Mercury General (MCY) 10-Q 29 Jul 14 2014 Q2 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_And_Entity_Informatio

Document And Entity Information	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jul. 25, 2014
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Jun-14	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q2	'
Entity Registrant Name	'MERCURY GENERAL CORP	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000064996	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Large Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	54,980,817

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Fixed maturity securities (amortized cost $2,597,393; $2,523,042)	$2,704,628	$2,560,653
Equity securities (cost $379,951; $223,933)	455,542	281,883
Short-term investments (cost $229,665; $315,886)	229,412	315,776
Total investments	3,389,582	3,158,312
Cash	258,473	266,508
Receivables:	'	'
Premiums	384,388	366,075
Accrued investment income	39,254	36,120
Other	21,462	23,029
Total receivables	445,104	425,224
Deferred policy acquisition costs	199,217	194,466
Fixed assets, net	157,428	156,716
Deferred income taxes	0	15,220
Goodwill	42,796	42,796
Other intangible assets, net	38,613	41,603
Other assets	31,187	14,336
Total assets	4,562,400	4,315,181
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	'	'
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	1,053,030	1,038,984
Unearned premiums	993,462	953,527
Notes payable	270,000	190,000
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	120,839	127,663
Current income taxes	24,476	11,856
Deferred income taxes	12,962	0
Other liabilities	163,968	170,665
Total liabilities	2,638,737	2,492,695
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Shareholders’ equity:	'	'
Common stock without par value or stated value: Authorized 70,000 shares; issued and outstanding 54,979; 54,975	81,784	81,591
Additional paid-in capital	1,410	411
Retained earnings	1,840,469	1,740,484
Total shareholders’ equity	1,923,663	1,822,486
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$4,562,400	$4,315,181

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]	'	'
Amortized cost on fixed maturities trading investments	$2,597,393	$2,523,042
Cost - equity security trading investments	379,951	223,933
Cost - short-term investments	$229,665	$315,886
Common Stock	'	'
Common stock, no par value	$0	$0
Common stock, shares authorized	70,000,000	70,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	54,979,000	54,975,000
Common stock, shares outstanding	54,979,000	54,975,000

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Ope

Consolidated Statements Of Operations (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Revenues:	'	'	'	'
Net premiums earned	$697,889	$675,787	$1,381,590	$1,338,382
Net investment income	30,850	31,674	61,092	62,849
Net realized investment gains (losses)	76,190	-67,415	122,902	-23,365
Other	2,090	2,521	4,391	4,854
Total revenues	807,019	642,567	1,569,975	1,382,720
Expenses:	'	'	'	'
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	483,043	486,906	959,646	953,966
Policy acquisition costs	133,060	126,393	262,874	250,115
Other operating expenses	53,792	54,015	107,796	112,078
Interest	688	212	1,193	526
Total expenses	670,583	667,526	1,331,509	1,316,685
Income (loss) before income taxes	136,436	-24,959	238,466	66,035
Income tax expense (benefit)	41,476	-15,695	70,857	8,838
Net income (loss)	$94,960	($9,264)	$167,609	$57,197
Net income (loss) per share:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$1.73	($0.17)	$3.05	$1.04
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$1.73	($0.17)	$3.05	$1.04
Weighted average shares outstanding:	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	54,978	54,941	54,977	54,931
Diluted (in shares)	54,989	54,941	54,988	54,948
Dividends paid per share (in dollars per share)	$0.62	$0.61	$1.23	$1.23

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Com

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive (Loss) Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Net (loss) income	$94,960	($9,264)	$167,609	$57,197
Other comprehensive income, before tax:	'	'	'	'
Gains on hedging instrument	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income, before tax:	0	0	0	0
Income tax expense related to gains on hedging instrument	0	0	0	0
Other comprehensive income, net of tax:	0	0	0	0
Comprehensive (loss) income	$94,960	($9,264)	$167,609	$57,197

Consolidated_Statements_Of_Cas

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
CASH FLOWS FROM OPERATING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Net income	$167,609	$57,197
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'
Depreciation and amortization	13,394	16,919
Net realized investment (gains) losses	-122,902	23,365
Bond amortization, net	10,113	5,714
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	-5	-252
Increase in premiums receivables	-18,313	-10,674
Change in current and deferred income taxes	40,808	-8,429
Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs	-4,751	-3,689
Increase (decrease) in unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	14,046	-29,087
Increase in unearned premiums	39,935	17,683
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued expenses	-5,800	21,671
Share-based compensation	1,069	-100
Changes in other payables	-9,146	8,020
Other, net	2,332	-1,880
Net cash provided by operating activities	128,389	96,458
CASH FLOWS FROM INVESTING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Fixed maturities available-for-sale in nature: Purchases	-331,438	-430,984
Fixed maturities available-for-sale in nature: Sales	126,426	117,076
Fixed maturities available-for-sale in nature: Calls or maturities	117,104	163,734
Equity securities available-for-sale in nature:	'	'
Purchases	-510,895	-326,896
Sales	390,438	322,250
Changes in securities payable and receivable	-16,330	24,450
Net decrease in short-term investments and purchased options	86,212	128,282
Purchase of fixed assets	-12,204	-8,361
Sale of fixed assets	207	453
Other, net	1,557	1,413
Net cash used in investing activities	-148,923	-8,583
CASH FLOWS FROM FINANCING ACTIVITIES	'	'
Dividends paid to shareholders	-67,624	-67,303
Excess tax benefit from exercise of stock options	5	252
Proceeds from stock options exercised	118	1,324
Proceeds from bank loan	80,000	0
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	12,499	-65,727
Net (decrease) increase in cash	-8,035	22,148
Cash:	'	'
Beginning of the year	266,508	158,183
End of period	258,473	180,331
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW DISCLOSURE	'	'
Interest paid	1,152	582
Income taxes paid	$30,049	$17,266

General

General	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
General [Abstract]	'
General	'
	General
	Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Mercury General Corporation and its subsidiaries (referred to herein collectively as the “Company”). For the list of the Company’s subsidiaries, see Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP, which differ in some respects from those filed in reports to insurance regulatory authorities. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
	The financial data of the Company included herein are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all material adjustments of a normal recurring nature have been made to present fairly the Company’s financial position at June 30, 2014 and the results of operations, comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for the periods presented. These statements were prepared in accordance with the instructions for interim reporting and do not contain certain information that was included in the annual financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. Readers are urged to review the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for more complete descriptions and discussions. Operating results and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates require the Company to apply complex assumptions and judgments, and often the Company must make estimates about effects of matters that are inherently uncertain and will likely change in subsequent periods. The most significant assumptions in the preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements relate to reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates (See Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013).
	Earnings per Share
	Potentially dilutive securities representing approximately 34,000 and 69,000 shares of common stock for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 40,000 and 87,000 shares of common stock for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per common share for these periods because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
	Deferred policy acquisition costs consist of commissions paid to outside agents, premium taxes, salaries, and certain other underwriting costs that are incremental or directly related to the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts and are amortized over the life of the related policy in proportion to premiums earned. Deferred policy acquisition costs are limited to the amount that will remain after deducting from unearned premiums and anticipated investment income, the estimated losses and loss adjustment expenses, and the servicing costs that will be incurred as premiums are earned. The Company’s deferred policy acquisition costs are further limited by excluding those costs not directly related to the successful acquisition of insurance contracts. Deferred policy acquisition cost amortization was $133.1 million and $126.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $262.9 million and $250.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company does not defer advertising expenditures but expenses them as incurred. The Company recorded net advertising expenses of approximately $12 million and $11 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	Total Return Swap
	During the first quarter of 2014, the Company formed and consolidated a special purpose investment vehicle, Fannette Funding LLC (“FFL”). The Company is the sole managing member of FFL. On February 13, 2014, FFL entered into a three-year total return swap agreement with Citibank, N.A. (“Citibank”). Under the total return swap agreement, FFL receives the income equivalent on underlying obligations due to Citibank and pays to Citibank interest equal to LIBOR plus 140 basis points on the outstanding notional amount of the underlying obligations, which was approximately $98 million as of June 30, 2014. The total return swap agreement is secured by approximately $30 million of U.S. Treasuries as collateral, which are included in short-term investments on the consolidated balance sheets. In the event of significant erosion in market value, FFL’s position in the loan portfolio will be reduced and the Company has the option to add additional capital or terminate the total return swap agreement.

Recently_Issued_Accounting_Sta

Recently Issued Accounting Standards	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
New Accounting Pronouncements and Changes in Accounting Principles [Abstract]	'
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	'
	Recently Issued Accounting Standards
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued a new standard that requires entities to apply a five-step model to determine the amount and timing of revenue recognition. The model specifies, among other criteria, that revenue should be recognized when an entity transfers control of goods or services to a customer at the amount at which the entity expects to be entitled. The new standard will be effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years that begin after December 15, 2016. Early adoption is not permitted. The adoption of the new standard is not expected to have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.
	In July 2013, the FASB issued a new standard that requires entities to present an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, or similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward, rather than as a liability when the uncertain tax position would reduce the net operating loss or other carryforward under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction and when the entity intends to use the deferred tax asset for that purpose. The Company adopted the new standard which became effective for the interim period ended March 31, 2014. The adoption of the new standard did not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial statements.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Financial Instruments, Owned, at Fair Value [Abstract]	'
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Fair Value of Financial Instruments
	The financial instruments recorded in the consolidated balance sheets include investments, receivables, total return swaps, accounts payable, equity contracts, and secured and unsecured notes payable. Due to their short-term maturity, the carrying values of receivables and accounts payable approximate their fair market values. The following table presents the estimated fair values of financial instruments at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
		June 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Assets
	Investments	$	3,389,582	$	3,158,312
	Total return swaps	$	2,300	$	1,650
	Liabilities
	Equity contracts	$	635	$	140
	Secured notes	$	140,000	$	140,000
	Unsecured note	$	130,000	$	50,000
	Methods and assumptions used in estimating fair values are as follows:
	Investments
	The Company applies the fair value option to all fixed maturity and equity securities and short-term investments at the time an eligible item is first recognized. The cost of investments sold is determined on a first-in and first-out method and realized gains and losses are included in net realized investment gains (losses). For additional disclosures regarding methods and assumptions used in estimating fair values of these securities, see Note 5.
	Total return swaps
	The fair values of the total return swaps reflect the estimated amounts that, upon termination of the contracts, would be received for selling an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 based on models using inputs, such as interest rate yield curves and credit spreads, observable for substantially the full term of the contract. For additional disclosures regarding methods and assumptions used in estimating fair values, see Note 5.
	Equity contracts
	The fair value of equity contracts is based on quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets. For additional disclosures regarding methods and assumptions used in estimating fair values of equity contracts, see Note 5.
	Secured notes payable
	The fair value of the Company’s $120 million secured note and $20 million secured note, classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy described in Note 5, is estimated based on assumptions and inputs, such as the market value of underlying collateral and reset rates, for similarly termed notes that are observable in the market.
	Unsecured note payable
	The fair value of the Company’s $130 million unsecured note, classified as Level 2 in the fair value hierarchy described in Note 5, is based on the unadjusted quoted price for similar notes in active markets.

Fair_Value_Option

Fair Value Option	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Option [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Option	'
	Fair Value Option
	Gains and losses due to changes in fair value for items measured at fair value pursuant to application of the fair value option are included in net realized investment gains (losses) in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations, while interest and dividend income on investment holdings are recognized on an accrual basis on each measurement date and are included in net investment income in the Company’s consolidated statements of operations. The primary reasons for electing the fair value option were simplification and cost-benefit considerations as well as the expansion of the use of the Company’s fair value measurement consistent with the long-term measurement objectives of the FASB for accounting for financial instruments.
	The following table presents gains (losses) due to changes in fair value of investments that are measured at fair value pursuant to application of the fair value option:
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Fixed maturity securities	$	33,015		$	(59,562	)	$	69,613		$	(69,973	)
	Equity securities	8,528			(19,003		)	17,640			35,023
	Short-term investments	(131		)	(161		)	(142		)	(309		)
	Total	$	41,412		$	(78,726	)	$	87,111		$	(35,259	)

Fair_Value_Measurement

Fair Value Measurement	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurement	'
	Fair Value Measurement
	The Company employs a fair value hierarchy that prioritizes the inputs to valuation techniques used to measure fair value. The fair value of a financial instrument is the amount 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 using the exit price. Accordingly, when market observable data are not readily available, the Company’s own assumptions are used to reflect those that market participants would be presumed to use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. Assets and liabilities recorded on the consolidated balance sheets at fair value are categorized based on the level of judgment associated with inputs used to measure their fair value and the level of market price observability, as follows:
	Level 1	Unadjusted quoted prices are available in active markets for identical assets or liabilities as of the reporting date.
	Level 2	Pricing inputs are other than quoted prices in active markets, which are based on the following:
		•     Quoted prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets;
		•     Quoted prices for identical or similar assets or liabilities in non-active markets; or
		•     Either directly or indirectly observable inputs as of the reporting date.
	Level 3	Pricing inputs are unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement, and the determination of fair value requires significant management judgment or estimation.
	In certain cases, inputs used to measure fair value may fall into different levels of the fair value hierarchy. In such cases, the level in the fair value hierarchy within which the fair value measurement in its entirety falls has been determined based on the lowest level input that is significant to the fair value measurement in its entirety. Thus, a Level 3 fair value measurement may include inputs that are observable (Level 1 or Level 2) and unobservable (Level 3). The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and consideration of factors specific to the asset or liability.
	The Company uses prices and inputs that are current as of the measurement date, including during periods of market disruption. In periods of market disruption, the ability to observe prices and inputs may be reduced for many instruments. This condition could cause an instrument to be reclassified from Level 1 to Level 2, or from Level 2 to Level 3. The Company recognizes transfers between levels at either the actual date of the event or a change in circumstances that caused the transfer.
	Summary of Significant Valuation Techniques for Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities
	The Company’s fair value measurements are based on the market approach, which utilizes market transaction data for the same or similar instruments.
	The Company obtained unadjusted fair values on 99.5% of its portfolio from an independent pricing service. For 0.4% of its portfolio, classified as Level 3, the Company obtained specific unadjusted broker quotes based on net fund value and, to a lesser extent, unobservable inputs from at least one knowledgeable outside security broker to determine the fair value as of June 30, 2014.
	Level 1 Measurements - Fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities are obtained from an independent pricing service, and are based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets. Additional pricing services and closing exchange values are used as a comparison to ensure that reasonable fair values are used in pricing the investment portfolio.
	U.S. government bonds and agencies/Short-term bonds: Valued using unadjusted quoted market prices for identical assets in active markets.
	Common stock: Comprised of actively traded, exchange listed U.S. and international equity securities and valued based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets in active markets.
	Money market instruments: Valued based on unadjusted quoted prices for identical assets.
	Equity contracts: Comprised of free-standing exchange listed derivatives that are actively traded and valued based on quoted prices for identical instruments in active markets.
	Level 2 Measurements - Fair values of financial assets and financial liabilities are obtained from an independent pricing service or outside brokers, and are based on prices for similar assets or liabilities in active markets or valuation models whose inputs are observable, directly or indirectly, for substantially the full term of the asset or liability. Additional pricing services are used as a comparison to ensure reliable fair values are used in pricing the investment portfolio.
	Municipal securities: Valued based on models or matrices using inputs such as quoted prices for identical or similar assets in active markets.
	Mortgage-backed securities: Comprised of securities that are collateralized by mortgage loans and valued based on models or matrices using multiple observable inputs, such as benchmark yields, reported trades and broker/dealer quotes, for identical or similar assets in active markets. The Company had holdings of $21.8 million and $21.9 million at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively, in commercial mortgage-backed securities.
	Corporate securities/Short-term bonds: Valued based on a multi-dimensional model using multiple observable inputs, such as benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes and issue spreads, for identical or similar assets in active markets.
	Non-redeemable preferred stock: Valued based on observable inputs, such as underlying and common stock of same issuer and appropriate spread over a comparable U.S. Treasury security, for identical or similar assets in active markets.
	Total return swaps: Valued based on models using inputs such as interest rate yield curves, underlying debt/credit instruments and the appropriate benchmark spread for similar assets in active markets, observable for substantially the full term of the contract.
	Level 3 Measurements - Fair values of financial assets are based on inputs that are both unobservable and significant to the overall fair value measurement, including any items in which the evaluated prices obtained elsewhere were deemed to be of a distressed trading level.
	Collateralized debt obligations/Partnership interest in a private credit fund: Valued based on underlying debt/credit instruments and the appropriate benchmark spread for similar assets in active markets; taking into consideration unobservable inputs related to liquidity assumptions.
	The Company’s financial instruments at fair value are reflected in the consolidated balance sheets on a trade-date basis. Related unrealized gains or losses are recognized in net realized investment gains (losses) in the consolidated statements of operations. Fair value measurements are not adjusted for transaction costs.
	The following tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value:
		June 30, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3			Total
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Assets
	Fixed maturity securities:
	U.S. government bonds and agencies	$	15,993		$	0	$	0		$	15,993
	Municipal securities	0			2,353,566		0			2,353,566
	Mortgage-backed securities	0			38,817		0			38,817
	Corporate securities	0			296,252		0			296,252
	Equity securities:
	Common stock:
	Public utilities	101,347			0		0			101,347
	Banks, trusts and insurance companies	8,415			0		0			8,415
	Energy and other	304,649			0		0			304,649
	Non-redeemable preferred stock	0			28,165		0			28,165
	Partnership interest in a private credit fund	0			0		12,966			12,966
	Short-term bonds	69,990			14,748		0			84,738
	Money market instruments	144,674			0		0			144,674
	Total return swaps	0			2,300		0			2,300
	Total assets at fair value	$	645,068		$	2,733,848	$	12,966		$	3,391,882
	Liabilities
	Equity contracts	$	635		$	0	$	0		$	635
	Total liabilities at fair value	$	635		$	0	$	0		$	635
		December 31, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3			Total
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Assets
	Fixed maturity securities:
	U.S. government bonds and agencies	$	16,096		$	0	$	0		$	16,096
	Municipal securities	0			2,235,323		0			2,235,323
	Mortgage-backed securities	0			40,247		0			40,247
	Corporate securities	0			264,685		0			264,685
	Collateralized debt obligations	0			0		4,302			4,302
	Equity securities:
	Common stock:
Public utilities	85,287			0		0			85,287
Banks, trusts and insurance companies	2,927			0		0			2,927
Energy and other	151,554			0		0			151,554
Non-redeemable preferred stock	0			29,567		0			29,567
Partnership interest in a private credit fund	0			0		12,548			12,548
Short-term bonds	39,998			12,890		0			52,888
Money market instruments	262,888			0		0			262,888
Total return swap	0			1,650		0			1,650
Total assets at fair value	$	558,750		$	2,584,362	$	16,850		$	3,159,962
Liabilities
Equity contracts	$	140		$	0	$	0		$	140
Total liabilities at fair value	$	140		$	0	$	0		$	140
The following tables present a summary of changes in fair value of Level 3 financial assets and financial liabilities held at fair value.
	Three Months Ended June 30,
	2014					2013
	Collateralized			Partnership		Collateralized			Partnership
	Debt Obligations			Interest in a		Debt Obligations			Interest in a
				Private Credit					Private Credit
				Fund					Fund
	(Amounts in thousands)
Beginning Balance	$	0		$	12,726	$	39,723		$	11,592
Realized gains (losses) included in earnings	0			240		(731		)	398
Ending Balance	$	0		$	12,966	$	38,992		$	11,990
The amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to assets still held at June 30	$	0		$	240	$	(731	)	$	398
	Six Months Ended June 30,
	2014					2013
	Collateralized			Partnership		Collateralized			Partnership
	Debt Obligations			Interest in a		Debt Obligations			Interest in a
				Private Credit					Private Credit
				Fund					Fund
	(Amounts in thousands)
Beginning Balance	$	4,302		$	12,548	$	42,801		$	11,306
Realized (losses) gains included in earnings	(755		)	418		377			684
Sales	(3,547		)	0		(4,186		)	0
Ending Balance	$	0		$	12,966	$	38,992		$	11,990
The amount of total gains for the period included in earnings attributable to assets still held at June 30	$	0		$	418	$	894		$	684
There were no transfers between Levels 1, 2, and 3 of the fair value hierarchy during the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013.
At June 30, 2014, the Company did not have any nonrecurring fair value measurements of nonfinancial assets or nonfinancial liabilities.

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen

Derivative Financial Instruments	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
General Discussion of Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]	'
Derivative Financial Instruments	'
	Derivative Financial Instruments
	The Company is exposed to certain risks relating to its ongoing business operations. The primary risks managed by using derivative instruments are equity price risk and interest rate risk. Equity contracts on various equity securities are intended to manage the price risk associated with forecasted purchases or sales of such securities. Interest rate swaps are intended to manage the interest rate risk associated with the Company’s debts with fixed or floating rates.
	On March 3, 2008, the Company entered into an interest rate swap of its floating LIBOR rate on a Bank of America $18 million LIBOR plus 50 basis points loan for a fixed rate of 4.25% that matured on March 1, 2013. On October 4, 2011, the Company refinanced the $18 million loan that was scheduled to mature on March 1, 2013 with a Union Bank $20 million LIBOR plus 40 basis points loan that matures on January 2, 2015. The related swap expired on March 1, 2013.
	The Company also enters into derivative contracts to enhance returns on its investment portfolio.
	On February 13, 2014, FFL entered into a three-year total return swap agreement with Citibank. Under the total return swap agreement, FFL receives the income equivalent on underlying obligations due to Citibank and pays to Citibank interest equal to LIBOR plus 140 basis points on the outstanding notional amount of the underlying obligations, which was approximately $98 million as of June 30, 2014. The total return swap is secured by approximately $30 million of U.S. Treasuries as collateral, which are included in short-term investments on the consolidated balance sheets.
	On August 9, 2013, Animas Funding LLC (“AFL”), a special purpose investment vehicle, entered into a three-year total return swap agreement with Citibank. Under the total return swap agreement, AFL receives the income equivalent on underlying obligations due to Citibank and pays to Citibank interest equal to LIBOR plus 120 basis points on the outstanding notional amount of the underlying obligations, which was approximately $159 million as of June 30, 2014. The total return swap is secured by approximately $40 million of U.S. Treasuries as collateral, which are included in short-term investments on the consolidated balance sheets.
	Fair value amounts, and gains and losses on derivative instruments
	The following tables present the location and amounts of derivative fair values in the consolidated balance sheets and derivative gains in the consolidated statements of operations:
		Asset Derivatives				Liability Derivatives
		June 30, 2014		December 31, 2013		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(Amount in thousands)
	Total return swaps - Other assets	$	2,300	$	1,650	$	0		$	0
	Equity contracts - Other liabilities	0		0		(635		)	(140		)
	Total derivatives	$	2,300	$	1,650	$	(635	)	$	(140	)
		Gain Recognized in Income
		Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014		2013		2014			2013
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Total return swaps - Net realized investment gains	$	1,733	$	0	$	2,609		$	0
	Equity contracts - Net realized investment gains	499		961		1,054			1,179
	Interest rate swap - Other revenue	0		0		0			103
	Total	$	2,232	$	961	$	3,663		$	1,282
	Most equity contracts consist of covered calls. The Company writes covered calls on underlying equity positions held as an enhanced income strategy that is permitted for the Company’s insurance subsidiaries under statutory regulations. The Company manages the risk associated with covered calls through strict capital limitations and asset diversification throughout various industries. For additional disclosures regarding equity contracts, see Note 5.

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	'
	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets
	Goodwill
	There were no changes in the carrying amount of goodwill for the six months ended June 30, 2014. Goodwill is reviewed annually for impairment and more frequently if potential impairment indicators exist. No impairment indications were identified during any of the periods presented.
	Other Intangible Assets
	The following table presents the components of other intangible assets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
		Gross Carrying			Accumulated			Net Carrying		Useful Lives
		Amount			Amortization			Amount
		(Amounts in thousands)								(in years)
	As of June 30, 2014:
	Customer relationships	$	51,755		$	(26,948	)	$	24,807	11
	Trade names	15,400			(3,529		)	11,871		24
	Technology	4,300			(2,365		)	1,935		10
	Favorable leases	1,725			(1,725		)	0		3
	Software	550			(550		)	0		2
	Total intangible assets, net	$	73,730		$	(35,117	)	$	38,613
	As of December 31, 2013:
	Customer relationships	$	51,755		$	(24,494	)	$	27,261	11
	Trade names	15,400			(3,208		)	12,192		24
	Technology	4,300			(2,150		)	2,150		10
	Favorable leases	1,725			(1,725		)	0		3
	Software	550			(550		)	0		2
	Total intangible assets, net	$	73,730		$	(32,127	)	$	41,603
	Intangible assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives. Intangible assets amortization expense was $1.5 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $3.0 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The following table presents the estimated future amortization expenses related to intangible assets as of June 30, 2014:
	Year Ending		Amortization Expense
			(Amounts in thousands)
	Remainder of 2014		$	2,990
	2015		5,980
	2016		5,980
	2017		5,253
	2018		5,239
	Thereafter		13,171
	Total		$	38,613

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Share-Based Compensation	'
	Share-Based Compensation
	Share-based compensation expense for all share-based payment awards granted or modified is based on the estimated grant-date fair value. The Company recognizes these compensation costs on a straight-line basis over the requisite service period of the award, which is the option vesting term of four or five years for options granted prior to 2008 and four years for options granted subsequent to January 1, 2008, for only those shares expected to vest. The fair value of stock option awards is estimated using the Black-Scholes option pricing model with the grant-date assumptions and weighted-average fair values.
	Under the Company’s 2005 Incentive Award Plan (the “Plan”), the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors granted performance vesting restricted stock units to the Company’s senior management and key employees as follows:
		Grant Year
		2014	2013	2012
	Three-year performance period ending December 31,	2016	2015	2014
	Vesting shares, target	85,500	81,500	89,000
	Vesting shares, maximum	160,313	183,375	200,250
	The restricted stock units vest at the end of a three-year performance period beginning with the year of the grant, and then only if, and to the extent that, the Company’s performance during the performance period achieves the threshold established by the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors. For 2012 grants, vesting will be based on the Company’s cumulative underwriting income and net premium written growth. For 2013 and 2014 grants, vesting will be based on the Company’s cumulative underwriting income, annual underwriting income, and net earned premium growth.
	The fair value of each restricted share grant was determined based on the market price on the grant date. Compensation cost is recognized based on management’s best estimate that performance goals will be achieved. If such goals are not met, no compensation cost is recognized and any recognized compensation cost would be reversed. For 2012 grants, the achievement of the performance condition set by the Compensation Committee was no longer considered probable, and previously recognized compensation costs were reversed.

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]	'
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	For financial statement purposes, the Company recognizes tax benefits related to positions taken, or expected to be taken, on a tax return only if, “more-likely-than-not,” the positions are sustainable. Once this threshold has been met, the Company’s measurement of its expected tax benefits is recognized in its financial statements.
	There was a $1.3 million increase to the total amount of unrecognized tax benefit related to tax uncertainties during the six months ended June 30, 2014. The increase was the result of tax positions taken regarding state tax apportionment issues based on management’s best judgment given the facts, circumstances, and information available at the reporting date. The Company does not expect any changes in such unrecognized tax benefits to have a significant impact on its consolidated financial statements within the next 12 months.
	The Company and its subsidiaries file income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states. Tax years that remain subject to examination by major taxing jurisdictions are 2010 through 2012 for federal taxes and 2003 through 2012 for California state taxes. The Company is currently under examination by the California Franchise Tax Board (“FTB”) for tax years 2003 through 2010. The FTB issued Notices of Proposed Assessments to the Company for tax years 2003 through 2006, which were affirmed following an administrative protest process with the FTB examination. The Company is considering its options for resolving the case. No assessments have been received for tax years 2007 through 2010. Management believes that the resolution of these examinations and assessments will not have a material impact on the consolidated financial statements.
	Deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the estimated future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial reporting basis and the respective tax basis of the Company’s assets and liabilities, and expected benefits of utilizing net operating loss, capital loss, and tax-credit carryforwards. The Company assesses the likelihood that its deferred tax assets will be realized and, to the extent management does not believe these assets are more likely than not to be realized, a valuation allowance is established.
	At June 30, 2014, the Company’s deferred income taxes were in a net liability position which included a combination of ordinary and capital deferred tax benefits. In assessing the realizability of this component of the total deferred tax balance which consists of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that some portion or all of the deferred tax assets will not be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred tax assets is dependent upon generating sufficient taxable income of the appropriate character within the carryback and carryforward periods available under the tax law. Management considers the reversal of deferred tax liabilities, projected future taxable income of an appropriate nature, and tax-planning strategies in making this assessment. The Company believes that through the use of prudent tax planning strategies and the generation of capital gains, sufficient income will be realized in order to maximize the full benefits of its deferred tax assets. Although realization is not assured, management believes that it is more likely than not that the Company’s deferred tax assets will be realized.

Contingencies

Contingencies	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Contingencies	'
	Contingencies
	The Company is, from time to time, named as a defendant in various lawsuits or regulatory actions incidental to its insurance business. The majority of lawsuits brought against the Company relate to insurance claims that arise in the normal course of business and are reserved for through the reserving process. For a discussion of the Company’s reserving methods, see the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	The Company also establishes reserves for non-insurance claims related lawsuits, regulatory actions, and other contingencies when the Company believes a loss is probable and is able to estimate its potential exposure. For material loss contingencies believed to be reasonably possible, the Company also discloses the nature of the loss contingency and an estimate of the possible loss, range of loss, or a statement that such an estimate cannot be made. While actual losses may differ from the amounts recorded and the ultimate outcome of the Company’s pending actions is generally not yet determinable, the Company does not believe that the ultimate resolution of currently pending legal or regulatory proceedings, either individually or in the aggregate, will have a material adverse effect on its financial condition, results of operations, or cash flows.
	In all cases, the Company vigorously defends itself unless a reasonable settlement appears appropriate. For a discussion of legal matters, see the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.

General_Policy

General (Policy)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
General [Abstract]	'
Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	'
	Consolidation and Basis of Presentation
	The condensed consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Mercury General Corporation and its subsidiaries (referred to herein collectively as the “Company”). For the list of the Company’s subsidiaries, see Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	The condensed consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP, which differ in some respects from those filed in reports to insurance regulatory authorities. All intercompany transactions and balances have been eliminated.
	The financial data of the Company included herein are unaudited. In the opinion of management, all material adjustments of a normal recurring nature have been made to present fairly the Company’s financial position at June 30, 2014 and the results of operations, comprehensive income (loss), and cash flows for the periods presented. These statements were prepared in accordance with the instructions for interim reporting and do not contain certain information that was included in the annual financial statements included in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013. Readers are urged to review the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 for more complete descriptions and discussions. Operating results and cash flows for the six months ended June 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2014.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements, and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. These estimates require the Company to apply complex assumptions and judgments, and often the Company must make estimates about effects of matters that are inherently uncertain and will likely change in subsequent periods. The most significant assumptions in the preparation of these condensed consolidated financial statements relate to reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses. Actual results could differ from those estimates (See Note 1 “Summary of Significant Accounting Policies” of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013).
Earnings per Share	'
	Earnings per Share
	Potentially dilutive securities representing approximately 34,000 and 69,000 shares of common stock for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and 40,000 and 87,000 shares of common stock for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, were excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per common share for these periods because their effect would have been anti-dilutive.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	'
	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
	Deferred policy acquisition costs consist of commissions paid to outside agents, premium taxes, salaries, and certain other underwriting costs that are incremental or directly related to the successful acquisition of new and renewal insurance contracts and are amortized over the life of the related policy in proportion to premiums earned. Deferred policy acquisition costs are limited to the amount that will remain after deducting from unearned premiums and anticipated investment income, the estimated losses and loss adjustment expenses, and the servicing costs that will be incurred as premiums are earned. The Company’s deferred policy acquisition costs are further limited by excluding those costs not directly related to the successful acquisition of insurance contracts. Deferred policy acquisition cost amortization was $133.1 million and $126.4 million for the three months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and $262.9 million and $250.1 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. The Company does not defer advertising expenditures but expenses them as incurred. The Company recorded net advertising expenses of approximately $12 million and $11 million for the six months ended June 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru1

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Financial Instruments, Owned, at Fair Value [Abstract]	'
Estimated Fair Values of Financial Instruments	'
	The following table presents the estimated fair values of financial instruments at June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
		June 30, 2014		December 31, 2013
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Assets
	Investments	$	3,389,582	$	3,158,312
	Total return swaps	$	2,300	$	1,650
	Liabilities
	Equity contracts	$	635	$	140
	Secured notes	$	140,000	$	140,000
	Unsecured note	$	130,000	$	50,000

Fair_Value_Option_Tables

Fair Value Option (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Fair Value Option [Abstract]	'
Gains And Losses Due To Changes In Fair Value Of Investments	'
	The following table presents gains (losses) due to changes in fair value of investments that are measured at fair value pursuant to application of the fair value option:
		Three Months Ended June 30,						Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014			2013			2014			2013
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Fixed maturity securities	$	33,015		$	(59,562	)	$	69,613		$	(69,973	)
	Equity securities	8,528			(19,003		)	17,640			35,023
	Short-term investments	(131		)	(161		)	(142		)	(309		)
	Total	$	41,412		$	(78,726	)	$	87,111		$	(35,259	)

Fair_Value_Measurement_Tables

Fair Value Measurement (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Financial Instruments, Financial Assets, Balance Sheet Groupings [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis Valuation Techniques	'
	The following tables present information about the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, and indicate the fair value hierarchy of the valuation techniques utilized by the Company to determine such fair value:
		June 30, 2014
		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3			Total
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Assets
	Fixed maturity securities:
	U.S. government bonds and agencies	$	15,993		$	0	$	0		$	15,993
	Municipal securities	0			2,353,566		0			2,353,566
	Mortgage-backed securities	0			38,817		0			38,817
	Corporate securities	0			296,252		0			296,252
	Equity securities:
	Common stock:
	Public utilities	101,347			0		0			101,347
	Banks, trusts and insurance companies	8,415			0		0			8,415
	Energy and other	304,649			0		0			304,649
	Non-redeemable preferred stock	0			28,165		0			28,165
	Partnership interest in a private credit fund	0			0		12,966			12,966
	Short-term bonds	69,990			14,748		0			84,738
	Money market instruments	144,674			0		0			144,674
	Total return swaps	0			2,300		0			2,300
	Total assets at fair value	$	645,068		$	2,733,848	$	12,966		$	3,391,882
	Liabilities
	Equity contracts	$	635		$	0	$	0		$	635
	Total liabilities at fair value	$	635		$	0	$	0		$	635
		December 31, 2013
		Level 1			Level 2		Level 3			Total
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Assets
	Fixed maturity securities:
	U.S. government bonds and agencies	$	16,096		$	0	$	0		$	16,096
	Municipal securities	0			2,235,323		0			2,235,323
	Mortgage-backed securities	0			40,247		0			40,247
	Corporate securities	0			264,685		0			264,685
	Collateralized debt obligations	0			0		4,302			4,302
	Equity securities:
	Common stock:
	Public utilities	85,287			0		0			85,287
	Banks, trusts and insurance companies	2,927			0		0			2,927
	Energy and other	151,554			0		0			151,554
	Non-redeemable preferred stock	0			29,567		0			29,567
	Partnership interest in a private credit fund	0			0		12,548			12,548
	Short-term bonds	39,998			12,890		0			52,888
	Money market instruments	262,888			0		0			262,888
	Total return swap	0			1,650		0			1,650
	Total assets at fair value	$	558,750		$	2,584,362	$	16,850		$	3,159,962
	Liabilities
	Equity contracts	$	140		$	0	$	0		$	140
	Total liabilities at fair value	$	140		$	0	$	0		$	140
Summary Of Changes In Fair Value Of Level 3 Financial Assets And Financial Liabilities Held At Fair Value	'
	The following tables present a summary of changes in fair value of Level 3 financial assets and financial liabilities held at fair value.
		Three Months Ended June 30,
		2014					2013
		Collateralized			Partnership		Collateralized			Partnership
		Debt Obligations			Interest in a		Debt Obligations			Interest in a
					Private Credit					Private Credit
					Fund					Fund
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Beginning Balance	$	0		$	12,726	$	39,723		$	11,592
	Realized gains (losses) included in earnings	0			240		(731		)	398
	Ending Balance	$	0		$	12,966	$	38,992		$	11,990
	The amount of total gains (losses) for the period included in earnings attributable to assets still held at June 30	$	0		$	240	$	(731	)	$	398
		Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014					2013
		Collateralized			Partnership		Collateralized			Partnership
		Debt Obligations			Interest in a		Debt Obligations			Interest in a
					Private Credit					Private Credit
					Fund					Fund
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Beginning Balance	$	4,302		$	12,548	$	42,801		$	11,306
	Realized (losses) gains included in earnings	(755		)	418		377			684
	Sales	(3,547		)	0		(4,186		)	0
	Ending Balance	$	0		$	12,966	$	38,992		$	11,990
	The amount of total gains for the period included in earnings attributable to assets still held at June 30	$	0		$	418	$	894		$	684

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen1

Derivative Financial Instruments (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
General Discussion of Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities [Abstract]	'
Summary Of Location And Amounts Of Derivative Fair Values In The Consolidated Balance Sheets	'
	The following tables present the location and amounts of derivative fair values in the consolidated balance sheets and derivative gains in the consolidated statements of operations:
		Asset Derivatives				Liability Derivatives
		June 30, 2014		December 31, 2013		June 30, 2014			December 31, 2013
		(Amount in thousands)
	Total return swaps - Other assets	$	2,300	$	1,650	$	0		$	0
	Equity contracts - Other liabilities	0		0		(635		)	(140		)
	Total derivatives	$	2,300	$	1,650	$	(635	)	$	(140	)
Schedule Of Derivative Gains And Losses In The Consolidated Statements Of Operations	'
		Gain Recognized in Income
		Three Months Ended June 30,				Six Months Ended June 30,
		2014		2013		2014			2013
		(Amounts in thousands)
	Total return swaps - Net realized investment gains	$	1,733	$	0	$	2,609		$	0
	Equity contracts - Net realized investment gains	499		961		1,054			1,179
	Interest rate swap - Other revenue	0		0		0			103
	Total	$	2,232	$	961	$	3,663		$	1,282

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_1

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Components Of Other Intangible Assets	'
	The following table presents the components of other intangible assets as of June 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013.
		Gross Carrying			Accumulated			Net Carrying		Useful Lives
		Amount			Amortization			Amount
		(Amounts in thousands)								(in years)
	As of June 30, 2014:
	Customer relationships	$	51,755		$	(26,948	)	$	24,807	11
	Trade names	15,400			(3,529		)	11,871		24
	Technology	4,300			(2,365		)	1,935		10
	Favorable leases	1,725			(1,725		)	0		3
	Software	550			(550		)	0		2
	Total intangible assets, net	$	73,730		$	(35,117	)	$	38,613
	As of December 31, 2013:
	Customer relationships	$	51,755		$	(24,494	)	$	27,261	11
	Trade names	15,400			(3,208		)	12,192		24
	Technology	4,300			(2,150		)	2,150		10
	Favorable leases	1,725			(1,725		)	0		3
	Software	550			(550		)	0		2
	Total intangible assets, net	$	73,730		$	(32,127	)	$	41,603
Schedule Of Estimated Future Amortization Expense Related To Intangible Assets	'
	The following table presents the estimated future amortization expenses related to intangible assets as of June 30, 2014:
	Year Ending		Amortization Expense
			(Amounts in thousands)
	Remainder of 2014		$	2,990
	2015		5,980
	2016		5,980
	2017		5,253
	2018		5,239
	Thereafter		13,171
	Total		$	38,613

ShareBased_Compensation_Tables

Share-Based Compensation (Tables)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Schedule Of Performance Vesting Restricted Stock Units Granted	'
	Under the Company’s 2005 Incentive Award Plan (the “Plan”), the Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors granted performance vesting restricted stock units to the Company’s senior management and key employees as follows:
		Grant Year
		2014	2013	2012
	Three-year performance period ending December 31,	2016	2015	2014
	Vesting shares, target	85,500	81,500	89,000
	Vesting shares, maximum	160,313	183,375	200,250

General_Details

General (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended		0 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Feb. 14, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
					2014 Swap [Member]	2014 Swap [Member]	2014 Swap [Member]
							LIBOR [Member]
General [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Potentially dilutive securities (in shares)	34,000	69,000	40,000	87,000	'	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition cost amortization	$133,060,000	$126,393,000	$262,874,000	$250,115,000	'	'	'
Advertising expenses	'	'	12,000,000	11,000,000	'	'	'
Derivative [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Term of swap agreement	'	'	'	'	'3 years	'	'
Basis spread on variable rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.40%
Notional amount	'	'	'	'	'	98,000,000	'
Swap agreement collateral	'	'	'	'	'	$30,000,000	'

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru2

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]	'	'
Unsecured Debt	$130,000,000	$50,000,000
Level 2 [Member] | Secured Notes One [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]	'	'
Secured notes	120,000,000	'
Level 2 [Member] | Secured Notes Two [Member]	'	'
Fair Value, Off-balance Sheet Risks, Disclosure Information [Line Items]	'	'
Secured notes	$20,000,000	'

Fair_Value_of_Financial_Instru3

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Estimated Fair Values Of Financial Instruments) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'	'
Total return swap	$2,300	$1,650
Liabilities	'	'
Unsecured Debt	130,000	50,000
Investments [Member]	'	'
Assets	'	'
Investments	3,389,582	3,158,312
Secured Notes [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
Secured notes payable	140,000	140,000
Equity Contract [Member]	'	'
Liabilities	'	'
Equity contracts	$635	$140

Fair_Value_Option_Gains_And_Lo

Fair Value Option (Gains And Losses Due To Changes In Fair Value Of Investments) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
(Losses) gains due to changes in fair value of investments	$41,412	($78,726)	$87,111	($35,259)
Fixed maturity securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
(Losses) gains due to changes in fair value of investments	33,015	-59,562	69,613	-69,973
Equity securities [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
(Losses) gains due to changes in fair value of investments	8,528	-19,003	17,640	35,023
Short-term investments [Member]	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
(Losses) gains due to changes in fair value of investments	($131)	($161)	($142)	($309)

Fair_Value_Measurement_Narrati

Fair Value Measurement (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended				6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014
	transfers	transfers	Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	Commercial Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]	Minimum [Member]
			Level 2 [Member]	Level 2 [Member]	broker
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of portfolio of unadjusted fair values obtained	99.50%	'	'	'	'
Percentage of portfolio of specific unadjusted broker quotes obtained	0.40%	'	'	'	'
Number of knowledgeable outside security brokers consulted to determine fair value	'	'	'	'	1
Trading securities, fair value disclosure	'	'	$21.80	$21.90	'
Transfers between Levels 1, 2, and 3 of the fair value hierarchy	0	0	'	'	'

Fair_Value_Measurement_Schedul

Fair Value Measurement (Schedule Of Assets And Liabilities Measured At Fair Value On A Recurring Basis Valuation Techniques) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	$3,391,882	$3,159,962
Liabilities	635	140
Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	645,068	558,750
Liabilities	635	140
Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	2,733,848	2,584,362
Liabilities	0	0
Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	12,966	16,850
Liabilities	0	0
Short-term bonds [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	84,738	52,888
Short-term bonds [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	69,990	39,998
Short-term bonds [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	14,748	12,890
Short-term bonds [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Money market instruments [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	144,674	262,888
Money market instruments [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	144,674	262,888
Money market instruments [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Money market instruments [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Total Return Swap [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	2,300	1,650
Total Return Swap [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Total Return Swap [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	2,300	1,650
Total Return Swap [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Equity contracts [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Liabilities	635	140
Equity contracts [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Liabilities	635	140
Equity contracts [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Liabilities	0	0
Equity contracts [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Liabilities	0	0
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | U.S. government bonds and agencies [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	15,993	16,096
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | U.S. government bonds and agencies [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	15,993	16,096
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | U.S. government bonds and agencies [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | U.S. government bonds and agencies [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Municipal securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	2,353,566	2,235,323
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Municipal securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Municipal securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	2,353,566	2,235,323
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Municipal securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	38,817	40,247
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	38,817	40,247
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Mortgage-backed securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Corporate securities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	296,252	264,685
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Corporate securities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Corporate securities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	296,252	264,685
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Corporate securities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	'	4,302
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	'	0
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	'	0
Fixed maturity securities [Member] | Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	'	4,302
Equity securities [Member] | Public utilities [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	101,347	85,287
Equity securities [Member] | Public utilities [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	101,347	85,287
Equity securities [Member] | Public utilities [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Equity securities [Member] | Public utilities [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Equity securities [Member] | Banks, trusts and insurance companies [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	8,415	2,927
Equity securities [Member] | Banks, trusts and insurance companies [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	8,415	2,927
Equity securities [Member] | Banks, trusts and insurance companies [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Equity securities [Member] | Banks, trusts and insurance companies [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Equity securities [Member] | Energy and other [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	304,649	151,554
Equity securities [Member] | Energy and other [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	304,649	151,554
Equity securities [Member] | Energy and other [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Equity securities [Member] | Energy and other [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Equity securities [Member] | Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	28,165	29,567
Equity securities [Member] | Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Equity securities [Member] | Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	28,165	29,567
Equity securities [Member] | Non-redeemable preferred stock [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Equity securities [Member] | Partnership Interest In Private Credit Fund [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	12,966	12,548
Equity securities [Member] | Partnership Interest In Private Credit Fund [Member] | Level 1 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Equity securities [Member] | Partnership Interest In Private Credit Fund [Member] | Level 2 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	0	0
Equity securities [Member] | Partnership Interest In Private Credit Fund [Member] | Level 3 [Member]	'	'
Fair Value Measurement [Line Items]	'	'
Assets	$12,966	$12,548

Fair_Value_Measurement_Summary

Fair Value Measurement (Summary Of Changes In Fair Value Of Level 3 Financial Assets And Financial Liabilities Held At Fair Value) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Collateralized Debt Obligations [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	$0	$39,723	$4,302	$42,801
Realized (losses) gains included in earnings	0	-731	-755	377
Sales	'	'	-3,547	-4,186
Ending Balance	0	38,992	0	38,992
The amount of total gains for the period included in earnings attributable to assets still held at June 30	0	-731	0	894
Partnership Interest In Private Credit Fund [Member]	'	'	'	'
Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation, Calculation [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	12,726	11,592	12,548	11,306
Realized (losses) gains included in earnings	240	398	418	684
Sales	'	'	0	0
Ending Balance	12,966	11,990	12,966	11,990
The amount of total gains for the period included in earnings attributable to assets still held at June 30	$240	$398	$418	$684

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen2

Derivative Financial Instruments (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	Mar. 03, 2008	Oct. 04, 2011	Mar. 03, 2008	Oct. 04, 2011	Aug. 09, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Feb. 14, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014
	Loans [Member]	Bank Of America [Member]	Bank Of America [Member]	Union Bank [Member]	2013 Swap [Member]	2013 Swap [Member]	2014 Swap [Member]	2014 Swap [Member]	LIBOR [Member]	LIBOR [Member]
	Interest rate swap agreements [Member]	Interest rate swap agreements [Member]	Interest rate swap agreements [Member]	Interest rate swap agreements [Member]					2013 Swap [Member]	2014 Swap [Member]
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Term of swap agreement	'	'	'	'	'3 years	'	'3 years	'	'	'
Notional amount	'	'	'	'	'	$159,000,000	'	$98,000,000	'	'
Basis spread on variable rate	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1.20%	1.40%
Swap agreement collateral	'	'	'	'	'	40,000,000	'	30,000,000	'	'
Secured notes	18,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Fixed rate	4.25%	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Loan maximum borrowing capacity	'	$18,000,000	'	$20,000,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Floating rate, LIBOR plus basis points (as a percentage)	'	'	0.50%	0.40%	'	'	'	'	'	'
Loan mature date	'	1-Mar-13	'	2-Jan-15	'	'	'	'	'	'

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen3

Derivative Financial Instruments (Summary Of Location And Amounts Of Derivative Fair Values In The Consolidated Balance Sheets) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives	$2,300	$1,650
Non-hedging derivatives [Member]	'	'
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives	2,300	1,650
Liability Derivatives	-635	-140
Non-hedging derivatives [Member] | Interest rate swap agreements [Member] | Other Assets [Member]	'	'
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives	2,300	1,650
Liability Derivatives	0	0
Non-hedging derivatives [Member] | Equity contracts [Member] | Other liabilities [Member]	'	'
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'
Asset Derivatives	0	0
Liability Derivatives	($635)	($140)

Derivative_Financial_Instrumen4

Derivative Financial Instruments (Schedule Of Derivative Gains And Losses In The Consolidated Statements Of Operations) (Details) (Derivatives Not Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain Recognized in Income (Loss)	$2,232	$961	$3,663	$1,282
Interest rate swap agreements [Member] | Other revenue [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain Recognized in Income (Loss)	0	0	0	103
Total Return Swap [Member] | Other revenue [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain Recognized in Income (Loss)	1,733	0	2,609	0
Equity contracts [Member] | Net realized investment (losses) gains [Member]	'	'	'	'
Derivative Financial Instruments [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Gain Recognized in Income (Loss)	$499	$961	$1,054	$1,179

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_2

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Narrative) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Intangible assets amortization expense	$1.50	$1.50	$3	$3

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_3

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Components Of Other Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	$73,730	$73,730
Accumulated Amortization	-35,117	-32,127
Total	38,613	41,603
Customer relationships [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	51,755	51,755
Accumulated Amortization	-26,948	-24,494
Total	24,807	27,261
Useful Lives (in years)	'11 years	'11 years
Trade names [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	15,400	15,400
Accumulated Amortization	-3,529	-3,208
Total	11,871	12,192
Useful Lives (in years)	'24 years	'24 years
Technology [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	4,300	4,300
Accumulated Amortization	-2,365	-2,150
Total	1,935	2,150
Useful Lives (in years)	'10 years	'10 years
Favorable leases [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	1,725	1,725
Accumulated Amortization	-1,725	-1,725
Total	0	0
Useful Lives (in years)	'3 years	'3 years
Software [Member]	'	'
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'
Gross Carrying Amount	550	550
Accumulated Amortization	-550	-550
Total	$0	$0
Useful Lives (in years)	'2 years	'2 years

Goodwill_and_Other_Intangible_4

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets (Schedule Of Estimated Future Amortization Expense Related To Intangible Assets) (Details) (USD $)	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Remainder of 2014	$2,990	'
2015	5,980	'
2016	5,980	'
2017	5,253	'
2018	5,239	'
Thereafter	13,171	'
Total	$38,613	$41,603

ShareBased_Compensation_Narrat

Share-Based Compensation (Narrative) (Details)	6 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Performance period of restricted stock units (in years)	'3 years
Options granted prior to 2008 [Member] | Minimum [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Option vesting term (in years)	'4 years
Options granted prior to 2008 [Member] | Maximum [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Option vesting term (in years)	'5 years
Options granted subsequent to January 1, 2008 [Member]	'
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]	'
Option vesting term (in years)	'4 years

ShareBased_Compensation_Schedu

Share-Based Compensation (Schedule Of Performance Vesting Restricted Stock Units Granted) (Details)	6 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Jun. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Share-based Compensation, Allocation and Classification in Financial Statements [Abstract]	'	'	'
Three-year performance period ending December 31,	'2016	'2015	'2014
Vesting shares, target	85,500	81,500	89,000
Vesting shares, maximum	160,313	183,375	200,250

Income_Taxes_Details

Income Taxes (Details) (USD $)	6 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2014
Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit), Continuing Operations [Abstract]	'
Increase in unrecognized tax benefit	$1.30