EMC Insurance (EMCI) 10-Q 9 May 19 2019 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Apr. 30, 2019
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]
Entity Registrant Name	EMC INSURANCE GROUP INC.
Entity Central Index Key	0000356130
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Small Business	false
Entity Emerging Growth Company	false
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		21,668,287
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2019
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Mar. 31, 2019

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Un

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $1,255,775 and $1,273,132)	$ 1,291,860	$ 1,282,909
Equity investments, at fair value (cost $167,632 and $160,371)	242,583	215,363
Equity investments, at alternative measurement of cost less impairments	1,200	1,200
Other long-term investments	18,099	19,316
Short-term investments	48,265	28,204
Total investments	1,602,007	1,546,992
Cash	232	337
Reinsurance receivables due from affiliate	35,767	37,361
Prepaid reinsurance premiums due from affiliate	7,530	8,789
Deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $47,422 and $44,440)	47,422	44,760
Amounts due from affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances	11,905	5,154
Prepaid pension and postretirement benefits due from affiliate	17,355	17,691
Accrued investment income	11,713	10,468
Accounts receivable	1,038	1,658
Income taxes recoverable	2,465	6,697
Goodwill	942	942
Other assets (affiliated $3,678 and $4,510)	3,851	4,629
Total assets	1,742,227	1,685,478
LIABILITIES
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $774,644 and $771,872)	780,393	777,190
Unearned premiums (affiliated $271,127 and $267,064)	271,127	268,511
Other policyholders' funds (all affiliated)	8,326	8,807
Surplus notes payable to affiliate	25,000	25,000
Pension benefits payable to affiliate	3,738	4,070
Deferred income taxes	14,844	4,908
Other liabilities (affiliated $20,328 and $31,121)	22,465	31,210
Total liabilities	1,125,893	1,119,696
STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY
Common stock, $1 par value, authorized 30,000,000 shares; issued and outstanding, 21,668,287 shares in 2019 and 21,615,105 shares in 2018	21,668	21,615
Additional paid-in capital	129,928	128,451
Accumulated other comprehensive income	22,090	1,620
Retained earnings	442,648	414,096
Total stockholders' equity	616,334	565,782
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	$ 1,742,227	$ 1,685,478

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (_2

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019	Dec. 31, 2018
Investments:
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, amortized cost	$ 1,255,775	$ 1,273,132
Equity investments, cost	167,632	160,371
Deferred policy acquisition costs from affiliates	47,422	44,440
Affiliated other assets	3,678	4,510
LIABILITIES
Affiliated losses and settlement expenses	774,644	771,872
Unearned premiums from affiliates	271,127	267,064
Affiliated other liabilities	$ 20,328	$ 31,121
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)	21,668,287	21,615,105
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	21,668,287	21,615,105

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
REVENUES
Premiums earned (affiliated $166,747 and $154,246)	$ 167,302	$ 155,786
Net investment income	12,763	11,371
Net realized investment gains/losses and change in unrealized gains on equity investments	22,643	(5,393)
Other income (affiliated $1,456 and $1,581)	1,535	1,615
Total revenues	204,243	163,379
LOSSES AND EXPENSES
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $102,691 and $110,570)	104,969	110,628
Dividends to policyholders (all affiliated)	2,771	2,120
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $29,892 and $26,917)	29,970	27,292
Other underwriting expenses (affiliated $22,715 and $22,920)	22,592	22,855
Interest expense (all affiliated)	171	142
Other expenses (affiliated $645 and $498)	1,485	870
Total losses and expenses	161,958	163,907
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	42,285	(528)
INCOME TAX EXPENSE (BENEFIT)
Current	4,259	1,206
Deferred	4,495	(1,658)
Total income tax expense (benefit)	8,754	(452)
Net income (loss)	$ 33,531	$ (76)
Net income (loss) per common share - basic and diluted	$ 1.55	$ 0
Dividend per common share	$ 0.23	$ 0.22
Average number of common shares outstanding - basic and diluted (in shares)	21,638,588	21,501,897

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF IN_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
REVENUES
Premiums earned, affiliated	$ 166,747	$ 154,246
Other income, affiliated	1,456	1,581
LOSSES AND EXPENSES
Losses and settlement expenses, affiliated	102,691	110,570
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, affiliated	29,892	26,917
Other underwriting expenses, affiliated	22,715	22,920
Other expense, affiliated	$ 645	$ 498

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Net income (loss)	$ 33,531	$ (76)
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities not reflected in net income, net of deferred income tax expense (benefit) of $5,468 and $(5,042)	20,568	(18,969)
Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment (gains) losses included in net income (loss), net of income tax (expense) benefit of $57 and $51	215	193
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income, net of deferred income tax expense of $(84) and $(144):
Net actuarial loss	197	81
Prior service credit	(510)	(622)
Total reclassification adjustment associated with affiliate's pension and postretirement benefit plans	(313)	(541)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	20,470	(19,317)
Total comprehensive income (loss)	$ 54,001	$ (19,393)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CO_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (LOSS)
Unrealized holding gains (losses) on investment securities, deferred income tax expense (benefit)	$ 5,468	$ (5,042)
Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment (gains) losses included in net income (loss), income tax (expense) benefit	57	51
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income), deferred income tax (expense) benefit	$ (84)	$ (144)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]
Balance at Dec. 31, 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	2,398	94	2,304
Repurchase of common stock	(802)	(30)	(772)
Increase resulting from stock-based compensation expense	18		18
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(19,317)			(19,317)
Net income (loss)	(76)
Dividends paid to public stockholders	(2,128)				(2,128)
Dividends paid to affiliate	(2,590)				(2,590)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2018	581,349	21,519	126,106	(2,167)	435,891
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Cumulative adjustment for adoption of financial instruments recognition and measurement changes	0			(66,234)	66,234
Balance at Dec. 31, 2018	565,782	21,615	128,451	1,620	414,096
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Issuance of common stock through stock plans	2,151	73	2,078
Repurchase of common stock	(643)	(20)	(623)
Increase resulting from stock-based compensation expense	22		22
Other comprehensive income (loss)	20,470			20,470
Net income (loss)	33,531
Dividends paid to public stockholders	(2,271)				(2,271)
Dividends paid to affiliate	(2,708)				(2,708)
Balance at Mar. 31, 2019	$ 616,334	$ 21,668	$ 129,928	$ 22,090	$ 442,648

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCK

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF STOCKHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividends paid to public stockholders (per share)	$ 0.23	$ 0.22
Dividends paid to affiliate (per share)	$ 0.23	$ 0.22

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES
Net income (loss)	$ 33,531	$ (76)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Losses and settlement expenses (affiliated $2,772 and $6,427)	3,203	4,443
Unearned premiums (affiliated $4,063 and $1,558)	2,616	1,274
Other policyholders' funds due to affiliate	(481)	(427)
Amounts due to/from affiliate to settle inter-company transaction balances	(6,751)	(153)
Net pension and postretirement benefits due from affiliate	(392)	(827)
Reinsurance receivables due from affiliate	1,594	374
Prepaid reinsurance premiums due from affiliate	1,259	1,188
Commissions payable (affiliated $(9,154) and $(7,893))	(9,153)	(7,817)
Deferred policy acquisition costs (affiliated $(2,982) and $(1,819))	(2,662)	(1,778)
Accrued investment income	(1,245)	(330)
Current income tax	4,232	1,207
Deferred income tax	4,495	(1,658)
Net realized investment gains/losses and change in unrealized gains on equity investments	(22,643)	5,393
Other, net (affiliated $(785) and $(727))	3,267	2,644
Total adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities	(22,661)	3,533
Net cash provided by operating activities	10,870	3,457
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES
Purchases of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	(10,311)	(53,019)
Disposals of fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	25,955	51,447
Purchases of equity investments	(18,333)
Purchases of equity investments		(20,143)
Disposals of equity investments	15,169
Disposals of equity investments		19,168
Purchases of other long-term investments	0	(4,507)
Disposals of other long-term investments	77	2,305
Net (purchases) disposals of short-term investments	(20,061)	1,949
Net receipts under reverse repurchase agreements	0	2,500
Net cash used in investing activities	(7,504)	(300)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Issuance of common stock through affiliate’s stock plans	2,151	2,398
Repurchase of common stock	(643)	(802)
Dividends paid to stockholders (affiliated $(2,708) and $(2,590))	(4,979)	(4,718)
Net cash used in financing activities	(3,471)	(3,122)
NET INCREASE (DECREASE) IN CASH	(105)	35
Cash at the beginning of the year	337	347
Cash at the end of the quarter	$ 232	$ 382

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CA_2

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
Losses and settlement expenses, affiliated	$ 2,772	$ 6,427
Unearned premiums, affiliated	4,063	1,558
Commissions payable, affiliated	(9,154)	(7,893)
Deferred policy acquisition costs, affiliated	(2,982)	(1,819)
Other, net, affiliated	(785)	(727)
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES
Dividends paid to stockholders, affiliated	$ (2,708)	$ (2,590)

BASIS OF PRESENTATION

BASIS OF PRESENTATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
BASIS OF PRESENTATION	BASIS OF PRESENTATION EMC Insurance Group Inc., a majority owned subsidiary of Employers Mutual Casualty Company (Employers Mutual), is an insurance holding company with operations in property and casualty insurance and reinsurance. The 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 and reinsurance business. As a result, personal lines premiums written declined significantly during the first quarter of 2019. Personal lines premiums earned also declined, though the decline was much smaller since the premiums are earned over the policies' annual terms. 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 was previously written on a direct basis, outside the quota share reinsurance agreement. The accompanying unaudited consolidated financial statements have been prepared on the basis of U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) for interim financial information and with the instructions to Form 10-Q and Article 10 of Regulation S-X. Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. The Company has evaluated all subsequent events through the date the financial statements were issued. In the opinion of management, all adjustments (consisting of normal recurring adjustments) considered necessary for a fair presentation of the interim financial statements have been included. The results of operations for the interim periods reported are not necessarily indicative of results to be expected for the year. The consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2018 has been derived from the audited financial statements at that date, but does not include all of the information and notes required by GAAP for complete financial statements. In reading these financial statements, reference should be made to the Company’s 2018 Form 10-K and 10-K/A for more detailed footnote information. Accounting Pronouncements Adopted In March 2017, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) updated guidance related to Receivables-Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs Subtopic 310-20 of the Accounting Standards Codification TM (Codification or ASC). The objective of this update is to shorten the amortization period of premiums on certain callable fixed maturity securities to the earliest call date. The Company adopted this guidance on January 1, 2019, and it did not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements. 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. The Company adopted this guidance during the first quarter of 2019, though management concluded that lease costs allocated to the Company through the pooling and quota share agreements cannot 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 had no impact on the consolidated financial statements.

TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES

TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES	TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES An inter-company reinsurance program is in place between the Company's insurance subsidiaries in the property and casualty insurance segment and Employers Mutual. This reinsurance program is intended to reduce the volatility of the Company's quarterly results caused by excessive catastrophe and storm losses, and provide protection from both the frequency and severity of such losses. The reinsurance program consists of two semi-annual aggregate catastrophe excess of loss treaties. The first treaty is effective 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 is approximately $6.0 million . 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 is approximately $1.4 million . The terms of these treaties were the same in 2018. Losses and settlement expenses ceded to Employers Mutual under the inter-company reinsurance program totaled $527,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 compared to $467,000 for the same period in 2018. All catastrophe and storm losses assumed by the property and casualty insurance subsidiaries (net of applicable reinsurance recoveries from external reinsurance protections purchased by the pool participants) are subject to the terms of these treaties, and there is no co-participation provision. An inter-company reinsurance program is also in place between the Company's reinsurance subsidiary and Employers Mutual. The reinsurance program consists of two treaties. The first is a per occurrence catastrophe excess of loss treaty with a retention of $10.0 million , a limit of $10.0 million , 20 percent co-participation, and no reinstatement. The total cost of this treaty is approximately $1.6 million . The second is an annual aggregate catastrophe excess of loss treaty with a retention of $20.0 million , a limit of $100.0 million , and 20 percent co-participation. The total cost of this treaty is approximately $3.6 million . Any losses recovered under the per occurrence treaty inure to the benefit of the aggregate treaty, and only catastrophic events with total losses greater than $500,000 are subject to the terms of the aggregate treaty. The terms of the program were the same in 2018. Losses and settlement expenses ceded to Employers Mutual under the inter-company reinsurance program totaled $1.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2019 , compared to $(753,000) for the three months ended March 31, 2018 . For both periods, these amounts represent development on prior accident years' losses, net of any applicable outside reinsurance recoveries. 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, which consists of the Company's four independent directors, has retained its own independent financial and legal advisors to assist it in considering the proposal. Discussions between the special committee and Employers Mutual continued through the first quarter of 2019.

REINSURANCE

REINSURANCE	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
REINSURANCE	REINSURANCE The effect of reinsurance on premiums written and earned, and losses and settlement expenses incurred, for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 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. Three months ended March 31, 2019 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 105,233 $ — $ 105,233 Assumed from nonaffiliates 965 48,735 49,700 Assumed from affiliates 134,343 — 134,343 Ceded to nonaffiliates (6,812 ) (1,973 ) (8,785 ) Ceded to affiliates (108,213 ) (1,313 ) (109,526 ) Net premiums written $ 125,516 $ 45,449 $ 170,965 Premiums earned Direct $ 101,267 $ — $ 101,267 Assumed from nonaffiliates 1,038 46,248 47,286 Assumed from affiliates 134,354 — 134,354 Ceded to nonaffiliates (7,640 ) (2,405 ) (10,045 ) Ceded to affiliates (104,247 ) (1,313 ) (105,560 ) Net premiums earned $ 124,772 $ 42,530 $ 167,302 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 60,935 $ — $ 60,935 Assumed from nonaffiliates 987 31,049 32,036 Assumed from affiliates 77,778 255 78,033 Ceded to nonaffiliates (1,258 ) (1,582 ) (2,840 ) Ceded to affiliates (61,462 ) (1,733 ) (63,195 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 76,980 $ 27,989 $ 104,969 Three months ended March 31, 2018 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 100,044 $ — $ 100,044 Assumed from nonaffiliates 1,018 41,121 42,139 Assumed from affiliates 130,201 — 130,201 Ceded to nonaffiliates (7,970 ) (2,005 ) (9,975 ) Ceded to affiliates (103,024 ) (1,313 ) (104,337 ) Net premiums written $ 120,269 $ 37,803 $ 158,072 Premiums earned Direct $ 95,745 $ — $ 95,745 Assumed from nonaffiliates 1,002 41,092 42,094 Assumed from affiliates 129,148 — 129,148 Ceded to nonaffiliates (8,538 ) (2,625 ) (11,163 ) Ceded to affiliates (98,725 ) (1,313 ) (100,038 ) Net premiums earned $ 118,632 $ 37,154 $ 155,786 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 52,287 $ — $ 52,287 Assumed from nonaffiliates 992 26,415 27,407 Assumed from affiliates 85,967 358 86,325 Ceded to nonaffiliates (2,991 ) (399 ) (3,390 ) Ceded to affiliates (52,754 ) 753 (52,001 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 83,501 $ 27,127 $ 110,628 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	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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. Three months ended March 31, ($ in thousands) 2019 2018 Gross reserves at beginning of year $ 777,190 $ 732,612 Re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates (593 ) 525 Less ceded reserves at beginning of year 36,595 30,923 Net reserves at beginning of year 741,188 701,164 Incurred losses and settlement expenses related to: Current year 118,259 116,204 Prior years (13,290 ) (5,576 ) Total incurred losses and settlement expenses 104,969 110,628 Paid losses and settlement expenses related to: Current year 23,608 24,262 Prior years 76,412 81,877 Total paid losses and settlement expenses 100,020 106,139 Net reserves at end of period 746,137 705,653 Plus ceded reserves at end of period 34,927 30,549 Re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates (671 ) 853 Gross reserves at end of period $ 780,393 $ 737,055 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 three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 . 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. 2019 Development For the property and casualty insurance segment, the March 31, 2019 estimate of loss and settlement expense reserves for accident years 2018 and prior decreased $9.6 million from the estimate at December 31, 2018 . This decrease represents 1.8 percent of the December 31, 2018 gross carried reserves and is primarily attributed to reductions in prior year ultimate loss ratios for most lines of business except personal auto liability and homeowners. The commercial auto liability and workers' compensation lines of business were the largest contributors to favorable development. Favorable development in the commercial auto liability line of business was a result of decreases in ultimate severity estimates for accident years 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2018. Favorable development in the workers compensation line of business is the result of a decrease in estimated ultimate frequency and severity for accident year 2018, and decreases in estimated ultimate severity for several prior accident years except 2015 and 2016, which experienced adverse development. Personal auto liability and homeowners experienced adverse development as estimated ultimate severity increased for accident year 2018. For the reinsurance segment, the March 31, 2019 estimate of loss and settlement expense reserves for accident years 2018 and prior decreased $3.6 million from the estimate at December 31, 2018 . This decrease represents 1.5 percent of the December 31, 2018 gross carried reserves and is primarily attributed to lower ultimate losses impacting accident years 2003-2015 and 2018 for casualty excess contracts and accident years 2016-2018 for property-casualty global excess contracts. 2018 Development For the property and casualty insurance segment, the March 31, 2018 estimate of loss and settlement expense reserves for accident years 2017 and prior decreased $2.1 million from the estimate at December 31, 2017 . This decrease represented 0.4 percent of the December 31, 2017 gross carried reserves and was primarily attributed to decreases in the ultimate loss ratios for several accident years, including 2017, due to reductions in expected ultimate frequency and/or severity in the workers' compensation line of business. The commercial auto liability line of business experienced adverse development due to higher than expected severity in the 2017 accident year. For the reinsurance segment, the March 31, 2018 estimate of loss and settlement expense reserves for accident years 2017 and prior increased $3.4 million from the estimate at December 31, 2017 . This increase represented 1.5 percent of the December 31, 2017 gross carried reserves and was primarily attributed to lower ultimate loss estimates impacting accident years 2014-2017 for the property pro rata, catastrophe and per risk excess, and property-casualty global excess lines of business. The favorable development was partially offset by adverse development on casualty excess contracts for years 2007, 2012, 2014, and 2017, whose ultimates were increased in response to higher than expected reported losses.

SEGMENT INFORMATION

SEGMENT INFORMATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
SEGMENT INFORMATION	SEGMENT INFORMATION The Company’s operations consist of a property and casualty insurance segment and a reinsurance segment. The property and casualty insurance segment writes both commercial and personal lines of insurance, with a focus on medium-sized commercial accounts. The reinsurance segment provides reinsurance for other insurers and reinsurers. The segments are managed separately due to differences in the insurance products sold and the business environments in which they operate. Management evaluates the performance of its insurance segments using financial measurements based on Statutory Accounting Principles (SAP) instead of GAAP. Such measures include premiums written, premiums earned, statutory underwriting profit (loss), and investment results, as well as loss and loss adjustment expense ratios, trade underwriting expense ratios, and combined ratios. Summarized financial information for the Company’s segments is as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2019 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 124,772 $ 42,530 $ — $ 167,302 Underwriting profit (loss): SAP underwriting profit (loss) 1,407 3,563 — 4,970 GAAP adjustments 1,210 820 — 2,030 GAAP underwriting profit (loss) 2,617 4,383 — 7,000 Net investment income 9,138 3,608 17 12,763 Net realized investment gains/losses and change in unrealized gains on equity investments 14,168 8,542 (67 ) 22,643 Other income (loss) 1,533 2 — 1,535 Interest expense 171 — — 171 Other expenses 311 — 1,174 1,485 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 26,974 $ 16,535 $ (1,224 ) $ 42,285 Assets $ 1,220,775 $ 512,430 $ 617,254 $ 2,350,459 Eliminations — — (606,809 ) (606,809 ) Reclassifications (934 ) — (489 ) (1,423 ) Total assets $ 1,219,841 $ 512,430 $ 9,956 $ 1,742,227 Three months ended March 31, 2018 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 118,632 $ 37,154 $ — $ 155,786 Underwriting profit (loss): SAP underwriting profit (loss) (9,036 ) 1,563 — (7,473 ) GAAP adjustments 262 102 — 364 GAAP underwriting profit (loss) (8,774 ) 1,665 — (7,109 ) Net investment income 8,148 3,218 5 11,371 Net realized investment gains/losses and change in unrealized gains on equity investments (3,293 ) (2,100 ) — (5,393 ) Other income (loss) 2,051 (436 ) — 1,615 Interest expense 142 — — 142 Other expenses 233 — 637 870 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ (2,243 ) $ 2,347 $ (632 ) $ (528 ) Year ended December 31, 2018 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 The following table displays the premiums earned for the property and casualty insurance segment and the reinsurance segment for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , by line of insurance. Three months ended March 31, ($ in thousands) 2019 2018 Property and casualty insurance Commercial lines: Automobile $ 32,907 $ 30,644 Property 27,671 26,429 Workers' compensation 23,543 24,902 Other liability 28,905 24,962 Other 2,506 2,186 Total commercial lines 115,532 109,123 Personal lines 9,240 9,509 Total property and casualty insurance $ 124,772 $ 118,632 Reinsurance Pro rata reinsurance $ 13,006 $ 13,073 Excess of loss reinsurance 29,524 24,081 Total reinsurance $ 42,530 $ 37,154 Consolidated $ 167,302 $ 155,786

INCOME TAXES

INCOME TAXES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
INCOME TAXES	INCOME TAXES The actual income tax expense (benefit) for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 differed from the “expected” income tax expense (benefit) for those periods (computed by applying the United States federal corporate tax rate of 21 percent to income (loss) before income tax) as follows: Three months ended ($ in thousands) 2019 2018 Computed "expected" income tax expense (benefit) $ 8,880 $ (111 ) Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from: Tax-exempt interest income (283 ) (310 ) Dividends received deduction (132 ) (123 ) Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction 104 108 Internal Revenue Code 50(d)(5) income from investment tax credits 221 36 Other, net (36 ) (52 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) $ 8,754 $ (452 ) Pursuant to Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 118 issued by the Securities and Exchange Commission, the Company made reasonable estimates of the effects the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) had on deferred income tax assets and liabilities at December 31, 2017 and the interim periods in 2018. 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 provided applicable discount factors for both the transition obligation (reserves at January 1, 2018), and reserves at December 31, 2018. The Company had no provision for uncertain income tax positions at March 31, 2019 or December 31, 2018 . The Company recognized no interest expense or other penalties related to U.S. federal or state income taxes during the three months ended March 31, 2019 or 2018 . It is the Company’s accounting policy to reflect income tax penalties as other expense, and interest as interest expense. The Company files a U.S. federal income tax return, along with various state income tax returns. The Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal and state income tax examinations by tax authorities for years before 2015.

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS	EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans is as follows: Three months ended ($ in thousands) 2019 2018 Pension plans: Service cost $ 4,071 $ 4,126 Interest cost 2,949 2,665 Expected return on plan assets (5,440 ) (5,978 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 598 125 Net periodic pension benefit cost $ 2,178 $ 938 Postretirement benefit plans: Service cost $ 353 $ 368 Interest cost 546 521 Expected return on plan assets (1,095 ) (1,204 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 245 234 Amortization of prior service credit (2,285 ) (2,782 ) Net periodic postretirement benefit income $ (2,236 ) $ (2,863 ) Net periodic pension benefit cost allocated to the Company amounted to $653,000 and $282,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. Net periodic postretirement benefit income allocated to the Company amounted to $636,000 and $806,000 for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. The service cost component of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost/(income) allocated to the Company is included in the income statement line titled "other underwriting expenses". The other components of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost/(income) are included in the income statement line titled "other income". Employers Mutual plans to contribute approximately $7.0 million to the pension plan in 2019 . No contributions are expected to be made to the Voluntary Employee Beneficiary Association (VEBA) trust in 2019 .

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION	STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION The Company has a stock-based compensation plan for non-employee directors. Employers Mutual also has several stock plans which utilize the common stock of the Company. Employers Mutual can provide the common stock required under its plans by: 1) using shares of common stock that it currently owns; 2) purchasing common stock in the open market; or 3) directly purchasing common stock from the Company at the current fair value. Employers Mutual's current practice is to purchase common stock from the Company for use in all of its stock plans (including its non-employee director stock purchase plan and its employee stock purchase plan). A portion of the compensation expense recognized by Employers Mutual (as the requisite service period for restricted stock awards/units is rendered) is allocated to the Company’s property and casualty insurance subsidiaries though their participation in the pooling agreement. An account Employers Mutual established to hold previously granted restricted stock awards until they vest will periodically contain excess shares of the Company's stock stemming from forfeitures and surrenders. During the first three months of 2019 , the Company repurchased 20,221 shares of stock from this unvested restricted stock account at an average cost of $31.83 . These repurchased shares are not deemed to be shares repurchased under the Company's stock repurchase program. During the first three months of 2019 , 122,073 restricted stock units were granted to eligible employees of Employers Mutual. Under the stock plans, 96,374 shares of restricted stock vested, and 32,262 options were exercised at a weighted average exercise price of $12.58 . The Company recognized compensation expense from these plans of $283,000 ( $223,000 net of tax) and $413,000 ( $326,000 net of tax) for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively.

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALU

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS	DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUES OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are summarized in the tables below. March 31, 2019 Carrying Estimated ($ in thousands) Assets: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: U.S. treasury $ 8,113 $ 8,113 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 309,120 309,120 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 276,857 276,857 Commercial mortgage-backed 86,664 86,664 Residential mortgage-backed 168,765 168,765 Other asset-backed 17,719 17,719 Corporate 424,622 424,622 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,291,860 1,291,860 Equity investments, at fair value Common stocks: Financial services 47,345 47,345 Information technology 39,346 39,346 Healthcare 34,006 34,006 Consumer staples 14,694 14,694 Consumer discretionary 28,764 28,764 Energy 15,853 15,853 Industrials 19,435 19,435 Other 15,471 15,471 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 18,180 18,180 Investment funds 9,489 9,489 Total equity investments 242,583 242,583 Short-term investments 48,265 48,265 Liabilities: Surplus notes 25,000 16,056 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 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. 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 March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , 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 the fourth quarter of 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. One of these fixed maturity securities ( two at December 31, 2018), 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 March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 . March 31, 2019 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 $ 8,113 $ — $ — $ 8,113 $ — U.S. government-sponsored agencies 309,120 — — 309,120 — Obligations of states and political subdivisions 276,857 — — 276,857 — Commercial mortgage-backed 86,664 — — 86,664 — Residential mortgage-backed 168,765 — — 168,765 — Other asset-backed 17,719 — — 17,719 — Corporate 424,622 — — 424,421 201 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,291,860 — — 1,291,659 201 Equity investments, at fair value: Common stocks: Financial services 47,345 — 47,345 — — Information technology 39,346 — 39,346 — — Healthcare 34,006 — 34,006 — — Consumer staples 14,694 — 14,694 — — Consumer discretionary 28,764 — 28,764 — — Energy 15,853 — 15,853 — — Industrials 19,435 — 19,435 — — Other 15,471 — 15,471 — — Non-redeemable preferred stocks 18,180 — 8,578 9,602 — Investment funds 9,489 9,489 — — — Total equity investments 242,583 9,489 223,492 9,602 — Short-term investments 48,265 — 48,265 — — Financial instruments not reported at fair value: Liabilities: Surplus notes 16,056 — — — 16,056 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 Presented in the table below is a reconciliation of the assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 . Any unrealized gains or losses on fixed maturity securities are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Any gains or losses from settlements, disposals, impairments and unrealized gains or losses on equity securities are reported as realized investment gains or losses in net income. ($ in thousands) Fair value measurements using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate Total Three months ended March 31, 2019 Beginning balance $ 259 $ 259 Settlements (57 ) (57 ) Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) on securities still held at reporting date (1 ) (1 ) Balance at March 31, 2019 $ 201 $ 201 ($ in thousands) Fair value measurements using significant Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate Equity securities, Total Three months ended March 31, 2018 Beginning balance $ 620 $ 3 $ 623 Settlements (56 ) — (56 ) Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) on securities still held at reporting date (2 ) — (2 ) Balance at March 31, 2018 $ 562 $ 3 $ 565

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are as follows. All fixed maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. March 31, 2019 Amortized Gross Gross Estimated ($ in thousands) Securities available-for-sale: Fixed maturity securities: U.S. treasury $ 8,146 $ — $ 33 $ 8,113 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 302,811 6,489 180 309,120 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 263,064 13,852 59 276,857 Commercial mortgage-backed 83,882 2,869 87 86,664 Residential mortgage-backed 163,955 6,233 1,423 168,765 Other asset-backed 17,892 301 474 17,719 Corporate 416,025 9,342 745 424,622 Total fixed maturity securities $ 1,255,775 $ 39,086 $ 3,001 $ 1,291,860 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 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 March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , listed by length of time the securities were consistently in an unrealized loss position. March 31, 2019 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 $ — $ — $ 8,113 $ 33 $ 8,113 $ 33 U.S. government-sponsored agencies — — 47,961 180 47,961 180 Obligations of states and political subdivisions — — 12,372 59 12,372 59 Commercial mortgage-backed — — 11,140 87 11,140 87 Residential mortgage-backed 4,466 94 40,869 1,329 45,335 1,423 Other asset-backed — — 11,167 474 11,167 474 Corporate 7,901 349 36,514 396 44,415 745 Total fixed maturity securities $ 12,367 $ 443 $ 168,136 $ 2,558 $ 180,503 $ 3,001 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 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 March 31, 2019 . The amortized cost and estimated fair values of fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2019 , 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 $ 23,719 $ 23,824 Due after one year through five years 265,818 270,454 Due after five years through ten years 314,904 325,430 Due after ten years 402,224 415,475 Securities not due at a single maturity date 249,110 256,677 Totals $ 1,255,775 $ 1,291,860 A summary of realized investment gains and (losses) and the change in unrealized gains on equity investments is as follows: Three months ended March 31, ($ in thousands) 2019 2018 Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: Gross realized investment gains $ — $ 234 Gross realized investment losses (272 ) (478 ) Equity securities: Net realized investment gains 4,097 2,716 Change in unrealized investment gains 19,829 (9,854 ) Other long-term investments, net (1,011 ) 1,989 Totals $ 22,643 $ (5,393 ) Gains and losses realized on the disposition of investments are included in net income. The cost of investments sold is determined on the specific identification method using the highest cost basis first. The Company did not have any outstanding cumulative credit losses on fixed maturity securities that have been recognized in earnings from “other-than-temporary” impairments during any of the reported periods. The net realized investment gains (losses) recognized on other long-term investments primarily represent changes in the carrying value of a limited partnership that is used solely to support an equity tail-risk hedging strategy.

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
CONTINGENT LIABILITIES	CONTINGENT LIABILITIES The Company and Employers Mutual and its other subsidiaries are parties to numerous lawsuits arising in the normal course of the insurance business. The Company believes that the resolution of these lawsuits will not have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or its results of operations. The companies involved have established reserves which are believed adequate to cover any potential liabilities arising out of all such pending or threatened proceedings. On March 22, 2019, a lawsuit was filed in state court in Iowa relating to the November 15, 2018 proposal by Employers Mutual to acquire all outstanding shares of stock in the Company not already owned by Employers Mutual. The lawsuit was filed as a purported class action, and names as defendants Employers Mutual and the five individual directors of the Company. The lawsuit alleges that the proposal is unfair to the Company’s minority shareholders, and seeks an unspecified amount of damages. Employers Mutual and the Company and its directors deny all allegations of wrongdoing set forth in the lawsuit. The Company believes that Directors, Officers and Organization Liability Coverage is in place that should be sufficient to cover any finding of liability. 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. Although management is not able to verify the amount, the Company would likely have a similar contingent liability at March 31, 2019 . The probability of a material loss due to failure of performance by the issuers of these annuities is considered remote.

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Equity [Abstract]
STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM	STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM On November 3, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors authorized a $15.0 million stock repurchase program. This program does not have an expiration date. The timing and terms of the purchases are determined by management based on board approved parameters and market conditions, and are conducted in accordance with the applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. Common stock repurchased under this program will be retired by the Company. The Company did not repurchase any shares during the first three months of either 2019 or 2018.

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME The Company has available-for-sale securities and receives an allocation of the actuarial losses and net prior service credits associated with Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans, both of which generate accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) amounts. The following table reconciles, by component, the beginning and ending balances of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component Unrealized Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations ($ in thousands) Net actuarial loss Prior service credit Total Total Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 7,724 $ (17,626 ) $ 11,522 $ (6,104 ) $ 1,620 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 20,568 — — — 20,568 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 215 197 (510 ) (313 ) (98 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 20,783 197 (510 ) (313 ) 20,470 Balance at March 31, 2019 $ 28,507 $ (17,429 ) $ 11,012 $ (6,417 ) $ 22,090 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component Unrealized Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations ($ in thousands) Net actuarial loss Prior service credit Total Total Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 83,497 $ (13,074 ) $ 12,961 $ (113 ) $ 83,384 Cumulative adjustment for adoption of financial instruments recognition and measurement changes (66,234 ) — — — (66,234 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (18,969 ) — — — (18,969 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 193 81 (622 ) (541 ) (348 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (18,776 ) 81 (622 ) (541 ) (19,317 ) Balance at March 31, 2018 $ (1,513 ) $ (12,993 ) $ 12,339 $ (654 ) $ (2,167 ) The following tables display amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and into net income (loss) during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. ($ in thousands) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive Three months ended Affected line item in the consolidated statements of income Unrealized gains (losses) on investments: Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment losses included in net income $ (272 ) Net realized investment gains/losses and change in unrealized gains on equity investments Deferred income tax (expense) benefit 57 Total income tax expense (benefit) Net reclassification adjustment (215 ) Net income (loss) Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations: Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income: Net actuarial loss (249 ) (1) Prior service credit 646 (1) Total before tax 397 Deferred income tax (expense) benefit (84 ) Net reclassification adjustment 313 Total reclassification adjustment $ 98 (1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income) (see note 7, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details). ($ in thousands) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive Three months ended March 31, 2018 Affected line item in the consolidated statements of income Unrealized gains (losses) on investments: Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment losses included in net income $ (244 ) Net realized investment gains/losses and change in unrealized gains on equity investments Deferred income tax (expense) benefit 51 Total income tax expense (benefit) Net reclassification adjustment (193 ) Net income (loss) Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations: Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income: Net actuarial loss (103 ) (1) Prior service credit 788 (1) Total before tax 685 Deferred income tax (expense) benefit (144 ) Net reclassification adjustment 541 Total reclassification adjustment $ 348 (1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income) (see note 7, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details).

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS N

NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]
NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED	NEW ACCOUNTING PRONOUNCEMENTS NOT YET ADOPTED 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.

Subsequent events (Notes)

Subsequent events (Notes)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events [Text Block]	SUBSEQUENT EVENTS On May 9, 2019, it was announced that the Company and Employers Mutual had entered into a definitive merger agreement pursuant to which Employers Mutual will acquire all of the remaining shares of the Company for $36 per share in cash. The transaction is expected to close in the second half of 2019.

REINSURANCE (Tables)

REINSURANCE (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 months ended March 31, 2019 and 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. Three months ended March 31, 2019 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 105,233 $ — $ 105,233 Assumed from nonaffiliates 965 48,735 49,700 Assumed from affiliates 134,343 — 134,343 Ceded to nonaffiliates (6,812 ) (1,973 ) (8,785 ) Ceded to affiliates (108,213 ) (1,313 ) (109,526 ) Net premiums written $ 125,516 $ 45,449 $ 170,965 Premiums earned Direct $ 101,267 $ — $ 101,267 Assumed from nonaffiliates 1,038 46,248 47,286 Assumed from affiliates 134,354 — 134,354 Ceded to nonaffiliates (7,640 ) (2,405 ) (10,045 ) Ceded to affiliates (104,247 ) (1,313 ) (105,560 ) Net premiums earned $ 124,772 $ 42,530 $ 167,302 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 60,935 $ — $ 60,935 Assumed from nonaffiliates 987 31,049 32,036 Assumed from affiliates 77,778 255 78,033 Ceded to nonaffiliates (1,258 ) (1,582 ) (2,840 ) Ceded to affiliates (61,462 ) (1,733 ) (63,195 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 76,980 $ 27,989 $ 104,969 Three months ended March 31, 2018 ($ in thousands) Property and Reinsurance Total Premiums written Direct $ 100,044 $ — $ 100,044 Assumed from nonaffiliates 1,018 41,121 42,139 Assumed from affiliates 130,201 — 130,201 Ceded to nonaffiliates (7,970 ) (2,005 ) (9,975 ) Ceded to affiliates (103,024 ) (1,313 ) (104,337 ) Net premiums written $ 120,269 $ 37,803 $ 158,072 Premiums earned Direct $ 95,745 $ — $ 95,745 Assumed from nonaffiliates 1,002 41,092 42,094 Assumed from affiliates 129,148 — 129,148 Ceded to nonaffiliates (8,538 ) (2,625 ) (11,163 ) Ceded to affiliates (98,725 ) (1,313 ) (100,038 ) Net premiums earned $ 118,632 $ 37,154 $ 155,786 Losses and settlement expenses incurred Direct $ 52,287 $ — $ 52,287 Assumed from nonaffiliates 992 26,415 27,407 Assumed from affiliates 85,967 358 86,325 Ceded to nonaffiliates (2,991 ) (399 ) (3,390 ) Ceded to affiliates (52,754 ) 753 (52,001 ) Net losses and settlement expenses incurred $ 83,501 $ 27,127 $ 110,628

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETT_2

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETTLEMENT EXPENSES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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. Three months ended March 31, ($ in thousands) 2019 2018 Gross reserves at beginning of year $ 777,190 $ 732,612 Re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates (593 ) 525 Less ceded reserves at beginning of year 36,595 30,923 Net reserves at beginning of year 741,188 701,164 Incurred losses and settlement expenses related to: Current year 118,259 116,204 Prior years (13,290 ) (5,576 ) Total incurred losses and settlement expenses 104,969 110,628 Paid losses and settlement expenses related to: Current year 23,608 24,262 Prior years 76,412 81,877 Total paid losses and settlement expenses 100,020 106,139 Net reserves at end of period 746,137 705,653 Plus ceded reserves at end of period 34,927 30,549 Re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates (671 ) 853 Gross reserves at end of period $ 780,393 $ 737,055

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)

SEGMENT INFORMATION (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summarized financial information for segments	Summarized financial information for the Company’s segments is as follows: Three months ended March 31, 2019 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 124,772 $ 42,530 $ — $ 167,302 Underwriting profit (loss): SAP underwriting profit (loss) 1,407 3,563 — 4,970 GAAP adjustments 1,210 820 — 2,030 GAAP underwriting profit (loss) 2,617 4,383 — 7,000 Net investment income 9,138 3,608 17 12,763 Net realized investment gains/losses and change in unrealized gains on equity investments 14,168 8,542 (67 ) 22,643 Other income (loss) 1,533 2 — 1,535 Interest expense 171 — — 171 Other expenses 311 — 1,174 1,485 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ 26,974 $ 16,535 $ (1,224 ) $ 42,285 Assets $ 1,220,775 $ 512,430 $ 617,254 $ 2,350,459 Eliminations — — (606,809 ) (606,809 ) Reclassifications (934 ) — (489 ) (1,423 ) Total assets $ 1,219,841 $ 512,430 $ 9,956 $ 1,742,227 Three months ended March 31, 2018 Property and Reinsurance Parent Consolidated ($ in thousands) Premiums earned $ 118,632 $ 37,154 $ — $ 155,786 Underwriting profit (loss): SAP underwriting profit (loss) (9,036 ) 1,563 — (7,473 ) GAAP adjustments 262 102 — 364 GAAP underwriting profit (loss) (8,774 ) 1,665 — (7,109 ) Net investment income 8,148 3,218 5 11,371 Net realized investment gains/losses and change in unrealized gains on equity investments (3,293 ) (2,100 ) — (5,393 ) Other income (loss) 2,051 (436 ) — 1,615 Interest expense 142 — — 142 Other expenses 233 — 637 870 Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit) $ (2,243 ) $ 2,347 $ (632 ) $ (528 ) Year ended December 31, 2018 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
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 months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , by line of insurance. Three months ended March 31, ($ in thousands) 2019 2018 Property and casualty insurance Commercial lines: Automobile $ 32,907 $ 30,644 Property 27,671 26,429 Workers' compensation 23,543 24,902 Other liability 28,905 24,962 Other 2,506 2,186 Total commercial lines 115,532 109,123 Personal lines 9,240 9,509 Total property and casualty insurance $ 124,772 $ 118,632 Reinsurance Pro rata reinsurance $ 13,006 $ 13,073 Excess of loss reinsurance 29,524 24,081 Total reinsurance $ 42,530 $ 37,154 Consolidated $ 167,302 $ 155,786

INCOME TAXES (Tables)

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Reconciliation of income tax expense (benefit)	The actual income tax expense (benefit) for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 differed from the “expected” income tax expense (benefit) for those periods (computed by applying the United States federal corporate tax rate of 21 percent to income (loss) before income tax) as follows: Three months ended ($ in thousands) 2019 2018 Computed "expected" income tax expense (benefit) $ 8,880 $ (111 ) Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from: Tax-exempt interest income (283 ) (310 ) Dividends received deduction (132 ) (123 ) Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction 104 108 Internal Revenue Code 50(d)(5) income from investment tax credits 221 36 Other, net (36 ) (52 ) Total income tax expense (benefit) $ 8,754 $ (452 )

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Tabl

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Components of net periodic benefit cost	The components of net periodic benefit cost (income) for Employers Mutual’s pension and postretirement benefit plans is as follows: Three months ended ($ in thousands) 2019 2018 Pension plans: Service cost $ 4,071 $ 4,126 Interest cost 2,949 2,665 Expected return on plan assets (5,440 ) (5,978 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 598 125 Net periodic pension benefit cost $ 2,178 $ 938 Postretirement benefit plans: Service cost $ 353 $ 368 Interest cost 546 521 Expected return on plan assets (1,095 ) (1,204 ) Amortization of net actuarial loss 245 234 Amortization of prior service credit (2,285 ) (2,782 ) Net periodic postretirement benefit income $ (2,236 ) $ (2,863 )

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA_2

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Summary of carrying amount and estimated fair value of financial instruments	The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of the Company’s financial instruments as of March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are summarized in the tables below. March 31, 2019 Carrying Estimated ($ in thousands) Assets: Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: U.S. treasury $ 8,113 $ 8,113 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 309,120 309,120 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 276,857 276,857 Commercial mortgage-backed 86,664 86,664 Residential mortgage-backed 168,765 168,765 Other asset-backed 17,719 17,719 Corporate 424,622 424,622 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,291,860 1,291,860 Equity investments, at fair value Common stocks: Financial services 47,345 47,345 Information technology 39,346 39,346 Healthcare 34,006 34,006 Consumer staples 14,694 14,694 Consumer discretionary 28,764 28,764 Energy 15,853 15,853 Industrials 19,435 19,435 Other 15,471 15,471 Non-redeemable preferred stocks 18,180 18,180 Investment funds 9,489 9,489 Total equity investments 242,583 242,583 Short-term investments 48,265 48,265 Liabilities: Surplus notes 25,000 16,056 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
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 March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 . March 31, 2019 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 $ 8,113 $ — $ — $ 8,113 $ — U.S. government-sponsored agencies 309,120 — — 309,120 — Obligations of states and political subdivisions 276,857 — — 276,857 — Commercial mortgage-backed 86,664 — — 86,664 — Residential mortgage-backed 168,765 — — 168,765 — Other asset-backed 17,719 — — 17,719 — Corporate 424,622 — — 424,421 201 Total fixed maturity securities available-for-sale 1,291,860 — — 1,291,659 201 Equity investments, at fair value: Common stocks: Financial services 47,345 — 47,345 — — Information technology 39,346 — 39,346 — — Healthcare 34,006 — 34,006 — — Consumer staples 14,694 — 14,694 — — Consumer discretionary 28,764 — 28,764 — — Energy 15,853 — 15,853 — — Industrials 19,435 — 19,435 — — Other 15,471 — 15,471 — — Non-redeemable preferred stocks 18,180 — 8,578 9,602 — Investment funds 9,489 9,489 — — — Total equity investments 242,583 9,489 223,492 9,602 — Short-term investments 48,265 — 48,265 — — Financial instruments not reported at fair value: Liabilities: Surplus notes 16,056 — — — 16,056 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
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs	Presented in the table below is a reconciliation of the assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) for the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 . Any unrealized gains or losses on fixed maturity securities are recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). Any gains or losses from settlements, disposals, impairments and unrealized gains or losses on equity securities are reported as realized investment gains or losses in net income. ($ in thousands) Fair value measurements using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate Total Three months ended March 31, 2019 Beginning balance $ 259 $ 259 Settlements (57 ) (57 ) Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) on securities still held at reporting date (1 ) (1 ) Balance at March 31, 2019 $ 201 $ 201 ($ in thousands) Fair value measurements using significant Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, corporate Equity securities, Total Three months ended March 31, 2018 Beginning balance $ 620 $ 3 $ 623 Settlements (56 ) — (56 ) Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) on securities still held at reporting date (2 ) — (2 ) Balance at March 31, 2018 $ 562 $ 3 $ 565

INVESTMENTS (Tables)

INVESTMENTS (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
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 March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 are as follows. All fixed maturity securities are classified as available-for-sale and are carried at fair value. March 31, 2019 Amortized Gross Gross Estimated ($ in thousands) Securities available-for-sale: Fixed maturity securities: U.S. treasury $ 8,146 $ — $ 33 $ 8,113 U.S. government-sponsored agencies 302,811 6,489 180 309,120 Obligations of states and political subdivisions 263,064 13,852 59 276,857 Commercial mortgage-backed 83,882 2,869 87 86,664 Residential mortgage-backed 163,955 6,233 1,423 168,765 Other asset-backed 17,892 301 474 17,719 Corporate 416,025 9,342 745 424,622 Total fixed maturity securities $ 1,255,775 $ 39,086 $ 3,001 $ 1,291,860 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
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 March 31, 2019 and December 31, 2018 , listed by length of time the securities were consistently in an unrealized loss position. March 31, 2019 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 $ — $ — $ 8,113 $ 33 $ 8,113 $ 33 U.S. government-sponsored agencies — — 47,961 180 47,961 180 Obligations of states and political subdivisions — — 12,372 59 12,372 59 Commercial mortgage-backed — — 11,140 87 11,140 87 Residential mortgage-backed 4,466 94 40,869 1,329 45,335 1,423 Other asset-backed — — 11,167 474 11,167 474 Corporate 7,901 349 36,514 396 44,415 745 Total fixed maturity securities $ 12,367 $ 443 $ 168,136 $ 2,558 $ 180,503 $ 3,001 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
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of fixed maturity securities	The amortized cost and estimated fair values of fixed maturity securities at March 31, 2019 , 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 $ 23,719 $ 23,824 Due after one year through five years 265,818 270,454 Due after five years through ten years 314,904 325,430 Due after ten years 402,224 415,475 Securities not due at a single maturity date 249,110 256,677 Totals $ 1,255,775 $ 1,291,860
Summary of realized investment gains and (losses)	A summary of realized investment gains and (losses) and the change in unrealized gains on equity investments is as follows: Three months ended March 31, ($ in thousands) 2019 2018 Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale: Gross realized investment gains $ — $ 234 Gross realized investment losses (272 ) (478 ) Equity securities: Net realized investment gains 4,097 2,716 Change in unrealized investment gains 19,829 (9,854 ) Other long-term investments, net (1,011 ) 1,989 Totals $ 22,643 $ (5,393 )

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule of beginning and ending balances of accumulated other comprehensive income	The following table reconciles, by component, the beginning and ending balances of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax. Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component Unrealized Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations ($ in thousands) Net actuarial loss Prior service credit Total Total Balance at December 31, 2018 $ 7,724 $ (17,626 ) $ 11,522 $ (6,104 ) $ 1,620 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 20,568 — — — 20,568 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 215 197 (510 ) (313 ) (98 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 20,783 197 (510 ) (313 ) 20,470 Balance at March 31, 2019 $ 28,507 $ (17,429 ) $ 11,012 $ (6,417 ) $ 22,090 Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) by component Unrealized Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations ($ in thousands) Net actuarial loss Prior service credit Total Total Balance at December 31, 2017 $ 83,497 $ (13,074 ) $ 12,961 $ (113 ) $ 83,384 Cumulative adjustment for adoption of financial instruments recognition and measurement changes (66,234 ) — — — (66,234 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications (18,969 ) — — — (18,969 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) 193 81 (622 ) (541 ) (348 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) (18,776 ) 81 (622 ) (541 ) (19,317 ) Balance at March 31, 2018 $ (1,513 ) $ (12,993 ) $ 12,339 $ (654 ) $ (2,167 )
Amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	The following tables display amounts reclassified out of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) and into net income (loss) during the three months ended March 31, 2019 and 2018 , respectively. ($ in thousands) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive Three months ended Affected line item in the consolidated statements of income Unrealized gains (losses) on investments: Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment losses included in net income $ (272 ) Net realized investment gains/losses and change in unrealized gains on equity investments Deferred income tax (expense) benefit 57 Total income tax expense (benefit) Net reclassification adjustment (215 ) Net income (loss) Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations: Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income: Net actuarial loss (249 ) (1) Prior service credit 646 (1) Total before tax 397 Deferred income tax (expense) benefit (84 ) Net reclassification adjustment 313 Total reclassification adjustment $ 98 (1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income) (see note 7, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details). ($ in thousands) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) Accumulated other comprehensive Three months ended March 31, 2018 Affected line item in the consolidated statements of income Unrealized gains (losses) on investments: Reclassification adjustment for net realized investment losses included in net income $ (244 ) Net realized investment gains/losses and change in unrealized gains on equity investments Deferred income tax (expense) benefit 51 Total income tax expense (benefit) Net reclassification adjustment (193 ) Net income (loss) Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations: Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income: Net actuarial loss (103 ) (1) Prior service credit 788 (1) Total before tax 685 Deferred income tax (expense) benefit (144 ) Net reclassification adjustment 541 Total reclassification adjustment $ 348 (1) These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income) (see note 7, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details).

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details)

BASIS OF PRESENTATION (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative adjustment for adoption of financial instruments recognition and measurement changes	$ 0
Retained Earnings [Member]
New Accounting Pronouncements or Change in Accounting Principle [Line Items]
Cumulative adjustment for adoption of financial instruments recognition and measurement changes	$ 66,234

TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES (D

TRANSACTIONS WITH AFFILIATES (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended				12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2018USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)Plan	Jun. 30, 2019USD ($)Plan	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)Plan	Jun. 30, 2018USD ($)Plan	Dec. 31, 2019USD ($)Plan	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)Plan	May 09, 2019$ / shares
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Offer Price By Parent | $ / shares	$ 30								$ 36
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ceded premiums earned	$ 105,560	$ 100,038
Ceded losses and settlement expenses incurred	63,195	52,001
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of reinsurance program treaties | Plan			1	1	1	1	2	2
Ceded premiums earned	104,247	98,725
Ceded losses and settlement expenses incurred	61,462	52,754
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	$ 22,000
Affiliated reinsurance contract first layer limit			12,000	24,000	12,000	24,000
Ceded premiums earned			$ 1,400	$ 6,000	$ 1,400	$ 6,000
Ceded losses and settlement expenses incurred	527	467
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Reinsurance [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Number of reinsurance program treaties | Plan							2
Ceded premiums earned	1,313	1,313
Ceded losses and settlement expenses incurred	$ 1,733	$ (753)
Reinsurance Recovered On Industry Loss Warranties								$ 0
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Reinsurance [Member] | Per Occurrence Catastrophe Excess of Loss [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Catastrophe claims, retention amount							$ 10,000
Affiliated reinsurance contract first layer limit							$ 10,000
First layer excess of loss coinsurance percentage (in hundreths)							20.00%
Ceded premiums earned							$ 1,600
Affiliated Entity [Member] | Reinsurance [Member] | Annual Aggregate Catastrophe Excess of Loss [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Catastrophe claims, retention amount							20,000
Affiliated reinsurance contract first layer limit							$ 100,000
First layer excess of loss coinsurance percentage (in hundreths)							20.00%
Ceded premiums earned							$ 3,600
Catastrophe event minimum amount							$ 500

REINSURANCE (Details)

REINSURANCE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Premiums written
Net premiums written	$ 170,965	$ 158,072
Premiums earned
Net premiums earned	167,302	155,786
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	104,969	110,628
Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Assumed	134,343	130,201
Ceded	(109,526)	(104,337)
Premiums earned
Assumed	134,354	129,148
Ceded	(105,560)	(100,038)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Assumed	78,033	86,325
Ceded	(63,195)	(52,001)
Non Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Direct	105,233	100,044
Assumed	49,700	42,139
Ceded	(8,785)	(9,975)
Premiums earned
Direct	101,267	95,745
Assumed	47,286	42,094
Ceded	(10,045)	(11,163)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	60,935	52,287
Assumed	32,036	27,407
Ceded	$ (2,840)	$ (3,390)
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%
Premiums written
Net premiums written	$ 125,516	$ 120,269
Premiums earned
Net premiums earned	124,772	118,632
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	76,980	83,501
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Assumed	134,343	130,201
Ceded	(108,213)	(103,024)
Premiums earned
Assumed	134,354	129,148
Ceded	(104,247)	(98,725)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Assumed	77,778	85,967
Ceded	(61,462)	(52,754)
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Non Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Direct	105,233	100,044
Assumed	965	1,018
Ceded	(6,812)	(7,970)
Premiums earned
Direct	101,267	95,745
Assumed	1,038	1,002
Ceded	(7,640)	(8,538)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	60,935	52,287
Assumed	987	992
Ceded	(1,258)	(2,991)
Reinsurance [Member]
Premiums written
Net premiums written	45,449	37,803
Premiums earned
Net premiums earned	42,530	37,154
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Net losses and settlement expenses incurred	27,989	27,127
Reinsurance [Member] | Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Assumed	0	0
Ceded	(1,313)	(1,313)
Premiums earned
Assumed	0	0
Ceded	(1,313)	(1,313)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Assumed	255	358
Ceded	(1,733)	753
Reinsurance [Member] | Non Affiliated Entity [Member]
Premiums written
Direct	0	0
Assumed	48,735	41,121
Ceded	(1,973)	(2,005)
Premiums earned
Direct	0	0
Assumed	46,248	41,092
Ceded	(2,405)	(2,625)
Losses and settlement expenses incurred
Direct	0	0
Assumed	31,049	26,415
Ceded	$ (1,582)	$ (399)

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETTEL

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND SETTELEMT EXPENSES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Reconciliation of beginning and ending reserves for losses and settlement expenses [Roll Forward]
Gross reserves at beginning of year	$ 777,190	$ 732,612
Re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates	(593)	525
Less ceded reserves at beginning of year	36,595	30,923
Net reserves at beginning of year	741,188	701,164
Incurred losses and settlement expenses related to:
Current year	118,259	116,204
Prior years	(13,290)	(5,576)
Total incurred losses and settlement expenses	104,969	110,628
Paid losses and settlement expenses related to:
Current year	23,608	24,262
Prior years	76,412	81,877
Total paid losses and settlement expenses	100,020	106,139
Net reserves at end of period	746,137	705,653
Plus ceded reserves at end of period	34,927	30,549
Re-valuation due to foreign currency exchange rates	(671)	853
Gross reserves at end of period	780,393	737,055
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Incurred losses and settlement expenses related to:
Prior years	$ (9,600)	$ (2,100)
Percentage change in loss and settlement expense reserves for prior accident years (in hundredths)	(1.80%)	(0.40%)
Reinsurance [Member]
Incurred losses and settlement expenses related to:
Prior years	$ (3,648)	$ (3,400)
Percentage change in loss and settlement expense reserves for prior accident years (in hundredths)	(1.50%)	(1.50%)

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Summarize

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Summarized financial information by segment (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated
Premiums earned	$ 167,302	$ 155,786
SAP underwriting profit (loss)	4,970	(7,473)
GAAP adjustments	2,030	364
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)	7,000	(7,109)
Net investment income	12,763	11,371
Net realized investment gains/losses and change in unrealized gains on equity investments	22,643	(5,393)
Other income (loss)	1,535	1,615
Interest expense	171	142
Other expenses	1,485	870
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	42,285	(528)
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated
Assets	2,350,459		$ 2,242,461
Eliminations	(606,809)		(556,977)
Reclassifications	(1,423)		(6)
Total assets	1,742,227		1,685,478
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated
Premiums earned	124,772	118,632
SAP underwriting profit (loss)	1,407	(9,036)
GAAP adjustments	1,210	262
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)	2,617	(8,774)
Net investment income	9,138	8,148
Net realized investment gains/losses and change in unrealized gains on equity investments	14,168	(3,293)
Other income (loss)	1,533	2,051
Interest expense	171	142
Other expenses	311	233
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	26,974	(2,243)
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated
Assets	1,220,775		1,191,286
Eliminations	0		0
Reclassifications	(934)		0
Total assets	1,219,841		1,191,286
Reinsurance [Member]
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated
Premiums earned	42,530	37,154
SAP underwriting profit (loss)	3,563	1,563
GAAP adjustments	820	102
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)	4,383	1,665
Net investment income	3,608	3,218
Net realized investment gains/losses and change in unrealized gains on equity investments	8,542	(2,100)
Other income (loss)	2	(436)
Interest expense	0	0
Other expenses	0	0
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	16,535	2,347
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated
Assets	512,430		485,270
Eliminations	0		0
Reclassifications	0		0
Total assets	512,430		485,270
Parent company [Member]
Reconciliation of operating profit loss from segment to consolidated
Premiums earned	0	0
SAP underwriting profit (loss)	0	0
GAAP adjustments	0	0
GAAP underwriting profit (loss)	0	0
Net investment income	17	5
Net realized investment gains/losses and change in unrealized gains on equity investments	(67)	0
Other income (loss)	0	0
Interest expense	0	0
Other expenses	1,174	637
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	(1,224)	$ (632)
Reconciliation of assets from segment to consolidated
Assets	617,254		565,905
Eliminations	(606,809)		(556,977)
Reclassifications	(489)		(6)
Total assets	$ 9,956		$ 8,922

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Net premi

SEGMENT INFORMATION - Net premiums earned by segment and lines of insurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	$ 167,302	$ 155,786
Property and casualty insurance [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	124,772	118,632
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	115,532	109,123
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Automobile Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	32,907	30,644
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Property Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	27,671	26,429
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Workers' Compensation [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	23,543	24,902
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Other Liability [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	28,905	24,962
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Commercial Lines [Member] | Other Insurance L O B [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	2,506	2,186
Property and casualty insurance [Member] | Personal Lines [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	9,240	9,509
Reinsurance [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	42,530	37,154
Reinsurance [Member] | Assumed Pro Rata [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	13,006	13,073
Reinsurance [Member] | Assumed Excess of Loss [Member]
Revenue from External Customer [Line Items]
Premiums earned	$ 29,524	$ 24,081

INCOME TAXES (Details)

INCOME TAXES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Income tax expense (benefit) reconciliation [Abstract]
United States federal corporate tax rate (in hundredths)	21.00%	21.00%
Computed expected income tax expense (benefit)	$ 8,880	$ (111)
Increases (decreases) in tax resulting from:
Tax-exempt interest income	(283)	(310)
Dividends received deduction	(132)	(123)
Proration of tax-exempt interest and dividends received deduction	104	108
Investment tax credits (Internal Revenue Code 50(d)(5) income)	221	36
Other, net	(36)	(52)
Total income tax expense (benefit)	8,754	$ (452)
Provision for uncertain tax positions	$ 0		$ 0

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Deta

EMPLOYEE RETIREMENT PLANS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2019
Pension plans [Member] | Emc Insurance Companies [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	$ 4,071	$ 4,126
Interest cost	2,949	2,665
Expected return on plan assets	(5,440)	(5,978)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	598	125
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	2,178	938
Pension plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Group, Inc. [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	653	282
Postretirement benefit plans [Member] | Emc Insurance Companies [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Service cost	353	368
Interest cost	546	521
Expected return on plan assets	(1,095)	(1,204)
Amortization of net actuarial loss	245	234
Amortization of prior service cost (credit)	(2,285)	(2,782)
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	(2,236)	(2,863)
Postretirement benefit plans [Member] | EMC Insurance Group, Inc. [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Net periodic benefit cost (income)	(636)	$ (806)
Entity's share of estimated contributions to employee benefit plan	$ 0
Qualified pension plan [Member] | Emc Insurance Companies [Member]
Components of net periodic benefit cost [Abstract]
Defined Benefit Plan Estimated Future Parent Total Contributions Next Fiscal Year			$ 7,000

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Detai

STOCK-BASED COMPENSATION (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Recognized compensation expense	$ 283	$ 413
Recognized compensation expense, net of tax	$ 223	$ 326
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of restricted stock shares vested during period (in shares)	96,374
Restricted Stock Units (RSUs) [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of restricted stock awards or units granted during period (in shares)	122,073
Stock Option [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Options exercised during period (in shares)	32,262
Weighted average exercise price of options exercised during period (in dollars per share)	$ 12.58
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	20,221
Average cost per share of stock repurchased	$ 31.83

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA_3

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)Security	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)Security
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$ 1,291,860	$ 1,282,909
Equity investments, at fair value	242,583	215,363
Short-term investments	48,265	28,204
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%	2.73%
Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$ 1,291,860	$ 1,282,909
Number of broker quoted securities | Security	0	0
Number of securities not priced by independent pricing service | Security	6	6
U.S. treasury
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$ 8,113	$ 8,021
U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	309,120	304,479
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	276,857	283,651
Commercial mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	86,664	84,379
Residential mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	168,765	162,137
Other asset-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	17,719	20,834
Corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	424,622	419,408
Carrying amount [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	48,265	28,204
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	25,000	25,000
Carrying amount [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	242,583	215,363
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Information technology [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	39,346	31,581
Carrying amount [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,291,860	1,282,909
Carrying amount [Member] | U.S. treasury
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	8,113	8,021
Carrying amount [Member] | U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	309,120	304,479
Carrying amount [Member] | Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	276,857	283,651
Carrying amount [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	86,664	84,379
Carrying amount [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	168,765	162,137
Carrying amount [Member] | Other asset-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	17,719	20,834
Carrying amount [Member] | Corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	424,622	419,408
Carrying amount [Member] | Financial services
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	47,345	41,839
Carrying amount [Member] | Investment funds [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	9,489	7,641
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Healthcare [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	34,006	34,571
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	14,694	13,180
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	28,764	22,765
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Energy [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	15,853	13,372
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Industrials [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	19,435	19,389
Carrying amount [Member] | Common stocks Other [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	15,471	14,371
Carrying amount [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	18,180	16,654
Estimated fair value [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	48,265	28,204
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	16,056	15,259
Estimated fair value [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	242,583	215,363
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Information technology [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	39,346	31,581
Estimated fair value [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,291,860	1,282,909
Estimated fair value [Member] | U.S. treasury
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	8,113	8,021
Estimated fair value [Member] | U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	309,120	304,479
Estimated fair value [Member] | Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	276,857	283,651
Estimated fair value [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	86,664	84,379
Estimated fair value [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	168,765	162,137
Estimated fair value [Member] | Other asset-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	17,719	20,834
Estimated fair value [Member] | Corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	424,622	419,408
Estimated fair value [Member] | Financial services
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	47,345	41,839
Estimated fair value [Member] | Investment funds [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	9,489	7,641
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Healthcare [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	34,006	34,571
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Consumer staples [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	14,694	13,180
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Consumer discretionary [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	28,764	22,765
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Energy [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	15,853	13,372
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Industrials [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	19,435	19,389
Estimated fair value [Member] | Common stocks Other [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	15,471	14,371
Estimated fair value [Member] | Nonredeemable Preferred Stock [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	$ 18,180	$ 16,654

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA_4

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, Recurring Measurement Inputs (Details) $ in Thousands	Mar. 31, 2019USD ($)Security	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)Security
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	$ 1,291,860	$ 1,282,909
Equity investments, at fair value	242,583	215,363
Short-term investments	48,265	28,204
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	25,000	25,000
Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,291,860	1,282,909
U.S. treasury
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	8,113	8,021
U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	309,120	304,479
Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	276,857	283,651
Commercial mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	86,664	84,379
Residential mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	168,765	162,137
Other asset-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	17,719	20,834
Corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	424,622	419,408
Recurring [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	48,265	28,204
Recurring [Member] | Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,291,860	1,282,909
Recurring [Member] | U.S. treasury
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	8,113	8,021
Recurring [Member] | U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	309,120	304,479
Recurring [Member] | Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	276,857	283,651
Recurring [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	86,664	84,379
Recurring [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	168,765	162,137
Recurring [Member] | Other asset-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	17,719	20,834
Recurring [Member] | Corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	424,622	419,408
Recurring [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	242,583	215,363
Recurring [Member] | Financial services
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	47,345	41,839
Recurring [Member] | Information technology
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	39,346	31,581
Recurring [Member] | Healthcare
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	34,006	34,571
Recurring [Member] | Consumer staples
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	14,694	13,180
Recurring [Member] | Consumer discretionary
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	28,764	22,765
Recurring [Member] | Energy
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	15,853	13,372
Recurring [Member] | Industrials
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	19,435	19,389
Recurring [Member] | Other
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	15,471	14,371
Recurring [Member] | Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	18,180	16,654
Recurring [Member] | Investment funds [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	9,489	7,641
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV)
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Debt Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | U.S. treasury
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Commercial mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Residential mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Other asset-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	9,489	7,641
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Financial services
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Information technology
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Healthcare
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Consumer staples
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Consumer discretionary
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Energy
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Industrials
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Other
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV) | Investment funds [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	9,489	7,641
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Short-term investments	48,265	28,204
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	223,492	201,393
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Financial services
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	47,345	41,839
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Information technology
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	39,346	31,581
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Healthcare
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	34,006	34,571
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Consumer staples
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	14,694	13,180
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Consumer discretionary
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	28,764	22,765
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Energy
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	15,853	13,372
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Industrials
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	19,435	19,389
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Other
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	15,471	14,371
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	8,578	10,325
Recurring [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member] | Investment funds [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	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	1,291,659	1,282,650
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. treasury
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	8,113	8,021
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. government-sponsored agencies
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	309,120	304,479
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Obligations of states and political subdivisions
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	276,857	283,651
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	86,664	84,379
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	168,765	162,137
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other asset-backed
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	17,719	20,834
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate
Assets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	424,421	419,149
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	9,602	6,329
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Financial services
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Information technology
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Healthcare
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Consumer staples
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Consumer discretionary
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Energy
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Industrials
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Other
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	9,602	6,329
Recurring [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Investment funds [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	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	$ 201	$ 259
Number of securities categorized as Level 3 fair value measurements | Security	1	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	201	259
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	$ 0	$ 0
Number of securities categorized as Level 3 fair value measurements | Security	1	1
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Financial services
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	$ 0	$ 0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Information technology
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Healthcare
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Consumer staples
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Consumer discretionary
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Energy
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Industrials
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Other
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Non-redeemable preferred stocks
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Recurring [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Investment funds [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Equity investments, at fair value	0	0
Not Reported At Fair Value [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	16,056	15,259
Not Reported At Fair Value [Member] | Investments measured at net asset value (NAV)
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	0	0
Not Reported At Fair Value [Member] | Quoted prices in active markets for identical assets (Level 1) [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	0	0
Not Reported At Fair Value [Member] | Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	0	0
Not Reported At Fair Value [Member] | Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) [Member]
Liabilities [Abstract]
Surplus notes	$ 16,056	$ 15,259

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VA_5

DISCLOSURES ABOUT THE FAIR VALUE OF FINANCIAL INSTRUMENTS, Unobservable Input Reconciliation (Details) - Recurring [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 259	$ 623
Settlements	(57)	(56)
Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) on securities still held at reporting date	1	(2)
Balance at March 31, 2019	201	565
Corporate
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	259	620
Settlements	(57)	(56)
Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) on securities still held at reporting date	1	(2)
Balance at March 31, 2019	$ 201	562
Financial services
Reconciliation of assets measured at fair value on recurring basis using significant unobservable inputs [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance		3
Settlements		0
Unrealized losses included in other comprehensive income (loss) on securities still held at reporting date		0
Balance at March 31, 2019		$ 3

INVESTMENTS (Details)

INVESTMENTS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2018
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	$ 1,255,775		$ 1,273,132
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,291,860		1,282,909
Amortized cost
Due in one year or less	23,719
Due after one year through five years	265,818
Due after five years through ten years	314,904
Due after ten years	402,224
Securities not due at a single maturity date	249,110
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	1,255,775		1,273,132
Estimated fair value
Due in one year or less	23,824
Due after one year through five years	270,454
Due after five years through ten years	325,430
Due after ten years	415,475
Securities not due at a single maturity date	256,677
Totals	1,291,860		1,282,909
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale gross realized gains	0	$ 234
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale gross realized losses	(272)	(478)
Net realized investment gains	4,097	2,716
Change in unrealized investment gains	19,829	(9,854)
Net realized investment gains/losses and change in unrealized gains on equity investments	22,643	(5,393)
Debt Securities [Member]
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	1,255,775		1,273,132
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains	39,086		20,713
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized losses	3,001		10,936
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	1,291,860		1,282,909
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	12,367		236,333
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	443		3,329
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	168,136		242,366
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	2,558		7,607
Total, Fair value	180,503		478,699
Total, Unrealized losses	3,001		10,936
Amortized cost
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	1,255,775		1,273,132
Estimated fair value
Totals	1,291,860		1,282,909
U.S. treasury
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	8,146		8,139
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains	0		0
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized losses	33		118
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	8,113		8,021
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	8,113		8,021
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	33		118
Total, Fair value	8,113		8,021
Total, Unrealized losses	33		118
Amortized cost
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	8,146		8,139
Estimated fair value
Totals	8,113		8,021
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	302,811		303,198
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains	6,489		2,799
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized losses	180		1,518
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	309,120		304,479
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	0		14,620
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	0		20
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	47,961		92,603
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	180		1,498
Total, Fair value	47,961		107,223
Total, Unrealized losses	180		1,518
Amortized cost
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	302,811		303,198
Estimated fair value
Totals	309,120		304,479
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	263,064		273,727
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains	13,852		10,375
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized losses	59		451
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	276,857		283,651
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	12,372		14,498
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	59		451
Total, Fair value	12,372		14,498
Total, Unrealized losses	59		451
Amortized cost
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	263,064		273,727
Estimated fair value
Totals	276,857		283,651
Commercial mortgage-backed
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	83,882		83,854
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains	2,869		1,287
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized losses	87		762
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	86,664		84,379
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	0		2,021
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	0		21
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	11,140		24,222
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	87		741
Total, Fair value	11,140		26,243
Total, Unrealized losses	87		762
Amortized cost
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	83,882		83,854
Estimated fair value
Totals	86,664		84,379
Residential mortgage-backed
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	163,955		161,055
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains	6,233		3,374
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized losses	1,423		2,292
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	168,765		162,137
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	4,466		16,852
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	94		145
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	40,869		45,597
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	1,329		2,147
Total, Fair value	45,335		62,449
Total, Unrealized losses	1,423		2,292
Amortized cost
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	163,955		161,055
Estimated fair value
Totals	168,765		162,137
Other asset-backed
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	17,892		21,596
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains	301		273
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized losses	474		1,035
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	17,719		20,834
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	0		4,810
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	0		147
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	11,167		11,691
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	474		888
Total, Fair value	11,167		16,501
Total, Unrealized losses	474		1,035
Amortized cost
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	17,892		21,596
Estimated fair value
Totals	17,719		20,834
Corporate
Amortized cost and estimated fair value of available-for-sale securities [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	416,025		421,563
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized gains	9,342		2,605
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Gross unrealized losses	745		4,760
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale	424,622		419,408
Available for sale securities continuous unrealized loss position [Abstract]
Less than twelve months, Fair value	7,901		198,030
Less than twelve months, Unrealized losses	349		2,996
Twelve months or longer, Fair value	36,514		45,734
Twelve months or longer, Unrealized losses	396		1,764
Total, Fair value	44,415		243,764
Total, Unrealized losses	745		4,760
Amortized cost
Fixed maturity securities available-for-sale, Amortized cost	416,025		421,563
Estimated fair value
Totals	424,622		$ 419,408
Other Long-term Investments [Member]
Realized Investment Gains (Losses) [Abstract]
Net realized investment gains/losses and change in unrealized gains on equity investments	$ (1,011)	$ 1,989

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Details

CONTINGENT LIABILITIES (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2018USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Entity's share of case loss reserves, eliminated by the purchase of annuities	$ 110
Contingent liability for aggregate guaranteed amount of annuities	$ 183

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM (Detai

STOCK REPURCHASE PROGRAM (Details) $ in Thousands	Nov. 03, 2011USD ($)
Treasury Stock [Member]
Stock Repurchase Program [Line Items]
Authorized amount of stock repurchase program	$ 15,000

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_3

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Components of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Cumulative adjustment for adoption of financial instruments recognition and measurement changes		$ 0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	$ 20,568	(18,969)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(98)	(348)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	20,470	(19,317)
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Cumulative adjustment for adoption of financial instruments recognition and measurement changes		(66,234)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	20,470	(19,317)
Unrealized gains (losses) on available-for- sale securities
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	7,724	83,497
Cumulative adjustment for adoption of financial instruments recognition and measurement changes		(66,234)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	20,568	(18,969)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	215	193
Other comprehensive income (loss)	20,783	(18,776)
Balance	28,507	(1,513)
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations, net actuarial loss
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	(17,626)	(13,074)
Cumulative adjustment for adoption of financial instruments recognition and measurement changes		0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	197	81
Other comprehensive income (loss)	197	81
Balance	(17,429)	(12,993)
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations, prior service credit
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	11,522	12,961
Cumulative adjustment for adoption of financial instruments recognition and measurement changes		0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(510)	(622)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(510)	(622)
Balance	11,012	12,339
Total
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	(6,104)	(113)
Cumulative adjustment for adoption of financial instruments recognition and measurement changes		0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	0	0
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(313)	(541)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(313)	(541)
Balance	(6,417)	(654)
Total
AOCI Attributable to Parent, Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Balance	1,620	83,384
Cumulative adjustment for adoption of financial instruments recognition and measurement changes		(66,234)
Balance	$ 22,090	$ (2,167)

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSI_4

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME - Reclassifications out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		3 Months Ended
		Mar. 31, 2019	Mar. 31, 2018
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net realized investment gains/losses and change in unrealized gains on equity investments		$ 22,643	$ (5,393)
Total income tax expense (benefit)		(8,754)	452
Net income (loss)		33,531	(76)
Net reclassification adjustment		98	348
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 change in unrealized gains on equity investments		(272)	(244)
Total income tax expense (benefit)		57	51
Net income (loss)		(215)	(193)
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations, net actuarial loss
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income:	[1]	(249)	(103)
Net reclassification adjustment		(197)	(81)
Unrecognized pension and postretirement benefit obligations, prior service credit
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income:	[1]	646	788
Net reclassification adjustment		510	622
Total
Reclassification Adjustment out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Reclassification adjustment for amounts amortized into net periodic pension and postretirement benefit income:		397	685
Deferred income tax (expense) benefit		(84)	(144)
Net reclassification adjustment		$ 313	$ 541
[1]	These reclassified components of accumulated other comprehensive income are included in the computation of net periodic pension and postretirement benefit cost (income) (see note 7, Employee Retirement Plans, for additional details).

Subsequent events (Details)

Subsequent events (Details) - $ / shares	May 09, 2019	Mar. 31, 2019
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Offer Price By Parent	$ 36	$ 30