and $12,927	(4,252)	(204)	(14,855)	24,007
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income, net of income tax expense of $(89), $(184), $(2,713) and $(1,862)	(164)	(343)	(5,039)	(3,458)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income, net of deferred income tax expense of $(169), $(239), $(520) and $(717):
Net actuarial loss	224	94	648	282
Prior service credit	(537)	(537)	(1,612)	(1,612)
Total reclassification adjustment associated with affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans	(313)	(443)	(964)	(1,330)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(4,729)	(990)	(20,858)	19,219
Total comprehensive income	$ 6,460	$ 1,239	$ 19,409	$ 33,057

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COM7

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities, deferred income tax expense (benefit)	$ (2,288)	$ (110)	$ (7,998)	$ 12,927
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment (gains) included in net income, income tax (expense)	(89)	(184)	(2,713)	(1,862)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit (income), deferred income tax (expense)	$ (169)	$ (239)	$ (520)	$ (717)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 40,267	$ 13,838
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $24,595 and $56,542)	22,621	55,099
Unearned premiums (affiliated $32,636 and $33,364)	31,593	32,481
Other policyholders' funds due to affiliate	(1,560)	50
Amounts due to/from affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances	(1,212)	(13,272)
Net pension and postretirement benefits due from affiliate	(2,366)	(1,999)
Reinsurance receivables due from affiliate	3,204	(1,363)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums due from affiliate	1,227	(152)
Commissions payable (affiliated $(801) and $(2,607))	(778)	(2,787)
Deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $(5,629) and $(4,594))	(5,367)	(4,462)
Accrued investment income	(1,421)	(954)
Current income tax	(2,577)	(5,855)
Deferred income tax	1,872	356
Net realized investment gains	(11,555)	(3,215)
Other, net (affiliated $704 and $(3,839))	9,092	(546)
Total adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities	42,773	53,381
Net cash provided by operating activities	83,040	67,219
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	(185,108)	(137,283)
Disposals of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	118,513	97,799
Purchases of equity securities available-for-sale	(66,030)	(35,659)
Disposals of equity securities available-for-sale	54,411	31,036
Purchases of other long-term investments	(7,758)	(7,007)
Disposals of other long-term investments	1,958	344
Net disposals (purchases) of short-term investments	20,464	(13,825)
Net disbursements under reverse repurchase agreements	(16,850)	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(80,400)	(64,595)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issuance of common stock through affiliate’s stock plans	7,738	6,647
Excess tax benefit associated with affiliate’s stock plans	83	99
Dividends paid to stockholders (affiliated $(5,925) and $(5,415))	(10,274)	(9,228)
Net cash used in financing activities	(2,453)	(2,482)
NET INCREASE IN CASH	187	142
Cash at the beginning of the year	383	239
Cash at the end of the quarter	$ 570	$ 381

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CAS9

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Losses and settlement expenses, affiliated	$ 24,595	$ 56,542
Unearned premiums, affiliated	32,636	33,364
Commissions payable, affiliated	(801)	(2,607)
Deferred policy acquisition costs, affiliated	(5,629)	(4,594)
Other, net, affiliated	704	(3,839)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid to stockholders, affiliated	$ (5,925)	$ (5,415)

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2014 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. 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 2014 Form 10-K or the 2014 Annual Report to Stockholders for more detailed footnote information. Investments During the first quarters of 2015 and 2014, the Company invested $4.0 million and $4.4 million , respectively, 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 is used solely to support the equity tail-risk hedging strategy, changes in the carrying value of the limited partnership are recorded as net realized investment gains (losses), rather than as a component of investment income. During the second quarter of 2015, the Company began participating in a reverse repurchase arrangement, involving the purchase of investment securities from third-party sellers with the agreement that the purchased securities be sold back to the third-party sellers for agreed-upon prices at specified future dates. The third-party sellers are required to pledge collateral with a value greater than the amount of cash received in the transactions. In accordance with GAAP, the investment securities purchased under the reverse repurchase agreements are not reflected in the Company's consolidated balance sheets, but instead a receivable is recorded for the principal amount lent. Net proceeds/disbursements related to the reverse repurchase transactions are reported as a component of investing activities on the consolidated statements of cash flows, and the income as a component of operating activities. Common Stock Split On June 23, 2015, the Company completed a three-for-two stock split of its outstanding shares of common stock, effected in the form of a 50 percent stock dividend. The stock split entitled all shareholders of record at the close of business on June 16, 2015, to receive one additional share of common stock for every two shares of common stock held. In connection with the stock split, the Company's Restated Articles of Incorporation were amended to increase the number of shares of common stock the Company is authorized to issue to 30 million shares. All share and per share information has been retroactively adjusted to reflect the stock split, including the reclassification of the total par value of the additional shares issued to effect the stock split (par value was not changed for the stock split) from "Additional Paid-In Capital" to "Common Stock".

REINSURANCE

REINSURANCE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014 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, 2015 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 117,187 $ — $ 117,187 Assumed from nonaffiliates 1,178 34,954 36,132 Assumed from affiliates 141,200 — 141,200 Ceded to nonaffiliates (7,656 ) (774 ) (8,430 ) Ceded to affiliates (117,187 ) (2,734 ) (119,921 ) Net premiums written $ 134,722 $ 31,446 $ 166,168 Premiums earned Direct $ 92,083 $ — $ 92,083 Assumed from nonaffiliates 1,073 35,939 37,012 Assumed from affiliates 118,784 — 118,784 Ceded to nonaffiliates (6,104 ) (1,170 ) (7,274 ) Ceded to affiliates (92,083 ) (2,734 ) (94,817 ) Net premiums earned $ 113,753 $ 32,035 $ 145,788 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 52,220 $ — $ 52,220 Assumed from nonaffiliates 655 27,677 28,332 Assumed from affiliates 76,697 252 76,949 Ceded to nonaffiliates (1,376 ) (877 ) (2,253 ) Ceded to affiliates (52,220 ) (343 ) (52,563 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 75,976 $ 26,709 $ 102,685 Three months ended September 30, 2014 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total 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 Nine months ended September 30, 2015 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 297,974 $ — $ 297,974 Assumed from nonaffiliates 3,296 107,821 111,117 Assumed from affiliates 379,761 — 379,761 Ceded to nonaffiliates (18,728 ) (2,480 ) (21,208 ) Ceded to affiliates (297,974 ) (8,427 ) (306,401 ) Net premiums written $ 364,329 $ 96,914 $ 461,243 Premiums earned Direct $ 273,441 $ — $ 273,441 Assumed from nonaffiliates 3,165 109,134 112,299 Assumed from affiliates 347,686 — 347,686 Ceded to nonaffiliates (17,639 ) (4,795 ) (22,434 ) Ceded to affiliates (273,441 ) (8,427 ) (281,868 ) Net premiums earned $ 333,212 $ 95,912 $ 429,124 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 147,843 $ — $ 147,843 Assumed from nonaffiliates 1,878 69,041 70,919 Assumed from affiliates 216,197 721 216,918 Ceded to nonaffiliates (2,607 ) (4,065 ) (6,672 ) Ceded to affiliates (147,843 ) (562 ) (148,405 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 215,468 $ 65,135 $ 280,603 Nine months ended September 30, 2014 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total 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 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, 2015
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, 2015 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 113,753 $ 32,035 $ — $ 145,788 Underwriting profit (loss) (101 ) (2,535 ) — (2,636 ) Net investment income (loss) 8,125 3,176 (2 ) 11,299 Net realized investment gains (losses) 4,889 2,609 — 7,498 Other income 210 309 — 519 Interest expense 84 — — 84 Other expenses 196 — 479 675 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 12,843 $ 3,559 $ (481 ) $ 15,921 Three months ended September 30, 2014 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) 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 Net realized investment gains (losses) (286 ) (104 ) — (390 ) Other income 202 1,028 — 1,230 Interest expense 84 — — 84 Other expenses 132 — 456 588 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 3,516 $ (1,175 ) $ (458 ) $ 1,883 Nine months ended September 30, 2015 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 333,212 $ 95,912 $ — $ 429,124 Underwriting profit (loss) 7,465 5,390 — 12,855 Net investment income (loss) 24,301 9,654 (9 ) 33,946 Net realized investment gains (losses) 7,866 3,689 — 11,555 Other income 582 1,040 — 1,622 Interest expense 253 — — 253 Other expenses 568 — 1,424 1,992 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 39,393 $ 19,773 $ (1,433 ) $ 57,733 Assets $ 1,108,180 $ 436,681 $ 520,021 $ 2,064,882 Eliminations — — (508,553 ) (508,553 ) Reclassifications — — (804 ) (804 ) Total assets $ 1,108,180 $ 436,681 $ 10,664 $ 1,555,525 Nine months ended September 30, 2014 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) 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 Net realized investment gains (losses) 2,293 922 — 3,215 Other income 584 1,042 — 1,626 Interest expense 253 — — 253 Other expenses 540 — 1,173 1,713 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 11,034 $ 7,189 $ (1,181 ) $ 17,042 Year ended December 31, 2014 Assets $ 1,057,429 $ 434,139 $ 503,008 $ 1,994,576 Eliminations — — (495,288 ) (495,288 ) Reclassifications (909 ) — (559 ) (1,468 ) Total assets $ 1,056,520 $ 434,139 $ 7,161 $ 1,497,820 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, 2015 and 2014 , by line of insurance. Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Property and casualty insurance segment Commercial lines: Automobile $ 27,080 $ 25,000 $ 78,698 $ 71,657 Property 26,526 25,111 77,518 71,756 Workers' compensation 23,777 22,209 69,150 65,172 Liability 23,449 22,090 68,952 63,600 Other 2,032 1,881 6,044 5,472 Total commercial lines 102,864 96,291 300,362 277,657 Personal lines: Automobile 5,717 6,284 17,313 18,999 Homeowners 5,172 5,377 15,537 16,060 Total personal lines 10,889 11,661 32,850 35,059 Total property and casualty insurance $ 113,753 $ 107,952 $ 333,212 $ 312,716 Reinsurance segment Pro rata reinsurance: Multiline (primarily property) $ 1,190 $ 700 $ 4,584 $ 5,031 Property 4,162 2,622 11,877 9,929 Liability 4,787 3,148 13,955 8,661 Marine 2,898 3,502 9,738 11,721 Total pro rata reinsurance 13,037 9,972 40,154 35,342 Excess of loss reinsurance: Property 16,249 17,248 46,425 48,507 Liability 2,749 3,144 9,333 8,783 Total excess of loss reinsurance 18,998 20,392 55,758 57,290 Total reinsurance $ 32,035 $ 30,364 $ 95,912 $ 92,632 Consolidated $ 145,788 $ 138,316 $ 429,124 $ 405,348

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES The actual income tax expense (benefit) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 differed from the “expected” income tax expense for those periods (computed by applying the United States federal corporate tax rate of 35 percent to income before income tax expense) as follows: Three months ended Nine months ended ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Computed "expected" income tax expense $ 5,573 $ 659 $ 20,207 $ 5,965 Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from: Tax-exempt interest income (687 ) (757 ) (2,072 ) (2,559 ) Dividends received deduction (266 ) (247 ) (809 ) (725 ) Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction 143 151 432 493 Other, net (31 ) (152 ) (292 ) 30 Total income tax expense (benefit) $ 4,732 $ (346 ) $ 17,466 $ 3,204 The Company had no provision for uncertain income tax positions at September 30, 2015 or December 31, 2014 . The Company did not recognize any interest expense or other penalties related to U.S. federal or state income taxes during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2015 or 2014 . 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 2012.

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Pension plans: Service cost $ 3,497 $ 3,216 $ 10,471 $ 9,647 Interest cost 2,341 2,416 6,983 7,248 Expected return on plan assets (5,074 ) (5,183 ) (15,223 ) (15,549 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 719 91 2,033 274 Amortization of prior service cost 8 8 23 24 Net periodic pension benefit cost $ 1,491 $ 548 $ 4,287 $ 1,644 Postretirement benefit plans: Service cost $ 353 $ 315 $ 1,059 $ 945 Interest cost 537 564 1,611 1,691 Expected return on plan assets (1,104 ) (1,099 ) (3,312 ) (3,297 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 437 413 1,309 1,238 Amortization of prior service credit (2,867 ) (2,867 ) (8,600 ) (8,600 ) Net periodic postretirement benefit income $ (2,644 ) $ (2,674 ) $ (7,933 ) $ (8,023 ) Net periodic pension benefit cost allocated to the Company amounted to $456,000 and $170,000 for the three months and $1.3 million and $510,000 for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Net periodic postretirement benefit income allocated to the Company amounted to $761,000 and $770,000 for the three months and $2.3 million and $2.3 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The Company’s share of Employers Mutual’s remaining 2015 planned contribution to the pension plan, if made, will be approximately $900,000 . No contributions will be made to the Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trust in 2015 .

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 in 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 in the second quarter of 2014, 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 plan were purchased in 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 2,250,000 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 3,000,000 shares have been reserved for issuance under the 2007 Employers Mutual Casualty Company Stock Incentive Plan (2007 Plan). The 2003 Plan permitted 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 of restricted stock receive compensation income equal to the amount of any dividends declared on the common stock. The Senior Executive Compensation Committee of Employers Mutual’s Board of Directors 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 $167,000 ( $108,000 net of tax) and $65,000 ( $43,000 net of tax) for the three months and $351,000 ( $228,000 net of tax) and $204,000 ( $133,000 net of tax) for the nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. During the first nine months of 2015 , 117,146 shares of restricted stock were granted under the 2007 Plan to eligible participants, 40,941 shares of restricted stock vested, and 274,219 options were exercised under the plans at a weighted average exercise price of $14.69 .

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALU

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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. September 30, 2015 Carrying Estimated ($ in thousands) Assets: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: U.S. treasury $ 9,737 $ 9,737 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 223,465 223,465 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 343,936 343,936 Commercial mortgage-backed 43,739 43,739 Residential mortgage-backed 89,684 89,684 Other asset-backed 18,738 18,738 Corporate 448,662 448,662 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,177,961 1,177,961 Equity securities available-for-sale: Common stocks: Financial services 34,519 34,519 Information technology 26,564 26,564 Healthcare 24,118 24,118 Consumer staples 15,769 15,769 Consumer discretionary 19,150 19,150 Energy 21,170 21,170 Industrials 17,745 17,745 Other 17,003 17,003 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 18,267 18,267 Total equity securities available-for-sale 194,305 194,305 Short-term investments 32,798 32,798 Liabilities: Surplus notes 25,000 11,269 December 31, 2014 Carrying Estimated ($ in thousands) Assets: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: U.S. treasury $ 9,703 $ 9,703 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 215,616 215,616 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 326,058 326,058 Commercial mortgage-backed 46,762 46,762 Residential mortgage-backed 97,953 97,953 Other asset-backed 16,005 16,005 Corporate 415,402 415,402 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,127,499 1,127,499 Equity securities available-for-sale: Common stocks: Financial services 34,379 34,379 Information technology 26,865 26,865 Healthcare 26,852 26,852 Consumer staples 16,694 16,694 Consumer discretionary 22,691 22,691 Energy 22,863 22,863 Industrials 18,221 18,221 Other 16,056 16,056 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 12,415 12,415 Total equity securities available-for-sale 197,036 197,036 Short-term investments 53,262 53,262 Liabilities: Surplus notes 25,000 12,308 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , the Company had no securities priced solely from broker quotes. A small number of the Company’s securities are not priced by the independent pricing service. One equity security is reported as a Level 3 fair value measurement at September 30, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , 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, 2015 include seven fixed maturity securities (ten at December 31, 2014 ). 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, the Company's investment custodian, or the Company's investment department 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . September 30, 2015 Fair value measurements using ($ in thousands) Total Quoted Significant Significant Financial instruments reported at fair value on recurring basis: Assets: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: U.S. treasury $ 9,737 $ — $ 9,737 $ — U.S. government-sponsored agencies 223,465 — 223,465 — Obligations of states and political subdivisions 343,936 — 343,936 — Commercial mortgage-backed 43,739 — 43,739 — Residential mortgage-backed 89,684 — 89,684 — Other asset-backed 18,738 — 18,738 — Corporate 448,662 — 447,209 1,453 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,177,961 — 1,176,508 1,453 Equity securities available-for-sale: Common stocks: Financial services 34,519 34,516 — 3 Information technology 26,564 26,564 — — Healthcare 24,118 24,118 — — Consumer staples 15,769 15,769 — — Consumer discretionary 19,150 19,150 — — Energy 21,170 21,170 — — Industrials 17,745 17,745 — — Other 17,003 17,003 — — Non-redeemable preferred stocks 18,267 11,236 7,031 — Total equity securities available-for-sale 194,305 187,271 7,031 3 Short-term investments 32,798 32,798 — — Financial instruments not reported at fair value: Liabilities: Surplus notes 11,269 — — 11,269 December 31, 2014 Fair value measurements using ($ in thousands) Total Quoted Significant Significant Financial instruments reported at fair value on recurring basis: Assets: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: U.S. treasury $ 9,703 $ — $ 9,703 $ — U.S. government-sponsored agencies 215,616 — 215,616 — Obligations of states and political subdivisions 326,058 — 326,058 — Commercial mortgage-backed 46,762 — 46,762 — Residential mortgage-backed 97,953 — 97,953 — Other asset-backed 16,005 — 16,005 — Corporate 415,402 — 413,740 1,662 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,127,499 — 1,125,837 1,662 Equity securities available-for-sale: Common stocks: Financial services 34,379 34,376 — 3 Information technology 26,865 26,865 — — Healthcare 26,852 26,852 — — Consumer staples 16,694 16,694 — — Consumer discretionary 22,691 22,691 — — Energy 22,863 22,863 — — Industrials 18,221 18,221 — — Other 16,056 16,056 — — Non-redeemable preferred stocks 12,415 7,745 4,670 — Total equity securities available-for-sale 197,036 192,363 4,670 3 Short-term investments 53,262 53,262 — — Financial instruments not reported at fair value: Liabilities: Surplus notes 12,308 — — 12,308 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, 2015 and 2014 . Any unrealized gains or losses on these securities are recognized in other comprehensive income. Any gains or losses from settlements, disposals or impairments of these securities are reported as realized investment gains or losses in net income. Three months ended September 30, 2015 Fair value measurements using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs ($ in thousands) Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate Equity securities Total Beginning balance $ 1,622 $ 3 $ 1,625 Settlements (171 ) — (171 ) Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss) 2 — 2 Balance at September 30, 2015 $ 1,453 $ 3 $ 1,456 Nine months ended September 30, 2015 Beginning balance $ 1,662 $ 3 $ 1,665 Settlements (214 ) — (214 ) Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss) 5 — 5 Balance at September 30, 2015 $ 1,453 $ 3 $ 1,456 Three months ended September 30, 2014 Fair value measurements using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs ($ in thousands) Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate Equity securities Total 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 There were no transfers into or out of Levels 1 or 2 during the nine months ended September 30, 2015 or 2014 . 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, 2015
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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows. All securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. September 30, 2015 Amortized Gross Gross Estimated ($ in thousands) Securities available-for-sale: Fixed maturity securities: U.S. treasury $ 9,600 $ 137 $ — $ 9,737 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 221,466 2,743 744 223,465 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 319,666 24,270 — 343,936 Commercial mortgage-backed 41,304 2,437 2 43,739 Residential mortgage-backed 94,411 1,660 6,387 89,684 Other asset-backed 17,738 1,066 66 18,738 Corporate 435,188 15,339 1,865 448,662 Total fixed maturity securities 1,139,373 47,652 9,064 1,177,961 Equity securities: Common stocks: Financial services 27,143 8,215 839 34,519 Information technology 18,956 7,845 237 26,564 Healthcare 14,969 9,388 239 24,118 Consumer staples 10,093 5,762 86 15,769 Consumer discretionary 10,471 8,705 26 19,150 Energy 16,927 4,999 756 21,170 Industrials 11,153 6,924 332 17,745 Other 15,243 2,269 509 17,003 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 17,986 546 265 18,267 Total equity securities 142,941 54,653 3,289 194,305 Total securities available-for-sale $ 1,282,314 $ 102,305 $ 12,353 $ 1,372,266 December 31, 2014 Amortized Gross Gross Estimated ($ in thousands) Securities available-for-sale: Fixed maturity securities: U.S. treasury $ 9,574 $ 129 $ — $ 9,703 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 215,425 2,313 2,122 215,616 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 299,258 26,840 40 326,058 Commercial mortgage-backed 42,996 3,766 — 46,762 Residential mortgage-backed 100,296 1,402 3,745 97,953 Other asset-backed 14,798 1,213 6 16,005 Corporate 397,659 18,485 742 415,402 Total fixed maturity securities 1,080,006 54,148 6,655 1,127,499 Equity securities: Common stocks: Financial services 22,586 11,835 42 34,379 Information technology 15,755 11,110 — 26,865 Healthcare 14,673 12,179 — 26,852 Consumer staples 10,584 6,112 2 16,694 Consumer discretionary 11,304 11,420 33 22,691 Energy 15,837 7,458 432 22,863 Industrials 9,658 8,596 33 18,221 Other 11,493 4,563 — 16,056 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 12,082 617 284 12,415 Total equity securities 123,972 73,890 826 197,036 Total securities available-for-sale $ 1,203,978 $ 128,038 $ 7,481 $ 1,324,535 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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , listed by length of time the securities were in an unrealized loss position. September 30, 2015 Less than twelve months Twelve months or longer Total ($ in thousands) Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fixed maturity securities: U.S. government-sponsored agencies $ 44,495 $ 471 $ 35,212 $ 273 $ 79,707 $ 744 Commercial mortgage-backed 579 2 — — 579 2 Residential mortgage-backed 15,102 1,873 22,393 4,514 37,495 6,387 Other asset-backed 6,136 66 — — 6,136 66 Corporate 69,883 1,570 11,438 295 81,321 1,865 Total, fixed maturity securities 136,195 3,982 69,043 5,082 205,238 9,064 Equity securities: Common stocks: Financial services 9,754 831 57 8 9,811 839 Information technology 3,552 237 — — 3,552 237 Healthcare 3,388 239 — — 3,388 239 Consumer staples 1,762 86 — — 1,762 86 Consumer discretionary 371 26 — — 371 26 Energy 9,478 756 — — 9,478 756 Industrials 3,501 332 — — 3,501 332 Other 7,510 509 — — 7,510 509 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 2,463 41 1,776 224 4,239 265 Total equity securities 41,779 3,057 1,833 232 43,612 3,289 Total temporarily impaired securities $ 177,974 $ 7,039 $ 70,876 $ 5,314 $ 248,850 $ 12,353 December 31, 2014 Less than twelve months Twelve months or longer Total ($ in thousands) Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fixed maturity securities: U.S. government-sponsored agencies $ 24,473 $ 94 $ 97,446 $ 2,028 $ 121,919 $ 2,122 Obligations of states and political subdivisions — — 3,757 40 3,757 40 Commercial mortgage-backed 1,102 — — — 1,102 — Residential mortgage-backed 21,451 1,252 21,163 2,493 42,614 3,745 Other asset-backed 1,889 6 — — 1,889 6 Corporate 16,740 281 28,257 461 44,997 742 Total, fixed maturity securities 65,655 1,633 150,623 5,022 216,278 6,655 Equity securities: Common stocks: Financial services 1,162 9 187 33 1,349 42 Consumer staples 1,051 2 — — 1,051 2 Consumer discretionary 822 33 — — 822 33 Energy 4,298 432 — — 4,298 432 Industrials 1,406 33 — — 1,406 33 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — — 1,716 284 1,716 284 Total equity securities 8,739 509 1,903 317 10,642 826 Total temporarily impaired securities $ 74,394 $ 2,142 $ 152,526 $ 5,339 $ 226,920 $ 7,481 Unrealized losses on fixed maturity securities increased during 2015 due to an increase in interest rates. 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, 2015 . No particular sector or individual security accounted for a material amount of unrealized losses on common stocks at September 30, 2015 . 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, 2015 . 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, 2015 . The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2015 , 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. ($ in thousands) Amortized Estimated Securities available-for-sale: Due in one year or less $ 66,429 $ 67,150 Due after one year through five years 144,462 152,924 Due after five years through ten years 280,923 286,725 Due after ten years 507,529 533,372 Securities not due at a single maturity date 140,030 137,790 Totals $ 1,139,373 $ 1,177,961 A summary of realized investment gains and (losses) is as follows: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: Gross realized investment gains $ 61 $ 129 $ 642 $ 495 Gross realized investment losses — — — (92 ) Equity securities available-for-sale: Gross realized investment gains 3,345 1,140 11,681 6,456 Gross realized investment losses (2,525 ) (181 ) (3,278 ) (662 ) "Other-than-temporary" impairments (628 ) (561 ) (1,293 ) (877 ) Other long-term investments, net 7,245 (917 ) 3,803 (2,105 ) Totals $ 7,498 $ (390 ) $ 11,555 $ 3,215 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 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. The amounts reported as “other-than-temporary” impairments on equity securities do not include any individually significant items. The net realized investment gains (losses) recognized on other long-term investments for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 represent changes in the carrying value of a limited partnership that is used solely to support an equity tail-risk hedging strategy.

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 $110,000 at December 31, 2014 . The Company had a contingent liability for the aggregate guaranteed amount of the annuities of $183,000 at December 31, 2014 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, 2015 . 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, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM	STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM On November 3, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $15 million stock repurchase program. This program does not have an expiration date. The timing and terms of the purchases are determined by management based on board approved parameters and 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 COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, net of tax. Accumulated other comprehensive income by component ($ in thousands) Unrealized Unrecognized Total Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 78,362 $ 3,300 $ 81,662 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (14,855 ) — (14,855 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (5,039 ) (964 ) (6,003 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (19,894 ) (964 ) (20,858 ) Balance at September 30, 2015 $ 58,468 $ 2,336 $ 60,804 The following tables display amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and into net income during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. ($ in thousands) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated other comprehensive Three months ended Nine months ended Affected line item in the Unrealized gains on investments: Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income $ 253 $ 7,752 Net realized investment gains Deferred income tax expense (89 ) (2,713 ) Income tax expense, current Net reclassification adjustment 164 5,039 Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations: Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income: Net actuarial loss (345 ) (996 ) (1) Prior service credit 827 2,480 (1) Total before tax 482 1,484 Deferred income tax expense (169 ) (520 ) Income tax expense, current Net reclassification adjustment 313 964 Total reclassification adjustment $ 477 $ 6,003 (1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income (see Note 5, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details). ($ in thousands) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated other comprehensive Three months ended September 30, 2014 Nine months ended September 30, 2014 Affected line item in the 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, 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 income: Net actuarial loss (144 ) (433 ) (1) Prior service credit 826 2,480 (1) Total before tax 682 2,047 Deferred income tax expense (239 ) (717 ) Income tax expense, current Net reclassification adjustment 443 1,330 Total reclassification adjustment $ 786 $ 4,788 (1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income (see Note 5, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details).

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS	NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) updated its guidance related to the Revenue from Contracts with Customers Topic 606 of the Accounting Standards Codification TM (Codification or ASC). The objective of this update is to improve the reporting of revenue by providing a more robust framework for addressing revenue issues, and improved disclosure requirements. Current revenue recognition guidance in U.S. GAAP is comprised of broad revenue recognition concepts together with numerous revenue requirements for particular industries or transactions, which sometimes result in different accounting for economically similar transactions. This guidance is to be applied retrospectively to annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted as of the original effective date (annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016). The Company will adopt this guidance during the first quarter of 2017. Since premium revenue from insurance contracts is excluded from the scope of this updated guidance, adoption is expected to have little or no impact on the consolidated financial condition or operating results of the Company. The Company's largest non-premium revenue item is service charges related to the billing of the pool participants' direct written premiums to policyholders, which is included in "Other income" in the consolidated statements of income. In May 2015, the FASB updated its guidance related to the Financial Services-Insurance Topic 944 of the ASC. The objective of this update is to add disclosures which provide transparency of significant estimates made in measuring the liability for losses and settlement expenses, thus providing more insight into an insurance entity's ability to underwrite and anticipate costs associated with claims. The new disclosures primarily include incurred and paid claims development tables prepared net of reinsurance (not to exceed ten years), and a reconciliation of the carrying amount of the liability for losses and settlement expenses. Also included (for each accident year of incurred claims development disclosed), is disclosure of incurred but not reported (IBNR) loss reserves, claim frequency information, and average annual percentage payout of incurred claims by age. This guidance is to be applied retrospectively to annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and certain disclosures to interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. The Company will adopt this guidance during the fourth quarter of 2016. Since the guidance only affects disclosure, adoption will have no impact on the consolidated financial condition or operating results of the Company.

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On October 29, 2015, the Inter-Company Committees of the boards of directors of the Company and Employers Mutual approved a change in the inter-company reinsurance program between the Company's reinsurance subsidiary and Employers Mutual for calendar year 2016, and also approved a new inter-company reinsurance program between the Company's insurance subsidiaries in the property and casualty insurance segment and Employers Mutual for calendar year 2016. These reinsurance programs are intended to reduce the volatility of the Company's quarterly results caused by catastrophe and storms losses, and will provide protection from both the frequency and severity of such losses. Approval of the Inter-Company Committees is required to ensure that the terms of the agreements are fair and equitable to both parties; however, the programs must be approved by regulatory authorities before they become effective. The reinsurance subsidiary's reinsurance program for 2016 will consist of two treaties. The first is a per occurrence catastrophe excess of loss treaty with a retention of $10.0 million , a limit of $10.0 million , 20 percent co-participation, and no reinstatement. The cost of this treaty will be approximately $2.0 million . The second is an annual aggregate catastrophe excess of loss treaty with a retention of $20.0 million , a limit of $100.0 million , and 20 percent co-participation. The cost of this treaty will be approximately $3.1 million . Any losses retained under the per occurrence treaty will inure to the benefit of the aggregate treaty. Only catastrophe events with total losses greater than $500,000 will be subject to the terms of the aggregate treaty. The reinsurance subsidiary will purchase additional reinsurance protections (Industry Loss Warranties) in peak exposure territories from external parties in which coverage is triggered when losses experienced by the insurance industry from a catastrophic event exceed a specified threshold. Any recoveries received from external parties will reduce the amount of losses ceded to Employers Mutual. The net cost of the external reinsurance protection is estimated to be approximately $4.0 million . The property and casualty insurance subsidiaries' reinsurance program for 2016 will consist of two semi-annual aggregate catastrophe excess of loss treaties. The first treaty will be effective from January 1, 2016 to June 30, 2016, and will have a retention of $20.0 million and a limit of $24.0 million . The cost of this treaty will be approximately $6.3 million . The second treaty will be effective from July 1, 2016 through December 31, 2016, and will have a retention of $15.0 million and a limit of $12.0 million . The cost of this treaty will be approximately $1.5 million . All catastrophe and storm losses assumed by the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries (net of applicable reinsurance recoveries from external reinsurance protections purchased by the pool participants) will be subject to the terms of these treaties, and there is no co-participation provision.

REINSURANCE (Tables)

REINSURANCE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014 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, 2015 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 117,187 $ — $ 117,187 Assumed from nonaffiliates 1,178 34,954 36,132 Assumed from affiliates 141,200 — 141,200 Ceded to nonaffiliates (7,656 ) (774 ) (8,430 ) Ceded to affiliates (117,187 ) (2,734 ) (119,921 ) Net premiums written $ 134,722 $ 31,446 $ 166,168 Premiums earned Direct $ 92,083 $ — $ 92,083 Assumed from nonaffiliates 1,073 35,939 37,012 Assumed from affiliates 118,784 — 118,784 Ceded to nonaffiliates (6,104 ) (1,170 ) (7,274 ) Ceded to affiliates (92,083 ) (2,734 ) (94,817 ) Net premiums earned $ 113,753 $ 32,035 $ 145,788 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 52,220 $ — $ 52,220 Assumed from nonaffiliates 655 27,677 28,332 Assumed from affiliates 76,697 252 76,949 Ceded to nonaffiliates (1,376 ) (877 ) (2,253 ) Ceded to affiliates (52,220 ) (343 ) (52,563 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 75,976 $ 26,709 $ 102,685 Three months ended September 30, 2014 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total 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 Nine months ended September 30, 2015 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 297,974 $ — $ 297,974 Assumed from nonaffiliates 3,296 107,821 111,117 Assumed from affiliates 379,761 — 379,761 Ceded to nonaffiliates (18,728 ) (2,480 ) (21,208 ) Ceded to affiliates (297,974 ) (8,427 ) (306,401 ) Net premiums written $ 364,329 $ 96,914 $ 461,243 Premiums earned Direct $ 273,441 $ — $ 273,441 Assumed from nonaffiliates 3,165 109,134 112,299 Assumed from affiliates 347,686 — 347,686 Ceded to nonaffiliates (17,639 ) (4,795 ) (22,434 ) Ceded to affiliates (273,441 ) (8,427 ) (281,868 ) Net premiums earned $ 333,212 $ 95,912 $ 429,124 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 147,843 $ — $ 147,843 Assumed from nonaffiliates 1,878 69,041 70,919 Assumed from affiliates 216,197 721 216,918 Ceded to nonaffiliates (2,607 ) (4,065 ) (6,672 ) Ceded to affiliates (147,843 ) (562 ) (148,405 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 215,468 $ 65,135 $ 280,603 Nine months ended September 30, 2014 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total 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

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summarized financial information for segments	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, 2015 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 113,753 $ 32,035 $ — $ 145,788 Underwriting profit (loss) (101 ) (2,535 ) — (2,636 ) Net investment income (loss) 8,125 3,176 (2 ) 11,299 Net realized investment gains (losses) 4,889 2,609 — 7,498 Other income 210 309 — 519 Interest expense 84 — — 84 Other expenses 196 — 479 675 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 12,843 $ 3,559 $ (481 ) $ 15,921 Three months ended September 30, 2014 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) 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 Net realized investment gains (losses) (286 ) (104 ) — (390 ) Other income 202 1,028 — 1,230 Interest expense 84 — — 84 Other expenses 132 — 456 588 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 3,516 $ (1,175 ) $ (458 ) $ 1,883 Nine months ended September 30, 2015 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 333,212 $ 95,912 $ — $ 429,124 Underwriting profit (loss) 7,465 5,390 — 12,855 Net investment income (loss) 24,301 9,654 (9 ) 33,946 Net realized investment gains (losses) 7,866 3,689 — 11,555 Other income 582 1,040 — 1,622 Interest expense 253 — — 253 Other expenses 568 — 1,424 1,992 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 39,393 $ 19,773 $ (1,433 ) $ 57,733 Assets $ 1,108,180 $ 436,681 $ 520,021 $ 2,064,882 Eliminations — — (508,553 ) (508,553 ) Reclassifications — — (804 ) (804 ) Total assets $ 1,108,180 $ 436,681 $ 10,664 $ 1,555,525 Nine months ended September 30, 2014 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) 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 Net realized investment gains (losses) 2,293 922 — 3,215 Other income 584 1,042 — 1,626 Interest expense 253 — — 253 Other expenses 540 — 1,173 1,713 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 11,034 $ 7,189 $ (1,181 ) $ 17,042 Year ended December 31, 2014 Assets $ 1,057,429 $ 434,139 $ 503,008 $ 1,994,576 Eliminations — — (495,288 ) (495,288 ) Reclassifications (909 ) — (559 ) (1,468 ) Total assets $ 1,056,520 $ 434,139 $ 7,161 $ 1,497,820
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, 2015 and 2014 , by line of insurance. Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Property and casualty insurance segment Commercial lines: Automobile $ 27,080 $ 25,000 $ 78,698 $ 71,657 Property 26,526 25,111 77,518 71,756 Workers' compensation 23,777 22,209 69,150 65,172 Liability 23,449 22,090 68,952 63,600 Other 2,032 1,881 6,044 5,472 Total commercial lines 102,864 96,291 300,362 277,657 Personal lines: Automobile 5,717 6,284 17,313 18,999 Homeowners 5,172 5,377 15,537 16,060 Total personal lines 10,889 11,661 32,850 35,059 Total property and casualty insurance $ 113,753 $ 107,952 $ 333,212 $ 312,716 Reinsurance segment Pro rata reinsurance: Multiline (primarily property) $ 1,190 $ 700 $ 4,584 $ 5,031 Property 4,162 2,622 11,877 9,929 Liability 4,787 3,148 13,955 8,661 Marine 2,898 3,502 9,738 11,721 Total pro rata reinsurance 13,037 9,972 40,154 35,342 Excess of loss reinsurance: Property 16,249 17,248 46,425 48,507 Liability 2,749 3,144 9,333 8,783 Total excess of loss reinsurance 18,998 20,392 55,758 57,290 Total reinsurance $ 32,035 $ 30,364 $ 95,912 $ 92,632 Consolidated $ 145,788 $ 138,316 $ 429,124 $ 405,348

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 and 2014 differed from the “expected” income tax expense for those periods (computed by applying the United States federal corporate tax rate of 35 percent to income before income tax expense) as follows: Three months ended Nine months ended ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Computed "expected" income tax expense $ 5,573 $ 659 $ 20,207 $ 5,965 Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from: Tax-exempt interest income (687 ) (757 ) (2,072 ) (2,559 ) Dividends received deduction (266 ) (247 ) (809 ) (725 ) Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction 143 151 432 493 Other, net (31 ) (152 ) (292 ) 30 Total income tax expense (benefit) $ 4,732 $ (346 ) $ 17,466 $ 3,204

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Tabl

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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 ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Pension plans: Service cost $ 3,497 $ 3,216 $ 10,471 $ 9,647 Interest cost 2,341 2,416 6,983 7,248 Expected return on plan assets (5,074 ) (5,183 ) (15,223 ) (15,549 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 719 91 2,033 274 Amortization of prior service cost 8 8 23 24 Net periodic pension benefit cost $ 1,491 $ 548 $ 4,287 $ 1,644 Postretirement benefit plans: Service cost $ 353 $ 315 $ 1,059 $ 945 Interest cost 537 564 1,611 1,691 Expected return on plan assets (1,104 ) (1,099 ) (3,312 ) (3,297 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 437 413 1,309 1,238 Amortization of prior service credit (2,867 ) (2,867 ) (8,600 ) (8,600 ) Net periodic postretirement benefit income $ (2,644 ) $ (2,674 ) $ (7,933 ) $ (8,023 )

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA27

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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. September 30, 2015 Carrying Estimated ($ in thousands) Assets: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: U.S. treasury $ 9,737 $ 9,737 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 223,465 223,465 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 343,936 343,936 Commercial mortgage-backed 43,739 43,739 Residential mortgage-backed 89,684 89,684 Other asset-backed 18,738 18,738 Corporate 448,662 448,662 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,177,961 1,177,961 Equity securities available-for-sale: Common stocks: Financial services 34,519 34,519 Information technology 26,564 26,564 Healthcare 24,118 24,118 Consumer staples 15,769 15,769 Consumer discretionary 19,150 19,150 Energy 21,170 21,170 Industrials 17,745 17,745 Other 17,003 17,003 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 18,267 18,267 Total equity securities available-for-sale 194,305 194,305 Short-term investments 32,798 32,798 Liabilities: Surplus notes 25,000 11,269 December 31, 2014 Carrying Estimated ($ in thousands) Assets: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: U.S. treasury $ 9,703 $ 9,703 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 215,616 215,616 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 326,058 326,058 Commercial mortgage-backed 46,762 46,762 Residential mortgage-backed 97,953 97,953 Other asset-backed 16,005 16,005 Corporate 415,402 415,402 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,127,499 1,127,499 Equity securities available-for-sale: Common stocks: Financial services 34,379 34,379 Information technology 26,865 26,865 Healthcare 26,852 26,852 Consumer staples 16,694 16,694 Consumer discretionary 22,691 22,691 Energy 22,863 22,863 Industrials 18,221 18,221 Other 16,056 16,056 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 12,415 12,415 Total equity securities available-for-sale 197,036 197,036 Short-term investments 53,262 53,262 Liabilities: Surplus notes 25,000 12,308
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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 . September 30, 2015 Fair value measurements using ($ in thousands) Total Quoted Significant Significant Financial instruments reported at fair value on recurring basis: Assets: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: U.S. treasury $ 9,737 $ — $ 9,737 $ — U.S. government-sponsored agencies 223,465 — 223,465 — Obligations of states and political subdivisions 343,936 — 343,936 — Commercial mortgage-backed 43,739 — 43,739 — Residential mortgage-backed 89,684 — 89,684 — Other asset-backed 18,738 — 18,738 — Corporate 448,662 — 447,209 1,453 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,177,961 — 1,176,508 1,453 Equity securities available-for-sale: Common stocks: Financial services 34,519 34,516 — 3 Information technology 26,564 26,564 — — Healthcare 24,118 24,118 — — Consumer staples 15,769 15,769 — — Consumer discretionary 19,150 19,150 — — Energy 21,170 21,170 — — Industrials 17,745 17,745 — — Other 17,003 17,003 — — Non-redeemable preferred stocks 18,267 11,236 7,031 — Total equity securities available-for-sale 194,305 187,271 7,031 3 Short-term investments 32,798 32,798 — — Financial instruments not reported at fair value: Liabilities: Surplus notes 11,269 — — 11,269 December 31, 2014 Fair value measurements using ($ in thousands) Total Quoted Significant Significant Financial instruments reported at fair value on recurring basis: Assets: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: U.S. treasury $ 9,703 $ — $ 9,703 $ — U.S. government-sponsored agencies 215,616 — 215,616 — Obligations of states and political subdivisions 326,058 — 326,058 — Commercial mortgage-backed 46,762 — 46,762 — Residential mortgage-backed 97,953 — 97,953 — Other asset-backed 16,005 — 16,005 — Corporate 415,402 — 413,740 1,662 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,127,499 — 1,125,837 1,662 Equity securities available-for-sale: Common stocks: Financial services 34,379 34,376 — 3 Information technology 26,865 26,865 — — Healthcare 26,852 26,852 — — Consumer staples 16,694 16,694 — — Consumer discretionary 22,691 22,691 — — Energy 22,863 22,863 — — Industrials 18,221 18,221 — — Other 16,056 16,056 — — Non-redeemable preferred stocks 12,415 7,745 4,670 — Total equity securities available-for-sale 197,036 192,363 4,670 3 Short-term investments 53,262 53,262 — — Financial instruments not reported at fair value: Liabilities: Surplus notes 12,308 — — 12,308
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, 2015 and 2014 . Any unrealized gains or losses on these securities are recognized in other comprehensive income. Any gains or losses from settlements, disposals or impairments of these securities are reported as realized investment gains or losses in net income. Three months ended September 30, 2015 Fair value measurements using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs ($ in thousands) Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate Equity securities Total Beginning balance $ 1,622 $ 3 $ 1,625 Settlements (171 ) — (171 ) Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss) 2 — 2 Balance at September 30, 2015 $ 1,453 $ 3 $ 1,456 Nine months ended September 30, 2015 Beginning balance $ 1,662 $ 3 $ 1,665 Settlements (214 ) — (214 ) Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss) 5 — 5 Balance at September 30, 2015 $ 1,453 $ 3 $ 1,456 Three months ended September 30, 2014 Fair value measurements using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs ($ in thousands) Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate Equity securities Total 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

INVESTMENTS (Tables)

INVESTMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 are as follows. All securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. September 30, 2015 Amortized Gross Gross Estimated ($ in thousands) Securities available-for-sale: Fixed maturity securities: U.S. treasury $ 9,600 $ 137 $ — $ 9,737 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 221,466 2,743 744 223,465 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 319,666 24,270 — 343,936 Commercial mortgage-backed 41,304 2,437 2 43,739 Residential mortgage-backed 94,411 1,660 6,387 89,684 Other asset-backed 17,738 1,066 66 18,738 Corporate 435,188 15,339 1,865 448,662 Total fixed maturity securities 1,139,373 47,652 9,064 1,177,961 Equity securities: Common stocks: Financial services 27,143 8,215 839 34,519 Information technology 18,956 7,845 237 26,564 Healthcare 14,969 9,388 239 24,118 Consumer staples 10,093 5,762 86 15,769 Consumer discretionary 10,471 8,705 26 19,150 Energy 16,927 4,999 756 21,170 Industrials 11,153 6,924 332 17,745 Other 15,243 2,269 509 17,003 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 17,986 546 265 18,267 Total equity securities 142,941 54,653 3,289 194,305 Total securities available-for-sale $ 1,282,314 $ 102,305 $ 12,353 $ 1,372,266 December 31, 2014 Amortized Gross Gross Estimated ($ in thousands) Securities available-for-sale: Fixed maturity securities: U.S. treasury $ 9,574 $ 129 $ — $ 9,703 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 215,425 2,313 2,122 215,616 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 299,258 26,840 40 326,058 Commercial mortgage-backed 42,996 3,766 — 46,762 Residential mortgage-backed 100,296 1,402 3,745 97,953 Other asset-backed 14,798 1,213 6 16,005 Corporate 397,659 18,485 742 415,402 Total fixed maturity securities 1,080,006 54,148 6,655 1,127,499 Equity securities: Common stocks: Financial services 22,586 11,835 42 34,379 Information technology 15,755 11,110 — 26,865 Healthcare 14,673 12,179 — 26,852 Consumer staples 10,584 6,112 2 16,694 Consumer discretionary 11,304 11,420 33 22,691 Energy 15,837 7,458 432 22,863 Industrials 9,658 8,596 33 18,221 Other 11,493 4,563 — 16,056 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 12,082 617 284 12,415 Total equity securities 123,972 73,890 826 197,036 Total securities available-for-sale $ 1,203,978 $ 128,038 $ 7,481 $ 1,324,535
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, 2015 and December 31, 2014 , listed by length of time the securities were in an unrealized loss position. September 30, 2015 Less than twelve months Twelve months or longer Total ($ in thousands) Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fixed maturity securities: U.S. government-sponsored agencies $ 44,495 $ 471 $ 35,212 $ 273 $ 79,707 $ 744 Commercial mortgage-backed 579 2 — — 579 2 Residential mortgage-backed 15,102 1,873 22,393 4,514 37,495 6,387 Other asset-backed 6,136 66 — — 6,136 66 Corporate 69,883 1,570 11,438 295 81,321 1,865 Total, fixed maturity securities 136,195 3,982 69,043 5,082 205,238 9,064 Equity securities: Common stocks: Financial services 9,754 831 57 8 9,811 839 Information technology 3,552 237 — — 3,552 237 Healthcare 3,388 239 — — 3,388 239 Consumer staples 1,762 86 — — 1,762 86 Consumer discretionary 371 26 — — 371 26 Energy 9,478 756 — — 9,478 756 Industrials 3,501 332 — — 3,501 332 Other 7,510 509 — — 7,510 509 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 2,463 41 1,776 224 4,239 265 Total equity securities 41,779 3,057 1,833 232 43,612 3,289 Total temporarily impaired securities $ 177,974 $ 7,039 $ 70,876 $ 5,314 $ 248,850 $ 12,353 December 31, 2014 Less than twelve months Twelve months or longer Total ($ in thousands) Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fixed maturity securities: U.S. government-sponsored agencies $ 24,473 $ 94 $ 97,446 $ 2,028 $ 121,919 $ 2,122 Obligations of states and political subdivisions — — 3,757 40 3,757 40 Commercial mortgage-backed 1,102 — — — 1,102 — Residential mortgage-backed 21,451 1,252 21,163 2,493 42,614 3,745 Other asset-backed 1,889 6 — — 1,889 6 Corporate 16,740 281 28,257 461 44,997 742 Total, fixed maturity securities 65,655 1,633 150,623 5,022 216,278 6,655 Equity securities: Common stocks: Financial services 1,162 9 187 33 1,349 42 Consumer staples 1,051 2 — — 1,051 2 Consumer discretionary 822 33 — — 822 33 Energy 4,298 432 — — 4,298 432 Industrials 1,406 33 — — 1,406 33 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — — 1,716 284 1,716 284 Total equity securities 8,739 509 1,903 317 10,642 826 Total temporarily impaired securities $ 74,394 $ 2,142 $ 152,526 $ 5,339 $ 226,920 $ 7,481
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2015 , 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. ($ in thousands) Amortized Estimated Securities available-for-sale: Due in one year or less $ 66,429 $ 67,150 Due after one year through five years 144,462 152,924 Due after five years through ten years 280,923 286,725 Due after ten years 507,529 533,372 Securities not due at a single maturity date 140,030 137,790 Totals $ 1,139,373 $ 1,177,961
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, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: Gross realized investment gains $ 61 $ 129 $ 642 $ 495 Gross realized investment losses — — — (92 ) Equity securities available-for-sale: Gross realized investment gains 3,345 1,140 11,681 6,456 Gross realized investment losses (2,525 ) (181 ) (3,278 ) (662 ) "Other-than-temporary" impairments (628 ) (561 ) (1,293 ) (877 ) Other long-term investments, net 7,245 (917 ) 3,803 (2,105 ) Totals $ 7,498 $ (390 ) $ 11,555 $ 3,215

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI29

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015
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, net of tax. Accumulated other comprehensive income by component ($ in thousands) Unrealized Unrecognized Total Balance at December 31, 2014 $ 78,362 $ 3,300 $ 81,662 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (14,855 ) — (14,855 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (5,039 ) (964 ) (6,003 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (19,894 ) (964 ) (20,858 ) Balance at September 30, 2015 $ 58,468 $ 2,336 $ 60,804
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The following tables display amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and into net income during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. ($ in thousands) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated other comprehensive Three months ended Nine months ended Affected line item in the Unrealized gains on investments: Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income $ 253 $ 7,752 Net realized investment gains Deferred income tax expense (89 ) (2,713 ) Income tax expense, current Net reclassification adjustment 164 5,039 Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations: Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income: Net actuarial loss (345 ) (996 ) (1) Prior service credit 827 2,480 (1) Total before tax 482 1,484 Deferred income tax expense (169 ) (520 ) Income tax expense, current Net reclassification adjustment 313 964 Total reclassification adjustment $ 477 $ 6,003 (1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income (see Note 5, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details). ($ in thousands) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated other comprehensive Three months ended September 30, 2014 Nine months ended September 30, 2014 Affected line item in the 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, 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 income: Net actuarial loss (144 ) (433 ) (1) Prior service credit 826 2,480 (1) Total before tax 682 2,047 Deferred income tax expense (239 ) (717 ) Income tax expense, current Net reclassification adjustment 443 1,330 Total reclassification adjustment $ 786 $ 4,788 (1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income (see Note 5, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details).

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details)

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014shares
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Stock Split Conversion Ratio	1.5
Stock Split Terms	three-for-two
Common Stock, Shares Authorized	30,000,000		30,000,000
Payments to Acquire Universa Limited Partnership Interest | $	$ 4,000	$ 4,400

REINSURANCE (Details)

REINSURANCE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Premiums written
Net premiums written	$ 166,168	$ 162,829	$ 461,243	$ 437,258
Premiums earned
Net premiums earned	145,788	138,316	429,124	405,348
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	102,685	106,652	280,603	301,467
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Assumed	141,200	137,591	379,761	362,925
Ceded	(119,921)	(120,275)	(306,401)	(306,337)
Premiums earned
Assumed	118,784	113,039	347,686	328,317
Ceded	(94,817)	(96,338)	(281,868)	(285,869)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Assumed	76,949	78,438	216,918	234,477
Ceded	(52,563)	(55,362)	(148,405)	(178,748)
Non Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Direct	117,187	117,508	297,974	298,400
Assumed	36,132	39,364	111,117	113,164
Ceded	(8,430)	(11,359)	(21,208)	(30,894)
Premiums earned
Direct	92,083	93,571	273,441	277,932
Assumed	37,012	38,332	112,299	115,712
Ceded	(7,274)	(10,288)	(22,434)	(30,744)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	52,220	55,850	147,843	179,277
Assumed	28,332	30,478	70,919	83,547
Ceded	$ (2,253)	$ (2,752)	$ (6,672)	$ (17,086)
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Reinsurance Transactions For Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Percentage of pool participation (in hundredths)	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Premiums written
Net premiums written	$ 134,722	$ 131,005	$ 364,329	$ 345,982
Premiums earned
Net premiums earned	113,753	107,952	333,212	312,716
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	75,976	78,556	215,468	227,069
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Assumed	141,200	137,591	379,761	362,925
Ceded	(117,187)	(117,508)	(297,974)	(298,400)
Premiums earned
Assumed	118,784	113,039	347,686	328,317
Ceded	(92,083)	(93,571)	(273,441)	(277,932)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Assumed	76,697	78,147	216,197	233,649
Ceded	(52,220)	(55,850)	(147,843)	(179,277)
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Non Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Direct	117,187	117,508	297,974	298,400
Assumed	1,178	1,038	3,296	2,818
Ceded	(7,656)	(7,624)	(18,728)	(19,761)
Premiums earned
Direct	92,083	93,571	273,441	277,932
Assumed	1,073	963	3,165	2,698
Ceded	(6,104)	(6,050)	(17,639)	(18,299)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	52,220	55,850	147,843	179,277
Assumed	655	540	1,878	1,626
Ceded	(1,376)	(131)	(2,607)	(8,206)
Reinsurance [Member]
Premiums written
Net premiums written	31,446	31,824	96,914	91,276
Premiums earned
Net premiums earned	32,035	30,364	95,912	92,632
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	26,709	28,096	65,135	74,398
Reinsurance [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Assumed	0	0	0	0
Ceded	(2,734)	(2,767)	(8,427)	(7,937)
Premiums earned
Assumed	0	0	0	0
Ceded	(2,734)	(2,767)	(8,427)	(7,937)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Assumed	252	291	721	828
Ceded	(343)	488	(562)	529
Reinsurance [Member] | Non Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Direct	0	0	0	0
Assumed	34,954	38,326	107,821	110,346
Ceded	(774)	(3,735)	(2,480)	(11,133)
Premiums earned
Direct	0	0	0	0
Assumed	35,939	37,369	109,134	113,014
Ceded	(1,170)	(4,238)	(4,795)	(12,445)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	0	0	0	0
Assumed	27,677	29,938	69,041	81,921
Ceded	$ (877)	$ (2,621)	$ (4,065)	$ (8,880)

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Summarize

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Summarized financial information by segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated
Premiums earned	$ 145,788	$ 138,316	$ 429,124	$ 405,348
Underwriting profit (loss)	(2,636)	(9,788)	12,855	(20,267)
Net investment income (loss)	11,299	11,503	33,946	34,434
Net realized investment gains (losses)	7,498	(390)	11,555	3,215
Other income	519	1,230	1,622	1,626
Interest expense	84	84	253	253
Other expenses	675	588	1,992	1,713
Income before income tax expense (benefit)	15,921	1,883	57,733	17,042
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated
Assets	2,064,882		2,064,882		$ 1,994,576
Eliminations	(508,553)		(508,553)		(495,288)
Reclassifications	(804)		(804)		(1,468)
Total assets	1,555,525		1,555,525		1,497,820
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated
Premiums earned	113,753	107,952	333,212	312,716
Underwriting profit (loss)	(101)	(4,414)	7,465	(15,868)
Net investment income (loss)	8,125	8,230	24,301	24,818
Net realized investment gains (losses)	4,889	(286)	7,866	2,293
Other income	210	202	582	584
Interest expense	84	84	253	253
Other expenses	196	132	568	540
Income before income tax expense (benefit)	12,843	3,516	39,393	11,034
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated
Assets	1,108,180		1,108,180		1,057,429
Eliminations	0		0		0
Reclassifications	0		0		(909)
Total assets	1,108,180		1,108,180		1,056,520
Reinsurance [Member]
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated
Premiums earned	32,035	30,364	95,912	92,632
Underwriting profit (loss)	(2,535)	(5,374)	5,390	(4,399)
Net investment income (loss)	3,176	3,275	9,654	9,624
Net realized investment gains (losses)	2,609	(104)	3,689	922
Other income	309	1,028	1,040	1,042
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Other expenses	0	0	0	0
Income before income tax expense (benefit)	3,559	(1,175)	19,773	7,189
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated
Assets	436,681		436,681		434,139
Eliminations	0		0		0
Reclassifications	0		0		0
Total assets	436,681		436,681		434,139
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)	(9)	(8)
Net realized investment gains (losses)	0	0	0	0
Other income	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Other expenses	479	456	1,424	1,173
Income before income tax expense (benefit)	(481)	$ (458)	(1,433)	$ (1,181)
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated
Assets	520,021		520,021		503,008
Eliminations	(508,553)		(508,553)		(495,288)
Reclassifications	(804)		(804)		(559)
Total assets	$ 10,664		$ 10,664		$ 7,161

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Net premi

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Net premiums earned by segment and lines of insurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	$ 145,788	$ 138,316	$ 429,124	$ 405,348
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	113,753	107,952	333,212	312,716
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	102,864	96,291	300,362	277,657
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Automobile Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	27,080	25,000	78,698	71,657
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Property Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	26,526	25,111	77,518	71,756
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Workers Compensation Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	23,777	22,209	69,150	65,172
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Liability Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	23,449	22,090	68,952	63,600
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Other Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	2,032	1,881	6,044	5,472
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Personal Lines [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	10,889	11,661	32,850	35,059
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Personal Lines [Member] | Automobile Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	5,717	6,284	17,313	18,999
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Personal Lines [Member] | Homeowners Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	5,172	5,377	15,537	16,060
Reinsurance [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	32,035	30,364	95,912	92,632
Reinsurance [Member] | Pro rata reinsurance [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	13,037	9,972	40,154	35,342
Reinsurance [Member] | Pro rata reinsurance [Member] | Multiline (primarily property) Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	1,190	700	4,584	5,031
Reinsurance [Member] | Pro rata reinsurance [Member] | Property Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	4,162	2,622	11,877	9,929
Reinsurance [Member] | Pro rata reinsurance [Member] | Liability Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	4,787	3,148	13,955	8,661
Reinsurance [Member] | Pro rata reinsurance [Member] | Marine Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	2,898	3,502	9,738	11,721
Reinsurance [Member] | Excess of loss reinsurance [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	18,998	20,392	55,758	57,290
Reinsurance [Member] | Excess of loss reinsurance [Member] | Property Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	16,249	17,248	46,425	48,507
Reinsurance [Member] | Excess of loss reinsurance [Member] | Liability Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	$ 2,749	$ 3,144	$ 9,333	$ 8,783

INCOME TAXES (Details)

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
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	$ 5,573	$ 659	$ 20,207	$ 5,965
Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from:
Tax-exempt interest income	(687)	(757)	(2,072)	(2,559)
Dividends received deduction	(266)	(247)	(809)	(725)
Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction	143	151	432	493
Other, net	(31)	(152)	(292)	30
Total income tax expense (benefit)	4,732	$ (346)	17,466	$ 3,204
Provision for uncertain tax positions	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Deta

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Pension plans [Member] | Emc Insurance Companies [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 3,497	$ 3,216	$ 10,471	$ 9,647
Interest cost	2,341	2,416	6,983	7,248
Expected return on plan assets	(5,074)	(5,183)	(15,223)	(15,549)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	719	91	2,033	274
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	8	8	23	24
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	1,491	548	4,287	1,644
Pension plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Group, Inc. [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	456	170	1,300	510
Entity's share of estimated contributions to employee benefit plan			900
Postretirement benefit plans [Member] | Emc Insurance Companies [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	353	315	1,059	945
Interest cost	537	564	1,611	1,691
Expected return on plan assets	(1,104)	(1,099)	(3,312)	(3,297)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	437	413	1,309	1,238
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(2,867)	(2,867)	(8,600)	(8,600)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	(2,644)	(2,674)	(7,933)	(8,023)
Postretirement benefit plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Group, Inc. [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$ (761)	$ (770)	(2,300)	$ (2,300)
Entity's share of estimated contributions to employee benefit plan			$ 0

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Detai

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)shares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)Plan$ / sharesshares	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of stock option plans | Plan			2
Recognized compensation expense | $	$ 167	$ 65	$ 351	$ 204
Recognized compensation expense, net of tax | $	$ 108	$ 43	$ 228	$ 133
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)	2,250,000		2,250,000
Time limit for granting awards			10 years	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)	3,000,000		3,000,000
Time limit for granting awards			10 years	10 years
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period			4 years	4 years
Number of restricted stock shares granted during period (in shares)			117,146
Number of restricted stock shares vested during period (in shares)			40,941
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period			5 years	5 years
Options exercised during period (in shares)			274,219
Weighted average exercise price of options exercised during period (in dollars per share) | $ / shares			$ 14.69

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA37

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)Security	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)Security
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 1,372,266	$ 1,324,535
Short-term investments	32,798	53,262
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 | Security	0	0
Number of securities not priced by independent pricing service | Security	7	10
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 1,177,961	$ 1,127,499
US Treasury Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	9,737	9,703
US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	223,465	215,616
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	343,936	326,058
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	43,739	46,762
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	89,684	97,953
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,738	16,005
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	448,662	415,402
Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	194,305	197,036
Common stocks Financial services [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	34,519	34,379
Common stocks Information technology [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	26,564	26,865
Common stocks Healthcare [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	24,118	26,852
Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	15,769	16,694
Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,150	22,691
Common stocks Energy [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,170	22,863
Common stocks Industrials [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	17,745	18,221
Common stocks Other [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	17,003	16,056
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,267	12,415
Carrying amount [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	32,798	53,262
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	25,000	25,000
Carrying amount [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,177,961	1,127,499
Carrying amount [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	9,737	9,703
Carrying amount [Member] | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	223,465	215,616
Carrying amount [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	343,936	326,058
Carrying amount [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	43,739	46,762
Carrying amount [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	89,684	97,953
Carrying amount [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,738	16,005
Carrying amount [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	448,662	415,402
Carrying amount [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	194,305	197,036
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Financial services [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	34,519	34,379
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Information technology [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	26,564	26,865
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Healthcare [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	24,118	26,852
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	15,769	16,694
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,150	22,691
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Energy [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,170	22,863
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Industrials [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	17,745	18,221
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Other [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	17,003	16,056
Carrying amount [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,267	12,415
Estimated fair value [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	32,798	53,262
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	11,269	12,308
Estimated fair value [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,177,961	1,127,499
Estimated fair value [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	9,737	9,703
Estimated fair value [Member] | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	223,465	215,616
Estimated fair value [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	343,936	326,058
Estimated fair value [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	43,739	46,762
Estimated fair value [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	89,684	97,953
Estimated fair value [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,738	16,005
Estimated fair value [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	448,662	415,402
Estimated fair value [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	194,305	197,036
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Financial services [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	34,519	34,379
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Information technology [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	26,564	26,865
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Healthcare [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	24,118	26,852
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	15,769	16,694
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,150	22,691
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Energy [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,170	22,863
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Industrials [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	17,745	18,221
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Other [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	17,003	16,056
Estimated fair value [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 18,267	$ 12,415

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA38

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, Recurring Measurement Inputs (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)Security	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)Security
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 1,372,266	$ 1,324,535
Short-term investments	32,798	53,262
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	25,000	25,000
Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,177,961	1,127,499
US Treasury Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	9,737	9,703
US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	223,465	215,616
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	343,936	326,058
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	43,739	46,762
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	89,684	97,953
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,738	16,005
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	448,662	415,402
Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	194,305	197,036
Common stocks Financial services [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	34,519	34,379
Common stocks Information technology [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	26,564	26,865
Common stocks Healthcare [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	24,118	26,852
Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	15,769	16,694
Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,150	22,691
Common stocks Energy [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,170	22,863
Common stocks Industrials [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	17,745	18,221
Common stocks Other [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	17,003	16,056
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,267	12,415
Recurring [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	32,798	53,262
Recurring [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,177,961	1,127,499
Recurring [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	9,737	9,703
Recurring [Member] | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	223,465	215,616
Recurring [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	343,936	326,058
Recurring [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	43,739	46,762
Recurring [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	89,684	97,953
Recurring [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,738	16,005
Recurring [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	448,662	415,402
Recurring [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	194,305	197,036
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Financial services [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	34,519	34,379
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Information technology [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	26,564	26,865
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Healthcare [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	24,118	26,852
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	15,769	16,694
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,150	22,691
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Energy [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,170	22,863
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Industrials [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	17,745	18,221
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Other [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	17,003	16,056
Recurring [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,267	12,415
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	32,798	53,262
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	187,271	192,363
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	34,516	34,376
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	26,564	26,865
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	24,118	26,852
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	15,769	16,694
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	19,150	22,691
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	21,170	22,863
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	17,745	18,221
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Common stocks Other [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	17,003	16,056
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	11,236	7,745
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	1,176,508	1,125,837
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	9,737	9,703
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	223,465	215,616
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	343,936	326,058
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	43,739	46,762
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	89,684	97,953
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,738	16,005
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	447,209	413,740
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	7,031	4,670
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	7,031	4,670
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	$ 1,453	$ 1,662
Number of securities categorized as Level 3 fair value measurements | Security	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	1,453	1,662
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 | Security	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	11,269	12,308
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	$ 11,269	$ 12,308

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA39

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, Unobservable Input Reconciliation (Details) - Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,625	$ 1,952	$ 1,665	$ 1,979
Settlements	(171)	(70)	(214)	(112)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	2	(3)	5	12
Balance at end of period	1,456	1,879	1,456	1,879
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,622	1,949	1,662	1,976
Settlements	(171)	(70)	(214)	(112)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	2	(3)	5	12
Balance at end of period	1,453	1,876	1,453	1,876
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	3
Settlements	0	0	0	0
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Balance at end of period	$ 3	$ 3	$ 3	$ 3

INVESTMENTS (Details)

INVESTMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	$ 1,282,314		$ 1,282,314		$ 1,203,978
Gross unrealized gains	102,305		102,305		128,038
Gross unrealized losses	12,353		12,353		7,481
Estimated fair value	1,372,266		1,372,266		1,324,535
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	177,974		177,974		74,394
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	7,039		7,039		2,142
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	70,876		70,876		152,526
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	5,314		5,314		5,339
Total, Fair value	248,850		248,850		226,920
Total, Unrealized losses	12,353		12,353		7,481
Amortized cost
Due in one year or less	66,429		66,429
Due after one year through five years	144,462		144,462
Due after five years through ten years	280,923		280,923
Due after ten years	507,529		507,529
Securities not due at a single maturity date	140,030		140,030
Totals	1,139,373		1,139,373		1,080,006
Estimated fair value
Due in one year or less	67,150		67,150
Due after one year through five years	152,924		152,924
Due after five years through ten years	286,725		286,725
Due after ten years	533,372		533,372
Securities not due at a single maturity date	137,790		137,790
Totals	1,177,961		1,177,961		1,127,499
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]
'Other-than-temporary' impairments	(628)	$ (561)	(1,293)	$ (877)
Net realized investment gains	7,498	(390)	11,555	3,215
Debt Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	1,139,373		1,139,373		1,080,006
Gross unrealized gains	47,652		47,652		54,148
Gross unrealized losses	9,064		9,064		6,655
Estimated fair value	1,177,961		1,177,961		1,127,499
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	136,195		136,195		65,655
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	3,982		3,982		1,633
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	69,043		69,043		150,623
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	5,082		5,082		5,022
Total, Fair value	205,238		205,238		216,278
Total, Unrealized losses	9,064		9,064		6,655
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]
Available-for-sale, Gross realized investment gains	61	129	642	495
Available-for-sale, Gross realized investment losses	0	0	0	(92)
US Treasury Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	9,600		9,600		9,574
Gross unrealized gains	137		137		129
Gross unrealized losses	0		0		0
Estimated fair value	9,737		9,737		9,703
US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	221,466		221,466		215,425
Gross unrealized gains	2,743		2,743		2,313
Gross unrealized losses	744		744		2,122
Estimated fair value	223,465		223,465		215,616
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	44,495		44,495		24,473
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	471		471		94
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	35,212		35,212		97,446
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	273		273		2,028
Total, Fair value	79,707		79,707		121,919
Total, Unrealized losses	744		744		2,122
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	319,666		319,666		299,258
Gross unrealized gains	24,270		24,270		26,840
Gross unrealized losses	0		0		40
Estimated fair value	343,936		343,936		326,058
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value					0
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses					0
Twelve months or longer, Fair value					3,757
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses					40
Total, Fair value					3,757
Total, Unrealized losses					40
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	41,304		41,304		42,996
Gross unrealized gains	2,437		2,437		3,766
Gross unrealized losses	2		2		0
Estimated fair value	43,739		43,739		46,762
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	579		579		1,102
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	2		2		0
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0		0		0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0		0		0
Total, Fair value	579		579		1,102
Total, Unrealized losses	2		2		0
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	94,411		94,411		100,296
Gross unrealized gains	1,660		1,660		1,402
Gross unrealized losses	6,387		6,387		3,745
Estimated fair value	89,684		89,684		97,953
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	15,102		15,102		21,451
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	1,873		1,873		1,252
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	22,393		22,393		21,163
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	4,514		4,514		2,493
Total, Fair value	37,495		37,495		42,614
Total, Unrealized losses	6,387		6,387		3,745
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	17,738		17,738		14,798
Gross unrealized gains	1,066		1,066		1,213
Gross unrealized losses	66		66		6
Estimated fair value	18,738		18,738		16,005
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	6,136		6,136		1,889
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	66		66		6
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0		0		0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0		0		0
Total, Fair value	6,136		6,136		1,889
Total, Unrealized losses	66		66		6
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	435,188		435,188		397,659
Gross unrealized gains	15,339		15,339		18,485
Gross unrealized losses	1,865		1,865		742
Estimated fair value	448,662		448,662		415,402
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	69,883		69,883		16,740
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	1,570		1,570		281
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	11,438		11,438		28,257
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	295		295		461
Total, Fair value	81,321		81,321		44,997
Total, Unrealized losses	1,865		1,865		742
Equity Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	142,941		142,941		123,972
Gross unrealized gains	54,653		54,653		73,890
Gross unrealized losses	3,289		3,289		826
Estimated fair value	194,305		194,305		197,036
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	41,779		41,779		8,739
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	3,057		3,057		509
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	1,833		1,833		1,903
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	232		232		317
Total, Fair value	43,612		43,612		10,642
Total, Unrealized losses	3,289		3,289		826
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]
Available-for-sale, Gross realized investment gains	3,345	1,140	11,681	6,456
Available-for-sale, Gross realized investment losses	(2,525)	(181)	(3,278)	(662)
'Other-than-temporary' impairments	(628)	(561)	(1,293)	(877)
Common stocks Financial services [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	27,143		27,143		22,586
Gross unrealized gains	8,215		8,215		11,835
Gross unrealized losses	839		839		42
Estimated fair value	34,519		34,519		34,379
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	9,754		9,754		1,162
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	831		831		9
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	57		57		187
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	8		8		33
Total, Fair value	9,811		9,811		1,349
Total, Unrealized losses	839		839		42
Common stocks Information technology [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	18,956		18,956		15,755
Gross unrealized gains	7,845		7,845		11,110
Gross unrealized losses	237		237		0
Estimated fair value	26,564		26,564		26,865
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	3,552		3,552
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	237		237
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0		0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0		0
Total, Fair value	3,552		3,552
Total, Unrealized losses	237		237
Common stocks Healthcare [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	14,969		14,969		14,673
Gross unrealized gains	9,388		9,388		12,179
Gross unrealized losses	239		239		0
Estimated fair value	24,118		24,118		26,852
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	3,388		3,388
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	239		239
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0		0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0		0
Total, Fair value	3,388		3,388
Total, Unrealized losses	239		239
Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	10,093		10,093		10,584
Gross unrealized gains	5,762		5,762		6,112
Gross unrealized losses	86		86		2
Estimated fair value	15,769		15,769		16,694
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	1,762		1,762		1,051
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	86		86		2
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0		0		0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0		0		0
Total, Fair value	1,762		1,762		1,051
Total, Unrealized losses	86		86		2
Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	10,471		10,471		11,304
Gross unrealized gains	8,705		8,705		11,420
Gross unrealized losses	26		26		33
Estimated fair value	19,150		19,150		22,691
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	371		371		822
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	26		26		33
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0		0		0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0		0		0
Total, Fair value	371		371		822
Total, Unrealized losses	26		26		33
Common stocks Energy [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	16,927		16,927		15,837
Gross unrealized gains	4,999		4,999		7,458
Gross unrealized losses	756		756		432
Estimated fair value	21,170		21,170		22,863
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	9,478		9,478		4,298
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	756		756		432
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0		0		0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0		0		0
Total, Fair value	9,478		9,478		4,298
Total, Unrealized losses	756		756		432
Common stocks Industrials [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	11,153		11,153		9,658
Gross unrealized gains	6,924		6,924		8,596
Gross unrealized losses	332		332		33
Estimated fair value	17,745		17,745		18,221
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	3,501		3,501		1,406
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	332		332		33
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0		0		0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0		0		0
Total, Fair value	3,501		3,501		1,406
Total, Unrealized losses	332		332		33
Common stocks Other [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	15,243		15,243		11,493
Gross unrealized gains	2,269		2,269		4,563
Gross unrealized losses	509		509		0
Estimated fair value	17,003		17,003		16,056
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	7,510		7,510
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	509		509
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0		0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0		0
Total, Fair value	7,510		7,510
Total, Unrealized losses	509		509
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	17,986		17,986		12,082
Gross unrealized gains	546		546		617
Gross unrealized losses	265		265		284
Estimated fair value	18,267		18,267		12,415
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	2,463		2,463		0
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	41		41		0
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	1,776		1,776		1,716
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	224		224		284
Total, Fair value	4,239		4,239		1,716
Total, Unrealized losses	265		265		$ 284
Other Long-term Investments [Member]
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]
Other long-term investments, net	$ 7,245	$ (917)	$ 3,803	$ (2,105)

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Details

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Entity's share of case loss reserves, eliminated by the purchase of annuities	$ 110
Contingent liability for aggregate guaranteed amount of annuities	$ 183

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM (Detai

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

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI43

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2014			$ 81,662
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(14,855)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			(6,003)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	$ (4,729)	$ (990)	(20,858)	$ 19,219
Balance at September 30, 2015	60,804		60,804
Unrealized Gains and (Losses) on Available-for-sale securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2014			78,362
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(14,855)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			(5,039)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			(19,894)
Balance at September 30, 2015	58,468		58,468
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Balance at December 31, 2014			3,300
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			(964)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			(964)
Balance at September 30, 2015	$ 2,336		$ 2,336

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI44

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Net realized investment gains		$ 7,498	$ (390)	$ 11,555	$ 3,215
Income tax expense, current		(3,081)	1,452	(15,594)	(2,848)
Total reclassification adjustment		477	786	6,003	4,788
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		253	527	7,752	5,320
Income tax expense, current		(89)	(184)	(2,713)	(1,862)
Total reclassification adjustment		164	343	5,039	3,458
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations | Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Net actuarial loss	[1]	(345)	(144)	(996)	(433)
Prior service credit	[1]	827	826	2,480	2,480
Total before tax		482	682	1,484	2,047
Income tax expense, current		(169)	(239)	(520)	(717)
Total reclassification adjustment		$ 313	$ 443	$ 964	$ 1,330
[1]	These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income (see Note 5, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details).

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details)

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS (Details) - Affiliated Entity [Member] $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Plan	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)Plan	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Plan
Reinsurance [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number Of Reinsurance Program Treaties | Plan			2
Reinsurance [Member] | Per Occurrence Catastrophe Excess of Loss [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Catastrophe claims, retention amount			$ 10,000
Affiliated Reinsurance Contract First Layer Limit			$ 10,000
Affiliated Reinsurance Contract First Layer Coinsurance Rate			20.00%
Dollar Amount of Cost of Affiliated Reinsurance Contract			$ 2,000
Reinsurance [Member] | Annual Aggregate Catastrophe Excess of Loss [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Catastrophe claims, retention amount			20,000
Affiliated Reinsurance Contract First Layer Limit			$ 100,000
Affiliated Reinsurance Contract First Layer Coinsurance Rate			20.00%
Dollar Amount of Cost of Affiliated Reinsurance Contract			$ 3,100
Catastrophe Event Minimum Amount			500
Dollar Amount of Cost of Protection Provided by Industry Loss Warranties			$ 4,000
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Number Of Reinsurance Program Treaties | Plan	1	1	2
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Annual Aggregate Catastrophe Excess of Loss [Member]
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Catastrophe claims, retention amount	$ 15,000	$ 20,000
Affiliated Reinsurance Contract First Layer Limit	12,000	24,000
Dollar Amount of Cost of Affiliated Reinsurance Contract	$ 1,500	$ 6,300