EMC Insurance (EMCI) 10-K 6 Mar 19 2018 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Feb. 07, 2019	Jun. 30, 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 Shell Company	false
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 270,981,899
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		21,640,617
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,018
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2018

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $1,273,132 and $1,253,166)	$ 1,282,909	$ 1,275,016
Equity investments, at fair value (cost $160,371 and $144,274)	215,363
Equity investments, at fair value (cost $160,371 and $144,274)		228,115
Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount	1,200	0
Other long-term investments	19,316	13,648
Short-term investments	28,204	23,613
Total investments	1,546,992	1,540,392
Cash	337	347
Reinsurance receivables due from affiliate	37,361	31,650
Prepaid reinsurance premiums due from affiliate	8,789	12,789
Deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $44,440 and $40,848)	44,760	41,114
Amounts due from affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances	5,154	0
Prepaid pension and postretirement benefits due from affiliate	17,691	20,683
Accrued investment income	10,468	11,286
Amounts receivable under reverse repurchase agreements	0	16,500
Accounts receivable	1,658	1,604
Income taxes recoverable	6,697	0
Goodwill	942	942
Other assets (affiliated $4,510 and $4,423)	4,629	4,633
Total assets	1,685,478	1,681,940
LIABILITIES
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $771,872 and $726,413)	777,190	732,612
Unearned premiums (affiliated $267,064 and $256,434)	268,511	257,797
Other policyholders' funds (all affiliated)	8,807	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	4,070	4,185
Income taxes payable	0	544
Deferred income taxes	4,908	15,020
Other liabilities (affiliated $31,121 and $27,520)	31,210	32,556
Total liabilities	1,119,696	1,078,094
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 21,615,105 shares in 2018 and 21,455,545 shares in 2017	21,615	21,455
Additional paid-in capital	128,451	124,556
Accumulated other comprehensive income	1,620	83,384
Retained earnings	414,096	374,451
Total stockholders' equity	565,782	603,846
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,685,478	$ 1,681,940

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Pa

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, amortized cost	$ 1,273,132	$ 1,253,166
Equity Securities, FV-NI, Cost	160,371
Equity securities available-for-sale, cost		144,274
Deferred policy acquisition costs from affiliates	44,440	40,848
Affiliated other assets	4,510	4,423
LIABILITIES
Affiliated losses and settlement expenses	771,872	726,413
Unearned premiums from affiliates	267,064	256,434
Affiliated other liabilities	$ 31,121	$ 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)	21,615,105	21,455,545
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	21,615,105	21,455,545

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
REVENUES
Premiums earned (affiliated $640,119, $603,233 and $586,609)	$ 645,183	$ 607,158	$ 592,408
Net investment income	47,637	45,479	47,490
Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized gains on equity investments	(41,252)	6,556	4,074
Other income (affiliated $8,667, $5,255 and $5,830)	9,159	4,764	5,820
Total revenues	660,727	663,957	649,792
LOSSES AND EXPENSES
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $454,293, $417,259 and $385,708)	457,159	421,969	386,897
Dividends to policyholders (all affiliated)	9,209	7,610	13,800
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $114,468, $107,854 and $106,931)	115,803	108,910	108,403
Other underwriting expenses (affiliated $88,930, $82,044 and $74,370)	88,824	81,918	74,421
Interest expense (all affiliated)	654	337	337
Other expenses (affiliated $2,129, $1,825 and $1,860)	3,754	3,397	2,727
Total losses and expenses	675,403	624,141	586,585
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	(14,676)	39,816	63,207
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)
Current	(1,225)	8,004	18,061
Deferred	(5,983)	(7,426)	(1,057)
Total income tax expense (benefit)	(7,208)	578	17,004
Net income (loss)	$ (7,468)	$ 39,238	$ 46,203
Net income (loss) per common share - basic and diluted	$ (0.35)	$ 1.84	$ 2.20
Average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in shares)	21,549,436	21,326,358	21,006,302

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF IN_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
REVENUES
Premiums earned, affiliated	$ 640,119	$ 603,233	$ 586,609
Other income, affiliated	8,667	5,255	5,830
LOSSES AND EXPENSES
Losses and settlement expenses, affiliated	454,293	417,259	385,708
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, affiliated	114,468	107,854	106,931
Other underwriting expenses, affiliated	88,930	82,044	74,370
Other expense, affiliated	$ 2,129	$ 1,825	$ 1,860

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net income (loss)	$ (21,545)	$ 19,148	$ (4,995)	$ (76)	$ 26,184	$ 746	$ 5,504	$ 6,804	$ (7,468)	$ 39,238	$ 46,203
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities, net of defered income tax expense (benefit) of $(6,429), $14,688, and $(2,092)									(24,192)	27,278	(3,885)
Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment gains included in net income, net of income tax expense of $3,895, $(4,483) and $(3,628)									14,653	(8,326)	(6,736)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income, net of deferred income tax expense of $(573), $(587) and $(457):
Net actuarial loss									333	958	1,549
Prior service credit									(2,489)	(2,047)	(2,399)
Total reclassification adjustment associated with affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans									(2,156)	(1,089)	(850)
Change in funded status of affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans, net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $(1,022), $1,507 and $(474):
Net actuarial gain (loss)									(4,885)	5,571	(542)
Prior service credit (cost)									1,050	96	(339)
Total change in funded status of affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans									(3,835)	5,667	(881)
Other comprehensive income (loss)									(15,530)	23,530	(12,352)
Total comprehensive income (loss)									$ (22,998)	$ 62,768	$ 33,851

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CO_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities, deferred income tax expense (benefit)	$ (6,429)	$ 14,688	$ (2,092)
Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment (gains) losses included in net income (loss), income tax (expense) benefit	3,895	(4,483)	(3,628)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income), deferred income tax (expense) benefit	(573)	(587)	(457)
Change in funded status of affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans, deferred income tax expense (benefit)	$ (1,022)	$ 1,507	$ (474)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 524,938	$ 20,781	$ 108,747	$ 58,433	$ 336,977
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock through stock plans	11,070	459	10,611
Repurchase of common stock	(383)	(17)	(366)
Increase resulting from stock-based compensation expense	62		62
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(12,352)			(12,352)
Net income (loss)	46,203				46,203
Dividends paid to public stockholders	(7,014)				(7,014)
Dividends paid to affiliate	(9,182)				(9,182)
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	7,527	300	7,227
Repurchase of common stock	(1,858)	(68)	(1,790)
Increase resulting from stock-based compensation expense	65		65
Other comprehensive income (loss)	23,530			23,530
Net income (loss)	39,238				39,238
Dividends paid to public stockholders	(7,992)				(7,992)
Dividends paid to affiliate	(10,006)				(10,006)
Reclassification of tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from TCJA	0			13,773	(13,773)
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	5,426	216	5,210
Repurchase of common stock	(1,455)	(56)	(1,399)
Increase resulting from stock-based compensation expense	84		84
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(15,530)			(15,530)
Net income (loss)	(7,468)				(7,468)
Dividends paid to public stockholders	(8,644)				(8,644)
Dividends paid to affiliate	(10,477)				(10,477)
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	565,782	$ 21,615	$ 128,451	$ 1,620	414,096
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	$ 0				$ 66,234

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF ST_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends paid to public stockholders (per share)	$ 0.89	$ 0.85	$ 0.78
Dividends paid to affiliate (per share)	$ 0.89	$ 0.85	$ 0.78

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)	$ (7,468)	$ 39,238	$ 46,203
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $45,459, $40,880 and $14,364)	44,578	42,080	11,758
Unearned premiums (affiliated $9,057, $12,752 and $5,045)	10,714	12,912	5,450
Other policyholders' funds due to affiliate	(1,206)	(3,055)	4,347
Amounts due to/from affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances	(5,521)	(10,855)	4,814
Net pension and postretirement benefits due from affiliate	(4,709)	(2,783)	(3,045)
Reinsurance receivables due from affiliate	(5,711)	(10,324)	2,910
Prepaid reinsurance premiums due from affiliate	4,000	(3,480)	(2,746)
Commissions payable (affiliated $1,887, $981 and $(1,662))	1,921	903	(1,697)
Deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $(3,592), $(188) and $(125))	(3,646)	(175)	(219)
Accrued investment income	818	(236)	(261)
Current income tax	(7,241)	(1,815)	8,512
Deferred income tax	(5,983)	(7,426)	(1,057)
Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments	41,252	(6,556)	(4,074)
Other, net (affiliated $1,711, $(1,058) and $960)	9,972	10,474	12,539
Total adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities	79,238	19,664	37,231
Net cash provided by operating activities	71,770	58,902	83,434
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	(496,987)	(310,684)	(403,134)
Disposals of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	445,268	235,626	330,239
Payments to Acquire Trading Securities Held-for-investment	90,137
Purchases of equity investments		(62,939)	(63,683)
Proceeds from Sale and Maturity of Debt and Equity Securities, FV-NI, Held-for-investment	79,492
Disposals of equity investments		83,256	71,106
Purchases of other long-term investments	(13,934)	(14,782)	(8,720)
Disposals of other long-term investments	7,759	3,433	571
Net (purchases) disposals of short-term investments	(4,591)	16,057	(1,071)
Net receipts (disbursements) under reverse repurchase agreements	16,500	3,500	(3,150)
Net cash used in investing activities	(56,630)	(46,533)	(77,842)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issuance of common stock through affiliate’s stock plans	5,426	7,527	11,070
Repurchase of common stock	(1,455)	(1,858)	(383)
Dividends paid to stockholders (affiliated $(10,477), $(10,006) and $(9,182))	(19,121)	(17,998)	(16,196)
Net cash used in financing activities	(15,150)	(12,329)	(5,509)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH	(10)	40	83
Cash at the beginning of the year	347	307	224
Cash at the end of the year	337	347	307
Income taxes paid	2,393	9,820	13,967
Interest paid to affiliate	$ 654	$ 337	$ 337

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CA_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Losses and settlement expenses, affiliated	$ 45,459	$ 40,880	$ 14,364
Unearned premiums, affiliated	9,057	12,752	5,045
Commissions payable, affiliated	1,887	981	(1,662)
Deferred policy acquisition costs, affiliated	(3,592)	(188)	(125)
Other, net, affiliated	1,711	(1,058)	960
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid to stockholders, affiliated	$ (10,477)	$ (10,006)	$ (9,182)

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTI

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES Description of Business EMC Insurance Group Inc., a majority owned subsidiary of Employers Mutual Casualty Company (Employers Mutual), is an insurance holding company with operations in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance. The Company conducts its property and casualty insurance operations through the following subsidiaries: EMCASCO Insurance Company, Illinois EMCASCO Insurance Company and Dakota Fire Insurance Company, and its reinsurance operations through its subsidiary, EMC Reinsurance Company. The Company also has an excess and surplus lines insurance agency subsidiary, EMC Underwriters, LLC. The term “Company” is used interchangeably to describe EMC Insurance Group Inc. (Parent Company only) and EMC Insurance Group Inc. and its subsidiaries. The Company writes property and casualty insurance in both commercial and personal lines of insurance, with a focus on medium-sized commercial accounts; however, on October 29, 2018, the Company, Employers Mutual and their subsidiary 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. Approximately 36 percent of the premiums written are in Iowa and contiguous states. The Company’s reinsurance business is primarily written through a quota share reinsurance agreement with Employers Mutual. A small portion of the assumed reinsurance business is written on a direct basis, outside the quota share reinsurance agreement. Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), which differ in some respects from those followed in reports to insurance regulatory authorities. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company has evaluated all subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. 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 on 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 begin reporting 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 (loss) amounts reported, as other income and other underwriting expenses increased by the same amount ( $7.5 million , $5.1 million and $4.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , 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 December 31, 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 in 2018. In August 2018, the FASB issued updated 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 adopted these disclosure modifications in 2018. Property and Casualty Insurance and Reinsurance Operations Premiums written is the amount charged for policies issued during a reporting period. Property and casualty insurance premiums are recognized as revenue ratably over the terms of the respective policies. Unearned premiums are calculated on the daily pro rata method. Both domestic and foreign assumed reinsurance premiums are recognized as revenues ratably over the terms of the related contracts and underlying policies. Amounts paid as ceded reinsurance premiums are reported as prepaid reinsurance premiums and are amortized over the remaining contract period in proportion to the amount of reinsurance protection provided. Reinsurance reinstatement premiums are recognized in the same period as the loss event that gave rise to the reinstatement premiums. Costs related to the acquisition of insurance contracts are deferred and amortized to expense as the associated premium revenue is recognized. Only incremental costs and costs directly related to the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts are capitalized. Accordingly, acquisition costs consist of commissions, premium taxes, and salary and benefit expenses (beginning in 2018, only the service cost component is included from the pension and postretirement benefit plans) of employees directly involved in the underwriting of insurance policies that are successfully issued. The method followed in computing deferred policy acquisition costs limits the amount of such deferred costs to the estimated realizable value. In determining estimated realizable value, the computation gives effect to the premium to be earned, related investment income, anticipated losses and settlement expenses, anticipated policyholder dividends, and certain other costs expected to be incurred to administer the insurance policies as the premium is earned. The anticipated losses and settlement expenses are not discounted and are based on the Company’s projected loss and settlement expense ratios for the next twelve months, which include catastrophe loads based on historical results adjusted for recent trends. The occurrence of a significant catastrophic event, and/or the accumulation of catastrophe losses would not have a direct impact on the determination of premium deficiencies; however, such occurrences would be included in the historical results that are used to establish the catastrophe loads. A premium deficiency is first recognized by expensing the amount of unamortized deferred policy acquisition costs necessary to eliminate the deficiency. If the premium deficiency is greater than the unamortized deferred policy acquisition costs, a liability is accrued for the excess deficiency. The Company did not record a premium deficiency for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 or 2016 . Certain commercial lines of business written by the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries, including workers’ compensation, are eligible for policyholder dividends in accordance with provisions of the underlying insurance policies. Net premiums written subject to policyholder dividends represented approximately 32 percent and 26 percent of the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries’ total net commercial line premiums written in 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Policyholder dividends are accrued over the terms of the underlying policy periods. Liabilities for losses reflect losses incurred through the balance sheet date and are based upon the estimated ultimate loss ratios established by line of business and accident year, and estimates of losses expected under assumed reinsurance contracts. Liabilities for settlement expenses are provided by estimating expenses expected to be incurred in settling the claims provided for in the loss reserves. Changes in reserve estimates are reflected in net income in the year such changes are recorded (see note 4). Ceded reinsurance amounts with nonaffiliated reinsurers relating to reinsurance receivables for unpaid losses and settlement expenses and prepaid reinsurance premiums are reported on the balance sheet on a gross basis. Amounts ceded to Employers Mutual under the affiliated reinsurance pooling agreement and the inter-company reinsurance programs (see note 2) have not been grossed up because the contracts provide that receivables and payables may be offset upon settlement. Based on current information, the liabilities for losses and settlement expenses are considered to be adequate. Since the provisions are necessarily based on estimates, the ultimate liabilities may be more or less than such provisions. Investments Currently, all fixed maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity, net of deferred income taxes. Beginning January 1, 2018, equity securities (excluding those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that are consolidated) are measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income. However, equity investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value are measured at cost less impairment. Prior to 2018, equity securities were classified as available-for-sale and were carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity, net of deferred income taxes. Other long-term investments primarily consist of holdings in limited partnerships, and privately placed common and non-redeemable convertible preferred stock in start-up technology companies with ties to the insurance industry. The equity method of accounting is used for these investments, with changes in the carrying value recorded as realized investment gains (losses). Also included in other long-term investments are holdings in limited liability companies that convey renewable energy tax credits that are carried at amortized cost. Short-term investments generally include money market funds, U.S. Treasury bills and commercial paper that are carried at fair value, which approximates cost. The Company participates in a reverse repurchase arrangement involving the purchase of investment securities from third-party sellers, with the agreement that the purchased securities be sold back to the third-party sellers for agreed-upon prices at specified future dates. The third-party sellers are required to pledge collateral with a value greater than the amount of cash received in the transactions. In accordance with GAAP, the investment securities purchased under the reverse repurchase agreements are not reflected in the Company's consolidated balance sheets, but instead a receivable is recorded for the principal amount lent. Net proceeds/disbursements related to the reverse repurchase transactions are reported as a component of investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows, and the income as a component of operating activities. The Company uses independent pricing sources to obtain the estimated fair value of securities. Fair values are 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 investment. The fair values obtained from independent pricing sources are reviewed for reasonableness and any discrepancies are investigated for final valuation (see note 8). The Company uses the practical expedient of net asset value per share to measure fair value of its private equity arrangements (referred to as investment funds) and the pooled separate account investments in Employers Mutual's qualified pension plan (see notes 8 & 12). Premiums and discounts on fixed maturity securities are amortized over the expected life of the security as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method . Amortization of premiums and discounts on mortgage-backed securities incorporate prepayment assumptions to estimate expected lives. Prepayment assumptions are reviewed quarterly and adjusted as necessary. Gains and losses realized on the disposition of investments are included in net income. The cost of investments sold is determined on the specific identification method using the highest cost basis first. Included in investments at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are securities on deposit with various regulatory authorities as required by law amounting to $11.6 million and $11.3 million , respectively. The Company regularly monitors its investment portfolio for investments whose fair value is less than the carrying value for indications of “other-than-temporary” impairment (except for, beginning in 2018, equity securities carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income). Several factors are used to determine whether the carrying value of an individual investment has been “other-than-temporarily” impaired. Such factors include, but are not limited to (1) the investment’s value and performance in the context of the overall markets, (2) length of time and extent the investment’s fair value has been below carrying value, (3) key corporate events, and (4) for fixed maturity securities, the amount of collateral available. For fixed maturity securities, if the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost of the security, a credit loss is deemed to exist and the security is considered “other-than-temporarily” impaired. The portion of the impairment related to a credit loss is recognized through earnings, and the portion of the impairment related to other factors, if any, is recognized through “other comprehensive income”. Alternatively, if the Company has the intent to sell a fixed maturity security that is in an unrealized loss position, or determines that it will "more likely than not" be required to sell a fixed maturity security that is in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis, then the carrying value is reduced to fair value and the entire amount of the impairment is recognized through earnings. Income Taxes The Company files a consolidated Federal income tax return with its subsidiaries. Consolidated income taxes/benefits are allocated among the entities based upon separate tax liabilities. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of those assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Income tax expense provisions increase or decrease in the same period in which a change in tax rates is enacted. A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets to their net realizable value if it is “more likely than not” that a tax benefit will not be realized. In February 2018, the FASB issued updated guidance in Income Statement-Comprehensive Income Topic 220 of the ASC. The objective of this update was to allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), and requires certain disclosures about the stranded tax effects. The Company adopted this guidance for the 2017 reporting period, and elected to transfer the stranded tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings as reflected in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity. The Company releases the tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income on an individual unit of account basis. An assessment of the Company’s current tax positions indicated no uncertainties that would warrant different recognition and valuation from that applied in the Company’s tax returns. Stock-Based Compensation The Company has a stock-based compensation plan for non-employee directors. Compensation expense under this plan is based upon the grant date fair value, and is recognized as the requisite service period is rendered. The Company has no other stock-based compensation plans of its own; however, Employers Mutual has several stock plans which utilize the common stock of the Company. The Company receives the current fair value for all shares issued under Employers Mutual's plans, and a portion of the compensation expense recognized by Employers Mutual is allocated to the Company’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries though their participation in the pooling agreement (see note 2). For granted options and restricted stock awards, compensation expense is based upon the grant date fair value, and is recognized as the requisite service period is rendered. For granted restricted stock units, the expense is determined in accordance with the liability-based model, whereby Employers Mutual records a liability representing the current value of the Company's stock granted for the portion of the service period that has been rendered (both the liability and the resulting expense are allocated to the Company's property and casualty insurance subsidiaries through the pooling agreement). Excess tax benefits (deficiencies) related to non-qualified stock option activities allocated to the Company's property and casualty insurance subsidiaries through the pooling agreement are recognized through the consolidated statements of income as components of current and deferred income taxes, with the associated cash flows reflected as cash flows from operating activities. Because a portion of Employers Mutual’s stock compensation expense is reflected in the Company’s financial statements and issuances of the Company’s stock under Employers Mutual’s stock plans have an impact on the Company’s capital accounts, the disclosures required by the Compensation – Stock Compensation Topic 718 of the FASB ASC are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements (see note 13). Employee Retirement Plans Employers Mutual has various employee benefit plans, including two defined benefit pension plans, and two postretirement benefit plans that provide retiree healthcare and life insurance benefits. Although the Company has no employees of its own, it is responsible for its share of the plans' expenses and related prepaid assets and liabilities (the "funded status") as determined under the terms of the pooling agreement. Accordingly, the Company recognizes its share of the funded status of Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans on its balance sheet. In addition, the Company is responsible for its share of costs of these plans allocated by Employers Mutual to subsidiaries that do not participate in the pooling agreement (see note 2). Accounts Receivable The accounts receivable balance consists of assumed reinsurance premiums receivable (net of any commissions) on business written directly by the reinsurance subsidiary, and commission income receivable on excess and surplus lines business marketed by EMC Underwriters, LLC. These receivables are carried at their initial recognition amounts. It is the Company’s policy to reflect the impairment of receivables through a valuation allowance until ultimately collected or charged-off. No valuation allowance is currently carried, as no amounts are deemed impaired. No interest income, other fees, or deferred costs related to these receivables are assessed or recognized. Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposure Employers Mutual collects from agents, policyholders and ceding companies all premiums written associated with the insurance business produced by the pool participants and the assumed reinsurance business ceded to the reinsurance subsidiary. Employers Mutual also collects from its reinsurers all losses and settlement expenses recoverable under the reinsurance contracts protecting the pool participants and the reinsurance subsidiary (see note 2), as well as the fronting business ceded to the reinsurance subsidiary. Employers Mutual settles with the pool participants (monthly) and the reinsurance subsidiary (quarterly) the premiums written from these insurance policies and the paid losses and settlement expenses recoverable under the external reinsurance contracts, providing full credit for the premiums written and the paid losses and settlement expenses recoverable under the external reinsurance contracts generated during the period (not just the collected portion). Due to this arrangement, and since a significant portion of the premium balances are collected over the course of the underlying coverage periods, Employers Mutual carries a substantial receivable balance for insurance and reinsurance premiums in process of collection and, to a lesser extent, paid losses and settlement expenses recoverable from the external reinsurance companies. Any of these receivable amounts that are ultimately deemed to be uncollectible are charged-off by Employers Mutual and the expense is charged to the reinsurance subsidiary or allocated to the pool members on the basis of pool participation. As a result, the Company has off-balance sheet arrangements with an unconsolidated entity that results in credit-risk exposures (Employers Mutual’s insurance and reinsurance premium receivable balances, and paid loss and settlement expense recoverable amounts) that are not reflected in the Company’s financial statements. The average annual expense for such charge-offs allocated to the Company over the past ten years is $414,000 . Based on this historical data, this credit-risk exposure is not considered to be material to the Company’s results of operations or financial position and, accordingly, no loss contingency liability has been recorded. Foreign Currency Transactions Included in the underlying reinsurance business assumed by the reinsurance subsidiary are reinsurance transactions conducted with foreign cedants denominated in their local functional currencies. In accordance with the terms of the quota share agreement (see note 2), the reinsurance subsidiary assumes all foreign currency exchange gains/losses associated with contracts that are subject to the quota share agreement. The reinsurance subsidiary also has foreign currency exchange gains/losses associated with the business assumed outside the quota share agreement. The assets and liabilities resulting from these foreign reinsurance transactions are reported in U.S. dollars based on the foreign currency exchange rates that existed at the balance sheet dates. The foreign currency exchange rate gains/losses reported in the consolidated statements of income that resulted from these foreign reinsurance transactions are reported in U.S. dollars re-measured from the foreign currency exchange rates that existed at the inception of each reinsurance contract. The foreign currency exchange rate gains/losses resulting from these re-measurements to U.S. dollars are reported as a component of other income in the consolidated statements of income. Net Income Per Share - Basic and Diluted The Company’s basic and diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. As previously noted, the Company receives the current fair value for all shares issued under Employers Mutual’s stock plans. As a result, with the exception of the immaterial number of shares of outstanding non-vested restricted stock issued to the Company's non-employee directors, the Company had no potential common shares outstanding during 2018 , 2017 or 2016 that would have been dilutive to the calculation of net income per share. The outstanding non-vested restricted stock issued to the Company's non-employee directors is not material enough to produce a diluted net income per share different from the basic net income per share; therefore, the Company does not disclose an amount for the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets of acquired subsidiaries. Goodwill is not amortized, but is instead subject to impairment if the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds the estimated fair value of net assets. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit (including goodwill) exceeds the computed fair value, an impairment loss is recognized through the income statement equal to the excess amount, but not greater than the balance of the goodwill. Goodwill was not deemed to be impaired in 2018 , 2017 or 2016 . Exit Cost Obligations As noted earlier, on October 29, 2018, the EMC Insurance Companies announced that they had made a strategic decision to exit personal lines business. Personal lines premiums written represent approximately six percent of the Company's total premiums written. This exit process is expected to conclude during the first quarter of 2020, and is contained entirely within the property and casualty insurance segment. Over the course of this exit, the Company expects to incur, as its share through the pooling agreement, approximately $1.2 million of expense associated with severance costs, and $729,000 from the write-off of personal lines software that was in development. Total exit cost expenses recorded in 2018 were $967,000 . Other related costs, including job search assistance, are deemed immaterial. 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 will not 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 is not applicable to the Company's equity investments. 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.

AFFILIATION AND TRANSACTIONS WI

AFFILIATION AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
AFFILIATION AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES	AFFILIATION AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES The operations of the Company are highly integrated with those of Employers Mutual through participation in a property and casualty reinsurance pooling agreement (the "pooling agreement"), a quota share retrocessional reinsurance agreement (the "quota share agreement") and inter-company reinsurance programs. All transactions occurring under the pooling agreement, quota share agreement and the inter-company reinsurance programs are based on statutory accounting principles. Certain adjustments are made to the statutory-basis amounts assumed by the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries and the reinsurance subsidiary to bring the amounts into compliance with GAAP. On November 20, 2018, the Company announced receipt of a non-binding indicative proposal dated November 15, 2018 from Employers Mutual to purchase all the outstanding common stock of the Company not already owned by Employers Mutual, and the formation of a special committee of the Company's board of directors to consider the proposal. The proposal, which is subject to certain conditions, provides that the shares will be purchased at a price of $30 per share in cash. The special committee has retained its own independent financial and legal advisors to assist it in considering the proposal. There can be no assurance that any definitive agreement will be finalized and executed or that the proposal transaction or any other transaction will be approved or consummated. Property and Casualty Insurance Subsidiaries The Company’s three property and casualty insurance subsidiaries and two subsidiaries of Employers Mutual (Union Insurance Company of Providence and EMC Property & Casualty Company) are parties to a pooling agreement with Employers Mutual. Under the terms of the pooling agreement, each company cedes to Employers Mutual all of its insurance business, and assumes from Employers Mutual an amount equal to its participation in the pool. All premiums, losses, settlement expenses, and other underwriting and administrative expenses, excluding the voluntary reinsurance business assumed by Employers Mutual from nonaffiliated insurance companies, are prorated among the parties on the basis of participation in the pool. Employers Mutual negotiates reinsurance agreements that provide protection to the pool and each of its participants, including protection against losses arising from catastrophic events. The aggregate participation of the Company’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries in the pool is 30 percent . 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 each year from January 1 through June 30, and has a retention of $22.0 million and a limit of $24.0 million . The total cost of this treaty was approximately $6.0 million in 2018 . The second treaty is effective each year from July 1 through December 31, and has a retention of $15.0 million and a limit of $12.0 million . The total cost of this treaty was approximately $1.4 million in 2018 . The terms of these treaties were the same in 2017 and 2016 , with the exceptions of the retention amount contained in the treaty covering the first half of the year, which was $20.0 million in each of those years, and the costs, which totaled approximately $6.3 million during the first half of 2016 and $1.5 million during the second half of 2016 . Losses and settlement expenses ceded to Employers Mutual under the inter-company reinsurance program totaled $5.2 million , $19.2 million and $7.5 million in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. 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. Operations of the pool and the inter-company reinsurance program give rise to inter-company balances with Employers Mutual, which are generally settled during the subsequent month. The investment and income tax activities of the pool participants are not subject to the pooling agreement. The pooling agreement provides that Employers Mutual will make up any shortfall or difference resulting from an error in its systems and/or computation processes that would otherwise result in the required restatement of the pool participants’ financial statements. The purpose of the pooling agreement is to spread the risk of an exposure insured by any of the pool participants among all the companies participating in the pool. The pooling agreement produces a more uniform and stable underwriting result from year to year for the companies participating in the pool than might be experienced individually. In addition, each company benefits from the capacity of the entire pool, rather than being limited to policy exposures of a size commensurate with its own statutory surplus, and from the wide range of policy forms, lines of insurance written, rate filings and commission plans offered by each of the companies. Reinsurance Subsidiary The Company’s reinsurance subsidiary is party to a quota share agreement and an inter-company reinsurance program with Employers Mutual. Under the terms of the quota share agreement, the reinsurance subsidiary assumes 100 percent of Employers Mutual’s assumed reinsurance business, subject to certain exceptions. The inter-company reinsurance program in place with Employers Mutual covers both business assumed from Employers Mutual through the quota share agreement, as well as business obtained outside the quota share agreement, and 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 was approximately $1.6 million , $1.7 million and $2.0 million in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. 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 was approximately $3.6 million , $3.2 million and $3.2 million in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. 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. With the exception of the costs, the terms of the program were the same in all three years presented. Losses and settlement expenses ceded to Employers Mutual under the inter-company reinsurance program totaled $(4.6) million in 2018 , $16.8 million in 2017 and $(467,000) in 2016 . Much of the negative amount for 2018 is attributed to the reinsurance subsidiary recovering losses under external reinsurance purchased in 2017 to provide additional protection in peak exposure territories (see following paragraph). In accordance with the co-participation provision of the inter-company reinsurance program, the reinsurance subsidiary retained 20 percent of this recovery, with the balance ceded to Employers Mutual. The reinsurance subsidiary purchases additional reinsurance protection in peak exposure territories from external parties in which coverage is triggered when losses experienced by the insurance industry from a catastrophic event exceed a specified threshold. Any reinsurance recoveries received from external parties reduces the amount of losses ceded to Employers Mutual under the inter-company reinsurance program. During 2018 , the reinsurance subsidiary recovered $5.2 million under these treaties. No recoveries were made from external parties in 2017 or 2016 . The reinsurance subsidiary does not directly reinsure any of the insurance business written by Employers Mutual or the other pool participants; however, Employers Mutual assumes reinsurance business from Mutual Re, which provides a small amount of reinsurance protection to the members of the EMC Insurance Companies pooling agreement. As a result, the reinsurance subsidiary’s assumed exposures include a small portion of the EMC Insurance Companies’ direct business, after ceded reinsurance protections purchased by Mutual Re are applied. In addition, the reinsurance subsidiary does not reinsure any “involuntary” facility or pool business that Employers Mutual assumes pursuant to state law. The reinsurance subsidiary assumes all foreign currency exchange gain/loss associated with contracts incepting on January 1, 2006 and thereafter that are subject to the quota share agreement. Operations of the quota share agreement and the inter-company reinsurance program, as well as the purchase of the reinsurance protection from external parties, give rise to inter-company balances with Employers Mutual, which are generally settled during the month following the end of each quarter. The investment and income tax activities of the reinsurance subsidiary are not subject to the quota share agreement. Premiums earned assumed by the reinsurance subsidiary from Employers Mutual amounted to $149.9 million , $135.7 million and $135.2 million in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Losses and settlement expenses assumed by the reinsurance subsidiary from Employers Mutual amounted to $116.7 million , $131.1 million and $90.9 million in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. It is customary in the reinsurance business for the assuming company to compensate the ceding company for the acquisition expenses incurred in the generation of the business. Commissions incurred by the reinsurance subsidiary under the quota share agreement with Employers Mutual amounted to $30.0 million , $27.5 million and $27.4 million in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The net foreign currency exchange gains (losses) assumed by the reinsurance subsidiary from Employers Mutual were $266,000 in 2018 , $(978,000) in 2017 and $367,000 in 2016 . The total amount of net foreign currency exchange gains (losses) assumed by the reinsurance subsidiary, including the business written on a direct basis outside the quota share agreement, were $637,000 in 2018 , $(1.6) million in 2017 and $356,000 in 2016 . Services Provided by Employers Mutual The Company does not have any employees of its own. Employers Mutual performs all operations for all of its subsidiaries and affiliate. Such services include data processing, claims, financial, actuarial, legal, auditing, marketing and underwriting. Employers Mutual allocates a portion of the cost of these services to its subsidiaries that do not participate in the pooling agreement based upon a number of criteria, including usage of the services and the number of transactions. The remaining costs are charged to the pooling agreement and each pool participant shares in the total cost in accordance with its pool participation percentage. Costs allocated to the Company by Employers Mutual for services provided to the holding company and its subsidiaries that do not participate in the pooling agreement amounted to $5.9 million , $4.4 million and $4.7 million in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Costs allocated to the Company through the operation of the pooling agreement amounted to $104.8 million , $97.7 million and $92.3 million in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Investment expenses are based on actual expenses incurred by the Company and its subsidiaries, plus an allocation of other investment expenses incurred by Employers Mutual, which is based on a weighted-average of total invested assets and number of investment transactions. Investment expenses allocated to the Company by Employers Mutual amounted to $1.8 million , $1.6 million and $1.4 million in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

REINSURANCE

REINSURANCE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
REINSURANCE	REINSURANCE The parties to the pooling agreement cede insurance business to other insurers in the ordinary course of business for the purpose of limiting their maximum loss exposure through diversification of their risks. In its consolidated financial statements, the Company treats risks to the extent they are reinsured as though they were risks for which the Company is not liable. However, insurance ceded by the pool participants does not relieve their primary liability as the originating insurers. Employers Mutual evaluates the financial condition of the reinsurers of the parties to the pooling agreement and monitors concentrations of credit risk arising from similar geographic regions, activities or economic characteristics of the reinsurers to minimize exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. As of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , amounts recoverable from nonaffiliated reinsurers ( two in 2018 and three in 2017 ) totaled $16.6 million and $22.7 million respectively, which represents a significant portion of the total prepaid reinsurance premiums and reinsurance receivables for losses and settlement expenses. Included in these balances is the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries’ aggregate pool participation percentage of amounts ceded by Employers Mutual to an organization on a mandatory basis. Credit risk associated with these amounts are minimal, as all companies participating in the organization are responsible for the liabilities of the organization on a pro rata basis. The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned, and losses and settlement expenses incurred, for the three years ended December 31, 2018 is presented below. The classification of the assumed and ceded reinsurance amounts between affiliates and nonaffiliates is based on the participants in the underlying reinsurance agreements, and is intended to provide an understanding of the actual source of the reinsurance activities. This presentation differs from the classifications used in the consolidated financial statements, where all amounts flowing through the pooling and quota share agreements and inter-company reinsurance programs with Employers Mutual are reported as “affiliated” balances. Year ended December 31, 2018 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 408,821 $ — $ 408,821 Assumed from nonaffiliates 4,550 165,747 170,297 Assumed from affiliates 542,480 — 542,480 Ceded to nonaffiliates (29,165 ) (9,979 ) (39,144 ) Ceded to affiliates (416,161 ) (5,250 ) (421,411 ) Net premiums written $ 510,525 $ 150,518 $ 661,043 Premiums earned Direct $ 399,660 $ — $ 399,660 Assumed from nonaffiliates 4,482 165,052 169,534 Assumed from affiliates 531,384 — 531,384 Ceded to nonaffiliates (33,079 ) (10,066 ) (43,145 ) Ceded to affiliates (407,000 ) (5,250 ) (412,250 ) Net premiums earned $ 495,447 $ 149,736 $ 645,183 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 225,676 $ — $ 225,676 Assumed from nonaffiliates 3,470 128,354 131,824 Assumed from affiliates 352,423 1,306 353,729 Ceded to nonaffiliates (17,800 ) (10,049 ) (27,849 ) Ceded to affiliates (230,848 ) 4,627 (226,221 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 332,921 $ 124,238 $ 457,159 Year ended December 31, 2017 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 391,029 $ — $ 391,029 Assumed from nonaffiliates 4,454 147,284 151,738 Assumed from affiliates 520,932 — 520,932 Ceded to nonaffiliates (34,019 ) (10,160 ) (44,179 ) Ceded to affiliates (398,369 ) (4,850 ) (403,219 ) Net premiums written $ 484,027 $ 132,274 $ 616,301 Premiums earned Direct $ 384,993 $ — $ 384,993 Assumed from nonaffiliates 4,299 149,952 154,251 Assumed from affiliates 505,795 — 505,795 Ceded to nonaffiliates (30,385 ) (10,313 ) (40,698 ) Ceded to affiliates (392,333 ) (4,850 ) (397,183 ) Net premiums earned $ 472,369 $ 134,789 $ 607,158 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 252,007 $ — $ 252,007 Assumed from nonaffiliates 2,879 142,687 145,566 Assumed from affiliates 334,240 1,330 335,570 Ceded to nonaffiliates (14,968 ) (8,183 ) (23,151 ) Ceded to affiliates (271,185 ) (16,838 ) (288,023 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 302,973 $ 118,996 $ 421,969 Year ended December 31, 2016 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 383,811 $ — $ 383,811 Assumed from nonaffiliates 4,544 146,236 150,780 Assumed from affiliates 491,315 — 491,315 Ceded to nonaffiliates (24,346 ) (10,126 ) (34,472 ) Ceded to affiliates (391,651 ) (5,080 ) (396,731 ) Net premiums written $ 463,673 $ 131,030 $ 594,703 Premiums earned Direct $ 382,300 $ — $ 382,300 Assumed from nonaffiliates 4,444 148,851 153,295 Assumed from affiliates 483,759 — 483,759 Ceded to nonaffiliates (23,896 ) (7,830 ) (31,726 ) Ceded to affiliates (390,140 ) (5,080 ) (395,220 ) Net premiums earned $ 456,467 $ 135,941 $ 592,408 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 229,859 $ — $ 229,859 Assumed from nonaffiliates 2,712 93,306 96,018 Assumed from affiliates 304,007 1,811 305,818 Ceded to nonaffiliates (4,891 ) (3,056 ) (7,947 ) Ceded to affiliates (237,318 ) 467 (236,851 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 294,369 $ 92,528 $ 386,897 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	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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. Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Gross reserves at beginning of year $ 732,612 $ 690,532 $ 678,774 Re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates 525 (1,913 ) (2,475 ) Less ceded reserves at beginning of year 30,923 20,664 23,477 Net reserves at beginning of year 701,164 671,781 657,772 Incurred losses and settlement expenses related to: Current year 475,843 441,588 427,838 Prior years (18,684 ) (19,619 ) (40,941 ) Total incurred losses and settlement expenses 457,159 421,969 386,897 Paid losses and settlement expenses related to: Current year 180,230 179,354 172,652 Prior years 236,905 213,232 200,236 Total paid losses and settlement expenses 417,135 392,586 372,888 Net reserves at end of year 741,188 701,164 671,781 Plus ceded reserves at end of year 36,595 30,923 20,664 Re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates (593 ) 525 (1,913 ) Gross reserves at end of year $ 777,190 $ 732,612 $ 690,532 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 past three years. Care should be exercised when attempting to analyze the financial impact of the reported development amounts because, as noted above, the overall expectation is that, more often than not, favorable development will occur as the prior accident years’ reserves run off. 2018 Development For the property and casualty insurance segment, the December 31, 2018 estimate of loss and settlement expense reserves for accident years 2017 and prior decreased $15.3 million from the estimate at December 31, 2017 . This decrease represents 3.0 percent of the December 31, 2017 gross carried reserves and is primarily attributed to reductions in prior year ultimate loss and settlement ratios for every line of business except workers' compensation and auto physical damage. Other liability experienced favorable development, driven by a reduction in the expected ultimate loss and settlement ratios for accident years 2013, 2015 and 2017, although the ultimate settlement expense ratios for several prior years were reduced slightly as well. Favorable development in the commercial property line was produced by reductions in the ultimate loss and settlement ratios for accident years 2013-2017, as both reported and expected ultimate claim severity decreased. Commercial auto liability had favorable development from decreases in the ultimate loss and settlement ratios for accident years 2011, 2014 and 2017, since ultimate claim severities are now projected to be better than initially expected. Ultimate loss and settlement ratios for surety bonds have been lowered for accident years 2016 and 2017 due to lower than expected reported losses to date, and homeowners ultimate loss and settlement ratios were reduced for accident years 2014 and 2017. Workers' compensation and auto physical damage experienced adverse development on direct loss and settlement expenses. Adverse development in workers' compensation is the result of an increase in the 2017 accident year ultimate loss and settlement ratio due to an initial underestimate of both the ultimate frequency and severity, especially winter related slip and fall claims. The 2017 accident year ultimate loss and settlement ratio for auto physical damage was increased due to an increase in frequency associated with fourth quarter 2017 claims. Prior year development was flat in the personal auto liability line of business. For the reinsurance segment, the December 31, 2018 estimate of loss and settlement expense reserves for accident years 2017 and prior decreased $3.4 million from the estimate at December 31, 2017 . This decrease represents 1.5 percent of the December 31, 2017 gross carried reserves and primarily reflects favorable development associated with lower estimated ultimate losses for casualty excess contracts for accident years 2008-2011 and 2016, nearly all contract types for accident year 2013, and catastrophe and per risk excess contracts for accident year 2017. The favorable development from external reinsurance recoveries in 2018 for the 2017 accident year was largely offset by the cession of the majority of those balances to Employers Mutual under the provisions of the inter-company reinsurance program. 2017 Development For the property and casualty insurance segment, the December 31, 2017 estimate of loss and settlement expense reserves for accident years 2016 and prior decreased $15.7 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 and surety bonds (included in "other" lines of business). Commercial auto liability experienced adverse development as ultimate loss and settlement expense ratios were increased for accident years 2013-2016 due to increases in projected severity and/or frequency. The adverse development from surety bonds was due to two large accident year 2015 losses. The two lines of business contributing the majority of favorable development were other liability and workers' compensation. Other liability’s ultimate loss ratios were decreased for most accident years from 2001 through 2016 mainly in response to decreases in expected ultimate severity. Workers' compensation’s favorable development reflected a reduction in the accident year 2016 ultimate ratio as reported losses to date were materially more favorable than anticipated in frequency and severity assumptions underlying the December 31, 2016 selection. Included in the development amount was adverse development experienced in the other liability line of business stemming from the settlement of claims for past and future legal fees 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 December 31, 2017 estimate of loss and settlement expense reserves for accident years 2016 and prior decreased $3.9 million from the estimate at December 31, 2016. This decrease represented 1.9 percent of the December 31, 2016 gross carried reserves and primarily reflected favorable development in the property/casualty global pro rata and excess contracts, and the per risk excess contracts. For the property/casualty global pro rata contracts, the favorable development was related to a change in ultimate loss assumptions for several prior years due to the use of company experience in place of Reinsurance Association of America data for calculating development factors to ultimate. 2016 Development During the third quarter of 2016, management implemented a new reserving methodology for the determination of direct bulk reserves in the property and casualty insurance segment. The new methodology, which is referred to as the accident year ultimate estimate approach, better conforms to industry practices and provides increased transparency of the drivers of the property and casualty insurance segment's performance. In connection with this change in reserving methodology, there was a reallocation of incurred but not reported ("IBNR") loss reserves and allocated settlement expense reserves from prior accident years to the current accident year in multiple lines of business. This change resulted in the movement of approximately $5.6 million of reserves from prior accident years to the current accident year that was reported as favorable development; however, this development was "mechanical in nature", and did not have an impact on earnings because the total amount of carried reserves did not change. For the property and casualty insurance segment, the December 31, 2016 estimate of loss and settlement expense reserves for accident years 2015 and prior decreased $30.0 million from the estimate at December 31, 2015. Excluding the $5.6 million of "mechanical" favorable development that resulted from the change in reserving methodology noted above, the implied amount of favorable development that had an impact on earnings was approximately $24.4 million . This decrease represented 5.1 percent of the December 31, 2015 gross carried reserves and was primarily attributed to a significant amount of favorable reserve development experienced in the workers' compensation and other liability lines of business. The favorable development in the workers' compensation line of business was generated from a change in assumptions due to better than expected loss frequency for accident year 2015 and loss severity for the most recent accident years. The favorable development in the other liability line of business was generated from a change in assumptions due to better than expected loss severity. For the reinsurance segment, the December 31, 2016 estimate of loss and settlement expense reserves for accident years 2015 and prior decreased $10.9 million from the estimate at December 31, 2015. This decrease represented 5.5 percent of the December 31, 2015 gross carried reserves and was attributed to favorable development in the 2015 accident year in the HORAD pro rata line of business, and an increase in the amount of negative bulk IBNR loss reserve carried on prior years' reserves in the Mutual Re book of business. During 2016, the expected loss ratios utilized for prior contract years remained unchanged, except for ocean marine pro rata business. The expected loss ratios associated with this contract type were decreased in contract years 2012, 2014 and 2015 from the ratios utilized during 2015. Additionally, the expected loss ratio for contract year 2013 was increased slightly relative to the 2015 value. These changes were made in response to reserving information supplied by the ceding company, a large writer of ocean marine pro rata business. Following is information about reported incurred and paid claims development as of December 31, 2018 , net of reinsurance, as well as cumulative claim frequency and the amount of IBNR loss reserves carried (representing both IBNR liabilities and expected loss reserve development on reported claims). The information displayed for assumed reinsurance is restated to reflect all foreign currency denominated transactions on the basis of current (December 31, 2018 ) exchange rates. The number of reported claims (cumulative claim frequency) for the Company’s direct insurance business represents the total number of claims reported by the participants in the pooling agreement, and is determined on the basis of each unique combination of claimant, specific policy coverage, and type of loss. This is in contrast to all other reported amounts that are stated at the aggregate 30 percent pool participation percentage of the Company's property and casualty insurance subsidiaries. The cumulative claim frequency for the Company’s assumed reinsurance business is not readily available. Consistent with industry practices, bordereauxs on pro rata accounts often exclude claim frequency information, and if it is included, the level of detail provided by the ceding companies can vary significantly. Excess of loss contracts customarily report total losses subject to the treaty without detailed loss listings. ($ in thousands) Commercial auto liability insurance Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, As of December 31, 2018 Supplementary unaudited information Audited Audited Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 IBNR Cumulative 2009 $ 28,973 $ 27,923 $ 26,667 $ 25,370 $ 24,986 $ 24,874 $ 24,730 $ 24,655 $ 24,697 $ 24,677 $ — 10,482 2010 30,377 27,480 26,478 26,401 26,252 26,479 26,166 26,166 26,159 2 11,393 2011 32,775 29,790 31,098 31,961 31,914 31,635 31,638 31,286 — 11,768 2012 32,768 34,235 37,098 37,681 37,693 37,753 37,739 7 11,943 2013 37,265 40,382 42,086 42,336 43,159 43,328 20 13,640 2014 50,342 49,998 51,455 51,933 51,491 390 15,071 2015 53,883 57,824 58,627 59,054 919 16,541 2016 59,468 61,188 62,051 3,451 16,978 2017 63,909 64,187 9,011 16,468 2018 70,269 22,856 15,759 Total $ 470,241 Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, Supplementary unaudited information Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2009 $ 6,952 $ 12,957 $ 17,359 $ 21,532 $ 24,001 $ 24,495 $ 24,593 $ 24,608 $ 24,628 $ 24,634 2010 7,025 13,278 19,274 23,547 24,674 25,558 26,039 26,088 26,105 2011 6,801 14,875 22,206 26,598 29,121 30,293 30,878 31,146 2012 8,830 19,398 26,023 32,636 35,406 36,541 37,125 2013 8,729 19,975 29,997 36,232 40,807 42,364 2014 12,069 25,746 37,433 44,783 48,467 2015 13,336 27,424 39,478 50,675 2016 13,583 30,233 43,169 2017 14,474 31,056 2018 15,064 Total $ 349,805 All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance (38 ) Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance $ 120,398 ($ in thousands) Commercial property insurance Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, As of December 31, 2018 Supplementary unaudited information Audited Audited Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 IBNR Cumulative 2009 $ 39,511 $ 36,003 $ 35,985 $ 35,881 $ 35,622 $ 35,926 $ 36,056 $ 36,020 $ 36,292 $ 36,351 $ — 14,657 2010 40,422 38,650 38,770 39,071 39,154 39,379 39,428 39,347 39,423 1 16,278 2011 58,930 57,614 57,271 57,629 57,703 58,375 58,148 58,122 — 19,511 2012 41,535 44,157 45,313 46,273 46,566 46,750 46,880 (8 ) 16,072 2013 50,266 50,976 52,511 53,070 52,966 52,432 (15 ) 16,012 2014 60,018 60,990 60,662 60,867 60,250 38 16,755 2015 55,508 56,798 55,659 55,027 (110 ) 14,403 2016 59,708 58,343 58,227 (91 ) 14,978 2017 55,459 54,357 (122 ) 15,006 2018 63,623 2,353 12,946 Total $ 524,692 Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, Supplementary unaudited information Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2009 $ 25,321 $ 32,602 $ 34,624 $ 35,422 $ 35,803 $ 35,803 $ 35,849 $ 35,893 $ 36,224 $ 36,246 2010 28,032 35,730 36,931 37,926 38,901 39,314 39,318 39,323 39,368 2011 41,524 53,226 54,803 56,249 57,065 57,607 58,106 58,116 2012 32,879 41,862 43,628 44,543 46,270 46,562 46,708 2013 36,555 47,683 50,460 51,457 52,182 52,266 2014 43,022 55,679 58,045 59,255 59,815 2015 37,208 50,068 52,444 53,405 2016 41,652 51,103 54,681 2017 38,114 50,280 2018 43,619 Total $ 494,504 All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance 25 Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance $ 30,213 ($ in thousands) Workers' compensation insurance Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, As of December 31, 2018 Supplementary unaudited information Audited Audited Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 IBNR Cumulative 2009 $ 46,130 $ 43,335 $ 44,098 $ 44,041 $ 44,093 $ 43,590 $ 43,724 $ 42,774 $ 43,417 $ 43,217 $ 1,443 19,242 2010 46,328 49,336 50,057 49,906 49,851 50,069 49,145 49,435 48,884 1,822 19,631 2011 47,836 46,724 44,709 44,506 44,427 43,695 44,056 44,070 1,948 19,574 2012 51,099 50,094 47,756 46,928 45,088 45,276 45,402 1,836 19,395 2013 52,141 51,637 48,946 46,102 45,949 45,910 2,290 19,866 2014 51,515 50,973 47,472 47,836 46,722 2,190 19,473 2015 54,960 48,919 47,227 47,755 2,335 19,227 2016 57,832 48,276 47,719 2,418 20,325 2017 52,409 55,312 3,938 22,061 2018 59,480 6,828 21,734 Total $ 484,471 Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, Supplementary unaudited information Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2009 $ 11,879 $ 25,157 $ 31,802 $ 35,363 $ 37,409 $ 38,329 $ 39,167 $ 39,583 $ 39,908 $ 40,223 2010 14,237 28,074 35,029 39,001 41,437 42,651 43,614 44,175 44,669 2011 13,291 26,291 32,237 35,295 37,027 38,437 39,167 39,652 2012 14,015 28,109 33,943 37,307 39,456 40,292 41,092 2013 14,917 29,219 35,061 37,907 39,254 40,061 2014 14,692 28,894 35,883 39,046 40,941 2015 14,956 29,023 35,458 39,310 2016 15,473 29,592 35,778 2017 16,863 33,234 2018 19,075 Total $ 374,035 All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance 34,313 Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance $ 144,749 ($ in thousands) Other liability insurance Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, As of December 31, 2018 Supplementary unaudited information Audited Audited Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 IBNR Cumulative 2009 $ 44,497 $ 39,908 $ 37,650 $ 34,263 $ 35,614 $ 32,827 $ 32,384 $ 32,521 $ 32,063 $ 31,739 $ 115 9,855 2010 41,624 36,213 34,655 38,829 36,137 34,655 34,556 33,736 33,359 449 10,155 2011 44,490 42,982 35,125 35,177 33,649 32,452 31,711 31,346 400 10,011 2012 42,661 42,081 41,139 40,275 37,093 37,180 38,050 668 10,073 2013 47,974 43,837 42,544 42,187 39,175 37,055 1,219 10,616 2014 61,382 54,403 52,601 51,047 50,950 2,214 10,966 2015 54,221 47,553 43,379 40,300 3,048 10,709 2016 59,052 56,384 57,388 9,177 10,708 2017 59,420 57,714 13,844 10,032 2018 63,505 27,373 9,852 Total $ 441,406 Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, Supplementary unaudited information Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2009 $ 3,294 $ 10,707 $ 16,718 $ 22,276 $ 26,255 $ 28,172 $ 29,722 $ 30,176 $ 30,488 $ 30,993 2010 3,403 8,315 15,041 21,732 27,612 29,688 30,711 31,776 32,083 2011 4,730 10,572 17,308 22,154 25,647 28,228 29,060 29,608 2012 4,720 12,851 19,661 25,095 29,651 32,753 35,903 2013 4,414 11,894 21,122 27,642 31,752 33,350 2014 5,630 17,267 27,506 35,318 40,036 2015 4,331 11,588 19,022 26,309 2016 6,403 18,784 28,638 2017 6,322 16,555 2018 5,955 Total $ 279,430 All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance 12,100 Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance $ 174,076 ($ in thousands) Personal auto liability insurance Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, As of December 31, 2018 Supplementary unaudited information Audited Audited Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 IBNR Cumulative 2009 $ 10,168 $ 9,653 $ 9,452 $ 9,386 $ 9,353 $ 9,382 $ 9,339 $ 9,325 $ 9,312 $ 9,311 $ (1 ) 7,524 2010 9,815 9,851 9,736 9,698 9,700 9,656 9,676 9,649 9,638 (1 ) 7,438 2011 9,741 9,388 9,331 9,432 9,460 9,311 9,413 9,365 (2 ) 8,052 2012 10,917 10,756 11,023 10,731 10,537 10,626 10,610 (3 ) 7,875 2013 10,492 10,384 10,376 10,085 10,085 10,060 (1 ) 7,237 2014 10,573 9,631 9,331 9,204 9,113 (42 ) 6,316 2015 9,119 8,638 8,378 8,225 (18 ) 5,670 2016 7,404 6,584 6,490 (1 ) 4,720 2017 7,043 7,213 (13 ) 4,728 2018 7,002 487 4,687 Total $ 87,027 Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, Supplementary unaudited information Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2009 $ 3,564 $ 6,393 $ 7,966 $ 8,905 $ 9,049 $ 9,194 $ 9,204 $ 9,278 $ 9,314 $ 9,313 2010 3,988 6,666 8,250 9,108 9,401 9,562 9,632 9,631 9,636 2011 3,950 6,842 8,129 8,883 9,038 9,153 9,335 9,367 2012 4,779 7,439 9,091 9,871 10,244 10,415 10,565 2013 4,377 7,521 8,985 9,648 9,932 10,021 2014 3,970 6,392 7,755 8,598 8,992 2015 3,800 6,229 7,535 7,975 2016 3,505 5,427 6,046 2017 3,467 5,735 2018 3,753 Total $ 81,403 All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance 8 Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance $ 5,632 ($ in thousands) Homeowners insurance Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, As of December 31, 2018 Supplementary unaudited information Audited Audited Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 IBNR Cumulative 2009 $ 18,109 $ 16,606 $ 16,467 $ 16,379 $ 16,352 $ 16,394 $ 16,465 $ 16,464 $ 16,467 $ 16,467 $ — 11,486 2010 17,875 17,523 17,074 17,053 17,093 17,129 17,146 17,139 17,132 — 12,147 2011 24,530 23,389 22,975 23,309 23,448 23,415 23,350 23,369 — 14,288 2012 16,057 16,496 16,836 16,929 16,892 16,879 16,925 — 10,141 2013 14,844 14,833 14,685 14,784 14,737 14,757 (5 ) 8,688 2014 13,228 13,328 13,447 13,427 13,332 (1 ) 7,427 2015 11,233 11,153 11,041 11,079 (45 ) 5,951 2016 11,801 11,377 11,397 (15 ) 7,318 2017 9,926 9,679 (84 ) 7,803 2018 9,496 (302 ) 4,900 Total $ 143,633 Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, Supplementary unaudited information Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2009 $ 12,645 $ 15,885 $ 16,135 $ 16,246 $ 16,288 $ 16,315 $ 16,421 $ 16,464 $ 16,467 $ 16,467 2010 13,457 16,633 16,909 17,011 17,128 17,128 17,130 17,132 17,132 2011 19,828 22,421 22,737 23,136 23,403 23,370 23,368 23,370 2012 13,759 16,283 16,582 16,793 16,859 16,905 16,926 2013 11,735 14,285 14,621 14,681 14,703 14,741 2014 11,065 13,025 13,215 13,269 13,295 2015 8,650 10,456 10,730 10,866 2016 10,573 10,869 11,243 2017 8,760 9,696 2018 8,175 Total $ 141,911 All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance — Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance $ 1,722 ($ in thousands) Auto physical damage insurance Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, As of December 31, 2018 Supplementary unaudited information Audited Audited Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 IBNR Cumulative 2009 $ 18,077 $ 16,744 $ 16,720 $ 16,639 $ 16,593 $ 16,605 $ 16,602 $ 16,587 $ 16,590 $ 16,582 $ (17 ) 29,427 2010 19,249 18,657 18,538 18,549 18,527 18,532 18,488 18,494 18,497 (22 ) 31,523 2011 21,965 21,003 20,919 20,917 20,915 20,877 20,867 20,859 (32 ) 34,397 2012 21,389 21,342 21,263 21,233 21,161 21,184 21,172 (40 ) 31,111 2013 22,847 22,553 22,486 22,371 22,408 22,353 (52 ) 31,042 2014 24,897 24,115 23,904 23,946 23,899 (75 ) 31,585 2015 27,950 26,612 26,331 26,224 (96 ) 30,672 2016 28,070 27,629 27,595 (158 ) 30,752 2017 28,523 28,589 (393 ) 31,486 2018 32,183 (567 ) 30,307 Total $ 237,953 Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, Supplementary unaudited information Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2009 $ 15,566 $ 16,661 $ 16,687 $ 16,636 $ 16,592 $ 16,603 $ 16,602 $ 16,601 $ 16,599 $ 16,599 2010 17,113 18,557 18,529 18,540 18,523 18,528 18,521 18,521 18,518 2011 19,849 20,984 20,912 20,904 20,912 20,900 20,892 20,889 2012 19,719 21,328 21,256 21,227 21,216 21,216 21,210 2013 20,774 22,512 22,463 22,417 22,408 22,403 2014 22,743 24,110 23,987 23,978 23,972 2015 24,483 26,538 26,327 26,308 2016 26,871 27,883 27,742 2017 27,452 29,050 2018 29,669 Total $ 236,360 All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance (3 ) Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance $ 1,590 ($ in thousands) Assumed pro rata reinsurance Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, As of December 31, 2018 Supplementary unaudited information Audited Audited Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 IBNR Cumulative 2009 $ 23,731 $ 19,222 $ 18,302 $ 17,496 $ 17,323 $ 17,150 $ 17,088 $ 17,080 $ 17,059 $ 16,993 $ 173 Unavailable 2010 19,514 17,078 16,456 15,794 15,610 15,396 15,347 15,340 15,313 95 2011 30,093 30,057 29,604 28,838 28,228 28,209 28,110 27,800 117 2012 21,935 21,282 20,823 18,158 17,592 17,380 17,560 296 2013 23,183 29,921 27,260 26,664 25,173 24,428 1,215 2014 31,262 27,525 27,771 26,160 26,300 571 2015 38,311 35,180 34,962 35,748 1,049 2016 35,696 39,143 38,526 4,568 2017 29,852 33,856 7,545 2018 23,689 11,484 Total $ 260,213 Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, Supplementary unaudited information Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2009 $ 6,073 $ 12,927 $ 14,538 $ 15,364 $ 15,900 $ 16,159 $ 16,338 $ 16,526 $ 16,623 $ 16,654 2010 5,016 11,940 13,924 14,328 14,978 15,021 15,062 15,107 15,138 2011 10,178 22,859 26,541 27,270 27,677 27,748 27,810 27,911 2012 4,403 12,650 14,935 16,161 16,520 16,598 16,699 2013 3,845 12,491 17,744 20,871 21,601 22,483 2014 5,988 16,046 20,534 23,326 25,141 2015 9,531 21,932 30,205 31,552 2016 9,626 22,131 29,786 2017 7,645 20,289 2018 5,103 Total $ 210,756 All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance 2,648 Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance $ 52,105 ($ in thousands) Assumed excess of loss reinsurance Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, As of December 31, 2018 Supplementary unaudited information Audited Audited Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 IBNR Cumulative 2009 $ 38,883 $ 30,534 $ 29,969 $ 30,499 $ 30,150 $ 28,215 $ 27,895 $ 27,125 $ 26,905 $ 26,654 $ 989 Unavailable 2010 47,396 40,962 40,773 40,260 39,629 40,385 39,581 39,119 38,275 912 2011 72,077 61,702 60,873 59,276 59,018 58,632 58,213 57,851 1,143 2012 58,767 56,024 54,421 53,186 52,834 51,940 52,637 1,863 2013 52,392 47,375 44,812 44,658 44,541 43,766 2,283 2014 65,289 58,792 60,144 61,717 64,109 4,345 2015 59,837 54,788 51,570 53,235 4,858 2016 66,569 66,645 65,979 6,469 2017 91,769 85,061 7,724 2018 102,174 39,651 Total $ 589,741 Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, Supplementary unaudited information Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2009 $ 8,554 $ 15,885 $ 18,789 $ 20,995 $ 21,865 $ 22,214 $ 22,837 $ 23,015 $ 23,247 $ 23,748 2010 9,282 24,736 28,011 30,813 32,654 33,664 35,341 35,600 35,993 2011 25,313 42,175 47,902 50,549 52,546 53,840 54,562 55,137 2012 21,318 36,232 40,601 43,591 45,127 46,688 47,620 2013 11,695 27,477 33,188 37,467 39,246 40,368 2014 22,160 39,153 45,903 49,974 54,898 2015 13,381 30,273 36,617 41,608 2016 18,303 38,565 48,359 2017 27,837 56,197 2018 20,371 Total $ 424,299 All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance 18,857 Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance $ 184,299 The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the incurred and paid claims development tables to the liability for losses and settlement expenses: ($ in thousands) December 31, 2018 Net outstanding liabilities for losses and allocated settlement expenses: Commercial auto liability insurance $ 120,398 Commercial property insurance 30,213 Workers' compensation insurance 144,749 Other liability insurance 174,076 Personal auto liability insurance 5,632 Homeowners insurance 1,722 Auto physical damage insurance 1,590 Assumed pro rata reinsurance 52,105 Assumed excess of loss reinsurance 184,299 Other lines of insurance 1,711 Liability for losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance 716,495 Ceded reserves for losses and allocated settlement expenses: Commercial auto liability insurance 841 Commercial property insurance 9,962 Workers' compensation insurance 12,956 Other liability insurance 3,830 Personal auto liability insurance 1,274 Homeowners insurance 275 Auto physical damage insurance 103 Assumed pro rata reinsurance 5,453 Assumed excess of loss reinsurance 1,109 Other lines of insurance 792 Total ceded reserves for losses and allocated settlement expenses 36,595 Unallocated settlement expenses 24,100 Gross reserve for losses and settlement expenses $ 777,190 Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims by age, net of reinsurance Supplementary unaudited information Years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Commercial auto liability insurance 23.2 % 25.7 % 21.1 % 16.1 % 7.9 % 3.1 % 1.4 % 0.4 % 0.1 % 0.0 % Commercial property insurance 70.1 % 20.3 % 4.3 % 2.1 % 1.8 % 0.5 % 0.3 % 0.0 % 0.5 % 0.1 % Workers' compensation insurance 30.8 % 30.0 % 13.8 % 7.4 % 4.2 % 2.3 % 1.9 % 1.1 % 0.9 % 0.7 % Other liability insurance 11.3 % 19.8 % 19.9 % 16.9 % 12.3 % 6.6 % 4.8 % 2.1 % 1.0 % 1.6 % Personal auto liability insurance 45.6 % 29.2 % 14.7 % 8.0 % 2.8 % 1.4 % 1.0 % 0.4 % 0.3 % 0.0 % Homeowners insurance 83.1 % 13.9 % 2.0 % 0.9 % 0.5 % 0.1 % 0.2 % 0.1 % 0.0 % 0.0 % Auto physical damage insurance 94.2 % 6.4 % (0.3 )% (0.1 )% (0.1 )% 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % Assumed pro rata reinsurance 26.5 % 39.6 % 16.3 % 6.3 % 3.5 % 1.2 % 0.6 % 0.6 % 0.4 % 0.2 % Assumed excess of loss reinsurance 30.7 % 31.5 % 11.0 % 7.4 % 4.4 % 2.3 % 2.4 % 0.8 % 1.0 % 1.9 %

ASBESTOS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLAI

ASBESTOS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Liability for Asbestos and Environmental Claims [Abstract]
ASBESTOS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS	ASBESTOS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS The Company has exposure to asbestos and environmental related claims associated with the insurance business written by the parties to the pooling agreement and the reinsurance business assumed from Employers Mutual by the reinsurance subsidiary. Asbestos and environmental losses paid by the Company have averaged $2.8 million per year over the past five years. Reserves for asbestos and environmental related claims for direct insurance and assumed reinsurance business totaled $11.6 million and $11.7 million ( $11.1 million and $11.4 million net of reinsurance) at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Estimating loss and settlement expense reserves for asbestos and environmental claims is very difficult due to the many uncertainties surrounding these types of claims. These uncertainties exist because the assignment of responsibility varies widely by state and claims often emerge long after a policy has expired, which makes assignment of damages to the appropriate party and to the time period covered by a particular policy difficult. In establishing reserves for these types of claims, management monitors the relevant facts concerning each claim, the current status of the legal environment, social and political conditions, and claim history and trends within the Company and the industry. At present, the pool participants are defending approximately 1,737 asbestos bodily injury lawsuits, some of which involve multiple plaintiffs. Most of the lawsuits are subject to express reservation of rights based upon the lack of an injury within the applicable policy periods, because many asbestos lawsuits do not specifically allege dates of asbestos exposure or dates of injury. The pool participants’ policyholders named as defendants in these asbestos lawsuits are typically peripheral defendants who have little or no exposure and are often dismissed from asbestos litigation with nominal or no payment (i.e., small contractors, supply companies, and a furnace manufacturer). Prior to 2008, actual losses paid for asbestos-related claims had been minimal due to the plaintiffs’ failure to identify an exposure to any asbestos-containing products associated with the pool participants’ current and former policyholders. However, paid losses and settlement expenses have increased significantly since 2008 as a result of claims attributed to one former policyholder. During the period 2009 through 2018 , the Company's share of paid losses and settlement expenses attributed to this former policyholder, a furnace manufacturer, was $14.2 million (mostly settlement expenses). A coverage-in-place agreement was executed with this former policyholder in 2009 and a national coordinating counsel was retained to address the multi-state litigation issues. The national coordinating counsel has provided, and continues to provide, significant services in the areas of document review, discovery, deposition and trial preparation. The asbestos exposure associated with this former policyholder has increased in recent years, and this trend may possibly continue into the future with increased per plaintiff settlements. Approximately 702 asbestos exposure claims associated with this former policyholder remain open. During 2017, a settlement was reached with another former insured, resulting in the Company recognizing $4.5 million (its share) of losses and settlement expenses to remove all past and future asbestos liability exposure related to that policyholder. While the Company does not have a significant amount of exposure to asbestos claims, management has been strengthening the reserves carried for these exposures when deemed appropriate. In 2018 , the settlement expense reserves for asbestos claims were strengthened by $1.5 million .

STATUTORY INFORMATION AND DIVID

STATUTORY INFORMATION AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
STATUTORY INFORMATION AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS [Abstract]
STATUTORY INFORMATION AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS	STATUTORY INFORMATION AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are required to file financial statements with state regulatory authorities. The accounting principles used to prepare these statutory financial statements follow prescribed or permitted accounting practices that differ from GAAP. Prescribed statutory accounting principles include state laws, regulations and general administrative rules issued by the state of domicile, as well as a variety of publications and manuals of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Permitted accounting practices encompass all accounting practices not prescribed, but allowed by the state of domicile. The Company’s insurance subsidiaries had no permitted accounting practices during 2018 , 2017 or 2016 . Statutory surplus of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries was $527.1 million and $560.1 million at December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Statutory net income of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries was $10.8 million , $30.1 million and $48.3 million in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The NAIC utilizes a risk-based capital model to help state regulators assess the capital adequacy of insurance companies and identify insurers that are in, or are perceived as approaching, financial difficulty. This model establishes minimum capital needs based on the risks applicable to the operations of the individual insurer. The risk-based capital requirements for property and casualty insurance companies measure three major areas of risk: asset risk, credit risk and underwriting risk. Companies having less statutory surplus than required by the risk-based capital requirements are subject to varying degrees of regulatory scrutiny and intervention, depending on the severity of the inadequacy. At December 31, 2018 , the Company’s insurance subsidiaries had total adjusted statutory capital of $527.1 million , which exceeds the minimum risk-based capital requirement of $101.9 million . The amount of dividends available for distribution to the Company by its insurance subsidiaries is limited by law to a percentage of the statutory unassigned surplus of each of the subsidiaries as of the previous December 31, as determined in accordance with accounting practices prescribed by insurance regulatory authorities of the state of domicile of each subsidiary. Under Iowa law, the maximum dividend that may be paid within a 12 month period without prior regulatory approval is restricted to the greater of 10 percent of statutory surplus as regards policyholders as of the preceding December 31, or net income of the preceding calendar year on a statutory basis, not greater than earned statutory surplus. North Dakota, the state of domicile of Dakota Fire Insurance Company, imposes similar restrictions, except that the maximum dividend is limited to the lesser of 10 percent of statutory surplus as regards policyholders as of the preceding December 31, or net income excluding capital gains of the preceding calendar year on a statutory basis, not greater than earned statutory surplus. At December 31, 2018 , $48.0 million was available for distribution to the Company in 2019 without prior approval.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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. The GAAP accounting policies of the segments are described in note 1, Summary of Significant Accounting Policies. Summarized financial information for the Company’s segments is as follows: Year ended December 31, 2018 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 495,447 $ 149,736 $ — $ 645,183 Underwriting profit (loss): SAP underwriting profit (loss) (15,177 ) (9,404 ) — (24,581 ) GAAP adjustments (1,342 ) 111 — (1,231 ) GAAP underwriting profit (loss) (16,519 ) (9,293 ) — (25,812 ) Net investment income 34,070 13,523 44 47,637 Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized gains on equity investments (28,227 ) (12,935 ) (90 ) (41,252 ) Other income (loss) 8,444 715 — 9,159 Interest expense 654 — — 654 Other expenses 1,202 — 2,552 3,754 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ (4,088 ) $ (7,990 ) $ (2,598 ) $ (14,676 ) Assets $ 1,191,286 $ 485,270 $ 565,905 $ 2,242,461 Eliminations — — (556,977 ) (556,977 ) Reclassifications — — (6 ) (6 ) Total assets $ 1,191,286 $ 485,270 $ 8,922 $ 1,685,478 Year ended December 31, 2017 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 472,369 $ 134,789 $ — $ 607,158 Underwriting profit (loss): SAP underwriting profit (loss) 2,702 (15,386 ) — (12,684 ) GAAP adjustments 105 (670 ) — (565 ) GAAP underwriting profit (loss) 2,807 (16,056 ) — (13,249 ) Net investment income 32,670 12,771 38 45,479 Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized gains on equity investments 4,896 1,660 — 6,556 Other income (loss) 6,283 (1,519 ) — 4,764 Interest expense 337 — — 337 Other expenses 1,128 — 2,269 3,397 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 45,191 $ (3,144 ) $ (2,231 ) $ 39,816 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 Year ended December 31, 2016 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 456,467 $ 135,941 $ — $ 592,408 Underwriting profit (loss): SAP underwriting profit (loss) 4,276 11,377 — 15,653 GAAP adjustments (5,743 ) (1,023 ) — (6,766 ) GAAP underwriting profit (loss) (1,467 ) 10,354 — 8,887 Net investment income 33,886 13,591 13 47,490 Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized gains on equity investments 4,082 (8 ) — 4,074 Other income (loss) 5,403 417 — 5,820 Interest expense 337 — — 337 Other expenses 721 — 2,006 2,727 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 40,846 $ 24,354 $ (1,993 ) $ 63,207 The following table displays the premiums earned for the property and casualty insurance segment and the reinsurance segment for the three years ended December 31, 2018 , by line of insurance. Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Property and casualty insurance Commercial lines: Automobile $ 128,496 $ 118,224 $ 110,941 Property 108,525 108,162 105,012 Workers' compensation 99,699 100,552 96,517 Other liability 110,400 98,674 96,630 Other 9,256 8,719 8,374 Total commercial lines 456,376 434,331 417,474 Personal lines 39,071 38,038 38,993 Total property and casualty insurance $ 495,447 $ 472,369 $ 456,467 Reinsurance Pro rata reinsurance $ 44,610 $ 44,636 $ 56,317 Excess of loss reinsurance 105,126 90,153 79,624 Total reinsurance $ 149,736 $ 134,789 $ 135,941 Consolidated $ 645,183 $ 607,158 $ 592,408

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALU

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 the estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are summarized in the tables below. December 31, 2018 Carrying Estimated ($ in thousands) Assets: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: U.S. treasury $ 8,021 $ 8,021 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 304,479 304,479 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 283,651 283,651 Commercial mortgage-backed 84,379 84,379 Residential mortgage-backed 162,137 162,137 Other asset-backed 20,834 20,834 Corporate 419,408 419,408 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,282,909 1,282,909 Equity investments, at fair value: Common stocks: Financial services 41,839 41,839 Information technology 31,581 31,581 Healthcare 34,571 34,571 Consumer staples 13,180 13,180 Consumer discretionary 22,765 22,765 Energy 13,372 13,372 Industrials 19,389 19,389 Other 14,371 14,371 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 16,654 16,654 Investment funds 7,641 7,641 Total equity investments 215,363 215,363 Short-term investments 28,204 28,204 Liabilities: Surplus notes 25,000 15,259 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 it is also 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 December 31, 2018 and 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 was an equity security that was reported as a Level 3 fair value measurement since no observable inputs were used in its valuation. This security was sold in 2018 and in prior periods was reported at the fair value obtained from the Securities Valuation Office (SVO) of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). The SVO established a per share price for this security based on an annual review of that company's financial statements, typically performed during 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 December 31, 2018 and 2017 . December 31, 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 $ 8,021 $ — $ — $ 8,021 $ — U.S. government-sponsored agencies 304,479 — — 304,479 — Obligations of states and political subdivisions 283,651 — — 283,651 — Commercial mortgage-backed 84,379 — — 84,379 — Residential mortgage-backed 162,137 — — 162,137 — Other asset-backed 20,834 — — 20,834 — Corporate 419,408 — — 419,149 259 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,282,909 — — 1,282,650 259 Equity investments, at fair value: Common stocks: Financial services 41,839 — 41,839 — — Information technology 31,581 — 31,581 — — Healthcare 34,571 — 34,571 — — Consumer staples 13,180 — 13,180 — — Consumer discretionary 22,765 — 22,765 — — Energy 13,372 — 13,372 — — Industrials 19,389 — 19,389 — — Other 14,371 — 14,371 — — Non-redeemable preferred stocks 16,654 — 10,325 6,329 — Investment funds 7,641 7,641 — — — Total equity investments 215,363 7,641 201,393 6,329 — Short-term investments 28,204 — 28,204 — — Financial instruments not reported at fair value: Liabilities: Surplus notes 15,259 — — — 15,259 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 years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 . Any unrealized gains or losses on fixed maturiy 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. Fair value measurements using significant ($ in thousands) Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate Equity securities, financial services Equity securities, non-redeemable preferred stocks Total Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 982 $ 3 $ 2,000 $ 2,985 Settlements (356 ) — — (356 ) Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) on securities still held at reporting date (6 ) — — (6 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 620 3 2,000 2,623 Settlements (361 ) — XXXX (361 ) Unrealized losses included in net income (loss) — (3 ) XXXX (3 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 259 $ — XXXX $ 259

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows. All fixed maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. December 31, 2018 Amortized Gross Gross Estimated ($ in thousands) Securities available-for-sale: Fixed maturity securities: U.S. treasury $ 8,139 $ — $ 118 $ 8,021 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 303,198 2,799 1,518 304,479 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 273,727 10,375 451 283,651 Commercial mortgage-backed 83,854 1,287 762 84,379 Residential mortgage-backed 161,055 3,374 2,292 162,137 Other asset-backed 21,596 273 1,035 20,834 Corporate 421,563 2,605 4,760 419,408 Total fixed maturity securities $ 1,273,132 $ 20,713 $ 10,936 $ 1,282,909 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 December 31, 2018 and 2017 , listed by length of time the securities were consistently in an unrealized loss position. December 31, 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 $ — $ — $ 8,021 $ 118 $ 8,021 $ 118 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 14,620 20 92,603 1,498 107,223 1,518 Obligations of states and political subdivisions — — 14,498 451 14,498 451 Commercial mortgage-backed 2,021 21 24,222 741 26,243 762 Residential mortgage-backed 16,852 145 45,597 2,147 62,449 2,292 Other asset-backed 4,810 147 11,691 888 16,501 1,035 Corporate 198,030 2,996 45,734 1,764 243,764 4,760 Total fixed maturity securities $ 236,333 $ 3,329 $ 242,366 $ 7,607 $ 478,699 $ 10,936 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 December 31, 2018 . The amortized cost and estimated fair values of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 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 $ 32,551 $ 32,703 Due after one year through five years 240,690 241,229 Due after five years through ten years 320,118 320,931 Due after ten years 433,584 440,277 Securities not due at a single maturity date 246,189 247,769 Totals $ 1,273,132 $ 1,282,909 A summary of realized investment gains and (losses) and the change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments is as follows: Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: Gross realized investment gains $ 324 $ 545 $ 2,054 Gross realized investment losses (18,872 ) (4,849 ) (2,829 ) Equity securities: Net realized investment gains, excluding "other-than-temporary" impairments 8,017 18,200 12,403 Change in unrealized investment gains (28,838 ) XXXX XXXX "Other-than-temporary" impairments XXXX (1,088 ) (1,055 ) Other long-term investments, net (1,883 ) (6,252 ) (6,499 ) Totals $ (41,252 ) $ 6,556 $ 4,074 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 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, but for 2016 also included an "other-than-temporary" impairment loss of $209,000 on an investment that conveyed investment tax credits. A summary of net investment income is as follows: Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Interest on fixed maturity securities $ 42,961 $ 39,992 $ 41,499 Dividends on equity securities 6,078 6,032 6,922 Income on reverse repurchase agreements 339 306 236 Interest on short-term investments 608 273 121 Return on long-term investments 134 1,126 514 Total investment income 50,120 47,729 49,292 Securities litigation income 14 12 111 Investment expenses (2,497 ) (2,262 ) (1,913 ) Net investment income $ 47,637 $ 45,479 $ 47,490 A summary of net changes in unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale is included in the table below. Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Fixed maturity securities $ (12,073 ) $ 11,676 $ (20,634 ) Deferred income tax expense (benefit) (2,534 ) 4,086 (7,222 ) Total fixed maturity securities (9,539 ) 7,590 (13,412 ) Equity securities XXXX 17,481 4,293 Deferred income tax expense (benefit) XXXX 6,119 1,502 Total equity securities XXXX 11,362 2,791 Total available-for-sale securities $ (9,539 ) $ 18,952 $ (10,621 )

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES Temporary differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amount and tax basis of assets and liabilities that give rise to significant portions of the deferred income tax asset (liability) at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows: December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 Loss reserve discounting $ 8,520 $ 7,507 Unearned premium reserve limitation 10,915 10,284 Other policyholders' funds payable 1,849 2,103 Other, net 1,753 2,202 Total deferred income tax asset 23,037 22,096 Net unrealized holding gains on investment securities (13,614 ) (22,195 ) Deferred policy acquisition costs (9,400 ) (8,634 ) Retirement benefits (2,968 ) (3,714 ) Other, net (1,963 ) (2,573 ) Total deferred income tax liability (27,945 ) (37,116 ) Net deferred income tax liability $ (4,908 ) $ (15,020 ) Based upon anticipated future taxable income and consideration of all other available evidence, management believes that it is “more likely than not” that the Company’s deferred income tax assets will be realized. The actual income tax expense benefit for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 differed from the “expected” income tax expense (benefit) for those years (computed by applying the United States federal corporate tax rate of 21 percent during 2018 and 35 percent during 2017 and 2016 to income (loss) before income tax) as follows: Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Computed "expected" income tax expense (benefit) $ (3,082 ) $ 13,936 $ 22,123 Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from: Deferred income tax benefit from enactment of the TCJA — (9,056 ) — Incremental benefit of net operating loss carry back (1,690 ) — — Tax-exempt interest income (1,183 ) (2,715 ) (2,803 ) Dividends received deduction (549 ) (1,291 ) (1,429 ) Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction 433 601 635 Investment tax credits (540 ) (672 ) (1,392 ) Other, net (597 ) (225 ) (130 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) $ (7,208 ) $ 578 $ 17,004 The TCJA was signed into law on December 22, 2017. Among other provisions, the TCJA lowered the federal corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent , effective January 1, 2018. Since the change in tax rate was not effective until 2018, current tax expense in 2017 was unaffected; however, the temporary tax differences that comprised the net deferred income tax liability at the enactment date were projected to reverse at the lower 21 percent tax rate. The re-measurement of deferred income tax assets and liabilities resulted in the recognition of a $9.1 million deferred income tax benefit. Pursuant to Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 issued by the Securities Exchange Commission, the Company made reasonable estimates of the effects the TCJA had on deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017. For items where the Company could not make a reasonable estimate, primarily loss reserve discounting, the Company used existing accounting guidance and the provisions of the tax laws that were in place prior to the enactment. Subsequently, the Company made its final determination of the effects of the TCJA when the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) issued Revenue Procedure 2019-06, which provides applicable discount factors for both the transition obligation (reserves at January 1, 2018), and reserves at December 31, 2018. Comprehensive income tax expense (benefit) included in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows. The deferred income tax benefit that resulted from the enactment of the TCJA in 2017 is included in the "operations" line. Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Income tax expense (benefit) on: Operations $ (7,208 ) $ 578 $ 17,004 Change in unrealized holding gains on investment securities available-for-sale (2,534 ) 10,205 (5,720 ) Change in funded status of retirement benefit plans: Pension plans (1,071 ) 1,694 414 Postretirement benefit plans (524 ) (774 ) (1,345 ) Comprehensive income tax expense (benefit) $ (11,337 ) $ 11,703 $ 10,353 The Company had no provision for uncertain income tax positions at December 31, 2018 or 2017 . The Company recognized no interest expense or other penalties related to U.S. federal or state income taxes during 2018 , 2017 or 2016 . 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.

SURPLUS NOTES

SURPLUS NOTES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
SURPLUS NOTES [Abstract]
SURPLUS NOTES	SURPLUS NOTES The Company’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries have $25.0 million of surplus notes issued to Employers Mutual. The interest rate on the surplus notes was increased to 2.73 percent from 1.35 percent effective February 1, 2018. Reviews of the interest rate are conducted by the Inter-Company Committees of the boards of directors of the Company and Employers Mutual every five years , with the next review due in 2023. Payments of interest and repayments of principal can only be made out of the applicable subsidiary’s statutory surplus and are subject to prior approval by the insurance commissioner of the respective states of domicile. The surplus notes are subordinate and junior in right of payment to all obligations or liabilities of the applicable insurance subsidiaries. Total interest expense incurred on these surplus notes was $654,000 in 2018 and $337,000 in both 2017 and 2016 . At December 31, 2018 , the Company’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries had received approval and paid the 2018 interest expense on the surplus notes.

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS	EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS Employers Mutual has various employee benefit plans, including a qualified defined benefit pension plan, a non-qualified defined benefit supplemental pension plan, a retiree life insurance benefit and a retiree health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) benefit. The qualified defined benefit plan covers substantially all of its employees. This plan is funded by employer contributions and provides a benefit under a cash balance formula for most employees; however, benefits are provided to a few long-term employees based on a traditional benefit formula. The cash balance method accumulates funds so that the employee can receive a specified benefit amount at retirement. Benefits accrue with an interest and salary credit each year. On December 18, 2017, Employers Mutual notified its employees that effective January 1, 2019, the salary credit will be based on a combination of age and years of service, rather than just age. This change did not have a material impact on the pension benefit obligation. Benefits generally vest after three years of service or the attainment of 55 years of age and one year of service. It is Employers Mutual’s funding policy to make contributions sufficient to be in compliance with minimum regulatory funding requirements, plus additional amounts as determined by management. Employers Mutual’s non-qualified defined benefit supplemental retirement plan provides additional retirement benefits for a select group of management. This plan enables select employees to receive retirement benefits without the limit on compensation imposed on qualified defined benefit pension plans by the IRS and to recognize compensation that has been deferred in the non-qualified deferred compensation plan. The plan is unfunded and benefits generally vest after three years of service. Employers Mutual also offers postretirement benefit plans which provide an HRA and life insurance benefits for eligible retired employees. Substantially all of its employees may become eligible for those benefits if they reach age 55 and have attained the required length of service while working for Employers Mutual. Under the HRA, Employers Mutual reimburses eligible participants, up to a pre-determined maximum, for amounts expended to enroll in publicly available individual health care plans and/or pay for qualifying out-of-pocket health care costs. The obligations of the HRA are based on the total amount of reimbursements expected to be made by Employers Mutual over the lives of the participants, rather than the total amount of medical benefits expected to be paid over the participants’ lives. Therefore, the obligations of the HRA are not directly impacted by changes in the cost of health care. However, the maximum amount Employers Mutual will reimburse eligible participants may be adjusted periodically based on an analysis of the change in health care costs. Such adjustments are reflected as plan amendments and increased the postretirement benefit plans' benefit obligation $2.7 million in 2017. During December 2017, Employers Mutual notified its employees that the life insurance benefit will be eliminated for employees retiring after 2018. As a result, the postretirement benefit plans' benefit obligation as of December 31, 2017 decreased $3.8 million . This change is also reflected as a plan amendment. The life insurance plan is noncontributory. The benefits provided under both plans are subject to change. Employers Mutual maintains a Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trust that has historically been used to accumulate funds for the payment of postretirement benefits. Given the overfunded position of the postretirement benefit plans, contributions to the VEBA trust are not anticipated for the foreseeable future. The following table sets forth the funded status of Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , based upon measurement dates of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Pension plans Postretirement benefit plans ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Change in projected benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 308,244 $ 284,194 $ 59,004 $ 55,651 Service cost 16,852 15,135 1,473 1,362 Interest cost 10,726 11,190 2,084 2,281 Actuarial (gain) loss (30,787 ) 12,577 (7,484 ) 3,278 Benefits paid (16,933 ) (14,852 ) (2,579 ) (2,455 ) Plan amendments — — — (1,113 ) Projected benefit obligation at end of year 288,102 308,244 52,498 59,004 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 349,004 300,915 75,658 67,809 Actual return on plan assets (24,325 ) 54,255 (4,311 ) 10,304 Employer contributions 9,009 8,686 — — Benefits paid (16,933 ) (14,852 ) (2,579 ) (2,455 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 316,755 349,004 68,768 75,658 Funded status $ 28,653 $ 40,760 $ 16,270 $ 16,654 The actuarial gains in the projected benefit obligations of the pension and postretirement benefit plans during 2018 are largely due to the increases in the discount rate assumptions, partially offset by losses from an extension in the retirement rate assumption. For the pension plans, a decline in the interest credit rate assumption also contributed to the actuarial gain. The following tables set forth the amounts recognized in the Company’s financial statements as a result of the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries’ aggregate 30 percent participation in the pooling agreement. Amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets: Pension plans Postretirement benefit plans ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Assets: Prepaid pension and postretirement benefits $ 12,603 $ 16,327 $ 5,088 $ 4,356 Liability: Pension and postretirement benefits (4,070 ) (4,185 ) — — Net amount recognized $ 8,533 $ 12,142 $ 5,088 $ 4,356 Amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets under the caption “accumulated other comprehensive income”, before deferred income taxes: Pension plans Postretirement benefit plans ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net actuarial loss $ (16,691 ) $ (11,598 ) $ (5,622 ) $ (4,950 ) Prior service credit — — 14,586 16,407 Net amount recognized $ (16,691 ) $ (11,598 ) $ 8,964 $ 11,457 Amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income, before deferred income taxes: Pension plans Postretirement benefit plans ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net actuarial gain (loss) $ (5,093 ) $ 7,329 $ (672 ) $ 1,197 Prior service (cost) credit — 6 (1,821 ) (3,034 ) Net amount recognized $ (5,093 ) $ 7,335 $ (2,493 ) $ (1,837 ) The following table sets forth the projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets of Employers Mutual’s non-qualified pension plan. The amounts related to the qualified pension plan are not included since the plan assets exceeded the accumulated benefit obligation. Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 Projected benefit obligation $ 13,566 $ 13,950 Accumulated benefit obligation 11,882 12,272 Fair value of plan assets — — The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans is as follows: Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Pension plans: Service cost $ 16,852 $ 15,135 $ 14,432 Interest cost 10,726 11,190 10,161 Expected return on plan assets (24,052 ) (20,765 ) (19,361 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 537 3,643 4,311 Amortization of prior service cost — 20 31 Net periodic pension benefit cost $ 4,063 $ 9,223 $ 9,574 Postretirement benefit plans: Service cost $ 1,473 $ 1,362 $ 1,273 Interest cost 2,084 2,281 2,215 Expected return on plan assets (4,815 ) (4,311 ) (4,224 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 935 1,371 1,494 Amortization of prior service credit (11,129 ) (11,154 ) (11,338 ) Net periodic postretirement benefit income $ (11,452 ) $ (10,451 ) $ (10,580 ) The net periodic postretirement benefit income recognized on Employers Mutual's postretirement benefit plans is due to a plan amendment that was announced in the fourth quarter of 2013. This plan amendment generated a prior service credit that is being amortized into net periodic benefit cost over a period of 10 years . Net periodic pension benefit cost allocated to the Company amounted to $1.2 million , $2.8 million and $2.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Net periodic postretirement benefit income allocated to the Company for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 amounted to $3.2 million , $2.9 million , and $3.0 million , respectively. The weighted-average assumptions used to measure the benefit obligations are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 Pension plans: Discount rate 4.24 % 3.60 % Interest credit rate 4.50 % 5.50 % Rate of compensation increase: Qualified pension plan 5.07 % 5.09 % Non-qualified pension plan 4.37 % 4.45 % Postretirement benefit plans: Discount rate 4.27 % 3.63 % The weighted-average assumptions used to measure the net periodic benefit costs are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Pension plans: Discount rate 3.60 % 4.07 % 3.90 % Interest credit rate 5.50 % 5.50 % 5.50 % Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.00 % 7.00 % 7.00 % Rate of compensation increase: Qualified pension plan 5.07 % 5.08 % 5.07 % Non-qualified pension plan 4.37 % 4.47 % 4.56 % Postretirement benefit plans: Discount rate 3.63 % 4.21 % 4.42 % Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 6.50 % 6.50 % 6.50 % The expected long-term rates of return on plan assets were developed considering actual historical results, current and expected market conditions, plan asset mix and management’s investment strategy. The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid from the plans over the next ten years: ($ in thousands) Pension benefits Postretirement benefits 2019 $ 19,932 $ 2,805 2020 22,180 2,998 2021 21,996 3,169 2022 22,620 3,286 2023 23,408 3,358 2024 - 2028 124,035 17,922 Employers Mutual manages its VEBA trust assets internally. The VEBA trust assets are reviewed relative to liabilities to determine the optimum allocation focusing on both asset accumulation and income generation. Assets contained in the VEBA trust are invested in fixed income, international equity and domestic equity mutual funds, an emerging markets exchange traded fund (ETF) and universal life insurance policies issued by EMC National Life Company, an affiliate of Employers Mutual, that carry a guaranteed interest rate of 4.5 percent . See note 8 for a discussion on fair value measurement. Following is a description of the valuation techniques and inputs used for each major class of assets measured at fair value in Employers Mutual’s VEBA trust. • Money Market Fund: Valued at amortized cost, which approximates fair value. Under this method, investments purchased at a discount or premium are valued by accreting or amortizing the difference between the original purchase price and maturity value of the issue over the period to maturity. The net asset value of each share held by the trust at year-end was $1.00 . • Mutual Funds: Valued at the net asset value of shares held by the trust at year-end. For purposes of calculating the net asset value, portfolio securities and other assets for which market quotes are readily available are valued at fair value. Fair value is generally determined on the basis of last reported sales prices, or if no sales are reported, based on quotes obtained from a quotation reporting system, established market makers, or independent pricing services. • ETF: Valued at the closing price from the applicable exchange. • Life Insurance Contract: Valued at the cash surrender value, which approximates fair value. The fair values of the assets held in Employers Mutual’s VEBA trust are as follows: December 31, 2018 Fair value measurements using ($ in thousands) Total Quoted Significant Significant Money market fund $ 1,506 $ 1,506 $ — $ — Emerging markets ETF 3,986 3,986 — — Mutual funds 47,632 47,632 — — Life insurance contracts 14,885 — — 14,885 Cash 759 759 — — Total benefit plan assets $ 68,768 $ 53,883 $ — $ 14,885 December 31, 2017 Fair value measurements using ($ in thousands) Total Quoted Significant Significant Money market fund $ 1,254 $ 1,254 $ — $ — Emerging markets ETF 4,803 4,803 — — Mutual funds 54,180 54,180 — — Life insurance contracts 14,524 — — 14,524 Cash 897 897 — — Total benefit plan assets $ 75,658 $ 61,134 $ — $ 14,524 Presented below is a reconciliation of the assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 . Fair value measurements Life insurance contracts ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $ 14,524 $ 14,159 Actual return on plan assets: Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance contracts 361 365 Balance at end of year $ 14,885 $ 14,524 Employers Mutual uses Global Portfolio Strategies, Inc. to advise on the asset allocation strategy for its qualified pension plan. The asset allocation strategy and process of Global Portfolio Strategies, Inc. uses a diversified allocation of equity, debt and real estate exposures that is customized to the plan’s payment risk and return targets. Global Portfolio Strategies, Inc. reviews the plan’s assets and liabilities in relation to expectations of long-term market performance and liability development to recommend the appropriate asset allocation. The data for the contributions and emerging liabilities is provided from the plan’s actuarial valuation, while the current asset and monthly benefit payment data is provided by the plan record keeper. Following is a description of the valuation techniques and inputs used for pooled separate accounts, the only major class of assets measured at fair value in Employers Mutual’s qualified pension plan. • Pooled Separate Accounts: Each of the funds held by the Plan is in a pooled or commingled investment vehicle that is maintained by the fund sponsor, each with many investors. The Plan asset is represented by a “unit of account” and a per unit value, whose value is the accumulated value of the underlying investments less liabilities. The net asset value is determined by the issuer of the fund by taking the fair value of the underlying investments less any liabilities divided by the number of units outstanding. Sponsors of the funds specify the source(s) used for the underlying investment asset prices and the protocol used to value each fund. In accordance with ASU 2015-07, a fair value hierarchy table is not included here since all of the Plan's investments are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient, which are not classified in the fair value hierarchy. Presented below are the fair values of assets held in Employers Mutual's defined benefit retirement plan: December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 Pooled separate accounts $ 316,755 $ 349,004 Total benefit plan assets $ 316,755 $ 349,004 Employers Mutual plans to contribute approximately $7.0 million to the pension plan in 2019 . No contributions are expected to be made to the VEBA trust in 2019 . The Company participates in other benefit plans sponsored by Employers Mutual, including its 401(k) Plan, Board and Executive Non-Qualified Excess Plans and Defined Contribution Supplemental Executive Retirement Plan. The Company’s share of expenses for these plans amounted to $3.3 million , $2.9 million and $2.7 million in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively.

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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. Stock Plans On May 26, 2017, the Company registered 150,000 shares of its common stock for use in the EMC Insurance Group Inc. 2017 Non-Employee Director Stock Plan (the "2017 Director Plan"). The 2017 Director Plan provides for the awarding of non-qualified stock options, restricted stock, restricted stock units and other stock-based awards to the Company's non-employee directors. During 2018 and 2017 , 2,800 and 2,000 shares of restricted stock were granted to non-employee directors of the Company under this plan. These shares of restricted stock vest over a one year period. Dividends on the unvested restricted stock are accrued and paid to the directors at the time of vesting. Employers Mutual currently maintains two separate stock plans for the benefit of officers and key employees of Employers Mutual and its subsidiaries. A total of 3,000,000 shares of the Company’s common stock have been reserved for issuance under the 2007 Employers Mutual Casualty Company Stock Incentive Plan (2007 Plan), and a total of 1,000,000 shares have been reserved for issuance under the Employers Mutual Casualty Company 2017 Stock Incentive Plan (2017 Plan). Both of Employers Mutual's plans permit the issuance of performance shares, performance units, and other stock-based awards, in addition to qualified (incentive) and non-qualified stock options, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock and restricted stock units. Both plans provide for a ten -year time limit for granting awards. No additional grants can be made under the 2007 Plan due to the expiration of the term of the plan. The Senior Executive Compensation Committee of Employers Mutual’s Board of Directors grants the awards and is the administrator of the plans. The Company’s Compensation Committee must consider and approve all awards granted to the Company’s executive officers. Awards granted to directors are approved by the Company's Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee. Options granted under the 2007 Plan generally had a vesting period of five years , with options becoming exercisable in equal annual cumulative increments commencing on the first anniversary of the option grant. Option prices could not be less than the fair value of the common stock on the date of grant. Restricted stock awards granted under the 2007 Plan generally have a vesting period of four years , with shares vesting in equal annual cumulative increments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant. With the exception of death, permanent disability or a change in control, any unvested shares of restricted stock are forfeited on termination of employment, including retirement. Holders of unvested shares of restricted stock receive compensation income equal to the amount of any dividends declared on the common stock. During 2017, Employers Mutual began issuing restricted stock unit awards rather than restricted stock awards. In connection with this change, Employers Mutual now acquires stock to fulfill its obligations to the recipients of the restricted stock unit awards on the date they vest, rather than on the grant date of the awards. Because of this change, 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 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. Like restricted stock awards, restricted stock unit awards generally have a vesting period of four years , with shares vesting in equal annual cumulative increments commencing on the first anniversary of the grant. Upon death, disability or change in control, any granted but unvested restricted stock units become fully vested and settled. Upon qualifying for "Approved Retirement" [attaining 70 points (combined age plus whole years of continuous service) with a minimum age of 55 years , or reaching age 65 ], restricted stock units will generally become non-forfeitable on a pro-rated basis over the 12 months following the grant date. Settlement of non-forfeitable restricted stock units is deferred until the date on which the restricted stock units would otherwise vest and settle pursuant to the normal four-year vesting schedule. Holders of unvested restricted stock units do not receive compensation income equal to the amount of dividends declared on the common stock. During 2016 , 2,000 shares of restricted stock were granted to non-employee directors of the Company under the 2007 Plan. These shares of restricted stock vest over a period of three years , or upon a director reaching 75 years of age while an active director. The directors are entitled to receive compensation income (equal to the amount of dividends paid on the Company's common stock) earned on unvested shares of restricted stock. The Company recognized compensation expense from these plans totaling $1.2 million ( $949,000 net of tax), $801,000 ( $521,000 net of tax) and $788,000 ( $512,000 net of tax) in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Due to the historically small number of forfeitures, the Company has elected to recognize the reduction to compensation expense from forfeitures as they occur. A summary of the stock option activity under Employers Mutual’s stock plans for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Outstanding, beginning of year 406,311 $ 14.51 649,012 $ 14.65 1,006,171 $ 14.92 Exercised (93,802 ) 14.51 (222,921 ) 14.88 (321,312 ) 15.31 Expired (30,577 ) 14.42 (18,805 ) 15.16 (34,947 ) 16.32 Forfeited — — (975 ) 13.99 (900 ) 13.99 Outstanding, end of year 281,932 $ 14.52 406,311 $ 14.51 649,012 $ 14.65 Exercisable, end of year 281,932 $ 14.52 406,311 $ 14.51 593,224 $ 14.72 As discussed above, during 2017 Employers Mutual began issuing restricted stock unit awards to eligible employees. These awards are accounted for as liability-based awards, whereby the liability is remeasured at each reporting date as the average of the high and low trading prices of the Company's common stock on that date. Upon settlement, the Company will receive the full fair value for all shares issued. The Company's share of this liability at December 31, 2018 was $1.2 million . A summary of restricted stock unit awards activity for 2018 and 2017 is as follows: Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 Number of awards Number of awards Non-vested, beginning of year 114,055 — Granted 120,439 116,288 Vested 28,365 — Forfeited 3,236 2,233 Non-vested, end of year 202,893 114,055 For restricted stock awards, the average of the high and low trading prices of the Company's common stock on the dates of grant were used to determine their fair values. In 2016, the Company received the full fair value, as of the grant date, for all shares issued in connection with Employers Mutual's grant of restricted stock awards. At December 31, 2018 , the Company’s portion of the unrecognized compensation cost associated with restricted stock awards that are not currently vested was $314,000 with a 0.84 year weighted-average period over which the compensation expense is expected to be recognized. The Company's portion of the total fair value of restricted stock awards that vested was $429,000 , $545,000 and $414,000 in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. A summary of restricted stock awards activity for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Non-vested, beginning of year 144,050 $ 22.96 234,281 $ 22.31 216,944 $ 20.40 Granted 2,800 25.27 2,000 26.95 118,588 24.56 Vested (63,849 ) 22.42 (85,192 ) 21.31 (69,057 ) 19.98 Forfeited (15,844 ) 22.91 (7,039 ) 22.57 (32,194 ) 22.73 Non-vested, end of year 67,157 $ 23.57 144,050 $ 22.96 234,281 $ 22.31 The Company’s portion of the total intrinsic value of options exercised under Employers Mutual’s stock plans was $339,000 , $901,000 and $1.1 million in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Under the terms of the pooling and quota share agreements, these amounts were paid to Employers Mutual. The Company receives the full fair value, as of the exercise date, for all shares issued in connection with option exercises. Additional information relating to options outstanding and options vested (exercisable) at December 31, 2018 is as follows: December 31, 2018 ($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts) Number of options Weighted-average exercise price Aggregate intrinsic value Weighted-average remaining term Options outstanding 281,932 $ 14.52 $ 4,918 2.18 Options exercisable 281,932 $ 14.52 $ 4,918 2.18 Incentive stock options generally do not generate income tax deductions for the Company. The Company has recorded a deferred income tax benefit for non-qualified stock options and restricted stock awards that have been issued. The Company’s portion of the current income tax deduction realized from exercises of non-qualified stock options was $56,000 , $239,000 and $284,000 in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. These actual deductions are generally in excess of the deferred tax benefits recorded in conjunction with the compensation expense (referred to as excess tax benefits), which reduce income tax expense. The income tax benefit that results from disqualifying dispositions of stock purchased through the exercise of incentive stock options is immaterial. Employee Stock Purchase Plan On May 30, 2008, the Company registered 750,000 shares of its common stock for use in the Employers Mutual Casualty Company 2008 Employee Stock Purchase Plan. All employees are eligible to participate in the plan, though this plan is currently suspended pending the outcome of Employers Mutual's non-binding indicative proposal to purchase all outstanding shares of the Company. An employee may participate in the plan, when not suspended, by delivering, during the first twenty days of the calendar month preceding the first day of an election period, a payroll deduction authorization to the plan administrator; or making a cash contribution (employees designated as “Insiders” are required to give six months advance notice prior to participating in the plan). Participants pay 85 percent of the fair market value of the stock on the date of purchase. The plan is administered by the Board of Directors of Employers Mutual, which has the right to amend or terminate the plan at any time; however, no such amendment or termination shall adversely affect the rights and privileges of participants. Expenses allocated to the Company in connection with this plan totaled $116,000 , $100,000 and $78,000 in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. During 2018 , shares were purchased under the plan at prices ranging from $20.90 to $24.70 . Activity under the plan was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Shares available for purchase, beginning of year 271,585 349,404 414,883 Shares purchased under the plan (95,055 ) (77,819 ) (65,479 ) Shares available for purchase, end of year 176,530 271,585 349,404 Non-Employee Director Stock Purchase Plan On March 14, 2013, the Company registered 300,000 shares of its common stock for issuance under the 2013 Employers Mutual Casualty Company Non-Employee Director Stock Purchase Plan. All non-employee directors of Employers Mutual and its subsidiaries, as well as non-employee directors of the Company, are eligible to participate in the plan, though this plan is currently suspended pending the outcome of Employers Mutual's non-binding indicative proposal to purchase all outstanding shares of the Company. When this plan is not suspended, each eligible director could purchase shares of common stock at 75 percent of the fair value of the stock on the exercise date in an amount equal to a minimum of 25 percent and a maximum of 100 percent of their annual cash retainer. The plan was authorized through the period of the 2023 annual meetings. The plan is administered by the Corporate Governance and Nominating Committee of the Board of Directors of Employers Mutual. The Board may amend or terminate the plan at any time; however, no such amendment or termination shall adversely affect the rights and privileges of the participants. Expenses allocated to the Company in connection with this plan totaled $53,000 , $65,000 and $84,000 in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. During 2018 , shares were purchased under the plan at prices ranging from $18.95 to $19.99 . Activity under the plan was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Shares available for purchase, beginning of year 235,373 249,843 264,446 Shares purchased under the plan (10,151 ) (14,470 ) (14,603 ) Shares available for purchase, end of year 225,222 235,373 249,843 Dividend Reinvestment Plan The Company maintains a dividend reinvestment and common stock purchase plan (the “Plan”) which provides stockholders with the option of reinvesting cash dividends in additional shares of the Company’s common stock. Participants can also purchase additional shares of common stock without incurring broker commissions by making optional cash contributions to the plan, and sell shares of common stock through the plan. Employers Mutual did not participate in this plan in 2018 , 2017 or 2016 . Activity under the plan was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Shares available for purchase, beginning of year 965,801 971,222 976,697 Shares purchased under the plan (5,301 ) (5,421 ) (5,475 ) Shares available for purchase, end of year 960,500 965,801 971,222 Lowest purchase price $ 23.87 $ 26.94 $ 22.09 Highest purchase price $ 32.38 $ 31.09 $ 30.50

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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, net of tax. Accumulated other comprehensive income 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 27,278 5,571 96 5,667 32,945 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (8,326 ) 958 (2,047 ) (1,089 ) (9,415 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 18,952 6,529 (1,951 ) 4,578 23,530 Reclassification of tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from TCJA 14,797 (3,304 ) 2,280 (1,024 ) 13,773 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 (24,192 ) (4,885 ) 1,050 (3,835 ) (28,027 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income 14,653 333 (2,489 ) (2,156 ) 12,497 Other comprehensive income (loss) (9,539 ) (4,552 ) (1,439 ) (5,991 ) (15,530 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 7,724 $ (17,626 ) $ 11,522 $ (6,104 ) $ 1,620 The following tables display amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and into net income during the three years ended December 31, 2018 . ($ in thousands) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components Year ended December 31, 2018 Affected line item in the consolidated statements of income Unrealized gains (losses) on investments: Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment gains (losses) included in net income $ (18,548 ) Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized gains on equity investments Deferred income tax (expense) benefit 3,895 Total income tax expense (benefit) Net reclassification adjustment (14,653 ) Net income Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations: Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income: Net actuarial loss (421 ) (1) Prior service credit 3,150 (1) Total before tax 2,729 Deferred income tax (expense) benefit (573 ) Net reclassification adjustment 2,156 Total reclassification adjustment $ (12,497 ) (1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income (see note 12, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details). ($ in thousands) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components Year ended December 31, 2017 Affected line item in the consolidated statements of income Unrealized gains (losses) on investments: Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment gains (losses) included in net income $ 12,809 Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized gains on equity investments Deferred income tax (expense) benefit (4,483 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) Net reclassification adjustment 8,326 Net income Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations: Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income: Net actuarial loss (1,474 ) (1) Prior service credit 3,150 (1) Total before tax 1,676 Deferred income tax (expense) benefit (587 ) Net reclassification adjustment 1,089 Total reclassification adjustment $ 9,415 (1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income (see note 12, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details). ($ in thousands) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components Year ended December 31, 2016 Affected line item in the consolidated statements of income Unrealized gains (losses) on investments: Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment gains (losses) included in net income $ 10,364 Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized gains on equity investments Deferred income tax (expense) benefit (3,628 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) Net reclassification adjustment 6,736 Net income Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations: Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income: Net actuarial loss (2,383 ) (1) Prior service credit 3,690 (1) Total before tax 1,307 Deferred income tax (expense) benefit (457 ) Net reclassification adjustment 850 Total reclassification adjustment $ 7,586 (1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income (see note 12, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details).

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAMS

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAMS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Equity [Abstract]
STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAMS	STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAMS Stock Repurchase Plans On November 3, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $15.0 million stock repurchase program. This program does not have an expiration date. The timing and terms of the purchases are determined by management based on board approved parameters and market conditions, and are conducted in accordance with the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Common stock repurchased under this program will be retired by the Company. During 2018, the Company repurchased 25,300 shares of its common stock at an average cost of $25.76 . No repurchases were made in 2017, but 17,300 shares were repurchased during 2016 at an average cost of $22.14 . Stock Purchase Plan During the second quarter of 2005, Employers Mutual initiated a $15.0 million stock purchase program under which Employers Mutual may purchase shares of the Company’s common stock in the open market. This purchase program does not have an expiration date; however, this program is currently dormant and will remain so while the Company’s repurchase program is in effect. The timing and terms of the purchases are determined by management based on market conditions and are conducted in accordance with the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. No purchases were made during 2018 , 2017 and 2016 . As of December 31, 2018 , $4.5 million remained available under this plan for additional purchases.

LEASES, COMMITMENTS AND CONTING

LEASES, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
LEASES, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	LEASES, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES The Company does not have any lease agreements, but Employers Mutual has entered into leases for 16 branch and service office facilities, the costs of which are charged to the pool and allocated among the pool participants based on their respective participation interests. The participants in the pooling agreement are subject to guaranty fund assessments by states in which they write business. Guaranty fund assessments are used by states to pay policyholder liabilities of insolvent insurers domiciled in those states. Many states allow assessments to be recovered through premium tax offsets. The Company has accrued estimated guaranty fund assessments of $615,000 and $706,000 as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Premium tax offsets of $809,000 and $897,000 , which are related to prior guarantee fund payments and current assessments, have been accrued as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The guaranty fund assessments are expected to be paid over the next two years and the premium tax offsets are expected to be realized within ten years of the payments. The participants in the pooling agreement are also subject to second-injury fund assessments, which are designed to encourage employers to employ workers with pre-existing disabilities. The Company has accrued estimated second-injury fund assessments of $2.4 million and $2.0 million as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. The second-injury fund assessment accruals are based on projected loss payments. The periods over which the assessments will be paid is not known. The participants in the pooling agreement have purchased annuities from life insurance companies, under which the claimant is payee, to fund future payments that are fixed pursuant to specific claim settlement provisions. The Company’s share of case loss reserves eliminated by the purchase of those annuities was $110,000 at December 31, 2018 . The Company had a contingent liability for the aggregate guaranteed amount of the annuities of $183,000 at December 31, 2018 should the issuers of those annuities fail to perform. The probability of a material loss due to failure of performance by the issuers of these annuities is considered remote. The Company and Employers Mutual and its other subsidiaries are parties to numerous lawsuits arising in the normal course of the insurance business. The Company believes that the resolution of these lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or its results of operations. The companies involved have established reserves which are believed adequate to cover any potential liabilities arising out of all such pending or threatened proceedings.

UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL INF

UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION	UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION Three months ended, ($ in thousands, except per share amounts) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 2018 Total revenues $ 163,379 $ 166,637 $ 189,125 $ 141,586 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ (528 ) $ (7,722 ) $ 24,444 $ (30,870 ) Income tax expense (benefit) (452 ) (2,727 ) 5,296 (9,325 ) Net income (loss) $ (76 ) $ (4,995 ) $ 19,148 $ (21,545 ) Net income (loss) per common share - basic and diluted 1 $ — $ (0.24 ) $ 0.89 $ (1.00 ) Three months ended, ($ in thousands, except per share amounts) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 2017 Total revenues $ 155,737 $ 165,426 $ 167,196 $ 175,598 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 8,440 $ 7,229 $ (440 ) $ 24,587 Income tax expense (benefit) 1,636 1,725 (1,186 ) (1,597 ) Net income (loss) $ 6,804 $ 5,504 $ 746 $ 26,184 Net income (loss) per common share - basic and diluted 1 $ 0.32 $ 0.26 $ 0.03 $ 1.23 1 Since the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the quarters are calculated independently of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the year, quarterly net income per share may not total to annual net income per share.

Schedule I - Summary of Investm

Schedule I - Summary of Investments-Other than Investments in Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
SEC Schedule, 12-15, Insurance Companies, Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract]
Schedule I - Summary of Investments-Other than Investments in Related Parties	EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Schedule I – Summary of Investments- Other than Investment in Related Parties December 31, 2018 ($ in thousands) Type of investment Cost Fair value Amount at which shown in the balance sheet Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: U.S. treasury $ 8,139 $ 8,021 $ 8,021 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 303,198 304,479 304,479 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 273,727 283,651 283,651 Commercial mortgage-backed 83,854 84,379 84,379 Residential mortgage-backed 161,055 162,137 162,137 Other asset-backed 21,596 20,834 20,834 Corporate 421,563 419,408 419,408 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,273,132 1,282,909 1,282,909 Equity investments, at fair value: Common stocks: Financial services 35,410 41,839 41,839 Information technology 17,678 31,581 31,581 Healthcare 21,602 34,571 34,571 Consumer staples 10,926 13,180 13,180 Consumer discretionary 15,921 22,765 22,765 Energy 10,124 13,372 13,372 Industrials 10,989 19,389 19,389 Other 11,512 14,371 14,371 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 18,531 16,654 16,654 Investment funds 7,678 7,641 7,641 Total equity investments 160,371 215,363 215,363 Equity investments, at alternative measurement 1,200 XXXX 1,200 Other long-term investments 19,316 XXXX 19,316 Short-term investments 28,204 28,204 28,204 Total investments $ 1,482,223 XXXX $ 1,546,992

Schedule II - Condensed Financi

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Condensed Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Schedule II – Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Condensed Balance Sheets December 31, ($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts) 2018 2017 ASSETS Investments: Common stock of subsidiaries (equity method) $ 556,977 $ 599,036 Equity investments, at fair value (cost $0 and $2,000) — 2,000 Equity investments, at alternative measurement of cost less impairments 1,200 — Other long-term investments 3,811 — Short-term investments 2,368 1,900 Total investments 564,356 602,936 Cash 206 255 Accrued investment income 3 1 Prepaid assets 119 136 Income taxes recoverable 510 777 Deferred income taxes 6 — Amounts due from affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances 705 — Total assets $ 565,905 $ 604,105 LIABILITIES Accounts payable $ 123 $ 80 Amounts due affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances — 160 Deferred income taxes — 19 Total liabilities 123 259 STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 21,615,105 shares in 2018 and 21,455,545 shares in 2017 21,615 21,455 Additional paid-in capital 128,451 124,556 Accumulated other comprehensive income 1,620 83,384 Retained earnings 414,096 374,451 Total stockholders' equity 565,782 603,846 Total liabilities and stockholders' equity $ 565,905 $ 604,105 All affiliated balances presented above are the result of related party transactions with Employers Mutual. EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Schedule II – Condensed Financial Information of Registrant, Continued Condensed Statements of Income Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 REVENUES Dividends received from subsidiaries $ 21,124 $ 5,719 $ 9,707 Investment income 44 38 13 Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized gains on equity investments (90 ) — — Total revenues 21,078 5,757 9,720 Operating expenses (affiliated $1,243, $1,124 and $1,139) 2,552 2,269 2,006 Income before income tax benefit and equity in undistributed net income (loss) of subsidiaries 18,526 3,488 7,714 Income tax benefit (535 ) (794 ) (698 ) Income before equity in undistributed net income (loss) of subsidiaries 19,061 4,282 8,412 Equity in undistributed net income (loss) of subsidiaries (26,529 ) 34,956 37,791 Net income (loss) $ (7,468 ) $ 39,238 $ 46,203 All affiliated balances presented above are the result of related party transactions with Employers Mutual. EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Schedule II – Condensed Financial Information of Registrant, Continued Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Net income (loss) $ (7,468 ) $ 39,238 $ 46,203 OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS) Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities not reflected in net income, net of deferred income taxes (24,192 ) 27,278 (3,885 ) Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment gains (losses) included in net income, net of income taxes 14,653 (8,326 ) (6,736 ) Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income, net of deferred income taxes: Net actuarial loss 333 958 1,549 Prior service credit (2,489 ) (2,047 ) (2,399 ) Total reclassification adjustment associated with affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans (2,156 ) (1,089 ) (850 ) Change in funded status of affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans, net of deferred income taxes: Net actuarial gain (loss) (4,885 ) 5,571 (542 ) Prior service credit (cost) 1,050 96 (339 ) Total change in funded status of affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans (3,835 ) 5,667 (881 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (15,530 ) 23,530 (12,352 ) Total comprehensive income (loss) $ (22,998 ) $ 62,768 $ 33,851 All balances labeled with "affiliate" above are the result of related party transactions with Employers Mutual. All other comprehensive income (loss) balances presented above are from the Registrant's subsidiaries. EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Schedule II – Condensed Financial Information of Registrant, Continued Condensed Statements of Cash Flows Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Net cash provided by operating activities $ 18,669 $ 3,726 $ 9,170 Cash flows from investing activities Capital contributions to subsidiaries — (300 ) (500 ) Purchases of equity investments (1,200 ) — (2,000 ) Purchases of other long-term investments (1,900 ) — — Net (purchases) disposals of short-term investments (468 ) 8,974 (1,113 ) Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (3,568 ) 8,674 (3,613 ) Cash flows from financing activities Issuance of common stock through affiliate’s stock plans 5,426 7,527 11,070 Repurchase of common stock (1,455 ) (1,858 ) (383 ) Dividends paid to stockholders (affiliated $(10,477), $(10,006) and $(9,182)) (19,121 ) (17,998 ) (16,196 ) Net cash used in financing activities (15,150 ) (12,329 ) (5,509 ) Net increase (decrease) in cash (49 ) 71 48 Cash at the beginning of the year 255 184 136 Cash at the end of the year $ 206 $ 255 $ 184 Income taxes recovered $ 777 $ 700 $ 716 Interest paid $ — $ — $ — All affiliated balances presented above are the result of related party transactions with Employers Mutual.

Schedule III - Supplementary In

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]
Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information	EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Schedule III – Supplementary Insurance Information For Years Ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 ($ in thousands) Segment Deferred policy acquisition costs Loss and settlement expense reserves Unearned premiums Premium revenue Net investment income Losses and settlement expenses incurred Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs Other underwriting expenses Premiums written Year ended December 31, 2018 Property and casualty insurance $ 40,674 $ 531,912 $ 246,330 $ 495,447 $ 34,070 $ 332,921 $ 83,869 $ 85,967 $ 510,525 Reinsurance 4,086 245,278 22,181 149,736 13,523 124,238 31,934 2,857 150,518 Parent company — — — — 44 — — — — Consolidated $ 44,760 $ 777,190 $ 268,511 $ 645,183 $ 47,637 $ 457,159 $ 115,803 $ 88,824 $ 661,043 Year ended December 31, 2017 Property and casualty insurance $ 37,140 $ 502,864 $ 236,030 $ 472,369 $ 32,670 $ 302,973 $ 79,734 $ 79,245 $ 484,027 Reinsurance 3,974 229,748 21,767 134,789 12,771 118,996 29,176 2,673 132,274 Parent company — — — — 38 — — — — Consolidated $ 41,114 $ 732,612 $ 257,797 $ 607,158 $ 45,479 $ 421,969 $ 108,910 $ 81,918 $ 616,301 Year ended December 31, 2016 Property and casualty insurance $ 36,295 $ 486,387 $ 220,697 $ 456,467 $ 33,886 $ 294,369 $ 78,493 $ 71,272 $ 463,673 Reinsurance 4,644 204,145 24,188 135,941 13,591 92,528 29,910 3,149 131,030 Parent company — — — — 13 — — — — Consolidated $ 40,939 $ 690,532 $ 244,885 $ 592,408 $ 47,490 $ 386,897 $ 108,403 $ 74,421 $ 594,703

Schedule IV - Reinsurance

Schedule IV - Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
SEC Schedule, 12-17, Insurance Companies, Reinsurance [Abstract]
Schedule IV - Reinsurance	EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Schedule IV – Reinsurance For Years Ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 ($ in thousands) Gross amount Ceded to other companies Assumed from other companies Net amount Percentage of amount assumed to net Year ended December 31, 2018 Consolidated earned premiums $ 399,660 $ 455,395 $ 700,918 $ 645,183 108.6 % Year ended December 31, 2017 Consolidated earned premiums $ 384,993 $ 437,881 $ 660,046 $ 607,158 108.7 % Year ended December 31, 2016 Consolidated earned premiums $ 382,300 $ 426,946 $ 637,054 $ 592,408 107.5 %

Schedule VI - Supplemental Info

Schedule VI - Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
SEC Schedule, 12-18, Supplemental Information, Property-Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract]
Schedule VI - Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations	EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES Schedule VI – Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations For Years Ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 ($ in thousands) Deferred Reserves for Discount, if Unearned Earned Net Year ended December 31, 2018 $ 44,760 $ 777,190 $ — $ 268,511 $ 645,183 $ 47,593 Year ended December 31, 2017 $ 41,114 $ 732,612 $ — $ 257,797 $ 607,158 $ 45,441 Year ended December 31, 2016 $ 40,939 $ 690,532 $ — $ 244,885 $ 592,408 $ 47,477 Losses and settlement Amortization of Paid losses and settlement expenses Premiums ($ in thousands) Current year Prior years Year ended December 31, 2018 $ 475,843 $ (18,684 ) $ 115,803 $ 417,135 $ 661,043 Year ended December 31, 2017 $ 441,588 $ (19,619 ) $ 108,910 $ 392,586 $ 616,301 Year ended December 31, 2016 $ 427,838 $ (40,941 ) $ 108,403 $ 372,888 $ 594,703

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Description of Business	Description of Business EMC Insurance Group Inc., a majority owned subsidiary of Employers Mutual Casualty Company (Employers Mutual), is an insurance holding company with operations in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance. The Company conducts its property and casualty insurance operations through the following subsidiaries: EMCASCO Insurance Company, Illinois EMCASCO Insurance Company and Dakota Fire Insurance Company, and its reinsurance operations through its subsidiary, EMC Reinsurance Company. The Company also has an excess and surplus lines insurance agency subsidiary, EMC Underwriters, LLC. The term “Company” is used interchangeably to describe EMC Insurance Group Inc. (Parent Company only) and EMC Insurance Group Inc. and its subsidiaries. The Company writes property and casualty insurance in both commercial and personal lines of insurance, with a focus on medium-sized commercial accounts; however, on October 29, 2018, the Company, Employers Mutual and their subsidiary 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. Approximately 36 percent of the premiums written are in Iowa and contiguous states. The Company’s reinsurance business is primarily written through a quota share reinsurance agreement with Employers Mutual. A small portion of the assumed reinsurance business is written on a direct basis, outside the quota share reinsurance agreement.
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation The consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP), which differ in some respects from those followed in reports to insurance regulatory authorities. All significant inter-company balances and transactions have been eliminated. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, as well as the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. The Company has evaluated all subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued.
Accounting Pronouncements Adopted	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 on 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 begin reporting 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 (loss) amounts reported, as other income and other underwriting expenses increased by the same amount ( $7.5 million , $5.1 million and $4.8 million for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , 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 December 31, 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 in 2018. In August 2018, the FASB issued updated 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 adopted these disclosure modifications in 2018.
Property and Casualty Insurance and Reinsurance Operations	Property and Casualty Insurance and Reinsurance Operations Premiums written is the amount charged for policies issued during a reporting period. Property and casualty insurance premiums are recognized as revenue ratably over the terms of the respective policies. Unearned premiums are calculated on the daily pro rata method. Both domestic and foreign assumed reinsurance premiums are recognized as revenues ratably over the terms of the related contracts and underlying policies. Amounts paid as ceded reinsurance premiums are reported as prepaid reinsurance premiums and are amortized over the remaining contract period in proportion to the amount of reinsurance protection provided. Reinsurance reinstatement premiums are recognized in the same period as the loss event that gave rise to the reinstatement premiums. Costs related to the acquisition of insurance contracts are deferred and amortized to expense as the associated premium revenue is recognized. Only incremental costs and costs directly related to the successful acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts are capitalized. Accordingly, acquisition costs consist of commissions, premium taxes, and salary and benefit expenses (beginning in 2018, only the service cost component is included from the pension and postretirement benefit plans) of employees directly involved in the underwriting of insurance policies that are successfully issued. The method followed in computing deferred policy acquisition costs limits the amount of such deferred costs to the estimated realizable value. In determining estimated realizable value, the computation gives effect to the premium to be earned, related investment income, anticipated losses and settlement expenses, anticipated policyholder dividends, and certain other costs expected to be incurred to administer the insurance policies as the premium is earned. The anticipated losses and settlement expenses are not discounted and are based on the Company’s projected loss and settlement expense ratios for the next twelve months, which include catastrophe loads based on historical results adjusted for recent trends. The occurrence of a significant catastrophic event, and/or the accumulation of catastrophe losses would not have a direct impact on the determination of premium deficiencies; however, such occurrences would be included in the historical results that are used to establish the catastrophe loads. A premium deficiency is first recognized by expensing the amount of unamortized deferred policy acquisition costs necessary to eliminate the deficiency. If the premium deficiency is greater than the unamortized deferred policy acquisition costs, a liability is accrued for the excess deficiency. The Company did not record a premium deficiency for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 or 2016 . Certain commercial lines of business written by the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries, including workers’ compensation, are eligible for policyholder dividends in accordance with provisions of the underlying insurance policies. Net premiums written subject to policyholder dividends represented approximately 32 percent and 26 percent of the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries’ total net commercial line premiums written in 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Policyholder dividends are accrued over the terms of the underlying policy periods. Liabilities for losses reflect losses incurred through the balance sheet date and are based upon the estimated ultimate loss ratios established by line of business and accident year, and estimates of losses expected under assumed reinsurance contracts. Liabilities for settlement expenses are provided by estimating expenses expected to be incurred in settling the claims provided for in the loss reserves. Changes in reserve estimates are reflected in net income in the year such changes are recorded (see note 4). Ceded reinsurance amounts with nonaffiliated reinsurers relating to reinsurance receivables for unpaid losses and settlement expenses and prepaid reinsurance premiums are reported on the balance sheet on a gross basis. Amounts ceded to Employers Mutual under the affiliated reinsurance pooling agreement and the inter-company reinsurance programs (see note 2) have not been grossed up because the contracts provide that receivables and payables may be offset upon settlement. Based on current information, the liabilities for losses and settlement expenses are considered to be adequate. Since the provisions are necessarily based on estimates, the ultimate liabilities may be more or less than such provisions.
Investments	Investments Currently, all fixed maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity, net of deferred income taxes. Beginning January 1, 2018, equity securities (excluding those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that are consolidated) are measured at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income. However, equity investments that do not have a readily determinable fair value are measured at cost less impairment. Prior to 2018, equity securities were classified as available-for-sale and were carried at fair value, with unrealized holding gains and losses reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity, net of deferred income taxes. Other long-term investments primarily consist of holdings in limited partnerships, and privately placed common and non-redeemable convertible preferred stock in start-up technology companies with ties to the insurance industry. The equity method of accounting is used for these investments, with changes in the carrying value recorded as realized investment gains (losses). Also included in other long-term investments are holdings in limited liability companies that convey renewable energy tax credits that are carried at amortized cost. Short-term investments generally include money market funds, U.S. Treasury bills and commercial paper that are carried at fair value, which approximates cost. The Company participates in a reverse repurchase arrangement involving the purchase of investment securities from third-party sellers, with the agreement that the purchased securities be sold back to the third-party sellers for agreed-upon prices at specified future dates. The third-party sellers are required to pledge collateral with a value greater than the amount of cash received in the transactions. In accordance with GAAP, the investment securities purchased under the reverse repurchase agreements are not reflected in the Company's consolidated balance sheets, but instead a receivable is recorded for the principal amount lent. Net proceeds/disbursements related to the reverse repurchase transactions are reported as a component of investing activities in the consolidated statements of cash flows, and the income as a component of operating activities. The Company uses independent pricing sources to obtain the estimated fair value of securities. Fair values are 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 investment. The fair values obtained from independent pricing sources are reviewed for reasonableness and any discrepancies are investigated for final valuation (see note 8). The Company uses the practical expedient of net asset value per share to measure fair value of its private equity arrangements (referred to as investment funds) and the pooled separate account investments in Employers Mutual's qualified pension plan (see notes 8 & 12). Premiums and discounts on fixed maturity securities are amortized over the expected life of the security as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method . Amortization of premiums and discounts on mortgage-backed securities incorporate prepayment assumptions to estimate expected lives. Prepayment assumptions are reviewed quarterly and adjusted as necessary. Gains and losses realized on the disposition of investments are included in net income. The cost of investments sold is determined on the specific identification method using the highest cost basis first. Included in investments at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are securities on deposit with various regulatory authorities as required by law amounting to $11.6 million and $11.3 million , respectively. The Company regularly monitors its investment portfolio for investments whose fair value is less than the carrying value for indications of “other-than-temporary” impairment (except for, beginning in 2018, equity securities carried at fair value, with changes in fair value recognized in net income). Several factors are used to determine whether the carrying value of an individual investment has been “other-than-temporarily” impaired. Such factors include, but are not limited to (1) the investment’s value and performance in the context of the overall markets, (2) length of time and extent the investment’s fair value has been below carrying value, (3) key corporate events, and (4) for fixed maturity securities, the amount of collateral available. For fixed maturity securities, if the present value of cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost of the security, a credit loss is deemed to exist and the security is considered “other-than-temporarily” impaired. The portion of the impairment related to a credit loss is recognized through earnings, and the portion of the impairment related to other factors, if any, is recognized through “other comprehensive income”. Alternatively, if the Company has the intent to sell a fixed maturity security that is in an unrealized loss position, or determines that it will "more likely than not" be required to sell a fixed maturity security that is in an unrealized loss position before recovery of its amortized cost basis, then the carrying value is reduced to fair value and the entire amount of the impairment is recognized through earnings.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company files a consolidated Federal income tax return with its subsidiaries. Consolidated income taxes/benefits are allocated among the entities based upon separate tax liabilities. Deferred income taxes are provided for temporary differences between the tax basis of assets and liabilities and the reported amounts of those assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Income tax expense provisions increase or decrease in the same period in which a change in tax rates is enacted. A valuation allowance is established to reduce deferred tax assets to their net realizable value if it is “more likely than not” that a tax benefit will not be realized. In February 2018, the FASB issued updated guidance in Income Statement-Comprehensive Income Topic 220 of the ASC. The objective of this update was to allow a reclassification from accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (TCJA), and requires certain disclosures about the stranded tax effects. The Company adopted this guidance for the 2017 reporting period, and elected to transfer the stranded tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income to retained earnings as reflected in the consolidated statements of stockholders' equity. The Company releases the tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income on an individual unit of account basis. An assessment of the Company’s current tax positions indicated no uncertainties that would warrant different recognition and valuation from that applied in the Company’s tax returns.
Stock-Based Compensation	Stock-Based Compensation The Company has a stock-based compensation plan for non-employee directors. Compensation expense under this plan is based upon the grant date fair value, and is recognized as the requisite service period is rendered. The Company has no other stock-based compensation plans of its own; however, Employers Mutual has several stock plans which utilize the common stock of the Company. The Company receives the current fair value for all shares issued under Employers Mutual's plans, and a portion of the compensation expense recognized by Employers Mutual is allocated to the Company’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries though their participation in the pooling agreement (see note 2). For granted options and restricted stock awards, compensation expense is based upon the grant date fair value, and is recognized as the requisite service period is rendered. For granted restricted stock units, the expense is determined in accordance with the liability-based model, whereby Employers Mutual records a liability representing the current value of the Company's stock granted for the portion of the service period that has been rendered (both the liability and the resulting expense are allocated to the Company's property and casualty insurance subsidiaries through the pooling agreement). Excess tax benefits (deficiencies) related to non-qualified stock option activities allocated to the Company's property and casualty insurance subsidiaries through the pooling agreement are recognized through the consolidated statements of income as components of current and deferred income taxes, with the associated cash flows reflected as cash flows from operating activities. Because a portion of Employers Mutual’s stock compensation expense is reflected in the Company’s financial statements and issuances of the Company’s stock under Employers Mutual’s stock plans have an impact on the Company’s capital accounts, the disclosures required by the Compensation – Stock Compensation Topic 718 of the FASB ASC are included in the Company’s consolidated financial statements (see note 13).
Employee Retirement Plans	Employee Retirement Plans Employers Mutual has various employee benefit plans, including two defined benefit pension plans, and two postretirement benefit plans that provide retiree healthcare and life insurance benefits. Although the Company has no employees of its own, it is responsible for its share of the plans' expenses and related prepaid assets and liabilities (the "funded status") as determined under the terms of the pooling agreement. Accordingly, the Company recognizes its share of the funded status of Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans on its balance sheet. In addition, the Company is responsible for its share of costs of these plans allocated by Employers Mutual to subsidiaries that do not participate in the pooling agreement (see note 2).
Accounts Receivable	Accounts Receivable The accounts receivable balance consists of assumed reinsurance premiums receivable (net of any commissions) on business written directly by the reinsurance subsidiary, and commission income receivable on excess and surplus lines business marketed by EMC Underwriters, LLC. These receivables are carried at their initial recognition amounts. It is the Company’s policy to reflect the impairment of receivables through a valuation allowance until ultimately collected or charged-off. No valuation allowance is currently carried, as no amounts are deemed impaired. No interest income, other fees, or deferred costs related to these receivables are assessed or recognized.
Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposure	Off-Balance-Sheet Credit Exposure Employers Mutual collects from agents, policyholders and ceding companies all premiums written associated with the insurance business produced by the pool participants and the assumed reinsurance business ceded to the reinsurance subsidiary. Employers Mutual also collects from its reinsurers all losses and settlement expenses recoverable under the reinsurance contracts protecting the pool participants and the reinsurance subsidiary (see note 2), as well as the fronting business ceded to the reinsurance subsidiary. Employers Mutual settles with the pool participants (monthly) and the reinsurance subsidiary (quarterly) the premiums written from these insurance policies and the paid losses and settlement expenses recoverable under the external reinsurance contracts, providing full credit for the premiums written and the paid losses and settlement expenses recoverable under the external reinsurance contracts generated during the period (not just the collected portion). Due to this arrangement, and since a significant portion of the premium balances are collected over the course of the underlying coverage periods, Employers Mutual carries a substantial receivable balance for insurance and reinsurance premiums in process of collection and, to a lesser extent, paid losses and settlement expenses recoverable from the external reinsurance companies. Any of these receivable amounts that are ultimately deemed to be uncollectible are charged-off by Employers Mutual and the expense is charged to the reinsurance subsidiary or allocated to the pool members on the basis of pool participation. As a result, the Company has off-balance sheet arrangements with an unconsolidated entity that results in credit-risk exposures (Employers Mutual’s insurance and reinsurance premium receivable balances, and paid loss and settlement expense recoverable amounts) that are not reflected in the Company’s financial statements. The average annual expense for such charge-offs allocated to the Company over the past ten years is $414,000 . Based on this historical data, this credit-risk exposure is not considered to be material to the Company’s results of operations or financial position and, accordingly, no loss contingency liability has been recorded.
Foreign Currency Transactions	Foreign Currency Transactions Included in the underlying reinsurance business assumed by the reinsurance subsidiary are reinsurance transactions conducted with foreign cedants denominated in their local functional currencies. In accordance with the terms of the quota share agreement (see note 2), the reinsurance subsidiary assumes all foreign currency exchange gains/losses associated with contracts that are subject to the quota share agreement. The reinsurance subsidiary also has foreign currency exchange gains/losses associated with the business assumed outside the quota share agreement. The assets and liabilities resulting from these foreign reinsurance transactions are reported in U.S. dollars based on the foreign currency exchange rates that existed at the balance sheet dates. The foreign currency exchange rate gains/losses reported in the consolidated statements of income that resulted from these foreign reinsurance transactions are reported in U.S. dollars re-measured from the foreign currency exchange rates that existed at the inception of each reinsurance contract. The foreign currency exchange rate gains/losses resulting from these re-measurements to U.S. dollars are reported as a component of other income in the consolidated statements of income.
Net Income (Loss) Per Share - Basic and Diluted	Net Income Per Share - Basic and Diluted The Company’s basic and diluted net income per share is computed by dividing net income by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during each period. As previously noted, the Company receives the current fair value for all shares issued under Employers Mutual’s stock plans. As a result, with the exception of the immaterial number of shares of outstanding non-vested restricted stock issued to the Company's non-employee directors, the Company had no potential common shares outstanding during 2018 , 2017 or 2016 that would have been dilutive to the calculation of net income per share. The outstanding non-vested restricted stock issued to the Company's non-employee directors is not material enough to produce a diluted net income per share different from the basic net income per share; therefore, the Company does not disclose an amount for the diluted weighted average number of common shares outstanding.
Goodwill	Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of cost over the fair value of net assets of acquired subsidiaries. Goodwill is not amortized, but is instead subject to impairment if the carrying value of the goodwill exceeds the estimated fair value of net assets. If the carrying amount of the reporting unit (including goodwill) exceeds the computed fair value, an impairment loss is recognized through the income statement equal to the excess amount, but not greater than the balance of the goodwill. Goodwill was not deemed to be impaired in 2018 , 2017 or 2016 .
Exit Cost Obligations	Exit Cost Obligations As noted earlier, on October 29, 2018, the EMC Insurance Companies announced that they had made a strategic decision to exit personal lines business. Personal lines premiums written represent approximately six percent of the Company's total premiums written. This exit process is expected to conclude during the first quarter of 2020, and is contained entirely within the property and casualty insurance segment. Over the course of this exit, the Company expects to incur, as its share through the pooling agreement, approximately $1.2 million of expense associated with severance costs, and $729,000 from the write-off of personal lines software that was in development. Total exit cost expenses recorded in 2018 were $967,000 . Other related costs, including job search assistance, are deemed immaterial.
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 will not 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 is not applicable to the Company's equity investments. 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.

REINSURANCE (Tables)

REINSURANCE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 years ended December 31, 2018 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. Year ended December 31, 2018 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 408,821 $ — $ 408,821 Assumed from nonaffiliates 4,550 165,747 170,297 Assumed from affiliates 542,480 — 542,480 Ceded to nonaffiliates (29,165 ) (9,979 ) (39,144 ) Ceded to affiliates (416,161 ) (5,250 ) (421,411 ) Net premiums written $ 510,525 $ 150,518 $ 661,043 Premiums earned Direct $ 399,660 $ — $ 399,660 Assumed from nonaffiliates 4,482 165,052 169,534 Assumed from affiliates 531,384 — 531,384 Ceded to nonaffiliates (33,079 ) (10,066 ) (43,145 ) Ceded to affiliates (407,000 ) (5,250 ) (412,250 ) Net premiums earned $ 495,447 $ 149,736 $ 645,183 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 225,676 $ — $ 225,676 Assumed from nonaffiliates 3,470 128,354 131,824 Assumed from affiliates 352,423 1,306 353,729 Ceded to nonaffiliates (17,800 ) (10,049 ) (27,849 ) Ceded to affiliates (230,848 ) 4,627 (226,221 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 332,921 $ 124,238 $ 457,159 Year ended December 31, 2017 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 391,029 $ — $ 391,029 Assumed from nonaffiliates 4,454 147,284 151,738 Assumed from affiliates 520,932 — 520,932 Ceded to nonaffiliates (34,019 ) (10,160 ) (44,179 ) Ceded to affiliates (398,369 ) (4,850 ) (403,219 ) Net premiums written $ 484,027 $ 132,274 $ 616,301 Premiums earned Direct $ 384,993 $ — $ 384,993 Assumed from nonaffiliates 4,299 149,952 154,251 Assumed from affiliates 505,795 — 505,795 Ceded to nonaffiliates (30,385 ) (10,313 ) (40,698 ) Ceded to affiliates (392,333 ) (4,850 ) (397,183 ) Net premiums earned $ 472,369 $ 134,789 $ 607,158 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 252,007 $ — $ 252,007 Assumed from nonaffiliates 2,879 142,687 145,566 Assumed from affiliates 334,240 1,330 335,570 Ceded to nonaffiliates (14,968 ) (8,183 ) (23,151 ) Ceded to affiliates (271,185 ) (16,838 ) (288,023 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 302,973 $ 118,996 $ 421,969 Year ended December 31, 2016 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 383,811 $ — $ 383,811 Assumed from nonaffiliates 4,544 146,236 150,780 Assumed from affiliates 491,315 — 491,315 Ceded to nonaffiliates (24,346 ) (10,126 ) (34,472 ) Ceded to affiliates (391,651 ) (5,080 ) (396,731 ) Net premiums written $ 463,673 $ 131,030 $ 594,703 Premiums earned Direct $ 382,300 $ — $ 382,300 Assumed from nonaffiliates 4,444 148,851 153,295 Assumed from affiliates 483,759 — 483,759 Ceded to nonaffiliates (23,896 ) (7,830 ) (31,726 ) Ceded to affiliates (390,140 ) (5,080 ) (395,220 ) Net premiums earned $ 456,467 $ 135,941 $ 592,408 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 229,859 $ — $ 229,859 Assumed from nonaffiliates 2,712 93,306 96,018 Assumed from affiliates 304,007 1,811 305,818 Ceded to nonaffiliates (4,891 ) (3,056 ) (7,947 ) Ceded to affiliates (237,318 ) 467 (236,851 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 294,369 $ 92,528 $ 386,897

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETT_2

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETTLEMENT EXPENSES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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. Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Gross reserves at beginning of year $ 732,612 $ 690,532 $ 678,774 Re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates 525 (1,913 ) (2,475 ) Less ceded reserves at beginning of year 30,923 20,664 23,477 Net reserves at beginning of year 701,164 671,781 657,772 Incurred losses and settlement expenses related to: Current year 475,843 441,588 427,838 Prior years (18,684 ) (19,619 ) (40,941 ) Total incurred losses and settlement expenses 457,159 421,969 386,897 Paid losses and settlement expenses related to: Current year 180,230 179,354 172,652 Prior years 236,905 213,232 200,236 Total paid losses and settlement expenses 417,135 392,586 372,888 Net reserves at end of year 741,188 701,164 671,781 Plus ceded reserves at end of year 36,595 30,923 20,664 Re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates (593 ) 525 (1,913 ) Gross reserves at end of year $ 777,190 $ 732,612 $ 690,532
Short-duration insurance contracts, claims development	($ in thousands) Commercial auto liability insurance Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, As of December 31, 2018 Supplementary unaudited information Audited Audited Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 IBNR Cumulative 2009 $ 28,973 $ 27,923 $ 26,667 $ 25,370 $ 24,986 $ 24,874 $ 24,730 $ 24,655 $ 24,697 $ 24,677 $ — 10,482 2010 30,377 27,480 26,478 26,401 26,252 26,479 26,166 26,166 26,159 2 11,393 2011 32,775 29,790 31,098 31,961 31,914 31,635 31,638 31,286 — 11,768 2012 32,768 34,235 37,098 37,681 37,693 37,753 37,739 7 11,943 2013 37,265 40,382 42,086 42,336 43,159 43,328 20 13,640 2014 50,342 49,998 51,455 51,933 51,491 390 15,071 2015 53,883 57,824 58,627 59,054 919 16,541 2016 59,468 61,188 62,051 3,451 16,978 2017 63,909 64,187 9,011 16,468 2018 70,269 22,856 15,759 Total $ 470,241 Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, Supplementary unaudited information Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2009 $ 6,952 $ 12,957 $ 17,359 $ 21,532 $ 24,001 $ 24,495 $ 24,593 $ 24,608 $ 24,628 $ 24,634 2010 7,025 13,278 19,274 23,547 24,674 25,558 26,039 26,088 26,105 2011 6,801 14,875 22,206 26,598 29,121 30,293 30,878 31,146 2012 8,830 19,398 26,023 32,636 35,406 36,541 37,125 2013 8,729 19,975 29,997 36,232 40,807 42,364 2014 12,069 25,746 37,433 44,783 48,467 2015 13,336 27,424 39,478 50,675 2016 13,583 30,233 43,169 2017 14,474 31,056 2018 15,064 Total $ 349,805 All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance (38 ) Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance $ 120,398 ($ in thousands) Commercial property insurance Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, As of December 31, 2018 Supplementary unaudited information Audited Audited Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 IBNR Cumulative 2009 $ 39,511 $ 36,003 $ 35,985 $ 35,881 $ 35,622 $ 35,926 $ 36,056 $ 36,020 $ 36,292 $ 36,351 $ — 14,657 2010 40,422 38,650 38,770 39,071 39,154 39,379 39,428 39,347 39,423 1 16,278 2011 58,930 57,614 57,271 57,629 57,703 58,375 58,148 58,122 — 19,511 2012 41,535 44,157 45,313 46,273 46,566 46,750 46,880 (8 ) 16,072 2013 50,266 50,976 52,511 53,070 52,966 52,432 (15 ) 16,012 2014 60,018 60,990 60,662 60,867 60,250 38 16,755 2015 55,508 56,798 55,659 55,027 (110 ) 14,403 2016 59,708 58,343 58,227 (91 ) 14,978 2017 55,459 54,357 (122 ) 15,006 2018 63,623 2,353 12,946 Total $ 524,692 Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, Supplementary unaudited information Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2009 $ 25,321 $ 32,602 $ 34,624 $ 35,422 $ 35,803 $ 35,803 $ 35,849 $ 35,893 $ 36,224 $ 36,246 2010 28,032 35,730 36,931 37,926 38,901 39,314 39,318 39,323 39,368 2011 41,524 53,226 54,803 56,249 57,065 57,607 58,106 58,116 2012 32,879 41,862 43,628 44,543 46,270 46,562 46,708 2013 36,555 47,683 50,460 51,457 52,182 52,266 2014 43,022 55,679 58,045 59,255 59,815 2015 37,208 50,068 52,444 53,405 2016 41,652 51,103 54,681 2017 38,114 50,280 2018 43,619 Total $ 494,504 All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance 25 Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance $ 30,213 ($ in thousands) Workers' compensation insurance Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, As of December 31, 2018 Supplementary unaudited information Audited Audited Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 IBNR Cumulative 2009 $ 46,130 $ 43,335 $ 44,098 $ 44,041 $ 44,093 $ 43,590 $ 43,724 $ 42,774 $ 43,417 $ 43,217 $ 1,443 19,242 2010 46,328 49,336 50,057 49,906 49,851 50,069 49,145 49,435 48,884 1,822 19,631 2011 47,836 46,724 44,709 44,506 44,427 43,695 44,056 44,070 1,948 19,574 2012 51,099 50,094 47,756 46,928 45,088 45,276 45,402 1,836 19,395 2013 52,141 51,637 48,946 46,102 45,949 45,910 2,290 19,866 2014 51,515 50,973 47,472 47,836 46,722 2,190 19,473 2015 54,960 48,919 47,227 47,755 2,335 19,227 2016 57,832 48,276 47,719 2,418 20,325 2017 52,409 55,312 3,938 22,061 2018 59,480 6,828 21,734 Total $ 484,471 Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, Supplementary unaudited information Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2009 $ 11,879 $ 25,157 $ 31,802 $ 35,363 $ 37,409 $ 38,329 $ 39,167 $ 39,583 $ 39,908 $ 40,223 2010 14,237 28,074 35,029 39,001 41,437 42,651 43,614 44,175 44,669 2011 13,291 26,291 32,237 35,295 37,027 38,437 39,167 39,652 2012 14,015 28,109 33,943 37,307 39,456 40,292 41,092 2013 14,917 29,219 35,061 37,907 39,254 40,061 2014 14,692 28,894 35,883 39,046 40,941 2015 14,956 29,023 35,458 39,310 2016 15,473 29,592 35,778 2017 16,863 33,234 2018 19,075 Total $ 374,035 All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance 34,313 Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance $ 144,749 ($ in thousands) Other liability insurance Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, As of December 31, 2018 Supplementary unaudited information Audited Audited Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 IBNR Cumulative 2009 $ 44,497 $ 39,908 $ 37,650 $ 34,263 $ 35,614 $ 32,827 $ 32,384 $ 32,521 $ 32,063 $ 31,739 $ 115 9,855 2010 41,624 36,213 34,655 38,829 36,137 34,655 34,556 33,736 33,359 449 10,155 2011 44,490 42,982 35,125 35,177 33,649 32,452 31,711 31,346 400 10,011 2012 42,661 42,081 41,139 40,275 37,093 37,180 38,050 668 10,073 2013 47,974 43,837 42,544 42,187 39,175 37,055 1,219 10,616 2014 61,382 54,403 52,601 51,047 50,950 2,214 10,966 2015 54,221 47,553 43,379 40,300 3,048 10,709 2016 59,052 56,384 57,388 9,177 10,708 2017 59,420 57,714 13,844 10,032 2018 63,505 27,373 9,852 Total $ 441,406 Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, Supplementary unaudited information Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2009 $ 3,294 $ 10,707 $ 16,718 $ 22,276 $ 26,255 $ 28,172 $ 29,722 $ 30,176 $ 30,488 $ 30,993 2010 3,403 8,315 15,041 21,732 27,612 29,688 30,711 31,776 32,083 2011 4,730 10,572 17,308 22,154 25,647 28,228 29,060 29,608 2012 4,720 12,851 19,661 25,095 29,651 32,753 35,903 2013 4,414 11,894 21,122 27,642 31,752 33,350 2014 5,630 17,267 27,506 35,318 40,036 2015 4,331 11,588 19,022 26,309 2016 6,403 18,784 28,638 2017 6,322 16,555 2018 5,955 Total $ 279,430 All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance 12,100 Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance $ 174,076 ($ in thousands) Personal auto liability insurance Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, As of December 31, 2018 Supplementary unaudited information Audited Audited Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 IBNR Cumulative 2009 $ 10,168 $ 9,653 $ 9,452 $ 9,386 $ 9,353 $ 9,382 $ 9,339 $ 9,325 $ 9,312 $ 9,311 $ (1 ) 7,524 2010 9,815 9,851 9,736 9,698 9,700 9,656 9,676 9,649 9,638 (1 ) 7,438 2011 9,741 9,388 9,331 9,432 9,460 9,311 9,413 9,365 (2 ) 8,052 2012 10,917 10,756 11,023 10,731 10,537 10,626 10,610 (3 ) 7,875 2013 10,492 10,384 10,376 10,085 10,085 10,060 (1 ) 7,237 2014 10,573 9,631 9,331 9,204 9,113 (42 ) 6,316 2015 9,119 8,638 8,378 8,225 (18 ) 5,670 2016 7,404 6,584 6,490 (1 ) 4,720 2017 7,043 7,213 (13 ) 4,728 2018 7,002 487 4,687 Total $ 87,027 Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, Supplementary unaudited information Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2009 $ 3,564 $ 6,393 $ 7,966 $ 8,905 $ 9,049 $ 9,194 $ 9,204 $ 9,278 $ 9,314 $ 9,313 2010 3,988 6,666 8,250 9,108 9,401 9,562 9,632 9,631 9,636 2011 3,950 6,842 8,129 8,883 9,038 9,153 9,335 9,367 2012 4,779 7,439 9,091 9,871 10,244 10,415 10,565 2013 4,377 7,521 8,985 9,648 9,932 10,021 2014 3,970 6,392 7,755 8,598 8,992 2015 3,800 6,229 7,535 7,975 2016 3,505 5,427 6,046 2017 3,467 5,735 2018 3,753 Total $ 81,403 All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance 8 Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance $ 5,632 ($ in thousands) Homeowners insurance Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, As of December 31, 2018 Supplementary unaudited information Audited Audited Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 IBNR Cumulative 2009 $ 18,109 $ 16,606 $ 16,467 $ 16,379 $ 16,352 $ 16,394 $ 16,465 $ 16,464 $ 16,467 $ 16,467 $ — 11,486 2010 17,875 17,523 17,074 17,053 17,093 17,129 17,146 17,139 17,132 — 12,147 2011 24,530 23,389 22,975 23,309 23,448 23,415 23,350 23,369 — 14,288 2012 16,057 16,496 16,836 16,929 16,892 16,879 16,925 — 10,141 2013 14,844 14,833 14,685 14,784 14,737 14,757 (5 ) 8,688 2014 13,228 13,328 13,447 13,427 13,332 (1 ) 7,427 2015 11,233 11,153 11,041 11,079 (45 ) 5,951 2016 11,801 11,377 11,397 (15 ) 7,318 2017 9,926 9,679 (84 ) 7,803 2018 9,496 (302 ) 4,900 Total $ 143,633 Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, Supplementary unaudited information Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2009 $ 12,645 $ 15,885 $ 16,135 $ 16,246 $ 16,288 $ 16,315 $ 16,421 $ 16,464 $ 16,467 $ 16,467 2010 13,457 16,633 16,909 17,011 17,128 17,128 17,130 17,132 17,132 2011 19,828 22,421 22,737 23,136 23,403 23,370 23,368 23,370 2012 13,759 16,283 16,582 16,793 16,859 16,905 16,926 2013 11,735 14,285 14,621 14,681 14,703 14,741 2014 11,065 13,025 13,215 13,269 13,295 2015 8,650 10,456 10,730 10,866 2016 10,573 10,869 11,243 2017 8,760 9,696 2018 8,175 Total $ 141,911 All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance — Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance $ 1,722 ($ in thousands) Auto physical damage insurance Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, As of December 31, 2018 Supplementary unaudited information Audited Audited Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 IBNR Cumulative 2009 $ 18,077 $ 16,744 $ 16,720 $ 16,639 $ 16,593 $ 16,605 $ 16,602 $ 16,587 $ 16,590 $ 16,582 $ (17 ) 29,427 2010 19,249 18,657 18,538 18,549 18,527 18,532 18,488 18,494 18,497 (22 ) 31,523 2011 21,965 21,003 20,919 20,917 20,915 20,877 20,867 20,859 (32 ) 34,397 2012 21,389 21,342 21,263 21,233 21,161 21,184 21,172 (40 ) 31,111 2013 22,847 22,553 22,486 22,371 22,408 22,353 (52 ) 31,042 2014 24,897 24,115 23,904 23,946 23,899 (75 ) 31,585 2015 27,950 26,612 26,331 26,224 (96 ) 30,672 2016 28,070 27,629 27,595 (158 ) 30,752 2017 28,523 28,589 (393 ) 31,486 2018 32,183 (567 ) 30,307 Total $ 237,953 Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, Supplementary unaudited information Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2009 $ 15,566 $ 16,661 $ 16,687 $ 16,636 $ 16,592 $ 16,603 $ 16,602 $ 16,601 $ 16,599 $ 16,599 2010 17,113 18,557 18,529 18,540 18,523 18,528 18,521 18,521 18,518 2011 19,849 20,984 20,912 20,904 20,912 20,900 20,892 20,889 2012 19,719 21,328 21,256 21,227 21,216 21,216 21,210 2013 20,774 22,512 22,463 22,417 22,408 22,403 2014 22,743 24,110 23,987 23,978 23,972 2015 24,483 26,538 26,327 26,308 2016 26,871 27,883 27,742 2017 27,452 29,050 2018 29,669 Total $ 236,360 All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance (3 ) Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance $ 1,590 ($ in thousands) Assumed pro rata reinsurance Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, As of December 31, 2018 Supplementary unaudited information Audited Audited Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 IBNR Cumulative 2009 $ 23,731 $ 19,222 $ 18,302 $ 17,496 $ 17,323 $ 17,150 $ 17,088 $ 17,080 $ 17,059 $ 16,993 $ 173 Unavailable 2010 19,514 17,078 16,456 15,794 15,610 15,396 15,347 15,340 15,313 95 2011 30,093 30,057 29,604 28,838 28,228 28,209 28,110 27,800 117 2012 21,935 21,282 20,823 18,158 17,592 17,380 17,560 296 2013 23,183 29,921 27,260 26,664 25,173 24,428 1,215 2014 31,262 27,525 27,771 26,160 26,300 571 2015 38,311 35,180 34,962 35,748 1,049 2016 35,696 39,143 38,526 4,568 2017 29,852 33,856 7,545 2018 23,689 11,484 Total $ 260,213 Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, Supplementary unaudited information Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2009 $ 6,073 $ 12,927 $ 14,538 $ 15,364 $ 15,900 $ 16,159 $ 16,338 $ 16,526 $ 16,623 $ 16,654 2010 5,016 11,940 13,924 14,328 14,978 15,021 15,062 15,107 15,138 2011 10,178 22,859 26,541 27,270 27,677 27,748 27,810 27,911 2012 4,403 12,650 14,935 16,161 16,520 16,598 16,699 2013 3,845 12,491 17,744 20,871 21,601 22,483 2014 5,988 16,046 20,534 23,326 25,141 2015 9,531 21,932 30,205 31,552 2016 9,626 22,131 29,786 2017 7,645 20,289 2018 5,103 Total $ 210,756 All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance 2,648 Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance $ 52,105 ($ in thousands) Assumed excess of loss reinsurance Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, As of December 31, 2018 Supplementary unaudited information Audited Audited Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 IBNR Cumulative 2009 $ 38,883 $ 30,534 $ 29,969 $ 30,499 $ 30,150 $ 28,215 $ 27,895 $ 27,125 $ 26,905 $ 26,654 $ 989 Unavailable 2010 47,396 40,962 40,773 40,260 39,629 40,385 39,581 39,119 38,275 912 2011 72,077 61,702 60,873 59,276 59,018 58,632 58,213 57,851 1,143 2012 58,767 56,024 54,421 53,186 52,834 51,940 52,637 1,863 2013 52,392 47,375 44,812 44,658 44,541 43,766 2,283 2014 65,289 58,792 60,144 61,717 64,109 4,345 2015 59,837 54,788 51,570 53,235 4,858 2016 66,569 66,645 65,979 6,469 2017 91,769 85,061 7,724 2018 102,174 39,651 Total $ 589,741 Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance, for the years ended December 31, Supplementary unaudited information Audited Accident 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2009 $ 8,554 $ 15,885 $ 18,789 $ 20,995 $ 21,865 $ 22,214 $ 22,837 $ 23,015 $ 23,247 $ 23,748 2010 9,282 24,736 28,011 30,813 32,654 33,664 35,341 35,600 35,993 2011 25,313 42,175 47,902 50,549 52,546 53,840 54,562 55,137 2012 21,318 36,232 40,601 43,591 45,127 46,688 47,620 2013 11,695 27,477 33,188 37,467 39,246 40,368 2014 22,160 39,153 45,903 49,974 54,898 2015 13,381 30,273 36,617 41,608 2016 18,303 38,565 48,359 2017 27,837 56,197 2018 20,371 Total $ 424,299 All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance 18,857 Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance $ 184,299
Short-duration insurance contracts, reconciliation of claims development to liability	The following table sets forth a reconciliation of the incurred and paid claims development tables to the liability for losses and settlement expenses: ($ in thousands) December 31, 2018 Net outstanding liabilities for losses and allocated settlement expenses: Commercial auto liability insurance $ 120,398 Commercial property insurance 30,213 Workers' compensation insurance 144,749 Other liability insurance 174,076 Personal auto liability insurance 5,632 Homeowners insurance 1,722 Auto physical damage insurance 1,590 Assumed pro rata reinsurance 52,105 Assumed excess of loss reinsurance 184,299 Other lines of insurance 1,711 Liability for losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance 716,495 Ceded reserves for losses and allocated settlement expenses: Commercial auto liability insurance 841 Commercial property insurance 9,962 Workers' compensation insurance 12,956 Other liability insurance 3,830 Personal auto liability insurance 1,274 Homeowners insurance 275 Auto physical damage insurance 103 Assumed pro rata reinsurance 5,453 Assumed excess of loss reinsurance 1,109 Other lines of insurance 792 Total ceded reserves for losses and allocated settlement expenses 36,595 Unallocated settlement expenses 24,100 Gross reserve for losses and settlement expenses $ 777,190
Short-duration insurance contracts, schedule of historical claims duration	Average annual percentage payout of incurred claims by age, net of reinsurance Supplementary unaudited information Years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Commercial auto liability insurance 23.2 % 25.7 % 21.1 % 16.1 % 7.9 % 3.1 % 1.4 % 0.4 % 0.1 % 0.0 % Commercial property insurance 70.1 % 20.3 % 4.3 % 2.1 % 1.8 % 0.5 % 0.3 % 0.0 % 0.5 % 0.1 % Workers' compensation insurance 30.8 % 30.0 % 13.8 % 7.4 % 4.2 % 2.3 % 1.9 % 1.1 % 0.9 % 0.7 % Other liability insurance 11.3 % 19.8 % 19.9 % 16.9 % 12.3 % 6.6 % 4.8 % 2.1 % 1.0 % 1.6 % Personal auto liability insurance 45.6 % 29.2 % 14.7 % 8.0 % 2.8 % 1.4 % 1.0 % 0.4 % 0.3 % 0.0 % Homeowners insurance 83.1 % 13.9 % 2.0 % 0.9 % 0.5 % 0.1 % 0.2 % 0.1 % 0.0 % 0.0 % Auto physical damage insurance 94.2 % 6.4 % (0.3 )% (0.1 )% (0.1 )% 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % 0.0 % Assumed pro rata reinsurance 26.5 % 39.6 % 16.3 % 6.3 % 3.5 % 1.2 % 0.6 % 0.6 % 0.4 % 0.2 % Assumed excess of loss reinsurance 30.7 % 31.5 % 11.0 % 7.4 % 4.4 % 2.3 % 2.4 % 0.8 % 1.0 % 1.9 %

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summarized financial information for segments	Summarized financial information for the Company’s segments is as follows: Year ended December 31, 2018 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 495,447 $ 149,736 $ — $ 645,183 Underwriting profit (loss): SAP underwriting profit (loss) (15,177 ) (9,404 ) — (24,581 ) GAAP adjustments (1,342 ) 111 — (1,231 ) GAAP underwriting profit (loss) (16,519 ) (9,293 ) — (25,812 ) Net investment income 34,070 13,523 44 47,637 Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized gains on equity investments (28,227 ) (12,935 ) (90 ) (41,252 ) Other income (loss) 8,444 715 — 9,159 Interest expense 654 — — 654 Other expenses 1,202 — 2,552 3,754 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ (4,088 ) $ (7,990 ) $ (2,598 ) $ (14,676 ) Assets $ 1,191,286 $ 485,270 $ 565,905 $ 2,242,461 Eliminations — — (556,977 ) (556,977 ) Reclassifications — — (6 ) (6 ) Total assets $ 1,191,286 $ 485,270 $ 8,922 $ 1,685,478 Year ended December 31, 2017 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 472,369 $ 134,789 $ — $ 607,158 Underwriting profit (loss): SAP underwriting profit (loss) 2,702 (15,386 ) — (12,684 ) GAAP adjustments 105 (670 ) — (565 ) GAAP underwriting profit (loss) 2,807 (16,056 ) — (13,249 ) Net investment income 32,670 12,771 38 45,479 Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized gains on equity investments 4,896 1,660 — 6,556 Other income (loss) 6,283 (1,519 ) — 4,764 Interest expense 337 — — 337 Other expenses 1,128 — 2,269 3,397 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 45,191 $ (3,144 ) $ (2,231 ) $ 39,816 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 Year ended December 31, 2016 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 456,467 $ 135,941 $ — $ 592,408 Underwriting profit (loss): SAP underwriting profit (loss) 4,276 11,377 — 15,653 GAAP adjustments (5,743 ) (1,023 ) — (6,766 ) GAAP underwriting profit (loss) (1,467 ) 10,354 — 8,887 Net investment income 33,886 13,591 13 47,490 Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized gains on equity investments 4,082 (8 ) — 4,074 Other income (loss) 5,403 417 — 5,820 Interest expense 337 — — 337 Other expenses 721 — 2,006 2,727 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 40,846 $ 24,354 $ (1,993 ) $ 63,207
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 years ended December 31, 2018 , by line of insurance. Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Property and casualty insurance Commercial lines: Automobile $ 128,496 $ 118,224 $ 110,941 Property 108,525 108,162 105,012 Workers' compensation 99,699 100,552 96,517 Other liability 110,400 98,674 96,630 Other 9,256 8,719 8,374 Total commercial lines 456,376 434,331 417,474 Personal lines 39,071 38,038 38,993 Total property and casualty insurance $ 495,447 $ 472,369 $ 456,467 Reinsurance Pro rata reinsurance $ 44,610 $ 44,636 $ 56,317 Excess of loss reinsurance 105,126 90,153 79,624 Total reinsurance $ 149,736 $ 134,789 $ 135,941 Consolidated $ 645,183 $ 607,158 $ 592,408

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA_2

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments	The carrying amounts and the estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 are summarized in the tables below. December 31, 2018 Carrying Estimated ($ in thousands) Assets: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: U.S. treasury $ 8,021 $ 8,021 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 304,479 304,479 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 283,651 283,651 Commercial mortgage-backed 84,379 84,379 Residential mortgage-backed 162,137 162,137 Other asset-backed 20,834 20,834 Corporate 419,408 419,408 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,282,909 1,282,909 Equity investments, at fair value: Common stocks: Financial services 41,839 41,839 Information technology 31,581 31,581 Healthcare 34,571 34,571 Consumer staples 13,180 13,180 Consumer discretionary 22,765 22,765 Energy 13,372 13,372 Industrials 19,389 19,389 Other 14,371 14,371 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 16,654 16,654 Investment funds 7,641 7,641 Total equity investments 215,363 215,363 Short-term investments 28,204 28,204 Liabilities: Surplus notes 25,000 15,259 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 December 31, 2018 and 2017 . December 31, 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 $ 8,021 $ — $ — $ 8,021 $ — U.S. government-sponsored agencies 304,479 — — 304,479 — Obligations of states and political subdivisions 283,651 — — 283,651 — Commercial mortgage-backed 84,379 — — 84,379 — Residential mortgage-backed 162,137 — — 162,137 — Other asset-backed 20,834 — — 20,834 — Corporate 419,408 — — 419,149 259 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,282,909 — — 1,282,650 259 Equity investments, at fair value: Common stocks: Financial services 41,839 — 41,839 — — Information technology 31,581 — 31,581 — — Healthcare 34,571 — 34,571 — — Consumer staples 13,180 — 13,180 — — Consumer discretionary 22,765 — 22,765 — — Energy 13,372 — 13,372 — — Industrials 19,389 — 19,389 — — Other 14,371 — 14,371 — — Non-redeemable preferred stocks 16,654 — 10,325 6,329 — Investment funds 7,641 7,641 — — — Total equity investments 215,363 7,641 201,393 6,329 — Short-term investments 28,204 — 28,204 — — Financial instruments not reported at fair value: Liabilities: Surplus notes 15,259 — — — 15,259 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 years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 . Any unrealized gains or losses on fixed maturiy 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. Fair value measurements using significant ($ in thousands) Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate Equity securities, financial services Equity securities, non-redeemable preferred stocks Total Balance at December 31, 2016 $ 982 $ 3 $ 2,000 $ 2,985 Settlements (356 ) — — (356 ) Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) on securities still held at reporting date (6 ) — — (6 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 620 3 2,000 2,623 Settlements (361 ) — XXXX (361 ) Unrealized losses included in net income (loss) — (3 ) XXXX (3 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 259 $ — XXXX $ 259

INVESTMENTS (Tables)

INVESTMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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 December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows. All fixed maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. December 31, 2018 Amortized Gross Gross Estimated ($ in thousands) Securities available-for-sale: Fixed maturity securities: U.S. treasury $ 8,139 $ — $ 118 $ 8,021 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 303,198 2,799 1,518 304,479 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 273,727 10,375 451 283,651 Commercial mortgage-backed 83,854 1,287 762 84,379 Residential mortgage-backed 161,055 3,374 2,292 162,137 Other asset-backed 21,596 273 1,035 20,834 Corporate 421,563 2,605 4,760 419,408 Total fixed maturity securities $ 1,273,132 $ 20,713 $ 10,936 $ 1,282,909 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 December 31, 2018 and 2017 , listed by length of time the securities were consistently in an unrealized loss position. December 31, 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 $ — $ — $ 8,021 $ 118 $ 8,021 $ 118 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 14,620 20 92,603 1,498 107,223 1,518 Obligations of states and political subdivisions — — 14,498 451 14,498 451 Commercial mortgage-backed 2,021 21 24,222 741 26,243 762 Residential mortgage-backed 16,852 145 45,597 2,147 62,449 2,292 Other asset-backed 4,810 147 11,691 888 16,501 1,035 Corporate 198,030 2,996 45,734 1,764 243,764 4,760 Total fixed maturity securities $ 236,333 $ 3,329 $ 242,366 $ 7,607 $ 478,699 $ 10,936 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 December 31, 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 $ 32,551 $ 32,703 Due after one year through five years 240,690 241,229 Due after five years through ten years 320,118 320,931 Due after ten years 433,584 440,277 Securities not due at a single maturity date 246,189 247,769 Totals $ 1,273,132 $ 1,282,909
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: Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: Gross realized investment gains $ 324 $ 545 $ 2,054 Gross realized investment losses (18,872 ) (4,849 ) (2,829 ) Equity securities: Net realized investment gains, excluding "other-than-temporary" impairments 8,017 18,200 12,403 Change in unrealized investment gains (28,838 ) XXXX XXXX "Other-than-temporary" impairments XXXX (1,088 ) (1,055 ) Other long-term investments, net (1,883 ) (6,252 ) (6,499 ) Totals $ (41,252 ) $ 6,556 $ 4,074
Summary of net investment income	A summary of net investment income is as follows: Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Interest on fixed maturity securities $ 42,961 $ 39,992 $ 41,499 Dividends on equity securities 6,078 6,032 6,922 Income on reverse repurchase agreements 339 306 236 Interest on short-term investments 608 273 121 Return on long-term investments 134 1,126 514 Total investment income 50,120 47,729 49,292 Securities litigation income 14 12 111 Investment expenses (2,497 ) (2,262 ) (1,913 ) Net investment income $ 47,637 $ 45,479 $ 47,490
Summary of net changes in unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale	A summary of net changes in unrealized holding gains (losses) on securities available-for-sale is included in the table below. Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Fixed maturity securities $ (12,073 ) $ 11,676 $ (20,634 ) Deferred income tax expense (benefit) (2,534 ) 4,086 (7,222 ) Total fixed maturity securities (9,539 ) 7,590 (13,412 ) Equity securities XXXX 17,481 4,293 Deferred income tax expense (benefit) XXXX 6,119 1,502 Total equity securities XXXX 11,362 2,791 Total available-for-sale securities $ (9,539 ) $ 18,952 $ (10,621 )

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities [Table Text Block]	Temporary differences between the consolidated financial statement carrying amount and tax basis of assets and liabilities that give rise to significant portions of the deferred income tax asset (liability) at December 31, 2018 and 2017 are as follows: December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 Loss reserve discounting $ 8,520 $ 7,507 Unearned premium reserve limitation 10,915 10,284 Other policyholders' funds payable 1,849 2,103 Other, net 1,753 2,202 Total deferred income tax asset 23,037 22,096 Net unrealized holding gains on investment securities (13,614 ) (22,195 ) Deferred policy acquisition costs (9,400 ) (8,634 ) Retirement benefits (2,968 ) (3,714 ) Other, net (1,963 ) (2,573 ) Total deferred income tax liability (27,945 ) (37,116 ) Net deferred income tax liability $ (4,908 ) $ (15,020 )
Reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit)	The actual income tax expense benefit for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 differed from the “expected” income tax expense (benefit) for those years (computed by applying the United States federal corporate tax rate of 21 percent during 2018 and 35 percent during 2017 and 2016 to income (loss) before income tax) as follows: Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Computed "expected" income tax expense (benefit) $ (3,082 ) $ 13,936 $ 22,123 Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from: Deferred income tax benefit from enactment of the TCJA — (9,056 ) — Incremental benefit of net operating loss carry back (1,690 ) — — Tax-exempt interest income (1,183 ) (2,715 ) (2,803 ) Dividends received deduction (549 ) (1,291 ) (1,429 ) Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction 433 601 635 Investment tax credits (540 ) (672 ) (1,392 ) Other, net (597 ) (225 ) (130 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) $ (7,208 ) $ 578 $ 17,004
Schedule Of Components Of Comprehensive Income Tax Expense Benefit [Table Text Block]	Comprehensive income tax expense (benefit) included in the consolidated financial statements for the years ended December 31, 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows. The deferred income tax benefit that resulted from the enactment of the TCJA in 2017 is included in the "operations" line. Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Income tax expense (benefit) on: Operations $ (7,208 ) $ 578 $ 17,004 Change in unrealized holding gains on investment securities available-for-sale (2,534 ) 10,205 (5,720 ) Change in funded status of retirement benefit plans: Pension plans (1,071 ) 1,694 414 Postretirement benefit plans (524 ) (774 ) (1,345 ) Comprehensive income tax expense (benefit) $ (11,337 ) $ 11,703 $ 10,353

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Tabl

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Schedule of funded status of Employers Mutual's pension and postretirement benefit plans	The following table sets forth the funded status of Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans as of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , based upon measurement dates of December 31, 2018 and 2017 , respectively. Pension plans Postretirement benefit plans ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Change in projected benefit obligation: Benefit obligation at beginning of year $ 308,244 $ 284,194 $ 59,004 $ 55,651 Service cost 16,852 15,135 1,473 1,362 Interest cost 10,726 11,190 2,084 2,281 Actuarial (gain) loss (30,787 ) 12,577 (7,484 ) 3,278 Benefits paid (16,933 ) (14,852 ) (2,579 ) (2,455 ) Plan amendments — — — (1,113 ) Projected benefit obligation at end of year 288,102 308,244 52,498 59,004 Change in plan assets: Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year 349,004 300,915 75,658 67,809 Actual return on plan assets (24,325 ) 54,255 (4,311 ) 10,304 Employer contributions 9,009 8,686 — — Benefits paid (16,933 ) (14,852 ) (2,579 ) (2,455 ) Fair value of plan assets at end of year 316,755 349,004 68,768 75,658 Funded status $ 28,653 $ 40,760 $ 16,270 $ 16,654
Schedule of amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheet	Amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets: Pension plans Postretirement benefit plans ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Assets: Prepaid pension and postretirement benefits $ 12,603 $ 16,327 $ 5,088 $ 4,356 Liability: Pension and postretirement benefits (4,070 ) (4,185 ) — — Net amount recognized $ 8,533 $ 12,142 $ 5,088 $ 4,356
Schedule of amounts recognized in consolidated balance sheets under the caption accumulated other comprehensive income	Amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated balance sheets under the caption “accumulated other comprehensive income”, before deferred income taxes: Pension plans Postretirement benefit plans ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net actuarial loss $ (16,691 ) $ (11,598 ) $ (5,622 ) $ (4,950 ) Prior service credit — — 14,586 16,407 Net amount recognized $ (16,691 ) $ (11,598 ) $ 8,964 $ 11,457
Schedule of amounts recognized in consolidated statements of comprehensive income	Amounts recognized in the Company’s consolidated statements of comprehensive income, before deferred income taxes: Pension plans Postretirement benefit plans ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2018 2017 Net actuarial gain (loss) $ (5,093 ) $ 7,329 $ (672 ) $ 1,197 Prior service (cost) credit — 6 (1,821 ) (3,034 ) Net amount recognized $ (5,093 ) $ 7,335 $ (2,493 ) $ (1,837 )
Schedule of projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets	The following table sets forth the projected benefit obligation, accumulated benefit obligation and fair value of plan assets of Employers Mutual’s non-qualified pension plan. The amounts related to the qualified pension plan are not included since the plan assets exceeded the accumulated benefit obligation. Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 Projected benefit obligation $ 13,566 $ 13,950 Accumulated benefit obligation 11,882 12,272 Fair value of plan assets — —
Components of net periodic benefit cost	The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans is as follows: Year ended December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 2016 Pension plans: Service cost $ 16,852 $ 15,135 $ 14,432 Interest cost 10,726 11,190 10,161 Expected return on plan assets (24,052 ) (20,765 ) (19,361 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 537 3,643 4,311 Amortization of prior service cost — 20 31 Net periodic pension benefit cost $ 4,063 $ 9,223 $ 9,574 Postretirement benefit plans: Service cost $ 1,473 $ 1,362 $ 1,273 Interest cost 2,084 2,281 2,215 Expected return on plan assets (4,815 ) (4,311 ) (4,224 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 935 1,371 1,494 Amortization of prior service credit (11,129 ) (11,154 ) (11,338 ) Net periodic postretirement benefit income $ (11,452 ) $ (10,451 ) $ (10,580 )
Schedule of weighted-average assumptions used	The weighted-average assumptions used to measure the benefit obligations are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 Pension plans: Discount rate 4.24 % 3.60 % Interest credit rate 4.50 % 5.50 % Rate of compensation increase: Qualified pension plan 5.07 % 5.09 % Non-qualified pension plan 4.37 % 4.45 % Postretirement benefit plans: Discount rate 4.27 % 3.63 % The weighted-average assumptions used to measure the net periodic benefit costs are as follows: Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Pension plans: Discount rate 3.60 % 4.07 % 3.90 % Interest credit rate 5.50 % 5.50 % 5.50 % Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 7.00 % 7.00 % 7.00 % Rate of compensation increase: Qualified pension plan 5.07 % 5.08 % 5.07 % Non-qualified pension plan 4.37 % 4.47 % 4.56 % Postretirement benefit plans: Discount rate 3.63 % 4.21 % 4.42 % Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets 6.50 % 6.50 % 6.50 %
Schedule of expected future benefit payments	The following benefit payments, which reflect expected future service, are expected to be paid from the plans over the next ten years: ($ in thousands) Pension benefits Postretirement benefits 2019 $ 19,932 $ 2,805 2020 22,180 2,998 2021 21,996 3,169 2022 22,620 3,286 2023 23,408 3,358 2024 - 2028 124,035 17,922
Employers Mutual VEBA Trust
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of fair value of plan assets	The fair values of the assets held in Employers Mutual’s VEBA trust are as follows: December 31, 2018 Fair value measurements using ($ in thousands) Total Quoted Significant Significant Money market fund $ 1,506 $ 1,506 $ — $ — Emerging markets ETF 3,986 3,986 — — Mutual funds 47,632 47,632 — — Life insurance contracts 14,885 — — 14,885 Cash 759 759 — — Total benefit plan assets $ 68,768 $ 53,883 $ — $ 14,885 December 31, 2017 Fair value measurements using ($ in thousands) Total Quoted Significant Significant Money market fund $ 1,254 $ 1,254 $ — $ — Emerging markets ETF 4,803 4,803 — — Mutual funds 54,180 54,180 — — Life insurance contracts 14,524 — — 14,524 Cash 897 897 — — Total benefit plan assets $ 75,658 $ 61,134 $ — $ 14,524
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs	Presented below is a reconciliation of the assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the years ended December 31, 2018 and 2017 . Fair value measurements Life insurance contracts ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 Balance at beginning of year $ 14,524 $ 14,159 Actual return on plan assets: Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance contracts 361 365 Balance at end of year $ 14,885 $ 14,524
Employers Mutual Defined Benefit Retirement Plan
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Schedule of fair value of plan assets	In accordance with ASU 2015-07, a fair value hierarchy table is not included here since all of the Plan's investments are measured at fair value using the net asset value per share (or its equivalent) practical expedient, which are not classified in the fair value hierarchy. Presented below are the fair values of assets held in Employers Mutual's defined benefit retirement plan: December 31, ($ in thousands) 2018 2017 Pooled separate accounts $ 316,755 $ 349,004 Total benefit plan assets $ 316,755 $ 349,004

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Table

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Summary of the activity under Employers Mutual's stock option plans	A summary of the stock option activity under Employers Mutual’s stock plans for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Outstanding, beginning of year 406,311 $ 14.51 649,012 $ 14.65 1,006,171 $ 14.92 Exercised (93,802 ) 14.51 (222,921 ) 14.88 (321,312 ) 15.31 Expired (30,577 ) 14.42 (18,805 ) 15.16 (34,947 ) 16.32 Forfeited — — (975 ) 13.99 (900 ) 13.99 Outstanding, end of year 281,932 $ 14.52 406,311 $ 14.51 649,012 $ 14.65 Exercisable, end of year 281,932 $ 14.52 406,311 $ 14.51 593,224 $ 14.72
Summary of non-vested share activity	As discussed above, during 2017 Employers Mutual began issuing restricted stock unit awards to eligible employees. These awards are accounted for as liability-based awards, whereby the liability is remeasured at each reporting date as the average of the high and low trading prices of the Company's common stock on that date. Upon settlement, the Company will receive the full fair value for all shares issued. The Company's share of this liability at December 31, 2018 was $1.2 million . A summary of restricted stock unit awards activity for 2018 and 2017 is as follows: Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 Number of awards Number of awards Non-vested, beginning of year 114,055 — Granted 120,439 116,288 Vested 28,365 — Forfeited 3,236 2,233 Non-vested, end of year 202,893 114,055 For restricted stock awards, the average of the high and low trading prices of the Company's common stock on the dates of grant were used to determine their fair values. In 2016, the Company received the full fair value, as of the grant date, for all shares issued in connection with Employers Mutual's grant of restricted stock awards. At December 31, 2018 , the Company’s portion of the unrecognized compensation cost associated with restricted stock awards that are not currently vested was $314,000 with a 0.84 year weighted-average period over which the compensation expense is expected to be recognized. The Company's portion of the total fair value of restricted stock awards that vested was $429,000 , $545,000 and $414,000 in 2018 , 2017 and 2016 , respectively. A summary of restricted stock awards activity for 2018 , 2017 and 2016 is as follows: Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Number Weighted- Non-vested, beginning of year 144,050 $ 22.96 234,281 $ 22.31 216,944 $ 20.40 Granted 2,800 25.27 2,000 26.95 118,588 24.56 Vested (63,849 ) 22.42 (85,192 ) 21.31 (69,057 ) 19.98 Forfeited (15,844 ) 22.91 (7,039 ) 22.57 (32,194 ) 22.73 Non-vested, end of year 67,157 $ 23.57 144,050 $ 22.96 234,281 $ 22.31
Summary of additional information relating to options outstanding and options vested (exercisable)	Additional information relating to options outstanding and options vested (exercisable) at December 31, 2018 is as follows: December 31, 2018 ($ in thousands, except share and per share amounts) Number of options Weighted-average exercise price Aggregate intrinsic value Weighted-average remaining term Options outstanding 281,932 $ 14.52 $ 4,918 2.18 Options exercisable 281,932 $ 14.52 $ 4,918 2.18
Summary of employee stock purchase plan activity	During 2018 , shares were purchased under the plan at prices ranging from $20.90 to $24.70 . Activity under the plan was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Shares available for purchase, beginning of year 271,585 349,404 414,883 Shares purchased under the plan (95,055 ) (77,819 ) (65,479 ) Shares available for purchase, end of year 176,530 271,585 349,404
Summary of non-employee director stock option plan activity	During 2018 , shares were purchased under the plan at prices ranging from $18.95 to $19.99 . Activity under the plan was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Shares available for purchase, beginning of year 235,373 249,843 264,446 Shares purchased under the plan (10,151 ) (14,470 ) (14,603 ) Shares available for purchase, end of year 225,222 235,373 249,843
Summary of dividend reinvestment plan activity	Employers Mutual did not participate in this plan in 2018 , 2017 or 2016 . Activity under the plan was as follows: Year ended December 31, 2018 2017 2016 Shares available for purchase, beginning of year 965,801 971,222 976,697 Shares purchased under the plan (5,301 ) (5,421 ) (5,475 ) Shares available for purchase, end of year 960,500 965,801 971,222 Lowest purchase price $ 23.87 $ 26.94 $ 22.09 Highest purchase price $ 32.38 $ 31.09 $ 30.50

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 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, net of tax. Accumulated other comprehensive income 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 27,278 5,571 96 5,667 32,945 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (8,326 ) 958 (2,047 ) (1,089 ) (9,415 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 18,952 6,529 (1,951 ) 4,578 23,530 Reclassification of tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from TCJA 14,797 (3,304 ) 2,280 (1,024 ) 13,773 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 (24,192 ) (4,885 ) 1,050 (3,835 ) (28,027 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income 14,653 333 (2,489 ) (2,156 ) 12,497 Other comprehensive income (loss) (9,539 ) (4,552 ) (1,439 ) (5,991 ) (15,530 ) Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 7,724 $ (17,626 ) $ 11,522 $ (6,104 ) $ 1,620
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The following tables display amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income and into net income during the three years ended December 31, 2018 . ($ in thousands) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components Year ended December 31, 2018 Affected line item in the consolidated statements of income Unrealized gains (losses) on investments: Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment gains (losses) included in net income $ (18,548 ) Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized gains on equity investments Deferred income tax (expense) benefit 3,895 Total income tax expense (benefit) Net reclassification adjustment (14,653 ) Net income Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations: Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income: Net actuarial loss (421 ) (1) Prior service credit 3,150 (1) Total before tax 2,729 Deferred income tax (expense) benefit (573 ) Net reclassification adjustment 2,156 Total reclassification adjustment $ (12,497 ) (1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income (see note 12, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details). ($ in thousands) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components Year ended December 31, 2017 Affected line item in the consolidated statements of income Unrealized gains (losses) on investments: Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment gains (losses) included in net income $ 12,809 Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized gains on equity investments Deferred income tax (expense) benefit (4,483 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) Net reclassification adjustment 8,326 Net income Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations: Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income: Net actuarial loss (1,474 ) (1) Prior service credit 3,150 (1) Total before tax 1,676 Deferred income tax (expense) benefit (587 ) Net reclassification adjustment 1,089 Total reclassification adjustment $ 9,415 (1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income (see note 12, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details). ($ in thousands) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) components Year ended December 31, 2016 Affected line item in the consolidated statements of income Unrealized gains (losses) on investments: Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment gains (losses) included in net income $ 10,364 Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized gains on equity investments Deferred income tax (expense) benefit (3,628 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) Net reclassification adjustment 6,736 Net income Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations: Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income: Net actuarial loss (2,383 ) (1) Prior service credit 3,690 (1) Total before tax 1,307 Deferred income tax (expense) benefit (457 ) Net reclassification adjustment 850 Total reclassification adjustment $ 7,586 (1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income (see note 12, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details).

UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL I_2

UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of unaudited interim financial information	Three months ended, ($ in thousands, except per share amounts) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 2018 Total revenues $ 163,379 $ 166,637 $ 189,125 $ 141,586 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ (528 ) $ (7,722 ) $ 24,444 $ (30,870 ) Income tax expense (benefit) (452 ) (2,727 ) 5,296 (9,325 ) Net income (loss) $ (76 ) $ (4,995 ) $ 19,148 $ (21,545 ) Net income (loss) per common share - basic and diluted 1 $ — $ (0.24 ) $ 0.89 $ (1.00 ) Three months ended, ($ in thousands, except per share amounts) March 31 June 30 September 30 December 31 2017 Total revenues $ 155,737 $ 165,426 $ 167,196 $ 175,598 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 8,440 $ 7,229 $ (440 ) $ 24,587 Income tax expense (benefit) 1,636 1,725 (1,186 ) (1,597 ) Net income (loss) $ 6,804 $ 5,504 $ 746 $ 26,184 Net income (loss) per common share - basic and diluted 1 $ 0.32 $ 0.26 $ 0.03 $ 1.23 1 Since the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the quarters are calculated independently of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the year, quarterly net income per share may not total to annual net income per share.

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_3

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Percentage of premium written in Iowa and contiguous states (in hundredths)	36.00%
Percentage of net premiums written subject to policyholder dividends (in hundredths)	32.00%	26.00%
Investment securities on deposit	$ 11,600	$ 11,300
Average annual expense for accounts receivable charge-offs over past ten years	414
Defined benefit plan net periodic benefit cost other than service cost component	7,500	$ 5,100	$ 4,800
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Restructuring Reserve [Roll Forward]
Costs incurred	967
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Employee severance costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total expected exit costs	1,200
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Software disposal costs [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Total expected exit costs	$ 729
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Personal Lines [Member]
Restructuring Cost and Reserve [Line Items]
Percentage of personal lines premiums written	6.00%

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUN_4

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	$ 0
Retained Earnings [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	$ 66,234

AFFILIATION AND TRANSACTIONS _2

AFFILIATION AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	6 Months Ended						12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)Plan$ / shares	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)Plan	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Plan	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)Plan	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Plan	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)Plan	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)Plan$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Plan	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Plan
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Offer Price By Parent | $ / shares	$ 30						$ 30
Percentage of pool participation (in hundredths)							30.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Ceded premiums earned							$ 455,395	$ 437,881	$ 426,946
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of pool participation (in hundredths)							30.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Reinsurance [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)							$ 600	$ (1,580)	$ 356
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ceded premiums earned							412,250	397,183	395,220
Ceded losses and settlement expenses incurred							226,221	288,023	236,851
Cost allocation to the Company not from pooling agreement							5,900	4,400	4,700
Investment expenses allocated to Company							$ 1,800	$ 1,600	$ 1,400
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of pool participation (in hundredths)							30.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Ceded premiums earned							$ 407,000	$ 392,333	$ 390,140
Ceded losses and settlement expenses incurred							230,848	271,185	237,318
Cost allocation to the Company from pooling agreement							$ 104,800	$ 97,700	$ 92,300
Number of reinsurance program treaties | Plan	1	1	1	1	1	1	2	2	2
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Annual Aggregate Catastrophe Excess of Loss [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Catastrophe claims, retention amount	$ 15,000	$ 22,000	$ 15,000	$ 20,000	$ 15,000	$ 20,000
Affiliated reinsurance contract first layer limit	12,000	24,000	12,000	24,000	12,000	24,000
Ceded premiums earned	$ 1,400	$ 6,000	$ 1,400	$ 6,000	$ 1,500	$ 6,300
Ceded losses and settlement expenses incurred							$ 5,172	$ 19,178	$ 7,459
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Reinsurance [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Quota share agreement portion assumed (in hundredths)							100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Assumed quota share earned premium							$ 149,900	$ 135,700	$ 135,200
Ceded premiums earned							5,250	4,850	5,080
Ceded losses and settlement expenses incurred							(4,627)	16,838	(467)
Losses and settlement expenses assumed by the reinsurance subsidiary through the quota share agreement							116,700	131,100	90,900
Commissions paid by the reinsurance subsidiary to Employers Mutual							30,000	27,500	27,400
Foreign currency transaction gain (loss)							$ 266	$ (978)	$ 367
Number of reinsurance program treaties | Plan							2	2	2
Reinsurance Recovered On Industry Loss Warranties							$ 5,208	$ 0	$ 0
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Reinsurance [Member] | Per Occurrence Catastrophe Excess of Loss [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Catastrophe claims, retention amount							$ 10,000	$ 10,000	$ 10,000
First layer excess of loss coinsurance percentage (in hundredths)							20.00%	20.00%	20.00%
Affiliated reinsurance contract first layer limit							$ 10,000	$ 10,000	$ 10,000
Ceded premiums earned							1,600	1,700	2,000
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Reinsurance [Member] | Annual Aggregate Catastrophe Excess of Loss [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Catastrophe claims, retention amount							$ 20,000	$ 20,000	$ 20,000
First layer excess of loss coinsurance percentage (in hundredths)							20.00%	20.00%	20.00%
Affiliated reinsurance contract first layer limit							$ 100,000	$ 100,000	$ 100,000
Ceded premiums earned							3,600	3,200	3,200
Catastrophe event minimum amount							$ 500	$ 500	$ 500

REINSURANCE (Details)

REINSURANCE (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)reinsurer	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)reinsurer	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Reinsurance Transactions For Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Number of significant nonaffiliated reinsurers | reinsurer	2	3
Total receivable amount from significant nonaffiliated reinsurers	$ 16,600	$ 22,700
Percentage of pool participation (in hundredths)	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Premiums written
Net premiums written	$ 661,043	$ 616,301	$ 594,703
Premiums earned
Direct	399,660	384,993	382,300
Assumed	700,918	660,046	637,054
Ceded	(455,395)	(437,881)	(426,946)
Net premiums earned	645,183	607,158	592,408
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	457,159	421,969	386,897
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Assumed	542,480	520,932	491,315
Ceded	(421,411)	(403,219)	(396,731)
Premiums earned
Assumed	531,384	505,795	483,759
Ceded	(412,250)	(397,183)	(395,220)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Assumed	353,729	335,570	305,818
Ceded	(226,221)	(288,023)	(236,851)
Non Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Direct	408,821	391,029	383,811
Assumed	170,297	151,738	150,780
Ceded	(39,144)	(44,179)	(34,472)
Premiums earned
Direct	399,660	384,993	382,300
Assumed	169,534	154,251	153,295
Ceded	(43,145)	(40,698)	(31,726)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	225,676	252,007	229,859
Assumed	131,824	145,566	96,018
Ceded	$ (27,849)	$ (23,151)	$ (7,947)
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Reinsurance Transactions For Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Percentage of pool participation (in hundredths)	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Premiums written
Net premiums written	$ 510,525	$ 484,027	$ 463,673
Premiums earned
Net premiums earned	495,447	472,369	456,467
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	$ 332,921	$ 302,973	$ 294,369
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]
Reinsurance Transactions For Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Percentage of pool participation (in hundredths)	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Premiums written
Assumed	$ 542,480	$ 520,932	$ 491,315
Ceded	(416,161)	(398,369)	(391,651)
Premiums earned
Assumed	531,384	505,795	483,759
Ceded	(407,000)	(392,333)	(390,140)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Assumed	352,423	334,240	304,007
Ceded	(230,848)	(271,185)	(237,318)
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Non Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Direct	408,821	391,029	383,811
Assumed	4,550	4,454	4,544
Ceded	(29,165)	(34,019)	(24,346)
Premiums earned
Direct	399,660	384,993	382,300
Assumed	4,482	4,299	4,444
Ceded	(33,079)	(30,385)	(23,896)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	225,676	252,007	229,859
Assumed	3,470	2,879	2,712
Ceded	(17,800)	(14,968)	(4,891)
Reinsurance [Member]
Premiums written
Net premiums written	150,518	132,274	131,030
Premiums earned
Net premiums earned	149,736	134,789	135,941
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	124,238	118,996	92,528
Reinsurance [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Assumed	0	0	0
Ceded	(5,250)	(4,850)	(5,080)
Premiums earned
Assumed	0	0	0
Ceded	(5,250)	(4,850)	(5,080)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Assumed	1,306	1,330	1,811
Ceded	4,627	(16,838)	467
Reinsurance [Member] | Non Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Direct	0	0	0
Assumed	165,747	147,284	146,236
Ceded	(9,979)	(10,160)	(10,126)
Premiums earned
Direct	0	0	0
Assumed	165,052	149,952	148,851
Ceded	(10,066)	(10,313)	(7,830)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	0	0	0
Assumed	128,354	142,687	93,306
Ceded	$ (10,049)	$ (8,183)	$ (3,056)

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETT_3

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETTLEMENT EXPENSES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Reconciliation of beginning and ending reserves for losses and settlement expenses [Roll Forward]
Gross reserves at beginning of year	$ 732,612	$ 690,532	$ 678,774
Re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates	525	(1,913)	(2,475)
Less ceded reserves at beginning of year	30,923	20,664	23,477
Net reserves at beginning of year	701,164	671,781	657,772
Incurred losses and settlement expenses related to:
Current year	475,843	441,588	427,838
Prior years	(18,684)	(19,619)	(40,941)
Total incurred losses and settlement expenses	457,159	421,969	386,897
Paid losses and settlement expenses related to:
Current year	180,230	179,354	172,652
Prior years	236,905	213,232	200,236
Total paid losses and settlement expenses	417,135	392,586	372,888
Net reserves at end of year	741,188	701,164	671,781
Plus ceded reserves at end of year	36,595	30,923	20,664
Re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates	(593)	525	(1,913)
Gross reserves at end of year	$ 777,190	$ 732,612	$ 690,532
Percentage of pool participation (in hundredths)	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Incurred losses and settlement expenses related to:
Prior years	$ (15,300)	$ (15,700)	$ (30,000)
Percentage change in loss and settlement expense reserves for prior accident years (in hundredths)	(3.00%)	(3.20%)	(5.10%)
Paid losses and settlement expenses related to:
Adjustment for favorable (adverse) development included in the reported development amount that had no impact on earnings			$ 5,600
Approximation of the implied amount of favorable development that had an impact on earnings			$ 24,400
Percentage of pool participation (in hundredths)	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Reinsurance [Member]
Incurred losses and settlement expenses related to:
Prior years	$ (3,400)	$ (3,900)	$ (10,900)
Percentage change in loss and settlement expense reserves for prior accident years (in hundredths)	(1.50%)	(1.90%)	(5.50%)
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Paid losses and settlement expenses related to:
Percentage of pool participation (in hundredths)	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETT_4

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETTLEMENT EXPENSES SHORT-DURATION INSURANCE CONTRACTS DEVELOPMENT TABLES (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009USD ($)
Claims development [Line Items]
Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 716,495
Commercial Auto Liability [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	470,241
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	349,805
All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance	(38)
Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	120,398
Commercial Auto Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2008 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	24,677	$ 24,697	$ 24,655	$ 24,730	$ 24,874	$ 24,986	$ 25,370	$ 26,667	$ 27,923	$ 28,973
IBNR reserves carried	$ 0
Cumulative number of reported claims	10,482
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 24,634	24,628	24,608	24,593	24,495	24,001	21,532	17,359	12,957	6,952
Commercial Auto Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2009 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	26,159	26,166	26,166	26,479	26,252	26,401	26,478	27,480	30,377
IBNR reserves carried	$ 2
Cumulative number of reported claims	11,393
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 26,105	26,088	26,039	25,558	24,674	23,547	19,274	13,278	7,025
Commercial Auto Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2010 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	31,286	31,638	31,635	31,914	31,961	31,098	29,790	32,775
IBNR reserves carried	$ 0
Cumulative number of reported claims	11,768
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 31,146	30,878	30,293	29,121	26,598	22,206	14,875	6,801
Commercial Auto Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2011 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	37,739	37,753	37,693	37,681	37,098	34,235	32,768
IBNR reserves carried	$ 7
Cumulative number of reported claims	11,943
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 37,125	36,541	35,406	32,636	26,023	19,398	8,830
Commercial Auto Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2012 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	43,328	43,159	42,336	42,086	40,382	37,265
IBNR reserves carried	$ 20
Cumulative number of reported claims	13,640
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 42,364	40,807	36,232	29,997	19,975	8,729
Commercial Auto Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2013 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	51,491	51,933	51,455	49,998	50,342
IBNR reserves carried	$ 390
Cumulative number of reported claims	15,071
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 48,467	44,783	37,433	25,746	12,069
Commercial Auto Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2014 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	59,054	58,627	57,824	53,883
IBNR reserves carried	$ 919
Cumulative number of reported claims	16,541
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 50,675	39,478	27,424	13,336
Commercial Auto Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2015 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	62,051	61,188	59,468
IBNR reserves carried	$ 3,451
Cumulative number of reported claims	16,978
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 43,169	30,233	13,583
Commercial Auto Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2016 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	64,187	63,909
IBNR reserves carried	$ 9,011
Cumulative number of reported claims	16,468
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 31,056	14,474
Commercial Auto Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2017 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	70,269
IBNR reserves carried	$ 22,856
Cumulative number of reported claims	15,759
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 15,064
Commercial Property [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	524,692
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	494,504
All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance	25
Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	30,213
Commercial Property [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2008 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	36,351	36,292	36,020	36,056	35,926	35,622	35,881	35,985	36,003	39,511
IBNR reserves carried	$ 0
Cumulative number of reported claims	14,657
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 36,246	36,224	35,893	35,849	35,803	35,803	35,422	34,624	32,602	25,321
Commercial Property [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2009 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	39,423	39,347	39,428	39,379	39,154	39,071	38,770	38,650	40,422
IBNR reserves carried	$ 1
Cumulative number of reported claims	16,278
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 39,368	39,323	39,318	39,314	38,901	37,926	36,931	35,730	28,032
Commercial Property [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2010 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	58,122	58,148	58,375	57,703	57,629	57,271	57,614	58,930
IBNR reserves carried	$ 0
Cumulative number of reported claims	19,511
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 58,116	58,106	57,607	57,065	56,249	54,803	53,226	41,524
Commercial Property [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2011 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	46,880	46,750	46,566	46,273	45,313	44,157	41,535
IBNR reserves carried	$ (8)
Cumulative number of reported claims	16,072
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 46,708	46,562	46,270	44,543	43,628	41,862	32,879
Commercial Property [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2012 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	52,432	52,966	53,070	52,511	50,976	50,266
IBNR reserves carried	$ (15)
Cumulative number of reported claims	16,012
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 52,266	52,182	51,457	50,460	47,683	36,555
Commercial Property [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2013 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	60,250	60,867	60,662	60,990	60,018
IBNR reserves carried	$ 38
Cumulative number of reported claims	16,755
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 59,815	59,255	58,045	55,679	43,022
Commercial Property [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2014 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	55,027	55,659	56,798	55,508
IBNR reserves carried	$ (110)
Cumulative number of reported claims	14,403
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 53,405	52,444	50,068	37,208
Commercial Property [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2015 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	58,227	58,343	59,708
IBNR reserves carried	$ (91)
Cumulative number of reported claims	14,978
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 54,681	51,103	41,652
Commercial Property [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2016 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	54,357	55,459
IBNR reserves carried	$ (122)
Cumulative number of reported claims	15,006
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 50,280	38,114
Commercial Property [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2017 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	63,623
IBNR reserves carried	$ 2,353
Cumulative number of reported claims	12,946
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 43,619
Workers' Compensation [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	484,471
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	374,035
All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance	34,313
Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	144,749
Workers' Compensation [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2008 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	43,217	43,417	42,774	43,724	43,590	44,093	44,041	44,098	43,335	46,130
IBNR reserves carried	$ 1,443
Cumulative number of reported claims	19,242
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 40,223	39,908	39,583	39,167	38,329	37,409	35,363	31,802	25,157	11,879
Workers' Compensation [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2009 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	48,884	49,435	49,145	50,069	49,851	49,906	50,057	49,336	46,328
IBNR reserves carried	$ 1,822
Cumulative number of reported claims	19,631
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 44,669	44,175	43,614	42,651	41,437	39,001	35,029	28,074	14,237
Workers' Compensation [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2010 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	44,070	44,056	43,695	44,427	44,506	44,709	46,724	47,836
IBNR reserves carried	$ 1,948
Cumulative number of reported claims	19,574
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 39,652	39,167	38,437	37,027	35,295	32,237	26,291	13,291
Workers' Compensation [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2011 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	45,402	45,276	45,088	46,928	47,756	50,094	51,099
IBNR reserves carried	$ 1,836
Cumulative number of reported claims	19,395
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 41,092	40,292	39,456	37,307	33,943	28,109	14,015
Workers' Compensation [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2012 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	45,910	45,949	46,102	48,946	51,637	52,141
IBNR reserves carried	$ 2,290
Cumulative number of reported claims	19,866
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 40,061	39,254	37,907	35,061	29,219	14,917
Workers' Compensation [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2013 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	46,722	47,836	47,472	50,973	51,515
IBNR reserves carried	$ 2,190
Cumulative number of reported claims	19,473
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 40,941	39,046	35,883	28,894	14,692
Workers' Compensation [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2014 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	47,755	47,227	48,919	54,960
IBNR reserves carried	$ 2,335
Cumulative number of reported claims	19,227
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 39,310	35,458	29,023	14,956
Workers' Compensation [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2015 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	47,719	48,276	57,832
IBNR reserves carried	$ 2,418
Cumulative number of reported claims	20,325
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 35,778	29,592	15,473
Workers' Compensation [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2016 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	55,312	52,409
IBNR reserves carried	$ 3,938
Cumulative number of reported claims	22,061
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 33,234	16,863
Workers' Compensation [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2017 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	59,480
IBNR reserves carried	$ 6,828
Cumulative number of reported claims	21,734
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 19,075
Other Liability [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	441,406
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	279,430
All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance	12,100
Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	174,076
Other Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2008 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	31,739	32,063	32,521	32,384	32,827	35,614	34,263	37,650	39,908	44,497
IBNR reserves carried	$ 115
Cumulative number of reported claims	9,855
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 30,993	30,488	30,176	29,722	28,172	26,255	22,276	16,718	10,707	3,294
Other Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2009 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	33,359	33,736	34,556	34,655	36,137	38,829	34,655	36,213	41,624
IBNR reserves carried	$ 449
Cumulative number of reported claims	10,155
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 32,083	31,776	30,711	29,688	27,612	21,732	15,041	8,315	3,403
Other Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2010 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	31,346	31,711	32,452	33,649	35,177	35,125	42,982	44,490
IBNR reserves carried	$ 400
Cumulative number of reported claims	10,011
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 29,608	29,060	28,228	25,647	22,154	17,308	10,572	4,730
Other Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2011 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	38,050	37,180	37,093	40,275	41,139	42,081	42,661
IBNR reserves carried	$ 668
Cumulative number of reported claims	10,073
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 35,903	32,753	29,651	25,095	19,661	12,851	4,720
Other Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2012 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	37,055	39,175	42,187	42,544	43,837	47,974
IBNR reserves carried	$ 1,219
Cumulative number of reported claims	10,616
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 33,350	31,752	27,642	21,122	11,894	4,414
Other Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2013 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	50,950	51,047	52,601	54,403	61,382
IBNR reserves carried	$ 2,214
Cumulative number of reported claims	10,966
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 40,036	35,318	27,506	17,267	5,630
Other Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2014 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	40,300	43,379	47,553	54,221
IBNR reserves carried	$ 3,048
Cumulative number of reported claims	10,709
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 26,309	19,022	11,588	4,331
Other Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2015 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	57,388	56,384	59,052
IBNR reserves carried	$ 9,177
Cumulative number of reported claims	10,708
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 28,638	18,784	6,403
Other Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2016 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	57,714	59,420
IBNR reserves carried	$ 13,844
Cumulative number of reported claims	10,032
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 16,555	6,322
Other Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2017 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	63,505
IBNR reserves carried	$ 27,373
Cumulative number of reported claims	9,852
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 5,955
Personal Auto Liability [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	87,027
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	81,403
All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance	8
Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	5,632
Personal Auto Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2008 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	9,311	9,312	9,325	9,339	9,382	9,353	9,386	9,452	9,653	10,168
IBNR reserves carried	$ (1)
Cumulative number of reported claims	7,524
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 9,313	9,314	9,278	9,204	9,194	9,049	8,905	7,966	6,393	3,564
Personal Auto Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2009 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	9,638	9,649	9,676	9,656	9,700	9,698	9,736	9,851	9,815
IBNR reserves carried	$ (1)
Cumulative number of reported claims	7,438
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 9,636	9,631	9,632	9,562	9,401	9,108	8,250	6,666	3,988
Personal Auto Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2010 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	9,365	9,413	9,311	9,460	9,432	9,331	9,388	9,741
IBNR reserves carried	$ (2)
Cumulative number of reported claims	8,052
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 9,367	9,335	9,153	9,038	8,883	8,129	6,842	3,950
Personal Auto Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2011 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	10,610	10,626	10,537	10,731	11,023	10,756	10,917
IBNR reserves carried	$ (3)
Cumulative number of reported claims	7,875
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 10,565	10,415	10,244	9,871	9,091	7,439	4,779
Personal Auto Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2012 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	10,060	10,085	10,085	10,376	10,384	10,492
IBNR reserves carried	$ (1)
Cumulative number of reported claims	7,237
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 10,021	9,932	9,648	8,985	7,521	4,377
Personal Auto Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2013 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	9,113	9,204	9,331	9,631	10,573
IBNR reserves carried	$ (42)
Cumulative number of reported claims	6,316
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 8,992	8,598	7,755	6,392	3,970
Personal Auto Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2014 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	8,225	8,378	8,638	9,119
IBNR reserves carried	$ (18)
Cumulative number of reported claims	5,670
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 7,975	7,535	6,229	3,800
Personal Auto Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2015 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	6,490	6,584	7,404
IBNR reserves carried	$ (1)
Cumulative number of reported claims	4,720
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 6,046	5,427	3,505
Personal Auto Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2016 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	7,213	7,043
IBNR reserves carried	$ (13)
Cumulative number of reported claims	4,728
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 5,735	3,467
Personal Auto Liability [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2017 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	7,002
IBNR reserves carried	$ 487
Cumulative number of reported claims	4,687
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 3,753
Homeowners Insurance [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	143,633
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	141,911
All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance	0
Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	1,722
Homeowners Insurance [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2008 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	16,467	16,467	16,464	16,465	16,394	16,352	16,379	16,467	16,606	18,109
IBNR reserves carried	$ 0
Cumulative number of reported claims	11,486
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 16,467	16,467	16,464	16,421	16,315	16,288	16,246	16,135	15,885	12,645
Homeowners Insurance [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2009 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	17,132	17,139	17,146	17,129	17,093	17,053	17,074	17,523	17,875
IBNR reserves carried	$ 0
Cumulative number of reported claims	12,147
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 17,132	17,132	17,130	17,128	17,128	17,011	16,909	16,633	13,457
Homeowners Insurance [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2010 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	23,369	23,350	23,415	23,448	23,309	22,975	23,389	24,530
IBNR reserves carried	$ 0
Cumulative number of reported claims	14,288
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 23,370	23,368	23,370	23,403	23,136	22,737	22,421	19,828
Homeowners Insurance [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2011 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	16,925	16,879	16,892	16,929	16,836	16,496	16,057
IBNR reserves carried	$ 0
Cumulative number of reported claims	10,141
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 16,926	16,905	16,859	16,793	16,582	16,283	13,759
Homeowners Insurance [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2012 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	14,757	14,737	14,784	14,685	14,833	14,844
IBNR reserves carried	$ (5)
Cumulative number of reported claims	8,688
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 14,741	14,703	14,681	14,621	14,285	11,735
Homeowners Insurance [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2013 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	13,332	13,427	13,447	13,328	13,228
IBNR reserves carried	$ (1)
Cumulative number of reported claims	7,427
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 13,295	13,269	13,215	13,025	11,065
Homeowners Insurance [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2014 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	11,079	11,041	11,153	11,233
IBNR reserves carried	$ (45)
Cumulative number of reported claims	5,951
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 10,866	10,730	10,456	8,650
Homeowners Insurance [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2015 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	11,397	11,377	11,801
IBNR reserves carried	$ (15)
Cumulative number of reported claims	7,318
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 11,243	10,869	10,573
Homeowners Insurance [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2016 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	9,679	9,926
IBNR reserves carried	$ (84)
Cumulative number of reported claims	7,803
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 9,696	8,760
Homeowners Insurance [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2017 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	9,496
IBNR reserves carried	$ (302)
Cumulative number of reported claims	4,900
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 8,175
Auto Physical Damage [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	237,953
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	236,360
All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance	(3)
Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	1,590
Auto Physical Damage [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2008 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	16,582	16,590	16,587	16,602	16,605	16,593	16,639	16,720	16,744	18,077
IBNR reserves carried	$ (17)
Cumulative number of reported claims	29,427
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 16,599	16,599	16,601	16,602	16,603	16,592	16,636	16,687	16,661	15,566
Auto Physical Damage [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2009 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	18,497	18,494	18,488	18,532	18,527	18,549	18,538	18,657	19,249
IBNR reserves carried	$ (22)
Cumulative number of reported claims	31,523
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 18,518	18,521	18,521	18,528	18,523	18,540	18,529	18,557	17,113
Auto Physical Damage [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2010 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	20,859	20,867	20,877	20,915	20,917	20,919	21,003	21,965
IBNR reserves carried	$ (32)
Cumulative number of reported claims	34,397
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 20,889	20,892	20,900	20,912	20,904	20,912	20,984	19,849
Auto Physical Damage [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2011 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	21,172	21,184	21,161	21,233	21,263	21,342	21,389
IBNR reserves carried	$ (40)
Cumulative number of reported claims	31,111
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 21,210	21,216	21,216	21,227	21,256	21,328	19,719
Auto Physical Damage [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2012 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	22,353	22,408	22,371	22,486	22,553	22,847
IBNR reserves carried	$ (52)
Cumulative number of reported claims	31,042
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 22,403	22,408	22,417	22,463	22,512	20,774
Auto Physical Damage [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2013 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	23,899	23,946	23,904	24,115	24,897
IBNR reserves carried	$ (75)
Cumulative number of reported claims	31,585
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 23,972	23,978	23,987	24,110	22,743
Auto Physical Damage [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2014 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	26,224	26,331	26,612	27,950
IBNR reserves carried	$ (96)
Cumulative number of reported claims	30,672
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 26,308	26,327	26,538	24,483
Auto Physical Damage [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2015 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	27,595	27,629	28,070
IBNR reserves carried	$ (158)
Cumulative number of reported claims	30,752
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 27,742	27,883	26,871
Auto Physical Damage [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2016 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	28,589	28,523
IBNR reserves carried	$ (393)
Cumulative number of reported claims	31,486
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 29,050	27,452
Auto Physical Damage [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2017 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	32,183
IBNR reserves carried	$ (567)
Cumulative number of reported claims	30,307
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 29,669
Assumed Pro Rata [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	260,213
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	210,756
All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance	2,648
Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	52,105
Assumed Pro Rata [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2008 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	16,993	17,059	17,080	17,088	17,150	17,323	17,496	18,302	19,222	23,731
IBNR reserves carried	173
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	16,654	16,623	16,526	16,338	16,159	15,900	15,364	14,538	12,927	6,073
Assumed Pro Rata [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2009 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	15,313	15,340	15,347	15,396	15,610	15,794	16,456	17,078	19,514
IBNR reserves carried	95
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	15,138	15,107	15,062	15,021	14,978	14,328	13,924	11,940	5,016
Assumed Pro Rata [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2010 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	27,800	28,110	28,209	28,228	28,838	29,604	30,057	30,093
IBNR reserves carried	117
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	27,911	27,810	27,748	27,677	27,270	26,541	22,859	10,178
Assumed Pro Rata [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2011 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	17,560	17,380	17,592	18,158	20,823	21,282	21,935
IBNR reserves carried	296
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	16,699	16,598	16,520	16,161	14,935	12,650	4,403
Assumed Pro Rata [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2012 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	24,428	25,173	26,664	27,260	29,921	23,183
IBNR reserves carried	1,215
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	22,483	21,601	20,871	17,744	12,491	3,845
Assumed Pro Rata [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2013 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	26,300	26,160	27,771	27,525	31,262
IBNR reserves carried	571
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	25,141	23,326	20,534	16,046	5,988
Assumed Pro Rata [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2014 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	35,748	34,962	35,180	38,311
IBNR reserves carried	1,049
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	31,552	30,205	21,932	9,531
Assumed Pro Rata [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2015 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	38,526	39,143	35,696
IBNR reserves carried	4,568
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	29,786	22,131	9,626
Assumed Pro Rata [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2016 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	33,856	29,852
IBNR reserves carried	7,545
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	20,289	7,645
Assumed Pro Rata [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2017 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	23,689
IBNR reserves carried	11,484
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	5,103
Assumed Excess of Loss [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	589,741
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	424,299
All outstanding liabilities before 2009, net of reinsurance	18,857
Liability for losses and settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	184,299
Assumed Excess of Loss [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2008 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	26,654	26,905	27,125	27,895	28,215	30,150	30,499	29,969	30,534	38,883
IBNR reserves carried	989
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	23,748	23,247	23,015	22,837	22,214	21,865	20,995	18,789	15,885	$ 8,554
Assumed Excess of Loss [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2009 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	38,275	39,119	39,581	40,385	39,629	40,260	40,773	40,962	47,396
IBNR reserves carried	912
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	35,993	35,600	35,341	33,664	32,654	30,813	28,011	24,736	$ 9,282
Assumed Excess of Loss [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2010 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	57,851	58,213	58,632	59,018	59,276	60,873	61,702	72,077
IBNR reserves carried	1,143
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	55,137	54,562	53,840	52,546	50,549	47,902	42,175	$ 25,313
Assumed Excess of Loss [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2011 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	52,637	51,940	52,834	53,186	54,421	56,024	58,767
IBNR reserves carried	1,863
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	47,620	46,688	45,127	43,591	40,601	36,232	$ 21,318
Assumed Excess of Loss [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2012 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	43,766	44,541	44,658	44,812	47,375	52,392
IBNR reserves carried	2,283
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	40,368	39,246	37,467	33,188	27,477	$ 11,695
Assumed Excess of Loss [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2013 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	64,109	61,717	60,144	58,792	65,289
IBNR reserves carried	4,345
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	54,898	49,974	45,903	39,153	$ 22,160
Assumed Excess of Loss [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2014 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	53,235	51,570	54,788	59,837
IBNR reserves carried	4,858
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	41,608	36,617	30,273	$ 13,381
Assumed Excess of Loss [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2015 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	65,979	66,645	66,569
IBNR reserves carried	6,469
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	48,359	38,565	$ 18,303
Assumed Excess of Loss [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2016 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	85,061	91,769
IBNR reserves carried	7,724
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	56,197	$ 27,837
Assumed Excess of Loss [Member] | Short-duration Insurance Contracts, Accident Year 2017 [Member]
Claims development [Line Items]
Incurred losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	102,174
IBNR reserves carried	39,651
Cumulative paid losses and allocated settlement expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 20,371

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETT_5

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETTLEMENT EXPENSES RECONCILIATION TO LIABILITY (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Short-duration insurance contracts, reconciliation of claims development to liability [Line Items]
Net outstanding liability	$ 716,495
Ceded reserves	36,595	$ 30,923	$ 20,664	$ 23,477
Unallocated settlement expenses	24,100
Gross reserve for losses and settlement expenses	777,190	$ 732,612	$ 690,532	$ 678,774
Commercial Auto Liability [Member]
Short-duration insurance contracts, reconciliation of claims development to liability [Line Items]
Net outstanding liability	120,398
Ceded reserves	841
Commercial Property [Member]
Short-duration insurance contracts, reconciliation of claims development to liability [Line Items]
Net outstanding liability	30,213
Ceded reserves	9,962
Workers' Compensation [Member]
Short-duration insurance contracts, reconciliation of claims development to liability [Line Items]
Net outstanding liability	144,749
Ceded reserves	12,956
Other Liability [Member]
Short-duration insurance contracts, reconciliation of claims development to liability [Line Items]
Net outstanding liability	174,076
Ceded reserves	3,830
Personal Auto Liability [Member]
Short-duration insurance contracts, reconciliation of claims development to liability [Line Items]
Net outstanding liability	5,632
Ceded reserves	1,274
Homeowners Insurance [Member]
Short-duration insurance contracts, reconciliation of claims development to liability [Line Items]
Net outstanding liability	1,722
Ceded reserves	275
Auto Physical Damage [Member]
Short-duration insurance contracts, reconciliation of claims development to liability [Line Items]
Net outstanding liability	1,590
Ceded reserves	103
Assumed Pro Rata [Member]
Short-duration insurance contracts, reconciliation of claims development to liability [Line Items]
Net outstanding liability	52,105
Ceded reserves	5,453
Assumed Excess of Loss [Member]
Short-duration insurance contracts, reconciliation of claims development to liability [Line Items]
Net outstanding liability	184,299
Ceded reserves	1,109
Other Short-duration Insurance Product Line [Member]
Short-duration insurance contracts, reconciliation of claims development to liability [Line Items]
Net outstanding liability	1,711
Ceded reserves	$ 792

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETT_6

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETTLEMENT EXPENSES HISTORICAL CLAIMS DURATION (Details)	Dec. 31, 2018
Commercial Auto Liability [Member]
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration [Line Items]
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year one	23.20%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year two	25.70%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year three	21.10%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year four	16.10%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year five	7.90%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year six	3.10%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year seven	1.40%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year eight	0.40%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year nine	0.10%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year ten	0.00%
Commercial Property [Member]
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration [Line Items]
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year one	70.10%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year two	20.30%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year three	4.30%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year four	2.10%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year five	1.80%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year six	0.50%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year seven	0.30%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year eight	0.00%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year nine	0.50%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year ten	0.10%
Workers' Compensation [Member]
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration [Line Items]
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year one	30.80%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year two	30.00%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year three	13.80%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year four	7.40%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year five	4.20%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year six	2.30%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year seven	1.90%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year eight	1.10%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year nine	0.90%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year ten	0.70%
Other Liability [Member]
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration [Line Items]
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year one	11.30%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year two	19.80%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year three	19.90%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year four	16.90%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year five	12.30%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year six	6.60%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year seven	4.80%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year eight	2.10%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year nine	1.00%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year ten	1.60%
Personal Auto Liability [Member]
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration [Line Items]
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year one	45.60%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year two	29.20%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year three	14.70%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year four	8.00%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year five	2.80%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year six	1.40%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year seven	1.00%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year eight	0.40%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year nine	0.30%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year ten	0.00%
Homeowners Insurance [Member]
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration [Line Items]
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year one	83.10%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year two	13.90%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year three	2.00%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year four	0.90%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year five	0.50%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year six	0.10%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year seven	0.20%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year eight	0.10%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year nine	0.00%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year ten	0.00%
Auto Physical Damage [Member]
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration [Line Items]
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year one	94.20%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year two	6.40%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year three	(0.30%)
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year four	(0.10%)
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year five	(0.10%)
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year six	0.00%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year seven	0.00%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year eight	0.00%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year nine	0.00%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year ten	0.00%
Assumed Pro Rata [Member]
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration [Line Items]
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year one	26.50%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year two	39.60%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year three	16.30%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year four	6.30%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year five	3.50%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year six	1.20%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year seven	0.60%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year eight	0.60%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year nine	0.40%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year ten	0.20%
Assumed Excess of Loss [Member]
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration [Line Items]
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year one	30.70%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year two	31.50%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year three	11.00%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year four	7.40%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year five	4.40%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year six	2.30%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year seven	2.40%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year eight	0.80%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year nine	1.00%
Short-duration insurance contracts, historical claims duration, year ten	1.90%

ASBESTOS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CL_2

ASBESTOS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CLAIMS (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended		120 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)claimpolicyholderlawsuit	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)claimlawsuit
Liability for Asbestos and Environmental Claims [Abstract]
Average asbestos and environmental losses paid by company per year over past five years	$ 2,800
Reserves for asbestos and environmental related claims, before reinsurance	11,600	$ 11,700	$ 11,600
Reserves for asbestos and environmental related claims, net of reinsurance	$ 11,100	11,400	$ 11,100
Number of asbestos bodily injury lawsuits | lawsuit	1,737		1,737
Number of policyholders producing recent higher paid asbestos amounts | policyholder	1
Company's share of asbestos related claims settled			$ 14,200
Number of asbestos exposure claims associated with furnace manufacturer, a former policyholder, remain open | claim	702		702
Payments for legal settlements		$ 4,500
Asbestos reserve strengthening	$ 1,500

STATUTORY INFORMATION AND DIV_2

STATUTORY INFORMATION AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Millions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
STATUTORY INFORMATION AND DIVIDEND RESTRICTIONS [Abstract]
Statutory surplus of the Company's insurance subsidiaries	$ 527.1	$ 560.1
Statutory net income (loss)	$ 10.8	$ 30.1	$ 48.3
Risk-based capital model assessment for Company	At December 31, 2018, the Company’s insurance subsidiaries had total adjusted statutory capital well in excess of the minimum risk-based capital requirement.
Statutory accounting practices, statutory capital and surplus required	$ 101.9
Percentage of statutory surplus as maximum dividend allowable without prior approval of insurance regulatory authorities (in hundredths)	10.00%	10.00%	10.00%
Amount available for distribution to the Company without prior approval	$ 48

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Summarize

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Summarized financial information by segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated
Premiums earned									$ 645,183	$ 607,158	$ 592,408
SAP underwriting profit (loss)									(24,581)	(12,684)	15,653
GAAP adjustments									(1,231)	(565)	(6,766)
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)									(25,812)	(13,249)	8,887
Net investment income									47,637	45,479	47,490
Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments									(41,252)	6,556	4,074
Other income (loss)									9,159	4,764	5,820
Interest expense									654	337	337
Other expenses									3,754	3,397	2,727
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	$ (30,870)	$ 24,444	$ (7,722)	$ (528)	$ 24,587	$ (440)	$ 7,229	$ 8,440	(14,676)	39,816	63,207
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated
Assets	2,242,461				2,289,419				2,242,461	2,289,419
Eliminations	(556,977)				(599,036)				(556,977)	(599,036)
Reclassifications	(6)				(8,443)				(6)	(8,443)
Total assets	1,685,478				1,681,940				1,685,478	1,681,940
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated
Premiums earned									495,447	472,369	456,467
SAP underwriting profit (loss)									(15,177)	2,702	4,276
GAAP adjustments									(1,342)	105	(5,743)
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)									(16,519)	2,807	(1,467)
Net investment income									34,070	32,670	33,886
Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments									(28,227)	4,896	4,082
Other income (loss)									8,444	6,283	5,403
Interest expense									654	337	337
Other expenses									1,202	1,128	721
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)									(4,088)	45,191	40,846
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated
Assets	1,191,286				1,200,636				1,191,286	1,200,636
Eliminations	0				0				0	0
Reclassifications	0				(1,393)				0	(1,393)
Total assets	1,191,286				1,199,243				1,191,286	1,199,243
Reinsurance [Member]
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated
Premiums earned									149,736	134,789	135,941
SAP underwriting profit (loss)									(9,404)	(15,386)	11,377
GAAP adjustments									111	(670)	(1,023)
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)									(9,293)	(16,056)	10,354
Net investment income									13,523	12,771	13,591
Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments									(12,935)	1,660	(8)
Other income (loss)									715	(1,519)	417
Interest expense									0	0	0
Other expenses									0	0	0
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)									(7,990)	(3,144)	24,354
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated
Assets	485,270				484,678				485,270	484,678
Eliminations	0				0				0	0
Reclassifications	0				(6,273)				0	(6,273)
Total assets	485,270				478,405				485,270	478,405
Parent company [Member]
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated
Premiums earned									0	0	0
SAP underwriting profit (loss)									0	0	0
GAAP adjustments									0	0	0
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)									0	0	0
Net investment income									44	38	13
Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments									(90)	0	0
Other income (loss)									0	0	0
Interest expense									0	0	0
Other expenses									2,552	2,269	2,006
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)									(2,598)	(2,231)	$ (1,993)
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated
Assets	565,905				604,105				565,905	604,105
Eliminations	(556,977)				(599,036)				(556,977)	(599,036)
Reclassifications	(6)				(777)				(6)	(777)
Total assets	$ 8,922				$ 4,292				$ 8,922	$ 4,292

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Net premi

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Net premiums earned by segment and lines of insurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	$ 645,183	$ 607,158	$ 592,408
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	495,447	472,369	456,467
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	456,376	434,331	417,474
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Automobile Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	128,496	118,224	110,941
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Property Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	108,525	108,162	105,012
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Workers' Compensation [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	99,699	100,552	96,517
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Other Liability [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	110,400	98,674	96,630
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Other Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	9,256	8,719	8,374
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Personal Lines [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	39,071	38,038	38,993
Reinsurance [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	149,736	134,789	135,941
Reinsurance [Member] | Assumed Pro Rata [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	44,610	44,636	56,317
Reinsurance [Member] | Assumed Excess of Loss [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	$ 105,126	$ 90,153	$ 79,624

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA_3

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)Security	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Security
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$ 1,282,909	$ 1,275,016
Equity investments, at fair value	215,363
Equity securities available-for-sale		228,115
Short-term investments	28,204	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%
Upward adjustment to fair value input discount rate (percent)	0.50%	0.50%
Period after which rate is adjusted		5 years
Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$ 1,282,909	$ 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	$ 8,021	$ 8,078
U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	304,479	297,949
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	283,651	307,536
Commercial mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	84,379	83,980
Residential mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	162,137	119,799
Other asset-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	20,834	24,114
Corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	419,408	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	28,204	23,613
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	25,000	25,000
Carrying amount [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,282,909	1,275,016
Carrying amount [Member] | U.S. treasury
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	8,021	8,078
Carrying amount [Member] | U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	304,479	297,949
Carrying amount [Member] | Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	283,651	307,536
Carrying amount [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	84,379	83,980
Carrying amount [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	162,137	119,799
Carrying amount [Member] | Other asset-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	20,834	24,114
Carrying amount [Member] | Corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	419,408	433,560
Carrying amount [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	215,363
Equity securities available-for-sale		228,115
Carrying amount [Member] | Financial services
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	41,839
Equity securities available-for-sale		43,522
Carrying amount [Member] | Information technology
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	31,581
Equity securities available-for-sale		35,810
Carrying amount [Member] | Healthcare
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	34,571
Equity securities available-for-sale		30,595
Carrying amount [Member] | Consumer staples
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	13,180
Equity securities available-for-sale		14,127
Carrying amount [Member] | Consumer discretionary
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	22,765
Equity securities available-for-sale		20,538
Carrying amount [Member] | Energy
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	13,372
Equity securities available-for-sale		16,905
Carrying amount [Member] | Industrials
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	19,389
Equity securities available-for-sale		28,489
Carrying amount [Member] | Other
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	14,371
Equity securities available-for-sale		16,421
Carrying amount [Member] | Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	16,654
Equity securities available-for-sale		21,708
Carrying amount [Member] | Investment funds
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	7,641
Estimated fair value [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	28,204	23,613
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	15,259	16,689
Estimated fair value [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,282,909	1,275,016
Estimated fair value [Member] | U.S. treasury
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	8,021	8,078
Estimated fair value [Member] | U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	304,479	297,949
Estimated fair value [Member] | Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	283,651	307,536
Estimated fair value [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	84,379	83,980
Estimated fair value [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	162,137	119,799
Estimated fair value [Member] | Other asset-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	20,834	24,114
Estimated fair value [Member] | Corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	419,408	433,560
Estimated fair value [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	215,363
Equity securities available-for-sale		228,115
Estimated fair value [Member] | Financial services
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	41,839
Equity securities available-for-sale		43,522
Estimated fair value [Member] | Information technology
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	31,581
Equity securities available-for-sale		35,810
Estimated fair value [Member] | Healthcare
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	34,571
Equity securities available-for-sale		30,595
Estimated fair value [Member] | Consumer staples
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	13,180
Equity securities available-for-sale		14,127
Estimated fair value [Member] | Consumer discretionary
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	22,765
Equity securities available-for-sale		20,538
Estimated fair value [Member] | Energy
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	13,372
Equity securities available-for-sale		16,905
Estimated fair value [Member] | Industrials
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	19,389
Equity securities available-for-sale		28,489
Estimated fair value [Member] | Other
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	14,371
Equity securities available-for-sale		16,421
Estimated fair value [Member] | Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	16,654
Equity securities available-for-sale		$ 21,708
Estimated fair value [Member] | Investment funds
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	$ 7,641

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA_4

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, Recurring Measurement Inputs (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)Security	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Security
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$ 1,282,909	$ 1,275,016
Equity investments, at fair value	215,363
Equity securities available-for-sale		228,115
Short-term investments	28,204	23,613
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	25,000	25,000
Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,282,909	1,275,016
U.S. treasury
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	8,021	8,078
U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	304,479	297,949
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	283,651	307,536
Commercial mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	84,379	83,980
Residential mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	162,137	119,799
Other asset-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	20,834	24,114
Corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	419,408	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	28,204	23,613
Recurring [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,282,909	1,275,016
Recurring [Member] | U.S. treasury
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	8,021	8,078
Recurring [Member] | U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	304,479	297,949
Recurring [Member] | Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	283,651	307,536
Recurring [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	84,379	83,980
Recurring [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	162,137	119,799
Recurring [Member] | Other asset-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	20,834	24,114
Recurring [Member] | Corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	419,408	433,560
Recurring [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	215,363
Equity securities available-for-sale		228,115
Recurring [Member] | Financial services
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	41,839
Equity securities available-for-sale		43,522
Recurring [Member] | Information technology
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	31,581
Equity securities available-for-sale		35,810
Recurring [Member] | Healthcare
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	34,571
Equity securities available-for-sale		30,595
Recurring [Member] | Consumer staples
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	13,180
Equity securities available-for-sale		14,127
Recurring [Member] | Consumer discretionary
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	22,765
Equity securities available-for-sale		20,538
Recurring [Member] | Energy
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	13,372
Equity securities available-for-sale		16,905
Recurring [Member] | Industrials
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	19,389
Equity securities available-for-sale		28,489
Recurring [Member] | Other
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	14,371
Equity securities available-for-sale		16,421
Recurring [Member] | Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	16,654
Equity securities available-for-sale		21,708
Recurring [Member] | Investment funds
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	7,641
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | U.S. treasury
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Other asset-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	7,641
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Financial services
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Information technology
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Healthcare
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Consumer staples
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Consumer discretionary
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Energy
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Industrials
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Other
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member] | Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Assets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale		0
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	28,204	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	201,393
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	41,839
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	31,581
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	34,571
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	13,180
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	22,765
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	13,372
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	19,389
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	14,371
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	10,325
Equity securities available-for-sale		9,512
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Investment funds
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	1,282,650	1,274,396
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. treasury
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	8,021	8,078
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	304,479	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	283,651	307,536
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	84,379	83,980
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	162,137	119,799
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other asset-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	20,834	24,114
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	419,149	432,940
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	6,329
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	6,329
Equity securities available-for-sale		10,196
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Investment funds
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	$ 259	$ 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	259	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		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
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0
Not Reported At Fair Value [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	15,259	16,689
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	15,259	16,689
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring [Member] | Fair Value Measured at Net Asset Value Per Share [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	$ 0	$ 0

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA_5

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, Unobservable Input Reconciliation (Details) - Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 2,623	$ 2,985
Settlements	(361)	(356)
Unrealized losses included in net income (loss)	(3)
Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) on securities still held at reporting date		(6)
Balance at end of period	259	2,623
Corporate
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	620	982
Settlements	(361)	(356)
Unrealized losses included in net income (loss)	0
Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) on securities still held at reporting date		(6)
Balance at end of period	259	620
Financial services
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	3	3
Settlements	0	0
Unrealized losses included in net income (loss)	(3)
Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) on securities still held at reporting date		0
Balance at end of period	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
Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) on securities still held at reporting date		0
Balance at end of period		$ 2,000

INVESTMENTS (Details)

INVESTMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	$ 1,273,132	$ 1,253,166
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,282,909	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	32,551
Due after one year through five years	240,690
Due after five years through ten years	320,118
Due after ten years	433,584
Securities not due at a single maturity date	246,189
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	1,273,132	1,253,166
Estimated fair value
Due in one year or less	32,703
Due after one year through five years	241,229
Due after five years through ten years	320,931
Due after ten years	440,277
Securities not due at a single maturity date	247,769
Totals	1,282,909	1,275,016
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]
Fixed maturity secutities available-for-sale, gross realized gains	324
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, gross realized losses	18,872
Change in unrealized investment gains	(28,838)
Equity securities:	8,017
Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments	(41,252)	6,556	$ 4,074
Investment Income, Net [Abstract]
Interest on fixed maturity securities	42,961	39,992	41,499
Dividends on equity securities	6,078	6,032	6,922
Income on reverse repurchase agreements	339	306	236
Interest on short-term investments	608	273	121
Return on long-term investments	134	1,126	514
Total investment income	50,120	47,729	49,292
Securities litigation income	14	12	111
Investment expenses	(2,497)	(2,262)	(1,913)
Net investment income	47,637	45,479	47,490
Other Comprehensive Income Available For Sale Securities Adjustment Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease Abstract
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(2,534)	10,205	(5,720)
Net changes in unrealized holding gains (losses) net of tax	(9,539)	18,952	(10,621)
Debt Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	1,273,132	1,253,166
Fixed maturity securities available-or-sale, Gross unrealized gains	20,713	33,036
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized losses	10,936	11,186
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,282,909	1,275,016
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	236,333	232,834
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	3,329	2,472
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	242,366	190,985
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	7,607	8,714
Total, Fair value	478,699	423,819
Total, Unrealized losses	10,936	11,186
Amortized cost
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	1,273,132	1,253,166
Estimated fair value
Totals	1,282,909	1,275,016
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]
Available-for-sale, Gross realized investment gains		545	2,054
Available-for-sale, Gross realized investment losses		(4,849)	(2,829)
Other Comprehensive Income Available For Sale Securities Adjustment Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease Abstract
Net changes in unrealized holding gains (losses) before tax	(12,073)	11,676	(20,634)
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	(2,534)	4,086	(7,222)
Net changes in unrealized holding gains (losses) net of tax	(9,539)	7,590	(13,412)
U.S. treasury
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	8,139	8,115
Fixed maturity securities available-or-sale, Gross unrealized gains	0	0
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized losses	118	37
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	8,021	8,078
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	0	8,078
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	0	37
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	8,021	0
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	118	0
Total, Fair value	8,021	8,078
Total, Unrealized losses	118	37
Amortized cost
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	8,139	8,115
Estimated fair value
Totals	8,021	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	303,198	303,932
Fixed maturity securities available-or-sale, Gross unrealized gains	2,799	122
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized losses	1,518	6,105
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	304,479	297,949
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	14,620	134,284
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	20	1,491
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	92,603	127,604
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	1,498	4,614
Total, Fair value	107,223	261,888
Total, Unrealized losses	1,518	6,105
Amortized cost
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	303,198	303,932
Estimated fair value
Totals	304,479	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	273,727	290,038
Fixed maturity securities available-or-sale, Gross unrealized gains	10,375	17,729
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized losses	451	231
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	283,651	307,536
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	0	0
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	0	0
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	14,498	14,416
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	451	231
Total, Fair value	14,498	14,416
Total, Unrealized losses	451	231
Amortized cost
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	273,727	290,038
Estimated fair value
Totals	283,651	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	83,854	84,058
Fixed maturity securities available-or-sale, Gross unrealized gains	1,287	591
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized losses	762	669
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	84,379	83,980
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	2,021	32,155
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	21	221
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	24,222	8,530
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	741	448
Total, Fair value	26,243	40,685
Total, Unrealized losses	762	669
Amortized cost
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	83,854	84,058
Estimated fair value
Totals	84,379	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	161,055	120,554
Fixed maturity securities available-or-sale, Gross unrealized gains	3,374	2,479
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized losses	2,292	3,234
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	162,137	119,799
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	16,852	30,003
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	145	394
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	45,597	22,948
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	2,147	2,840
Total, Fair value	62,449	52,951
Total, Unrealized losses	2,292	3,234
Amortized cost
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	161,055	120,554
Estimated fair value
Totals	162,137	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	21,596	23,934
Fixed maturity securities available-or-sale, Gross unrealized gains	273	625
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized losses	1,035	445
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	20,834	24,114
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	4,810	0
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	147	0
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	11,691	13,440
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	888	445
Total, Fair value	16,501	13,440
Total, Unrealized losses	1,035	445
Amortized cost
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	21,596	23,934
Estimated fair value
Totals	20,834	24,114
Corporate
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	421,563	422,535
Fixed maturity securities available-or-sale, Gross unrealized gains	2,605	11,490
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized losses	4,760	465
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	419,408	433,560
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	198,030	28,314
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	2,996	329
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	45,734	4,047
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	1,764	136
Total, Fair value	243,764	32,361
Total, Unrealized losses	4,760	465
Amortized cost
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	421,563	422,535
Estimated fair value
Totals	419,408	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]
'Other-than-temporary' impairments		(1,088)	(1,055)
Available-for-sale Securities, Gross Realized Gain (Loss), Excluding Other than Temporary Impairments		18,200	12,403
Other Comprehensive Income Available For Sale Securities Adjustment Net Of Tax Period Increase Decrease Abstract
Net changes in unrealized holding gains (losses) before tax		17,481	4,293
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)		6,119	1,502
Net changes in unrealized holding gains (losses) net of tax		11,362	2,791
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]
'Other-than-temporary' impairments		(209)
Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized investment gains on equity investments	$ (1,883)	$ (6,252)	$ (6,499)

INCOME TAXES (Details)

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Components of Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract]
Loss reserve discounting	$ 8,520				$ 7,507				$ 8,520	$ 7,507
Unearned premium reserve limitation	10,915				10,284				10,915	10,284
Other policyholders' funds payable	1,849				2,103				1,849	2,103
Other, net	1,753				2,202				1,753	2,202
Total deferred income tax asset	23,037				22,096				23,037	22,096
Net unrealized holding gains on investment securities	(13,614)				(22,195)				(13,614)	(22,195)
Deferred policy acquisition costs	(9,400)				(8,634)				(9,400)	(8,634)
Retirement benefits	(2,968)				(3,714)				(2,968)	(3,714)
Other, net	(1,963)				(2,573)				(1,963)	(2,573)
Total deferred income tax liability	(27,945)				(37,116)				(27,945)	(37,116)
Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net	(4,908)				(15,020)				$ (4,908)	$ (15,020)
Income tax expense (benefit) reconciliation [Abstract]
United States federal corporate tax rate (in hundredths)									35.00%	35.00%	35.00%
United States federal corporate tax rate enacted for future periods									21.00%
Computed expected income tax expense (benefit)									$ (3,082)	$ 13,936	$ 22,123
Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from:
Deferred income tax benefit from enactment of the TCJA									0	(9,056)	0
Incremental Benefit Of Net Operating Loss Carry Back									(1,690)	0	0
Tax-exempt interest income									(1,183)	(2,715)	(2,803)
Dividends received deduction									(549)	(1,291)	(1,429)
Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction									433	601	635
Investment tax credits									(540)	(672)	(1,392)
Other, net									(597)	(225)	(130)
Operations	(9,325)	$ 5,296	$ (2,727)	$ (452)	(1,597)	$ (1,186)	$ 1,725	$ 1,636	(7,208)	578	17,004
Comprehensive Income Loss Tax [Abstract]
Operations	(9,325)	$ 5,296	$ (2,727)	$ (452)	(1,597)	$ (1,186)	$ 1,725	$ 1,636	(7,208)	578	17,004
Change in unrealized holding gains on investment securities available-for-sale									(2,534)	10,205	(5,720)
Change in funded status of retirement benefit plans:
Pension plans									(1,071)	1,694	414
Postretirement benefit plans									(524)	(774)	(1,345)
Comprehensive income tax expense (benefit)									(11,337)	11,703	10,353
Provision for uncertain tax positions	$ 0				$ 0				0	0
Income tax examination, penalties and interest expense									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

SURPLUS NOTES (Details)

SURPLUS NOTES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Jan. 31, 2018
SURPLUS NOTES [Abstract]
Surplus notes payable to affiliate	$ 25,000	$ 25,000
Interest rate on surplus notes (in hundredths)	2.73%	1.35%	1.35%	1.35%
Period for review of interest rate	5 years	5 years	5 years
Interest expense (all affiliated)	$ 654	$ 337	$ 337

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Deta

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Percentage of pool participation (in hundredths)	30.00%	30.00%	30.00%
Other benefit plans expenses (including 401(k)) allocated to the Company	$ 3,300	$ 2,900	$ 2,700
Pension Plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Group, Inc. [Member]
ASSETS
Prepaid pension and postretirement benefits				$ 12,603	$ 16,327
Liability [Abstract]
Pension and postretirement benefits				(4,070)	(4,185)
Net amount recognized				8,533	12,142
Amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated balance sheets under the caption "accumulated other comprehensive income", before deferred income taxes [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss				(16,691)	(11,598)
Prior service credit				0	0
Net amount recognized				(16,691)	(11,598)
Amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in next fiscal year [Abstract]
Amortization of net actuarial loss				717
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)				0
Amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive income [Abstract]
Net actuarial gain (loss)	(5,093)	7,329
Prior service (cost) credit	0	6
Net amount recognized	(5,093)	7,335
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	1,200	2,800	2,900
Pension Plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation [Abstract]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	308,244	284,194
Service cost	16,852	15,135	14,432
Interest cost	10,726	11,190	10,161
Actuarial (gain) loss	(30,787)	12,577
Benefits paid	(16,933)	(14,852)
Plan amendments	0	0
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	288,102	308,244	284,194
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	349,004	300,915
Actual return on plan assets	(24,325)	54,255
Employer contributions	9,009	8,686
Benefits paid	(16,933)	(14,852)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	316,755	349,004	300,915
Funded status				$ 28,653	$ 40,760
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	16,852	15,135	14,432
Interest cost	10,726	11,190	10,161
Expected return on plan assets	(24,052)	(20,765)	(19,361)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	537	3,643	4,311
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	0	20	31
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$ 4,063	$ 9,223	$ 9,574
Weighted-average assumptions used to measure the benefit obligations [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)				4.24%	3.60%
Interest credit rate (in hundreths)	4.50%	5.50%
Weighted-average assumptions used to measure the net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	3.60%	4.07%	3.90%
Interest credit rate (in hundreths)	5.50%	5.50%	5.50%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (in hundredths)	7.00%	7.00%	7.00%
Expected future benefit payments to be paid from the plans over the next ten years [Abstract]
2,019				$ 19,932
2,020				22,180
2,021				21,996
2,022				22,620
2,023				23,408
2024 - 2028				124,035
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 349,004	$ 300,915	$ 300,915	$ 316,755	$ 349,004
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plans, vest years of service	3 years
Defined benefit plan, age of attainment years	55 years
Defined Benefit Plan Years Of Service Attainment [Table Text Block]	one year
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	$ 349,004
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	$ 316,755	$ 349,004
Weighted-average assumptions used to measure the benefit obligations [Abstract]
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)				5.07%	5.09%
Weighted-average assumptions used to measure the net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	5.07%	5.08%	5.07%
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 349,004	$ 349,004		$ 316,755	$ 349,004
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan estimated future parent total contributions next fiscal year				7,000
Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Pooled Separate Accounts [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	349,004
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	316,755	349,004
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 349,004	$ 349,004		316,755	349,004
Non-Qualified Pension Plan [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plans, vest years of service	3 years
Plans with Accumulated Benefit Obligations in Excess of Plan Assets [Abstract]
Projected benefit obligation				13,566	13,950
Accumulated benefit obligation				11,882	12,272
Fair value of plan assets				$ 0	$ 0
Weighted-average assumptions used to measure the benefit obligations [Abstract]
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)				4.37%	4.45%
Weighted-average assumptions used to measure the net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Rate of compensation increase (in hundredths)	4.37%	4.47%	4.56%
Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Group, Inc. [Member]
ASSETS
Prepaid pension and postretirement benefits				$ 5,088	$ 4,356
Liability [Abstract]
Pension and postretirement benefits				0	0
Net amount recognized				5,088	4,356
Amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated balance sheets under the caption "accumulated other comprehensive income", before deferred income taxes [Abstract]
Net actuarial loss				(5,622)	(4,950)
Prior service credit				14,586	16,407
Net amount recognized				8,964	11,457
Amounts that will be amortized from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) in next fiscal year [Abstract]
Amortization of net actuarial loss				281
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)				2,600
Amounts recognized in the Company's consolidated statements of comprehensive income [Abstract]
Net actuarial gain (loss)	$ (672)	$ 1,197
Prior service (cost) credit	(1,821)	(3,034)
Net amount recognized	(2,493)	(1,837)
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$ (3,200)	(2,900)	$ (3,000)
Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member]
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Defined benefit plan, age of attainment years	55 years
Change in projected benefit obligation [Abstract]
Benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ 59,004	55,651
Service cost	1,473	1,362	1,273
Interest cost	2,084	2,281	2,215
Actuarial (gain) loss	(7,484)	3,278
Benefits paid	(2,579)	(2,455)
Plan amendments	$ 0	(1,113)
Amortization period for prior service credit from plan amendment	10 years
Projected benefit obligation at end of year	$ 52,498	59,004	55,651
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	75,658	67,809
Actual return on plan assets	(4,311)	10,304
Employer contributions	0	0
Benefits paid	(2,579)	(2,455)
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	68,768	75,658	67,809
Funded status				$ 16,270	$ 16,654
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	1,473	1,362	1,273
Interest cost	2,084	2,281	2,215
Expected return on plan assets	(4,815)	(4,311)	(4,224)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	935	1,371	1,494
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(11,129)	(11,154)	(11,338)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	$ (11,452)	$ (10,451)	$ (10,580)
Weighted-average assumptions used to measure the benefit obligations [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)				4.27%	3.63%
Weighted-average assumptions used to measure the net periodic benefit costs [Abstract]
Discount rate (in hundredths)	3.63%	4.21%	4.42%
Expected long-term rate of return on plan assets (in hundredths)	6.50%	6.50%	6.50%
Expected future benefit payments to be paid from the plans over the next ten years [Abstract]
2,019				$ 2,805
2,020				2,998
2,021				3,169
2,022				3,286
2,023				3,358
2024 - 2028				17,922
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 75,658	$ 67,809	$ 67,809	68,768	$ 75,658
Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | HRA Maximum Adjustment [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation [Abstract]
Plan amendments		2,700
Postretirement Benefit Plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Life Insuance Amount Adjustment [Member]
Change in projected benefit obligation [Abstract]
Plan amendments		(3,800)
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	75,658
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	68,768	75,658
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	75,658	75,658		68,768	75,658
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Employer Contributions [Abstract]
Defined benefit plan estimated future parent total contributions next fiscal year				$ 0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1,254
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,506	1,254
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Net asset value per share (in dollars per share)				$ 1
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,254	1,254		$ 1,506	1,254
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Emerging Markets ETF [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	4,803
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	3,986	4,803
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	4,803	4,803		3,986	4,803
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Mutual Fund [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	54,180
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	47,632	54,180
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	54,180	54,180		$ 47,632	54,180
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Life Insurance Contracts [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	14,524
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	14,885	14,524
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Guaranteed interest rate life insurance policy				4.50%
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	14,524	14,524		$ 14,885	14,524
Reconciliation of the plan assets measured at fair value using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	14,524	14,159
Actual return on plan assets [Abstract]
Increase in cash surrender value of life insurance contracts	361	365
Balance at end of period	14,885	14,524	$ 14,159
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Cash [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	897
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	759	897
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	897	897		759	897
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	61,134
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	53,883	61,134
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	61,134	61,134		53,883	61,134
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	1,254
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	1,506	1,254
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	1,254	1,254		1,506	1,254
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Emerging Markets ETF [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	4,803
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	3,986	4,803
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	4,803	4,803		3,986	4,803
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Mutual Fund [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	54,180
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	47,632	54,180
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	54,180	54,180		47,632	54,180
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Life Insurance Contracts [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0		0	0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Cash [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	897
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	759	897
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	897	897		759	897
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0		0	0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0		0	0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Emerging Markets ETF [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0		0	0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Mutual Fund [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0		0	0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Life Insurance Contracts [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0		0	0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Cash [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0		0	0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	14,524
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	14,885	14,524
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	14,524	14,524		14,885	14,524
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Money Market Funds [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0		0	0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Emerging Markets ETF [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0		0	0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Mutual Fund [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	0	0		0	0
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Life Insurance Contracts [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	14,524
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	14,885	14,524
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	14,524	14,524		14,885	14,524
VEBA Trust [Member] | EMC Insurance Companies [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Cash [Member]
Change in plan assets [Abstract]
Fair value of plan assets at beginning of year	0
Fair value of plan assets at end of year	0	0
Fair values of the plan assets held [Abstract]
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure	$ 0	$ 0		$ 0	$ 0

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Detai

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)Plan$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of stock option plans | Plan	2
Recognized compensation expense | $	$ 1,202	$ 801	$ 788
Recognized compensation expense, net of tax | $	949	521	512
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Unrecognized compensation cost associated with restricted stock awards, not currently vested | $	$ 314
Weighted-average period over which the compensation expense is expected to be recognized	10 months 2 days
Total fair value of restricted stock awards that vested | $	$ 429	$ 545	$ 414
Non-vested restricted stock awards activity in shares
Non-vested, beginning of year (in shares)	144,050	234,281	216,944
Granted (in shares)	2,800	2,000	118,588
Vested (in shares)	(63,849)	(85,192)	(69,057)
Forfeited (in shares)	(15,844)	(7,039)	(32,194)
Non-vested, end of year (in shares)	67,157	144,050	234,281
Non-vested restricted stock awards activity in dollars per share weighted-average grant-date fair value
Non-vested, beginning of year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 22.96	$ 22.31	$ 20.40
Granted (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	25.27	26.95	24.56
Vested (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	22.42	21.31	19.98
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	22.91	22.57	22.73
Non-vested, end of year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 23.57	$ 22.96	$ 22.31
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share-based arrangements, liability, current and noncurrent | $	$ 1,200
Non-vested restricted stock awards activity in shares
Non-vested, beginning of year (in shares)	114,055	0
Granted (in shares)	120,439	116,288
Vested (in shares)	28,365	0
Forfeited (in shares)	3,236	2,233
Non-vested, end of year (in shares)	202,893	114,055	0
Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	5 years	5 years	5 years
Total intrinsic value of options exercised under Employers Mutual's stock option plans | $	$ 339	$ 901	$ 1,100
Portion of the current tax deduction realized from exercises of stock options | $	$ 56	$ 239	$ 284
Number of options [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning of year (in shares)	406,311	649,012	1,006,171
Exercised (in shares)	(93,802)	(222,921)	(321,312)
Expired (in shares)	(30,577)	(18,805)	(34,947)
Forfeited (in shares)	0	(975)	(900)
Outstanding, end of year (in shares)	281,932	406,311	649,012
Options Exercisable, end of year (in shares)	281,932	406,311	593,224
Weighted-average exercise price [Roll Forward]
Outstanding, beginning of year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 14.51	$ 14.65	$ 14.92
Exercised (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	14.51	14.88	15.31
Expired (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	14.42	15.16	16.32
Forfeited (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	0	13.99	13.99
Outstanding, end of year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	14.52	14.51	14.65
Exercisable, end of year (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 14.52	$ 14.51	$ 14.72
Additional information relating to options outstanding and options vested (exercisable) [Abstract]
Options outstanding, Number of options (in shares)	281,932
Options outstanding, Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 14.52
Options outstanding, Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 4,918
Options outstanding, Weighted-average remaining term	2 years 2 months 4 days
Options exercisable, Number of options (in shares)	281,932
Options exercisable, Weighted-average exercise price (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 14.52
Options exercisable, Aggregate intrinsic value | $	$ 4,918
Options exercisable, Weighted-average remaining term	2 years 2 months 4 days
EMC Insurance Group Inc. 2017 Non-Employee Director Stock Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Registered shares (in shares)	150,000
Employee Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Registered shares (in shares)	750,000	750,000	750,000
Fair market value of the stock on the date of purchase (in hundredths)	85.00%	85.00%	85.00%
Employee stock purchase plan administrative expense | $	$ 116	$ 100	$ 78
Other Stock Purchase Plan Shares Activity [Roll Forward]
Shares available for purchase, beginning of year (in shares)	271,585	349,404	414,883
Shares purchased under the plan (in shares)	(95,055)	(77,819)	(65,479)
Shares available for purchase, end of year (in shares)	176,530	271,585	349,404
Other stock purchase plan stock option exercise price range lower range limit (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 20.90
Other stock purchase plan stock option exercise price range upper range limit (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 24.70
Non-Employee Director Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Registered shares (in shares)	300,000	300,000	300,000
Fair market value to purchase stock under Non-employee director stock option plan (in hundredths)	75.00%	75.00%	75.00%
Minimum cash retainer used to purchase common stock (in hundredths)	25.00%	25.00%	25.00%
Maximum cash retainer used to purchase common stock (in hundredths)	100.00%	100.00%	100.00%
Non employee director stock option plan administrative expense | $	$ 53	$ 65	$ 84
Other Stock Purchase Plan Shares Activity [Roll Forward]
Shares available for purchase, beginning of year (in shares)	235,373	249,843	264,446
Shares purchased under the plan (in shares)	(10,151)	(14,470)	(14,603)
Shares available for purchase, end of year (in shares)	225,222	235,373	249,843
Other stock purchase plan stock option exercise price range lower range limit (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 18.95
Other stock purchase plan stock option exercise price range upper range limit (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 19.99
Dividend Reinvestment Plan [Member]
Other Stock Purchase Plan Shares Activity [Roll Forward]
Shares available for purchase, beginning of year (in shares)	965,801	971,222	976,697
Shares purchased under the plan (in shares)	(5,301)	(5,421)	(5,475)
Shares available for purchase, end of year (in shares)	960,500	965,801	971,222
Other stock purchase plan stock option exercise price range lower range limit (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 23.87	$ 26.94	$ 22.09
Other stock purchase plan stock option exercise price range upper range limit (in dollars per share) | $ / shares	$ 32.38	$ 31.09	$ 30.50
Employers Mutual Casualty Company Stock Incentive 2007 Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Registered shares (in shares)	3,000,000	3,000,000	3,000,000
Time limit for granting awards	10 years	10 years	10 years
Employers Mutual Casualty Company 2017 Stock Incentive Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Registered shares (in shares)	1,000,000
Time limit for granting awards	10 years
Employee [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	4 years	4 years	4 years
Employee [Member] | Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	4 years
Approved retirement threshold	70
Approved retirement minimum age	55 years
Automatic age for approved retirement	65 years
Accelerated period non-forfeiture upon approved retirement eligibility	12 months
Non-Employee Director [Member] | Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Vesting period	1 year	3 years
Age to attain automatic vesting		75 years
Non-vested restricted stock awards activity in shares
Granted (in shares)	2,800	2,000	2,000
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 | $ / shares	$ 26.30

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_3

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	$ 0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(28,027)	$ 32,945
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	12,497	(9,415)	$ (7,586)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(15,530)	23,530	(12,352)
Reclassification of tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from TCJA		0
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for- sale securities
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	83,497	49,748
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	(66,234)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(24,192)	27,278
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	14,653	(8,326)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(9,539)	18,952
Reclassification of tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from TCJA		14,797
Balance	7,724	83,497	49,748
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations, net actuarial loss
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	(13,074)	(16,299)
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(4,885)	5,571
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	333	958
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(4,552)	6,529
Reclassification of tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from TCJA		(3,304)
Balance	(17,626)	(13,074)	(16,299)
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations, prior service credit
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	12,961	12,632
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	1,050	96
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(2,489)	(2,047)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(1,439)	(1,951)
Reclassification of tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from TCJA		2,280
Balance	11,522	12,961	12,632
Total
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	(113)	(3,667)
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(3,835)	5,667
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(2,156)	(1,089)	(850)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(5,991)	4,578
Reclassification of tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from TCJA		(1,024)
Balance	(6,104)	(113)	(3,667)
Total
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	83,384	46,081
Cumulative Effect of New Accounting Principle in Period of Adoption	(66,234)
Reclassification of tax effects from accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from TCJA		13,773
Balance	$ 1,620	$ 83,384	$ 46,081

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_4

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Total income tax expense (benefit)	$ 9,325	$ (5,296)	$ 2,727	$ 452	$ 1,597	$ 1,186	$ (1,725)	$ (1,636)	$ 7,208	$ (578)	$ (17,004)
Net income (loss)	$ (21,545)	$ 19,148	$ (4,995)	$ (76)	$ 26,184	$ 746	$ 5,504	$ 6,804	(7,468)	39,238	46,203
Net reclassification adjustment									(12,497)	9,415	7,586
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 gains on equity investments									(18,548)	12,809	10,364
Total income tax expense (benefit)									3,895	(4,483)	(3,628)
Net income (loss)									(14,653)	8,326	6,736
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:									(421)	(1,474)	(2,383)
Net reclassification adjustment									(333)	(958)
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:									3,150	3,150	3,690
Net reclassification adjustment									2,489	2,047
Total
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income:									2,729	1,676	1,307
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit									(573)	(587)	(457)
Net reclassification adjustment									$ 2,156	$ 1,089	$ 850

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAMS (Deta

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAMS (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2005	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2016	Nov. 03, 2011
Stock Repurchase Program [Line Items]
Authorized amount of stock repurchase program				$ 15,000
Parent entity stock purchase program authorized amount	$ 15,000
Parent entity stock purchase program remaining authorized purchase amount		$ 4,500
Treasury Stock [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program [Line Items]
Stock repurchased and retired during period, shares		25,300	17,300
Average cost per share of stock repurchased		$ 25.76	$ 22.14

LEASES, COMMITMENTS AND CONTI_2

LEASES, COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Premium tax offsets	$ 809	$ 900
Period for guaranty fund assessments expected to be paid	2 years
Period for premium tax offsets are expected to be realized	10 years
Entity's share of case loss reserves, eliminated by the purchase of annuities	$ 110
Contingent liability for aggregate guaranteed amount of annuities	183
Guaranty Fund [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrued estimated fund assessments	615	706
Second-Injury Fund [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Accrued estimated fund assessments	$ 2,400	$ 2,000

UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL I_3

UNAUDITED INTERIM FINANCIAL INFORMATION (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018		Sep. 30, 2018		Jun. 30, 2018		Mar. 31, 2018		Dec. 31, 2017		Sep. 30, 2017		Jun. 30, 2017		Mar. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Quarterly Financial Information Disclosure [Abstract]
Total revenues	$ 141,586		$ 189,125		$ 166,637		$ 163,379		$ 175,598		$ 167,196		$ 165,426		$ 155,737		$ 660,727	$ 663,957	$ 649,792
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	(30,870)		24,444		(7,722)		(528)		24,587		(440)		7,229		8,440		(14,676)	39,816	63,207
Income tax expense (benefit)	(9,325)		5,296		(2,727)		(452)		(1,597)		(1,186)		1,725		1,636		(7,208)	578	17,004
Net income (loss)	$ (21,545)		$ 19,148		$ (4,995)		$ (76)		$ 26,184		$ 746		$ 5,504		$ 6,804		$ (7,468)	$ 39,238	$ 46,203
Net income (loss) per common share - basic and diluted1	$ (1)	[1]	$ 0.89	[1]	$ (0.24)	[1]	$ 0	[1]	$ 1.23	[1]	$ 0.03	[1]	$ 0.26	[1]	$ 0.32	[1]	$ (0.35)	$ 1.84	$ 2.20
[1]	Since the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the quarters are calculated independently of the weighted-average number of shares outstanding for the year, quarterly net income per share may not total to annual net income per share.

Schedule I - Summary of Inves_2

Schedule I - Summary of Investments-Other than Investments in Related Parties (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost	$ 1,482,223
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	1,546,992
Equity investments, at fair value	215,363
Debt Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost	1,273,132
Fair value	1,282,909
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	1,282,909
U.S. treasury
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost	8,139
Fair value	8,021
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	8,021
U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost	303,198
Fair value	304,479
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	304,479
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost	273,727
Fair value	283,651
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	283,651
Commercial mortgage-backed
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost	83,854
Fair value	84,379
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	84,379
Residential mortgage-backed
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost	161,055
Fair value	162,137
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	162,137
Other Asset Backed [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost	21,596
Fair value	20,834
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	20,834
Corporate
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost	421,563
Fair value	419,408
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	419,408
Equity Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost	160,371
Fair value	215,363
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	215,363
Financial services
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost	35,410
Fair value	41,839
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	41,839
Information technology
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost	17,678
Fair value	31,581
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	31,581
Healthcare
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost	21,602
Fair value	34,571
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	34,571
Consumer staples
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost	10,926
Fair value	13,180
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	13,180
Consumer discretionary
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost	15,921
Fair value	22,765
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	22,765
Energy
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost	10,124
Fair value	13,372
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	13,372
Industrials
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost	10,989
Fair value	19,389
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	19,389
Other
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost	11,512
Fair value	14,371
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	14,371
Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost	18,531
Fair value	16,654
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	16,654
Private Equity Funds, US [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost	7,678
Fair value	7,641
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	7,641
Investment funds
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost	1,200
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	1,200
Other Long-term Investments [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost	19,316
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	19,316
Short-term Investments [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Line Items]
Cost	28,204
Fair value	28,204
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	$ 28,204

Schedule II - Condensed Finan_2

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Sep. 30, 2018	Jun. 30, 2018	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
ASSETS
Equity securities available-for-sale													$ 228,115
Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount												$ 1,200	0
Other long-term investments												19,316	13,648
Short-term investments												28,204	23,613
Total investments												1,546,992	1,540,392
Cash	$ 337			$ 347	$ 347			$ 307	$ 347	$ 307	$ 224	337	347	$ 307	$ 224
Accrued investment income												10,468	11,286
Accounts receivable												1,658	1,604
Income taxes recoverable												6,697	0
Amounts due from affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances												5,154	0
Total assets												2,242,461	2,289,419
LIABILITIES
Amounts due affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances												0	367
Deferred income taxes												4,908	15,020
Total liabilities												1,119,696	1,078,094
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 21,615,105 shares in 2018 and 21,455,545 shares in 2017												21,615	21,455
Additional paid-in capital												128,451	124,556
Accumulated other comprehensive income												1,620	83,384
Retained earnings												414,096	374,451
Total stockholders' equity												565,782	603,846	553,342	524,938
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity												1,685,478	1,681,940
REVENUES
Investment income									47,637	45,479	47,490
Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized gains on equity investments									(41,252)	6,556	4,074
Total revenues	141,586	$ 189,125	$ 166,637	163,379	175,598	$ 167,196	$ 165,426	155,737	660,727	663,957	649,792
Other expenses									3,754	3,397	2,727
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(9,325)	5,296	(2,727)	(452)	(1,597)	(1,186)	1,725	1,636	(7,208)	578	17,004
Net income (loss)	(21,545)	19,148	(4,995)	(76)	26,184	746	5,504	6,804	(7,468)	39,238	46,203
Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	(21,545)	$ 19,148	$ (4,995)	(76)	26,184	$ 746	$ 5,504	6,804	(7,468)	39,238	46,203
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities not reflected in net income, net of deferred income taxes									(24,192)	27,278	(3,885)
Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment gains (losses) included in net income, net of income taxes									14,653	(8,326)	(6,736)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income, net of deferred income taxes:
Net actuarial loss									333	958	1,549
Prior service credit									(2,489)	(2,047)	(2,399)
Total reclassification adjustment associated with affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans									(2,156)	(1,089)	(850)
Change in funded status of affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans, net of deferred income taxes:
Net actuarial gain (loss)									(4,885)	5,571	(542)
Prior service credit (cost)									1,050	96	(339)
Total change in funded status of affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans									(3,835)	5,667	(881)
Other comprehensive income (loss)									(15,530)	23,530	(12,352)
Total comprehensive income									(22,998)	62,768	33,851
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net cash provided by operating activities									71,770	58,902	83,434
Cash flows from investing activities
Payments to Acquire Trading Securities Held-for-investment									(90,137)
Purchases of equity investments										(62,939)	(63,683)
Purchases of other long-term investments									(13,934)	(14,782)	(8,720)
Net (purchases) disposals of short-term investments									(4,591)	16,057	(1,071)
Net cash used in investing activities									(56,630)	(46,533)	(77,842)
Cash flows from financing activities
Issuance of common stock through affiliate’s stock plans									5,426	7,527	11,070
Repurchase of common stock									(1,455)	(1,858)	(383)
Dividends paid to stockholders (affiliated $(10,477), $(10,006) and $(9,182))									(19,121)	(17,998)	(16,196)
Net cash used in financing activities									(15,150)	(12,329)	(5,509)
Net increase (decrease) in cash									(10)	40	83
Cash at the beginning of the year				347				307	347	307	224
Cash at the end of the year	337				347				337	347	307
Income taxes recovered									(2,393)	(9,820)	(13,967)
Interest paid									654	337	337
Parent company [Member]
ASSETS
Common stock of subsidiaries (equity method)												556,977	599,036
Equity securities available-for-sale												0	2,000
Equity Securities without Readily Determinable Fair Value, Amount												1,200	0
Other long-term investments												3,811	0
Short-term investments												2,368	1,900
Total investments												564,356	602,936
Cash	206			255	255			184	255	184	136	206	255	$ 184	$ 136
Accrued investment income												3	1
Prepaid assets												119	136
Income taxes recoverable												510	777
Deferred income taxes												6	0
Amounts due from affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances												705	0
Total assets												565,905	604,105
LIABILITIES
Accounts payable												123	80
Amounts due affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances												0	160
Deferred income taxes												0	19
Total liabilities												123	259
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 21,615,105 shares in 2018 and 21,455,545 shares in 2017												21,615	21,455
Additional paid-in capital												128,451	124,556
Accumulated other comprehensive income												1,620	83,384
Retained earnings												414,096	374,451
Total stockholders' equity												565,782	603,846
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity												$ 565,905	$ 604,105
REVENUES
Dividends received from subsidiaries									21,124	5,719	9,707
Investment income									44	38	13
Net realized investment gains (losses) and, beginning in 2018, change in unrealized gains on equity investments									(90)	0	0
Total revenues									21,078	5,757	9,720
Other expenses									2,552	2,269	2,006
Income before income tax benefit and equity in undistributed net income (loss) of subsidiaries									18,526	3,488	7,714
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)									(535)	(794)	(698)
Income before equity in undistributed net income (loss) of subsidiaries									19,061	4,282	8,412
Equity in undistributed net income (loss) of subsidiaries									(26,529)	34,956	37,791
Net income (loss)									(7,468)	39,238	46,203
Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)									(7,468)	39,238	46,203
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities not reflected in net income, net of deferred income taxes									(24,192)	27,278	(3,885)
Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment gains (losses) included in net income, net of income taxes									14,653	(8,326)	(6,736)
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income, net of deferred income taxes:
Net actuarial loss									333	958	1,549
Prior service credit									(2,489)	(2,047)	(2,399)
Total reclassification adjustment associated with affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans									(2,156)	(1,089)	(850)
Change in funded status of affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans, net of deferred income taxes:
Net actuarial gain (loss)									(4,885)	5,571	(542)
Prior service credit (cost)									1,050	96	(339)
Total change in funded status of affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans									(3,835)	5,667	(881)
Other comprehensive income (loss)									(15,530)	23,530	(12,352)
Total comprehensive income									(22,998)	62,768	33,851
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net cash provided by operating activities									18,669	3,726	9,170
Cash flows from investing activities
Capital contributions to subsidiaries									0	(300)	(500)
Payments to Acquire Trading Securities Held-for-investment									(1,200)
Purchases of equity investments										0	(2,000)
Purchases of other long-term investments									(1,900)	0	0
Net (purchases) disposals of short-term investments									(468)	8,974	(1,113)
Net cash used in investing activities									(3,568)	8,674	(3,613)
Cash flows from financing activities
Issuance of common stock through affiliate’s stock plans									5,426	7,527	11,070
Repurchase of common stock									(1,455)	(1,858)	(383)
Dividends paid to stockholders (affiliated $(10,477), $(10,006) and $(9,182))									(19,121)	(17,998)	(16,196)
Net cash used in financing activities									(15,150)	(12,329)	(5,509)
Net increase (decrease) in cash									(49)	71	48
Cash at the beginning of the year				$ 255				$ 184	255	184	136
Cash at the end of the year	$ 206				$ 255				206	255	184
Income taxes recovered									777	700	716
Interest paid									$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Schedule II - Condensed Finan_3

Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant, Parenthetical (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Condensed Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale, cost		$ 144,274
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)	21,615,105	21,455,545
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	21,615,105	21,455,545
Condensed Statements of Income [Abstract]
Operating expense, affiliated	$ 2,129	$ 1,825	$ 1,860
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Dividends paid to stockholders, affiliated	(10,477)	(10,006)	(9,182)
Parent company [Member]
Condensed Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Equity securities available-for-sale, cost	$ 0	$ 2,000
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)	21,615,105	21,455,545
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	21,615,105	21,455,545
Condensed Statements of Income [Abstract]
Operating expense, affiliated	$ 1,243	$ 1,124	1,139
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Dividends paid to stockholders, affiliated	$ (10,477)	$ (10,006)	$ (9,182)

Schedule III - Supplementary _2

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$ 44,760	$ 41,114	$ 40,939
Loss and settlement expense reserves	777,190	732,612	690,532
Unearned premiums	268,511	257,797	244,885
Premium revenue	645,183	607,158	592,408
Net investment income	47,637	45,479	47,490
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	457,159	421,969	386,897
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	115,803	108,910	108,403
Other underwriting expenses	88,824	81,918	74,421
Premiums written	661,043	616,301	594,703
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	40,674	37,140	36,295
Loss and settlement expense reserves	531,912	502,864	486,387
Unearned premiums	246,330	236,030	220,697
Premium revenue	495,447	472,369	456,467
Net investment income	34,070	32,670	33,886
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	332,921	302,973	294,369
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	83,869	79,734	78,493
Other underwriting expenses	85,967	79,245	71,272
Premiums written	510,525	484,027	463,673
Reinsurance [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	4,086	3,974	4,644
Loss and settlement expense reserves	245,278	229,748	204,145
Unearned premiums	22,181	21,767	24,188
Premium revenue	149,736	134,789	135,941
Net investment income	13,523	12,771	13,591
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	124,238	118,996	92,528
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	31,934	29,176	29,910
Other underwriting expenses	2,857	2,673	3,149
Premiums written	150,518	132,274	131,030
Parent company [Member]
SEC Schedule, 12-16, Insurance Companies, Supplementary Insurance Information [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	0	0	0
Loss and settlement expense reserves	0	0	0
Unearned premiums	0	0	0
Premium revenue	0	0	0
Net investment income	44	38	13
Losses and settlement expenses incurred	0	0	0
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	0	0	0
Other underwriting expenses	0	0	0
Premiums written	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Deta

Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Consolidated earned premiums [Abstract]
Gross amount	$ 399,660	$ 384,993	$ 382,300
Ceded to other companies	455,395	437,881	426,946
Assumed from other companies	700,918	660,046	637,054
Net amount	$ 645,183	$ 607,158	$ 592,408
Percentage of amount assumed to net	108.60%	108.70%	107.50%

Schedule VI - Supplemental In_2

Schedule VI - Supplemental Information Concerning Property-Casualty Insurance Operations (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
SEC Schedule, 12-18, Supplemental Information, Property-Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract]
Deferred policy acquisition costs	$ 44,760	$ 41,114	$ 40,939
Reserves for losses and settlement expenses	777,190	732,612	690,532
Discount, if any, deducted from reserves	0	0	0
Unearned premiums	268,511	257,797	244,885
Earned premiums	645,183	607,158	592,408
Net investment income	47,593	45,441	47,477
Losses and settlement expenses incurred related to current year	475,843	441,588	427,838
Losses and settlement expenses incurred related to prior years	(18,684)	(19,619)	(40,941)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	115,803	108,910	108,403
Paid losses and settlement expenses	417,135	392,586	372,888
Premiums written	$ 661,043	$ 616,301	$ 594,703