EMC Insurance (EMCI) 10-K 8 Mar 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 29, 2016	Jun. 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 Public Float			$ 222,662,238
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		20,831,163
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $1,130,217 and $1,080,006)	$ 1,161,025	$ 1,127,499
Equity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (cost $144,176 and $123,972)	206,243	197,036
Other long-term investments	9,930	6,227
Short-term investments	38,599	53,262
Total investments	1,415,797	1,384,024
Cash	224	383
Reinsurance receivables due from affiliate	24,236	28,603
Prepaid reinsurance premiums due from affiliate	6,563	8,865
Deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $40,535 and $38,930)	40,720	39,343
Prepaid pension and postretirement benefits due from affiliate	12,133	17,360
Accrued investment income	10,789	10,295
Amounts receivable under reverse repurchase agreements	16,850	0
Accounts receivable	804	1,767
Income taxes recoverable	1,735	0
Goodwill	942	942
Other assets (affiliated $4,595 and $4,900)	5,162	6,238
Total assets	1,535,955	1,497,820
LIABILITIES
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $671,169 and $650,652)	678,774	661,309
Unearned premiums (affiliated $238,637 and $230,460)	239,435	232,093
Other policyholders' funds (all affiliated)	8,721	10,153
Surplus notes payable to affiliate	25,000	25,000
Amounts due affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances	6,408	8,559
Pension benefits payable to affiliate	4,299	4,162
Income taxes payable	0	3
Deferred income taxes	19,029	28,654
Other liabilities (affiliated $28,598 and $23,941)	29,351	25,001
Total liabilities	1,011,017	994,934
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 20,780,439 shares in 2015 and 20,344,409 shares in 2014	20,781	20,344
Additional paid-in capital	108,747	99,891
Accumulated other comprehensive income	58,433	81,662
Retained earnings	336,977	300,989
Total stockholders' equity	524,938	502,886
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,535,955	$ 1,497,820

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, amortized cost	$ 1,130,217	$ 1,080,006
Equity securities available-for-sale, cost	144,176	123,972
Deferred policy acquisition costs from affiliates	40,535	38,930
Affiliated other assets	4,595	4,900
LIABILITIES
Affiliated losses and settlement expenses	671,169	650,652
Unearned premiums from affiliates	238,637	230,460
Affiliated other liabilities	$ 28,598	$ 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)	20,780,439	20,344,409
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	20,780,439	20,344,409

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
REVENUES
Premiums earned (affiliated $566,103, $534,105 and $509,704)	$ 570,266	$ 540,722	$ 515,506
Net investment income	45,582	46,465	43,022
Net realized investment gains, excluding impairment losses on securities available-for-sale	7,634	5,227	9,060
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on securities available-for-sale	(1,481)	(878)	(63)
Portion of other-than-temporary impairment losses on fixed maturity securities available-for-sale reclassified from other comprehensive income (before taxes)	0	0	0
Net impairment losses on securities available-for-sale	(1,481)	(878)	(63)
Net realized investment gains	6,153	4,349	8,997
Other income (affiliated $1,214, $1,784 and $834)	1,725	2,931	460
Total revenues	623,726	594,467	567,985
LOSSES AND EXPENSES
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $368,722, $378,263 and $326,130)	370,736	385,474	333,287
Dividends to policyholders (all affiliated)	7,705	9,504	10,864
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $101,090, $97,551 and $93,116)	102,184	99,042	94,728
Other underwriting expenses (affiliated $68,305, $57,148 and $65,575)	68,418	56,826	65,754
Interest expense (all affiliated)	337	337	384
Other expenses (affiliated $1,822, $1,570 and $1,356)	2,690	2,377	2,115
Total losses and expenses	552,070	553,560	507,132
Income before income tax expense	71,656	40,907	60,853
INCOME TAX EXPENSE
Current	18,611	7,280	16,927
Deferred	2,883	3,635	407
Total income tax expense	21,494	10,915	17,334
Net income	$ 50,162	$ 29,992	$ 43,519
Net income per common share - basic and diluted	$ 2.43	$ 1.48	$ 2.22
Average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in shares)	20,621,919	20,205,935	19,629,918

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INC5

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
REVENUES
Premiums earned, affiliated	$ 566,103	$ 534,105	$ 509,704
Other income, affiliated	1,214	1,784	834
LOSSES AND EXPENSES
Losses and settlement expenses, affiliated	368,722	378,263	326,130
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, affiliated	101,090	97,551	93,116
Other underwriting expenses, affiliated	68,305	57,148	65,575
Other expense, affiliated	$ 1,822	$ 1,570	$ 1,356

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net income	$ 9,895	$ 11,189	$ 8,748	$ 20,330	$ 16,154	$ 2,229	$ 1,014	$ 10,595	$ 50,162	$ 29,992	$ 43,519
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities, net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $(7,021), $18,664 and $(8,390)									(13,037)	34,663	(15,582)
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income, net of income tax expense of $(2,668), $(2,518) and $(3,149)									(4,956)	(4,677)	(5,848)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income), net of deferred income tax (expense) benefit of $(693), $(955) and $765:
Net actuarial loss									863	375	1,882
Prior service credit									(2,150)	(2,149)	(460)
Total reclassification adjustment associated with affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans									(1,287)	(1,774)	1,422
Change in funded status of affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans, net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $(2,126), $(2,994) and $16,836:
Net actuarial gain (loss)									(3,637)	(5,525)	13,718
Prior service (cost) credit									(312)	(35)	17,548
Total change in funded status of affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans									(3,949)	(5,560)	31,266
Other comprehensive income (loss)									(23,229)	22,652	11,258
Total comprehensive income									$ 26,933	$ 52,644	$ 54,777

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COM7

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities, deferred income tax expense (benefit)	$ (7,021)	$ 18,664	$ (8,390)
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment (gains) losses included in net income (loss), income tax (expense) benefit	(2,668)	(2,518)	(3,149)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income), deferred income tax (expense) benefit	(693)	(955)	765
Change in funded status of affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans, deferred income tax expense (benefit)	$ (2,126)	$ (2,994)	$ 16,836

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 401,209	$ 19,364	$ 82,752	$ 47,752	$ 251,341
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock through affiliate's stock plans	10,208	595	9,613
Increase resulting from stock-based compensation expense associated with affiliate's stock plans allocated to the Company	291		291
Other comprehensive income (loss)	11,258			11,258
Net income	43,519				43,519
Dividends paid to public stockholders	(4,526)				(4,526)
Dividends paid to affiliate	(6,749)				(6,749)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2013	455,210	19,959	92,656	59,010	283,585
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock through affiliate's stock plans	7,392	385	7,007
Increase resulting from stock-based compensation expense associated with affiliate's stock plans allocated to the Company	228		228
Other comprehensive income (loss)	22,652			22,652
Net income	29,992				29,992
Dividends paid to public stockholders	(5,211)				(5,211)
Dividends paid to affiliate	(7,377)				(7,377)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2014	502,886	20,344	99,891	81,662	300,989
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock through affiliate's stock plans	9,078	437	8,641
Increase resulting from stock-based compensation expense associated with affiliate's stock plans allocated to the Company	215		215
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(23,229)			(23,229)
Net income	50,162				50,162
Dividends paid to public stockholders	(6,012)				(6,012)
Dividends paid to affiliate	(8,162)				(8,162)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 524,938	$ 20,781	$ 108,747	$ 58,433	$ 336,977

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STO9

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends paid to public stockholders (per share)	$ 0.693	$ 0.627	$ 0.573
Dividends paid to affiliate (per share)	$ 0.693	$ 0.627	$ 0.573

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 50,162	$ 29,992	$ 43,519
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $20,517, $50,339 and $22,836)	17,465	51,128	27,084
Unearned premiums (affiliated $8,177, $11,672 and $22,572)	7,342	11,466	24,412
Other policyholders' funds due to affiliate	(1,432)	1,662	2,436
Amounts due to/from affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances	(2,151)	(531)	(7,261)
Net pension and postretirement benefits due from affiliate	(2,691)	(4,761)	1,267
Reinsurance receivables due from affiliate	4,367	1,725	1,174
Prepaid reinsurance premiums due from affiliate	2,302	852	(4,521)
Commissions payable (affiliated $3,191, $(196) and $2,078)	3,265	(408)	2,227
Deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $(1,605), $(1,516) and $(2,988))	(1,377)	(1,551)	(3,367)
Accrued investment income	(494)	(311)	(46)
Current income tax	(1,643)	(1,424)	3,213
Deferred income tax	2,883	3,635	407
Net realized investment gains	(6,153)	(4,349)	(8,997)
Other, net (affiliated $1,796, $(1,122) and $1,369)	13,767	4,690	5,286
Total adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities	35,450	61,823	43,314
Net cash provided by operating activities	85,612	91,815	86,833
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	(235,242)	(209,885)	(264,178)
Disposals of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	174,971	131,942	175,664
Purchases of equity securities available-for-sale	(83,098)	(50,154)	(40,580)
Disposals of equity securities available-for-sale	70,905	45,698	47,479
Purchases of other long-term investments	(8,416)	(7,613)	(1,798)
Disposals of other long-term investments	2,297	530	246
Net (purchases) disposals of short-term investments	14,663	2,904	(2,786)
Net disbursements under reverse repurchase agreements	(16,850)	0	0
Net cash used in investing activities	(80,770)	(86,578)	(85,953)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issuance of common stock through affiliate’s stock plans	9,078	7,392	10,208
Excess tax benefit associated with affiliate’s stock plans	95	103	96
Dividends paid to stockholders (affiliated $(8,162), $(7,377) and $(6,749))	(14,174)	(12,588)	(11,275)
Net cash used in financing activities	(5,001)	(5,093)	(971)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH	(159)	144	(91)
Cash at the beginning of the year	383	239	330
Cash at the end of the year	224	383	239
Income taxes paid	20,254	8,703	13,714
Interest paid to affiliate	$ 337	$ 384	$ 900

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CA11

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Losses and settlement expenses, affiliated	$ 20,517	$ 50,339	$ 22,836
Unearned premiums, affiliated	8,177	11,672	22,572
Commissions payable, affiliated	3,191	(196)	2,078
Deferred policy acquisition costs, affiliated	(1,605)	(1,516)	(2,988)
Other, net, affiliated	1,796	(1,122)	1,369
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid to stockholders, affiliated	$ (8,162)	$ (7,377)	$ (6,749)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTI

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Description of Business 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 conducts its property and casualty insurance operations through the following subsidiaries: EMCASCO Insurance Company, Illinois EMCASCO Insurance Company and Dakota Fire Insurance Company, and its reinsurance operations through its subsidiary, EMC Reinsurance Company. The Company also has an excess and surplus lines insurance agency subsidiary, EMC Underwriters, LLC. The term “Company” is used interchangeably to describe EMC Insurance Group Inc. (Parent Company only) and EMC Insurance Group Inc. and its subsidiaries. The Company writes property and casualty insurance in both commercial and personal lines of insurance, with a focus on medium-sized commercial accounts. Approximately 37 percent of the premiums written are in Iowa and contiguous states. The Company’s reinsurance business is primarily written through a quota share reinsurance agreement with Employers Mutual. A small portion of the assumed reinsurance business is written on a direct basis, outside the quota share reinsurance agreement. Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), which differ in some respects from those followed in reports to insurance regulatory authorities. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company has evaluated all subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. Property and Casualty Insurance and Reinsurance Operations Property and casualty insurance premiums are recognized as revenue ratably over the terms of the respective policies. Unearned premiums are calculated on the daily pro rata method. Both domestic and foreign assumed reinsurance premiums are recognized as revenues ratably over the terms of the related contracts and underlying policies. Amounts paid as ceded reinsurance premiums are reported as prepaid reinsurance premiums and are amortized over the remaining contract period in proportion to the amount of reinsurance protection provided. Reinsurance reinstatement premiums are recognized in the same period as the loss event that gave rise to the reinstatement premiums. Costs related to the acquisition of insurance contracts are deferred and amortized to expense as the associated premium revenue is recognized. Only incremental costs or costs directly related to the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts are to be capitalized. Accordingly, acquisition costs consist of commissions, premium taxes, and salary and benefit expenses of employees directly involved in the underwriting of insurance policies that are successfully issued. The method followed in computing deferred policy acquisition costs limits the amount of such deferred costs to the estimated realizable value. In determining estimated realizable value, the computation gives effect to the premium to be earned, related investment income, anticipated losses and settlement expenses, anticipated policyholder dividends, and certain other costs expected to be incurred to administer the insurance policies as the premium is earned. The anticipated losses and settlement expenses are not discounted and are based on the Company’s projected loss and settlement expense ratios for the next twelve months, which include catastrophe loads based on historical results adjusted for recent trends. The occurrence of a significant catastrophic event, and/or the accumulation of catastrophes losses would not have a direct impact on the determination of premium deficiencies; however, such occurrences would be included in the historical results that are used to establish the catastrophe loads. A premium deficiency is first recognized by expensing the amount of unamortized deferred policy acquisition costs necessary to eliminate the deficiency. If the premium deficiency is greater than the unamortized deferred policy acquisition costs, a liability is accrued for the excess deficiency. The Company did not record a premium deficiency for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . Certain commercial lines of business written by the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries, including workers’ compensation, are eligible for policyholder dividends in accordance with provisions of the underlying insurance policies. Net premiums written subject to policyholder dividends represented approximately 25 percent of the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries’ total net commercial line premiums written in 2015 . Policyholder dividends are accrued over the terms of the underlying policy periods. Liabilities for losses reflect losses incurred through the balance sheet date and are based upon case-basis estimates of reported losses supplemented with bulk case loss reserves, estimates of unreported losses based upon prior experience adjusted for current trends, and estimates of losses expected to be paid under assumed reinsurance contracts. Liabilities for settlement expenses are provided by estimating expenses expected to be incurred in settling the claims provided for in the loss reserves. Changes in reserves estimates are reflected in net income in the year such changes are recorded (see note 4). Ceded reinsurance amounts with nonaffiliated reinsurers relating to reinsurance receivables for unpaid losses and settlement expenses and prepaid reinsurance premiums are reported on the balance sheet on a gross basis. Amounts ceded to Employers Mutual relating to the affiliated reinsurance pooling and excess of loss agreements (see note 2) have not been grossed up because the contracts provide that receivables and payables may be offset upon settlement. Based on current information, the liabilities for losses and settlement expenses are considered to be adequate. Since the provisions are necessarily based on estimates, the ultimate liabilities may be more or less than such provisions. Investments Currently, all securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity, net of deferred income taxes. Other long-term investments consist of holdings in limited partnerships that are carried under the equity method of accounting, and holdings in limited partnerships and limited liability companies designed for the distribution of tax credits that are carried at amortized cost. The Company has an investment 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 limited partnership 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 realized investment gains (losses), rather than as a component of investment income. Short-term investments generally include money market funds, U.S. Treasury bills and commercial paper that are carried at fair value, which approximates cost. During 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 in the consolidated statements of cash flows, and the income as a component of operating activities. The Company uses independent pricing sources to obtain the estimated fair value of securities. The fair value is based on quoted market prices, where available. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, the fair value is based on a variety of valuation techniques depending on the type of investment. The fair values obtained from independent pricing sources are reviewed for reasonableness and any discrepancies are investigated for final valuation (see note 8). Premiums and discounts on fixed maturity securities are amortized over the life of the security as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method. Amortization of premiums and discounts on mortgage-backed securities incorporates prepayment assumptions to estimate expected lives. 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. Included in investments at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are securities on deposit with various regulatory authorities as required by law amounting to $11.2 million and $11.7 million , respectively. The Company regularly monitors its investment portfolio for securities whose fair value is less than the carrying value for indications of “other-than-temporary” impairment. Several factors are used to determine whether the carrying value of an individual security has been “other-than-temporarily” impaired. Such factors include, but are not limited to (1) the security’s value and performance in the context of the overall markets, (2) length of time and extent the security’s fair value has been below carrying value, (3) key corporate events, and (4) for equity securities, the ability and intent to hold the security until recovery to its cost basis. When an equity security is deemed to be “other-than-temporarily” impaired, the carrying value is reduced to fair value and a realized loss is recognized and charged to income. For fixed maturity securities, if the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost of the security, a credit loss is deemed to exist and the security is considered “other-than-temporarily” impaired. The portion of the impairment related to a credit loss is recognized through earnings and the portion of the impairment related to other factors, if any, is recognized through “other comprehensive income”. Alternatively, if the Company has the intent to sell a fixed maturity security that is in an unrealized loss position, or determines that it will "more likely than not" be required to sell a fixed maturity security that is in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis, then the carrying value is reduced to fair value and the entire amount of the impairment is recognized through earnings. During 2015, the Company early adopted the updated accounting guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) in Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-07 related to the Fair Value Measurement Topic 820 of the Accounting Standards Codification ™ (Codification or ASC). This new accounting guidance allowed the Company to continue to avail itself of a practical expedient to measure the pooled separate account investments in Employers Mutual's qualified pension plan at the net asset value per share, but removed the requirement to categorize these investments within the fair value hierarchy. Income Taxes The Company files a consolidated Federal income tax return with its subsidiaries. Consolidated income taxes/benefits are allocated among the entities based upon separate tax liabilities. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of those assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Income tax expense provisions increase or decrease in the same period in which a change in tax rates is enacted. A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets to their net realizable value if it is “more likely than not” that a tax benefit will not be realized. An assessment of the Company’s current tax positions indicated no uncertainties that would warrant different recognition and valuation from that applied in the Company’s tax returns. Stock-Based Compensation The Company has no stock-based compensation plans of its own; however, Employers Mutual has several stock plans that utilize the common stock of the Company. The Company receives the current fair value for all shares issued under these plans. Employers Mutual also has a stock appreciation rights (SAR) agreement in effect with a former executive officer of the Company. The SAR agreement is based upon the market price of the Company’s common stock and is considered to be a liability-classified award because it will be settled in cash. A portion of the compensation expense recognized by Employers Mutual (as the requisite service period for granted options and restricted stock awards is rendered, or the fair value of the SAR agreement changes) is allocated to the Company’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries though their participation in the pooling agreement (see note 2). Because a portion of Employers Mutual’s stock compensation expense is reflected in the Company’s financial statements and issuances of the Company’s stock under Employers Mutual’s stock plans have an impact on the Company’s capital accounts, the disclosures required by the Compensation – Stock Compensation Topic 718 of the FASB ASC are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements. Employee Retirement Plans Employers Mutual has various employee benefit plans, including two defined benefit pension plans, and two postretirement benefit plans that provide retiree healthcare and life insurance benefits. Although the Company has no employees of its own, it is responsible for its share of the expenses and related prepaid assets and liabilities of these plans as determined under the terms of the pooling agreement, and the costs allocated by Employers Mutual to subsidiaries that do not participate in the pooling agreement (see note 2). Accordingly, the Company recognizes its share of the funded status of Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans on its balance sheet, with changes in the funded status of the plans recognized through “other comprehensive income.” Accounts Receivable The accounts receivable balance consists of assumed reinsurance premiums receivable (net of any commissions) on business written directly by the reinsurance subsidiary, and commission income receivable on excess and surplus lines business marketed by EMC Underwriters, LLC. These receivables are carried at their initial recognition amounts. It is the Company’s policy to reflect the impairment of receivables through a valuation allowance until ultimately collected or charged-off. No valuation allowance is currently carried, as no amounts are deemed impaired. No interest income, other fees, or deferred costs related to these receivables are assessed or recognized. Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposure Employers Mutual collects from agents, policyholders and ceding companies all written premiums associated with the insurance business produced by the pool participants and the assumed reinsurance business ceded to the reinsurance subsidiary. Employers Mutual also collects from external reinsurers all losses and settlement expenses recoverable under the reinsurance contracts protecting the pool participants and the fronting business ceded to the reinsurance subsidiary. Employers Mutual settles with the pool participants (monthly) and the reinsurance subsidiary (quarterly) the premiums written from these insurance policies and the paid losses and settlement expenses recoverable under the external reinsurance contracts, providing full credit for the premiums written and the paid losses and settlement expenses recoverable under the external reinsurance contracts generated during the period (not just the collected portion). Due to this arrangement, and since a significant portion of the premium balances are collected over the course of the underlying coverage periods, Employers Mutual carries a substantial receivable balance for insurance and reinsurance premiums in process of collection and, to a lesser extent, paid losses and settlement expenses recoverable from the external reinsurance companies. Any of these receivable amounts that are ultimately deemed to be uncollectible are charged-off by Employers Mutual and the expense is charged to the reinsurance subsidiary or allocated to the pool members on the basis of pool participation. As a result, the Company has off-balance sheet arrangements with an unconsolidated entity that results in credit-risk exposures (Employers Mutual’s insurance and reinsurance premium receivable balances, and paid loss and settlement expense recoverable amounts) that are not reflected in the Company’s financial statements. The average annual expense for such charge-offs allocated to the Company over the past ten years is $366,000 . Based on this historical data, this credit-risk exposure is not considered to be material to the Company’s results of operations or financial position and, accordingly, no loss contingency liability has been recorded. Foreign Currency Transactions Included in the underlying reinsurance business assumed by the reinsurance subsidiary are reinsurance transactions conducted with foreign cedants denominated in their local functional currencies. In accordance with the terms of the quota share agreement (see note 2), the reinsurance subsidiary assumes all foreign currency exchange gains/losses associated with contracts incepting on January 1, 2006 and thereafter that are subject to the quota share agreement. The reinsurance subsidiary also has foreign currency exchange gains/losses associated with the business assumed outside the quota share agreement. The assets and liabilities resulting from these foreign reinsurance transactions are reported in U.S. dollars based on the foreign currency exchange rates that existed at the balance sheet dates. The foreign currency exchange rate gains/losses reported in the consolidated statements of income that resulted from these foreign reinsurance transactions are reported in U.S. dollars re-measured from the foreign currency exchange rates that existed at the inception of each reinsurance contract. The foreign currency exchange rate gains/losses resulting from these re-measurements to U.S. dollars are reported as a component of other income in the consolidated statements of income. Net Income Per Share - Basic and Diluted The Company’s basic and diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. As previously noted, the Company receives the current fair value for all shares issued under Employers Mutual’s stock plans. As a result, the Company had no potential common shares outstanding during 2015 , 2014 or 2013 that would have been dilutive to the calculation of net income per share. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets of acquired subsidiaries. Goodwill is not amortized, but is subject to impairment if the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds the estimated fair value of net assets. If the carrying amount of the subsidiary (including goodwill) exceeds the computed fair value, an impairment loss is recognized through the income statement equal to the excess amount, but not greater than the balance of the goodwill. Goodwill was not deemed to be impaired in 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . 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". New Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB updated its guidance related to the Revenue from Contracts with Customers Topic 606 of the 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 2018. 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 items are service charges related to the billing of the pool participants' direct written premiums to policyholders, and commission income on excess and surplus lines business marketed by EMC Underwriters, LLC, both of which are included in "Other income" in the consolidated statements of income. In February 2015, the FASB updated its guidance related to the Consolidation Topic 810 of the ASC. The objective of this update is to improve consolidation guidance through changes in the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. The guidance modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities or voting interest entities, while also eliminating the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and is to be applied either retrospectively or through a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2016, but it is not expected to have an impact on the consolidated financial condition or operating results of the Company. 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 required (for each accident year of incurred claims development disclosed), is disclosure of incurred but not reported (IBNR) loss reserves, claim frequency information, and the 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. In January 2016, the FASB updated its guidance related to the Financial Instruments-Overall Subtopic 825-10 of the ASC. The objective of this update is to enhance the reporting model for financial instruments to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information. The major change in reporting from this update that will impact the Company is a requirement that equity investments (excluding those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that are consolidated) be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. While all of the Company's equity investments are already measured at fair value (with the exception of those that are consolidated and those that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting), the Company currently classifies all of its investments in equity securities as available-for-sale, and as such, the changes in fair value are currently recognized in other comprehensive income rather than net income. This guidance is to be applied to annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with recognition of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company will adopt this guidance during the first quarter of 2018. Adoption is not expected to impact consolidated stockholders' equity, but is expected to introduce a material amount of volatility to the Company's consolidated net income. In February 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance in Leases Topic 842 of the ASC, which supersedes the guidance in Leases Topic 840 of the ASC. The objective of this update is to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet, and disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and is to be applied using a modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt this guidance during the first quarter of 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial condition and operating results.

AFFILIATION AND TRANSACTIONS WI

AFFILIATION AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
AFFILIATION AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES	AFFILIATION AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES The operations of the Company are highly integrated with those of Employers Mutual through participation in a property and casualty reinsurance pooling agreement (the "pooling agreement"), a reinsurance retrocessional quota share agreement (the "quota share agreement") and an excess of loss reinsurance agreement (the “excess of loss agreement”). All transactions occurring under the pooling agreement, quota share agreement and excess of loss agreement are based on statutory accounting principles. Certain adjustments are made to the statutory-basis amounts assumed by the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries and the reinsurance subsidiary to bring the amounts into compliance with GAAP. Property and Casualty Insurance Subsidiaries The Company’s three property and casualty insurance subsidiaries and two subsidiaries and an affiliate of Employers Mutual (Union Insurance Company of Providence, EMC Property & Casualty Company and Hamilton Mutual Insurance Company) are parties to a pooling agreement with Employers Mutual. Under the terms of the pooling agreement, each company cedes to Employers Mutual all of its insurance business, and assumes from Employers Mutual an amount equal to its participation in the pool. All premiums, losses, settlement expenses, and other underwriting and administrative expenses, excluding the voluntary reinsurance business assumed by Employers Mutual from nonaffiliated insurance companies, are prorated among the parties on the basis of participation in the pool. Employers Mutual negotiates reinsurance agreements that provide protection to the pool and each of its participants, including protection against losses arising from catastrophic events. The aggregate participation of the Company’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries in the pool is 30 percent . The Inter-Company Committees of the boards of directors of the Company and Employers Mutual 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. This reinsurance program is intended to reduce the volatility of the Company's quarterly results caused by excessive catastrophe and storm losses, and will provide protection from both the frequency and severity of such losses. The 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 through 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. Operations of the pool give rise to inter-company balances with Employers Mutual, which are generally settled during the subsequent month. The investment and income tax activities of the pool participants are not subject to the pooling agreement. The pooling agreement provides that Employers Mutual will make up any shortfall or difference resulting from an error in its systems and/or computation processes that would otherwise result in the required restatement of the pool participants’ financial statements. The purpose of the pooling agreement is to spread the risk of an exposure insured by any of the pool participants among all the companies. The pooling agreement produces a more uniform and stable underwriting result from year to year for all companies in the pool than might be experienced individually. In addition, each company benefits from the capacity of the entire pool, rather than being limited to policy exposures of a size commensurate with its own surplus, and from the wide range of policy forms, lines of insurance written, rate filings and commission plans offered by each of the companies. Reinsurance Subsidiary The Company’s reinsurance subsidiary is party to a quota share agreement and an excess of loss agreement with Employers Mutual. Under the terms of the quota share agreement, the reinsurance subsidiary assumes 100 percent of Employers Mutual’s assumed reinsurance business, subject to certain exceptions. Under the terms of the excess of loss agreement (covering both business assumed from Employers Mutual through the quota share agreement, as well as business obtained outside the quota share agreement), the reinsurance subsidiary retains the first $4.0 million of losses per event, and also retains 20.0 percent of any losses between $4.0 million and $10.0 million and 10.0 percent of any losses between $10.0 million and $50.0 million . The cost of the excess of loss reinsurance protection, which includes reimbursement for the cost of reinsurance protection purchased by Employers Mutual to protect itself from the assumption of excessive losses in the event of a major catastrophe, is 8.0 percent ( 9.0 percent in 2013 ) of the reinsurance subsidiary’s total assumed reinsurance premiums written. 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. The 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 recovered under the per occurrence treaty will inure to the benefit of the aggregate treaty. Only catastrophic events with total losses greater than $500,000 will be subject to the terms of the aggregate treaty. The reinsurance subsidiary will also purchase additional reinsurance protection (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 reinsurance recoveries received from external parties will reduce the amount of losses ceded to Employers Mutual under the excess of loss agreement. The net cost of the external reinsurance protection is estimated to be approximately $4.0 million . The reinsurance subsidiary does not directly reinsure any of the insurance business written by Employers Mutual or the other pool participants; however, Employers Mutual assumes reinsurance business from the Mutual Reinsurance Bureau underwriting association (MRB), which provides a small amount of reinsurance protection to the members of the EMC Insurance Companies pooling agreement. As a result, the reinsurance subsidiary’s assumed exposures include a small portion of the EMC Insurance Companies’ direct business, after ceded reinsurance protections purchased by MRB are applied. In addition, the reinsurance subsidiary does not reinsure any “involuntary” facility or pool business that Employers Mutual assumes pursuant to state law. The reinsurance subsidiary assumes all foreign currency exchange gain/loss associated with contracts incepting on January 1, 2006 and thereafter that are subject to the quota share agreement. Operations of the quota share and excess of loss agreements give rise to inter-company balances with Employers Mutual, which are generally settled during the month following the end of each quarter. The investment and income tax activities of the reinsurance subsidiary are not subject to the quota share agreement. Under the terms of the quota share agreement, the reinsurance subsidiary receives reinstatement premium income that is collected by Employers Mutual from the ceding companies when reinsurance coverage is reinstated after a loss event; however, the cap on losses assumed per event contained in the excess of loss agreement is automatically reinstated without cost. The reinsurance subsidiary recognized $1.8 million , $2.3 million and $2.5 million of reinstatement premium in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Premiums earned assumed by the reinsurance subsidiary from Employers Mutual, including reinstatement premiums, amounted to $129.6 million , $122.1 million and $129.7 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The reinsurance subsidiary ceded 8.0 percent ( 9.0 percent in 2013 ) of its total assumed reinsurance premiums written to Employers Mutual as payment for the excess of loss protection, which totaled $10.8 million , $10.3 million and $12.8 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Losses and settlement expenses assumed by the reinsurance subsidiary from Employers Mutual amounted to $77.5 million , $79.5 million and $66.1 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Losses and settlement expenses ceded to Employers Mutual under the excess of loss agreement totaled $622,000 , ( $720,000 ) and $823,000 in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. It is customary in the reinsurance business for the assuming company to compensate the ceding company for the acquisition expenses incurred in the generation of the business. Commissions incurred by the reinsurance subsidiary under the quota share agreement with Employers Mutual amounted to $27.3 million , $25.6 million and $26.1 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The net foreign currency exchange gain/(loss) assumed by the reinsurance subsidiary from Employers Mutual was $386,000 in 2015 , $1.0 million in 2014 and $8,000 in 2013 . The total amount of net foreign currency exchange gain/(loss) assumed by the reinsurance subsidiary, including the business written on a direct basis outside the quota share agreement, was $898,000 in 2015 , $2.2 million in 2014 and $(366,000) in 2013 . Services Provided by Employers Mutual The Company does not have any employees of its own. Employers Mutual performs all operations for all of its subsidiaries and affiliate. Such services include data processing, claims, financial, actuarial, legal, auditing, marketing and underwriting. Employers Mutual allocates a portion of the cost of these services to its subsidiaries that do not participate in the pooling agreement based upon a number of criteria, including usage of the services and the number of transactions. The remaining costs are charged to the pooling agreement and each pool participant shares in the total cost in accordance with its pool participation percentage. Costs allocated to the Company by Employers Mutual for services provided to the holding company and its subsidiary that does not participate in the pooling agreement amounted to $3.4 million , $3.5 million and $3.6 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Costs allocated to the Company through the operation of the pooling agreement amounted to $87.4 million , $76.0 million and $83.3 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Investment expenses are based on actual expenses incurred by the Company plus an allocation of other investment expenses incurred by Employers Mutual, which is based on a weighted-average of total invested assets and number of investment transactions. Investment expenses allocated to the Company by Employers Mutual amounted to $1.4 million , $1.3 million and $1.6 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

REINSURANCE

REINSURANCE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
REINSURANCE	REINSURANCE The parties to the pooling agreement cede insurance business to other insurers in the ordinary course of business for the purpose of limiting their maximum loss exposure through diversification of their risks. In its consolidated financial statements, the Company treats risks to the extent they are reinsured as though they were risks for which the Company is not liable. Insurance ceded by the pool participants does not relieve their primary liability as the originating insurers. Employers Mutual evaluates the financial condition of the reinsurers of the parties to the pooling agreement and monitors concentrations of credit risk arising from similar geographic regions, activities or economic characteristics of the reinsurers to minimize exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , amounts recoverable from nonaffiliated reinsurers ( three each in 2015 and 2014 ) totaled $12.7 million and $16.3 million respectively, which represents a significant portion of the total prepaid reinsurance premiums and reinsurance receivables for losses and settlement expenses. Included in these balances are amounts due from the MRB underwriting association, of which the Company (through Employers Mutual) is a member with other unaffiliated reinsurers. All members of MRB have joint and several liability for MRB's obligations. Also included in these balances is the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries’ aggregate pool participation percentage of amounts ceded by Employers Mutual to organizations on a mandatory basis. Credit risk associated with these amounts are minimal, as all companies participating in the organizations are responsible for the liabilities of the organizations on a pro rata basis. The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned, and losses and settlement expenses incurred, for the three years ended December 31, 2015 is presented below. The classification of the assumed and ceded reinsurance amounts between affiliates and nonaffiliates is based on the participants in the underlying reinsurance agreements, and is intended to provide an understanding of the actual source of the reinsurance activities. This presentation differs from the classifications used in the consolidated financial statements, where all amounts flowing through the pooling, quota share and excess of loss agreements with Employers Mutual are reported as “affiliated” balances. Year ended December 31, 2015 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 370,955 $ — $ 370,955 Assumed from nonaffiliates 4,392 138,700 143,092 Assumed from affiliates 474,323 — 474,323 Ceded to nonaffiliates (24,281 ) (3,369 ) (27,650 ) Ceded to affiliates (370,955 ) (10,827 ) (381,782 ) Net premiums written $ 454,434 $ 124,504 $ 578,938 Premiums earned Direct $ 366,752 $ — $ 366,752 Assumed from nonaffiliates 4,240 139,839 144,079 Assumed from affiliates 466,966 — 466,966 Ceded to nonaffiliates (24,009 ) (5,943 ) (29,952 ) Ceded to affiliates (366,752 ) (10,827 ) (377,579 ) Net premiums earned $ 447,197 $ 123,069 $ 570,266 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 198,504 $ — $ 198,504 Assumed from nonaffiliates 2,407 83,515 85,922 Assumed from affiliates 294,324 857 295,181 Ceded to nonaffiliates (4,848 ) (4,897 ) (9,745 ) Ceded to affiliates (198,504 ) (622 ) (199,126 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 291,883 $ 78,853 $ 370,736 Year ended December 31, 2014 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 367,732 $ — $ 367,732 Assumed from nonaffiliates 3,955 143,564 147,519 Assumed from affiliates 455,183 — 455,183 Ceded to nonaffiliates (25,431 ) (14,322 ) (39,753 ) Ceded to affiliates (367,732 ) (10,339 ) (378,071 ) Net premiums written $ 433,707 $ 118,903 $ 552,610 Premiums earned Direct $ 372,658 $ — $ 372,658 Assumed from nonaffiliates 3,787 144,439 148,226 Assumed from affiliates 443,440 — 443,440 Ceded to nonaffiliates (24,846 ) (15,759 ) (40,605 ) Ceded to affiliates (372,658 ) (10,339 ) (382,997 ) Net premiums earned $ 422,381 $ 118,341 $ 540,722 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 227,382 $ — $ 227,382 Assumed from nonaffiliates 2,201 96,281 98,482 Assumed from affiliates 304,579 1,278 305,857 Ceded to nonaffiliates (8,747 ) (10,838 ) (19,585 ) Ceded to affiliates (227,382 ) 720 (226,662 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 298,033 $ 87,441 $ 385,474 Year ended December 31, 2013 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 368,532 $ — $ 368,532 Assumed from nonaffiliates 3,501 162,291 165,792 Assumed from affiliates 425,218 — 425,218 Ceded to nonaffiliates (23,670 ) (20,502 ) (44,172 ) Ceded to affiliates (368,532 ) (12,761 ) (381,293 ) Net premiums written $ 405,049 $ 129,028 $ 534,077 Premiums earned Direct $ 361,010 $ — $ 361,010 Assumed from nonaffiliates 3,275 151,978 155,253 Assumed from affiliates 412,665 — 412,665 Ceded to nonaffiliates (23,221 ) (16,430 ) (39,651 ) Ceded to affiliates (361,010 ) (12,761 ) (373,771 ) Net premiums earned $ 392,719 $ 122,787 $ 515,506 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 237,109 $ — $ 237,109 Assumed from nonaffiliates 2,281 80,854 83,135 Assumed from affiliates 267,292 1,199 268,491 Ceded to nonaffiliates (8,656 ) (8,860 ) (17,516 ) Ceded to affiliates (237,109 ) (823 ) (237,932 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 260,917 $ 72,370 $ 333,287 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.

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETTLE

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETTLEMENT EXPENSES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Abstract]
LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETTLEMENT EXPENSES	LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETTLEMENT EXPENSES The following table sets forth a reconciliation of beginning and ending reserves for losses and settlement expenses of the Company. Amounts presented are on a net basis, with a reconciliation of beginning and ending reserves to the gross amounts presented in the consolidated financial statements. Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Gross reserves at beginning of year $ 661,309 $ 610,181 $ 583,097 Re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates (2,061 ) 333 (2 ) Less ceded reserves at beginning of year 28,253 30,118 31,390 Net reserves at beginning of year 635,117 579,730 551,709 Incurred losses and settlement expenses related to: Current year 405,850 406,266 346,072 Prior years (35,114 ) (20,792 ) (12,785 ) Total incurred losses and settlement expenses 370,736 385,474 333,287 Paid losses and settlement expenses related to: Current year 154,958 162,905 137,998 Prior years 193,123 167,182 167,268 Total paid losses and settlement expenses 348,081 330,087 305,266 Net reserves at end of year 657,772 635,117 579,730 Plus ceded reserves at end of year 23,477 28,253 30,118 Re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates (2,475 ) (2,061 ) 333 Gross reserves at end of year $ 678,774 $ 661,309 $ 610,181 Development on prior years’ reserves resulting solely from changes in the allocation of bulk reserves between the current and prior accident years does not have an impact on earnings. This is due to the fact that such development is simply a mathematical by-product of the mechanical process used to reallocate bulk reserves to the various accident years. Earnings are only impacted by changes in the total amount of carried reserves. The following table presents the reported amounts of favorable development experienced on prior years’ reserves and the portion of the reported development amounts that resulted solely from changes in the allocation of bulk reserves between the current and prior accident years (no impact on earnings). The result is an approximation of the implied amounts of favorable development that had an impact on earnings. Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Reported amount of favorable development experienced on prior years' reserves $ (35,114 ) $ (20,792 ) $ (12,785 ) Adjustment for (adverse) favorable development included in the reported development amount that had no impact on earnings (618 ) 2,151 6,526 Approximation of the implied amount of favorable development that had an impact on earnings $ (35,732 ) $ (18,641 ) $ (6,259 ) There is an inherent amount of uncertainty involved in the establishment of insurance liabilities. This uncertainty is greatest in the current and more recent accident years because a smaller percentage of the expected ultimate claims have been reported, adjusted and settled compared to more mature accident years. For this reason, carried reserves for these accident years reflect prudently conservative assumptions. As the carried reserves for these accident years run off, the overall expectation is that, more often than not, favorable development will occur. However, there is also the possibility that the ultimate settlement of liabilities associated with these accident years will show adverse development, and such adverse development could be substantial. Changes in reserve estimates are reflected in net income in the year such changes are recorded. Following is an analysis of the reserve development the Company has experienced during the past three years. Care should be exercised when attempting to analyze the financial impact of the reported development amounts because, as noted above, the overall expectation is that, more often than not, favorable development will occur as the prior accident years’ reserves run off. 2015 Development For the property and casualty insurance segment, the December 31, 2015 estimate of loss and settlement expense reserves for accident years 2014 and prior decreased $13.8 million from the estimate at December 31, 2014 . This decrease represents 3.0 percent of the December 31, 2014 gross carried reserves and is primarily attributed to better than expected outcomes on claims reported in prior years and favorable development on prior years' settlement expenses. No changes were made in the key actuarial assumptions utilized to estimate loss and settlement expense reserves during 2015 ; however, the accident year allocation factors applied to IBNR loss reserves, bulk case loss reserves and the defense and cost containment portion of settlement expense reserves were revised at December 31, 2015 as part of the annual review. This change resulted in the movement of $423,000 of reserves from prior accident years to the current accident year, and hence, was reported as favorable development on prior years' reserves. Development on prior years’ reserves resulting solely from changes in the allocation of bulk reserves between the current and prior accident years does not have an impact on earnings. For the reinsurance segment, the December 31, 2015 estimate of loss and settlement expense reserves for accident years 2014 and prior decreased $21.3 million from the estimate at December 31, 2014 . This decrease represents 10.8 percent of the December 31, 2014 gross carried reserves and is attributable to several factors, including adjustments made in the offshore energy and liability proportional account, a reduction in carried IBNR loss reserves that could no longer be justified and a negative bulk IBNR loss reserve established for the MRB book of business. No changes were made in the key actuarial assumptions utilized to estimate loss and settlement expense reserves during 2015; however, the accident year allocation factors applied to IBNR loss reserves were revised during 2015. This change resulted in the movement of $1.0 million of reserves from the current accident year to prior accident years, and hence, was reported as adverse development on prior years' reserves. Development on prior years’ reserves resulting solely from changes in the allocation of bulk reserves between the current and prior accident years does not have an impact on earnings. 2014 Development For the property and casualty insurance segment, the December 31, 2014 estimate of loss and settlement expense reserves for accident years 2013 and prior decreased $8.1 million from the estimate at December 31, 2013 . This decrease represented 1.9 percent of the December 31, 2013 gross carried reserves and was primarily attributed to better than expected outcomes on claims reported in prior years and favorable development on prior years' settlement expense reserves. No changes were made in the key actuarial assumptions utilized to estimate loss and settlement expense reserves during 2014 ; however, the accident year allocation factors applied to IBNR loss reserves, bulk case loss reserves and the defense and cost containment portion of settlement expense reserves were revised at December 31, 2014 as part of the annual review. This change resulted in the movement of $2.2 million of reserves from prior accident years to the current accident year, and hence, was reported as favorable development on prior years' reserves. Development on prior years’ reserves resulting solely from changes in the allocation of bulk reserves between the current and prior accident years does not have an impact on earnings. For the reinsurance segment, the December 31, 2014 estimate of loss and settlement expense reserves for accident years 2013 and prior decreased $12.7 million from the estimate at December 31, 2013 . This decrease represented 6.9 percent of the December 31, 2013 gross carried reserves and was largely attributed to reported losses being lower than what was expected as of December 31, 2014 for accident years 2012 and prior, and a take down of IBNR loss reserves on older accident years because the amount previously carried was no longer indicated in the actuarial analysis. 2013 Development For the property and casualty insurance segment, the December 31, 2013 estimate of loss and settlement expense reserves for accident years 2012 and prior decreased $7.3 million from the estimate at December 31, 2012 . This decrease represented 1.8 percent of the December 31, 2012 gross carried reserves and was primarily attributed to favorable development on settlement expense reserves and ceded reinsurance reserves. No changes were made in the key actuarial assumptions utilized to estimate loss and settlement expense reserves during 2013 ; however, the accident year allocation factors applied to IBNR loss reserves, bulk case loss reserves and the defense and cost containment portion of settlement expense reserves were revised at December 31, 2013 as part of the annual review. This change resulted in the movement of $6.5 million of reserves from the prior accident years to the current accident year, and hence, was reported as favorable development on prior years' reserves. Development on prior years’ reserves resulting solely from changes in the allocation of bulk reserves between the current and prior accident years does not have an impact on earnings. For the reinsurance segment, the December 31, 2013 estimate of loss and settlement expense reserves for accident years 2012 and prior decreased $5.5 million from the estimate at December 31, 2012 . This decrease represented 3.2 percent of the December 31, 2012 gross carried reserves and was largely attributed to reported losses that were below the December 2012 implicit projections for policy year 2012 in the Home Office Reinsurance Assumed Department ("HORAD") book of business.

ASBESTOS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLAI

ASBESTOS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Liability for Asbestos and Environmental Claims [Abstract]
ASBESTOS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS	ASBESTOS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS The Company has exposure to asbestos and environmental related claims associated with the insurance business written by the parties to the pooling agreement and the reinsurance business assumed from Employers Mutual by the reinsurance subsidiary. These exposures are not considered to be significant. Asbestos and environmental losses paid by the Company have averaged $1.8 million per year over the past five years. Reserves for asbestos and environmental related claims for direct insurance and assumed reinsurance business totaled $11.5 million and $9.4 million ( $11.2 million and $9.3 million net of reinsurance) at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Estimating loss and settlement expense reserves for asbestos and environmental claims is very difficult due to the many uncertainties surrounding these types of claims. These uncertainties exist because the assignment of responsibility varies widely by state and claims often emerge long after a policy has expired, which makes assignment of damages to the appropriate party and to the time period covered by a particular policy difficult. In establishing reserves for these types of claims, management monitors the relevant facts concerning each claim, the current status of the legal environment, social and political conditions, and claim history and trends within the Company and the industry. At present, the pool participants are defending approximately 1,809 asbestos bodily injury lawsuits, some of which involve multiple plaintiffs. Most of the lawsuits are subject to express reservation of rights based upon the lack of an injury within the applicable policy periods, because many asbestos lawsuits do not specifically allege dates of asbestos exposure or dates of injury. The pool participants’ policyholders named as defendants in these asbestos lawsuits are typically peripheral defendants who have little or no exposure and are routinely dismissed from asbestos litigation with nominal or no payment (i.e., small contractors, supply companies, and a furnace manufacturer). Prior to 2008, actual losses paid for asbestos-related claims had been minimal due to the plaintiffs’ failure to identify an exposure to any asbestos-containing products associated with the pool participants’ current and former policyholders. However, paid losses and settlement expenses have increased significantly since 2008 as a result of claims attributed to one former policyholder. During the period 2009 through 2015, the Company's share of paid losses and settlement expenses attributed to this former policyholder, a furnace manufacturer, was $9.4 million (primarily settlement expenses). A coverage-in-place agreement was executed with this former policyholder in 2009 and a national coordinating counsel was retained to address the multi-state litigation issues. The asbestos exposure associated with this former policyholder has increased in recent years, and this trend may possibly continue into the future with increased per plaintiff settlements. Approximately 655 asbestos exposure claims associated with this former policyholder remain open. While the Company does not have a significant amount of exposure to asbestos claims, management has been proactive in strengthening the reserves carried for these exposures when deemed necessary. In 2015 , the loss and settlement expense reserves for asbestos claims were strengthened approximately $4.1 million .

STATUTORY INFORMATION AND DIVID

STATUTORY INFORMATION AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
STATUTORY INFORMATION AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS [Abstract]
STATUTORY INFORMATION AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS	STATUTORY INFORMATION AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are required to file financial statements with state regulatory authorities. The accounting principles used to prepare these statutory financial statements follow prescribed or permitted accounting practices that differ from GAAP. Prescribed statutory accounting principles include state laws, regulations and general administrative rules issued by the state of domicile, as well as a variety of publications and manuals of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Permitted accounting practices encompass all accounting practices not prescribed, but allowed by the state of domicile. The Company’s insurance subsidiaries had no permitted accounting practices during 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . Statutory surplus of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries was $485.2 million and $454.8 million at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Statutory net income of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries was $48.8 million , $32.2 million and $41.2 million for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The NAIC utilizes a risk-based capital model to help state regulators assess the capital adequacy of insurance companies and identify insurers that are in, or are perceived as approaching, financial difficulty. This model establishes minimum capital needs based on the risks applicable to the operations of the individual insurer. The risk-based capital requirements for property and casualty insurance companies measure three major areas of risk: asset risk, credit risk and underwriting risk. Companies having less statutory surplus than required by the risk-based capital requirements are subject to varying degrees of regulatory scrutiny and intervention, depending on the severity of the inadequacy. At December 31, 2015 , the Company’s insurance subsidiaries had total adjusted statutory capital of $485.2 million , which is well in excess of the minimum risk-based capital requirement of $77.4 million . The amount of dividends available for distribution to the Company by its insurance subsidiaries is limited by law to a percentage of the statutory unassigned surplus of each of the subsidiaries as of the previous December 31, as determined in accordance with accounting practices prescribed by insurance regulatory authorities of the state of domicile of each subsidiary. Subject to this limitation, the maximum dividend that may be paid within a 12 month period without prior approval of the insurance regulatory authorities is generally restricted to the greater of 10 percent of statutory surplus as regards policyholders as of the preceding December 31, or net income of the preceding calendar year on a statutory basis, not greater than earned statutory surplus. At December 31, 2015 , $49.8 million was available for distribution to the Company in 2016 without prior approval.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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. The accounting policies of the segments are described in note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Summarized financial information for the Company’s segments is as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 447,197 $ 123,069 $ — $ 570,266 Underwriting profit (loss) 7,954 13,269 — 21,223 Net investment income (loss) 32,668 12,923 (9 ) 45,582 Net realized investment gains 4,163 1,990 — 6,153 Other income (loss) 771 954 — 1,725 Interest expense 337 — — 337 Other expenses 748 — 1,942 2,690 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 44,471 $ 29,136 $ (1,951 ) $ 71,656 Assets $ 1,092,820 $ 437,575 $ 525,042 $ 2,055,437 Eliminations — — (514,309 ) (514,309 ) Reclassifications — (5,173 ) — (5,173 ) Total assets $ 1,092,820 $ 432,402 $ 10,733 $ 1,535,955 Year ended December 31, 2014 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 422,381 $ 118,341 $ — $ 540,722 Underwriting profit (loss) (12,309 ) 2,185 — (10,124 ) Net investment income (loss) 33,509 12,968 (12 ) 46,465 Net realized investment gains 2,938 1,411 — 4,349 Other income (loss) 695 2,236 — 2,931 Interest expense 337 — — 337 Other expenses 793 — 1,584 2,377 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 23,703 $ 18,800 $ (1,596 ) $ 40,907 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 Year ended December 31, 2013 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 392,719 $ 122,787 $ — $ 515,506 Underwriting profit (loss) (10,435 ) 21,308 — 10,873 Net investment income (loss) 31,397 11,635 (10 ) 43,022 Net realized investment gains 7,525 1,472 — 8,997 Other income (loss) 765 (305 ) — 460 Interest expense 384 — — 384 Other expenses 751 — 1,364 2,115 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 28,117 $ 34,110 $ (1,374 ) $ 60,853 The following table displays the net premiums earned for the property and casualty insurance segment and the reinsurance segment for the three years ended December 31, 2015 , by line of insurance. Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Property and casualty insurance segment Commercial lines: Automobile $ 105,904 $ 96,908 $ 86,230 Property 104,303 97,155 87,446 Workers' compensation 92,828 88,356 83,172 Liability 92,665 86,108 77,983 Other 8,079 7,416 7,487 Total commercial lines 403,779 375,943 342,318 Personal lines: Automobile 22,855 25,094 27,408 Homeowners 20,563 21,344 22,993 Total personal lines 43,418 46,438 50,401 Total property and casualty insurance $ 447,197 $ 422,381 $ 392,719 Reinsurance segment Pro rata reinsurance: Multiline (primarily property) $ 7,089 $ 8,552 $ 7,489 Property 15,324 8,482 20,239 Liability 20,629 9,919 5,172 Marine 4,379 14,930 14,748 Total pro rata reinsurance 47,421 41,883 47,648 Excess of loss reinsurance: Property 63,416 64,956 64,069 Liability 12,232 11,502 11,070 Total excess of loss reinsurance 75,648 76,458 75,139 Total reinsurance $ 123,069 $ 118,341 $ 122,787 Consolidated $ 570,266 $ 540,722 $ 515,506

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALU

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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. December 31, 2015 Carrying Estimated ($ in thousands) Assets: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: U.S. treasury $ 12,589 $ 12,589 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 202,666 202,666 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 344,359 344,359 Commercial mortgage-backed 46,108 46,108 Residential mortgage-backed 88,543 88,543 Other asset-backed 17,844 17,844 Corporate 448,916 448,916 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,161,025 1,161,025 Equity securities available-for-sale: Common stocks: Financial services 33,955 33,955 Information technology 28,102 28,102 Healthcare 25,894 25,894 Consumer staples 18,200 18,200 Consumer discretionary 18,923 18,923 Energy 21,068 21,068 Industrials 20,416 20,416 Other 20,683 20,683 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 19,002 19,002 Total equity securities available-for-sale 206,243 206,243 Short-term investments 38,599 38,599 Liabilities: Surplus notes 25,000 10,823 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 value 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 December 31, 2015 and 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 December 31, 2015 and 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 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 December 31, 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 tables below are the estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . December 31, 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 $ 12,589 $ — $ 12,589 $ — U.S. government-sponsored agencies 202,666 — 202,666 — Obligations of states and political subdivisions 344,359 — 344,359 — Commercial mortgage-backed 46,108 — 46,108 — Residential mortgage-backed 88,543 — 88,543 — Other asset-backed 17,844 — 17,844 — Corporate 448,916 — 447,587 1,329 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,161,025 — 1,159,696 1,329 Equity securities available-for-sale: Common stocks: Financial services 33,955 33,952 — 3 Information technology 28,102 28,102 — — Healthcare 25,894 25,894 — — Consumer staples 18,200 18,200 — — Consumer discretionary 18,923 18,923 — — Energy 21,068 21,068 — — Industrials 20,416 20,416 — — Other 20,683 20,683 — — Non-redeemable preferred stocks 19,002 11,706 7,296 — Total equity securities available-for-sale 206,243 198,944 7,296 3 Short-term investments 38,599 38,599 — — Financial instruments not reported at fair value: Liabilities: Surplus notes 10,823 — — 10,823 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 years ended December 31, 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. Fair value measurements using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs ($ in thousands) Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate Equity securities Total Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 1,976 $ 3 $ 1,979 Settlements (322 ) — (322 ) Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss) 8 — 8 Balance at December 31, 2014 1,662 3 1,665 Settlements (327 ) — (327 ) Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss) (6 ) — (6 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 1,329 $ 3 $ 1,332 There were no transfers into or out of Levels 1 or 2 during 2015 or 2014 . It is the Company’s policy to recognize transfers between levels at the beginning of the reporting period.

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows. All securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. December 31, 2015 Amortized Gross Gross Estimated ($ in thousands) Securities available-for-sale: Fixed maturity securities: U.S. treasury $ 12,566 $ 23 $ — $ 12,589 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 202,486 1,817 1,637 202,666 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 319,940 24,419 — 344,359 Commercial mortgage-backed 44,433 1,692 17 46,108 Residential mortgage-backed 94,279 1,059 6,795 88,543 Other asset-backed 17,000 883 39 17,844 Corporate 439,513 12,992 3,589 448,916 Total fixed maturity securities 1,130,217 42,885 12,077 1,161,025 Equity securities: Common stocks: Financial services 24,557 9,731 333 33,955 Information technology 19,427 8,807 132 28,102 Healthcare 15,599 10,359 64 25,894 Consumer staples 11,136 7,090 26 18,200 Consumer discretionary 10,270 8,658 5 18,923 Energy 16,384 5,972 1,288 21,068 Industrials 11,525 8,902 11 20,416 Other 17,246 3,672 235 20,683 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 18,032 1,168 198 19,002 Total equity securities 144,176 64,359 2,292 206,243 Total securities available-for-sale $ 1,274,393 $ 107,244 $ 14,369 $ 1,367,268 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 tables set forth the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses associated with investment securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , listed by length of time the securities were in an unrealized loss position. December 31, 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 $ 78,800 $ 1,228 $ 34,079 $ 409 $ 112,879 $ 1,637 Commercial mortgage-backed 6,807 17 — — 6,807 17 Residential mortgage-backed 22,028 1,694 22,781 5,101 44,809 6,795 Other asset-backed 6,013 39 — — 6,013 39 Corporate 101,088 2,683 14,212 906 115,300 3,589 Total fixed maturity securities 214,736 5,661 71,072 6,416 285,808 12,077 Equity securities: Common stocks: Financial services 6,387 333 — — 6,387 333 Information technology 1,316 132 — — 1,316 132 Healthcare 3,199 64 — — 3,199 64 Consumer staples 1,244 26 — — 1,244 26 Consumer discretionary 176 5 — — 176 5 Energy 8,233 1,272 116 16 8,349 1,288 Industrials 1,263 11 — — 1,263 11 Other 4,064 235 — — 4,064 235 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 2,450 53 1,855 145 4,305 198 Total equity securities 28,332 2,131 1,971 161 30,303 2,292 Total temporarily impaired securities $ 243,068 $ 7,792 $ 73,043 $ 6,577 $ 316,111 $ 14,369 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 December 31, 2015 . Most of the increase in unrealized losses on common stocks during 2015 was from the financial services and energy sectors, though no individual security accounted for a material amount of unrealized losses. 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 December 31, 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 December 31, 2015 . The amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 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 $ 60,081 $ 60,344 Due after one year through five years 146,288 153,326 Due after five years through ten years 315,753 320,416 Due after ten years 465,651 488,547 Securities not due at a single maturity date 142,444 138,392 Totals $ 1,130,217 $ 1,161,025 A summary of realized investment gains and (losses) is as follows: Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: Gross realized investment gains $ 725 $ 979 $ 1,226 Gross realized investment losses (251 ) (92 ) (725 ) "Other-than-temporary" impairments — (1 ) — Equity securities available-for-sale: Gross realized investment gains 12,741 8,913 9,458 Gross realized investment losses (4,110 ) (1,727 ) (899 ) "Other-than-temporary" impairments (1,481 ) (877 ) (63 ) Other long-term investments, net (1,471 ) (2,846 ) — Totals $ 6,153 $ 4,349 $ 8,997 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 losses recognized on other long-term investments during 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. A summary of net investment income is as follows: Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Interest on fixed maturity securities $ 42,261 $ 41,932 $ 40,062 Dividends on equity securities 5,617 6,007 4,619 Income on reverse repurchase agreements 117 — — Interest on short-term investments 2 — 27 Return on long-term investments (461 ) 297 22 Total investment income 47,536 48,236 44,730 Securities litigation income 32 107 219 Investment expenses (1,986 ) (1,878 ) (1,927 ) Net investment income $ 45,582 $ 46,465 $ 43,022 A summary of net changes in unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale is as follows: Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Fixed maturity securities $ (16,685 ) $ 29,081 $ (60,540 ) Deferred income tax expense (benefit) (5,840 ) 10,179 (21,189 ) Total fixed maturity securities (10,845 ) 18,902 (39,351 ) Equity securities (10,997 ) 17,051 27,571 Deferred income tax expense (benefit) (3,849 ) 5,967 9,650 Total equity securities (7,148 ) 11,084 17,921 Total available-for-sale securities $ (17,993 ) $ 29,986 $ (21,430 )

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES Temporary differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amount and tax basis of assets and liabilities that give rise to significant portions of the deferred income tax asset (liability) at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 Loss reserve discounting $ 13,929 $ 15,681 Unearned premium reserve limitation 16,310 15,648 Other policyholders' funds payable 3,052 3,553 Other, net 1,730 1,145 Total deferred income tax asset 35,021 36,027 Net unrealized holding gains on investment securities (32,506 ) (42,195 ) Deferred policy acquisition costs (14,252 ) (13,770 ) Retirement benefits (3,606 ) (5,712 ) Other, net (3,686 ) (3,004 ) Total deferred income tax liability (54,050 ) (64,681 ) Net deferred income tax liability $ (19,029 ) $ (28,654 ) Based upon anticipated future taxable income and consideration of all other available evidence, management believes that it is “more likely than not” that the Company’s deferred income tax assets will be realized. The actual income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 differed from the “expected” income tax expense for those years (computed by applying the United States federal corporate tax rate of 35 percent to income before income tax expense) as follows: Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Computed "expected" income tax expense $ 25,079 $ 14,318 $ 21,298 Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from: Tax-exempt interest income (2,805 ) (3,285 ) (3,828 ) Dividends received deduction (1,136 ) (828 ) (876 ) Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction 591 617 706 Other, net (235 ) 93 34 Total income tax expense $ 21,494 $ 10,915 $ 17,334 Comprehensive income tax expense included in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 is as follows: Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Income tax expense (benefit) on: Operations $ 21,494 $ 10,915 $ 17,334 Change in unrealized holding gains on investment securities (9,689 ) 16,146 (11,539 ) Change in funded status of retirement benefit plans: Pension plans (1,748 ) (2,619 ) 5,498 Postretirement benefit plans (1,071 ) (1,330 ) 12,103 Comprehensive income tax expense $ 8,986 $ 23,112 $ 23,396 The Company had no provision for uncertain income tax positions at December 31, 2015 or 2014 . The Company recognized $1,000 of interest income related to U.S. federal income taxes during 2014. The Company did not recognize any interest expense or other penalties related to U.S. federal or state income taxes during 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . It is the Company’s accounting policy to reflect income tax penalties as other expense, and interest as interest expense. The Company files a U.S. federal income tax return, along with various state income tax returns. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2012.

SURPLUS NOTES

SURPLUS NOTES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
SURPLUS NOTES [Abstract]
SURPLUS NOTES	SURPLUS NOTES The Company’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries have $25.0 million of surplus notes issued to Employers Mutual. Effective February 1, 2013, the interest rate on the surplus notes was reduced to 1.35 percent from the previous rate of 3.60 percent . Reviews of the interest rate are conducted by the Inter-Company Committees of the boards of directors of the Company and Employers Mutual every five years , with the next review due in 2018. Payments of interest and repayments of principal can only be made out of the applicable subsidiary’s statutory surplus and are subject to prior approval by the insurance commissioner of the respective states of domicile. The surplus notes are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all obligations or liabilities of the applicable insurance subsidiaries. Total interest expense on these surplus notes was $337,000 in 2015 , $337,000 in 2014 and $384,000 in 2013 . At December 31, 2015 , the Company’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries had received approval for the payment of the 2015 interest expense on the surplus notes.

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS	EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS Employers Mutual has various employee benefit plans, including two defined benefit pension plans and two postretirement benefit plans that provide retiree healthcare and life insurance benefits. Employers Mutual’s pension plans include a qualified defined benefit pension plan and a non-qualified defined benefit supplemental pension plan. The qualified defined benefit plan covers substantially all of its employees. This plan is funded by employer contributions and provides benefits under two different formulas, depending on an employee’s age and date of service. Benefits generally vest after three years of service or the attainment of 55 years of age. It is Employers Mutual’s funding policy to make contributions sufficient to be in compliance with minimum regulatory funding requirements plus additional amounts as determined by management. Employers Mutual’s non-qualified defined benefit supplemental pension plan provides retirement benefits for a select group of management and highly-compensated employees. This plan enables select employees to receive retirement benefits without the limit on compensation imposed on qualified defined benefit pension plans by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and to recognize compensation that has been deferred in the determination of retirement benefits. The plan is unfunded and benefits generally vest after three years of service. Employers Mutual also offers postretirement benefit plans which provide certain health care and life insurance benefits for retired employees. Substantially all of its employees may become eligible for those benefits if they reach normal retirement age and have attained the required length of service while working for Employers Mutual. Through 2014, the health care postretirement plan required contributions from participants and contained certain cost sharing provisions such as coinsurance and deductibles. Effective January 1, 2015, the health care plan was replaced with a new Employers Mutual - funded Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). Under the HRA, Employers Mutual reimburses participants, up to a pre-determined maximum, for amounts expended to enroll in publicly available health care plans and/or pay for qualifying out-of-pocket health care costs. The obligations of the HRA are based on the total amount of reimbursements expected to be made by Employers Mutual over the lives of the participants, rather than the total amount of medical benefits expected to be paid over the participants’ lives. Therefore, the obligations of the HRA are not impacted by changes in the cost of health care. The life insurance plan is noncontributory. The benefits provided under both plans are subject to change. Employers Mutual maintains a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trust that has historically been used to accumulate funds for the payment of postretirement health care and life insurance benefits. Contributions to the VEBA trust have been used to fund the projected postretirement benefit obligation, as well as pay benefits. Given the overfunded position of the postretirement benefit plans, contributions to the VEBA trust are not anticipated for the foreseeable future. The following table sets forth the funded status of Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , based upon measurement dates of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Pension plans Postretirement benefit plans ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in projected benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 267,129 $ 239,109 $ 54,503 $ 50,006 Service cost 13,962 12,863 1,411 1,260 Interest cost 9,311 9,664 2,148 2,254 Actuarial (gain) loss (1,661 ) 19,257 (5,895 ) 3,516 Benefits paid (18,837 ) (13,764 ) (2,185 ) (2,533 ) Plan amendments — — 1,467 — Projected benefit obligation at end of year 269,904 267,129 51,449 54,503 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 297,848 288,750 69,290 67,276 Actual return on plan assets (591 ) 15,029 (785 ) 4,547 Employer contributions 4,811 7,833 — — Benefits paid (18,837 ) (13,764 ) (2,185 ) (2,533 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 283,231 297,848 66,320 69,290 Funded status $ 13,327 $ 30,719 $ 14,871 $ 14,787 The following tables set forth the amounts recognized in the Company’s financial statements as a result of the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries’ aggregate 30 percent participation in the pooling agreement and amounts allocated to the reinsurance subsidiary as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets: Pension plans Postretirement benefit plans ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Assets: Prepaid pension and postretirement benefits $ 8,132 $ 13,267 $ 4,001 $ 4,093 Liability: Pension and postretirement benefits (4,299 ) (4,162 ) — — Net amount recognized $ 3,833 $ 9,105 $ 4,001 $ 4,093 Amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets under the caption “accumulated other comprehensive income”, before deferred income taxes: Pension plans Postretirement benefit plans ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Net actuarial loss $ (20,101 ) $ (15,097 ) $ (6,523 ) $ (7,258 ) Prior service (cost) credit (15 ) (25 ) 23,662 27,458 Net amount recognized $ (20,116 ) $ (15,122 ) $ 17,139 $ 20,200 During 2016 , the Company will amortize $1.3 million of net actuarial loss and $10,000 of prior service cost associated with the pension plans into net periodic benefit cost. In addition, the Company will amortize $422,000 of net actuarial loss and $3.3 million of prior service credit associated with the postretirement benefit plans into net periodic postretirement benefit income in 2016 . Amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income, before deferred income taxes: Pension plans Postretirement benefit plans ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Net actuarial gain (loss) $ (5,004 ) $ (7,492 ) $ 735 $ (431 ) Prior service (cost) credit 10 10 (3,796 ) (3,370 ) Net amount recognized $ (4,994 ) $ (7,482 ) $ (3,061 ) $ (3,801 ) The following table sets forth the projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets of Employers Mutual’s non-qualified pension plan. The amounts related to the qualified pension plan are not included since the plan assets exceeded the accumulated benefit obligation. Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 Projected benefit obligation $ 13,505 $ 13,057 Accumulated benefit obligation 12,405 12,121 Fair value of plan assets — — The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans is as follows: Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Pension plans: Service cost $ 13,962 $ 12,863 $ 13,213 Interest cost 9,311 9,664 7,656 Expected return on plan assets (20,298 ) (20,733 ) (17,150 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 2,710 366 5,962 Amortization of prior service cost 31 31 50 Net periodic pension benefit cost $ 5,716 $ 2,191 $ 9,731 Postretirement benefit plans: Service cost $ 1,411 $ 1,260 $ 6,300 Interest cost 2,148 2,254 6,172 Expected return on plan assets (4,416 ) (4,396 ) (3,631 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 1,745 1,651 3,694 Amortization of prior service credit (11,466 ) (11,466 ) (2,491 ) Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (income) $ (10,578 ) $ (10,697 ) $ 10,044 The net periodic postretirement benefit income recognized on Employers Mutual's postretirement benefit plans during 2015 and 2014 is due to a plan amendment that was announced in the fourth quarter of 2013. This plan amendment generated a large prior service credit that is being amortized into net periodic benefit cost over a period of 10 years . In addition, the service cost and interest cost components of net periodic benefit cost of the revised plan declined significantly. Net periodic pension benefit cost allocated to the Company amounted to $1.8 million , $680,000 and $3.0 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (income) allocated to the Company for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 amounted to $(3.0) million , $(3.1) million , and $2.9 million , respectively. The weighted-average assumptions used to measure the benefit obligations are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 Pension plans: Discount rate 3.90 % 3.57 % Rate of compensation increase: Qualified pension plan 5.07 % 4.73 % Non-qualified pension plan 5.56 % 4.68 % Postretirement benefit plans: Discount rate 4.42 % 4.04 % The weighted-average assumptions used to measure the net periodic benefit costs are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Pension plans: Discount rate 3.57 % 4.17 % 3.24 % Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.00 % 7.25 % 7.25 % Rate of compensation increase: Qualified pension plan 4.73 % 4.73 % 4.73 % Non-qualified pension plan 4.68 % 4.68 % 4.68 % Postretirement benefit plans: Discount rate 4.04 % 4.71 % 4.03 % Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 6.50 % 6.75 % 6.50 % The expected long-term rates of return on plan assets were developed considering actual historical results, current and expected market conditions, plan asset mix and management’s investment strategy. The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid from the plans over the next ten years: ($ in thousands) Pension benefits Postretirement benefits 2016 $ 22,066 $ 2,668 2017 22,967 2,852 2018 23,334 3,033 2019 24,293 3,147 2020 25,502 3,215 2021 - 2025 123,096 16,670 The Company manages its VEBA trust assets internally. Assets contained in the VEBA trust to fund Employers Mutual’s postretirement benefit obligations are currently invested in universal life insurance policies (issued by EMC National Life Company, an affiliate of Employers Mutual), mutual funds and an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The mutual funds are fixed income, international equity and domestic equity funds. The ETF is an emerging markets fund. See Note 8 for a discussion on fair value measurement. The following is a description of the fair value pricing techniques used for the asset classes of Employers Mutual’s VEBA trust. • Money Market Fund: Valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Under this method, investments purchased at a discount or premium are valued by accreting or amortizing the difference between the original purchase price and maturity value of the issue over the period to maturity. The net asset value of each share held by the trust at year-end was $1.00 . • Mutual Funds: Valued at the net asset value of shares held by the trust at year-end. For purposes of calculating the net asset value, portfolio securities and other assets for which market quotes are readily available are valued at fair value. Fair value is generally determined on the basis of last reported sales prices, or if no sales are reported, based on quotes obtained from a quotation reporting system, established market makers, or independent pricing services. • ETF: Valued at the closing price from the applicable exchange. • Life Insurance Contract: Valued at the cash accumulation value, which approximates fair value. The fair values of the assets held in Employers Mutual’s VEBA trust are as follows: December 31, 2015 Fair value measurements using ($ in thousands) Total Quoted Significant Significant Money market fund $ 2,709 $ 2,709 $ — $ — Emerging markets ETF 3,422 3,422 — — Mutual funds: Equity 36,286 36,286 — — Tax-exempt fixed income 3,422 3,422 — — International equity 6,689 6,689 — — Life insurance contracts 13,792 — — 13,792 Total benefit plan assets $ 66,320 $ 52,528 $ — $ 13,792 December 31, 2014 Fair value measurements using ($ in thousands) Total Quoted Significant Significant Money market fund $ 4,644 $ 4,644 $ — $ — Emerging markets ETF 4,187 4,187 — — Mutual funds: Equity 36,451 36,451 — — Tax-exempt fixed income 3,425 3,425 — — International equity 7,175 7,175 — — Life insurance contracts 13,408 — — 13,408 Total benefit plan assets $ 69,290 $ 55,882 $ — $ 13,408 Presented below is a reconciliation of the assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Fair value measurements Life insurance contracts ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 13,408 $ 13,227 Actual return on plan assets: Increase in cash accumulation value of life insurance contracts 384 367 Gain on life insurance death benefit — 89 Settlement of life insurance death benefit — (275 ) Balance at end of year $ 13,792 $ 13,408 Employers Mutual uses Global Portfolio Strategies, Inc. to advise on the asset allocation strategy for its qualified pension plan. The asset allocation strategy and process of Global Portfolio Strategies, Inc. uses a diversified allocation of equity, debt and real estate exposures that is customized to the plan’s payment risk and return targets. Global Portfolio Strategies, Inc. reviews the plan’s assets and liabilities in relation to expectations of long-term market performance and liability development to determine the appropriate asset allocation. The data for the contributions and emerging liabilities is provided from the plan’s actuarial valuation, while the current asset and monthly benefit payment data is provided by the plan record keeper. The following is a description of the fair value pricing techniques used for the asset classes of Employers Mutual’s qualified pension plan. • Pooled Separate Accounts: Each of the funds held by the Plan is in a pooled or commingled investment vehicle that is maintained by the fund sponsor, each with many investors. The Plan asset is represented by a “unit of account” and a per unit value, whose value is the accumulated value of the underlying investments less liabilities. The sponsor of the fund specifies the source(s) used for the underlying investment asset prices and the protocol used to value each fund. There are no redemption restrictions on these investments. The investments selected for the Plan represent a well diversified portfolio of assets, including fixed income securities, equity investments, and real estate investment trusts. The portfolio seeks to maximize investment returns while maintaining an appropriate level of risk. These underlying investments are valued in the following ways. ◦ Short-Term Funds are comprised of short-term securities that are valued initially at cost and thereafter adjusted for amortization of any discount or premium. ◦ U.S. Stock Funds are comprised of domestic equity securities that are priced using the closing price from the applicable exchange. ◦ International Stock Funds are comprised of international equity securities that are priced using the closing price from the appropriate local stock exchange(s). An independent pricing service is also used to seek updated prices in the event there are material market movements between local stock exchange closing time and portfolio valuation time. ◦ U.S. Bond Funds are comprised of domestic fixed income securities. These securities are priced by an independent pricing service using inputs such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, and issuer spreads. Market indices and industry and economic events are monitored. Prices are reviewed to ensure comfort and can be challenged and/or overridden if the fund sponsor believes another price would be more reflective of fair value. ◦ Real Estate Funds are comprised of real estate properties that are priced through an independent appraisal process. The estimate of fair value is based on the conventional approaches to value, all of which require the exercise of subjective judgment. The three approaches are: (1) current cost of reproducing the real estate less deterioration and functional and economic obsolescence; (2) discounting a series of income streams and reversion at a specific yield or by directly capitalizing a single year income estimate by an appropriate factor; and (3) value indicated by recent sales of comparable real estate in the market. In the reconciliation of these three approaches, the one most heavily relied upon is the one then recognized as the most appropriate by the independent appraiser for the type of real estate in the market. In accordance with ASU 2015-07, a fair value hierarchy table is not included here since all of the Plan's investments are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient, which are not classified in the fair value hierarchy. Presented below are the fair values of assets held in Employers Mutual's defined benefit retirement plan: December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 Pooled separate accounts: U.S. stock funds $ 142,934 $ 154,478 International stock funds 55,850 57,955 U.S. bond funds 62,160 63,443 Real estate fund 20,414 17,735 Short-term funds 1,873 4,237 Total benefit plan assets $ 283,231 $ 297,848 Employers Mutual plans to contribute approximately $8.2 million to the pension plan in 2016 . No contributions are expected to be made to the VEBA trust in 2016 . The Company participates in other benefit plans sponsored by Employers Mutual, including its 401(k) Plan, Board and Executive Non-Qualified Excess Plans and Defined Contribution Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. The Company’s share of expenses for these plans amounted to $2.5 million , $1.7 million and $1.5 million in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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. During 2014, Employers Mutual also began purchasing common stock from the Company to fulfill its obligations under its employee stock purchase plan (previously the shares needed for this 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 permits the issuance of incentive stock options only, while the 2007 Plan permits the issuance of performance shares, performance units, and other stock-based awards, in addition to qualified (incentive) and non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units. Both plans provide for a ten -year time limit for granting awards. No additional options can be granted under the 2003 Plan due to the expiration of the term of the plan. Options granted under the plans generally have a vesting period of five years , with options becoming exercisable in equal annual cumulative increments commencing on the first anniversary of the option grant. Option prices cannot be less than the fair value of the common stock on the date of grant. Beginning in 2013, Employers Mutual's Senior Executive Compensation Committee began issuing restricted stock, rather than stock options. With the exception of death or permanent disability, any unvested shares of restricted stock are forfeited on termination of employment, including retirement. 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 $500,000 ( $325,000 net of tax), $357,000 ( $233,000 net of tax) and $289,000 ( $190,000 net of tax) in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. A summary of the stock option activity under Employers Mutual’s stock plans for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 is as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Outstanding, beginning of year 1,351,802 $ 14.89 1,702,938 $ 14.78 2,383,578 $ 14.59 Exercised (323,486 ) 14.86 (300,479 ) 14.24 (609,808 ) 14.18 Expired (20,850 ) 14.11 (34,421 ) 15.01 (70,832 ) 13.57 Forfeited (1,295 ) 14.68 (16,236 ) 15.29 — — Outstanding, end of year 1,006,171 $ 14.92 1,351,802 $ 14.89 1,702,938 $ 14.78 Exercisable, end of year 824,365 $ 14.95 963,831 $ 14.94 1,036,650 $ 14.91 At December 31, 2015 , the Company’s portion of the unrecognized compensation cost associated with option awards issued under Employers Mutual’s stock plans that are not currently vested was $71,000 , with a 0.82 year weighted-average period over which the compensation expense is expected to be recognized. Employers Mutual uses the average of the high and low trading prices of the Company's stock on the date of grant to determine the fair value of its restricted stock awards. At December 31, 2015 , the Company’s portion of the unrecognized compensation cost associated with restricted stock awards issued under Employers Mutual’s stock plans that are not currently vested was $983,000 , with a 2.52 year weighted-average period over which the compensation expense is expected to be recognized. A summary of non-vested restricted stock activity under Employers Mutual’s stock plans for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 is as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Non-vested, beginning of year 155,864 $ 19.21 85,002 $ 17.27 — $ — Granted 117,146 21.36 94,146 20.49 86,580 17.27 Vested (40,941 ) 18.99 (21,223 ) 17.27 — — Forfeited (15,125 ) 19.35 (2,061 ) 17.74 (1,578 ) 17.27 Non-vested, end of year 216,944 $ 20.40 155,864 $ 19.21 85,002 $ 17.27 The Company’s portion of the total intrinsic value of options exercised under Employers Mutual’s stock plans was $770,000 , $606,000 and $844,000 in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Under the terms of the pooling and quota share agreements, these amounts were paid to Employers Mutual. The Company receives the full fair value, as of the exercise date, for all shares issued in connection with option exercises. The Company also receives the full fair value, as of the grant date, for all shares issued in connection with the grant of restricted stock awards. The Company's portion of the total fair value of restricted stock awards that vested was $233,000 and $110,000 in 2015 and 2014 , respectively ( no restricted stock awards vested prior to 2014). Additional information relating to options outstanding and options vested (exercisable) at December 31, 2015 is as follows: December 31, 2015 ($ in thousands) Number of options Weighted-average exercise price Aggregate intrinsic value Weighted-average remaining term Options outstanding 1,006,171 $ 14.92 $ 10,836 3.96 Options exercisable 824,365 $ 14.95 $ 8,850 3.55 The 2003 Plan does not generally generate income tax deductions for the Company because only incentive stock options could be issued under the plan. The Company has recorded a deferred income tax benefit for a portion of the compensation expense associated with the March 2008 grant and for all subsequent grants (all made under the 2007 Plan) because non-qualified options and restricted stock awards were issued. The Company’s portion of the current income tax deduction realized from exercises of non-qualified stock options was $121,000 , $152,000 and $165,000 in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. These actual deductions are generally in excess of the deferred tax benefits recorded in conjunction with the compensation expense (referred to as excess tax benefits) and are reflected in the statement of cash flows as a financing cash inflow (outflow if less) with an offsetting cash flow from operating activities of $95,000 , $103,000 and $96,000 as the Company’s portion in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The income tax benefit that results from disqualifying dispositions of stock purchased through the exercise of incentive stock options is deemed immaterial. Employee Stock Purchase Plan On May 30, 2008, the Company registered 750,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for use in the Employers Mutual Casualty Company 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. All employees are eligible to participate in the plan. An employee may participate in the plan by delivering, during the first twenty days of the calendar month preceding the first day of an election period, a payroll deduction authorization to the plan administrator; or making a cash contribution (employees designated as “Insiders” are required to give six months advance notice prior to participating in the plan). Participants pay 85 percent of the fair market value of the stock on the date of purchase. The plan is administered by the Board of Directors of Employers Mutual, which has the right to amend or terminate the plan at any time; however, no such amendment or termination shall adversely affect the rights and privileges of participants. Expenses allocated to the Company in connection with this plan totaled $59,000 , $35,000 and $45,000 in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. During 2015 , shares were purchased under the plan at prices ranging from $18.75 to $21.40 . Activity under the plan was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Shares available for purchase, beginning of year 471,459 508,749 555,600 Shares purchased under the plan (56,576 ) (37,290 ) (46,851 ) Shares available for purchase, end of year 414,883 471,459 508,749 Non-Employee Director Stock Purchase Plan On March 14, 2013, the Company registered 300,000 shares of the Company’s common stock for issuance under the 2013 Employers Mutual Casualty Company Non-Employee Director Stock Purchase Plan. All non-employee directors of Employers Mutual and its subsidiaries and affiliates are eligible to participate in the plan. Each eligible director can purchase shares of common stock at 75 percent of the fair value of the stock on the exercise date in an amount equal to a minimum of 25 percent and a maximum of 100 percent of their annual cash retainer. The plan will continue through the period of the 2023 annual meetings. The plan is administered by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors of Employers Mutual. The Board may amend or terminate the plan at any time; however, no such amendment or termination shall adversely affect the rights and privileges of the participants. The 2003 Employers Mutual Casualty Company Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan is no longer active. All outstanding options granted under this plan expired in May, 2013, and no further options can be granted due to the expiration of the term of the plan. On April 26, 2013, a total of 222,306 shares reserved for issuance under the 2003 Employers Mutual Casualty Company Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan were deregistered. Expenses allocated to the Company in connection with this plan totaled $62,000 , $49,000 and $36,000 in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. During 2015 , shares were purchased under the plan at prices ranging from $15.51 to $18.26 . Activity under the plan was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Shares available for purchase, beginning of year 279,809 294,248 224,106 Shares registered for use in the 2013 plan — — 300,000 Shares deregistered under the 2003 plan — — (222,306 ) Shares purchased under the plan (15,363 ) (14,439 ) (7,552 ) Shares available for purchase, end of year 264,446 279,809 294,248 Dividend Reinvestment Plan The Company maintains a dividend reinvestment and common stock purchase plan (the “Plan”) which provides stockholders with the option of reinvesting cash dividends in additional shares of the Company’s common stock. Participants can also purchase additional shares of common stock without incurring broker commissions by making optional cash contributions to the plan, and sell shares of common stock through the plan. Effective March 14, 2012, the Company’s Board of Directors temporarily suspended the issuance of shares of common stock under the Plan. The temporary suspension of the issuance of shares of common stock under the Plan was due to a late filing of an amendment to a Current Report on Form 8-K. On March 29, 2013, the Company filed a Form S-3 Registration Statement with the Securities and Exchange Commission registering 991,778 shares of common stock for use in the Plan, which was reinstated for the third quarter dividend payment. Employers Mutual did not participate in this plan in 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . Activity under the plan was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Shares available for purchase, beginning of year 982,227 988,436 — Shares registered for use in the plan — — 991,778 Shares purchased under the plan (5,530 ) (6,209 ) (3,342 ) Shares available for purchase, end of year 976,697 982,227 988,436 Lowest purchase price $ 21.02 $ 18.69 $ 18.74 Highest purchase price $ 26.43 $ 23.59 $ 20.98 Stock Appreciation Rights (SAR) agreement On October 19, 2006, Employers Mutual entered into a stock appreciation rights (SAR) agreement with the Company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer (Mr. Murray) at that time. Because the SAR agreement will be settled in cash, it is considered to be a liability-classified award under ASC Topic 718. As a result, the value of this agreement must be re-measured at fair value at each financial statement reporting date, subject to a minimum fair value stipulated in the SAR agreement. The full value of this agreement was expensed in 2006 because Mr. Murray was eligible for retirement and was entitled to keep the award at retirement, and as a result, the award did not have any subsequent service requirements. Subsequent changes in the fair value of this agreement are reflected as compensation expense, until the agreement is ultimately settled in 2016. Expenses allocated to the Company during 2015 and 2014 associated with this award totaled $(7,000) and $15,000 , respectively. The Company recognized no compensation expense related to this award during 2013 because the fair value of the award did not exceed the floor amount in the agreement.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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, 2013 $ 48,376 $ 10,634 $ 59,010 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 34,663 (5,560 ) 29,103 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (4,677 ) (1,774 ) (6,451 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 29,986 (7,334 ) 22,652 Balance at December 31, 2014 78,362 3,300 81,662 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (13,037 ) (3,949 ) (16,986 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (4,956 ) (1,287 ) (6,243 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (17,993 ) (5,236 ) (23,229 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 60,369 $ (1,936 ) $ 58,433 The following tables display amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and into net income during the three years ended December 31, 2015 . ($ in thousands) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated other comprehensive income components Year ended December 31, 2015 Affected line item in the consolidated statements of income Unrealized gains on investments: Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income $ 7,624 Net realized investment gains Deferred income tax expense (2,668 ) Income tax expense, current Net reclassification adjustment 4,956 Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations: Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income): Net actuarial loss (1,327 ) (1) Prior service credit 3,307 (1) Total before tax 1,980 Deferred income tax expense (693 ) Income tax expense, current Net reclassification adjustment 1,287 Total reclassification adjustment $ 6,243 (1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income) (see Note 12, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details). ($ in thousands) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated other comprehensive income components Year ended December 31, 2014 Affected line item in the consolidated statements of income Unrealized gains on investments: Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income $ 7,195 Net realized investment gains Deferred income tax expense (2,518 ) Income tax expense, current Net reclassification adjustment 4,677 Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations: Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income): Net actuarial loss (578 ) (1) Prior service credit 3,307 (1) Total before tax 2,729 Deferred income tax expense (955 ) Income tax expense, current Net reclassification adjustment 1,774 Total reclassification adjustment $ 6,451 (1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income) (see Note 12, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details). ($ in thousands) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated other comprehensive income components Year ended December 31, 2013 Affected line item in the consolidated statements of income Unrealized gains on investments: Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income $ 8,997 Net realized investment gains Deferred income tax expense (3,149 ) Income tax expense, current Net reclassification adjustment 5,848 Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations: Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income): Net actuarial loss (2,895 ) (1) Prior service credit 708 (1) Total before tax (2,187 ) Deferred income tax expense 765 Income tax expense, current Net reclassification adjustment (1,422 ) Total reclassification adjustment $ 4,426 (1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income) (see Note 12, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details).

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAMS

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAMS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAMS	STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAMS Stock Repurchase Plans On November 3, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $15.0 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. Stock Purchase Plan During the second quarter of 2005, Employers Mutual initiated a new $15.0 million stock purchase program under which Employers Mutual may purchase shares of the Company’s common stock in the open market. This purchase program does not have an expiration date; however, this program is currently dormant and will remain so while the Company’s repurchase program is in effect. The timing and terms of the purchases are determined by management based on market conditions and are conducted in accordance with the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. No purchases were made during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 . As of December 31, 2015 , $4.5 million remained available under this plan for additional purchases.

LEASES, COMMITMENTS AND CONTING

LEASES, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
LEASES, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	LEASES, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES One of the Company’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries leases office facilities in Bismarck, North Dakota with lease terms expiring in 2024 . Employers Mutual has entered into various leases for branch and service office facilities with lease terms expiring through 2025 . All of these lease costs are included as expenses under the pooling agreement. The following table reflects the lease commitments of the Company as of December 31, 2015 . Payments due by period ($ in thousands) Total Less than 1 - 3 4 - 5 More than Lease commitments Real estate operating leases $ 2,494 $ 431 $ 779 $ 745 $ 539 The participants in the pooling agreement are subject to guaranty fund assessments by states in which they write business. Guaranty fund assessments are used by states to pay policyholder liabilities of insolvent insurers domiciled in those states. Many states allow assessments to be recovered through premium tax offsets. The Company has accrued estimated guaranty fund assessments of $912,000 and $931,000 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Premium tax offsets of $1.1 million and $969,000 , which are related to prior guarantee fund payments and current assessments, have been accrued as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The guaranty fund assessments are expected to be paid over the next two years and the premium tax offsets are expected to be realized within ten years of the payments. The participants in the pooling agreement are also subject to second-injury fund assessments, which are designed to encourage employers to employ workers with pre-existing disabilities. The Company has accrued estimated second-injury fund assessments of $1.9 million and $1.7 million as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The second-injury fund assessment accruals are based on projected loss payments. The periods over which the assessments will be paid is not known. 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, 2015 . The Company had a contingent liability for the aggregate guaranteed amount of the annuities of $183,000 at December 31, 2015 should the issuers of those annuities fail to perform. The probability of a material loss due to failure of performance by the issuers of these annuities is considered remote. 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.

UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL INF

UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION	UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION Three months ended, ($ in thousands, except per share amounts) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 2015 Total revenues $ 152,335 $ 158,808 $ 165,104 $ 147,479 Income before income tax expense $ 29,937 $ 11,875 $ 15,921 $ 13,923 Income tax expense (benefit) 9,607 3,127 4,732 4,028 Net income $ 20,330 $ 8,748 $ 11,189 $ 9,895 Net income per common share - basic and diluted (1) $ 1.00 $ 0.42 $ 0.54 $ 0.48 Three months ended, ($ in thousands, except per share amounts) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 2014 Total revenues $ 146,231 $ 147,733 $ 150,659 $ 149,844 Income before income tax expense $ 14,889 $ 270 $ 1,883 $ 23,865 Income tax expense (benefit) 4,294 (744 ) (346 ) 7,711 Net income $ 10,595 $ 1,014 $ 2,229 $ 16,154 Net income per common share - basic and diluted (1) $ 0.53 $ 0.05 $ 0.11 $ 0.80 (1) Since the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the quarters are calculated independently of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the year, quarterly net income per share may not total to annual net income per share.

Schedule I - Summary of Investm

Schedule I - Summary of Investments-Other than Investments in Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract]
Schedule I - Summary of Investments-Other than Investments in Related Parties	EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Schedule I – Summary of Investments- Other than Investment in Related Parties December 31, 2015 ($ in thousands) Type of investment Cost Fair value Amount at which shown in the balance sheet Securities available-for-sale: Fixed maturity securities: U.S. treasury $ 12,566 $ 12,589 $ 12,589 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 202,486 202,666 202,666 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 319,940 344,359 344,359 Commercial mortgage-backed 44,433 46,108 46,108 Residential mortgage-backed 94,279 88,543 88,543 Other asset-backed 17,000 17,844 17,844 Corporate 439,513 448,916 448,916 Total fixed maturity securities 1,130,217 1,161,025 1,161,025 Equity securities: Common stocks: Financial services 24,557 33,955 33,955 Information technology 19,427 28,102 28,102 Healthcare 15,599 25,894 25,894 Consumer staples 11,136 18,200 18,200 Consumer discretionary 10,270 18,923 18,923 Energy 16,384 21,068 21,068 Industrials 11,525 20,416 20,416 Other 17,246 20,683 20,683 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 18,032 19,002 19,002 Total equity securities 144,176 206,243 206,243 Other long-term investments 9,930 9,930 9,930 Short-term investments 38,599 38,599 38,599 Total investments $ 1,322,922 $ 1,415,797 $ 1,415,797

Schedule II - Condensed Financi

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Schedule II – Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Condensed Balance Sheets December 31, ($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts) 2015 2014 ASSETS Investment in common stock of subsidiaries (equity method) $ 514,309 $ 495,288 Short-term investments 9,761 6,731 Cash 136 274 Prepaid assets 95 87 Accounts receivable 58 69 Income taxes recoverable 683 559 Total assets $ 525,042 $ 503,008 LIABILITIES Accounts payable $ 87 $ 80 Amounts due affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances 17 42 Total liabilities 104 122 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 20,780,439 shares in 2015 and 20,344,409 shares in 2014 20,781 20,344 Additional paid-in capital 108,747 99,891 Accumulated other comprehensive income 58,433 81,662 Retained earnings 336,977 300,989 Total stockholders' equity 524,938 502,886 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 525,042 $ 503,008 All affiliated balances presented above are the result of related party transactions with Employers Mutual. EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Schedule II – Condensed Financial Information of Registrant, Continued Condensed Statements of Income Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 REVENUES Dividends received from subsidiaries $ 9,180 $ 378 $ 9,974 Investment loss (9 ) (12 ) (10 ) Total revenues 9,171 366 9,964 Operating expenses (affiliated $1,074, $777 and $605) 1,942 1,584 1,364 Income (loss) before income tax benefit and equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries 7,229 (1,218 ) 8,600 Income tax benefit (682 ) (558 ) (481 ) Income (loss) before equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries 7,911 (660 ) 9,081 Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries 42,251 30,652 34,438 Net income $ 50,162 $ 29,992 $ 43,519 All affiliated balances presented above are the result of related party transactions with Employers Mutual. EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Schedule II – Condensed Financial Information of Registrant, Continued Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Net income $ 50,162 $ 29,992 $ 43,519 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities, net of deferred income taxes (13,037 ) 34,663 (15,582 ) Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income, net of income taxes (4,956 ) (4,677 ) (5,848 ) Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income), net of deferred income taxes: Net actuarial loss 863 375 1,882 Prior service credit (2,150 ) (2,149 ) (460 ) Total reclassification adjustment associated with affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans (1,287 ) (1,774 ) 1,422 Change in funded status of affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans, net of deferred income taxes: Net actuarial gain (loss) (3,637 ) (5,525 ) 13,718 Prior service (cost) credit (312 ) (35 ) 17,548 Total change in funded status of affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans (3,949 ) (5,560 ) 31,266 Other comprehensive income (loss) (23,229 ) 22,652 11,258 Total comprehensive income $ 26,933 $ 52,644 $ 54,777 All affiliated balances presented above are the result of related party transactions with Employers Mutual. EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Schedule II – Condensed Financial Information of Registrant, Continued Condensed Statements of Cash Flows Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities $ 7,893 $ (738 ) $ 9,544 Cash flows from investing activities Net (purchases) sales of short-term investments (3,030 ) 5,956 (8,715 ) Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (3,030 ) 5,956 (8,715 ) Cash flows from financing activities Issuance of common stock through affiliate’s stock plans 9,078 7,392 10,208 Excess tax benefit associated with affiliate’s stock plans 95 103 96 Dividends paid to stockholders (affiliated $(8,162), $(7,377) and $(6,749)) (14,174 ) (12,588 ) (11,275 ) Net cash used in financing activities (5,001 ) (5,093 ) (971 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash (138 ) 125 (142 ) Cash at the beginning of the year 274 149 291 Cash at the end of the year $ 136 $ 274 $ 149 Income taxes recovered $ 559 $ 481 $ — Interest paid $ — $ — $ — All affiliated balances presented above are the result of related party transactions with Employers Mutual.

Schedule III - Supplementary In

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]
Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information	EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Schedule III – Supplementary Insurance Information For Years Ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 ($ in thousands) Segment Deferred policy acquisition costs Loss and settlement expense reserves Unearned premiums Premium revenue Net investment income Losses and settlement expenses incurred Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs Other underwriting expenses Premiums written Year ended December 31, 2015 Property and casualty insurance $ 35,219 $ 480,413 $ 212,652 $ 447,197 $ 32,668 $ 291,883 $ 75,701 $ 63,954 $ 454,434 Reinsurance 5,501 198,361 26,783 123,069 12,923 78,853 26,483 4,464 124,504 Parent company — — — — (9 ) — — — — Consolidated $ 40,720 $ 678,774 $ 239,435 $ 570,266 $ 45,582 $ 370,736 $ 102,184 $ 68,418 $ 578,938 Year ended December 31, 2014 Property and casualty insurance $ 33,855 $ 463,458 $ 204,357 $ 422,381 $ 33,509 $ 298,033 $ 72,768 $ 54,385 $ 433,707 Reinsurance 5,488 197,851 27,736 118,341 12,968 87,441 26,274 2,441 118,903 Parent company — — — — (12 ) — — — — Consolidated $ 39,343 $ 661,309 $ 232,093 $ 540,722 $ 46,465 $ 385,474 $ 99,042 $ 56,826 $ 552,610 Year ended December 31, 2013 Property and casualty insurance $ 32,740 $ 425,758 $ 191,714 $ 392,719 $ 31,397 $ 260,917 $ 68,851 $ 62,522 $ 405,049 Reinsurance 5,052 184,423 28,913 122,787 11,635 72,370 25,877 3,232 129,028 Parent company — — — — (10 ) — — — — Consolidated $ 37,792 $ 610,181 $ 220,627 $ 515,506 $ 43,022 $ 333,287 $ 94,728 $ 65,754 $ 534,077

Schedule IV - Reinsurance

Schedule IV - Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]
Schedule IV - Reinsurance	EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Schedule IV – Reinsurance For Years Ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 ($ in thousands) Gross amount Ceded to other companies Assumed from other companies Net amount Percentage of amount assumed to net Year ended December 31, 2015 Consolidated earned premiums $ 366,752 $ 407,531 $ 611,045 $ 570,266 107.2 % Year ended December 31, 2014 Consolidated earned premiums $ 372,658 $ 423,602 $ 591,666 $ 540,722 109.4 % Year ended December 31, 2013 Consolidated earned premiums $ 361,010 $ 413,422 $ 567,918 $ 515,506 110.2 %

Schedule VI - Supplemental Info

Schedule VI - Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract]
Schedule VI - Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations	EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Schedule VI – Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations For Years Ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 ($ in thousands) Deferred Reserves for Discount, if Unearned Earned Net Year ended December 31, 2015 $ 40,720 $ 678,774 $ — $ 239,435 $ 570,266 $ 45,591 Year ended December 31, 2014 $ 39,343 $ 661,309 $ — $ 232,093 $ 540,722 $ 46,477 Year ended December 31, 2013 $ 37,792 $ 610,181 $ — $ 220,627 $ 515,506 $ 43,032 Losses and settlement Amortization of Paid losses and settlement expenses Premiums ($ in thousands) Current year Prior years Year ended December 31, 2015 $ 405,850 $ (35,114 ) $ 102,184 $ 348,081 $ 578,938 Year ended December 31, 2014 $ 406,266 $ (20,792 ) $ 99,042 $ 330,087 $ 552,610 Year ended December 31, 2013 $ 346,072 $ (12,785 ) $ 94,728 $ 305,266 $ 534,077

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN34

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Nature of operations	Description of Business 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 conducts its property and casualty insurance operations through the following subsidiaries: EMCASCO Insurance Company, Illinois EMCASCO Insurance Company and Dakota Fire Insurance Company, and its reinsurance operations through its subsidiary, EMC Reinsurance Company. The Company also has an excess and surplus lines insurance agency subsidiary, EMC Underwriters, LLC. The term “Company” is used interchangeably to describe EMC Insurance Group Inc. (Parent Company only) and EMC Insurance Group Inc. and its subsidiaries. The Company writes property and casualty insurance in both commercial and personal lines of insurance, with a focus on medium-sized commercial accounts. Approximately 37 percent of the premiums written are in Iowa and contiguous states. The Company’s reinsurance business is primarily written through a quota share reinsurance agreement with Employers Mutual. A small portion of the assumed reinsurance business is written on a direct basis, outside the quota share reinsurance agreement.
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), which differ in some respects from those followed in reports to insurance regulatory authorities. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company has evaluated all subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued.
Property and Casualty Insurance and Reinsurance Operations	Property and Casualty Insurance and Reinsurance Operations Property and casualty insurance premiums are recognized as revenue ratably over the terms of the respective policies. Unearned premiums are calculated on the daily pro rata method. Both domestic and foreign assumed reinsurance premiums are recognized as revenues ratably over the terms of the related contracts and underlying policies. Amounts paid as ceded reinsurance premiums are reported as prepaid reinsurance premiums and are amortized over the remaining contract period in proportion to the amount of reinsurance protection provided. Reinsurance reinstatement premiums are recognized in the same period as the loss event that gave rise to the reinstatement premiums. Costs related to the acquisition of insurance contracts are deferred and amortized to expense as the associated premium revenue is recognized. Only incremental costs or costs directly related to the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts are to be capitalized. Accordingly, acquisition costs consist of commissions, premium taxes, and salary and benefit expenses of employees directly involved in the underwriting of insurance policies that are successfully issued. The method followed in computing deferred policy acquisition costs limits the amount of such deferred costs to the estimated realizable value. In determining estimated realizable value, the computation gives effect to the premium to be earned, related investment income, anticipated losses and settlement expenses, anticipated policyholder dividends, and certain other costs expected to be incurred to administer the insurance policies as the premium is earned. The anticipated losses and settlement expenses are not discounted and are based on the Company’s projected loss and settlement expense ratios for the next twelve months, which include catastrophe loads based on historical results adjusted for recent trends. The occurrence of a significant catastrophic event, and/or the accumulation of catastrophes losses would not have a direct impact on the determination of premium deficiencies; however, such occurrences would be included in the historical results that are used to establish the catastrophe loads. A premium deficiency is first recognized by expensing the amount of unamortized deferred policy acquisition costs necessary to eliminate the deficiency. If the premium deficiency is greater than the unamortized deferred policy acquisition costs, a liability is accrued for the excess deficiency. The Company did not record a premium deficiency for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . Certain commercial lines of business written by the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries, including workers’ compensation, are eligible for policyholder dividends in accordance with provisions of the underlying insurance policies. Net premiums written subject to policyholder dividends represented approximately 25 percent of the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries’ total net commercial line premiums written in 2015 . Policyholder dividends are accrued over the terms of the underlying policy periods. Liabilities for losses reflect losses incurred through the balance sheet date and are based upon case-basis estimates of reported losses supplemented with bulk case loss reserves, estimates of unreported losses based upon prior experience adjusted for current trends, and estimates of losses expected to be paid under assumed reinsurance contracts. Liabilities for settlement expenses are provided by estimating expenses expected to be incurred in settling the claims provided for in the loss reserves. Changes in reserves estimates are reflected in net income in the year such changes are recorded (see note 4). Ceded reinsurance amounts with nonaffiliated reinsurers relating to reinsurance receivables for unpaid losses and settlement expenses and prepaid reinsurance premiums are reported on the balance sheet on a gross basis. Amounts ceded to Employers Mutual relating to the affiliated reinsurance pooling and excess of loss agreements (see note 2) have not been grossed up because the contracts provide that receivables and payables may be offset upon settlement. Based on current information, the liabilities for losses and settlement expenses are considered to be adequate. Since the provisions are necessarily based on estimates, the ultimate liabilities may be more or less than such provisions.
Investments	Investments Currently, all securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity, net of deferred income taxes. Other long-term investments consist of holdings in limited partnerships that are carried under the equity method of accounting, and holdings in limited partnerships and limited liability companies designed for the distribution of tax credits that are carried at amortized cost. The Company has an investment 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 limited partnership 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 realized investment gains (losses), rather than as a component of investment income. Short-term investments generally include money market funds, U.S. Treasury bills and commercial paper that are carried at fair value, which approximates cost. During 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 in the consolidated statements of cash flows, and the income as a component of operating activities. The Company uses independent pricing sources to obtain the estimated fair value of securities. The fair value is based on quoted market prices, where available. In cases where quoted market prices are not available, the fair value is based on a variety of valuation techniques depending on the type of investment. The fair values obtained from independent pricing sources are reviewed for reasonableness and any discrepancies are investigated for final valuation (see note 8). Premiums and discounts on fixed maturity securities are amortized over the life of the security as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method. Amortization of premiums and discounts on mortgage-backed securities incorporates prepayment assumptions to estimate expected lives. 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. Included in investments at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are securities on deposit with various regulatory authorities as required by law amounting to $11.2 million and $11.7 million , respectively. The Company regularly monitors its investment portfolio for securities whose fair value is less than the carrying value for indications of “other-than-temporary” impairment. Several factors are used to determine whether the carrying value of an individual security has been “other-than-temporarily” impaired. Such factors include, but are not limited to (1) the security’s value and performance in the context of the overall markets, (2) length of time and extent the security’s fair value has been below carrying value, (3) key corporate events, and (4) for equity securities, the ability and intent to hold the security until recovery to its cost basis. When an equity security is deemed to be “other-than-temporarily” impaired, the carrying value is reduced to fair value and a realized loss is recognized and charged to income. For fixed maturity securities, if the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost of the security, a credit loss is deemed to exist and the security is considered “other-than-temporarily” impaired. The portion of the impairment related to a credit loss is recognized through earnings and the portion of the impairment related to other factors, if any, is recognized through “other comprehensive income”. Alternatively, if the Company has the intent to sell a fixed maturity security that is in an unrealized loss position, or determines that it will "more likely than not" be required to sell a fixed maturity security that is in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis, then the carrying value is reduced to fair value and the entire amount of the impairment is recognized through earnings. During 2015, the Company early adopted the updated accounting guidance issued by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) in Accounting Standards Update (ASU) 2015-07 related to the Fair Value Measurement Topic 820 of the Accounting Standards Codification ™ (Codification or ASC). This new accounting guidance allowed the Company to continue to avail itself of a practical expedient to measure the pooled separate account investments in Employers Mutual's qualified pension plan at the net asset value per share, but removed the requirement to categorize these investments within the fair value hierarchy.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company files a consolidated Federal income tax return with its subsidiaries. Consolidated income taxes/benefits are allocated among the entities based upon separate tax liabilities. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of those assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Income tax expense provisions increase or decrease in the same period in which a change in tax rates is enacted. A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets to their net realizable value if it is “more likely than not” that a tax benefit will not be realized. An assessment of the Company’s current tax positions indicated no uncertainties that would warrant different recognition and valuation from that applied in the Company’s tax returns.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company has no stock-based compensation plans of its own; however, Employers Mutual has several stock plans that utilize the common stock of the Company. The Company receives the current fair value for all shares issued under these plans. Employers Mutual also has a stock appreciation rights (SAR) agreement in effect with a former executive officer of the Company. The SAR agreement is based upon the market price of the Company’s common stock and is considered to be a liability-classified award because it will be settled in cash. A portion of the compensation expense recognized by Employers Mutual (as the requisite service period for granted options and restricted stock awards is rendered, or the fair value of the SAR agreement changes) is allocated to the Company’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries though their participation in the pooling agreement (see note 2). Because a portion of Employers Mutual’s stock compensation expense is reflected in the Company’s financial statements and issuances of the Company’s stock under Employers Mutual’s stock plans have an impact on the Company’s capital accounts, the disclosures required by the Compensation – Stock Compensation Topic 718 of the FASB ASC are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
Employee Retirement Plans	Employee Retirement Plans Employers Mutual has various employee benefit plans, including two defined benefit pension plans, and two postretirement benefit plans that provide retiree healthcare and life insurance benefits. Although the Company has no employees of its own, it is responsible for its share of the expenses and related prepaid assets and liabilities of these plans as determined under the terms of the pooling agreement, and the costs allocated by Employers Mutual to subsidiaries that do not participate in the pooling agreement (see note 2). Accordingly, the Company recognizes its share of the funded status of Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans on its balance sheet, with changes in the funded status of the plans recognized through “other comprehensive income.”
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable The accounts receivable balance consists of assumed reinsurance premiums receivable (net of any commissions) on business written directly by the reinsurance subsidiary, and commission income receivable on excess and surplus lines business marketed by EMC Underwriters, LLC. These receivables are carried at their initial recognition amounts. It is the Company’s policy to reflect the impairment of receivables through a valuation allowance until ultimately collected or charged-off. No valuation allowance is currently carried, as no amounts are deemed impaired. No interest income, other fees, or deferred costs related to these receivables are assessed or recognized.
Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposure	Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposure Employers Mutual collects from agents, policyholders and ceding companies all written premiums associated with the insurance business produced by the pool participants and the assumed reinsurance business ceded to the reinsurance subsidiary. Employers Mutual also collects from external reinsurers all losses and settlement expenses recoverable under the reinsurance contracts protecting the pool participants and the fronting business ceded to the reinsurance subsidiary. Employers Mutual settles with the pool participants (monthly) and the reinsurance subsidiary (quarterly) the premiums written from these insurance policies and the paid losses and settlement expenses recoverable under the external reinsurance contracts, providing full credit for the premiums written and the paid losses and settlement expenses recoverable under the external reinsurance contracts generated during the period (not just the collected portion). Due to this arrangement, and since a significant portion of the premium balances are collected over the course of the underlying coverage periods, Employers Mutual carries a substantial receivable balance for insurance and reinsurance premiums in process of collection and, to a lesser extent, paid losses and settlement expenses recoverable from the external reinsurance companies. Any of these receivable amounts that are ultimately deemed to be uncollectible are charged-off by Employers Mutual and the expense is charged to the reinsurance subsidiary or allocated to the pool members on the basis of pool participation. As a result, the Company has off-balance sheet arrangements with an unconsolidated entity that results in credit-risk exposures (Employers Mutual’s insurance and reinsurance premium receivable balances, and paid loss and settlement expense recoverable amounts) that are not reflected in the Company’s financial statements. The average annual expense for such charge-offs allocated to the Company over the past ten years is $366,000 . Based on this historical data, this credit-risk exposure is not considered to be material to the Company’s results of operations or financial position and, accordingly, no loss contingency liability has been recorded.
Foreign Currency Transactions	Foreign Currency Transactions Included in the underlying reinsurance business assumed by the reinsurance subsidiary are reinsurance transactions conducted with foreign cedants denominated in their local functional currencies. In accordance with the terms of the quota share agreement (see note 2), the reinsurance subsidiary assumes all foreign currency exchange gains/losses associated with contracts incepting on January 1, 2006 and thereafter that are subject to the quota share agreement. The reinsurance subsidiary also has foreign currency exchange gains/losses associated with the business assumed outside the quota share agreement. The assets and liabilities resulting from these foreign reinsurance transactions are reported in U.S. dollars based on the foreign currency exchange rates that existed at the balance sheet dates. The foreign currency exchange rate gains/losses reported in the consolidated statements of income that resulted from these foreign reinsurance transactions are reported in U.S. dollars re-measured from the foreign currency exchange rates that existed at the inception of each reinsurance contract. The foreign currency exchange rate gains/losses resulting from these re-measurements to U.S. dollars are reported as a component of other income in the consolidated statements of income.
Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Basic and Diluted	Net Income Per Share - Basic and Diluted The Company’s basic and diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. As previously noted, the Company receives the current fair value for all shares issued under Employers Mutual’s stock plans. As a result, the Company had no potential common shares outstanding during 2015 , 2014 or 2013 that would have been dilutive to the calculation of net income per share.
Goodwill	Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets of acquired subsidiaries. Goodwill is not amortized, but is subject to impairment if the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds the estimated fair value of net assets. If the carrying amount of the subsidiary (including goodwill) exceeds the computed fair value, an impairment loss is recognized through the income statement equal to the excess amount, but not greater than the balance of the goodwill. Goodwill was not deemed to be impaired in 2015 , 2014 or 2013 .
Common Stock Split	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".
New Accounting Pronouncements	New Accounting Pronouncements In May 2014, the FASB updated its guidance related to the Revenue from Contracts with Customers Topic 606 of the 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 2018. 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 items are service charges related to the billing of the pool participants' direct written premiums to policyholders, and commission income on excess and surplus lines business marketed by EMC Underwriters, LLC, both of which are included in "Other income" in the consolidated statements of income. In February 2015, the FASB updated its guidance related to the Consolidation Topic 810 of the ASC. The objective of this update is to improve consolidation guidance through changes in the analysis that a reporting entity must perform to determine whether it should consolidate certain types of legal entities. The guidance modifies the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities or voting interest entities, while also eliminating the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and is to be applied either retrospectively or through a modified retrospective approach by recording a cumulative-effect adjustment to equity as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt this guidance in the first quarter of 2016, but it is not expected to have an impact on the consolidated financial condition or operating results of the Company. 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 required (for each accident year of incurred claims development disclosed), is disclosure of incurred but not reported (IBNR) loss reserves, claim frequency information, and the 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. In January 2016, the FASB updated its guidance related to the Financial Instruments-Overall Subtopic 825-10 of the ASC. The objective of this update is to enhance the reporting model for financial instruments to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information. The major change in reporting from this update that will impact the Company is a requirement that equity investments (excluding those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that are consolidated) be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income. While all of the Company's equity investments are already measured at fair value (with the exception of those that are consolidated and those that are accounted for under the equity method of accounting), the Company currently classifies all of its investments in equity securities as available-for-sale, and as such, the changes in fair value are currently recognized in other comprehensive income rather than net income. This guidance is to be applied to annual and interim reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with recognition of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption. Early adoption is not permitted. The Company will adopt this guidance during the first quarter of 2018. Adoption is not expected to impact consolidated stockholders' equity, but is expected to introduce a material amount of volatility to the Company's consolidated net income. In February 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance in Leases Topic 842 of the ASC, which supersedes the guidance in Leases Topic 840 of the ASC. The objective of this update is to increase transparency and comparability among organizations by requiring recognition of lease assets and lease liabilities on the balance sheet, and disclosure of key information about leasing arrangements. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and is to be applied using a modified retrospective approach. Early adoption is permitted. The Company will adopt this guidance during the first quarter of 2019. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial condition and operating results.

REINSURANCE (Tables)

REINSURANCE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 years ended December 31, 2015 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. Year ended December 31, 2015 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 370,955 $ — $ 370,955 Assumed from nonaffiliates 4,392 138,700 143,092 Assumed from affiliates 474,323 — 474,323 Ceded to nonaffiliates (24,281 ) (3,369 ) (27,650 ) Ceded to affiliates (370,955 ) (10,827 ) (381,782 ) Net premiums written $ 454,434 $ 124,504 $ 578,938 Premiums earned Direct $ 366,752 $ — $ 366,752 Assumed from nonaffiliates 4,240 139,839 144,079 Assumed from affiliates 466,966 — 466,966 Ceded to nonaffiliates (24,009 ) (5,943 ) (29,952 ) Ceded to affiliates (366,752 ) (10,827 ) (377,579 ) Net premiums earned $ 447,197 $ 123,069 $ 570,266 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 198,504 $ — $ 198,504 Assumed from nonaffiliates 2,407 83,515 85,922 Assumed from affiliates 294,324 857 295,181 Ceded to nonaffiliates (4,848 ) (4,897 ) (9,745 ) Ceded to affiliates (198,504 ) (622 ) (199,126 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 291,883 $ 78,853 $ 370,736 Year ended December 31, 2014 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 367,732 $ — $ 367,732 Assumed from nonaffiliates 3,955 143,564 147,519 Assumed from affiliates 455,183 — 455,183 Ceded to nonaffiliates (25,431 ) (14,322 ) (39,753 ) Ceded to affiliates (367,732 ) (10,339 ) (378,071 ) Net premiums written $ 433,707 $ 118,903 $ 552,610 Premiums earned Direct $ 372,658 $ — $ 372,658 Assumed from nonaffiliates 3,787 144,439 148,226 Assumed from affiliates 443,440 — 443,440 Ceded to nonaffiliates (24,846 ) (15,759 ) (40,605 ) Ceded to affiliates (372,658 ) (10,339 ) (382,997 ) Net premiums earned $ 422,381 $ 118,341 $ 540,722 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 227,382 $ — $ 227,382 Assumed from nonaffiliates 2,201 96,281 98,482 Assumed from affiliates 304,579 1,278 305,857 Ceded to nonaffiliates (8,747 ) (10,838 ) (19,585 ) Ceded to affiliates (227,382 ) 720 (226,662 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 298,033 $ 87,441 $ 385,474 Year ended December 31, 2013 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 368,532 $ — $ 368,532 Assumed from nonaffiliates 3,501 162,291 165,792 Assumed from affiliates 425,218 — 425,218 Ceded to nonaffiliates (23,670 ) (20,502 ) (44,172 ) Ceded to affiliates (368,532 ) (12,761 ) (381,293 ) Net premiums written $ 405,049 $ 129,028 $ 534,077 Premiums earned Direct $ 361,010 $ — $ 361,010 Assumed from nonaffiliates 3,275 151,978 155,253 Assumed from affiliates 412,665 — 412,665 Ceded to nonaffiliates (23,221 ) (16,430 ) (39,651 ) Ceded to affiliates (361,010 ) (12,761 ) (373,771 ) Net premiums earned $ 392,719 $ 122,787 $ 515,506 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 237,109 $ — $ 237,109 Assumed from nonaffiliates 2,281 80,854 83,135 Assumed from affiliates 267,292 1,199 268,491 Ceded to nonaffiliates (8,656 ) (8,860 ) (17,516 ) Ceded to affiliates (237,109 ) (823 ) (237,932 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 260,917 $ 72,370 $ 333,287

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETT36

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETTLEMENT EXPENSES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Abstract]
Schedule of reconciliation of beginning and ending reserves for losses and settlement expenses	The following table sets forth a reconciliation of beginning and ending reserves for losses and settlement expenses of the Company. Amounts presented are on a net basis, with a reconciliation of beginning and ending reserves to the gross amounts presented in the consolidated financial statements. Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Gross reserves at beginning of year $ 661,309 $ 610,181 $ 583,097 Re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates (2,061 ) 333 (2 ) Less ceded reserves at beginning of year 28,253 30,118 31,390 Net reserves at beginning of year 635,117 579,730 551,709 Incurred losses and settlement expenses related to: Current year 405,850 406,266 346,072 Prior years (35,114 ) (20,792 ) (12,785 ) Total incurred losses and settlement expenses 370,736 385,474 333,287 Paid losses and settlement expenses related to: Current year 154,958 162,905 137,998 Prior years 193,123 167,182 167,268 Total paid losses and settlement expenses 348,081 330,087 305,266 Net reserves at end of year 657,772 635,117 579,730 Plus ceded reserves at end of year 23,477 28,253 30,118 Re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates (2,475 ) (2,061 ) 333 Gross reserves at end of year $ 678,774 $ 661,309 $ 610,181
Summary of the approximation of the implied favorable development that had an impact on earnings	The following table presents the reported amounts of favorable development experienced on prior years’ reserves and the portion of the reported development amounts that resulted solely from changes in the allocation of bulk reserves between the current and prior accident years (no impact on earnings). The result is an approximation of the implied amounts of favorable development that had an impact on earnings. Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Reported amount of favorable development experienced on prior years' reserves $ (35,114 ) $ (20,792 ) $ (12,785 ) Adjustment for (adverse) favorable development included in the reported development amount that had no impact on earnings (618 ) 2,151 6,526 Approximation of the implied amount of favorable development that had an impact on earnings $ (35,732 ) $ (18,641 ) $ (6,259 )

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summarized financial information for segments	Summarized financial information for the Company’s segments is as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 447,197 $ 123,069 $ — $ 570,266 Underwriting profit (loss) 7,954 13,269 — 21,223 Net investment income (loss) 32,668 12,923 (9 ) 45,582 Net realized investment gains 4,163 1,990 — 6,153 Other income (loss) 771 954 — 1,725 Interest expense 337 — — 337 Other expenses 748 — 1,942 2,690 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 44,471 $ 29,136 $ (1,951 ) $ 71,656 Assets $ 1,092,820 $ 437,575 $ 525,042 $ 2,055,437 Eliminations — — (514,309 ) (514,309 ) Reclassifications — (5,173 ) — (5,173 ) Total assets $ 1,092,820 $ 432,402 $ 10,733 $ 1,535,955 Year ended December 31, 2014 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 422,381 $ 118,341 $ — $ 540,722 Underwriting profit (loss) (12,309 ) 2,185 — (10,124 ) Net investment income (loss) 33,509 12,968 (12 ) 46,465 Net realized investment gains 2,938 1,411 — 4,349 Other income (loss) 695 2,236 — 2,931 Interest expense 337 — — 337 Other expenses 793 — 1,584 2,377 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 23,703 $ 18,800 $ (1,596 ) $ 40,907 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 Year ended December 31, 2013 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 392,719 $ 122,787 $ — $ 515,506 Underwriting profit (loss) (10,435 ) 21,308 — 10,873 Net investment income (loss) 31,397 11,635 (10 ) 43,022 Net realized investment gains 7,525 1,472 — 8,997 Other income (loss) 765 (305 ) — 460 Interest expense 384 — — 384 Other expenses 751 — 1,364 2,115 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 28,117 $ 34,110 $ (1,374 ) $ 60,853
Summary of net premiums earned by line of insurance	The following table displays the net premiums earned for the property and casualty insurance segment and the reinsurance segment for the three years ended December 31, 2015 , by line of insurance. Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Property and casualty insurance segment Commercial lines: Automobile $ 105,904 $ 96,908 $ 86,230 Property 104,303 97,155 87,446 Workers' compensation 92,828 88,356 83,172 Liability 92,665 86,108 77,983 Other 8,079 7,416 7,487 Total commercial lines 403,779 375,943 342,318 Personal lines: Automobile 22,855 25,094 27,408 Homeowners 20,563 21,344 22,993 Total personal lines 43,418 46,438 50,401 Total property and casualty insurance $ 447,197 $ 422,381 $ 392,719 Reinsurance segment Pro rata reinsurance: Multiline (primarily property) $ 7,089 $ 8,552 $ 7,489 Property 15,324 8,482 20,239 Liability 20,629 9,919 5,172 Marine 4,379 14,930 14,748 Total pro rata reinsurance 47,421 41,883 47,648 Excess of loss reinsurance: Property 63,416 64,956 64,069 Liability 12,232 11,502 11,070 Total excess of loss reinsurance 75,648 76,458 75,139 Total reinsurance $ 123,069 $ 118,341 $ 122,787 Consolidated $ 570,266 $ 540,722 $ 515,506

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA38

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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. December 31, 2015 Carrying Estimated ($ in thousands) Assets: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: U.S. treasury $ 12,589 $ 12,589 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 202,666 202,666 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 344,359 344,359 Commercial mortgage-backed 46,108 46,108 Residential mortgage-backed 88,543 88,543 Other asset-backed 17,844 17,844 Corporate 448,916 448,916 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,161,025 1,161,025 Equity securities available-for-sale: Common stocks: Financial services 33,955 33,955 Information technology 28,102 28,102 Healthcare 25,894 25,894 Consumer staples 18,200 18,200 Consumer discretionary 18,923 18,923 Energy 21,068 21,068 Industrials 20,416 20,416 Other 20,683 20,683 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 19,002 19,002 Total equity securities available-for-sale 206,243 206,243 Short-term investments 38,599 38,599 Liabilities: Surplus notes 25,000 10,823 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 tables below are the estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . December 31, 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 $ 12,589 $ — $ 12,589 $ — U.S. government-sponsored agencies 202,666 — 202,666 — Obligations of states and political subdivisions 344,359 — 344,359 — Commercial mortgage-backed 46,108 — 46,108 — Residential mortgage-backed 88,543 — 88,543 — Other asset-backed 17,844 — 17,844 — Corporate 448,916 — 447,587 1,329 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,161,025 — 1,159,696 1,329 Equity securities available-for-sale: Common stocks: Financial services 33,955 33,952 — 3 Information technology 28,102 28,102 — — Healthcare 25,894 25,894 — — Consumer staples 18,200 18,200 — — Consumer discretionary 18,923 18,923 — — Energy 21,068 21,068 — — Industrials 20,416 20,416 — — Other 20,683 20,683 — — Non-redeemable preferred stocks 19,002 11,706 7,296 — Total equity securities available-for-sale 206,243 198,944 7,296 3 Short-term investments 38,599 38,599 — — Financial instruments not reported at fair value: Liabilities: Surplus notes 10,823 — — 10,823 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 years ended December 31, 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. Fair value measurements using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs ($ in thousands) Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate Equity securities Total Balance at December 31, 2013 $ 1,976 $ 3 $ 1,979 Settlements (322 ) — (322 ) Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss) 8 — 8 Balance at December 31, 2014 1,662 3 1,665 Settlements (327 ) — (327 ) Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss) (6 ) — (6 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 1,329 $ 3 $ 1,332

INVESTMENTS (Tables)

INVESTMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows. All securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. December 31, 2015 Amortized Gross Gross Estimated ($ in thousands) Securities available-for-sale: Fixed maturity securities: U.S. treasury $ 12,566 $ 23 $ — $ 12,589 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 202,486 1,817 1,637 202,666 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 319,940 24,419 — 344,359 Commercial mortgage-backed 44,433 1,692 17 46,108 Residential mortgage-backed 94,279 1,059 6,795 88,543 Other asset-backed 17,000 883 39 17,844 Corporate 439,513 12,992 3,589 448,916 Total fixed maturity securities 1,130,217 42,885 12,077 1,161,025 Equity securities: Common stocks: Financial services 24,557 9,731 333 33,955 Information technology 19,427 8,807 132 28,102 Healthcare 15,599 10,359 64 25,894 Consumer staples 11,136 7,090 26 18,200 Consumer discretionary 10,270 8,658 5 18,923 Energy 16,384 5,972 1,288 21,068 Industrials 11,525 8,902 11 20,416 Other 17,246 3,672 235 20,683 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 18,032 1,168 198 19,002 Total equity securities 144,176 64,359 2,292 206,243 Total securities available-for-sale $ 1,274,393 $ 107,244 $ 14,369 $ 1,367,268 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 tables set forth the estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses associated with investment securities that were in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , listed by length of time the securities were in an unrealized loss position. December 31, 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 $ 78,800 $ 1,228 $ 34,079 $ 409 $ 112,879 $ 1,637 Commercial mortgage-backed 6,807 17 — — 6,807 17 Residential mortgage-backed 22,028 1,694 22,781 5,101 44,809 6,795 Other asset-backed 6,013 39 — — 6,013 39 Corporate 101,088 2,683 14,212 906 115,300 3,589 Total fixed maturity securities 214,736 5,661 71,072 6,416 285,808 12,077 Equity securities: Common stocks: Financial services 6,387 333 — — 6,387 333 Information technology 1,316 132 — — 1,316 132 Healthcare 3,199 64 — — 3,199 64 Consumer staples 1,244 26 — — 1,244 26 Consumer discretionary 176 5 — — 176 5 Energy 8,233 1,272 116 16 8,349 1,288 Industrials 1,263 11 — — 1,263 11 Other 4,064 235 — — 4,064 235 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 2,450 53 1,855 145 4,305 198 Total equity securities 28,332 2,131 1,971 161 30,303 2,292 Total temporarily impaired securities $ 243,068 $ 7,792 $ 73,043 $ 6,577 $ 316,111 $ 14,369 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 December 31, 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 $ 60,081 $ 60,344 Due after one year through five years 146,288 153,326 Due after five years through ten years 315,753 320,416 Due after ten years 465,651 488,547 Securities not due at a single maturity date 142,444 138,392 Totals $ 1,130,217 $ 1,161,025
Summary of realized investment gains and (losses)	A summary of realized investment gains and (losses) is as follows: Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: Gross realized investment gains $ 725 $ 979 $ 1,226 Gross realized investment losses (251 ) (92 ) (725 ) "Other-than-temporary" impairments — (1 ) — Equity securities available-for-sale: Gross realized investment gains 12,741 8,913 9,458 Gross realized investment losses (4,110 ) (1,727 ) (899 ) "Other-than-temporary" impairments (1,481 ) (877 ) (63 ) Other long-term investments, net (1,471 ) (2,846 ) — Totals $ 6,153 $ 4,349 $ 8,997
Summary of net investment income	A summary of net investment income is as follows: Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Interest on fixed maturity securities $ 42,261 $ 41,932 $ 40,062 Dividends on equity securities 5,617 6,007 4,619 Income on reverse repurchase agreements 117 — — Interest on short-term investments 2 — 27 Return on long-term investments (461 ) 297 22 Total investment income 47,536 48,236 44,730 Securities litigation income 32 107 219 Investment expenses (1,986 ) (1,878 ) (1,927 ) Net investment income $ 45,582 $ 46,465 $ 43,022
Summary of net changes in unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale	A summary of net changes in unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale is as follows: Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Fixed maturity securities $ (16,685 ) $ 29,081 $ (60,540 ) Deferred income tax expense (benefit) (5,840 ) 10,179 (21,189 ) Total fixed maturity securities (10,845 ) 18,902 (39,351 ) Equity securities (10,997 ) 17,051 27,571 Deferred income tax expense (benefit) (3,849 ) 5,967 9,650 Total equity securities (7,148 ) 11,084 17,921 Total available-for-sale securities $ (17,993 ) $ 29,986 $ (21,430 )

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Temporary differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amount and tax basis of assets and liabilities that give rise to significant portions of the deferred income tax asset (liability) at December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 Loss reserve discounting $ 13,929 $ 15,681 Unearned premium reserve limitation 16,310 15,648 Other policyholders' funds payable 3,052 3,553 Other, net 1,730 1,145 Total deferred income tax asset 35,021 36,027 Net unrealized holding gains on investment securities (32,506 ) (42,195 ) Deferred policy acquisition costs (14,252 ) (13,770 ) Retirement benefits (3,606 ) (5,712 ) Other, net (3,686 ) (3,004 ) Total deferred income tax liability (54,050 ) (64,681 ) Net deferred income tax liability $ (19,029 ) $ (28,654 )
Reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit)	The actual income tax expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 differed from the “expected” income tax expense for those years (computed by applying the United States federal corporate tax rate of 35 percent to income before income tax expense) as follows: Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Computed "expected" income tax expense $ 25,079 $ 14,318 $ 21,298 Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from: Tax-exempt interest income (2,805 ) (3,285 ) (3,828 ) Dividends received deduction (1,136 ) (828 ) (876 ) Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction 591 617 706 Other, net (235 ) 93 34 Total income tax expense $ 21,494 $ 10,915 $ 17,334
Schedule Of Components Of Comprehensive Income Tax Expense Benefit [Table Text Block]	Comprehensive income tax expense included in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 is as follows: Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Income tax expense (benefit) on: Operations $ 21,494 $ 10,915 $ 17,334 Change in unrealized holding gains on investment securities (9,689 ) 16,146 (11,539 ) Change in funded status of retirement benefit plans: Pension plans (1,748 ) (2,619 ) 5,498 Postretirement benefit plans (1,071 ) (1,330 ) 12,103 Comprehensive income tax expense $ 8,986 $ 23,112 $ 23,396

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Tabl

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of funded status of Employers Mutual's pension and postretirement benefit plans	The following table sets forth the funded status of Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , based upon measurement dates of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Pension plans Postretirement benefit plans ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Change in projected benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 267,129 $ 239,109 $ 54,503 $ 50,006 Service cost 13,962 12,863 1,411 1,260 Interest cost 9,311 9,664 2,148 2,254 Actuarial (gain) loss (1,661 ) 19,257 (5,895 ) 3,516 Benefits paid (18,837 ) (13,764 ) (2,185 ) (2,533 ) Plan amendments — — 1,467 — Projected benefit obligation at end of year 269,904 267,129 51,449 54,503 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 297,848 288,750 69,290 67,276 Actual return on plan assets (591 ) 15,029 (785 ) 4,547 Employer contributions 4,811 7,833 — — Benefits paid (18,837 ) (13,764 ) (2,185 ) (2,533 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 283,231 297,848 66,320 69,290 Funded status $ 13,327 $ 30,719 $ 14,871 $ 14,787
Schedule of amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheet	Amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets: Pension plans Postretirement benefit plans ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Assets: Prepaid pension and postretirement benefits $ 8,132 $ 13,267 $ 4,001 $ 4,093 Liability: Pension and postretirement benefits (4,299 ) (4,162 ) — — Net amount recognized $ 3,833 $ 9,105 $ 4,001 $ 4,093
Schedule of amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets under the caption accumulated other comprehensive income	Amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets under the caption “accumulated other comprehensive income”, before deferred income taxes: Pension plans Postretirement benefit plans ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Net actuarial loss $ (20,101 ) $ (15,097 ) $ (6,523 ) $ (7,258 ) Prior service (cost) credit (15 ) (25 ) 23,662 27,458 Net amount recognized $ (20,116 ) $ (15,122 ) $ 17,139 $ 20,200
Schedule of amounts recognized in consolidated statements of comprehensive income	Amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income, before deferred income taxes: Pension plans Postretirement benefit plans ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2015 2014 Net actuarial gain (loss) $ (5,004 ) $ (7,492 ) $ 735 $ (431 ) Prior service (cost) credit 10 10 (3,796 ) (3,370 ) Net amount recognized $ (4,994 ) $ (7,482 ) $ (3,061 ) $ (3,801 )
Schedule of projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets	The following table sets forth the projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets of Employers Mutual’s non-qualified pension plan. The amounts related to the qualified pension plan are not included since the plan assets exceeded the accumulated benefit obligation. Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 Projected benefit obligation $ 13,505 $ 13,057 Accumulated benefit obligation 12,405 12,121 Fair value of plan assets — —
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: Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Pension plans: Service cost $ 13,962 $ 12,863 $ 13,213 Interest cost 9,311 9,664 7,656 Expected return on plan assets (20,298 ) (20,733 ) (17,150 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 2,710 366 5,962 Amortization of prior service cost 31 31 50 Net periodic pension benefit cost $ 5,716 $ 2,191 $ 9,731 Postretirement benefit plans: Service cost $ 1,411 $ 1,260 $ 6,300 Interest cost 2,148 2,254 6,172 Expected return on plan assets (4,416 ) (4,396 ) (3,631 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 1,745 1,651 3,694 Amortization of prior service credit (11,466 ) (11,466 ) (2,491 ) Net periodic postretirement benefit cost (income) $ (10,578 ) $ (10,697 ) $ 10,044
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used	The weighted-average assumptions used to measure the benefit obligations are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 Pension plans: Discount rate 3.90 % 3.57 % Rate of compensation increase: Qualified pension plan 5.07 % 4.73 % Non-qualified pension plan 5.56 % 4.68 % Postretirement benefit plans: Discount rate 4.42 % 4.04 % The weighted-average assumptions used to measure the net periodic benefit costs are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Pension plans: Discount rate 3.57 % 4.17 % 3.24 % Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.00 % 7.25 % 7.25 % Rate of compensation increase: Qualified pension plan 4.73 % 4.73 % 4.73 % Non-qualified pension plan 4.68 % 4.68 % 4.68 % Postretirement benefit plans: Discount rate 4.04 % 4.71 % 4.03 % Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 6.50 % 6.75 % 6.50 %
Schedule of expected future benefit payments	The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid from the plans over the next ten years: ($ in thousands) Pension benefits Postretirement benefits 2016 $ 22,066 $ 2,668 2017 22,967 2,852 2018 23,334 3,033 2019 24,293 3,147 2020 25,502 3,215 2021 - 2025 123,096 16,670
Employers Mutual VEBA Trust
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of fair value of plan assets	The fair values of the assets held in Employers Mutual’s VEBA trust are as follows: December 31, 2015 Fair value measurements using ($ in thousands) Total Quoted Significant Significant Money market fund $ 2,709 $ 2,709 $ — $ — Emerging markets ETF 3,422 3,422 — — Mutual funds: Equity 36,286 36,286 — — Tax-exempt fixed income 3,422 3,422 — — International equity 6,689 6,689 — — Life insurance contracts 13,792 — — 13,792 Total benefit plan assets $ 66,320 $ 52,528 $ — $ 13,792 December 31, 2014 Fair value measurements using ($ in thousands) Total Quoted Significant Significant Money market fund $ 4,644 $ 4,644 $ — $ — Emerging markets ETF 4,187 4,187 — — Mutual funds: Equity 36,451 36,451 — — Tax-exempt fixed income 3,425 3,425 — — International equity 7,175 7,175 — — Life insurance contracts 13,408 — — 13,408 Total benefit plan assets $ 69,290 $ 55,882 $ — $ 13,408
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs	Presented below is a reconciliation of the assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 . Fair value measurements Life insurance contracts ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 Balance at beginning of year $ 13,408 $ 13,227 Actual return on plan assets: Increase in cash accumulation value of life insurance contracts 384 367 Gain on life insurance death benefit — 89 Settlement of life insurance death benefit — (275 ) Balance at end of year $ 13,792 $ 13,408
Employers Mutual Defined Benefit Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of fair value of plan assets	fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient, which are not classified in the fair value hierarchy. Presented below are the fair values of assets held in Employers Mutual's defined benefit retirement plan: December 31, ($ in thousands) 2015 2014 Pooled separate accounts: U.S. stock funds $ 142,934 $ 154,478 International stock funds 55,850 57,955 U.S. bond funds 62,160 63,443 Real estate fund 20,414 17,735 Short-term funds 1,873 4,237 Total benefit plan assets $ 283,231 $ 297,848

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Table

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of the activity under Employers Mutual's stock option plans	A summary of the stock option activity under Employers Mutual’s stock plans for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 is as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Outstanding, beginning of year 1,351,802 $ 14.89 1,702,938 $ 14.78 2,383,578 $ 14.59 Exercised (323,486 ) 14.86 (300,479 ) 14.24 (609,808 ) 14.18 Expired (20,850 ) 14.11 (34,421 ) 15.01 (70,832 ) 13.57 Forfeited (1,295 ) 14.68 (16,236 ) 15.29 — — Outstanding, end of year 1,006,171 $ 14.92 1,351,802 $ 14.89 1,702,938 $ 14.78 Exercisable, end of year 824,365 $ 14.95 963,831 $ 14.94 1,036,650 $ 14.91
Summary of non-vested share activity	At December 31, 2015 , the Company’s portion of the unrecognized compensation cost associated with restricted stock awards issued under Employers Mutual’s stock plans that are not currently vested was $983,000 , with a 2.52 year weighted-average period over which the compensation expense is expected to be recognized. A summary of non-vested restricted stock activity under Employers Mutual’s stock plans for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 is as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Non-vested, beginning of year 155,864 $ 19.21 85,002 $ 17.27 — $ — Granted 117,146 21.36 94,146 20.49 86,580 17.27 Vested (40,941 ) 18.99 (21,223 ) 17.27 — — Forfeited (15,125 ) 19.35 (2,061 ) 17.74 (1,578 ) 17.27 Non-vested, end of year 216,944 $ 20.40 155,864 $ 19.21 85,002 $ 17.27
Summary of additional information relating to options outstanding and options vested (exercisable)	The Company’s portion of the total intrinsic value of options exercised under Employers Mutual’s stock plans was $770,000 , $606,000 and $844,000 in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Under the terms of the pooling and quota share agreements, these amounts were paid to Employers Mutual. The Company receives the full fair value, as of the exercise date, for all shares issued in connection with option exercises. The Company also receives the full fair value, as of the grant date, for all shares issued in connection with the grant of restricted stock awards. The Company's portion of the total fair value of restricted stock awards that vested was $233,000 and $110,000 in 2015 and 2014 , respectively ( no restricted stock awards vested prior to 2014). Additional information relating to options outstanding and options vested (exercisable) at December 31, 2015 is as follows: December 31, 2015 ($ in thousands) Number of options Weighted-average exercise price Aggregate intrinsic value Weighted-average remaining term Options outstanding 1,006,171 $ 14.92 $ 10,836 3.96 Options exercisable 824,365 $ 14.95 $ 8,850 3.55
Summary of employee stock purchase plan activity	During 2015 , shares were purchased under the plan at prices ranging from $18.75 to $21.40 . Activity under the plan was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Shares available for purchase, beginning of year 471,459 508,749 555,600 Shares purchased under the plan (56,576 ) (37,290 ) (46,851 ) Shares available for purchase, end of year 414,883 471,459 508,749
Summary of non-employee director stock option plan activity	During 2015 , shares were purchased under the plan at prices ranging from $15.51 to $18.26 . Activity under the plan was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Shares available for purchase, beginning of year 279,809 294,248 224,106 Shares registered for use in the 2013 plan — — 300,000 Shares deregistered under the 2003 plan — — (222,306 ) Shares purchased under the plan (15,363 ) (14,439 ) (7,552 ) Shares available for purchase, end of year 264,446 279,809 294,248
Summary of dividend reinvestment plan activity	Employers Mutual did not participate in this plan in 2015 , 2014 or 2013 . Activity under the plan was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 Shares available for purchase, beginning of year 982,227 988,436 — Shares registered for use in the plan — — 991,778 Shares purchased under the plan (5,530 ) (6,209 ) (3,342 ) Shares available for purchase, end of year 976,697 982,227 988,436 Lowest purchase price $ 21.02 $ 18.69 $ 18.74 Highest purchase price $ 26.43 $ 23.59 $ 20.98

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI43

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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, 2013 $ 48,376 $ 10,634 $ 59,010 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 34,663 (5,560 ) 29,103 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (4,677 ) (1,774 ) (6,451 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 29,986 (7,334 ) 22,652 Balance at December 31, 2014 78,362 3,300 81,662 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (13,037 ) (3,949 ) (16,986 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (4,956 ) (1,287 ) (6,243 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (17,993 ) (5,236 ) (23,229 ) Balance at December 31, 2015 $ 60,369 $ (1,936 ) $ 58,433
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 years ended December 31, 2015 . ($ in thousands) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated other comprehensive income components Year ended December 31, 2015 Affected line item in the consolidated statements of income Unrealized gains on investments: Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income $ 7,624 Net realized investment gains Deferred income tax expense (2,668 ) Income tax expense, current Net reclassification adjustment 4,956 Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations: Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income): Net actuarial loss (1,327 ) (1) Prior service credit 3,307 (1) Total before tax 1,980 Deferred income tax expense (693 ) Income tax expense, current Net reclassification adjustment 1,287 Total reclassification adjustment $ 6,243 (1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income) (see Note 12, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details). ($ in thousands) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated other comprehensive income components Year ended December 31, 2014 Affected line item in the consolidated statements of income Unrealized gains on investments: Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income $ 7,195 Net realized investment gains Deferred income tax expense (2,518 ) Income tax expense, current Net reclassification adjustment 4,677 Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations: Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income): Net actuarial loss (578 ) (1) Prior service credit 3,307 (1) Total before tax 2,729 Deferred income tax expense (955 ) Income tax expense, current Net reclassification adjustment 1,774 Total reclassification adjustment $ 6,451 (1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income) (see Note 12, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details). ($ in thousands) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income Accumulated other comprehensive income components Year ended December 31, 2013 Affected line item in the consolidated statements of income Unrealized gains on investments: Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income $ 8,997 Net realized investment gains Deferred income tax expense (3,149 ) Income tax expense, current Net reclassification adjustment 5,848 Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations: Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income): Net actuarial loss (2,895 ) (1) Prior service credit 708 (1) Total before tax (2,187 ) Deferred income tax expense 765 Income tax expense, current Net reclassification adjustment (1,422 ) Total reclassification adjustment $ 4,426 (1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income) (see Note 12, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details).

LEASES, COMMITMENTS AND CONTI44

LEASES, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of lease commitments	The following table reflects the lease commitments of the Company as of December 31, 2015 . Payments due by period ($ in thousands) Total Less than 1 - 3 4 - 5 More than Lease commitments Real estate operating leases $ 2,494 $ 431 $ 779 $ 745 $ 539

UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL I45

UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of unaudited interim financial information	Three months ended, ($ in thousands, except per share amounts) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 2015 Total revenues $ 152,335 $ 158,808 $ 165,104 $ 147,479 Income before income tax expense $ 29,937 $ 11,875 $ 15,921 $ 13,923 Income tax expense (benefit) 9,607 3,127 4,732 4,028 Net income $ 20,330 $ 8,748 $ 11,189 $ 9,895 Net income per common share - basic and diluted (1) $ 1.00 $ 0.42 $ 0.54 $ 0.48 Three months ended, ($ in thousands, except per share amounts) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 2014 Total revenues $ 146,231 $ 147,733 $ 150,659 $ 149,844 Income before income tax expense $ 14,889 $ 270 $ 1,883 $ 23,865 Income tax expense (benefit) 4,294 (744 ) (346 ) 7,711 Net income $ 10,595 $ 1,014 $ 2,229 $ 16,154 Net income per common share - basic and diluted (1) $ 0.53 $ 0.05 $ 0.11 $ 0.80 (1) Since the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the quarters are calculated independently of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the year, quarterly net income per share may not total to annual net income per share.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN46

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Percentage of premium written in Iowa and contiguous states (in hundredths)	37.00%
Percentage of net premiums written subject to policyholder dividends (in hundredths)	25.00%
Investment securities on deposit	$ 11,200	$ 11,700
Average annual expense for accounts receivable charge-offs over past ten years	$ 366
Stock split conversion ratio	1.5
Stock split terms	three for two
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	30,000,000	30,000,000

AFFILIATION AND TRANSACTIONS 47

AFFILIATION AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES (Details) $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Plan	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)Plan	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Plan	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of pool participation (in hundredths)				30.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Premiums earned ceded by the reinsurance subsidiary to Employers Mutual				$ 407,531	$ 423,602	$ 413,422
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of pool participation (in hundredths)				30.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Reinsurance [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)				$ 898	$ 2,200	$ (366)
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Premiums earned ceded by the reinsurance subsidiary to Employers Mutual				377,579	382,997	373,771
Cost allocation to the Company not from pooling agreement				3,400	3,500	3,600
Investment expenses allocated to Company				$ 1,400	$ 1,300	$ 1,600
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of pool participation (in hundredths)				30.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Premiums earned ceded by the reinsurance subsidiary to Employers Mutual				$ 366,752	$ 372,658	$ 361,010
Cost allocation to the Company from pooling agreement				$ 87,400	$ 76,000	$ 83,300
Number of reinsurance program treaties | Plan	1	1	2
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Annual Aggregate Catastrophe Excess of Loss [Member]
Related Party Transaction [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
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Reinsurance [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Quota share agreement portion assumed (in hundredths)				100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Catastrophe claims, retention amount				$ 4,000	$ 4,000	$ 4,000
First layer excess of loss coinsurance percentage (in hundredths)				20.00%	20.00%	20.00%
Affiliated reinsurance contract first layer limit				$ 10,000	$ 10,000	$ 10,000
Second layer excess of loss coinsurance percentage (in hundredths)				10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Second layer excess of loss limit				$ 50,000	$ 50,000	$ 50,000
Percentage cost of protection to assumed reinsurance premiums written (in hundredths)				8.00%	8.00%	9.00%
Reinstatement premium income recognized through the quota share agreement				$ 1,800	$ 2,300	$ 2,500
Assumed quota share earned premium				129,600	122,100	129,700
Premiums earned ceded by the reinsurance subsidiary to Employers Mutual				10,827	10,339	12,761
Losses and settlement expenses assumed by the reinsurance subsidiary through the quota share agreement				77,500	79,500	66,100
Losses and settlement expenses ceded by the reinsurance subsidiary to Employers Mutual through the excess of loss agreement				622	(720)	823
Commissions paid by the reinsurance subsidiary to Employers Mutual				27,300	25,600	26,100
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss) assumed by subsidiary from Employers Mutual				$ 386	$ 1,000	$ 8
Number of reinsurance program treaties | Plan			2
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Reinsurance [Member] | Per Occurrence Catastrophe Excess of Loss [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Catastrophe claims, retention amount			$ 10,000
First layer excess of loss coinsurance percentage (in hundredths)			20.00%
Affiliated reinsurance contract first layer limit			$ 10,000
Dollar amount of cost of affiliated reinsurance contract			2,000
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Reinsurance [Member] | Annual Aggregate Catastrophe Excess of Loss [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Catastrophe claims, retention amount			$ 20,000
First layer excess of loss coinsurance percentage (in hundredths)			20.00%
Affiliated reinsurance contract first layer limit			$ 100,000
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

REINSURANCE (Details)

REINSURANCE (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)reinsurer	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)reinsurer	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Reinsurance Transactions For Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Number of significant nonaffiliated reinsurers | reinsurer	3	3
Total receivable amount from significant nonaffiliated reinsurers	$ 12,700	$ 16,300
Percentage of pool participation (in hundredths)	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Premiums written
Net premiums written	$ 578,938	$ 552,610	$ 534,077
Premiums earned
Direct	366,752	372,658	361,010
Assumed	611,045	591,666	567,918
Ceded	(407,531)	(423,602)	(413,422)
Net premiums earned	570,266	540,722	515,506
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	370,736	385,474	333,287
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Assumed	474,323	455,183	425,218
Ceded	(381,782)	(378,071)	(381,293)
Premiums earned
Assumed	466,966	443,440	412,665
Ceded	(377,579)	(382,997)	(373,771)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Assumed	295,181	305,857	268,491
Ceded	(199,126)	(226,662)	(237,932)
Non Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Direct	370,955	367,732	368,532
Assumed	143,092	147,519	165,792
Ceded	(27,650)	(39,753)	(44,172)
Premiums earned
Direct	366,752	372,658	361,010
Assumed	144,079	148,226	155,253
Ceded	(29,952)	(40,605)	(39,651)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	198,504	227,382	237,109
Assumed	85,922	98,482	83,135
Ceded	$ (9,745)	$ (19,585)	$ (17,516)
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%
Premiums written
Net premiums written	$ 454,434	$ 433,707	$ 405,049
Premiums earned
Net premiums earned	447,197	422,381	392,719
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	$ 291,883	$ 298,033	$ 260,917
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]
Reinsurance Transactions For Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Percentage of pool participation (in hundredths)	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Premiums written
Assumed	$ 474,323	$ 455,183	$ 425,218
Ceded	(370,955)	(367,732)	(368,532)
Premiums earned
Assumed	466,966	443,440	412,665
Ceded	(366,752)	(372,658)	(361,010)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Assumed	294,324	304,579	267,292
Ceded	(198,504)	(227,382)	(237,109)
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Non Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Direct	370,955	367,732	368,532
Assumed	4,392	3,955	3,501
Ceded	(24,281)	(25,431)	(23,670)
Premiums earned
Direct	366,752	372,658	361,010
Assumed	4,240	3,787	3,275
Ceded	(24,009)	(24,846)	(23,221)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	198,504	227,382	237,109
Assumed	2,407	2,201	2,281
Ceded	(4,848)	(8,747)	(8,656)
Reinsurance [Member]
Premiums written
Net premiums written	124,504	118,903	129,028
Premiums earned
Net premiums earned	123,069	118,341	122,787
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	78,853	87,441	72,370
Reinsurance [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Assumed	0	0	0
Ceded	(10,827)	(10,339)	(12,761)
Premiums earned
Assumed	0	0	0
Ceded	(10,827)	(10,339)	(12,761)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Assumed	857	1,278	1,199
Ceded	(622)	720	(823)
Reinsurance [Member] | Non Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Direct	0	0	0
Assumed	138,700	143,564	162,291
Ceded	(3,369)	(14,322)	(20,502)
Premiums earned
Direct	0	0	0
Assumed	139,839	144,439	151,978
Ceded	(5,943)	(15,759)	(16,430)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	0	0	0
Assumed	83,515	96,281	80,854
Ceded	$ (4,897)	$ (10,838)	$ (8,860)

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETT49

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETTLEMENT EXPENSES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of beginning and ending reserves for losses and settlement expenses [Roll Forward]
Gross reserves at beginning of year	$ 661,309	$ 610,181	$ 583,097
Re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates	(2,061)	333	(2)
Less ceded reserves at beginning of year	28,253	30,118	31,390
Net reserves at beginning of year	635,117	579,730	551,709
Incurred losses and settlement expenses related to:
Current year	405,850	406,266	346,072
Prior years	(35,114)	(20,792)	(12,785)
Total incurred losses and settlement expenses	370,736	385,474	333,287
Paid losses and settlement expenses related to:
Current year	154,958	162,905	137,998
Prior years	193,123	167,182	167,268
Total paid losses and settlement expenses	348,081	330,087	305,266
Net reserves at end of year	657,772	635,117	579,730
Plus ceded reserves at end of year	23,477	28,253	30,118
Re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates	(2,475)	(2,061)	333
Gross reserves at end of year	678,774	661,309	610,181
Summary of approximation of the implied favorable development and its impact on earnings [Abstract]
Adjustment for (adverse) favorable development included in the reported development amount that had no impact on earnings	(618)	2,151	6,526
Approximation of the implied amount of favorable development that had an impact on earnings	(35,732)	(18,641)	(6,259)
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Incurred losses and settlement expenses related to:
Prior years	$ (13,800)	$ (8,100)	$ (7,300)
Percentage change in loss and settlement expense reserves for prior accident years (in hundredths)	(3.00%)	(1.90%)	(1.80%)
Summary of approximation of the implied favorable development and its impact on earnings [Abstract]
Adjustment for (adverse) favorable development included in the reported development amount that had no impact on earnings	$ 423	$ 2,200	$ 6,500
Reinsurance [Member]
Incurred losses and settlement expenses related to:
Prior years	$ (21,300)	$ (12,700)	$ (5,500)
Percentage change in loss and settlement expense reserves for prior accident years (in hundredths)	(10.80%)	(6.90%)	(3.20%)
Summary of approximation of the implied favorable development and its impact on earnings [Abstract]
Adjustment for (adverse) favorable development included in the reported development amount that had no impact on earnings	$ (1,000)

ASBESTOS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CL50

ASBESTOS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended	84 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)policyholderlawsuitclaim	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)lawsuitclaim	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)
Liability for Asbestos and Environmental Claims [Abstract]
Average asbestos and environmental losses paid by company per year over past five years	$ 1,800
Reserves for asbestos and environmental related claims, before reinsurance	11,500	$ 11,500	$ 9,400
Reserves for asbestos and environmental related claims, net of reinsurance	$ 11,200	$ 11,200	$ 9,300
Number of asbestos bodily injury lawsuits | lawsuit	1,809	1,809
Number of policyholders producing recent higher paid asbestos amounts | policyholder	1
Company's share of asbestos related claims settled		$ 9,400
Number of asbestos exposure claims associated with furnace manufacturer, a former policyholder, remain open | claim	655	655
Asbestos reserve strengthening	$ 4,100

STATUTORY INFORMATION AND DIV51

STATUTORY INFORMATION AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
STATUTORY INFORMATION AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS [Abstract]
Statutory surplus of the Company's insurance subsidiaries	$ 485.2	$ 454.8
Statutory net income (loss)	$ 48.8	$ 32.2	$ 41.2
Risk-based capital model assessment for Company	At December 31, 2015, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries had total adjusted statutory capital well in excess of the minimum risk-based capital requirement.
Statutory accounting practices, statutory capital and surplus required	$ 77.4
Percentage of statutory surplus as maximum dividend allowable without prior approval of insurance regulatory authorities (in hundredths)	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Amount available for distribution to the Company without prior approval	$ 49.8

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Summarize

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Summarized financial information by segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated
Premiums earned									$ 570,266	$ 540,722	$ 515,506
Underwriting profit (loss)									21,223	(10,124)	10,873
Net investment income (loss)									45,582	46,465	43,022
Net realized investment gains									6,153	4,349	8,997
Other income (loss)									1,725	2,931	460
Interest expense									337	337	384
Other expenses									2,690	2,377	2,115
Income before income tax expense	$ 13,923	$ 15,921	$ 11,875	$ 29,937	$ 23,865	$ 1,883	$ 270	$ 14,889	71,656	40,907	60,853
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated
Assets	2,055,437				1,994,576				2,055,437	1,994,576
Eliminations	(514,309)				(495,288)				(514,309)	(495,288)
Reclassifications	(5,173)				(1,468)				(5,173)	(1,468)
Total assets	1,535,955				1,497,820				1,535,955	1,497,820
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated
Premiums earned									447,197	422,381	392,719
Underwriting profit (loss)									7,954	(12,309)	(10,435)
Net investment income (loss)									32,668	33,509	31,397
Net realized investment gains									4,163	2,938	7,525
Other income (loss)									771	695	765
Interest expense									337	337	384
Other expenses									748	793	751
Income before income tax expense									44,471	23,703	28,117
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated
Assets	1,092,820				1,057,429				1,092,820	1,057,429
Eliminations	0				0				0	0
Reclassifications	0				(909)				0	(909)
Total assets	1,092,820				1,056,520				1,092,820	1,056,520
Reinsurance [Member]
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated
Premiums earned									123,069	118,341	122,787
Underwriting profit (loss)									13,269	2,185	21,308
Net investment income (loss)									12,923	12,968	11,635
Net realized investment gains									1,990	1,411	1,472
Other income (loss)									954	2,236	(305)
Interest expense									0	0	0
Other expenses									0	0	0
Income before income tax expense									29,136	18,800	34,110
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated
Assets	437,575				434,139				437,575	434,139
Eliminations	0				0				0	0
Reclassifications	(5,173)				0				(5,173)	0
Total assets	432,402				434,139				432,402	434,139
Parent company [Member]
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated
Premiums earned									0	0	0
Underwriting profit (loss)									0	0	0
Net investment income (loss)									(9)	(12)	(10)
Net realized investment gains									0	0	0
Other income (loss)									0	0	0
Interest expense									0	0	0
Other expenses									1,942	1,584	1,364
Income before income tax expense									(1,951)	(1,596)	$ (1,374)
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated
Assets	525,042				503,008				525,042	503,008
Eliminations	(514,309)				(495,288)				(514,309)	(495,288)
Reclassifications	0				(559)				0	(559)
Total assets	$ 10,733				$ 7,161				$ 10,733	$ 7,161

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Net premi

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Net premiums earned by segment and lines of insurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	$ 570,266	$ 540,722	$ 515,506
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	447,197	422,381	392,719
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	403,779	375,943	342,318
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Automobile Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	105,904	96,908	86,230
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Property Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	104,303	97,155	87,446
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Workers Compensation Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	92,828	88,356	83,172
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Liability Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	92,665	86,108	77,983
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Other Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	8,079	7,416	7,487
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Personal Lines [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	43,418	46,438	50,401
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Personal Lines [Member] | Automobile Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	22,855	25,094	27,408
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Personal Lines [Member] | Homeowners Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	20,563	21,344	22,993
Reinsurance [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	123,069	118,341	122,787
Reinsurance [Member] | Pro rata reinsurance [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	47,421	41,883	47,648
Reinsurance [Member] | Pro rata reinsurance [Member] | Multiline (primarily property) Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	7,089	8,552	7,489
Reinsurance [Member] | Pro rata reinsurance [Member] | Property Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	15,324	8,482	20,239
Reinsurance [Member] | Pro rata reinsurance [Member] | Liability Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	20,629	9,919	5,172
Reinsurance [Member] | Pro rata reinsurance [Member] | Marine Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	4,379	14,930	14,748
Reinsurance [Member] | Excess of loss reinsurance [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	75,648	76,458	75,139
Reinsurance [Member] | Excess of loss reinsurance [Member] | Property Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	63,416	64,956	64,069
Reinsurance [Member] | Excess of loss reinsurance [Member] | Liability Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	$ 12,232	$ 11,502	$ 11,070

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA54

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Security	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)Security
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 1,367,268	$ 1,324,535
Short-term investments	38,599	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	$ 1,161,025	$ 1,127,499
US Treasury Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,589	9,703
US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	202,666	215,616
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	344,359	326,058
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	46,108	46,762
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	88,543	97,953
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	17,844	16,005
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	448,916	415,402
Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	206,243	197,036
Common stocks Financial services [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	33,955	34,379
Common stocks Information technology [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	28,102	26,865
Common stocks Healthcare [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	25,894	26,852
Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,200	16,694
Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,923	22,691
Common stocks Energy [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,068	22,863
Common stocks Industrials [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	20,416	18,221
Common stocks Other [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	20,683	16,056
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,002	12,415
Carrying amount [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	38,599	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	1,161,025	1,127,499
Carrying amount [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,589	9,703
Carrying amount [Member] | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	202,666	215,616
Carrying amount [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	344,359	326,058
Carrying amount [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	46,108	46,762
Carrying amount [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	88,543	97,953
Carrying amount [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	17,844	16,005
Carrying amount [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	448,916	415,402
Carrying amount [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	206,243	197,036
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Financial services [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	33,955	34,379
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Information technology [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	28,102	26,865
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Healthcare [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	25,894	26,852
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,200	16,694
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,923	22,691
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Energy [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,068	22,863
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Industrials [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	20,416	18,221
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Other [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	20,683	16,056
Carrying amount [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,002	12,415
Estimated fair value [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	38,599	53,262
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	10,823	12,308
Estimated fair value [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,161,025	1,127,499
Estimated fair value [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,589	9,703
Estimated fair value [Member] | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	202,666	215,616
Estimated fair value [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	344,359	326,058
Estimated fair value [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	46,108	46,762
Estimated fair value [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	88,543	97,953
Estimated fair value [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	17,844	16,005
Estimated fair value [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	448,916	415,402
Estimated fair value [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	206,243	197,036
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Financial services [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	33,955	34,379
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Information technology [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	28,102	26,865
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Healthcare [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	25,894	26,852
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,200	16,694
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,923	22,691
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Energy [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,068	22,863
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Industrials [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	20,416	18,221
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Other [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	20,683	16,056
Estimated fair value [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 19,002	$ 12,415

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA55

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, Recurring Measurement Inputs (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Security	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)Security
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 1,367,268	$ 1,324,535
Short-term investments	38,599	53,262
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	25,000	25,000
Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,161,025	1,127,499
US Treasury Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,589	9,703
US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	202,666	215,616
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	344,359	326,058
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	46,108	46,762
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	88,543	97,953
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	17,844	16,005
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	448,916	415,402
Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	206,243	197,036
Common stocks Financial services [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	33,955	34,379
Common stocks Information technology [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	28,102	26,865
Common stocks Healthcare [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	25,894	26,852
Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,200	16,694
Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,923	22,691
Common stocks Energy [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,068	22,863
Common stocks Industrials [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	20,416	18,221
Common stocks Other [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	20,683	16,056
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,002	12,415
Recurring [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	38,599	53,262
Recurring [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	1,161,025	1,127,499
Recurring [Member] | US Treasury Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	12,589	9,703
Recurring [Member] | US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	202,666	215,616
Recurring [Member] | US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	344,359	326,058
Recurring [Member] | Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	46,108	46,762
Recurring [Member] | Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	88,543	97,953
Recurring [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	17,844	16,005
Recurring [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	448,916	415,402
Recurring [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	206,243	197,036
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Financial services [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	33,955	34,379
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Information technology [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	28,102	26,865
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Healthcare [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	25,894	26,852
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,200	16,694
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	18,923	22,691
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Energy [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,068	22,863
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Industrials [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	20,416	18,221
Recurring [Member] | Common stocks Other [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	20,683	16,056
Recurring [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	19,002	12,415
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	38,599	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	198,944	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	33,952	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	28,102	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	25,894	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	18,200	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	18,923	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	21,068	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	20,416	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	20,683	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	11,706	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	1,159,696	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	12,589	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	202,666	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	344,359	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	46,108	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	88,543	97,953
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	17,844	16,005
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	447,587	413,740
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	7,296	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	7,296	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	$ 1,329	$ 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	1,329	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	10,823	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	$ 10,823	$ 12,308

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA56

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, Unobservable Input Reconciliation (Details) - Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 1,665	$ 1,979
Settlements	(327)	(322)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	(6)	8
Balance at end of period	1,332	1,665
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	1,662	1,976
Settlements	(327)	(322)
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	(6)	8
Balance at end of period	1,329	1,662
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
Settlements	0	0
Unrealized gains (losses) included in other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Balance at end of period	$ 3	$ 3

INVESTMENTS (Details)

INVESTMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	$ 1,274,393	$ 1,203,978
Gross unrealized gains	107,244	128,038
Gross unrealized losses	14,369	7,481
Estimated fair value	1,367,268	1,324,535
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	243,068	74,394
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	7,792	2,142
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	73,043	152,526
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	6,577	5,339
Total, Fair value	316,111	226,920
Total, Unrealized losses	14,369	7,481
Amortized cost
Due in one year or less	60,081
Due after one year through five years	146,288
Due after five years through ten years	315,753
Due after ten years	465,651
Securities not due at a single maturity date	142,444
Totals	1,130,217	1,080,006
Estimated fair value
Due in one year or less	60,344
Due after one year through five years	153,326
Due after five years through ten years	320,416
Due after ten years	488,547
Securities not due at a single maturity date	138,392
Totals	1,161,025	1,127,499
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]
'Other-than-temporary' impairments	(1,481)	(878)	$ (63)
Net realized investment gains	6,153	4,349	8,997
Investment Income, Net [Abstract]
Interest on fixed maturity securities	42,261	41,932	40,062
Dividends on equity securities	5,617	6,007	4,619
Income on reverse repurchase agreements	117	0	0
Interest on short-term investments	2	0	27
Return on long-term investments	(461)	297	22
Total investment income	47,536	48,236	44,730
Securities litigation income	32	107	219
Investment expenses	(1,986)	(1,878)	(1,927)
Net investment income (loss)	45,582	46,465	43,022
Available-for-sale Securities, Change in Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(9,689)	16,146	(11,539)
Net changes in unrealized holding gains (losses) net of tax	(17,993)	29,986	(21,430)
Debt Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	1,130,217	1,080,006
Gross unrealized gains	42,885	54,148
Gross unrealized losses	12,077	6,655
Estimated fair value	1,161,025	1,127,499
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	214,736	65,655
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	5,661	1,633
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	71,072	150,623
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	6,416	5,022
Total, Fair value	285,808	216,278
Total, Unrealized losses	12,077	6,655
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]
Available-for-sale, Gross realized investment gains	725	979	1,226
Available-for-sale, Gross realized investment losses	(251)	(92)	(725)
'Other-than-temporary' impairments	0	(1)	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Change in Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Net changes in unrealized holding gains (losses) before tax	(16,685)	29,081	(60,540)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(5,840)	10,179	(21,189)
Net changes in unrealized holding gains (losses) net of tax	(10,845)	18,902	(39,351)
US Treasury Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	12,566	9,574
Gross unrealized gains	23	129
Gross unrealized losses	0	0
Estimated fair value	12,589	9,703
US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	202,486	215,425
Gross unrealized gains	1,817	2,313
Gross unrealized losses	1,637	2,122
Estimated fair value	202,666	215,616
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	78,800	24,473
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	1,228	94
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	34,079	97,446
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	409	2,028
Total, Fair value	112,879	121,919
Total, Unrealized losses	1,637	2,122
US States and Political Subdivisions Debt Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	319,940	299,258
Gross unrealized gains	24,419	26,840
Gross unrealized losses	0	40
Estimated fair value	344,359	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	44,433	42,996
Gross unrealized gains	1,692	3,766
Gross unrealized losses	17	0
Estimated fair value	46,108	46,762
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	6,807	1,102
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	17	0
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0	0
Total, Fair value	6,807	1,102
Total, Unrealized losses	17	0
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	94,279	100,296
Gross unrealized gains	1,059	1,402
Gross unrealized losses	6,795	3,745
Estimated fair value	88,543	97,953
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	22,028	21,451
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	1,694	1,252
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	22,781	21,163
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	5,101	2,493
Total, Fair value	44,809	42,614
Total, Unrealized losses	6,795	3,745
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	17,000	14,798
Gross unrealized gains	883	1,213
Gross unrealized losses	39	6
Estimated fair value	17,844	16,005
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	6,013	1,889
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	39	6
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0	0
Total, Fair value	6,013	1,889
Total, Unrealized losses	39	6
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	439,513	397,659
Gross unrealized gains	12,992	18,485
Gross unrealized losses	3,589	742
Estimated fair value	448,916	415,402
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	101,088	16,740
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	2,683	281
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	14,212	28,257
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	906	461
Total, Fair value	115,300	44,997
Total, Unrealized losses	3,589	742
Equity Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	144,176	123,972
Gross unrealized gains	64,359	73,890
Gross unrealized losses	2,292	826
Estimated fair value	206,243	197,036
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	28,332	8,739
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	2,131	509
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	1,971	1,903
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	161	317
Total, Fair value	30,303	10,642
Total, Unrealized losses	2,292	826
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]
Available-for-sale, Gross realized investment gains	12,741	8,913	9,458
Available-for-sale, Gross realized investment losses	(4,110)	(1,727)	(899)
'Other-than-temporary' impairments	(1,481)	(877)	(63)
Available-for-sale Securities, Change in Net Unrealized Holding Gain (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Net changes in unrealized holding gains (losses) before tax	(10,997)	17,051	27,571
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(3,849)	5,967	9,650
Net changes in unrealized holding gains (losses) net of tax	(7,148)	11,084	17,921
Common stocks Financial services [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	24,557	22,586
Gross unrealized gains	9,731	11,835
Gross unrealized losses	333	42
Estimated fair value	33,955	34,379
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	6,387	1,162
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	333	9
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0	187
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0	33
Total, Fair value	6,387	1,349
Total, Unrealized losses	333	42
Common stocks Information technology [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	19,427	15,755
Gross unrealized gains	8,807	11,110
Gross unrealized losses	132	0
Estimated fair value	28,102	26,865
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	1,316
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	132
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0
Total, Fair value	1,316
Total, Unrealized losses	132
Common stocks Healthcare [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	15,599	14,673
Gross unrealized gains	10,359	12,179
Gross unrealized losses	64	0
Estimated fair value	25,894	26,852
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	3,199
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	64
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0
Total, Fair value	3,199
Total, Unrealized losses	64
Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	11,136	10,584
Gross unrealized gains	7,090	6,112
Gross unrealized losses	26	2
Estimated fair value	18,200	16,694
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	1,244	1,051
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	26	2
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0	0
Total, Fair value	1,244	1,051
Total, Unrealized losses	26	2
Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	10,270	11,304
Gross unrealized gains	8,658	11,420
Gross unrealized losses	5	33
Estimated fair value	18,923	22,691
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	176	822
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	5	33
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0	0
Total, Fair value	176	822
Total, Unrealized losses	5	33
Common stocks Energy [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	16,384	15,837
Gross unrealized gains	5,972	7,458
Gross unrealized losses	1,288	432
Estimated fair value	21,068	22,863
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	8,233	4,298
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	1,272	432
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	116	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	16	0
Total, Fair value	8,349	4,298
Total, Unrealized losses	1,288	432
Common stocks Industrials [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	11,525	9,658
Gross unrealized gains	8,902	8,596
Gross unrealized losses	11	33
Estimated fair value	20,416	18,221
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	1,263	1,406
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	11	33
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0	0
Total, Fair value	1,263	1,406
Total, Unrealized losses	11	33
Common stocks Other [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	17,246	11,493
Gross unrealized gains	3,672	4,563
Gross unrealized losses	235	0
Estimated fair value	20,683	16,056
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	4,064
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	235
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	0
Total, Fair value	4,064
Total, Unrealized losses	235
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Amortized cost	18,032	12,082
Gross unrealized gains	1,168	617
Gross unrealized losses	198	284
Estimated fair value	19,002	12,415
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	2,450	0
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	53	0
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	1,855	1,716
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	145	284
Total, Fair value	4,305	1,716
Total, Unrealized losses	198	284
Other Long-term Investments [Member]
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]
Other long-term investments, net	$ (1,471)	$ (2,846)	$ 0

INCOME TAXES (Details)

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract]
Loss reserve discounting	$ 13,929				$ 15,681				$ 13,929	$ 15,681
Unearned premium reserve limitation	16,310				15,648				16,310	15,648
Other policyholders' funds payable	3,052				3,553				3,052	3,553
Other, net	1,730				1,145				1,730	1,145
Total deferred income tax asset	35,021				36,027				35,021	36,027
Net unrealized holding gains on investment securities	(32,506)				(42,195)				(32,506)	(42,195)
Deferred policy acquisition costs	(14,252)				(13,770)				(14,252)	(13,770)
Retirement benefits	(3,606)				(5,712)				(3,606)	(5,712)
Other, net	(3,686)				(3,004)				(3,686)	(3,004)
Total deferred income tax liability	(54,050)				(64,681)				(54,050)	(64,681)
Net deferred income tax liability	(19,029)				(28,654)				$ (19,029)	$ (28,654)
Income tax expense (benefit) reconciliation [Abstract]
United States federal corporate tax rate (in hundredths)									35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
Computed expected income tax expense									$ 25,079	$ 14,318	$ 21,298
Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from:
Tax-exempt interest income									(2,805)	(3,285)	(3,828)
Dividends received deduction									(1,136)	(828)	(876)
Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction									591	617	706
Other, net									(235)	93	34
Total income tax expense	4,028	$ 4,732	$ 3,127	$ 9,607	7,711	$ (346)	$ (744)	$ 4,294	21,494	10,915	17,334
Comprehensive Income Loss Tax [Abstract]
Operations	4,028	$ 4,732	$ 3,127	$ 9,607	7,711	$ (346)	$ (744)	$ 4,294	21,494	10,915	17,334
Change in unrealized holding gains on investment securities									(9,689)	16,146	(11,539)
Change in funded status of retirement benefit plans:
Pension plans									(1,748)	(2,619)	5,498
Postretirement benefit plans									(1,071)	(1,330)	12,103
Comprehensive income tax expense									8,986	23,112	23,396
Provision for uncertain tax positions	$ 0				$ 0				0	0
Interest income related to US federal income taxes									0	1	0
Income Tax Examination, Penalties and Interest Expense									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

SURPLUS NOTES (Details)

SURPLUS NOTES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2013
SURPLUS NOTES [Abstract]
Surplus notes payable to affiliate	$ 25,000	$ 25,000
Interest rate on surplus notes (in hundredths)	1.35%	1.35%	1.35%	3.60%
Period for review of interest rate	5 years	5 years	5 years
Interest expense (all affiliated)	$ 337	$ 337	$ 384

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Deta

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of pool participation (in hundredths)	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Other benefit plans expenses (including 401(k)) allocated to the Company	$ 2,500	$ 1,700	$ 1,500
Pension Plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Group, Inc. [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Prepaid pension and postretirement benefits				$ 8,132	$ 13,267
Liability [Abstract]
Pension and postretirement benefits				(4,299)	(4,162)
Net amount recognized				3,833	9,105
Amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated balance sheets under the caption "accumulated other comprehensive income", before deferred income taxes [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss				(20,101)	(15,097)
Prior service (cost) credit				(15)	(25)
Net amount recognized				(20,116)	(15,122)
Amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in next fiscal year [Abstract]
Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,300
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	10
Amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive income [Abstract]
Net actuarial gain (loss)	(5,004)	(7,492)
Prior service (cost) credit	10	10
Net amount recognized	(4,994)	(7,482)
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	1,800	680	3,000
Pension Plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation [Abstract]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	267,129	239,109
Service cost	13,962	12,863	13,213
Interest cost	9,311	9,664	7,656
Actuarial (gain) loss	(1,661)	19,257
Benefits paid	(18,837)	(13,764)
Plan amendments	0	0
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	269,904	267,129	239,109
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	297,848	288,750
Actual return on plan assets	(591)	15,029
Employer contributions	4,811	7,833
Benefits paid	(18,837)	(13,764)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	283,231	297,848	288,750
Funded status				$ 13,327	$ 30,719
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	13,962	12,863	13,213
Interest cost	9,311	9,664	7,656
Expected return on plan assets	(20,298)	(20,733)	(17,150)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	2,710	366	5,962
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	31	31	50
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$ 5,716	$ 2,191	$ 9,731
Weighted-average assumptions used to measure the benefit obligations [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)				3.90%	3.57%
Weighted-average assumptions used to measure the net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	3.57%	4.17%	3.24%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (in hundredths)	7.00%	7.25%	7.25%
Expected future benefit payments to be paid from the plans over the next ten years [Abstract]
2,016				$ 22,066
2,017				22,967
2,018				23,334
2,019				24,293
2,020				25,502
2021 - 2025				123,096
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 297,848	$ 288,750	$ 288,750	$ 283,231	$ 297,848
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plans, vest years of service	3 years
Defined benefit plan, age of attainment years	55 years
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$ 297,848
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 283,231	$ 297,848
Weighted-average assumptions used to measure the benefit obligations [Abstract]
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)				5.07%	4.73%
Weighted-average assumptions used to measure the net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	4.73%	4.73%	4.73%
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 297,848	$ 297,848		$ 283,231	$ 297,848
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan estimated future parent total contributions next fiscal year				8,200
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | U.S. Stock Funds Pooled Accounts [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	154,478
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	142,934	154,478
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	154,478	154,478		142,934	154,478
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | International Stock Funds Pooled Accounts [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	57,955
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	55,850	57,955
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	57,955	57,955		55,850	57,955
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | U.S. Bond Funds Pooled Accounts [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	63,443
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	62,160	63,443
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	63,443	63,443		62,160	63,443
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Real Estate Separate Account [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	17,735
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	20,414	17,735
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	17,735	17,735		20,414	17,735
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Short-Term Funds Pooled Accounts [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	4,237
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,873	4,237
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 4,237	$ 4,237		1,873	4,237
Non-Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plans, vest years of service	3 years
Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation				13,505	13,057
Accumulated benefit obligation				12,405	12,121
Fair value of plan assets				$ 0	$ 0
Weighted-average assumptions used to measure the benefit obligations [Abstract]
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)				5.56%	4.68%
Weighted-average assumptions used to measure the net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	4.68%	4.68%	4.68%
Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | Net [Member]
Expected future benefit payments to be paid from the plans over the next ten years [Abstract]
2,016				$ 2,668
2,017				2,852
2,018				3,033
2,019				3,147
2,020				3,215
2021 - 2025				16,670
Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Group, Inc. [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation [Abstract]
Amortization period for prior service credit from plan amendment	10 years
Assets [Abstract]
Prepaid pension and postretirement benefits				4,001	$ 4,093
Liability [Abstract]
Pension and postretirement benefits				0	0
Net amount recognized				4,001	4,093
Amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated balance sheets under the caption "accumulated other comprehensive income", before deferred income taxes [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss				(6,523)	(7,258)
Prior service (cost) credit				23,662	27,458
Net amount recognized				17,139	20,200
Amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in next fiscal year [Abstract]
Amortization of net actuarial loss	$ 422
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(3,300)
Amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive income [Abstract]
Net actuarial gain (loss)	735	$ (431)
Prior service (cost) credit	(3,796)	(3,370)
Net amount recognized	(3,061)	(3,801)
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	(3,000)	(3,100)	$ 2,900
Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation [Abstract]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	54,503	50,006
Service cost	1,411	1,260	6,300
Interest cost	2,148	2,254	6,172
Actuarial (gain) loss	(5,895)	3,516
Benefits paid	(2,185)	(2,533)
Plan amendments	1,467	0
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	51,449	54,503	50,006
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	69,290	67,276
Actual return on plan assets	(785)	4,547
Employer contributions	0	0
Benefits paid	(2,185)	(2,533)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	66,320	69,290	67,276
Funded status				$ 14,871	$ 14,787
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	1,411	1,260	6,300
Interest cost	2,148	2,254	6,172
Expected return on plan assets	(4,416)	(4,396)	(3,631)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	1,745	1,651	3,694
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(11,466)	(11,466)	(2,491)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$ (10,578)	$ (10,697)	$ 10,044
Weighted-average assumptions used to measure the benefit obligations [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)				4.42%	4.04%
Weighted-average assumptions used to measure the net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	4.04%	4.71%	4.03%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (in hundredths)	6.50%	6.75%	6.50%
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 69,290	$ 67,276	$ 67,276	$ 66,320	$ 69,290
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	69,290
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	66,320	69,290
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	69,290	69,290		66,320	69,290
Defined Benefit Plan, Estimated Future Employer Contributions [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan estimated future parent total contributions next fiscal year				$ 0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	4,644
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,709	4,644
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Net asset value per share (in dollars per share)				$ 1
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	4,644	4,644		$ 2,709	4,644
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Emerging Markets ETF [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	4,187
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	3,422	4,187
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	4,187	4,187		3,422	4,187
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Equity Mutual Funds [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	36,451
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	36,286	36,451
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	36,451	36,451		36,286	36,451
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Tax Exempt Fixed Income Mutual Funds [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	3,425
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	3,422	3,425
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	3,425	3,425		3,422	3,425
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | International Equity Mutual Funds [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	7,175
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	6,689	7,175
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	7,175	7,175		6,689	7,175
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Life Insurance Contracts [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	13,408
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	13,792	13,408
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	13,408	13,408		13,792	13,408
Reconciliation of the plan assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	13,408	13,227
Actual return on plan assets [Abstract]
Increase in cash accumulation value of life insurance contracts	384	367
Gain on life insurance death benefit	0	89
Settlement of life insurance death benefit	0	(275)
Balance at end of period	13,792	13,408	$ 13,227
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	55,882
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	52,528	55,882
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	55,882	55,882		52,528	55,882
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	4,644
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	2,709	4,644
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	4,644	4,644		2,709	4,644
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Emerging Markets ETF [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	4,187
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	3,422	4,187
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	4,187	4,187		3,422	4,187
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Equity Mutual Funds [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	36,451
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	36,286	36,451
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	36,451	36,451		36,286	36,451
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Tax Exempt Fixed Income Mutual Funds [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	3,425
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	3,422	3,425
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	3,425	3,425		3,422	3,425
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | International Equity Mutual Funds [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	7,175
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	6,689	7,175
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	7,175	7,175		6,689	7,175
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Life Insurance Contracts [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0		0	0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0		0	0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0		0	0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Emerging Markets ETF [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0		0	0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Mutual Funds [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0		0	0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Tax Exempt Fixed Income Mutual Funds [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0		0	0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | International Equity Mutual Funds [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0		0	0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Life Insurance Contracts [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0		0	0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	13,408
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	13,792	13,408
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	13,408	13,408		13,792	13,408
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0		0	0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Emerging Markets ETF [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0		0	0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity Mutual Funds [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0		0	0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Tax Exempt Fixed Income Mutual Funds [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0		0	0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | International Equity Mutual Funds [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0		0	0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Life Insurance Contracts [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	13,408
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	13,792	13,408
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 13,408	$ 13,408		$ 13,792	$ 13,408

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Detai

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Plan$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of stock option plans | Plan	2
Recognized compensation expense | $	$ 500	$ 357	$ 289
Recognized compensation expense, net of tax | $	325	233	190
Excess tax benefit associated with affiliate’s stock plans | $	95	103	96
Stock Appreciation Rights plan recognized expense | $	$ (7)	$ 15	$ 0
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	4 years	4 years	4 years
Unrecognized compensation cost associated with restricted stock awards, not currently vested | $	$ 983
Weighted-average period over which the compensation expense is expected to be recognized	2 years 6 months 6 days
Total fair value of restricted stock awards that vested | $	$ 233	$ 110	$ 0
Non-vested restricted stock awards activity in shares
Non-vested, beginning of year (in shares)	155,864	85,002	0
Granted (in shares)	117,146	94,146	86,580
Vested (in shares)	(40,941)	(21,223)	0
Forfeited (in shares)	(15,125)	(2,061)	(1,578)
Non-vested, end of year (in shares)	216,944	155,864	85,002
Non-vested restricted stock awards activity in dollars per share weighted-average grant-date fair value
Non-vested, beginning of year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 19.21	$ 17.27	$ 0
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	21.36	20.49	17.27
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	18.99	17.27	0
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	19.35	17.74	17.27
Non-vested, end of year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 20.40	$ 19.21	$ 17.27
Employee Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	5 years	5 years	5 years
Unrecognized compensation cost associated with option awards, not currently vested | $	$ 71
Weighted-average period over which the compensation expense is expected to be recognized	9 months 24 days
Total intrinsic value of options exercised under Employers Mutual's stock option plans | $	$ 770	$ 606	$ 844
Portion of the current tax deduction realized from exercises of stock options | $	121	152	165
Excess tax benefit associated with affiliate’s stock plans | $	$ 95	$ 103	$ 96
Number of options [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning of year (in shares)	1,351,802	1,702,938	2,383,578
Exercised (in shares)	(323,486)	(300,479)	(609,808)
Expired (in shares)	(20,850)	(34,421)	(70,832)
Forfeited (in shares)	(1,295)	(16,236)	0
Outstanding, end of year (in shares)	1,006,171	1,351,802	1,702,938
Options Exercisable, end of year (in shares)	824,365	963,831	1,036,650
Weighted-average exercise price [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning of year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 14.89	$ 14.78	$ 14.59
Exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	14.86	14.24	14.18
Expired (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	14.11	15.01	13.57
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	14.68	15.29	0
Outstanding, end of year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	14.92	14.89	14.78
Exercisable, end of year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 14.95	$ 14.94	$ 14.91
Additional information relating to options outstanding and options vested (exercisable) [Abstract]
Options outstanding, Number of options (in shares)	1,006,171
Options outstanding, Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 14.92
Options outstanding, Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 10,836
Options outstanding, Weighted-average remaining term	3 years 11 months 15 days
Options exercisable, Number of options (in shares)	824,365
Options exercisable, Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 14.95
Options exercisable, Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 8,850
Options exercisable, Weighted-average remaining term	3 years 6 months 18 days
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Registered shares (in shares)	750,000	750,000	750,000
Fair market value of the stock on the date of purchase (in hundredths)	85.00%	85.00%	85.00%
Employee stock purchase plan administrative expense | $	$ 59	$ 35	$ 45
Other Stock Purchase Plan Shares Activity [Roll Forward]
Shares available for purchase, beginning of year (in shares)	471,459	508,749	555,600
Shares purchased under the plan (in shares)	(56,576)	(37,290)	(46,851)
Shares available for purchase, end of year (in shares)	414,883	471,459	508,749
Other stock purchase plan stock option exercise price range lower range limit (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 18.75
Other stock purchase plan stock option exercise price range upper range limit (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 21.4
Non-Employee Director Stock Option Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Registered shares (in shares)	300,000	300,000	300,000
Fair market value to purchase stock under Non-employee director stock option plan (in hundredths)	75.00%	75.00%	75.00%
Minimum cash retainer used to purchase common stock (in hundredths)	25.00%	25.00%	25.00%
Maximum cash retainer used to purchase common stock (in hundredths)	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Non employee director stock option plan administrative expense | $	$ 62	$ 49	$ 36
Other Stock Purchase Plan Shares Activity [Roll Forward]
Shares available for purchase, beginning of year (in shares)	279,809	294,248	224,106
Shares registered during period (in shares)	0	0	300,000
Shares deregistered during period (in shares)	0	0	(222,306)
Shares purchased under the plan (in shares)	(15,363)	(14,439)	(7,552)
Shares available for purchase, end of year (in shares)	264,446	279,809	294,248
Other stock purchase plan stock option exercise price range lower range limit (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 15.51
Other stock purchase plan stock option exercise price range upper range limit (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 18.26
Dividend Reinvestment Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Registered shares (in shares)	991,778	991,778	991,778
Other Stock Purchase Plan Shares Activity [Roll Forward]
Shares available for purchase, beginning of year (in shares)	982,227	988,436	0
Shares registered during period (in shares)	0	0	991,778
Shares purchased under the plan (in shares)	(5,530)	(6,209)	(3,342)
Shares available for purchase, end of year (in shares)	976,697	982,227	988,436
Other stock purchase plan stock option exercise price range lower range limit (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 21.02	$ 18.69	$ 18.74
Other stock purchase plan stock option exercise price range upper range limit (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 26.43	$ 23.59	$ 20.98
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	2,250,000
Time limit for granting awards	10 years	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	3,000,000
Time limit for granting awards	10 years	10 years	10 years

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI62

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning balance	$ 81,662	$ 59,010
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(16,986)	29,103
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(6,243)	(6,451)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(23,229)	22,652	$ 11,258
Balance at end of period	58,433	81,662	59,010
Unrealized Gains and (Losses) on Available-for-sale securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning balance	78,362	48,376
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(13,037)	34,663
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(4,956)	(4,677)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(17,993)	29,986
Balance at end of period	60,369	78,362	48,376
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Beginning balance	3,300	10,634
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(3,949)	(5,560)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(1,287)	(1,774)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(5,236)	(7,334)
Balance at end of period	$ (1,936)	$ 3,300	$ 10,634

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI63

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Loss [Line Items]
Net realized investment gains		$ 6,153	$ 4,349	$ 8,997
Income tax expense, current		(18,611)	(7,280)	(16,927)
Total reclassification adjustment		6,243	6,451	4,426
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		7,624	7,195	8,997
Income tax expense, current		(2,668)	(2,518)	(3,149)
Total reclassification adjustment		4,956	4,677	5,848
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]	(1,327)	(578)	(2,895)
Prior service credit	[1]	3,307	3,307	708
Total before tax		1,980	2,729	(2,187)
Income tax expense, current		(693)	(955)	765
Total reclassification adjustment		$ 1,287	$ 1,774	$ (1,422)
[1]	These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income) (see Note 12, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details).

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAMS (Deta

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAMS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2005	Dec. 31, 2015	Nov. 03, 2011
Equity [Abstract]
Authorized amount of stock repurchase program			$ 15,000
Parent entity stock purchase program authorized amount	$ 15,000
Parent entity stock purchase program remaining authorized purchase amount		$ 4,500

LEASES, COMMITMENTS AND CONTI65

LEASES, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Lease commitments, Payments due by period [Abstract]
Real estate operating leases, Total	$ 2,494
Real estate operating leases, Less than 1 year	431
Real estate operating leases, 1 - 3 years	779
Real estate operating leases, 4 - 5 years	745
Real estate operating leases, More than 5 years	539
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Premium tax offsets	$ 1,100	$ 969
Period for guaranty fund assessments expected to be paid	2 years
Period for premium tax offsets are expected to be realized	10 years
Entity's share of case loss reserves, eliminated by the purchase of annuities	$ 110
Contingent liability for aggregate guaranteed amount of annuities	183
Guaranty Fund [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrued estimated fund assessments	912	931
Second-Injury Fund [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrued estimated fund assessments	$ 1,900	$ 1,700

UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL I66

UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015		Sep. 30, 2015		Jun. 30, 2015		Mar. 31, 2015		Dec. 31, 2014		Sep. 30, 2014		Jun. 30, 2014		Mar. 31, 2014		Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 147,479		$ 165,104		$ 158,808		$ 152,335		$ 149,844		$ 150,659		$ 147,733		$ 146,231		$ 623,726	$ 594,467	$ 567,985
Income before income tax expense	13,923		15,921		11,875		29,937		23,865		1,883		270		14,889		71,656	40,907	60,853
Income tax expense (benefit)	4,028		4,732		3,127		9,607		7,711		(346)		(744)		4,294		21,494	10,915	17,334
Net income	$ 9,895		$ 11,189		$ 8,748		$ 20,330		$ 16,154		$ 2,229		$ 1,014		$ 10,595		$ 50,162	$ 29,992	$ 43,519
Net income per common share - basic and diluted (1)	$ 0.48	[1]	$ 0.54	[1]	$ 0.42	[1]	$ 1	[1]	$ 0.80	[1]	$ 0.11	[1]	$ 0.05	[1]	$ 0.53	[1]	$ 2.43	$ 1.48	$ 2.22
[1]	Since the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the quarters are calculated independently of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the year, quarterly net income per share may not total to annual net income per share.

Schedule I - Summary of Inves67

Schedule I - Summary of Investments-Other than Investments in Related Parties (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	$ 1,322,922
Fair value	1,415,797
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	1,415,797
Debt Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	1,130,217
Fair value	1,161,025
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	1,161,025
US Treasury Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	12,566
Fair value	12,589
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	12,589
US Government-sponsored Enterprises Debt Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	202,486
Fair value	202,666
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	202,666
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	319,940
Fair value	344,359
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	344,359
Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	44,433
Fair value	46,108
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	46,108
Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	94,279
Fair value	88,543
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	88,543
Other Asset Backed [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	17,000
Fair value	17,844
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	17,844
Corporate Debt Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	439,513
Fair value	448,916
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	448,916
Equity Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	144,176
Fair value	206,243
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	206,243
Common stocks Financial services [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	24,557
Fair value	33,955
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	33,955
Common stocks Information technology [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	19,427
Fair value	28,102
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	28,102
Common stocks Healthcare [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	15,599
Fair value	25,894
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	25,894
Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	11,136
Fair value	18,200
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	18,200
Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	10,270
Fair value	18,923
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	18,923
Common stocks Energy [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	16,384
Fair value	21,068
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	21,068
Common stocks Industrials [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	11,525
Fair value	20,416
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	20,416
Common stocks Other [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	17,246
Fair value	20,683
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	20,683
Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	18,032
Fair value	19,002
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	19,002
Other Long-term Investments [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	9,930
Fair value	9,930
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	9,930
Short-term Investments [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	38,599
Fair value	38,599
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	$ 38,599

Schedule II - Condensed Finan68

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ASSETS
Short-term investments												$ 38,599	$ 53,262
Cash	$ 224			$ 383	$ 383			$ 239	$ 383	$ 239	$ 330	224	383	$ 239	$ 330
Accounts receivable												804	1,767
Income taxes recoverable												1,735	0
Total assets												2,055,437	1,994,576
LIABILITIES
Amounts due affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances												6,408	8,559
Total liabilities												1,011,017	994,934
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 20,780,439 shares in 2015 and 20,344,409 shares in 2014												20,781	20,344
Additional paid-in capital												108,747	99,891
Accumulated other comprehensive income												58,433	81,662	59,010
Retained earnings												336,977	300,989
Total stockholders' equity												524,938	502,886	455,210	401,209
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity												1,535,955	1,497,820
REVENUES
Investment loss									45,582	46,465	43,022
Total revenues	147,479	$ 165,104	$ 158,808	152,335	149,844	$ 150,659	$ 147,733	146,231	623,726	594,467	567,985
Other expenses									2,690	2,377	2,115
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	4,028	4,732	3,127	9,607	7,711	(346)	(744)	4,294	21,494	10,915	17,334
Net income	9,895	11,189	8,748	20,330	16,154	2,229	1,014	10,595	50,162	29,992	43,519
Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	9,895	$ 11,189	$ 8,748	20,330	16,154	$ 2,229	$ 1,014	10,595	50,162	29,992	43,519
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities, net of deferred income taxes									(13,037)	34,663	(15,582)
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income, net of income taxes									(4,956)	(4,677)	(5,848)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income), net of deferred income taxes:
Net actuarial loss									863	375	1,882
Prior service credit									(2,150)	(2,149)	(460)
Total reclassification adjustment associated with affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans									(1,287)	(1,774)	1,422
Change in funded status of affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans, net of deferred income taxes:
Net actuarial gain (loss)									(3,637)	(5,525)	13,718
Prior service (cost) credit									(312)	(35)	17,548
Total change in funded status of affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans									(3,949)	(5,560)	31,266
Other comprehensive income (loss)									(23,229)	22,652	11,258
Total comprehensive income									26,933	52,644	54,777
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities									85,612	91,815	86,833
Cash flows from investing activities
Net (purchases) sales of short-term investments									14,663	2,904	(2,786)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities									(80,770)	(86,578)	(85,953)
Cash flows from financing activities
Issuance of common stock through affiliate’s stock plans									9,078	7,392	10,208
Excess tax benefit associated with affiliate’s stock plans									95	103	96
Dividends paid to stockholders (affiliated $(8,162), $(7,377) and $(6,749))									(14,174)	(12,588)	(11,275)
Net cash used in financing activities									(5,001)	(5,093)	(971)
Net increase (decrease) in cash									(159)	144	(91)
Cash at the beginning of the year				383				239	383	239	330
Cash at the end of the year	224				383				224	383	239
Income taxes recovered									20,254	8,703	13,714
Interest paid									337	384	900
Parent company [Member]
ASSETS
Investment in common stock of subsidiaries (equity method)												514,309	495,288
Short-term investments												9,761	6,731
Cash	136			274	274			149	274	149	291	136	274	$ 149	$ 291
Prepaid assets												95	87
Accounts receivable												58	69
Income taxes recoverable												683	559
Total assets												525,042	503,008
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable												87	80
Amounts due affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances												17	42
Total liabilities												104	122
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 20,780,439 shares in 2015 and 20,344,409 shares in 2014												20,781	20,344
Additional paid-in capital												108,747	99,891
Accumulated other comprehensive income												58,433	81,662
Retained earnings												336,977	300,989
Total stockholders' equity												524,938	502,886
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity												$ 525,042	$ 503,008
REVENUES
Dividends received from subsidiaries									9,180	378	9,974
Investment loss									(9)	(12)	(10)
Total revenues									9,171	366	9,964
Other expenses									1,942	1,584	1,364
Income (loss) before income tax benefit and equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries									7,229	(1,218)	8,600
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									(682)	(558)	(481)
Income (loss) before equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries									7,911	(660)	9,081
Equity in undistributed net income of subsidiaries									42,251	30,652	34,438
Net income									50,162	29,992	43,519
Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income									50,162	29,992	43,519
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities, net of deferred income taxes									(13,037)	34,663	(15,582)
Reclassification adjustment for realized investment gains included in net income, net of income taxes									(4,956)	(4,677)	(5,848)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income), net of deferred income taxes:
Net actuarial loss									863	375	1,882
Prior service credit									(2,150)	(2,149)	(460)
Total reclassification adjustment associated with affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans									(1,287)	(1,774)	1,422
Change in funded status of affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans, net of deferred income taxes:
Net actuarial gain (loss)									(3,637)	(5,525)	13,718
Prior service (cost) credit									(312)	(35)	17,548
Total change in funded status of affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans									(3,949)	(5,560)	31,266
Other comprehensive income (loss)									(23,229)	22,652	11,258
Total comprehensive income									26,933	52,644	54,777
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities									7,893	(738)	9,544
Cash flows from investing activities
Net (purchases) sales of short-term investments									(3,030)	5,956	(8,715)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities									(3,030)	5,956	(8,715)
Cash flows from financing activities
Issuance of common stock through affiliate’s stock plans									9,078	7,392	10,208
Excess tax benefit associated with affiliate’s stock plans									95	103	96
Dividends paid to stockholders (affiliated $(8,162), $(7,377) and $(6,749))									(14,174)	(12,588)	(11,275)
Net cash used in financing activities									(5,001)	(5,093)	(971)
Net increase (decrease) in cash									(138)	125	(142)
Cash at the beginning of the year				$ 274				$ 149	274	149	291
Cash at the end of the year	$ 136				$ 274				136	274	149
Income taxes recovered									559	481	0
Interest paid									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Schedule II - Condensed Finan69

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant, Parenthetical (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Balance Sheets [Abstract]
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)	20,780,439	20,344,409
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	20,780,439	20,344,409
Condensed Statements of Income [Abstract]
Operating expense, affiliated	$ 1,822	$ 1,570	$ 1,356
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Dividends paid to stockholders, affiliated	$ (8,162)	$ (7,377)	(6,749)
Parent company [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheets [Abstract]
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)	20,780,439	20,344,409
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	20,780,439	20,344,409
Condensed Statements of Income [Abstract]
Operating expense, affiliated	$ 1,074	$ 777	605
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Dividends paid to stockholders, affiliated	$ (8,162)	$ (7,377)	$ (6,749)

Schedule III - Supplementary 70

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$ 40,720	$ 39,343	$ 37,792
Loss and settlement expense reserves	678,774	661,309	610,181
Unearned premiums	239,435	232,093	220,627
Premium revenue	570,266	540,722	515,506
Net investment income	45,582	46,465	43,022
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	370,736	385,474	333,287
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	102,184	99,042	94,728
Other underwriting expenses	68,418	56,826	65,754
Premiums written	578,938	552,610	534,077
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	35,219	33,855	32,740
Loss and settlement expense reserves	480,413	463,458	425,758
Unearned premiums	212,652	204,357	191,714
Premium revenue	447,197	422,381	392,719
Net investment income	32,668	33,509	31,397
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	291,883	298,033	260,917
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	75,701	72,768	68,851
Other underwriting expenses	63,954	54,385	62,522
Premiums written	454,434	433,707	405,049
Reinsurance [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	5,501	5,488	5,052
Loss and settlement expense reserves	198,361	197,851	184,423
Unearned premiums	26,783	27,736	28,913
Premium revenue	123,069	118,341	122,787
Net investment income	12,923	12,968	11,635
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	78,853	87,441	72,370
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	26,483	26,274	25,877
Other underwriting expenses	4,464	2,441	3,232
Premiums written	124,504	118,903	129,028
Parent company [Member]
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	0	0	0
Loss and settlement expense reserves	0	0	0
Unearned premiums	0	0	0
Premium revenue	0	0	0
Net investment income	(9)	(12)	(10)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	0	0	0
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	0	0	0
Other underwriting expenses	0	0	0
Premiums written	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Deta

Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Consolidated earned premiums [Abstract]
Gross amount	$ 366,752	$ 372,658	$ 361,010
Ceded to other companies	407,531	423,602	413,422
Assumed from other companies	611,045	591,666	567,918
Net amount	$ 570,266	$ 540,722	$ 515,506
Percentage of amount assumed to net	107.20%	109.40%	110.20%

Schedule VI - Supplemental In72

Schedule VI - Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$ 40,720	$ 39,343	$ 37,792
Reserves for losses and settlement expenses	678,774	661,309	610,181
Discount, if any, deducted from reserves	0	0	0
Unearned premiums	239,435	232,093	220,627
Earned premiums	570,266	540,722	515,506
Net investment income	45,591	46,477	43,032
Losses and settlement expenses incurred related to current year	405,850	406,266	346,072
Losses and settlement expenses incurred related to prior years	(35,114)	(20,792)	(12,785)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	102,184	99,042	94,728
Paid losses and settlement expenses	348,081	330,087	305,266
Premiums written	$ 578,938	$ 552,610	$ 534,077