EMC Insurance (EMCI) 10-Q 7 Nov 18 2018 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Oct. 31, 2018
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 Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		21,611,374
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q3
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Sep. 30, 2018

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Un

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $1,264,975 and $1,253,166)	$ 1,248,072	$ 1,275,016
Equity investments, at fair value (cost $155,734 and $144,274)	238,768
Equity investments, at fair value (cost $155,734 and $144,274)		228,115
Equity investments, at alternative measurement of cost less impairments	1,200	0
Other long-term investments	17,818	13,648
Short-term investments	33,717	23,613
Total investments	1,539,575	1,540,392
Cash	302	347
Reinsurance receivables due from affiliate	33,448	31,650
Prepaid reinsurance premiums due from affiliate	12,470	12,789
Deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $47,323 and $40,848)	47,653	41,114
Amounts due from affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances	8,067	0
Prepaid pension and postretirement benefits due from affiliate	22,769	20,683
Accrued investment income	11,714	11,286
Amounts receivable under reverse repurchase agreements	16,500	16,500
Accounts receivable	1,103	1,604
Income taxes recoverable	1,531	0
Goodwill	942	942
Other assets (affiliated $4,706 and $4,423)	5,028	4,633
Total assets	1,701,102	1,681,940
LIABILITIES
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $756,751 and $726,413)	761,581	732,612
Unearned premiums (affiliated $291,464 and $256,434)	292,983	257,797
Other policyholders' funds (all affiliated)	9,145	10,013
Surplus notes payable to affiliate	25,000	25,000
Amounts due affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances	0	367
Pension benefits payable to affiliate	4,111	4,185
Income taxes payable	0	544
Deferred income taxes	7,090	15,020
Other liabilities (affiliated $26,440 and $27,520)	26,584	32,556
Total liabilities	1,126,494	1,078,094
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 21,575,286 shares in 2018 and 21,455,545 shares in 2017	21,575	21,455
Additional paid-in capital	127,520	124,556
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(15,082)	83,384
Retained earnings	440,595	374,451
Total stockholders' equity	574,608	603,846
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,701,102	$ 1,681,940

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (_2

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, amortized cost	$ 1,264,975	$ 1,253,166
Equity investments, cost	155,734
Equity investments, cost		144,274
Deferred policy acquisition costs from affiliates	47,323	40,848
Affiliated other assets	4,706	4,423
LIABILITIES
Affiliated losses and settlement expenses	756,751	726,413
Unearned premiums from affiliates	291,464	256,434
Affiliated other liabilities	$ 26,440	$ 27,520
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)	21,575,286	21,455,545
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	21,575,286	21,455,545

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
REVENUES
Premiums earned (affiliated $162,422, $154,451, $473,382 and $446,522)	$ 163,708	$ 155,190	$ 477,440	$ 449,514
Net investment income	11,951	11,501	35,100	33,679
Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments	11,135	(594)	(118)	2,166
Other income (affiliated $2,239, $1,248, $6,402 and $3,484)	2,331	1,099	6,719	3,000
Total revenues	189,125	167,196	519,141	488,359
LOSSES AND EXPENSES
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $109,040, $116,908, $338,729 and $318,902)	111,277	119,576	340,996	323,089
Dividends to policyholders (all affiliated)	2,654	46	7,160	5,184
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $28,395, $26,177, $84,434 and $79,957)	28,783	26,430	85,504	80,774
Other underwriting expenses (affiliated $20,925, $20,798, $66,303 and $61,637)	20,924	20,799	66,230	61,566
Interest expense (all affiliated)	170	84	483	253
Other expenses (affiliated $477, $442, $1,461 and $1,423)	873	701	2,574	2,264
Total losses and expenses	164,681	167,636	502,947	473,130
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	24,444	(440)	16,194	15,229
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)
Current	3,584	(2,197)	1,479	1,918
Deferred	1,712	1,011	638	257
Total income tax expense (benefit)	5,296	(1,186)	2,117	2,175
Net income	$ 19,148	$ 746	$ 14,077	$ 13,054
Net income per common share - basic and diluted	$ 0.89	$ 0.03	$ 0.65	$ 0.61
Dividend per common share	$ 0.22	$ 0.21	$ 0.66	$ 0.63
Average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in shares)	21,556,557	21,356,588	21,529,394	21,295,882

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF IN_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
REVENUES
Premiums earned, affiliated	$ 162,422	$ 154,451	$ 473,382	$ 446,522
Other income, affiliated	2,239	1,248	6,402	3,484
LOSSES AND EXPENSES
Losses and settlement expenses, affiliated	109,040	116,908	338,729	318,902
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, affiliated	28,395	26,177	84,434	79,957
Other underwriting expenses, affiliated	20,925	20,798	66,303	61,637
Other expense, affiliated	$ 477	$ 442	$ 1,461	$ 1,423

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Net income	$ 19,148	$ 746	$ 14,077	$ 13,054
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities not reflected in net income, net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $(2,488), $2,951, $(9,544) and $12,632	(9,357)	5,481	(35,903)	23,460
Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment (gains) losses included in net income (loss), net of income tax (expense) benefit of $202, $(141), $1,406 and $(2,368)	758	(264)	5,288	(4,399)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income, net of deferred income tax expense of $(143), $(146), $(430) and $(439):
Net actuarial loss	84	240	250	719
Prior service credit	(623)	(511)	(1,867)	(1,535)
Total reclassification adjustment associated with affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans	(539)	(271)	(1,617)	(816)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(9,138)	4,946	(32,232)	18,245
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$ 10,010	$ 5,692	$ (18,155)	$ 31,299

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CO_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities, deferred income tax expense (benefit)	$ (2,488)	$ 2,951	$ (9,544)	$ 12,632
Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment (gains) losses included in net income (loss), income tax (expense) benefit	202	(141)	1,406	(2,368)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income), deferred income tax (expense) benefit	$ (143)	$ (146)	$ (430)	$ (439)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) - 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, 2016	$ 553,342	$ 21,223	$ 119,054	$ 46,081	$ 366,984
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock through stock plans	5,553	225	5,328
Repurchase of common stock	(1,858)	(68)	(1,790)
Increase resulting from stock-based compensation expense	48		48
Other comprehensive income (loss)	18,245			18,245
Net income	13,054				13,054
Dividends paid to public stockholders	(5,906)				(5,906)
Dividends paid to affiliate	(7,416)				(7,416)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2017	575,062	21,380	122,640	64,326	366,716
Balance at Dec. 31, 2017	603,846	21,455	124,556	83,384	374,451
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock through stock plans	4,478	176	4,302
Repurchase of common stock	(1,455)	(56)	(1,399)
Increase resulting from stock-based compensation expense	61		61
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(32,232)			(32,232)
Net income	14,077				14,077
Dividends paid to public stockholders	(6,398)				(6,398)
Dividends paid to affiliate	(7,769)				(7,769)
Balance at Sep. 30, 2018	574,608	$ 21,575	$ 127,520	(15,082)	440,595
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative adjustment for adoption of financial instruments recognition and measurement changes	$ 0			$ (66,234)	$ 66,234

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCK

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends paid to public stockholders (per share)	$ 0.66	$ 0.63
Dividends paid to affiliate (per share)	$ 0.66	$ 0.63

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income	$ 14,077	$ 13,054
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $30,338 and $35,368)	28,969	35,929
Unearned premiums (affiliated $35,030 and $37,373)	35,186	37,558
Other policyholders' funds due to affiliate	(868)	(3,221)
Amounts due to/from affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances	(8,434)	(15,432)
Net pension and postretirement benefits due from affiliate	(4,207)	(638)
Reinsurance receivables due from affiliate	(1,798)	(4,753)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums due from affiliate	319	(6,450)
Commissions payable (affiliated $(2,190) and $(2,309))	(2,121)	(2,318)
Deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $(6,475) and $(3,176))	(6,539)	(3,171)
Accrued investment income	(428)	(913)
Current income tax	(2,075)	(6,209)
Deferred income tax	638	257
Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments	118	(2,166)
Other, net (affiliated $888 and $(1,545))	7,859	8,596
Total adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities	46,619	37,069
Net cash provided by operating activities	60,696	50,123
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	(248,571)	(174,579)
Disposals of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	218,525	121,463
Purchases of equity investments	(57,558)
Purchases of equity investments		(43,868)
Disposals of equity investments	52,052
Disposals of equity investments		49,595
Purchases of other long-term investments	(7,305)	(12,231)
Disposals of other long-term investments	3,364	1,304
Net (purchases) disposals of short-term investments	(10,104)	14,415
Net receipts under reverse repurchase agreements	0	3,500
Net cash used in investing activities	(49,597)	(40,401)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issuance of common stock through affiliate’s stock plans	4,478	5,553
Repurchase of common stock	(1,455)	(1,858)
Dividends paid to stockholders (affiliated $(7,769) and $(7,416))	(14,167)	(13,322)
Net cash used in financing activities	(11,144)	(9,627)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH	(45)	95
Cash at the beginning of the year	347	307
Cash at the end of the quarter	$ 302	$ 402

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CA_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Losses and settlement expenses, affiliated	$ 30,338	$ 35,368
Unearned premiums, affiliated	35,030	37,373
Commissions payable, affiliated	(2,190)	(2,309)
Deferred policy acquisition costs, affiliated	(6,475)	(3,176)
Other, net, affiliated	888	(1,545)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid to stockholders, affiliated	$ (7,769)	$ (7,416)

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
BASIS OF PRESENTATION	BASIS OF PRESENTATION EMC Insurance Group Inc., a majority owned subsidiary of Employers Mutual Casualty Company (Employers Mutual), is an insurance holding company with operations in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance. The Company writes property and casualty insurance in both commercial and personal lines of insurance, with a focus on medium-sized commercial accounts. The term “Company” is used interchangeably to describe EMC Insurance Group Inc. (Parent Company only) and EMC Insurance Group Inc. and its subsidiaries. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The Company has evaluated all subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the interim financial statements have been included. The results of operations for the interim periods reported are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year. The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2017 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In reading these financial statements, reference should be made to the Company’s 2017 Form 10-K or the 2017 Annual Report to Stockholders for more detailed footnote information. Accounting Pronouncements Adopted In January 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) updated its guidance related to Financial Instruments-Overall Subtopic 825-10 of the Accounting Standards Codification TM (Codification or 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 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. Equity investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value may be measured at estimated fair value or cost less impairment. All of the Company's common and preferred stock equity investments were already measured at fair value, as they were classified as available-for-sale with changes in fair value recognized in other comprehensive income (excludes those investments that were consolidated and those that were accounted for under the equity method of accounting). The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2018, recording a cumulative-effect adjustment that moved $66.2 million from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings, which is the amount of net unrealized investment gains on available-for-sale equity securities as of December 31, 2017, net of deferred income taxes. Management uses the equity method of accounting for a few holdings in privately placed common and non-redeemable convertible preferred stock investments in start-up technology companies with ties to the insurance industry, as well as for an investment company limited partnership in which the Company has a minor ownership interest (these investments are classified as other long-term investments). In connection with the adoption of this new guidance, beginning January 1, 2018, the equity adjustments for these investments are being reported as realized investment gains and losses from other long-term investments, rather than net investment income. In March 2017, the FASB issued updated guidance in Compensation-Retirement Benefits Topic 715 of the ASC. The objective of this update is to improve the presentation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs by disaggregating the components of these expenses (disclosing the service cost component separately from the other components) for income statement reporting, if a subtotal of income from operations is presented. The Company does not report a subtotal of income from operations in its financial statements. Also included in this update is a prohibition against including components of the net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs, other than the service cost component, in any capitalized assets. In conjunction with the adoption of this updated guidance, management elected to report all components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income, other than the service cost component, as other income in the consolidated statements of income. The service cost component continues to be reported in other underwriting expenses. This change in reporting was applied retrospectively for comparison purposes and did not impact the net income amounts reported, as other income and other underwriting expenses increased by the same amount ( $1.9 million and $1.3 million for the three months and $5.6 million and $3.8 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively). The prohibition against including net periodic pension and postretirement benefit costs, other than the service cost component, in capitalized assets was adopted prospectively on January 1, 2018. The impact of the exclusion of these costs from capitalized assets resulted in a negligible impact on the deferred policy acquisition cost asset calculation at September 30, 2018 compared to that which would have been calculated previously. In August 2018, the FASB issued updated guidance related to Fair Value Measurement Topic 820 of the ASC. The objective of this update is to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to financial statements as part of the FASB's disclosure framework project. As it relates to the Company's footnote disclosures, this update removes disclosure of the amount of, and reasons for, transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy, as well as the policy for timing of transfers between levels, but adds disclosure of the amount of unrealized gains and losses included in other comprehensive income for recurring Level 3 fair value measurements still held at the end of the reporting period. The Company adopted these disclosure modifications during the third quarter of 2018.

TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES	TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES An inter-company reinsurance program is in place between the Company's insurance subsidiaries in the property and casualty insurance segment and Employers Mutual. This reinsurance program is intended to reduce the volatility of the Company's quarterly results caused by excessive catastrophe and storm losses, and provide protection from both the frequency and severity of such losses. The reinsurance program consists of two semi-annual aggregate catastrophe excess of loss treaties. The first treaty is effective from January 1, 2018 through June 30, 2018, and has a retention of $22.0 million and a limit of $24.0 million . The total cost of this treaty is approximately $6.0 million . The second treaty is effective from July 1, 2018 through December 31, 2018, and has a retention of $15.0 million and a limit of $12.0 million . The total cost of this treaty is approximately $1.4 million . The terms of these treaties were the same in 2017, with the exception of the retention amount contained in the treaty covering the first half of the year, which was $20.0 million . Losses and settlement expenses ceded to Employers Mutual under the inter-company reinsurance program totaled $2.4 million and $3.2 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, compared to $3.5 million and $20.1 million for the same periods in 2017. 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) are subject to the terms of these treaties, and there is no co-participation provision. An inter-company reinsurance program is also in place between the Company's reinsurance subsidiary and Employers Mutual. The reinsurance program consists 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 total cost of this treaty is approximately $1.6 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 total cost of this treaty is approximately $3.6 million . Any losses recovered under the per occurrence treaty inure to the benefit of the aggregate treaty, and only catastrophic events with total losses greater than $500,000 are subject to the terms of the aggregate treaty. The terms of the program were the same in 2017 with the exception of the costs, which were $1.7 million for the per occurrence treaty and $3.2 million for the annual aggregate treaty. Losses and settlement expenses ceded to Employers Mutual under the inter-company reinsurance program totaled a negative $1.9 million and a negative $2.4 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 , respectively, compared to $9.0 million and $9.0 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2017 respectively. The negative amounts reported for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 reflect Industry Loss Warranty recoveries associated with 2017 catastrophes. The reinsurance segment retains 20 percent of these recoveries under the co-participation provision, with the remainder ceded to Employers Mutual.

REINSURANCE

REINSURANCE	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
REINSURANCE	REINSURANCE The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned, and losses and settlement expenses incurred, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 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 and quota share agreements and inter-company reinsurance programs with Employers Mutual are reported as “affiliated” balances. Three months ended September 30, 2018 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 126,737 $ — $ 126,737 Assumed from nonaffiliates 1,138 42,211 43,349 Assumed from affiliates 159,648 — 159,648 Ceded to nonaffiliates (7,309 ) (1,001 ) (8,310 ) Ceded to affiliates (127,427 ) (1,312 ) (128,739 ) Net premiums written $ 152,787 $ 39,898 $ 192,685 Premiums earned Direct $ 100,850 $ — $ 100,850 Assumed from nonaffiliates 1,017 41,128 42,145 Assumed from affiliates 133,781 — 133,781 Ceded to nonaffiliates (7,895 ) (2,321 ) (10,216 ) Ceded to affiliates (101,540 ) (1,312 ) (102,852 ) Net premiums earned $ 126,213 $ 37,495 $ 163,708 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 51,606 $ — $ 51,606 Assumed from nonaffiliates 1,039 31,378 32,417 Assumed from affiliates 87,992 311 88,303 Ceded to nonaffiliates (5,205 ) (3,774 ) (8,979 ) Ceded to affiliates (53,997 ) 1,927 (52,070 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 81,435 $ 29,842 $ 111,277 Three months ended September 30, 2017 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 122,665 $ — $ 122,665 Assumed from nonaffiliates 1,333 38,955 40,288 Assumed from affiliates 153,900 — 153,900 Ceded to nonaffiliates (10,532 ) (1,220 ) (11,752 ) Ceded to affiliates (123,355 ) (1,212 ) (124,567 ) Net premiums written $ 144,011 $ 36,523 $ 180,534 Premiums earned Direct $ 96,547 $ — $ 96,547 Assumed from nonaffiliates 1,225 38,463 39,688 Assumed from affiliates 128,325 — 128,325 Ceded to nonaffiliates (8,388 ) (2,533 ) (10,921 ) Ceded to affiliates (97,237 ) (1,212 ) (98,449 ) Net premiums earned $ 120,472 $ 34,718 $ 155,190 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 62,745 $ — $ 62,745 Assumed from nonaffiliates 961 57,268 58,229 Assumed from affiliates 81,047 277 81,324 Ceded to nonaffiliates (4,435 ) (3,039 ) (7,474 ) Ceded to affiliates (66,279 ) (8,969 ) (75,248 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 74,039 $ 45,537 $ 119,576 Nine months ended September 30, 2018 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 325,360 $ — $ 325,360 Assumed from nonaffiliates 3,440 122,564 126,004 Assumed from affiliates 430,699 — 430,699 Ceded to nonaffiliates (23,232 ) (9,015 ) (32,247 ) Ceded to affiliates (332,010 ) (3,937 ) (335,947 ) Net premiums written $ 404,257 $ 109,612 $ 513,869 Premiums earned Direct $ 295,606 $ — $ 295,606 Assumed from nonaffiliates 3,319 122,577 125,896 Assumed from affiliates 394,697 — 394,697 Ceded to nonaffiliates (25,026 ) (7,540 ) (32,566 ) Ceded to affiliates (302,256 ) (3,937 ) (306,193 ) Net premiums earned $ 366,340 $ 111,100 $ 477,440 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 165,962 $ — $ 165,962 Assumed from nonaffiliates 2,801 84,846 87,647 Assumed from affiliates 269,672 908 270,580 Ceded to nonaffiliates (10,107 ) (6,338 ) (16,445 ) Ceded to affiliates (169,137 ) 2,389 (166,748 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 259,191 $ 81,805 $ 340,996 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 312,809 $ — $ 312,809 Assumed from nonaffiliates 3,542 108,056 111,598 Assumed from affiliates 415,426 — 415,426 Ceded to nonaffiliates (27,109 ) (9,074 ) (36,183 ) Ceded to affiliates (319,459 ) (3,637 ) (323,096 ) Net premiums written $ 385,209 $ 95,345 $ 480,554 Premiums earned Direct $ 287,821 $ — $ 287,821 Assumed from nonaffiliates 3,370 110,563 113,933 Assumed from affiliates 375,601 — 375,601 Ceded to nonaffiliates (22,014 ) (7,719 ) (29,733 ) Ceded to affiliates (294,471 ) (3,637 ) (298,108 ) Net premiums earned $ 350,307 $ 99,207 $ 449,514 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 198,317 $ — $ 198,317 Assumed from nonaffiliates 2,406 104,685 107,091 Assumed from affiliates 258,169 942 259,111 Ceded to nonaffiliates (9,400 ) (4,626 ) (14,026 ) Ceded to affiliates (218,425 ) (8,979 ) (227,404 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 231,067 $ 92,022 $ 323,089 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 1) reinsurance business that is ceded to other insurance companies in connection with “fronting” activities initiated by Employers Mutual, and 2) amounts ceded in connection with the purchase of additional reinsurance protection in peak exposure territories from external parties. • “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 and amounts ceded to Employers Mutual under the terms of the inter-company reinsurance program. For the reinsurance subsidiary this line represents amounts ceded to Employers Mutual under the terms of the inter-company reinsurance program.

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETTLE

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETTLEMENT EXPENSES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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. Nine months ended September 30, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 Gross reserves at beginning of year $ 732,612 $ 690,532 Re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates 525 (1,913 ) Less ceded reserves at beginning of year 30,923 20,664 Net reserves at beginning of year 701,164 671,781 Incurred losses and settlement expenses related to: Current year 352,992 340,706 Prior years (11,996 ) (17,617 ) Total incurred losses and settlement expenses 340,996 323,089 Paid losses and settlement expenses related to: Current year 119,399 120,053 Prior years 193,673 173,986 Total paid losses and settlement expenses 313,072 294,039 Net reserves at end of period 729,088 700,831 Plus ceded reserves at end of period 32,661 25,348 Re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates (168 ) 282 Gross reserves at end of period $ 761,581 $ 726,461 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. 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 experienced during the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 . 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. 2018 Development For the property and casualty insurance segment, the September 30, 2018 estimate of loss and settlement expense reserves for accident years 2017 and prior decreased $12.5 million from the estimate at December 31, 2017 . This decrease represents 2.5 percent of the December 31, 2017 gross carried reserves and is primarily attributed to decreases in the ultimate loss and settlement expense ratios for several accident years in the other liability, commercial auto liability, surety bonds and personal auto liability lines of business. Favorable development in the other liability line of business was driven by a reduction in the expected ultimate loss and settlement expense ratios for accident years 2013 and 2015, although the ultimate settlement expense ratios for several prior years were reduced slightly as well. The ultimate loss and settlement expense ratios in the commercial auto liability line of business for accident years 2014 through 2017 were decreased as ultimate claim severities are projected to be better than initially expected. The workers' compensation, commercial property, auto physical damage and homeowners lines of business all experienced adverse development. The adverse development in the workers' compensation line of business is the result of an increase in the accident year 2017 ultimate loss and settlement expense ratio due to an initial underestimate of both ultimate frequency and severity, largely attributed to winter related slip and fall claims. For the reinsurance segment, the September 30, 2018 estimate of loss and settlement expense reserves for accident years 2017 and prior increased $493,000 from the estimate at December 31, 2017 . This increase represents 0.2 percent of the December 31, 2017 gross carried reserves and is primarily attributed to reserve strengthening mainly in the casualty and multiline excess and pro rata contracts for accident years 2007, 2012, 2014, 2015 and 2017. This adverse development was partially offset by favorable development from Industry Loss Warranty recoveries on 2017 catastrophes. 2017 Development For the property and casualty insurance segment, the September 30, 2017 estimate of loss and settlement expense reserves for accident years 2016 and prior decreased $15.6 million from the estimate at December 31, 2016 . This decrease represented 3.2 percent of the December 31, 2016 gross carried reserves and was primarily attributed to reductions in prior year ultimate loss ratios for every line of business except commercial auto liability. The other liability line of business was the largest contributor to favorable development. The ultimate loss ratios for this line were decreased slightly for most accident years from 2003 through 2016 due to declines in expected ultimate claim frequency and/or severity. Due to increases in projected ultimate claim frequency and severity, the ultimate loss ratios in the commercial auto line of business were increased for accident years 2013 through 2016, producing adverse reserve development for that line of business. Included in the development amount is adverse development experienced in the other liability line of business stemming from the settlement of claims for past and future legal fess and losses on a multi-year asbestos exposure associated with a former insured, and a slight strengthening of remaining reserves. For the reinsurance segment, the September 30, 2017 estimate of loss and settlement expense reserves for accident years 2016 and prior increased $2.1 million from the estimate at December 31, 2016 . This increase represented 1.0 percent of the December 31, 2016 gross carried reserves and was primarily attributed to prior year reserve releases in the per risk excess, property/casualty global excess and property/casualty global pro rata contract types.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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. Management evaluates the performance of its insurance segments using financial measurements based on Statutory Accounting Principles (SAP) instead of GAAP. Such measures include premiums written, premiums earned, statutory underwriting profit (loss), and investment results, as well as loss and loss adjustment expense ratios, trade underwriting expense ratios, and combined ratios. Summarized financial information for the Company’s segments is as follows: Three months ended September 30, 2018 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 126,213 $ 37,495 $ — $ 163,708 Underwriting profit (loss): SAP underwriting profit (loss) 138 (844 ) — (706 ) GAAP adjustments 378 398 — 776 GAAP underwriting profit (loss) 516 (446 ) — 70 Net investment income 8,514 3,423 14 11,951 Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments 6,760 4,476 (101 ) 11,135 Other income (loss) 2,184 147 — 2,331 Interest expense 170 — — 170 Other expenses 282 — 591 873 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 17,522 $ 7,600 $ (678 ) $ 24,444 Three months ended September 30, 2017 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 120,472 $ 34,718 $ — $ 155,190 Underwriting profit (loss): SAP underwriting profit (loss) 1,927 (18,364 ) — (16,437 ) GAAP adjustments 4,582 194 — 4,776 GAAP underwriting profit (loss) 6,509 (18,170 ) — (11,661 ) Net investment income 8,252 3,237 12 11,501 Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments (108 ) (486 ) — (594 ) Other income (loss) 1,457 (358 ) — 1,099 Interest expense 84 — — 84 Other expenses 170 — 531 701 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 15,856 $ (15,777 ) $ (519 ) $ (440 ) Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 366,340 $ 111,100 $ — $ 477,440 Underwriting profit (loss): SAP underwriting profit (loss) (29,082 ) 4,426 — (24,656 ) GAAP adjustments 2,561 (355 ) — 2,206 GAAP underwriting profit (loss) (26,521 ) 4,071 — (22,450 ) Net investment income 25,072 10,001 27 35,100 Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments (1,225 ) 1,208 (101 ) (118 ) Other income (loss) 6,330 389 — 6,719 Interest expense 483 — — 483 Other expenses 759 — 1,815 2,574 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 2,414 $ 15,669 $ (1,889 ) $ 16,194 Assets $ 1,212,964 $ 481,047 $ 574,885 $ 2,268,896 Eliminations — — (564,796 ) (564,796 ) Reclassifications (2,880 ) — (118 ) (2,998 ) Total assets $ 1,210,084 $ 481,047 $ 9,971 $ 1,701,102 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 350,307 $ 99,207 $ — $ 449,514 Underwriting profit (loss): SAP underwriting profit (loss) (9,559 ) (14,899 ) — (24,458 ) GAAP adjustments 4,301 (942 ) — 3,359 GAAP underwriting profit (loss) (5,258 ) (15,841 ) — (21,099 ) Net investment income 24,225 9,421 33 33,679 Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments 3,033 (867 ) — 2,166 Other income (loss) 4,457 (1,457 ) — 3,000 Interest expense 253 — — 253 Other expenses 580 — 1,684 2,264 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 25,624 $ (8,744 ) $ (1,651 ) $ 15,229 Year ended December 31, 2017 Assets $ 1,200,636 $ 484,678 $ 604,105 $ 2,289,419 Eliminations — — (599,036 ) (599,036 ) Reclassifications (1,393 ) (6,273 ) (777 ) (8,443 ) Total assets $ 1,199,243 $ 478,405 $ 4,292 $ 1,681,940 The following table displays the premiums earned for the property and casualty insurance segment and the reinsurance segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , by line of insurance. Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Property and casualty insurance Commercial lines: Automobile $ 32,851 $ 30,229 $ 95,155 $ 87,275 Property 25,271 27,980 79,059 79,551 Workers' compensation 24,249 25,373 74,380 75,419 Other liability 31,399 24,996 81,952 73,378 Other 2,368 2,203 6,782 6,509 Total commercial lines 116,138 110,781 337,328 322,132 Personal lines 10,075 9,691 29,012 28,175 Total property and casualty insurance $ 126,213 $ 120,472 $ 366,340 $ 350,307 Reinsurance Pro rata reinsurance $ 10,484 $ 10,730 $ 33,627 $ 33,181 Excess of loss reinsurance 27,011 23,988 77,473 66,026 Total reinsurance $ 37,495 $ 34,718 $ 111,100 $ 99,207 Consolidated $ 163,708 $ 155,190 $ 477,440 $ 449,514

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES The actual income tax expense (benefit) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 differed from the “expected” income tax expense (benefit) for those periods (computed by applying the United States federal corporate tax rates of 21 percent during 2018 and 35 percent during 2017 to income (loss) before income tax) as follows: Three months ended Nine months ended ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Computed "expected" income tax expense (benefit) $ 5,134 $ (154 ) $ 3,401 $ 5,330 Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from: Incremental benefit of net operating loss carry back 839 — — — Tax-exempt interest income (290 ) (656 ) (897 ) (2,122 ) Dividends received deduction (126 ) (294 ) (400 ) (948 ) Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction 104 142 324 460 Other, net (365 ) (224 ) (311 ) (545 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) $ 5,296 $ (1,186 ) $ 2,117 $ 2,175 Pursuant to Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 issued by the Securities Exchange Commission, the Company made reasonable estimates of the effects the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA) had on deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. For items where the Company could not make a reasonable estimate, primarily loss reserve discounting, the Company used existing accounting guidance and the provisions of the tax laws that were in place prior to the enactment. Beginning in the first quarter of 2018, the Company is using estimated industry discount factors until further guidance and updated discount factors are released by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The Company continues to wait on updated guidance from the IRS to complete its analysis of the effects of the TCJA. The Company had no provision for uncertain income tax positions at September 30, 2018 or December 31, 2017 . The Company recognized no interest expense or other penalties related to U.S. federal or state income taxes during the three or nine months ended September 30, 2018 or 2017 . 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 2015.

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS	EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans is as follows: Three months ended Nine months ended ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Pension plans: Service cost $ 4,213 $ 3,783 $ 12,639 $ 11,351 Interest cost 2,681 2,798 8,044 8,393 Expected return on plan assets (6,013 ) (5,192 ) (18,039 ) (15,574 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 135 911 403 2,732 Amortization of prior service cost — 5 — 15 Net periodic pension benefit cost $ 1,016 $ 2,305 $ 3,047 $ 6,917 Postretirement benefit plans: Service cost $ 369 $ 341 $ 1,105 $ 1,022 Interest cost 521 570 1,563 1,710 Expected return on plan assets (1,204 ) (1,077 ) (3,611 ) (3,233 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 234 342 701 1,028 Amortization of prior service credit (2,783 ) (2,788 ) (8,347 ) (8,365 ) Net periodic postretirement benefit income $ (2,863 ) $ (2,612 ) $ (8,589 ) $ (7,838 ) Net periodic pension benefit cost allocated to the Company amounted to $305,000 and $692,000 for the three months and $914,000 and $2.1 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Net periodic postretirement benefit income allocated to the Company amounted to $806,000 and $736,000 for the three months and $2.4 million and $2.2 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The service cost component of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost/(income) allocated to the Company is included in the income statement line titled "other underwriting expenses". The other components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost/(income) are included in the income statement line titled "other income". The Company does not plan to make additional contributions to the pension plan in 2018 . No contributions will be made to the Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trust in 2018 .

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION The Company has a stock-based compensation plan for non-employee directors. Employers Mutual also 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's current practice is to purchase common stock from the Company for use in all of its stock plans (including its non-employee director stock purchase plan and its employee stock purchase plan). A portion of the compensation expense recognized by Employers Mutual (as the requisite service period for restricted stock awards/units is rendered) is allocated to the Company’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries though their participation in the pooling agreement. An account Employers Mutual established to hold previously granted restricted stock awards until they vest will periodically contain excess shares of the Company's stock stemming from forfeitures and surrenders. During the first nine months of 2018 , the Company repurchased 30,523 shares of stock from this unvested restricted stock account at an average cost of $26.30 . These repurchased shares are not deemed to be shares repurchased under the Company's stock repurchase program. During the first nine months of 2018 , 120,439 restricted stock units were granted to eligible employees of Employers Mutual and 2,800 shares of restricted stock awards were granted to non-employee directors of the Company. Under the stock plans, 92,214 shares of restricted stock vested, and 79,946 options were exercised at a weighted average exercise price of $14.53 . The Company recognized compensation expense from these plans of $224,000 ( $177,000 net of tax) and $296,000 ( $192,000 net of tax) for the three months and $830,000 ( $656,000 net of tax) and $508,000 ( $330,000 net of tax) for the nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively.

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALU

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are summarized in the tables below. September 30, 2018 Carrying Estimated ($ in thousands) Assets: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: U.S. treasury $ 7,858 $ 7,858 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 290,057 290,057 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 282,307 282,307 Commercial mortgage-backed 75,314 75,314 Residential mortgage-backed 146,725 146,725 Other asset-backed 21,329 21,329 Corporate 424,482 424,482 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,248,072 1,248,072 Equity investments, at fair value Common stocks: Financial services 48,647 48,647 Information technology 39,711 39,711 Healthcare 33,389 33,389 Consumer staples 13,302 13,302 Consumer discretionary 24,087 24,087 Energy 17,808 17,808 Industrials 23,943 23,943 Other 15,029 15,029 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 18,706 18,706 Investment funds 4,146 4,146 Total equity investments 238,768 238,768 Short-term investments 33,717 33,717 Liabilities: Surplus notes 25,000 15,145 December 31, 2017 Carrying Estimated ($ in thousands) Assets: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: U.S. treasury $ 8,078 $ 8,078 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 297,949 297,949 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 307,536 307,536 Commercial mortgage-backed 83,980 83,980 Residential mortgage-backed 119,799 119,799 Other asset-backed 24,114 24,114 Corporate 433,560 433,560 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,275,016 1,275,016 Equity securities available-for-sale: Common stocks: Financial services 43,522 43,522 Information technology 35,810 35,810 Healthcare 30,595 30,595 Consumer staples 14,127 14,127 Consumer discretionary 20,538 20,538 Energy 16,905 16,905 Industrials 28,489 28,489 Other 16,421 16,421 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 21,708 21,708 Total equity securities available-for-sale 228,115 228,115 Short-term investments 23,613 23,613 Liabilities: Surplus notes 25,000 16,689 The estimated fair values 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. During 2018, the Company invested in a few privately placed equity investments. One of these was in the form of preferred units in a limited liability corporation offering weather-related predictive analytics and risk mitigation tools. In accordance with the new guidance related to financial instruments that was adopted January 1, 2018, this investment does not have a readily determinable fair value. Therefore, the Company has elected to measure this investment at the alternative measurement of cost, adjusted for impairments and observable price changes. No impairment losses have been made to this investment. Due to the alternative measurement classification, this investment is excluded from the disclosures in this footnote. The other privately placed equity investment, also in the field of insurance technology, is accounted for under the equity method of accounting, and as such is also excluded from these fair value disclosures. Since 2016, the Company has held another privately placed equity investment in the form of non-redeembable convertible preferred stock issued by a start-up technology company that Employers Mutual works with in its data analytics activities. During 2018, the Company purchased common stock in this entity. The Company accounts for its investment in this entity under the equity method of accounting, and as such is excluded from these fair value disclosures. Short-term investments generally include money market funds, U.S. Treasury bills and commercial paper. Short-term investments are carried at fair value, which approximates cost, due to the highly liquid nature of the securities. Short-term securities are classified as Level 1 fair value measurements when the fair values can be validated by recent trades. When recent trades are not available, fair value is deemed to be the cost basis and the securities are classified as Level 2 fair value measurements. The estimated fair value of the surplus notes is derived by discounting future expected cash flows at a rate deemed appropriate over a 25 -year term (the surplus notes have no stated maturity date, and the interest to be paid is assumed to continue at the current interest rate in place of 2.73 percent ). 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. NAV - The fair values of investment company limited partnership investments and similar vehicles (referred to as investment funds) are based on the capital account balances reported by the investment funds subject to their management review and adjustment. These capital account balances reflect the fair value of the investment funds. 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 market buy- and sell-side sources, including primary and secondary dealers, portfolio managers, and research analysts. To determine a tranche’s price, first the benchmark yield is determined and adjusted for collateral performance, tranche level attributes and market conditions. Then the cash flow for each tranche is generated (using consensus prepayment speed assumptions including, as appropriate, a prepayment projection based on historical statistics of the underlying collateral). The tranche-level yield is used to discount the cash flows and generate the price. Depending on the characteristics of the tranche, a volatility-driven, multi-dimensional single cash flow stream model or an option-adjusted spread model may be used. When cash flows or other security structure or market information is not available, broker quotes may be used. On a quarterly basis, the Company receives from its independent pricing service a list of fixed maturity securities, if any, that were priced solely from broker quotes. For these securities, fair value may be determined using the broker quotes, or by the Company using similar pricing techniques as the Company’s independent pricing service. Depending on the level of observable inputs, these securities would be classified as Level 2 or Level 3 fair value measurements. At September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , 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 of these is an equity security that is reported as a Level 3 fair value measurement since no observable inputs are used in its valuation. This security continues to be reported at the fair value obtained from the Securities Valuation Office (SVO) of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The SVO establishes a per share price for this security based on an annual review of that company’s financial statements, typically performed during the second quarter. The other securities not priced by the Company’s independent pricing service consist of six fixed maturity securities ( eight at December 31, 2017). 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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . September 30, 2018 Fair value measurements using ($ in thousands) Total Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) Quoted Significant Significant Financial instruments reported at fair value on recurring basis: Assets: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: U.S. treasury $ 7,858 $ — $ — $ 7,858 $ — U.S. government-sponsored agencies 290,057 — — 290,057 — Obligations of states and political subdivisions 282,307 — — 282,307 — Commercial mortgage-backed 75,314 — — 75,314 — Residential mortgage-backed 146,725 — — 146,725 — Other asset-backed 21,329 — — 21,329 — Corporate 424,482 — — 424,133 349 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,248,072 — — 1,247,723 349 Equity investments, at fair value: Common stocks: Financial services 48,647 — 48,647 — — Information technology 39,711 — 39,711 — — Healthcare 33,389 — 33,389 — — Consumer staples 13,302 — 13,302 — — Consumer discretionary 24,087 — 24,087 — — Energy 17,808 — 17,808 — — Industrials 23,943 — 23,943 — — Other 15,029 — 15,029 — — Non-redeemable preferred stocks 18,706 — 9,093 9,613 — Investment funds 4,146 4,146 — — — Total equity investments 238,768 4,146 225,009 9,613 — Short-term investments 33,717 — 33,717 — — Financial instruments not reported at fair value: Liabilities: Surplus notes 15,145 — — — 15,145 December 31, 2017 Fair value measurements using ($ in thousands) Total Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) Quoted Significant Significant Financial instruments reported at fair value on recurring basis: Assets: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: U.S. treasury $ 8,078 $ — $ — $ 8,078 $ — U.S. government-sponsored agencies 297,949 — — 297,949 — Obligations of states and political subdivisions 307,536 — — 307,536 — Commercial mortgage-backed 83,980 — — 83,980 — Residential mortgage-backed 119,799 — — 119,799 — Other asset-backed 24,114 — — 24,114 — Corporate 433,560 — — 432,940 620 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,275,016 — — 1,274,396 620 Equity securities available-for-sale: Common stocks: Financial services 43,522 — 43,519 — 3 Information technology 35,810 — 35,810 — — Healthcare 30,595 — 30,595 — — Consumer staples 14,127 — 14,127 — — Consumer discretionary 20,538 — 20,538 — — Energy 16,905 — 16,905 — — Industrials 28,489 — 28,489 — — Other 16,421 — 16,421 — — Non-redeemable preferred stocks 21,708 — 9,512 10,196 2,000 Total equity securities available-for-sale 228,115 — 215,916 10,196 2,003 Short-term investments 23,613 — 23,613 — — Financial instruments not reported at fair value: Liabilities: Surplus notes 16,689 — — — 16,689 Presented in the table below is a reconciliation of the assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 . Any unrealized gains or losses on fixed maturity securities are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Any gains or losses from settlements, disposals, impairments and, starting in 2018, unrealized gains or losses on equity securities are reported as realized investment gains or losses in net income. ($ in thousands) Fair value measurements using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs Three months ended September 30, 2018 Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate Equity securities, Total Beginning balance $ 474 $ — $ 474 Settlements (125 ) — (125 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 349 $ — $ 349 Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Beginning balance $ 620 $ 3 $ 623 Settlements (270 ) — (270 ) Unrealized losses included in net income — (3 ) (3 ) Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) on securities still held at reporting date (1 ) — (1 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 349 $ — $ 349 ($ in thousands) Fair value measurements using significant Three months ended September 30, 2017 Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate Equity securities available-for-sale, financial services Equity securities available-for-sale, non-redeemable preferred stocks Total Beginning balance $ 840 $ 3 $ 2,000 $ 2,843 Settlements (125 ) — — (125 ) Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) on securities still held at reporting date (1 ) — — (1 ) Balance at September 30, 2017 $ 714 $ 3 $ 2,000 $ 2,717 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 Beginning balance $ 982 $ 3 $ 2,000 $ 2,985 Settlements (265 ) — — (265 ) Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) on securities still held at reporting date (3 ) — — (3 ) Balance at September 30, 2017 $ 714 $ 3 $ 2,000 $ 2,717

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
INVESTMENTS	INVESTMENTS Investments of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to the insurance laws of the state of their incorporation. These laws prescribe the kind, quality and concentration of investments that may be made by insurance companies. In general, these laws permit investments, within specified limits and subject to certain qualifications, in federal, state and municipal obligations, corporate bonds, preferred and common stocks and real estate mortgages. The Company believes that it is in compliance with these laws. The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available-for-sale as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows. All fixed maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. September 30, 2018 Amortized Gross Gross Estimated ($ in thousands) Securities available-for-sale: Fixed maturity securities: U.S. treasury $ 8,133 $ — $ 275 $ 7,858 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 305,159 — 15,102 290,057 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 274,342 8,773 808 282,307 Commercial mortgage-backed 78,943 209 3,838 75,314 Residential mortgage-backed 149,847 1,925 5,047 146,725 Other asset-backed 22,165 313 1,149 21,329 Corporate 426,386 2,698 4,602 424,482 Total fixed maturity securities $ 1,264,975 $ 13,918 $ 30,821 $ 1,248,072 December 31, 2017 Amortized Gross Gross Estimated ($ in thousands) Securities available-for-sale: Fixed maturity securities: U.S. treasury $ 8,115 $ — $ 37 $ 8,078 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 303,932 122 6,105 297,949 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 290,038 17,729 231 307,536 Commercial mortgage-backed 84,058 591 669 83,980 Residential mortgage-backed 120,554 2,479 3,234 119,799 Other asset-backed 23,934 625 445 24,114 Corporate 422,535 11,490 465 433,560 Total fixed maturity securities 1,253,166 33,036 11,186 1,275,016 Equity securities: Common stocks: Financial services 30,103 13,594 175 43,522 Information technology 18,308 17,504 2 35,810 Healthcare 18,877 11,876 158 30,595 Consumer staples 9,275 4,917 65 14,127 Consumer discretionary 10,935 9,640 37 20,538 Energy 12,441 5,381 917 16,905 Industrials 12,746 15,757 14 28,489 Other 11,058 5,363 — 16,421 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 20,531 1,216 39 21,708 Total equity securities 144,274 85,248 1,407 228,115 Total securities available-for-sale $ 1,397,440 $ 118,284 $ 12,593 $ 1,503,131 The following tables set forth the estimated fair values and gross unrealized losses associated with investment securities that were in an unrealized loss position recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , listed by length of time the securities were consistently in an unrealized loss position. September 30, 2018 Less than twelve months Twelve months or longer Total ($ in thousands) Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Securities available-for-sale: Fixed maturity securities: U.S. treasury $ 7,621 $ 263 $ 237 $ 12 $ 7,858 $ 275 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 145,814 5,252 144,243 9,850 290,057 15,102 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 21,833 185 11,881 623 33,714 808 Commercial mortgage-backed 43,343 2,014 24,829 1,824 68,172 3,838 Residential mortgage-backed 89,534 2,439 33,240 2,608 122,774 5,047 Other asset-backed 4,969 124 11,985 1,025 16,954 1,149 Corporate 217,534 4,020 11,856 582 229,390 4,602 Total fixed maturity securities $ 530,648 $ 14,297 $ 238,271 $ 16,524 $ 768,919 $ 30,821 December 31, 2017 Less than twelve months Twelve months or longer Total ($ in thousands) Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Securities available-for-sale: Fixed maturity securities: U.S. treasury $ 8,078 $ 37 $ — $ — $ 8,078 $ 37 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 134,284 1,491 127,604 4,614 261,888 6,105 Obligations of states and political subdivisions — — 14,416 231 14,416 231 Commercial mortgage-backed 32,155 221 8,530 448 40,685 669 Residential mortgage-backed 30,003 394 22,948 2,840 52,951 3,234 Other asset-backed — — 13,440 445 13,440 445 Corporate 28,314 329 4,047 136 32,361 465 Total fixed maturity securities 232,834 2,472 190,985 8,714 423,819 11,186 Equity securities: Common stocks: Financial services 4,391 175 — — 4,391 175 Information technology 344 2 — — 344 2 Healthcare 2,532 158 — — 2,532 158 Consumer staples 575 65 — — 575 65 Consumer discretionary 992 37 — — 992 37 Energy 3,181 917 — — 3,181 917 Industrials 3,016 14 — — 3,016 14 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — — 1,961 39 1,961 39 Total equity securities 15,031 1,368 1,961 39 16,992 1,407 Total temporarily impaired securities $ 247,865 $ 3,840 $ 192,946 $ 8,753 $ 440,811 $ 12,593 Nearly all of the fixed maturity securities that are in an unrealized loss position are considered investment grade by credit rating agencies. Because management does not intend to sell these securities, does not believe it will be required to sell these securities before recovery, and believes it will collect the amounts due on these securities, it was determined that these securities were not “other-than-temporarily” impaired at September 30, 2018 . The amortized cost and estimated fair values of fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2018 , 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 $ 40,384 $ 40,719 Due after one year through five years 224,706 225,537 Due after five years through ten years 365,415 360,172 Due after ten years 404,097 398,067 Securities not due at a single maturity date 230,373 223,577 Totals $ 1,264,975 $ 1,248,072 A summary of realized investment gains and (losses) and the change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments is as follows: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: Gross realized investment gains $ 90 $ 29 $ 324 $ 408 Gross realized investment losses (1,050 ) (230 ) (7,018 ) (2,316 ) Equity securities: Net realized investment gains, excluding 4,325 961 8,520 9,763 Change in unrealized investment gains 9,502 XXXX (799 ) XXXX "Other-than-temporary" impairments XXXX (355 ) XXXX (1,088 ) Other long-term investments, net (1,732 ) (999 ) (1,145 ) (4,601 ) Totals $ 11,135 $ (594 ) $ (118 ) $ 2,166 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 net realized investment gains (losses) recognized on other long-term investments primarily represent changes in the carrying value of a limited partnership that is used solely to support an equity tail-risk hedging strategy.

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	CONTINGENT LIABILITIES The Company and Employers Mutual and its other subsidiaries are parties to numerous lawsuits arising in the normal course of the insurance business. The Company believes that the resolution of these lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or its results of operations. The companies involved have established reserves which are believed adequate to cover any potential liabilities arising out of all such pending or threatened proceedings. The participants in the pooling agreement have purchased annuities from life insurance companies, under which the claimant is payee, to fund future payments that are fixed pursuant to specific claim settlement provisions. The Company’s share of case loss reserves eliminated by the purchase of those annuities was $110,000 at December 31, 2017 . The Company had a contingent liability for the aggregate guaranteed amount of the annuities of $183,000 at December 31, 2017 should the issuers of those annuities fail to perform. Although management is not able to verify the amount, the Company would likely have a similar contingent liability at September 30, 2018 . The probability of a material loss due to failure of performance by the issuers of these annuities is considered remote.

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM	STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM 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. The Company repurchased 25,300 shares of its common stock at an average cost of $25.76 during the first nine months of 2018. No repurchases were made during the first nine months of 2017.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 (loss), net of tax. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component Unrealized Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations ($ in thousands) Net actuarial loss Prior service credit Total Total Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 83,497 $ (13,074 ) $ 12,961 $ (113 ) $ 83,384 Cumulative adjustment for adoption of financial instruments recognition and measurement changes (66,234 ) — — — (66,234 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (35,903 ) — — — (35,903 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 5,288 250 (1,867 ) (1,617 ) 3,671 Other comprehensive income (loss) (30,615 ) 250 (1,867 ) (1,617 ) (32,232 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ (13,352 ) $ (12,824 ) $ 11,094 $ (1,730 ) $ (15,082 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component Unrealized Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations ($ in thousands) Net actuarial loss Prior service credit Total Total Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 49,748 $ (16,299 ) $ 12,632 $ (3,667 ) $ 46,081 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 23,460 — — — 23,460 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (4,399 ) 719 (1,535 ) (816 ) (5,215 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 19,061 719 (1,535 ) (816 ) 18,245 Balance at September 30, 2017 $ 68,809 $ (15,580 ) $ 11,097 $ (4,483 ) $ 64,326 The following tables display amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and into net income during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. ($ in thousands) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive Three months ended Nine months ended Affected line item in the Unrealized gains (losses) on investments: Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment gains (losses) included in net income $ (960 ) $ (6,694 ) Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments Deferred income tax (expense) benefit 202 1,406 Total income tax expense (benefit) Net reclassification adjustment (758 ) (5,288 ) Net income Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations: Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income: Net actuarial loss (106 ) (316 ) (1) Prior service credit 788 2,363 (1) Total before tax 682 2,047 Deferred income tax (expense) benefit (143 ) (430 ) Net reclassification adjustment 539 1,617 Total reclassification adjustment $ (219 ) $ (3,671 ) (1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income (see note 7, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details). ($ in thousands) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive Three months ended September 30, 2017 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 Affected line item in the Unrealized gains (losses) on investments: Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment gains (losses) included in net income $ 405 $ 6,767 Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments Deferred income tax (expense) benefit (141 ) (2,368 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) Net reclassification adjustment 264 4,399 Net income Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations: Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income: Net actuarial loss (370 ) (1,107 ) (1) Prior service credit 787 2,362 (1) Total before tax 417 1,255 Deferred income tax (expense) benefit (146 ) (439 ) Net reclassification adjustment 271 816 Total reclassification adjustment $ 535 $ 5,215 (1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income (see note 7, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details).

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS N

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED	NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED 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. Management's research of this guidance led to the conclusion that lease costs allocated to the Company through the pooling and quota share agreements can not be attributed to a specified asset, and therefore do not meet the definition of a leased asset contained in the guidance. As a result, adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on the Company's consolidated financial condition or net income. In June 2016, the FASB issued updated guidance in Financial Instruments-Credit Losses Topic 326 of the ASC. The objective of this update is to provide information about expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit. Specifically, this updated guidance replaces the current incurred loss impairment methodology which delays recognition of a loss until it is probable a loss has been incurred, with a methodology that reflects expected credit losses considering a broader range of reasonable and supportable information. This guidance covers financial assets that are not accounted for at fair value through net income, thus will not be applicable to the Company's equity investments upon implementation of the updated guidance described above for the Financial Instruments-Overall Subtopic 825-10. This guidance is effective for interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and is to be applied with a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings as of the beginning of the first reporting period in which the guidance is effective (modified-retrospective approach). Early adoption is permitted, but only to fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company will adopt this guidance during the first quarter of 2020. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on the Company's consolidated financial condition and net income. In August 2018, the FASB issued updated guidance guidance in Compensation-Retirement Benefits Topic 715 of the ASC. The objective of this update is to improve the effectiveness of disclosures in the notes to financial statements as part of the FASB's disclosure framework project. As it relates to the Company's footnote disclosures, this update adds to the annual disclosures the weighted-average crediting rate used in Employers Mutual's pension plans, and requires explanations for significant gains and losses in the benefit obligations of Employers Mutual's pension and postretirement benefit plans. This update removes from the Company's annual disclosures the amounts in accumulated other comprehensive income for pension and postretirement benefit plans expected to be recognized as components of net periodic benefit cost in the next fiscal year. The Company will adopt this guidance during the fourth quarter of 2018.

Subsequent events (Notes)

Subsequent events (Notes)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	On October 29, 2018, the Company, Employers Mutual and their subsidiary and affiliated insurance companies (collectively the "EMC Insurance Companies") announced that they had made a strategic decision to exit personal lines business so that more time and resources can be dedicated to the commercial, reinsurance and life business. Personal lines premiums written currently comprise approximately six percent of the Company's total premiums written. During the fourth quarter of 2018, the Company expects to incur approximately $1.0 million of expense associated with the severance costs and write-off of personal lines software currently in development. During 2019, the Company expects to incur approximately $1.0 million of additional severance costs. In addition, the amortization of personal lines software currently in use will be accelerated over the transition period, which is expected to be approximately 18 months.

REINSURANCE (Tables)

REINSURANCE (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of reinsurance transactions for insurance companies	The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned, and losses and settlement expenses incurred, for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 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 and quota share agreements and inter-company reinsurance programs with Employers Mutual are reported as “affiliated” balances. Three months ended September 30, 2018 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 126,737 $ — $ 126,737 Assumed from nonaffiliates 1,138 42,211 43,349 Assumed from affiliates 159,648 — 159,648 Ceded to nonaffiliates (7,309 ) (1,001 ) (8,310 ) Ceded to affiliates (127,427 ) (1,312 ) (128,739 ) Net premiums written $ 152,787 $ 39,898 $ 192,685 Premiums earned Direct $ 100,850 $ — $ 100,850 Assumed from nonaffiliates 1,017 41,128 42,145 Assumed from affiliates 133,781 — 133,781 Ceded to nonaffiliates (7,895 ) (2,321 ) (10,216 ) Ceded to affiliates (101,540 ) (1,312 ) (102,852 ) Net premiums earned $ 126,213 $ 37,495 $ 163,708 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 51,606 $ — $ 51,606 Assumed from nonaffiliates 1,039 31,378 32,417 Assumed from affiliates 87,992 311 88,303 Ceded to nonaffiliates (5,205 ) (3,774 ) (8,979 ) Ceded to affiliates (53,997 ) 1,927 (52,070 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 81,435 $ 29,842 $ 111,277 Three months ended September 30, 2017 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 122,665 $ — $ 122,665 Assumed from nonaffiliates 1,333 38,955 40,288 Assumed from affiliates 153,900 — 153,900 Ceded to nonaffiliates (10,532 ) (1,220 ) (11,752 ) Ceded to affiliates (123,355 ) (1,212 ) (124,567 ) Net premiums written $ 144,011 $ 36,523 $ 180,534 Premiums earned Direct $ 96,547 $ — $ 96,547 Assumed from nonaffiliates 1,225 38,463 39,688 Assumed from affiliates 128,325 — 128,325 Ceded to nonaffiliates (8,388 ) (2,533 ) (10,921 ) Ceded to affiliates (97,237 ) (1,212 ) (98,449 ) Net premiums earned $ 120,472 $ 34,718 $ 155,190 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 62,745 $ — $ 62,745 Assumed from nonaffiliates 961 57,268 58,229 Assumed from affiliates 81,047 277 81,324 Ceded to nonaffiliates (4,435 ) (3,039 ) (7,474 ) Ceded to affiliates (66,279 ) (8,969 ) (75,248 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 74,039 $ 45,537 $ 119,576 Nine months ended September 30, 2018 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 325,360 $ — $ 325,360 Assumed from nonaffiliates 3,440 122,564 126,004 Assumed from affiliates 430,699 — 430,699 Ceded to nonaffiliates (23,232 ) (9,015 ) (32,247 ) Ceded to affiliates (332,010 ) (3,937 ) (335,947 ) Net premiums written $ 404,257 $ 109,612 $ 513,869 Premiums earned Direct $ 295,606 $ — $ 295,606 Assumed from nonaffiliates 3,319 122,577 125,896 Assumed from affiliates 394,697 — 394,697 Ceded to nonaffiliates (25,026 ) (7,540 ) (32,566 ) Ceded to affiliates (302,256 ) (3,937 ) (306,193 ) Net premiums earned $ 366,340 $ 111,100 $ 477,440 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 165,962 $ — $ 165,962 Assumed from nonaffiliates 2,801 84,846 87,647 Assumed from affiliates 269,672 908 270,580 Ceded to nonaffiliates (10,107 ) (6,338 ) (16,445 ) Ceded to affiliates (169,137 ) 2,389 (166,748 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 259,191 $ 81,805 $ 340,996 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 312,809 $ — $ 312,809 Assumed from nonaffiliates 3,542 108,056 111,598 Assumed from affiliates 415,426 — 415,426 Ceded to nonaffiliates (27,109 ) (9,074 ) (36,183 ) Ceded to affiliates (319,459 ) (3,637 ) (323,096 ) Net premiums written $ 385,209 $ 95,345 $ 480,554 Premiums earned Direct $ 287,821 $ — $ 287,821 Assumed from nonaffiliates 3,370 110,563 113,933 Assumed from affiliates 375,601 — 375,601 Ceded to nonaffiliates (22,014 ) (7,719 ) (29,733 ) Ceded to affiliates (294,471 ) (3,637 ) (298,108 ) Net premiums earned $ 350,307 $ 99,207 $ 449,514 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 198,317 $ — $ 198,317 Assumed from nonaffiliates 2,406 104,685 107,091 Assumed from affiliates 258,169 942 259,111 Ceded to nonaffiliates (9,400 ) (4,626 ) (14,026 ) Ceded to affiliates (218,425 ) (8,979 ) (227,404 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 231,067 $ 92,022 $ 323,089

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETT_2

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETTLEMENT EXPENSES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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. Nine months ended September 30, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 Gross reserves at beginning of year $ 732,612 $ 690,532 Re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates 525 (1,913 ) Less ceded reserves at beginning of year 30,923 20,664 Net reserves at beginning of year 701,164 671,781 Incurred losses and settlement expenses related to: Current year 352,992 340,706 Prior years (11,996 ) (17,617 ) Total incurred losses and settlement expenses 340,996 323,089 Paid losses and settlement expenses related to: Current year 119,399 120,053 Prior years 193,673 173,986 Total paid losses and settlement expenses 313,072 294,039 Net reserves at end of period 729,088 700,831 Plus ceded reserves at end of period 32,661 25,348 Re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates (168 ) 282 Gross reserves at end of period $ 761,581 $ 726,461

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summarized financial information for segments	Three months ended September 30, 2018 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 126,213 $ 37,495 $ — $ 163,708 Underwriting profit (loss): SAP underwriting profit (loss) 138 (844 ) — (706 ) GAAP adjustments 378 398 — 776 GAAP underwriting profit (loss) 516 (446 ) — 70 Net investment income 8,514 3,423 14 11,951 Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments 6,760 4,476 (101 ) 11,135 Other income (loss) 2,184 147 — 2,331 Interest expense 170 — — 170 Other expenses 282 — 591 873 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 17,522 $ 7,600 $ (678 ) $ 24,444 Three months ended September 30, 2017 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 120,472 $ 34,718 $ — $ 155,190 Underwriting profit (loss): SAP underwriting profit (loss) 1,927 (18,364 ) — (16,437 ) GAAP adjustments 4,582 194 — 4,776 GAAP underwriting profit (loss) 6,509 (18,170 ) — (11,661 ) Net investment income 8,252 3,237 12 11,501 Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments (108 ) (486 ) — (594 ) Other income (loss) 1,457 (358 ) — 1,099 Interest expense 84 — — 84 Other expenses 170 — 531 701 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 15,856 $ (15,777 ) $ (519 ) $ (440 ) Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 366,340 $ 111,100 $ — $ 477,440 Underwriting profit (loss): SAP underwriting profit (loss) (29,082 ) 4,426 — (24,656 ) GAAP adjustments 2,561 (355 ) — 2,206 GAAP underwriting profit (loss) (26,521 ) 4,071 — (22,450 ) Net investment income 25,072 10,001 27 35,100 Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments (1,225 ) 1,208 (101 ) (118 ) Other income (loss) 6,330 389 — 6,719 Interest expense 483 — — 483 Other expenses 759 — 1,815 2,574 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 2,414 $ 15,669 $ (1,889 ) $ 16,194 Assets $ 1,212,964 $ 481,047 $ 574,885 $ 2,268,896 Eliminations — — (564,796 ) (564,796 ) Reclassifications (2,880 ) — (118 ) (2,998 ) Total assets $ 1,210,084 $ 481,047 $ 9,971 $ 1,701,102 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 350,307 $ 99,207 $ — $ 449,514 Underwriting profit (loss): SAP underwriting profit (loss) (9,559 ) (14,899 ) — (24,458 ) GAAP adjustments 4,301 (942 ) — 3,359 GAAP underwriting profit (loss) (5,258 ) (15,841 ) — (21,099 ) Net investment income 24,225 9,421 33 33,679 Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments 3,033 (867 ) — 2,166 Other income (loss) 4,457 (1,457 ) — 3,000 Interest expense 253 — — 253 Other expenses 580 — 1,684 2,264 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 25,624 $ (8,744 ) $ (1,651 ) $ 15,229 Year ended December 31, 2017 Assets $ 1,200,636 $ 484,678 $ 604,105 $ 2,289,419 Eliminations — — (599,036 ) (599,036 ) Reclassifications (1,393 ) (6,273 ) (777 ) (8,443 ) Total assets $ 1,199,243 $ 478,405 $ 4,292 $ 1,681,940
Summary of net premiums earned by line of insurance	The following table displays the premiums earned for the property and casualty insurance segment and the reinsurance segment for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , by line of insurance. Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Property and casualty insurance Commercial lines: Automobile $ 32,851 $ 30,229 $ 95,155 $ 87,275 Property 25,271 27,980 79,059 79,551 Workers' compensation 24,249 25,373 74,380 75,419 Other liability 31,399 24,996 81,952 73,378 Other 2,368 2,203 6,782 6,509 Total commercial lines 116,138 110,781 337,328 322,132 Personal lines 10,075 9,691 29,012 28,175 Total property and casualty insurance $ 126,213 $ 120,472 $ 366,340 $ 350,307 Reinsurance Pro rata reinsurance $ 10,484 $ 10,730 $ 33,627 $ 33,181 Excess of loss reinsurance 27,011 23,988 77,473 66,026 Total reinsurance $ 37,495 $ 34,718 $ 111,100 $ 99,207 Consolidated $ 163,708 $ 155,190 $ 477,440 $ 449,514

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit)	The actual income tax expense (benefit) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 differed from the “expected” income tax expense (benefit) for those periods (computed by applying the United States federal corporate tax rates of 21 percent during 2018 and 35 percent during 2017 to income (loss) before income tax) as follows: Three months ended Nine months ended ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Computed "expected" income tax expense (benefit) $ 5,134 $ (154 ) $ 3,401 $ 5,330 Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from: Incremental benefit of net operating loss carry back 839 — — — Tax-exempt interest income (290 ) (656 ) (897 ) (2,122 ) Dividends received deduction (126 ) (294 ) (400 ) (948 ) Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction 104 142 324 460 Other, net (365 ) (224 ) (311 ) (545 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) $ 5,296 $ (1,186 ) $ 2,117 $ 2,175

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Tabl

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Components of net periodic benefit cost	The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans is as follows: Three months ended Nine months ended ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Pension plans: Service cost $ 4,213 $ 3,783 $ 12,639 $ 11,351 Interest cost 2,681 2,798 8,044 8,393 Expected return on plan assets (6,013 ) (5,192 ) (18,039 ) (15,574 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 135 911 403 2,732 Amortization of prior service cost — 5 — 15 Net periodic pension benefit cost $ 1,016 $ 2,305 $ 3,047 $ 6,917 Postretirement benefit plans: Service cost $ 369 $ 341 $ 1,105 $ 1,022 Interest cost 521 570 1,563 1,710 Expected return on plan assets (1,204 ) (1,077 ) (3,611 ) (3,233 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 234 342 701 1,028 Amortization of prior service credit (2,783 ) (2,788 ) (8,347 ) (8,365 ) Net periodic postretirement benefit income $ (2,863 ) $ (2,612 ) $ (8,589 ) $ (7,838 )

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA_2

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments	The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are summarized in the tables below. September 30, 2018 Carrying Estimated ($ in thousands) Assets: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: U.S. treasury $ 7,858 $ 7,858 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 290,057 290,057 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 282,307 282,307 Commercial mortgage-backed 75,314 75,314 Residential mortgage-backed 146,725 146,725 Other asset-backed 21,329 21,329 Corporate 424,482 424,482 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,248,072 1,248,072 Equity investments, at fair value Common stocks: Financial services 48,647 48,647 Information technology 39,711 39,711 Healthcare 33,389 33,389 Consumer staples 13,302 13,302 Consumer discretionary 24,087 24,087 Energy 17,808 17,808 Industrials 23,943 23,943 Other 15,029 15,029 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 18,706 18,706 Investment funds 4,146 4,146 Total equity investments 238,768 238,768 Short-term investments 33,717 33,717 Liabilities: Surplus notes 25,000 15,145 December 31, 2017 Carrying Estimated ($ in thousands) Assets: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: U.S. treasury $ 8,078 $ 8,078 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 297,949 297,949 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 307,536 307,536 Commercial mortgage-backed 83,980 83,980 Residential mortgage-backed 119,799 119,799 Other asset-backed 24,114 24,114 Corporate 433,560 433,560 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,275,016 1,275,016 Equity securities available-for-sale: Common stocks: Financial services 43,522 43,522 Information technology 35,810 35,810 Healthcare 30,595 30,595 Consumer staples 14,127 14,127 Consumer discretionary 20,538 20,538 Energy 16,905 16,905 Industrials 28,489 28,489 Other 16,421 16,421 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 21,708 21,708 Total equity securities available-for-sale 228,115 228,115 Short-term investments 23,613 23,613 Liabilities: Surplus notes 25,000 16,689
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 September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 . September 30, 2018 Fair value measurements using ($ in thousands) Total Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) Quoted Significant Significant Financial instruments reported at fair value on recurring basis: Assets: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: U.S. treasury $ 7,858 $ — $ — $ 7,858 $ — U.S. government-sponsored agencies 290,057 — — 290,057 — Obligations of states and political subdivisions 282,307 — — 282,307 — Commercial mortgage-backed 75,314 — — 75,314 — Residential mortgage-backed 146,725 — — 146,725 — Other asset-backed 21,329 — — 21,329 — Corporate 424,482 — — 424,133 349 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,248,072 — — 1,247,723 349 Equity investments, at fair value: Common stocks: Financial services 48,647 — 48,647 — — Information technology 39,711 — 39,711 — — Healthcare 33,389 — 33,389 — — Consumer staples 13,302 — 13,302 — — Consumer discretionary 24,087 — 24,087 — — Energy 17,808 — 17,808 — — Industrials 23,943 — 23,943 — — Other 15,029 — 15,029 — — Non-redeemable preferred stocks 18,706 — 9,093 9,613 — Investment funds 4,146 4,146 — — — Total equity investments 238,768 4,146 225,009 9,613 — Short-term investments 33,717 — 33,717 — — Financial instruments not reported at fair value: Liabilities: Surplus notes 15,145 — — — 15,145 December 31, 2017 Fair value measurements using ($ in thousands) Total Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) Quoted Significant Significant Financial instruments reported at fair value on recurring basis: Assets: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: U.S. treasury $ 8,078 $ — $ — $ 8,078 $ — U.S. government-sponsored agencies 297,949 — — 297,949 — Obligations of states and political subdivisions 307,536 — — 307,536 — Commercial mortgage-backed 83,980 — — 83,980 — Residential mortgage-backed 119,799 — — 119,799 — Other asset-backed 24,114 — — 24,114 — Corporate 433,560 — — 432,940 620 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,275,016 — — 1,274,396 620 Equity securities available-for-sale: Common stocks: Financial services 43,522 — 43,519 — 3 Information technology 35,810 — 35,810 — — Healthcare 30,595 — 30,595 — — Consumer staples 14,127 — 14,127 — — Consumer discretionary 20,538 — 20,538 — — Energy 16,905 — 16,905 — — Industrials 28,489 — 28,489 — — Other 16,421 — 16,421 — — Non-redeemable preferred stocks 21,708 — 9,512 10,196 2,000 Total equity securities available-for-sale 228,115 — 215,916 10,196 2,003 Short-term investments 23,613 — 23,613 — — Financial instruments not reported at fair value: Liabilities: Surplus notes 16,689 — — — 16,689
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs	Presented in the table below is a reconciliation of the assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 . Any unrealized gains or losses on fixed maturity securities are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Any gains or losses from settlements, disposals, impairments and, starting in 2018, unrealized gains or losses on equity securities are reported as realized investment gains or losses in net income. ($ in thousands) Fair value measurements using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs Three months ended September 30, 2018 Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate Equity securities, Total Beginning balance $ 474 $ — $ 474 Settlements (125 ) — (125 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 349 $ — $ 349 Nine months ended September 30, 2018 Beginning balance $ 620 $ 3 $ 623 Settlements (270 ) — (270 ) Unrealized losses included in net income — (3 ) (3 ) Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) on securities still held at reporting date (1 ) — (1 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ 349 $ — $ 349 ($ in thousands) Fair value measurements using significant Three months ended September 30, 2017 Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate Equity securities available-for-sale, financial services Equity securities available-for-sale, non-redeemable preferred stocks Total Beginning balance $ 840 $ 3 $ 2,000 $ 2,843 Settlements (125 ) — — (125 ) Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) on securities still held at reporting date (1 ) — — (1 ) Balance at September 30, 2017 $ 714 $ 3 $ 2,000 $ 2,717 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 Beginning balance $ 982 $ 3 $ 2,000 $ 2,985 Settlements (265 ) — — (265 ) Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) on securities still held at reporting date (3 ) — — (3 ) Balance at September 30, 2017 $ 714 $ 3 $ 2,000 $ 2,717

INVESTMENTS (Tables)

INVESTMENTS (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Reconciliation of available-for-sale securities from cost basis to fair value	The amortized cost and estimated fair value of securities available-for-sale as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 are as follows. All fixed maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. September 30, 2018 Amortized Gross Gross Estimated ($ in thousands) Securities available-for-sale: Fixed maturity securities: U.S. treasury $ 8,133 $ — $ 275 $ 7,858 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 305,159 — 15,102 290,057 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 274,342 8,773 808 282,307 Commercial mortgage-backed 78,943 209 3,838 75,314 Residential mortgage-backed 149,847 1,925 5,047 146,725 Other asset-backed 22,165 313 1,149 21,329 Corporate 426,386 2,698 4,602 424,482 Total fixed maturity securities $ 1,264,975 $ 13,918 $ 30,821 $ 1,248,072 December 31, 2017 Amortized Gross Gross Estimated ($ in thousands) Securities available-for-sale: Fixed maturity securities: U.S. treasury $ 8,115 $ — $ 37 $ 8,078 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 303,932 122 6,105 297,949 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 290,038 17,729 231 307,536 Commercial mortgage-backed 84,058 591 669 83,980 Residential mortgage-backed 120,554 2,479 3,234 119,799 Other asset-backed 23,934 625 445 24,114 Corporate 422,535 11,490 465 433,560 Total fixed maturity securities 1,253,166 33,036 11,186 1,275,016 Equity securities: Common stocks: Financial services 30,103 13,594 175 43,522 Information technology 18,308 17,504 2 35,810 Healthcare 18,877 11,876 158 30,595 Consumer staples 9,275 4,917 65 14,127 Consumer discretionary 10,935 9,640 37 20,538 Energy 12,441 5,381 917 16,905 Industrials 12,746 15,757 14 28,489 Other 11,058 5,363 — 16,421 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 20,531 1,216 39 21,708 Total equity securities 144,274 85,248 1,407 228,115 Total securities available-for-sale $ 1,397,440 $ 118,284 $ 12,593 $ 1,503,131
Estimated fair value and gross unrealized losses associated with investment securities	The following tables set forth the estimated fair values and gross unrealized losses associated with investment securities that were in an unrealized loss position recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income as of September 30, 2018 and December 31, 2017 , listed by length of time the securities were consistently in an unrealized loss position. September 30, 2018 Less than twelve months Twelve months or longer Total ($ in thousands) Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Securities available-for-sale: Fixed maturity securities: U.S. treasury $ 7,621 $ 263 $ 237 $ 12 $ 7,858 $ 275 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 145,814 5,252 144,243 9,850 290,057 15,102 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 21,833 185 11,881 623 33,714 808 Commercial mortgage-backed 43,343 2,014 24,829 1,824 68,172 3,838 Residential mortgage-backed 89,534 2,439 33,240 2,608 122,774 5,047 Other asset-backed 4,969 124 11,985 1,025 16,954 1,149 Corporate 217,534 4,020 11,856 582 229,390 4,602 Total fixed maturity securities $ 530,648 $ 14,297 $ 238,271 $ 16,524 $ 768,919 $ 30,821 December 31, 2017 Less than twelve months Twelve months or longer Total ($ in thousands) Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Fair Unrealized Securities available-for-sale: Fixed maturity securities: U.S. treasury $ 8,078 $ 37 $ — $ — $ 8,078 $ 37 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 134,284 1,491 127,604 4,614 261,888 6,105 Obligations of states and political subdivisions — — 14,416 231 14,416 231 Commercial mortgage-backed 32,155 221 8,530 448 40,685 669 Residential mortgage-backed 30,003 394 22,948 2,840 52,951 3,234 Other asset-backed — — 13,440 445 13,440 445 Corporate 28,314 329 4,047 136 32,361 465 Total fixed maturity securities 232,834 2,472 190,985 8,714 423,819 11,186 Equity securities: Common stocks: Financial services 4,391 175 — — 4,391 175 Information technology 344 2 — — 344 2 Healthcare 2,532 158 — — 2,532 158 Consumer staples 575 65 — — 575 65 Consumer discretionary 992 37 — — 992 37 Energy 3,181 917 — — 3,181 917 Industrials 3,016 14 — — 3,016 14 Non-redeemable preferred stocks — — 1,961 39 1,961 39 Total equity securities 15,031 1,368 1,961 39 16,992 1,407 Total temporarily impaired securities $ 247,865 $ 3,840 $ 192,946 $ 8,753 $ 440,811 $ 12,593
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities	The amortized cost and estimated fair values of fixed maturity securities at September 30, 2018 , 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 $ 40,384 $ 40,719 Due after one year through five years 224,706 225,537 Due after five years through ten years 365,415 360,172 Due after ten years 404,097 398,067 Securities not due at a single maturity date 230,373 223,577 Totals $ 1,264,975 $ 1,248,072
Summary of realized investment gains and (losses)	A summary of realized investment gains and (losses) and the change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments is as follows: Three months ended September 30, Nine months ended September 30, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: Gross realized investment gains $ 90 $ 29 $ 324 $ 408 Gross realized investment losses (1,050 ) (230 ) (7,018 ) (2,316 ) Equity securities: Net realized investment gains, excluding 4,325 961 8,520 9,763 Change in unrealized investment gains 9,502 XXXX (799 ) XXXX "Other-than-temporary" impairments XXXX (355 ) XXXX (1,088 ) Other long-term investments, net (1,732 ) (999 ) (1,145 ) (4,601 ) Totals $ 11,135 $ (594 ) $ (118 ) $ 2,166

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018
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 (loss), net of tax. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component Unrealized Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations ($ in thousands) Net actuarial loss Prior service credit Total Total Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 83,497 $ (13,074 ) $ 12,961 $ (113 ) $ 83,384 Cumulative adjustment for adoption of financial instruments recognition and measurement changes (66,234 ) — — — (66,234 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (35,903 ) — — — (35,903 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 5,288 250 (1,867 ) (1,617 ) 3,671 Other comprehensive income (loss) (30,615 ) 250 (1,867 ) (1,617 ) (32,232 ) Balance at September 30, 2018 $ (13,352 ) $ (12,824 ) $ 11,094 $ (1,730 ) $ (15,082 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component Unrealized Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations ($ in thousands) Net actuarial loss Prior service credit Total Total Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 49,748 $ (16,299 ) $ 12,632 $ (3,667 ) $ 46,081 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 23,460 — — — 23,460 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (4,399 ) 719 (1,535 ) (816 ) (5,215 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 19,061 719 (1,535 ) (816 ) 18,245 Balance at September 30, 2017 $ 68,809 $ (15,580 ) $ 11,097 $ (4,483 ) $ 64,326
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The following tables display amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and into net income during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. ($ in thousands) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive Three months ended Nine months ended Affected line item in the Unrealized gains (losses) on investments: Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment gains (losses) included in net income $ (960 ) $ (6,694 ) Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments Deferred income tax (expense) benefit 202 1,406 Total income tax expense (benefit) Net reclassification adjustment (758 ) (5,288 ) Net income Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations: Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income: Net actuarial loss (106 ) (316 ) (1) Prior service credit 788 2,363 (1) Total before tax 682 2,047 Deferred income tax (expense) benefit (143 ) (430 ) Net reclassification adjustment 539 1,617 Total reclassification adjustment $ (219 ) $ (3,671 ) (1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income (see note 7, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details). ($ in thousands) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive Three months ended September 30, 2017 Nine months ended September 30, 2017 Affected line item in the Unrealized gains (losses) on investments: Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment gains (losses) included in net income $ 405 $ 6,767 Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments Deferred income tax (expense) benefit (141 ) (2,368 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) Net reclassification adjustment 264 4,399 Net income Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations: Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income: Net actuarial loss (370 ) (1,107 ) (1) Prior service credit 787 2,362 (1) Total before tax 417 1,255 Deferred income tax (expense) benefit (146 ) (439 ) Net reclassification adjustment 271 816 Total reclassification adjustment $ 535 $ 5,215 (1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income (see note 7, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details).

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details)

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative adjustment for adoption of financial instruments recognition and measurement changes	$ 0		$ 0
Defined benefit plan net periodic benefit cost other than service cost component	1,900	$ 1,300	5,600	$ 3,800
Retained Earnings [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative adjustment for adoption of financial instruments recognition and measurement changes	$ 66,234		$ 66,234

TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES (D

TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES (Details) - Affiliated Entity [Member] $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended				9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)Plan	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)Plan	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Plan	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)Plan	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)Plan	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Plan
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ceded premiums earned	$ 102,852	$ 98,449					$ 306,193	$ 298,108
Ceded losses and settlement expenses incurred	52,070	75,248					166,748	227,404
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of reinsurance program treaties | Plan			1	1	1	1			2	2
Ceded premiums earned	101,540	97,237					302,256	294,471
Ceded losses and settlement expenses incurred	53,997	66,279					169,137	218,425
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Annual Aggregate Catastrophe Excess of Loss [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Catastrophe claims, retention amount			$ 15,000	$ 22,000	$ 15,000	$ 20,000
Affiliated reinsurance contract first layer limit			12,000	24,000	12,000	24,000
Ceded premiums earned			$ 1,400	$ 6,000	$ 1,400	$ 6,000
Ceded losses and settlement expenses incurred	2,391	3,534					3,175	20,108
Reinsurance [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of reinsurance program treaties | Plan									2	2
Ceded premiums earned	1,312	1,212					3,937	3,637
Ceded losses and settlement expenses incurred	$ (1,927)	$ 8,969					$ (2,389)	$ 8,979
Reinsurance [Member] | Per Occurrence Catastrophe Excess of Loss [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Catastrophe claims, retention amount									$ 10,000	$ 10,000
Affiliated reinsurance contract first layer limit									$ 10,000	$ 10,000
First layer excess of loss coinsurance percentage (in hundreths)									20.00%	20.00%
Ceded premiums earned									$ 1,600	$ 1,700
Reinsurance [Member] | Annual Aggregate Catastrophe Excess of Loss [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Catastrophe claims, retention amount									20,000	20,000
Affiliated reinsurance contract first layer limit									$ 100,000	$ 100,000
First layer excess of loss coinsurance percentage (in hundreths)									20.00%	20.00%
Ceded premiums earned									$ 3,600	$ 3,200
Catastrophe event minimum amount									$ 500	$ 500

REINSURANCE (Details)

REINSURANCE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Premiums written
Net premiums written	$ 192,685	$ 180,534	$ 513,869	$ 480,554
Premiums earned
Net premiums earned	163,708	155,190	477,440	449,514
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	111,277	119,576	340,996	323,089
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Assumed	159,648	153,900	430,699	415,426
Ceded	(128,739)	(124,567)	(335,947)	(323,096)
Premiums earned
Assumed	133,781	128,325	394,697	375,601
Ceded	(102,852)	(98,449)	(306,193)	(298,108)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Assumed	88,303	81,324	270,580	259,111
Ceded	(52,070)	(75,248)	(166,748)	(227,404)
Non Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Direct	126,737	122,665	325,360	312,809
Assumed	43,349	40,288	126,004	111,598
Ceded	(8,310)	(11,752)	(32,247)	(36,183)
Premiums earned
Direct	100,850	96,547	295,606	287,821
Assumed	42,145	39,688	125,896	113,933
Ceded	(10,216)	(10,921)	(32,566)	(29,733)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	51,606	62,745	165,962	198,317
Assumed	32,417	58,229	87,647	107,091
Ceded	$ (8,979)	$ (7,474)	$ (16,445)	$ (14,026)
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Reinsurance Transactions For Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Percentage of pool participation (in hundredths)	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Premiums written
Net premiums written	$ 152,787	$ 144,011	$ 404,257	$ 385,209
Premiums earned
Net premiums earned	126,213	120,472	366,340	350,307
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	81,435	74,039	259,191	231,067
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Assumed	159,648	153,900	430,699	415,426
Ceded	(127,427)	(123,355)	(332,010)	(319,459)
Premiums earned
Assumed	133,781	128,325	394,697	375,601
Ceded	(101,540)	(97,237)	(302,256)	(294,471)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Assumed	87,992	81,047	269,672	258,169
Ceded	(53,997)	(66,279)	(169,137)	(218,425)
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Non Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Direct	126,737	122,665	325,360	312,809
Assumed	1,138	1,333	3,440	3,542
Ceded	(7,309)	(10,532)	(23,232)	(27,109)
Premiums earned
Direct	100,850	96,547	295,606	287,821
Assumed	1,017	1,225	3,319	3,370
Ceded	(7,895)	(8,388)	(25,026)	(22,014)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	51,606	62,745	165,962	198,317
Assumed	1,039	961	2,801	2,406
Ceded	(5,205)	(4,435)	(10,107)	(9,400)
Reinsurance [Member]
Premiums written
Net premiums written	39,898	36,523	109,612	95,345
Premiums earned
Net premiums earned	37,495	34,718	111,100	99,207
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	29,842	45,537	81,805	92,022
Reinsurance [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Assumed	0	0	0	0
Ceded	(1,312)	(1,212)	(3,937)	(3,637)
Premiums earned
Assumed	0	0	0	0
Ceded	(1,312)	(1,212)	(3,937)	(3,637)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Assumed	311	277	908	942
Ceded	1,927	(8,969)	2,389	(8,979)
Reinsurance [Member] | Non Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Direct	0	0	0	0
Assumed	42,211	38,955	122,564	108,056
Ceded	(1,001)	(1,220)	(9,015)	(9,074)
Premiums earned
Direct	0	0	0	0
Assumed	41,128	38,463	122,577	110,563
Ceded	(2,321)	(2,533)	(7,540)	(7,719)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	0	0	0	0
Assumed	31,378	57,268	84,846	104,685
Ceded	$ (3,774)	$ (3,039)	$ (6,338)	$ (4,626)

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETTEL

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETTELEMT EXPENSES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Reconciliation of beginning and ending reserves for losses and settlement expenses [Roll Forward]
Gross reserves at beginning of year	$ 732,612	$ 690,532
Re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates	525	(1,913)
Less ceded reserves at beginning of year	30,923	20,664
Net reserves at beginning of year	701,164	671,781
Incurred losses and settlement expenses related to:
Current year	352,992	340,706
Prior years	(11,996)	(17,617)
Total incurred losses and settlement expenses	340,996	323,089
Paid losses and settlement expenses related to:
Current year	119,399	120,053
Prior years	193,673	173,986
Total paid losses and settlement expenses	313,072	294,039
Net reserves at end of period	729,088	700,831
Plus ceded reserves at end of period	32,661	25,348
Re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates	(168)	282
Gross reserves at end of period	761,581	726,461
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Incurred losses and settlement expenses related to:
Prior years	$ (12,500)	$ (15,600)
Percentage change in loss and settlement expense reserves for prior accident years (in hundredths)	(2.50%)	(3.20%)
Reinsurance [Member]
Incurred losses and settlement expenses related to:
Prior years	$ 493	$ (2,100)
Percentage change in loss and settlement expense reserves for prior accident years (in hundredths)	0.20%	(1.00%)

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Summarize

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Summarized financial information by segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated
Premiums earned	$ 163,708	$ 155,190	$ 477,440	$ 449,514
SAP underwriting profit (loss)	(706)	(16,437)	(24,656)	(24,458)
GAAP adjustments	776	4,776	2,206	3,359
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)	70	(11,661)	(22,450)	(21,099)
Net investment income	11,951	11,501	35,100	33,679
Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments	11,135	(594)	(118)	2,166
Other income (loss)	2,331	1,099	6,719	3,000
Interest expense	170	84	483	253
Other expenses	873	701	2,574	2,264
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	24,444	(440)	16,194	15,229
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated
Assets	2,268,896		2,268,896		$ 2,289,419
Eliminations	(564,796)		(564,796)		(599,036)
Reclassifications	(2,998)		(2,998)		(8,443)
Total assets	1,701,102		1,701,102		1,681,940
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated
Premiums earned	126,213	120,472	366,340	350,307
SAP underwriting profit (loss)	138	1,927	(29,082)	(9,559)
GAAP adjustments	378	4,582	2,561	4,301
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)	516	6,509	(26,521)	(5,258)
Net investment income	8,514	8,252	25,072	24,225
Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments	6,760	(108)	(1,225)	3,033
Other income (loss)	2,184	1,457	6,330	4,457
Interest expense	170	84	483	253
Other expenses	282	170	759	580
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	17,522	15,856	2,414	25,624
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated
Assets	1,212,964		1,212,964		1,200,636
Eliminations	0		0		0
Reclassifications	(2,880)		(2,880)		(1,393)
Total assets	1,210,084		1,210,084		1,199,243
Reinsurance [Member]
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated
Premiums earned	37,495	34,718	111,100	99,207
SAP underwriting profit (loss)	(844)	(18,364)	4,426	(14,899)
GAAP adjustments	398	194	(355)	(942)
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)	(446)	(18,170)	4,071	(15,841)
Net investment income	3,423	3,237	10,001	9,421
Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments	4,476	(486)	1,208	(867)
Other income (loss)	147	(358)	389	(1,457)
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Other expenses	0	0	0	0
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	7,600	(15,777)	15,669	(8,744)
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated
Assets	481,047		481,047		484,678
Eliminations	0		0		0
Reclassifications	0		0		(6,273)
Total assets	481,047		481,047		478,405
Parent company [Member]
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated
Premiums earned	0	0	0	0
SAP underwriting profit (loss)	0	0	0	0
GAAP adjustments	0	0	0	0
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)	0	0	0	0
Net investment income	14	12	27	33
Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments	(101)	0	(101)	0
Other income (loss)	0	0	0	0
Interest expense	0	0	0	0
Other expenses	591	531	1,815	1,684
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	(678)	$ (519)	(1,889)	$ (1,651)
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated
Assets	574,885		574,885		604,105
Eliminations	(564,796)		(564,796)		(599,036)
Reclassifications	(118)		(118)		(777)
Total assets	$ 9,971		$ 9,971		$ 4,292

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Net premi

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Net premiums earned by segment and lines of insurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	$ 163,708	$ 155,190	$ 477,440	$ 449,514
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	126,213	120,472	366,340	350,307
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	116,138	110,781	337,328	322,132
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Automobile Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	32,851	30,229	95,155	87,275
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Property Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	25,271	27,980	79,059	79,551
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Workers' Compensation [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	24,249	25,373	74,380	75,419
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Other Liability [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	31,399	24,996	81,952	73,378
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Other Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	2,368	2,203	6,782	6,509
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Personal Lines [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	10,075	9,691	29,012	28,175
Reinsurance [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	37,495	34,718	111,100	99,207
Reinsurance [Member] | Assumed Pro Rata [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	10,484	10,730	33,627	33,181
Reinsurance [Member] | Assumed Excess of Loss [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	$ 27,011	$ 23,988	$ 77,473	$ 66,026

INCOME TAXES (Details)

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Income tax expense (benefit) reconciliation [Abstract]
United States federal corporate tax rate (in hundredths)	21.00%	35.00%	21.00%	35.00%
Computed expected income tax expense (benefit)	$ 5,134	$ (154)	$ 3,401	$ 5,330
Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from:
Incremental benefit of net operating loss carry back	839	0	0	0
Tax-exempt interest income	(290)	(656)	(897)	(2,122)
Dividends received deduction	(126)	(294)	(400)	(948)
Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction	104	142	324	460
Other, net	(365)	(224)	(311)	(545)
Total income tax expense (benefit)	5,296	$ (1,186)	2,117	$ 2,175
Provision for uncertain tax positions	$ 0		$ 0		$ 0

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Deta

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Pension plans [Member] | Emc Insurance Companies [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 4,213	$ 3,783	$ 12,639	$ 11,351
Interest cost	2,681	2,798	8,044	8,393
Expected return on plan assets	(6,013)	(5,192)	(18,039)	(15,574)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	135	911	403	2,732
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	0	5	0	15
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	1,016	2,305	3,047	6,917
Pension plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Group, Inc. [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	305	692	914	2,075
Postretirement benefit plans [Member] | Emc Insurance Companies [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	369	341	1,105	1,022
Interest cost	521	570	1,563	1,710
Expected return on plan assets	(1,204)	(1,077)	(3,611)	(3,233)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	234	342	701	1,028
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(2,783)	(2,788)	(8,347)	(8,365)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	(2,863)	(2,612)	(8,589)	(7,838)
Postretirement benefit plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Group, Inc. [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	(806)	$ (736)	(2,418)	$ (2,208)
Entity's share of estimated contributions to employee benefit plan	$ 0		$ 0

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Detai

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized compensation expense	$ 224	$ 296	$ 830	$ 508
Recognized compensation expense, net of tax	$ 177	$ 192	$ 656	$ 330
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of restricted stock shares vested during period (in shares)			92,214
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of restricted stock awards or units granted during period (in shares)			120,439
Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options exercised during period (in shares)			79,946
Weighted average exercise price of options exercised during period (in dollars per share)			$ 14.53
Non-Employee Director [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of restricted stock awards or units granted during period (in shares)			2,800
Restricted Stock Awards Surrendered and Forfeited [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock repurchased and retired during period, shares			30,523
Average cost per share of stock repurchased			$ 26.30

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA_3

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)Security	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Security
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$ 1,248,072	$ 1,275,016
Equity investments, at fair value	238,768
Equity securities available-for-sale		228,115
Short-term investments	33,717	23,613
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	2.73%	1.35%
Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$ 1,248,072	$ 1,275,016
Number of broker quoted securities | Security	0	0
Number of securities not priced by independent pricing service | Security	6	8
U.S. treasury
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$ 7,858	$ 8,078
U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	290,057	297,949
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	282,307	307,536
Commercial mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	75,314	83,980
Residential mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	146,725	119,799
Other asset-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	21,329	24,114
Corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	424,482	433,560
Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		228,115
Financial services
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		43,522
Information technology
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		35,810
Healthcare
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		30,595
Consumer staples
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		14,127
Consumer discretionary
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		20,538
Energy
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		16,905
Industrials
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		28,489
Other
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		16,421
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		21,708
Carrying amount [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	33,717	23,613
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	25,000	25,000
Carrying amount [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,248,072	1,275,016
Carrying amount [Member] | U.S. treasury
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	7,858	8,078
Carrying amount [Member] | U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	290,057	297,949
Carrying amount [Member] | Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	282,307	307,536
Carrying amount [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	75,314	83,980
Carrying amount [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	146,725	119,799
Carrying amount [Member] | Other asset-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	21,329	24,114
Carrying amount [Member] | Corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	424,482	433,560
Carrying amount [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	238,768
Equity securities available-for-sale		228,115
Carrying amount [Member] | Financial services
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	48,647
Equity securities available-for-sale		43,522
Carrying amount [Member] | Information technology
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	39,711
Equity securities available-for-sale		35,810
Carrying amount [Member] | Healthcare
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	33,389
Equity securities available-for-sale		30,595
Carrying amount [Member] | Consumer staples
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	13,302
Equity securities available-for-sale		14,127
Carrying amount [Member] | Consumer discretionary
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	24,087
Equity securities available-for-sale		20,538
Carrying amount [Member] | Energy
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	17,808
Equity securities available-for-sale		16,905
Carrying amount [Member] | Industrials
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	23,943
Equity securities available-for-sale		28,489
Carrying amount [Member] | Other
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	15,029
Equity securities available-for-sale		16,421
Carrying amount [Member] | Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	18,706
Equity securities available-for-sale		21,708
Carrying amount [Member] | Investment funds [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	4,146
Estimated fair value [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	33,717	23,613
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	15,145	16,689
Estimated fair value [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,248,072	1,275,016
Estimated fair value [Member] | U.S. treasury
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	7,858	8,078
Estimated fair value [Member] | U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	290,057	297,949
Estimated fair value [Member] | Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	282,307	307,536
Estimated fair value [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	75,314	83,980
Estimated fair value [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	146,725	119,799
Estimated fair value [Member] | Other asset-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	21,329	24,114
Estimated fair value [Member] | Corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	424,482	433,560
Estimated fair value [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	238,768
Equity securities available-for-sale		228,115
Estimated fair value [Member] | Financial services
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	48,647
Equity securities available-for-sale		43,522
Estimated fair value [Member] | Information technology
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	39,711
Equity securities available-for-sale		35,810
Estimated fair value [Member] | Healthcare
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	33,389
Equity securities available-for-sale		30,595
Estimated fair value [Member] | Consumer staples
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	13,302
Equity securities available-for-sale		14,127
Estimated fair value [Member] | Consumer discretionary
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	24,087
Equity securities available-for-sale		20,538
Estimated fair value [Member] | Energy
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	17,808
Equity securities available-for-sale		16,905
Estimated fair value [Member] | Industrials
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	23,943
Equity securities available-for-sale		28,489
Estimated fair value [Member] | Other
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	15,029
Equity securities available-for-sale		16,421
Estimated fair value [Member] | Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	18,706
Equity securities available-for-sale		$ 21,708
Estimated fair value [Member] | Investment funds [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	$ 4,146

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA_4

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, Recurring Measurement Inputs (Details) $ in Thousands	Sep. 30, 2018USD ($)Security	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Security
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$ 1,248,072	$ 1,275,016
Equity investments, at fair value	238,768
Equity securities available-for-sale		228,115
Short-term investments	33,717	23,613
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	25,000	25,000
Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,248,072	1,275,016
U.S. treasury
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	7,858	8,078
U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	290,057	297,949
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	282,307	307,536
Commercial mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	75,314	83,980
Residential mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	146,725	119,799
Other asset-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	21,329	24,114
Corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	424,482	433,560
Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		228,115
Financial services
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		43,522
Information technology
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		35,810
Healthcare
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		30,595
Consumer staples
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		14,127
Consumer discretionary
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		20,538
Energy
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		16,905
Industrials
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		28,489
Other
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		16,421
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		21,708
Recurring [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	33,717	23,613
Recurring [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,248,072	1,275,016
Recurring [Member] | U.S. treasury
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	7,858	8,078
Recurring [Member] | U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	290,057	297,949
Recurring [Member] | Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	282,307	307,536
Recurring [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	75,314	83,980
Recurring [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	146,725	119,799
Recurring [Member] | Other asset-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	21,329	24,114
Recurring [Member] | Corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	424,482	433,560
Recurring [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	238,768
Equity securities available-for-sale		228,115
Recurring [Member] | Financial services
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	48,647
Equity securities available-for-sale		43,522
Recurring [Member] | Information technology
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	39,711
Equity securities available-for-sale		35,810
Recurring [Member] | Healthcare
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	33,389
Equity securities available-for-sale		30,595
Recurring [Member] | Consumer staples
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	13,302
Equity securities available-for-sale		14,127
Recurring [Member] | Consumer discretionary
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	24,087
Equity securities available-for-sale		20,538
Recurring [Member] | Energy
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	17,808
Equity securities available-for-sale		16,905
Recurring [Member] | Industrials
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	23,943
Equity securities available-for-sale		28,489
Recurring [Member] | Other
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	15,029
Equity securities available-for-sale		16,421
Recurring [Member] | Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	18,706
Equity securities available-for-sale		21,708
Recurring [Member] | Investment funds [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	4,146
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV)
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | U.S. treasury
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Commercial mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Residential mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Other asset-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	4,146
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Financial services
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Information technology
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Healthcare
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Consumer staples
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Consumer discretionary
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Energy
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Industrials
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Other
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Investment funds [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	4,146
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	33,717	23,613
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. treasury
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Other asset-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	225,009
Equity securities available-for-sale		215,916
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Financial services
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	48,647
Equity securities available-for-sale		43,519
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Information technology
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	39,711
Equity securities available-for-sale		35,810
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Healthcare
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	33,389
Equity securities available-for-sale		30,595
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Consumer staples
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	13,302
Equity securities available-for-sale		14,127
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Consumer discretionary
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	24,087
Equity securities available-for-sale		20,538
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Energy
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	17,808
Equity securities available-for-sale		16,905
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Industrials
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	23,943
Equity securities available-for-sale		28,489
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Other
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	15,029
Equity securities available-for-sale		16,421
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	9,093
Equity securities available-for-sale		9,512
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Investment funds [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
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]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,247,723	1,274,396
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. treasury
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	7,858	8,078
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	290,057	297,949
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	282,307	307,536
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	75,314	83,980
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	146,725	119,799
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other asset-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	21,329	24,114
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	424,133	432,940
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	9,613
Equity securities available-for-sale		10,196
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Financial services
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Information technology
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Healthcare
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Consumer staples
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Consumer discretionary
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Energy
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Industrials
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	9,613
Equity securities available-for-sale		10,196
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Investment funds [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
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]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$ 349	$ 620
Number of securities categorized as Level 3 fair value measurements | Security	2	2
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | U.S. treasury
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$ 0	$ 0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other asset-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	349	620
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	$ 0
Equity securities available-for-sale		$ 2,003
Number of securities categorized as Level 3 fair value measurements | Security	1	2
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Financial services
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	$ 0
Equity securities available-for-sale		$ 3
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Information technology
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Healthcare
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Consumer staples
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Consumer discretionary
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Energy
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Industrials
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Equity securities available-for-sale		2,000
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Investment funds [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Not Reported At Fair Value [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	15,145	16,689
Not Reported At Fair Value [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV)
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	0	0
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	$ 15,145	$ 16,689

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA_5

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, Unobservable Input Reconciliation (Details) - Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 474	$ 2,843	$ 623	$ 2,985
Settlements	(125)	(125)	(270)	(265)
Unrealized losses included in net income			(3)
Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) on securities still held at reporting date		(1)	(1)	(3)
Balance at September 30, 2018	349	2,717	349	2,717
Corporate
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	474	840	620	982
Settlements	(125)	(125)	(270)	(265)
Unrealized losses included in net income			0
Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) on securities still held at reporting date		(1)	(1)	(3)
Balance at September 30, 2018	349	714	349	714
Financial services
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	0	3	3	3
Settlements	0	0	0	0
Unrealized losses included in net income			(3)
Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) on securities still held at reporting date		0	0	0
Balance at September 30, 2018	$ 0	3	$ 0	3
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		2,000		2,000
Settlements		0		0
Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) on securities still held at reporting date		0		0
Balance at September 30, 2018		$ 2,000		$ 2,000

INVESTMENTS (Details)

INVESTMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	$ 1,264,975		$ 1,264,975		$ 1,253,166
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,248,072		1,248,072		1,275,016
Equity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost					144,274
Equity securities available-for-sale					228,115
Available-for-sale securities, Amortized cost					1,397,440
Available-for-sale securities, Gross unrealized gains					118,284
Available-for-sale securities, Gross unrealized losses					12,593
Available-for-sale securities					1,503,131
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value					247,865
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses					3,840
Twelve months or longer, Fair value					192,946
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses					8,753
Total, Fair value					440,811
Total, Unrealized losses					12,593
Amortized cost
Due in one year or less	40,384		40,384
Due after one year through five years	224,706		224,706
Due after five years through ten years	365,415		365,415
Due after ten years	404,097		404,097
Securities not due at a single maturity date	230,373		230,373
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	1,264,975		1,264,975		1,253,166
Estimated fair value
Due in one year or less	40,719		40,719
Due after one year through five years	225,537		225,537
Due after five years through ten years	360,172		360,172
Due after ten years	398,067		398,067
Securities not due at a single maturity date	223,577		223,577
Totals	1,248,072		1,248,072		1,275,016
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale gross realized gains	90		324
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale gross realized losses	(1,050)		(7,018)
Equity securities:	4,325		8,520
Change in unrealized investment gains	9,502		(799)
Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments	11,135	$ (594)	(118)	$ 2,166
Debt Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	1,264,975		1,264,975		1,253,166
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains	13,918		13,918		33,036
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized losses	30,821		30,821		11,186
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,248,072		1,248,072		1,275,016
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	530,648		530,648		232,834
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	14,297		14,297		2,472
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	238,271		238,271		190,985
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	16,524		16,524		8,714
Total, Fair value	768,919		768,919		423,819
Total, Unrealized losses	30,821		30,821		11,186
Amortized cost
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	1,264,975		1,264,975		1,253,166
Estimated fair value
Totals	1,248,072		1,248,072		1,275,016
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]
Available-for-sale, Gross realized investment gains		29		408
Available-for-sale, Gross realized investment losses		(230)		(2,316)
U.S. treasury
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	8,133		8,133		8,115
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains	0		0		0
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized losses	275		275		37
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	7,858		7,858		8,078
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	7,621		7,621		8,078
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	263		263		37
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	237		237		0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	12		12		0
Total, Fair value	7,858		7,858		8,078
Total, Unrealized losses	275		275		37
Amortized cost
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	8,133		8,133		8,115
Estimated fair value
Totals	7,858		7,858		8,078
U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	305,159		305,159		303,932
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains	0		0		122
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized losses	15,102		15,102		6,105
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	290,057		290,057		297,949
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	145,814		145,814		134,284
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	5,252		5,252		1,491
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	144,243		144,243		127,604
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	9,850		9,850		4,614
Total, Fair value	290,057		290,057		261,888
Total, Unrealized losses	15,102		15,102		6,105
Amortized cost
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	305,159		305,159		303,932
Estimated fair value
Totals	290,057		290,057		297,949
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	274,342		274,342		290,038
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains	8,773		8,773		17,729
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized losses	808		808		231
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	282,307		282,307		307,536
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	21,833		21,833		0
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	185		185		0
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	11,881		11,881		14,416
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	623		623		231
Total, Fair value	33,714		33,714		14,416
Total, Unrealized losses	808		808		231
Amortized cost
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	274,342		274,342		290,038
Estimated fair value
Totals	282,307		282,307		307,536
Commercial mortgage-backed
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	78,943		78,943		84,058
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains	209		209		591
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized losses	3,838		3,838		669
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	75,314		75,314		83,980
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	43,343		43,343		32,155
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	2,014		2,014		221
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	24,829		24,829		8,530
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	1,824		1,824		448
Total, Fair value	68,172		68,172		40,685
Total, Unrealized losses	3,838		3,838		669
Amortized cost
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	78,943		78,943		84,058
Estimated fair value
Totals	75,314		75,314		83,980
Residential mortgage-backed
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	149,847		149,847		120,554
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains	1,925		1,925		2,479
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized losses	5,047		5,047		3,234
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	146,725		146,725		119,799
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	89,534		89,534		30,003
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	2,439		2,439		394
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	33,240		33,240		22,948
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	2,608		2,608		2,840
Total, Fair value	122,774		122,774		52,951
Total, Unrealized losses	5,047		5,047		3,234
Amortized cost
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	149,847		149,847		120,554
Estimated fair value
Totals	146,725		146,725		119,799
Other asset-backed
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	22,165		22,165		23,934
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains	313		313		625
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized losses	1,149		1,149		445
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	21,329		21,329		24,114
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	4,969		4,969		0
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	124		124		0
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	11,985		11,985		13,440
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	1,025		1,025		445
Total, Fair value	16,954		16,954		13,440
Total, Unrealized losses	1,149		1,149		445
Amortized cost
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	22,165		22,165		23,934
Estimated fair value
Totals	21,329		21,329		24,114
Corporate
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	426,386		426,386		422,535
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains	2,698		2,698		11,490
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized losses	4,602		4,602		465
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	424,482		424,482		433,560
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	217,534		217,534		28,314
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	4,020		4,020		329
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	11,856		11,856		4,047
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	582		582		136
Total, Fair value	229,390		229,390		32,361
Total, Unrealized losses	4,602		4,602		465
Amortized cost
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	426,386		426,386		422,535
Estimated fair value
Totals	424,482		424,482		433,560
Equity Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost					144,274
Equity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains					85,248
Equity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized loss					1,407
Equity securities available-for-sale					228,115
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value					15,031
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses					1,368
Twelve months or longer, Fair value					1,961
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses					39
Total, Fair value					16,992
Total, Unrealized losses					1,407
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]
Net realized investment gains, excluding other-than-temporary impairments		961		9,763
Other-than-temporary impairments		(355)		(1,088)
Financial services
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost					30,103
Equity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains					13,594
Equity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized loss					175
Equity securities available-for-sale					43,522
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value					4,391
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses					175
Twelve months or longer, Fair value					0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses					0
Total, Fair value					4,391
Total, Unrealized losses					175
Information technology
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost					18,308
Equity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains					17,504
Equity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized loss					2
Equity securities available-for-sale					35,810
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value					344
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses					2
Twelve months or longer, Fair value					0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses					0
Total, Fair value					344
Total, Unrealized losses					2
Healthcare
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost					18,877
Equity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains					11,876
Equity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized loss					158
Equity securities available-for-sale					30,595
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value					2,532
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses					158
Twelve months or longer, Fair value					0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses					0
Total, Fair value					2,532
Total, Unrealized losses					158
Consumer staples
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost					9,275
Equity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains					4,917
Equity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized loss					65
Equity securities available-for-sale					14,127
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value					575
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses					65
Twelve months or longer, Fair value					0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses					0
Total, Fair value					575
Total, Unrealized losses					65
Consumer discretionary
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost					10,935
Equity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains					9,640
Equity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized loss					37
Equity securities available-for-sale					20,538
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value					992
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses					37
Twelve months or longer, Fair value					0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses					0
Total, Fair value					992
Total, Unrealized losses					37
Energy
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost					12,441
Equity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains					5,381
Equity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized loss					917
Equity securities available-for-sale					16,905
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value					3,181
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses					917
Twelve months or longer, Fair value					0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses					0
Total, Fair value					3,181
Total, Unrealized losses					917
Industrials
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost					12,746
Equity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains					15,757
Equity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized loss					14
Equity securities available-for-sale					28,489
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value					3,016
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses					14
Twelve months or longer, Fair value					0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses					0
Total, Fair value					3,016
Total, Unrealized losses					14
Other
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost					11,058
Equity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains					5,363
Equity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized loss					0
Equity securities available-for-sale					16,421
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost					20,531
Equity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains					1,216
Equity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized loss					39
Equity securities available-for-sale					21,708
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					1,961
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses					39
Total, Fair value					1,961
Total, Unrealized losses					$ 39
Other Long-term Investments [Member]
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]
Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments	$ (1,732)	$ (999)	$ (1,145)	$ (4,601)

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Details

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Entity's share of case loss reserves, eliminated by the purchase of annuities	$ 110
Contingent liability for aggregate guaranteed amount of annuities	$ 183

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM (Detai

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM (Details) - Treasury Stock [Member] - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Nov. 03, 2011
Stock Repurchase Program [Line Items]
Authorized amount of stock repurchase program		$ 15,000
Stock repurchased and retired during period, shares	25,300
Average cost per share of stock repurchased	$ 25.76

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_3

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Cumulative adjustment for adoption of financial instruments recognition and measurement changes	$ 0		$ 0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(35,903)	$ 23,460
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	219	$ (535)	3,671	(5,215)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(9,138)	4,946	(32,232)	18,245
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Cumulative adjustment for adoption of financial instruments recognition and measurement changes	(66,234)		(66,234)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			(32,232)	18,245
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for- sale securities
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance			83,497	49,748
Cumulative adjustment for adoption of financial instruments recognition and measurement changes	(66,234)		(66,234)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			(35,903)	23,460
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			5,288	(4,399)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			(30,615)	19,061
Balance	(13,352)	68,809	(13,352)	68,809
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations, net actuarial loss
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance			(13,074)	(16,299)
Cumulative adjustment for adoption of financial instruments recognition and measurement changes	0		0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			250	719
Other comprehensive income (loss)			250	719
Balance	(12,824)	(15,580)	(12,824)	(15,580)
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations, prior service credit
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance			12,961	12,632
Cumulative adjustment for adoption of financial instruments recognition and measurement changes	0		0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)			(1,867)	(1,535)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			(1,867)	(1,535)
Balance	11,094	11,097	11,094	11,097
Total
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance			(113)	(3,667)
Cumulative adjustment for adoption of financial instruments recognition and measurement changes	0		0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications			0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(539)	(271)	(1,617)	(816)
Other comprehensive income (loss)			(1,617)	(816)
Balance	(1,730)	(4,483)	(1,730)	(4,483)
Total
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance			83,384	46,081
Cumulative adjustment for adoption of financial instruments recognition and measurement changes	(66,234)		(66,234)
Balance	$ (15,082)	$ 64,326	$ (15,082)	$ 64,326

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_4

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
		Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017	Sep. 30, 2018	Sep. 30, 2017
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments		$ 11,135	$ (594)	$ (118)	$ 2,166
Total income tax expense (benefit)		(5,296)	1,186	(2,117)	(2,175)
Net income		19,148	746	14,077	13,054
Net reclassification adjustment		(219)	535	(3,671)	5,215
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments: | Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments		(960)	405	(6,694)	6,767
Total income tax expense (benefit)		202	(141)	1,406	(2,368)
Net income		(758)	264	(5,288)	4,399
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations, net actuarial loss
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income:	[1]	(106)	(370)	(316)	(1,107)
Net reclassification adjustment				(250)	(719)
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations, prior service credit
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income:	[1]	788	787	2,363	2,362
Net reclassification adjustment				1,867	1,535
Total
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income:		682	417	2,047	1,255
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit		(143)	(146)	(430)	(439)
Net reclassification adjustment		$ 539	$ 271	$ 1,617	$ 816
[1]	These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income (see note 7, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details).

Subsequent events (Details)

Subsequent events (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Business Exit Costs	$ 1		$ 1
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Personal Lines [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Premiums Written As A Percentage Of Total		6.00%