Investors Title (ITIC) 10-K 12 Mar 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document And Entity Information

Document And Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Feb. 16, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Document And Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Entity Registrant Name	INVESTORS TITLE CO
Entity Central Index Key	720,858
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		1,885,869
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Public Float			$ 342,728,481

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments in securities:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost: December 31, 2017: $100,314,085; December 31, 2016: $100,162,357)	$ 103,341,083	$ 101,934,077
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost: December 31, 2017: $26,002,619; December 31, 2016: $24,836,032)	47,366,826	41,179,259
Short-term investments	23,779,672	6,558,840
Other investments	12,032,426	11,181,531
Total investments	186,520,007	160,853,707
Cash and cash equivalents	20,214,468	27,928,472
Premium and fees receivable	10,159,519	8,654,161
Accrued interest and dividends	1,099,879	1,035,152
Prepaid expenses and other assets	9,003,683	9,456,523
Property, net	10,172,904	8,753,466
Goodwill and other intangible assets, net	11,357,290	12,256,641
Current income taxes receivable	385,109	0
Total Assets	248,912,859	228,938,122
Liabilities:
Reserve for claims	34,801,000	35,305,000
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	27,565,660	26,146,480
Current income taxes payable	0	1,232,432
Deferred income taxes, net	8,625,759	11,118,256
Total liabilities	70,992,419	73,802,168
Commitments and Contingencies	0	0
Stockholders' Equity:
Preferred stock (1,000,000 authorized shares; no shares issued)	0	0
Common stock – no par value (10,000,000 authorized shares; 1,885,993 and 1,884,283 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, excluding in each period 291,676 shares of common stock held by the Company)	1	1
Retained earnings	161,890,660	143,283,621
Accumulated other comprehensive income	15,944,826	11,761,447
Total stockholders’ equity attributable to the Company	177,835,487	155,045,069
Noncontrolling interests	84,953	90,885
Total stockholders’ equity	177,920,440	155,135,954
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$ 248,912,859	$ 228,938,122

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Statement of Financial Position [Abstract]
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, cost	$ 100,314,085	$ 100,162,357
Equity securities, available-for-sale, cost	$ 26,002,619	$ 24,836,032
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, no par value
Common stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	1,885,993	1,884,283
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,885,993	1,884,283
Common stock, held by Company's subsidiary	291,676	291,676

Consolidated Statements Of Inco

Consolidated Statements Of Income - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues:
Net premiums written	$ 138,588,877	$ 120,569,151	$ 111,909,473
Investment income – interest and dividends	4,444,447	4,684,489	4,531,319
Net realized gain (loss) on investments	1,040,901	768,436	(116,163)
Other	17,575,071	12,470,338	10,875,443
Total Revenues	161,649,296	138,492,414	127,200,072
Operating Expenses:
Commissions to agents	68,643,220	63,643,321	62,174,301
Provision for claims	3,311,080	242,953	4,478,494
Salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes	39,012,354	31,372,099	28,041,213
Office occupancy and operations	8,966,623	6,265,908	5,885,336
Business development	3,164,730	2,511,699	2,373,270
Filing fees, franchise and local taxes	1,198,013	907,225	732,985
Premium and retaliatory taxes	2,672,034	2,202,595	2,161,571
Professional and contract labor fees	1,825,598	2,115,754	2,691,411
Other	2,585,074	1,099,408	884,438
Total Operating Expenses	131,378,726	110,360,962	109,423,019
Income before Income Taxes	30,270,570	28,131,452	17,777,053
Provision for Income Taxes	4,570,000	8,616,000	5,228,000
Net Income	25,700,570	19,515,452	12,549,053
Net Loss (Income) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	5,932	7,666	(15,148)
Net Income Attributable to the Company	$ 25,706,502	$ 19,523,118	$ 12,533,905
Basic Earnings per Common Share	$ 13.63	$ 10.23	$ 6.32
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Basic	1,886,354	1,907,675	1,984,360
Diluted Earnings per Common Share	$ 13.56	$ 10.19	$ 6.30
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Diluted	1,895,871	1,915,057	1,989,799
Cash Dividends Paid per Common Share	$ 3.75	$ 0.72	$ 0.40

Consolidated Statements Of Comp

Consolidated Statements Of Comprehensive Income - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 25,700,570	$ 19,515,452	$ 12,549,053
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax:
Amortization related to prior year service cost	0	0	4,390
Amortization of unrecognized loss	8,612	8,941	3,514
Accumulated postretirement expense (benefit) obligation adjustment	69,634	(566)	(63,566)
Unrealized gains (losses) on investments arising during the period	7,478,490	1,145,529	(2,077,542)
Reclassification adjustment for sale of securities included in net income	(1,227,265)	(972,672)	(718,837)
Reclassification adjustment for write-down of securities included in net income	25,411	233,941	751,059
Other comprehensive income (loss), before tax	6,354,882	415,173	(2,100,982)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to postretirement health benefits	26,602	2,849	(18,924)
Income tax expense (benefit) related to unrealized gains (losses) on investments arising during the year	2,555,694	387,508	(722,226)
Income tax benefit related to reclassification adjustment for sale of securities included in net income	(419,462)	(333,426)	(245,200)
Income tax expense related to reclassification adjustment for write-down of securities included in net income	8,669	79,810	258,862
Net income tax expense (benefit) on other comprehensive income (loss)	2,171,503	136,741	(727,488)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	4,183,379	278,432	(1,373,494)
Comprehensive Income	29,883,949	19,793,884	11,175,559
Less: Comprehensive loss (income) attributable to noncontrolling interests	5,932	7,666	(15,148)
Comprehensive Income Attributable to the Company	$ 29,889,881	$ 19,801,550	$ 11,160,411

Consolidated Statements Of Stoc

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity - USD ($)	Total	Common stocks	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]
Balance, beginning of year at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 137,563,706	$ 1	$ 124,707,196	$ 12,856,509	$ 0
Balance, beginning of year, shares at Dec. 31, 2014		2,023,270
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to the Company	12,533,905		12,533,905
Dividends	(789,907)		(789,907)
Shares of common stock repurchased and retired (in shares)		(75,665)
Shares of common stock repurchased and retired	(5,483,953)		(5,483,953)
Stock options and stock appreciation rights exercised (in shares)		2,192
Stock options and stock appreciation rights exercised	54,988		54,988
Share-based compensation expense	137,762		137,762
Amortization related to postretirement health benefits	5,216			5,216
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation adjustment	(41,954)			(41,954)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments	(1,336,756)			(1,336,756)
Net effect of changes in ownership	127,050				127,050
Subsidiary return of capital	(35,000)				(35,000)
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	15,148				15,148
Income tax benefit from share-based compensation	26,875		26,875
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2015	142,777,080	$ 1	131,186,866	11,483,015	107,198
Balance, end of year, shares at Dec. 31, 2015		1,949,797
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to the Company	19,523,118		19,523,118
Dividends	(1,370,390)		(1,370,390)
Shares of common stock repurchased and retired (in shares)		(66,803)
Shares of common stock repurchased and retired	(6,219,670)		(6,219,670)
Stock options and stock appreciation rights exercised (in shares)		1,289
Stock options and stock appreciation rights exercised	(200)		(200)
Share-based compensation expense	132,098		132,098
Amortization related to postretirement health benefits	5,900			5,900
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation adjustment	(374)			(374)
Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments	272,906			272,906
Purchase of noncontrolling interest of subsidiary	(8,647)				(8,647)
Additional paid-in capital from purchase of noncontrolling interest of subsidiary	(494)		(494)
Subsidiary return of capital	0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(7,666)				(7,666)
Income tax benefit from share-based compensation	32,293		32,293
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2016	155,135,954	$ 1	143,283,621	11,761,447	90,885
Balance, end of year, shares at Dec. 31, 2016		1,884,283
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income attributable to the Company	25,706,502		25,706,502
Dividends	(7,073,210)		(7,073,210)
Shares of common stock repurchased and retired (in shares)		(1,333)
Shares of common stock repurchased and retired	(244,831)		(244,831)
Stock options and stock appreciation rights exercised (in shares)		3,043
Stock options and stock appreciation rights exercised	(737)		(737)
Share-based compensation expense	219,315		219,315
Amortization related to postretirement health benefits	5,686			5,686
Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation adjustment	45,958			45,958
Net unrealized gain (loss) on investments	4,131,735			4,131,735
Subsidiary return of capital	0
Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(5,932)				(5,932)
Balance, end of year at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 177,920,440	$ 1	$ 161,890,660	$ 15,944,826	$ 84,953
Balance, end of year, shares at Dec. 31, 2017		1,885,993

Consolidated Statements Of Sto7

Consolidated Statements Of Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract]
Dividend declared per share	$ 3.75	$ 0.72	$ 0.40

Consolidated Statements Of Cash

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating Activities
Net income	$ 25,700,570	$ 19,515,452	$ 12,549,053
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation	1,434,771	1,306,643	1,105,839
Amortization of investments, net	788,390	772,100	728,510
Amortization of other intangible assets	916,684	213,795	0
Amortization related to postretirement benefits obligation	8,612	8,941	7,904
Share-based compensation expense related to stock appreciation rights and options	219,315	132,098	137,762
Net gain on disposals of property	(22,499)	(12,439)	(24,867)
Net realized (gain) loss on securities	(1,201,854)	(738,731)	32,222
Net realized gains on other investments	(21,714)	(29,705)	(149,128)
Net realized loss on impairments of other assets and other investments	182,667	0	233,069
Net earnings from other investments	(1,672,790)	(1,750,485)	(2,002,276)
Provision for claims	3,311,080	242,953	4,478,494
(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes	(4,664,000)	2,790,000	1,015,000
Changes in assets and liabilities:
(Increase) decrease in receivables	(1,505,358)	(261,464)	217,594
Decrease (increase) in other assets	388,113	2,631,205	(4,879,418)
Increase in current income taxes recoverable	(385,109)	0	0
Increase (decrease) in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,463,814	(581,518)	6,689,204
(Decrease) increase in current income taxes payable	(1,232,432)	1,054,370	145,038
Payments of claims, net of recoveries	(3,815,080)	(2,725,953)	(3,367,494)
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	19,893,180	22,567,262	16,916,506
Investing Activities
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	(23,066,396)	(19,424,849)	(20,164,353)
Purchases of short-term securities	(26,413,954)	(1,775,239)	(4,593,240)
Purchases of other investments	(1,873,398)	(2,743,413)	(3,717,978)
Investment in subsidiary	0	(9,141)	(72,600)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities	22,126,726	20,258,089	22,151,408
Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term securities	9,227,942	2,081,805	304,827
Proceeds from sales and distributions of other investments	2,695,670	3,437,999	3,911,286
Proceeds from sales of other assets	21,714	17,601	149,128
Purchase of subsidiary, net of cash	(175,000)	(8,316,155)	0
Purchases of property, equipment and software	(2,882,732)	(2,456,951)	(2,742,619)
Proceeds from disposals of property	51,022	91,656	75,060
Net cash used in investing activities	(20,288,406)	(8,838,598)	(4,699,081)
Financing Activities
Repurchases of common stock	(244,831)	(6,219,670)	(5,483,953)
Exercise of stock appreciation rights and options	(737)	(200)	54,988
Proceeds from note payable	0	6,000,000	0
Payments on note payable	0	(6,000,000)	0
Subsidiary return of capital	0	0	(35,000)
Dividends paid	(7,073,210)	(1,370,390)	(789,907)
Net cash used in financing activities	(7,318,778)	(7,590,260)	(6,253,872)
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(7,714,004)	6,138,404	5,963,553
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period	27,928,472	21,790,068	15,826,515
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	20,214,468	27,928,472	21,790,068
Cash Paid During the Year for:
Income tax payments, net	11,538,800	5,068,400	4,658,000
Non cash net unrealized (gain) loss on investments, net of deferred tax (provision) benefit of $(2,144,901), $(133,892) and $708,564 for December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively	(4,131,735)	(272,906)	1,336,756
Adjustments to postretirement benefits obligation, net of deferred tax (provision) benefit of $(23,676), $192 and $21,612 for December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively	(45,958)	374	41,954
Changes in Financial Statement Amounts Related to Purchase of Subsidiaries, Net of Cash Received
Goodwill and other intangibles acquired	237,000	(11,249,851)	0
Title plant acquired (in prepaid expenses and other assets)	0	(690,000)	0
Fixed assets acquired	0	(533,424)	0
Prepaid and other assets acquired	0	(15,233)	0
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities assumed	62,000	1,683,844	0
Deferred income taxes	0	2,488,509	0
Purchase of subsidiary, net of cash received	$ (175,000)	$ (8,316,155)	$ 0

Consolidated Statements Of Cas9

Consolidated Statements Of Cash Flows (Parenthetical) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Non cash net unrealized (gain) loss on investments, net of deferred tax (provision) benefit	$ (2,144,901)	$ (133,892)	$ 708,564
Adjustments to postretirement benefits obligation, net of deferred tax (provision) benefit	$ (23,676)	$ 192	$ 21,612

Basis Of Presentation and Signi

Basis Of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Basis Of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies	Basis of Presentation and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Description of Business – Investors Title Company’s (the “Company”) primary business, and only reportable segment, is title insurance. The title insurance segment, through its two subsidiaries, Investors Title Insurance Company (“ITIC”) and National Investors Title Insurance Company (“NITIC”), is licensed to insure titles to residential, institutional, commercial and industrial properties. The Company issues title insurance policies primarily through approved attorneys from underwriting offices and through independent issuing agents in 22 states and the District of Columbia, primarily in the eastern half of the United States. The majority of the Company’s business is concentrated in Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation – The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts and operations of Investors Title Company and its subsidiaries, and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests in majority-owned insurance agencies are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Noncontrolling interests representing the portion of equity not related to the Company's ownership interests are recorded in separate sections of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation. Immaterial Classification Corrections – In previous periods, certain commission revenue was improperly classified as net premiums written. The issue was identified in 2017 and, accordingly, the Consolidated Statements of Income have been corrected. The correction resulted in a decrease to previously reported net premiums written and an increase to other revenues of $1,526,230 and $566,213 for 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The immaterial classification correction had no impact to the Company’s financial position or results of operations as previously reported. Significant Accounting Policies – The significant accounting policies of the Company are summarized below. Cash and Cash Equivalents For the purpose of presentation in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, cash equivalents are highly liquid instruments with remaining original maturities of three months or less. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term maturity at purchase of these instruments. Investments in Securities Securities for which the Company has the intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and reported at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums or accretion of discounts, and other-than-temporary declines in fair value. Securities held principally for resale in the near term are classified as trading securities and recorded at fair values. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading securities are included in other income. Securities not classified as either trading or held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax and adjusted for other-than-temporary declines in fair value, reported as accumulated other comprehensive income. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , all investments in securities are classified as available-for-sale. Securities are regularly reviewed for differences between the cost and estimated fair value of each security for factors that may indicate that a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary. Some factors considered in evaluating whether or not a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary include the duration and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost and the Company’s ability and intent to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in value. Such reviews are inherently uncertain and the value of the investment may not fully recover or may decline in future periods resulting in a realized loss. Fair values of the majority of investments are based on quoted market prices. Realized gains and losses are determined on the specific identification method. Refer to Note 3 for further information regarding investments in securities and fair value. Short-term Investments Short-term investments are comprised of money market accounts which are invested in short-term funds, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, and other investments expected to have maturities or redemptions greater than three months and less than twelve months. The Company monitors any events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of these investments. Other Investments Other investments consist primarily of investments in title insurance agencies structured as limited liability companies (“LLCs”), which are accounted for under the equity or cost methods of accounting. The aggregate cost of the Company’s cost method investments totaled $5,438,745 and $4,744,402 at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The Company monitors any events or changes in circumstances that may have had a significant adverse effect on the fair value of these investments and makes any necessary adjustments. Property Acquired in Settlement of Claims Property acquired in settlement of claims is held for sale and valued at the lower of cost or market. Adjustments to reported estimated realizable values and realized gains or losses on dispositions are recorded as increases or decreases in claim costs. Properties acquired in settlement of claims are included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated principally under the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives ( 3 to 25 years) of the respective assets. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expenses and improvements are capitalized. Reserve for Claims The total reserve for all reported and unreported losses the Company incurred through December 31, 2017 is represented by the reserve for claims. The Company’s reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses is established using estimated amounts required to settle claims for which notice has been received (reported) and the amount estimated to be required to satisfy incurred claims of policyholders which may be reported in the future. Despite the variability of such estimates, management believes that the reserve is adequate to cover claim losses resulting from pending and future claims for policies issued through December 31, 2017 . The Company continually reviews and adjusts its reserve estimates as necessary to reflect its loss experience and any new information that becomes available. Adjustments resulting from such reviews may be significant. Claims and losses paid are charged to the reserve for claims. Although claims losses are typically paid in cash, occasionally claims are settled by purchasing the interest of the insured or the claimant in the real property. When this event occurs, the acquiring company carries assets at the lower of cost or estimated realizable value, net of any indebtedness on the property. Income Taxes The Company makes certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense (benefit) for financial statement purposes. These estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of certain tax assets and liabilities which arise from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes. The Company provides for deferred income taxes (benefits) for the tax consequences in future years of temporary differences between the financial statements’ carrying values and the tax bases of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates. The Company establishes a valuation allowance if it believes that it is more likely than not that some or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. Refer to Note 8 for further information regarding income taxes. Premiums Written and Commissions to Agents Generally, title insurance premiums are recognized at the time of settlement of the related real estate transaction, as the earnings process is then considered complete, irrespective of the timing of issuance of a title insurance policy or commitment. Expenses typically associated with premiums, including agent commissions, premium taxes, and provision for future claims are recognized concurrent with recognition of related premium revenue. Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Company management continually evaluates the collectability of receivables and provides an allowance for doubtful accounts equal to estimated losses expected to be incurred in the collection of premiums and fees receivable. Changes to the allowance for doubtful accounts are reflected within net premiums written in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Amounts are charged off in the period they are deemed to be uncollectible. Quarterly, the Company evaluates the collectability of receivables. Premiums not collected within 7 months are fully reserved. Write-offs of receivables have not been material to the Company. Exchange Services Revenue Fees are recognized at the signing of a binding agreement and investment earnings are recognized as they are earned. Exchange services revenue is included in other revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Fair Values of Financial Instruments The carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, premium and fees receivable, accrued interest and dividends, accounts payable, commissions payable, reinsurance payable and current income taxes recoverable/payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities. Estimated fair values for the majority of investment securities are based on quoted market prices. Refer to Note 3 for further information regarding investments in securities and fair value. Comprehensive Income The Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income is comprised of unrealized holding gains/losses on available-for-sale securities, net of tax, and unrecognized prior service cost and unrealized gains/losses associated with postretirement benefit liabilities, net of tax. Accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2017 consists of $16,002,382 of unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities and $57,556 of unrecognized actuarial losses associated with postretirement benefit liabilities. Accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2016 consists of $11,870,647 of unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities and $109,200 of unrecognized actuarial losses associated with postretirement benefit liabilities. Accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2015 consists of $11,597,741 of unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities and $114,726 of unrecognized prior service cost and unrecognized actuarial losses associated with postretirement benefit liabilities. Share-Based Compensation The Company accounts for share-based compensation in accordance with the fair value based principles required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). Share-based compensation cost is generally measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the employee’s requisite service period. As the share-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The excess tax benefit related to stock appreciation rights included in income taxes payable was $142,280 , $32,293 and $26,875 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of identifiable net assets acquired and assumed in a business combination. The fair value of the Company’s goodwill is principally based on values obtained from a third party valuation service. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at least annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Other Intangible Assets The Company’s other intangible assets consist of non-compete agreements, referral relationships and a tradename resulting from agency acquisitions; all of which are recorded at the acquisition date fair value. The fair value of the Company’s other intangible assets is principally based on values obtained from a third party valuation service. These assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives, which range from 1 to 30 years; noting that the amortization of certain non-compete contracts will start at a future date when the related employment agreements are terminated. Other intangible assets are reviewed for impairment at least annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Title Plants Title plants represent a historical record of matters affecting title to parcels of land in a particular geographic area. Title plants are recorded at the cost incurred to construct or obtain and organize historical title information to the point it can be used to perform title searches. Costs incurred to maintain, update and operate title plants are expensed as incurred. Title plants are not amortized as they are considered to have an indefinite life with no diminishment of value if properly maintained; but are subject to impairment evaluation, which the Company performs on at least an annual basis. Subsequent Events The Company has evaluated and concluded that there were no material subsequent events requiring adjustment or disclosure to its Consolidated Financial Statements. Recently Issued Accounting Standards In February 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income . ASU 2018-02 is intended to help organizations reclassify certain stranded income tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”). Under the ASU, entities will have the option to reclassify tax effects within other comprehensive income to retained earnings in each period in which the effect of the change in the federal corporate tax rate under the TCJA is recorded. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted upon issuance of the standard, and the Company expects to adopt the standard during 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the recently issued accounting standard will have on the Company's financial position and results of operations, but does not expect it to have a material impact. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. ASU 2017-08 is intended to enhance the accounting for the amortization of premiums for purchased callable debt securities. Specifically, the ASU shortens the amortization period for certain investments in callable debt securities purchased at a premium by requiring that the premium be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the recently issued accounting standard will have on the Company's financial position and results of operations, but does not expect it to have a material impact. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) . This update requires entities to (1) disaggregate the current service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost (the "other components") and present it with other current compensation costs for related employees in the income statement and (2) present the other components elsewhere in the income statement and outside of income from operations if that subtotal is presented. In addition, the ASU requires entities to disclose the income statement lines that contain the other components if they are not presented on appropriately described separate lines. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period for which financial statements (interim or annual) have not been issued or made available for issuance. None of these amendments will have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) . This update removes the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. As a result, under the ASU, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In addition, the ASU clarifies that an entity should consider income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. The update is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. None of these amendments is expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) . ASU 2016-13 is intended to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. The update broadens the information that an entity must consider in developing its expected credit loss estimates, and is meant to better reflect an entity’s current estimate of all expected credit losses. In addition, this update amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted as of fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the recently issued accounting standard will have on the Company's financial position and results of operations, but does not expect it to have a material impact. Currently, the Company's potential credit losses under this accounting standard relate to available-for-sale securities. The Company does not believe that the risk of credit losses, based on current available-for-sale security holdings, is material to the Company's financial statements as a whole. Please refer to Note 3 for further information about the Company's investments. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) . ASU 2016-09 updated guidance to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within that reporting period. The Company adopted this update on January 1, 2017 with no material impact to the Company's financial position or results of operations. All excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are now recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition, a reclassification was made on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, as companies are now required to present excess tax benefits as an operating activity on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows rather than as a financing activity. The Company began recording all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as an income tax expense or benefit on a prospective basis. The amendments relating to the presentation of excess tax benefits within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows were adopted by the Company retrospectively. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) . ASU 2016-02 updated guidance to improve financial reporting for leasing transactions. The core principle of the guidance is that lessees will be required to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms of more than twelve months. A lessee would recognize a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The accounting applied by a lessor is largely unchanged from current GAAP, with some targeted improvements. Disclosures will be required by lessees and lessors to meet the objective of enabling users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. In transition, both lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption was permitted for all entities upon issuance. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the recently issued accounting standard will have on the Company's financial position and results of operations, but does not expect it to have a material impact. As of December 31, 2017, future minimum lease payments with terms of more than twelve months were approximately $3.6 million. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities . ASU 2016-01 updated guidance to enhance the reporting model for financial instruments. Among the main principles of the guidance applicable to the Company are provisions to: require equity investments, except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee, to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; simplify the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment, noting that when a qualitative assessment indicates that impairment exists that an entity is required to measure the investment at fair value; eliminate the requirement to disclose methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value for financial instruments measured at amortized cost; require entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; require separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measuring category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or accompanying notes to the financial statements; and clarify that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for the provision requiring entities to recognize the fair value change from instrument-specific credit risk in other comprehensive income for financial liabilities measured using the fair value option in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 825, and can be early adopted for financial statements of annual or interim periods that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. The Company will be required to apply the update by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, with the amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values being applied prospectively to equity investments that exist as of the date of adoption. While the Company expects the guidance to have an impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations once effective, the materiality of this impact will depend upon the level of volatility experienced within the Company’s equity portfolio. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) . ASU 2014-09 updated guidance to improve the comparability of revenue recognition practices for entities that either enter into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enter into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets, unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards such as insurance contracts or lease standards. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. For public entities, this update originally became effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date . ASU 2015-14 updated guidance to defer the effective date of the standard by one year. Based on the Company’s evaluation of ASU 2014-09, there will be no significant changes to revenue recognition practices upon adoption. Use of Estimates and Assumptions The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and 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 and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates and assumptions used. The more significant of these estimates and assumptions include the following: Claims – The Company’s reserve for claims is established using estimated amounts required to settle claims for which notice has been received (reported) and the amount estimated to be required to satisfy incurred claims of policyholders which may be reported in the future (incurred but not reported, or “IBNR”). A provision for estimated future claims payments is recorded at the time policy revenue is recorded as a percentage of premium income. By their nature, title claims can often be complex, vary greatly in dollar amounts, vary in number due to economic and market conditions such as an increase in mortgage foreclosures, and involve uncertainties as to ultimate exposure. In addition, some claims may require a number of years to settle and determine the final liability for indemnity and loss adjustment expense. The payment experience may extend for more than 20 years after the issuance of a policy. Events such as fraud, defalcation and multiple property defects can substantially and unexpectedly cause increases in estimates of losses. Due to the length of time over which claim payments are made and regularly occurring changes in underlying economic and market conditions, these estimates are subject to variability. Management considers factors such as the Company’s historical claims experience, case reserve estimates on reported claims, large claims, actuarial projections and other relevant factors in determining its loss provision rates and the aggregate recorded expected liability for claims. In establishing the reserve, actuarial projections are compared with recorded reserves to evaluate the adequacy of such recorded claims reserves and any necessary adjustments are then recorded in the current period’s income statement. As the most recent claims experience develops and new information becomes available, the loss reserve estimate related to prior periods will change to more accurately reflect updated and improved emerging data. The Company reflects any adjustments to the reserve in the results of operations in the period in which new information (principally claims experience) becomes available. The Company’s reserve for claims is established using estimated amounts required to settle claims for which notice has been received (reported) and the amount estimated to be required to satisfy incurred claims of policyholders which have been incurred but not reported (“IBNR”). Premiums written – Premium revenues from certain agency operations include accruals for transactions which have settled but have not been reported as of the balance sheet date. These accruals are based on estimates of the typical lag time between settlement of real estate transactions and the agent’s reporting of these transactions to the Company. Reporting lag times vary by market. In certain markets, the lag time may be very short, but in others, can be as high as 100 days. The Company reviews and adjusts lag time estimates periodically, using historical experience and other factors, and reflects any adjustments in the result of operations in the period in which new information becomes available. Impairments – Securities are regularly evaluated and reviewed for differences between the cost and estimated fair value of each security for factors that may indicate that a decline in estimated fair value is other-than-temporary. When, in the opinion of management, a decline in the estimated fair value of an investment is considered to be other-than-temporary, such investment is written down to its estimated fair value. Some factors considered in evaluating whether or not a decline in estimated fair value is other-than-temporary include the duration and extent to which the estimated fair value has been less than cost; the probability that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the security; with respect to equity securities, whether the Company’s ability and intent to retain the investment for a period of time is sufficient to allow for a recovery in value; with respect to fixed maturity securities, whether the Company has the intent to sell or will more likely than not be required to sell a particular security before recovery in value; and the financial condition and prospects of the issuer (including credit ratings). These factors are reviewed quarterly and any material degradation in the prospect for recovery will be considered in the other-than-temporary impairment analysis. Such reviews are inherently uncertain and the value of the investment may not fully recover or may decline in future periods resulting in a realized loss. The estimated fair values of the majority of the Company’s investments are based on quoted market prices from independent pricing services.

Statutory Restrictions on Conso

Statutory Restrictions on Consolidated Stockholders' Equity and Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Statutory Restrictions on Consolidated Stockholders' Equity and Investments [Abstract]
Statutory Restrictions on Consolidated Stockholders' Equity and Investments	Statutory Accounting and Restrictions on Consolidated Stockholders’ Equity and Investments The Consolidated Financial Statements have been prepared in conformity with GAAP, which differ in some respects from statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted in the preparation of financial statements for submission to insurance regulatory authorities. Combined capital and surplus on a statutory basis was $171,896,522 and $152,700,227 as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. Net income on a statutory basis was $18,766,527 , $17,863,815 and $13,621,174 for the twelve months ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The Company has designated approximately $57,301,000 and $53,190,000 of retained earnings as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, as appropriated to reflect the required statutory premium and supplemental reserves. See Note 8 for the tax treatment of the statutory premium reserve. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , approximately $102,082,000 and $88,323,000 , respectively, of consolidated stockholders’ equity represents net assets of the Company’s subsidiaries that cannot be transferred in the form of dividends, loans or advances to the parent company under statutory regulations without prior insurance department approval. During 2018, the maximum distributions the insurance subsidiaries can make to the Company without prior approval from applicable regulators total approximately $18,960,000 . Bonds totaling approximately $7,119,000 and $6,843,000 at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively, are deposited with the insurance departments of the states in which business is conducted.

Investments in Securities and F

Investments in Securities and Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments In Securities and Fair Value	Investments and Estimated Fair Value The aggregate estimated fair value, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses, and cost or amortized cost for securities by major security type at December 31 were as follows: December 31, 2017 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value: Government obligations $ 1,042,921 $ — $ 951 $ 1,041,970 General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions 24,189,032 505,513 50,224 24,644,321 Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions 62,591,978 2,217,665 164,355 64,645,288 Corporate debt securities 12,490,154 528,218 8,868 13,009,504 Total $ 100,314,085 $ 3,251,396 $ 224,398 $ 103,341,083 Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value: Common stocks $ 26,002,619 $ 21,376,110 $ 11,903 $ 47,366,826 Total $ 26,002,619 $ 21,376,110 $ 11,903 $ 47,366,826 Short-term investments: Commercial paper, money market funds and certificates of deposit $ 23,779,672 $ — $ — $ 23,779,672 Total $ 23,779,672 $ — $ — $ 23,779,672 December 31, 2016 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value: General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions $ 29,374,774 $ 440,628 $ 298,533 $ 29,516,869 Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions 57,459,818 1,619,444 502,135 58,577,127 Corporate debt securities 13,327,765 512,316 — 13,840,081 Total $ 100,162,357 $ 2,572,388 $ 800,668 $ 101,934,077 Equity securities, available-for sale, at fair value: Common stocks $ 24,836,032 $ 16,392,210 $ 48,983 $ 41,179,259 Total $ 24,836,032 $ 16,392,210 $ 48,983 $ 41,179,259 Short-term investments: Money market funds and certificates of deposit $ 6,558,840 $ — $ — $ 6,558,840 Total $ 6,558,840 $ — $ — $ 6,558,840 The special revenue category for both periods presented includes approximately 60 individual bonds with revenue sources from a variety of industry sectors. The scheduled maturities of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2017 were as follows: Available-for-Sale Amortized Cost Fair Value Due in one year or less $ 11,570,232 $ 11,637,351 Due after one year through five years 38,510,415 39,352,750 Due five years through ten years 48,246,123 49,802,410 Due after ten years 1,987,315 2,548,572 Total $ 100,314,085 $ 103,341,083 Earnings on investments for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Fixed maturities $ 3,037,105 $ 3,506,484 $ 3,439,296 Equity securities 1,202,912 1,157,550 1,086,365 Invested cash and other short-term investments 201,780 19,982 5,605 Miscellaneous interest 2,650 473 53 Investment income $ 4,444,447 $ 4,684,489 $ 4,531,319 Gross realized gains and losses on sales of investments for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Gross realized gains: Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions $ 139 $ 161 $ — Corporate debt securities — 119,001 5,417 Common stocks and nonredeemable preferred stocks 1,487,420 953,491 1,572,636 Auction rate securities — 74,996 — Total 1,487,559 1,147,649 1,578,053 Gross realized losses: General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions — (535 ) (12,319 ) Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions (100 ) (1,085 ) (397 ) Common stocks (260,194 ) (173,357 ) (846,500 ) Other than temporary impairment of securities (25,411 ) (233,941 ) (751,059 ) Total (285,705 ) (408,918 ) (1,610,275 ) Net realized gain (loss) $ 1,201,854 $ 738,731 $ (32,222 ) Net realized (loss) gain on other investments: Impairments of other assets and investments $ (182,667 ) $ — $ (233,069 ) Net gain on other assets and investments 21,714 29,705 149,128 Total $ (160,953 ) $ 29,705 $ (83,941 ) Net realized gain (loss) on investments $ 1,040,901 $ 768,436 $ (116,163 ) Realized gains and losses are determined on the specific identification method. The following table presents the gross unrealized losses on investment securities and the estimated fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position at December 31, 2017 and 2016 : Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer Total December 31, 2017 Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Loss Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Loss Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Loss Government obligations $ 1,041,970 $ (951 ) $ — $ — $ 1,041,970 $ (951 ) General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions 4,560,021 (26,823 ) 3,535,040 (23,401 ) 8,095,061 (50,224 ) Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions 13,550,979 (61,127 ) 4,022,310 (103,228 ) 17,573,289 (164,355 ) Corporate debt securities 3,744,195 (8,868 ) — — 3,744,195 (8,868 ) Total fixed maturity securities $ 22,897,165 $ (97,769 ) $ 7,557,350 $ (126,629 ) $ 30,454,515 $ (224,398 ) Equity securities 61,187 (11,903 ) — — 61,187 (11,903 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 22,958,352 $ (109,672 ) $ 7,557,350 $ (126,629 ) $ 30,515,702 $ (236,301 ) December 31, 2016 General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions $ 13,884,808 $ (298,533 ) $ — $ — $ 13,884,808 $ (298,533 ) Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions 16,161,906 (502,135 ) — — 16,161,906 (502,135 ) Total fixed maturity securities $ 30,046,714 $ (800,668 ) $ — $ — $ 30,046,714 $ (800,668 ) Equity securities 380,400 (48,983 ) — — 380,400 (48,983 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 30,427,114 $ (849,651 ) $ — $ — $ 30,427,114 $ (849,651 ) The decline in estimated fair value of the fixed maturity securities can be attributed primarily to changes in market interest rates and changes in credit spreads over Treasury securities. Because the Company does not have the intent to sell these securities and will likely not be compelled to sell them before it can recover its cost basis, the Company does not consider these investments to be other-than-temporarily impaired. The unrealized losses related to holdings of equity securities were caused by market changes that the Company considers to be temporary. Since the Company has the intent and ability to hold these equity securities until a recovery of fair value, the Company does not consider these investments other-than-temporarily impaired. Factors considered in determining whether a loss is temporary include the length of time and extent to which fair value has been below cost, the financial condition and prospects of the issuer (including credit ratings and analyst reports) and macro-economic changes. A total of 32 and 36 securities had unrealized losses at December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016 , respectively. Reviews of the values of securities are inherently uncertain and the value of the investment may not fully recover, or may decline in future periods resulting in a realized loss. During 2017 , the Company recorded other-than-temporary impairment charges in the amount of $25,411 related to securities. During 2016 , the Company recorded other-than-temporary impairment charges in the amount of $233,941 related to securities. During 2015, the Company recorded other-than-temporary impairment charges in the amount of $751,059 related to securities. Other-than-temporary impairment charges are included in net realized gain (loss) on investments in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Variable Interest Entities The Company holds investments in variable interest entities (“VIEs”) that are not consolidated in the Company's financial statements as the Company is not the primary beneficiary. These entities are considered VIEs as the equity investors at risk, including the Company, do not have the power over the activities that most significantly impact the economic performance of the entities; this power resides with a third-party general partner or managing member that cannot be removed except for cause. The following table sets forth details about the Company's variable interest investments in VIEs, which are structured either as limited partnerships ("LPs") or limited liability companies ("LLCs"), as of December 31, 2017: Type of Investment Balance Sheet Classification Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Maximum Potential Loss (a) Tax credit LPs Other investments $ 905,179 $ 905,179 $ 1,325,000 Real estate LLCs or LPs Other investments 5,355,874 5,849,112 7,700,000 Small business investment LPs Other investments 3,750,677 3,806,600 9,400,000 Total $ 10,011,730 $ 10,560,891 $ 18,425,000 (a) Maximum potential loss is calculated as the total investment in the LLC or LP including any capital commitments that may have not yet been called. The Company is not exposed to any loss beyond the total commitment of its investment. Valuation of Financial Assets and Liabilities The FASB has established a valuation hierarchy for disclosure of the inputs used to estimated measure fair value of financial assets and liabilities, such as securities. This hierarchy categorizes the inputs into three broad levels as follows. Level 1 inputs are quoted prices (unadjusted) in active markets for identical assets or liabilities. Level 2 inputs are quoted prices for similar assets and liabilities in active markets or inputs that are observable for the asset or liability, either directly or indirectly through market corroboration, for substantially the full term of the financial instrument. Level 3 inputs are unobservable inputs based on the Company’s own assumptions used to measure assets and liabilities at fair value. A financial instrument’s classification within the valuation hierarchy is based upon the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement—consequently, if there are multiple significant valuation inputs that are categorized in different levels of the hierarchy, the instrument’s hierarchy level is the lowest level (with Level 3 being the lowest level) within which any significant input falls. Debt and Equity Securities The Level 1 category includes equity securities that are measured at estimated fair value using quoted active market prices. The Level 2 category includes fixed maturity investments such as corporate bonds, U.S. government and agency bonds and municipal bonds. Estimated fair value is principally based on market values obtained from a third party pricing service. Factors that are used in determining estimated fair market value include benchmark yields, reported trades, broker/dealer quotes, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, bids, offers and reference data. The Company receives one quote per security from a third party pricing service, although as discussed below, the Company does consult other pricing resources when confirming that the prices it obtains reflect the estimated fair values of the instruments in accordance with ASC 820 , Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures . Generally, quotes obtained from the pricing service for instruments classified as Level 2 are not adjusted and are not binding. As of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, the Company did not adjust any Level 2 fair values. A number of the Company’s investment grade corporate bonds are frequently traded in active markets, and trading prices are consequently available for these securities. However, these securities are classified as Level 2 because the pricing service from which the Company has obtained estimated fair values for these instruments uses valuation models that use observable market inputs in addition to trading prices. Substantially all of the input assumptions used in the service’s model are observable in the marketplace or can be derived or supported by observable market data. The Company did not carry any Level 3 category debt or equity investment securities as of December 31, 2017 and 2016. The following table presents, by level, the financial assets carried at estimated fair value measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 . The table does not include cash on hand and also does not include assets that are measured at historical cost or any basis other than fair value. As of December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Short-term investments $ 23,779,672 $ — $ — $ 23,779,672 Equity securities: Common stocks 47,366,826 — — 47,366,826 Fixed maturities: Obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions* — 90,331,579 — 90,331,579 Corporate debt securities* — 13,009,504 — 13,009,504 Total $ 71,146,498 $ 103,341,083 $ — $ 174,487,581 As of December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Short-term investments $ 6,558,840 $ — $ — $ 6,558,840 Equity securities: Common stocks 41,179,259 — — 41,179,259 Fixed maturities: Obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions* — 88,093,996 — 88,093,996 Corporate debt securities* — 13,840,081 — 13,840,081 Total $ 47,738,099 $ 101,934,077 $ — $ 149,672,176 *Denotes fair market value obtained from pricing services. There were no transfers into or out of Levels 1 and 2 during the period. To help ensure that estimated fair value determinations are consistent with ASC 820, prices from our pricing services go through multiple review processes to ensure appropriate pricing. Pricing procedures and inputs used to price each security include, but are not limited to, the following: unadjusted quoted market prices for identical securities such as stock market closing prices; non-binding quoted prices for identical securities in markets that are not active; interest rates; yield curves observable at commonly quoted intervals; volatility; prepayment speeds; loss severity; credit risks and default rates. The Company reviews the procedures and inputs used by its pricing services, and verifies a sample of the services’ quotes by comparing them to values obtained from other pricing resources. In the event the Company disagrees with a price provided by its pricing services, the respective service reevaluates the price to corroborate the market information and then reviews inputs to the evaluation in light of potentially new market data. The Company believes that these processes and inputs result in appropriate classifications and estimated fair values consistent with ASC 820. Other Financial Instruments The Company uses various financial instruments in the normal course of its business. In the measurement of the estimated fair value of certain financial instruments, other valuation techniques were utilized if quoted market prices were not available. These derived fair value estimates are significantly affected by the assumptions used. Additionally, ASC 820 excludes from its scope certain financial instruments including those related to insurance contracts, pension and other postretirement benefits, and equity method investments. In estimating the fair value of the financial instruments presented, the Company used the following methods and assumptions: Cash and cash equivalents The carrying amount for cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term maturity of these investments. Cost-basis investments The estimated fair value of cost-basis investments is calculated from the book value of the underlying entities, which is not materially different from the fair value of the underlying entity. These items are included in other investments in the Consolidated Balance Sheets. Accrued interest and dividends The carrying amount for accrued interest and dividends is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term maturity of these assets. The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of other financial instruments (see previous table for investments carried at estimated fair value) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are presented in the following table: As of December 31, 2017 Financial Assets Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents $ 20,214,468 $ 20,214,468 $ 20,214,468 $ — $ — Cost-basis investments 5,438,745 5,710,184 — — 5,710,184 Accrued interest and dividends 1,099,879 1,099,879 1,099,879 — — Total $ 26,753,092 $ 27,024,531 $ 21,314,347 $ — $ 5,710,184 As of December 31, 2016 Financial Assets Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents $ 27,928,472 $ 27,928,472 $ 27,928,472 $ — $ — Cost-basis investments 4,244,402 4,497,665 — — 4,497,665 Accrued interest and dividends 1,035,152 1,035,152 1,035,152 — — Total $ 33,208,026 $ 33,461,289 $ 28,963,624 $ — $ 4,497,665

Property and Equipment

Property and Equipment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment and estimated useful lives at December 31 are summarized as follows: 2017 2016 Land $ 1,122,582 $ 1,122,582 Office buildings and improvements (25 years) 4,406,117 4,399,448 Furniture, fixtures and equipment (3 to 10 years) 12,993,387 10,444,355 Automobiles (3 years) 891,001 971,235 Total 19,413,087 16,937,620 Less accumulated depreciation (9,240,183 ) (8,184,154 ) Property and equipment, net $ 10,172,904 $ 8,753,466 Included within furniture, fixtures and equipment is software developed by the Company for internal use. Capitalized costs include both direct and indirect costs, such as payroll costs of employees associated with developing software, incurred during the software development stage.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Reinsurance	Reinsurance The Company assumes and cedes reinsurance with other insurance companies in the normal course of business. Premiums assumed and ceded were approximately $3,000 and $264,000 , respectively, for 2017 , $17,000 and $141,000 , respectively, for 2016 and $34,000 and $215,000 , respectively, for 2015 . Ceded reinsurance is comprised of excess of loss treaties, which outline the conditions in which the reinsurance company will pay claims and protect against losses over certain agreed amounts. The Company remains liable to the insured for claims under ceded insurance policies in the event that the assuming insurance companies are unable to meet their obligations under these contracts. The Company has not paid or recovered any reinsured losses during the three years ended December 31, 2017 .

Reserves for Claims

Reserves for Claims	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Abstract]
Reserves for Claims	Reserve for Claims Changes in the reserve for claims for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows based on the year in which the policies were written: 2017 2016 2015 Balance, beginning of period $ 35,305,000 $ 37,788,000 $ 36,677,000 Provision (benefit) related to: Current year 7,431,586 6,673,036 7,295,013 Prior years (4,120,506 ) (6,430,083 ) (2,816,519 ) Total provision charged to operations 3,311,080 242,953 4,478,494 Claims paid, net of recoveries, related to: Current year (74,885 ) (102,501 ) (97,116 ) Prior years (3,740,195 ) (2,623,452 ) (3,270,378 ) Total claims paid, net of recoveries (3,815,080 ) (2,725,953 ) (3,367,494 ) Balance, end of year $ 34,801,000 $ 35,305,000 $ 37,788,000 The Company continually refines its reserve estimates as current loss experience develops and credible data emerges. Movements in the reserve related to prior periods were primarily the result of changes to estimates to better reflect the latest reported loss data. The 2017 increase in the provision for claims compared with 2016 primarily related to higher levels of favorable loss development in 2016. The 2016 calendar year change in the provision relating to prior years resulted mostly from changes to certain actuarial inputs and favorable development in 2016 versus the prior year related primarily to policy years 2009 through 2015. Due to variances between actual and expected loss payments, loss development is subject to significant variability. The Company does not recognize claim recoveries until an actual payment has been received by the Company. The Company realized claim recoveries of approximately $570,000 , $1,040,000 and $467,000 during 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The provision for claims as a percentage of net premiums written was 2.4% , 0.2% and 4.0% in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. A large claim is defined as a claim with incurred losses exceeding $250,000 . Due to the small volume of large claims, the long-tail nature of title insurance claims and the inherent uncertainty in loss emergence patterns, large claim activity can vary significantly between policy years. The estimated development of large claims by policy year is therefore subject to significant changes as experience develops. A summary of the Company’s loss reserve, broken down into its components of known title claims and IBNR, follows: 2017 % 2016 % Known title claims $ 4,646,422 13.4 $ 4,405,343 12.5 IBNR 30,154,578 86.6 30,899,657 87.5 Total loss reserve $ 34,801,000 100.0 $ 35,305,000 100.0 In management’s opinion, the reserve is adequate to cover claim losses which might result from pending and future claims.

Earnings Per Common Share and S

Earnings Per Common Share and Share Awards	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Common Share and Share Awards	Earnings Per Common Share and Share Awards Basic earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to the Company by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Diluted earnings per common share is computed by dividing net income attributable to the Company by the combination of dilutive potential common stock, comprised of shares issuable under the Company’s share-based compensation plans and the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the reporting period. Dilutive common share equivalents include the dilutive effect of in-the-money share-based awards, which are calculated based on the average share price for each period using the treasury stock method. Under the treasury stock method, when share-based awards are exercised, (a) the exercise price of a share-based award; and (b) the amount of compensation cost, if any, for future services that the Company has not yet recognized. The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31: For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Net income attributable to the Company $ 25,706,502 $ 19,523,118 $ 12,533,905 Weighted average common shares outstanding – Basic 1,886,354 1,907,675 1,984,360 Incremental shares outstanding assuming the exercise of dilutive stock options and SARs (share-settled) 9,517 7,382 5,439 Weighted average common shares outstanding – Diluted 1,895,871 1,915,057 1,989,799 Basic earnings per common share $ 13.63 $ 10.23 $ 6.32 Diluted earnings per common share $ 13.56 $ 10.19 $ 6.30 There were 4,500 potential shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share in 2017 . There were no potential shares excluded from the computation of diluted earnings per share in 2016 and 2015 . The Company historically has adopted employee stock award plans under which restricted stock, and options or stock appreciation rights ("SARs") of the Company's stock may be granted to key employees or directors of the Company at a price not less than the market value on the date of grant. There is currently one active plan from which the Company may grant share-based awards. The awards eligible to be granted under the active plan are limited to SARs, and the maximum aggregate number of shares of common stock of the Company available pursuant to the plan for the grant of SARs is 250,000 shares. A summary of share-based award transactions for all share-based award plans follows: Number Of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding as of January 1, 2015 21,000 $ 51.30 3.64 $ 453,510 SARs granted 4,500 73.00 SARs exercised (2,000 ) 47.88 Options exercised (1,500 ) 36.79 Outstanding as of December 31, 2015 22,000 $ 57.04 3.93 $ 945,055 SARs granted 4,500 93.87 SARs exercised (2,000 ) 32.00 Outstanding as of December 31, 2016 24,500 $ 65.85 3.85 $ 836,640 SARs granted 4,500 192.71 SARs exercised (4,000 ) 36.38 Outstanding as of December 31, 2017 25,000 $ 93.40 3.98 $ 2,623,720 Exercisable as of December 31, 2017 23,875 $ 88.72 3.87 $ 2,617,375 Unvested as of December 31, 2017 1,125 $ 192.71 6.38 $ 6,345 The aggregate intrinsic value is calculated as the difference between the exercise price of the underlying awards and the quoted price of the Company’s common stock at December 31, 2017 . The intrinsic values of SARs exercised during 2017 , 2016 and 2015 were approximately $473,000 , $117,000 and $104,000 , respectively. There were no options outstanding at December 31, 2017 . The following table summarizes information about SARs outstanding at December 31, 2017 : SARs Outstanding at Year-End SARs Exercisable at Year-End Range of Exercise Prices Number Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Weighted Average Exercise Price Number Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price $ 40.00 — $ 49.99 1,000 0.38 $ 41.50 1,000 $ 41.50 50.00 — 59.99 3,000 1.37 50.50 3,000 50.50 60.00 — 69.99 4,500 3.39 68.70 4,500 68.70 70.00 — 79.99 7,500 3.58 72.44 7,500 72.44 90.00 — 99.99 4,500 5.38 93.87 4,500 93.87 190.00 — 199.99 4,500 6.38 192.71 3,375 192.71 $ 40.00 — $ 199.99 25,000 3.98 $ 93.40 23,875 $ 88.72 In 2017 , 4,500 SARs vested with a fair value of $219,315 . During the second quarters of 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , the Company issued share-settled SARs to the directors of the Company. SARs give the holder the right to receive stock equal to the appreciation in the value of shares of stock from the grant date for a specified period of time, and as a result, are accounted for as equity instruments. The fair value of each award is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option valuation model with the weighted average assumptions noted in the table shown below. Expected volatilities are based on both the implied and historical volatility of the Company’s stock. The Company uses historical data to project SAR exercises and pre-exercise forfeitures within the valuation model. The expected term of awards represents the period of time that SARs granted are expected to be outstanding. The interest rate assumed for the expected life of the award is based on the U.S. Treasury yield curve in effect at the time of the grant. The weighted average fair values for the SARs issued during 2017 , 2016 and 2015 were $55.40 , $28.75 and $31.16 , respectively, and were estimated using the weighted average assumptions shown in the table below. 2017 2016 2015 Expected Life in Years 7.0 7.0 7.0 Volatility 26.2% 28.9% 40.7% Interest Rate 2.0% 1.7% 2.0% Yield Rate 0.8% 0.7% 0.4% There was approximately $219,000 , $132,000 and $138,000 of compensation expense relating to SARs or options vesting on or before December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, included in salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Income. As of December 31, 2017 , there was approximately $62,000 of total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under the Company’s stock award plans. That cost is expected to be recognized over a weighted average period of approximately 3 months . The estimated weighted average grant-date fair value of SARs granted for the years ended December 31 was as follows: For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Exercise price equal to market price on date of grant: Weighted average market price $ 192.71 $ 93.87 $ 73.00 Weighted average grant-date fair value $ 55.40 $ 28.75 $ 31.16 There have been no stock options or SARs granted where the exercise price was less than the market price on the date of grant.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows: For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Current: Federal $ 9,163,000 $ 5,745,000 $ 4,179,000 State 71,000 81,000 34,000 Total current 9,234,000 5,826,000 4,213,000 Deferred: Federal (4,649,054 ) 2,755,777 976,624 State (14,946 ) 34,223 38,376 Total deferred (4,664,000 ) 2,790,000 1,015,000 Total $ 4,570,000 $ 8,616,000 $ 5,228,000 For state income tax purposes, ITIC and NITIC generally pay only a gross premium tax found in premium and retaliatory taxes in the Consolidated Statements of Income. On December 22, 2017, the TCJA, was enacted into law. The new tax legislation, among other changes, reduces the federal corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% , effective January 1, 2018. As required under generally accepted accounting principles, the Company’s deferred tax assets and liabilities were revalued at the newly enacted U.S. corporate income tax rate. The impact was recognized in the Company’s provision for income taxes in the fourth quarter of 2017. The revaluation resulted in a benefit of approximately $5.3 million , or $2.82 per diluted share. At December 31, the approximate tax effect of each component of deferred income tax assets and liabilities is summarized as follows: For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 Deferred income tax assets: Accrued benefits and retirement services $ 2,448,598 $ 3,625,943 Other-than-temporary impairment of assets 265,178 429,167 Allowance for doubtful accounts 102,015 122,477 Net operating loss carryforward 33,000 15,000 Postretirement benefit obligation 18,318 56,259 Other 878,195 418,335 Total 3,745,304 4,667,181 Deferred income tax liabilities: Net unrealized gain on investments 5,193,029 6,207,324 Recorded reserve for claims, net of statutory premium reserves 4,126,388 4,985,984 Intangible assets 1,337,909 2,525,511 Excess of tax over book depreciation 1,042,205 1,303,710 Other 671,532 762,908 Total 12,371,063 15,785,437 Net deferred income tax liabilities $ (8,625,759 ) $ (11,118,256 ) At December 31, 2017 and 2016 , no valuation allowance was recorded. Based upon the Company’s historical results of operations, the existing financial condition of the Company and management’s assessment of all other available information, management believes that it is more likely than not that the benefit of these deferred income tax assets will be realized. A reconciliation of income tax as computed for the years ended December 31 at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35% for 2017, 34.6% for 2016 and 34.4% for 2015, respectively, to income tax expense follows: For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Anticipated income tax expense $ 10,594,700 $ 9,733,482 $ 6,115,306 Increase (decrease) related to: State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 46,150 52,974 22,304 Tax-exempt interest income (net of amortization) (1,298,251 ) (1,074,504 ) (981,712 ) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (5,341,521 ) — — Other, net 568,922 (95,952 ) 72,102 Provision for income taxes $ 4,570,000 $ 8,616,000 $ 5,228,000 In accounting for uncertainty in income taxes, the Company is required to recognize in its financial statements the impact of a tax position if that position is more likely than not of being sustained on an audit, based on the technical merits of the position. In this regard, an uncertain tax position represents the Company’s expected treatment of a tax position taken in a filed tax return, or planned to be taken in a future tax return, that has not been reflected in measuring income tax expense for financial reporting purposes. There were no unrecognized tax benefits or liabilities as of December 31, 2017 . The amount of unrecognized tax benefit or liability may increase or decrease in the future for various reasons, including adding amounts for current tax year positions, expiration of open income tax returns due to the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations, changes in management’s judgment about the level of uncertainty, status of examinations, litigation and legislative activity and the additions or eliminations of uncertain tax positions. The Company’s policy is to report interest and penalties related to income taxes in the other line item in the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company, or one of its subsidiaries, files income tax returns in the U.S. federal jurisdiction and various states. With few exceptions, the Company is no longer subject to U.S. federal or state and local examinations by taxing authorities for years before 2014.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Leases The Company leases certain office facilities and equipment under operating leases. Rental expense also includes occasional rental of automobiles. Rent expense totaled approximately $1,232,000 , $896,000 , and $793,000 in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The future minimum lease payments under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2017 , are summarized as follows: Year Ended: 2018 $ 1,190,734 2019 1,018,685 2020 861,763 2021 766,584 2022 588,720 Thereafter 340,462 Total $ 4,766,948

Retirement Agreements and Other

Retirement Agreements and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Retirement Agreements and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan	Retirement Agreements and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan The Company has a 401(k) savings plan. In order to participate in the plan, individuals must have worked at the Company for at least 3 months. In order to be eligible for employer contributions, individuals must be employed for one full year and work at least 1,000 hours annually. The Company makes a 3% Safe Harbor contribution and also has the option annually to make a discretionary profit share contribution. Individuals may elect to make contributions up to the maximum deductible amount as determined by the Internal Revenue Code. Expenses related to the 401(k) plan were approximately $1,577,000 , $810,000 and $741,000 for 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively. In November 2003, ITIC, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, entered into employment agreements with the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of ITIC. These individuals also serve as the Chairman, President and Executive Vice President, respectively, of the Company. The agreements provide compensation and life, health, dental and vision benefits upon the occurrence of specific events, including death, disability, retirement, termination without cause or upon a change in control. The employment agreements also prohibit each of these executives from competing with ITIC and its parent, subsidiaries and affiliates in North Carolina while employed by ITIC and for a period of two years following termination of their employment. In addition, during the second quarter of 2004, ITIC entered into nonqualified deferred compensation plan agreements with these executives. The amount accrued for all agreements at December 31, 2017 and 2016 was approximately $9,492,000 and $8,487,000 , respectively, which includes postretirement compensation and health benefits, and was calculated based on the terms of the contract. Both the 2017 and 2016 accruals are included in the accounts payable and accrued liabilities line item of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. These executive contracts are accounted for on an individual contract basis. On December 24, 2008, the executive contracts were amended effective January 1, 2009 to bring them into compliance with Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code, and were amended and restated to provide for an annual cash payment to the officers equal to the amounts the Company would have contributed to their accounts under its 401(k) plan if such contributions were not limited by the federal tax laws, less the amount of any contributions that the Company actually makes to their accounts under the Company’s 401(k) plan. On November 17, 2003, ITIC entered into employment agreements with key executives that provide for the continuation of certain employee benefits upon retirement. The executive employee benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance and life insurance. The benefits are unfunded. Estimated future benefit payouts expected to be paid for each of the next five years are $11,789 in 2018 , $13,343 in 2019 , $14,913 in 2020 , $16,501 in 2021 , $24,250 in 2022 and $174,283 in the next five years thereafter. Cost of the Company’s postretirement benefits included the following components and is presented in the salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes line of its Consolidated Statements of Income: 2017 2016 2015 Net periodic benefit cost Service cost – benefits earned during the year $ — $ 10,180 $ 16,748 Interest cost on the projected benefit obligation 36,869 35,123 30,772 Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost — — 4,390 Amortization of unrecognized loss 8,612 8,941 3,514 Net periodic benefits cost at end of year $ 45,481 $ 54,244 $ 55,424 The Company is required to recognize the funded status (i.e., the difference between the fair value of the assets and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligations of its postretirement benefits) in its Consolidated Balance Sheet, with a corresponding adjustment to accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax. The net amount in accumulated other comprehensive income is $(87,191) , $(57,556) net of tax, for December 31, 2017 , and $(165,437) , $(109,200) net of tax, for December 31, 2016 , and represents the net unrecognized actuarial losses and unrecognized prior service costs. The effects of the funded status on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are presented in the following table: 2017 2016 Funded status Actuarial present value of future benefits: Fully eligible active employee $ (895,727 ) $ (928,492 ) Non-eligible active employees — — Plan assets — — Funded status of accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, recognized in other liabilities $ (895,727 ) $ (928,492 ) Development of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 includes the following: 2017 2016 Accrued postretirement benefit obligation at beginning of year $ (928,492 ) $ (882,623 ) Service cost – benefits earned during the year — (10,180 ) Interest cost on projected benefit obligation (36,869 ) (35,123 ) Actuarial gain (loss) 69,634 (566 ) Accrued postretirement benefit obligation at end of year $ (895,727 ) $ (928,492 ) The changes in amounts related to accumulated other comprehensive income, pre-tax, are as follows: 2017 2016 Balance at beginning of year $ 165,437 $ 173,812 Components of accumulated other comprehensive income: Unrecognized prior service cost — — Amortization of loss, net (8,612 ) (8,941 ) Actuarial (gain) loss (69,634 ) 566 Balance at end of year $ 87,191 $ 165,437 The amounts currently in accumulated other comprehensive income, pre-tax, that will be reclassified to the Consolidated Statements of Income and recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs in 2018 are: Projected 2018 Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost $ — Amortization of unrecognized loss — Net periodic benefit cost at end of year $ — Assumed health care cost trend rates do have an effect on the amounts reported for the postretirement benefit obligations. The following illustrates the effects on the net periodic postretirement benefit cost (“NPPBC”) and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (“APBO”) of a one percentage point increase and one percentage point decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate as of December 31, 2017 : One Percentage Point Increase One Percentage Point Decrease Net periodic postretirement benefit cost Effect on the service cost component $ — $ — Effect on interest cost 6,761 (5,305 ) Total effect on the net periodic postretirement benefit cost $ 6,761 $ (5,305 ) Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (including active employees who are not fully eligible) Effect on those currently receiving benefits (retirees and spouses) $ — $ — Effect on active fully eligible 187,814 (147,367 ) Effect on actives not yet eligible — — Total effect on the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation $ 187,814 $ (147,367 )

Commitments and Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Legal Proceedings. The Company and its subsidiaries are involved in legal proceedings that are incidental to their business. In the Company’s opinion, based on the present status of these proceedings, any potential liability of the Company or its subsidiaries with respect to these legal proceedings, will not, in the aggregate, be material to the Company’s consolidated financial condition or operations. Regulation . The Company’s title insurance and trust subsidiaries are regulated by various federal, state and local governmental agencies and are subject to various audits and inquiries. It is the opinion of management based on its present expectations that these audits and inquiries will not have a material impact on the Company’s consolidated financial condition or operations. Escrow and Trust Deposits . As a service to its customers, the Company, through ITIC, administers escrow and trust deposits representing earnest money received under real estate contracts, undisbursed amounts received for settlement of mortgage loans and indemnities against specific title risks. Cash held by the Company for these purposes was approximately $20,880,000 and $18,032,000 as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. These amounts are not considered assets of the Company and, therefore, are excluded from the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets. However, the Company remains contingently liable for the disposition of these deposits. Like-Kind Exchange Proceeds . In administering tax-deferred property exchanges, the Company’s subsidiary, Investors Title Exchange Corporation (“ITEC”), serves as a qualified intermediary for exchanges, holding the net sales proceeds from relinquished property to be used for purchase of replacement property. Another Company subsidiary, Investors Title Accommodation Corporation (“ITAC”), serves as exchange accommodation titleholder and, through limited liability companies that are wholly owned subsidiaries of ITAC, holds property for exchangers in reverse exchange transactions. Like-kind exchange deposits and reverse exchange property totaled approximately $184,985,000 and $202,184,000 as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. These amounts are not considered assets of the Company and, therefore, are excluded from the accompanying Consolidated Balance Sheets; however, the Company remains contingently liable for the disposition of the transfers of property, disbursements of proceeds and the return on the proceeds at the agreed upon rate. Exchange services revenue includes earnings on these deposits; therefore, investment income is shown as other revenue rather than investment income. These like-kind exchange funds are primarily invested in money market and other short-term investments.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	Segment Information The Company has one reportable segment, title insurance services. The remaining immaterial segments have been combined into a group called “All Other.” The title insurance segment primarily issues title insurance policies through approved attorneys from underwriting offices and through independent issuing agents. Title insurance policies insure titles to real estate. Provided below is selected financial information about the Company’s operations by segment for the periods ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 : 2017 Title Insurance All Other Intersegment Eliminations Total Insurance and other services revenues $ 154,333,311 $ 7,530,496 $ (5,699,859 ) $ 156,163,948 Investment income 4,992,127 546,105 (1,093,785 ) 4,444,447 Net realized gain on investments 931,635 109,266 — 1,040,901 Total revenues $ 160,257,073 $ 8,185,867 $ (6,793,644 ) $ 161,649,296 Operating expenses 129,095,939 7,912,962 (5,630,175 ) 131,378,726 Income before income taxes $ 31,161,134 $ 272,905 $ (1,163,469 ) $ 30,270,570 Total assets $ 193,827,920 $ 55,084,939 $ — $ 248,912,859 2016 Title Insurance All Other Intersegment Eliminations Total Insurance and other services revenues $ 128,408,746 $ 6,808,392 $ (2,177,649 ) $ 133,039,489 Investment income 4,329,605 564,891 (210,007 ) 4,684,489 Net realized gain on investments 644,850 123,586 — 768,436 Total revenues $ 133,383,201 $ 7,496,869 $ (2,387,656 ) $ 138,492,414 Operating expenses 105,885,770 6,583,157 (2,107,965 ) 110,360,962 Income before income taxes $ 27,497,431 $ 913,712 $ (279,691 ) $ 28,131,452 Total assets $ 183,763,655 $ 45,174,467 $ — $ 228,938,122 2015 Title Insurance All Other Intersegment Eliminations Total Insurance and other services revenues $ 118,144,981 $ 6,479,484 $ (1,839,549 ) $ 122,784,916 Investment income 4,073,857 574,132 (116,670 ) 4,531,319 Net realized loss on investments (13,603 ) (102,560 ) — (116,163 ) Total revenues $ 122,205,235 $ 6,951,056 $ (1,956,219 ) $ 127,200,072 Operating expenses 104,594,829 6,598,055 (1,769,865 ) 109,423,019 Income before income taxes $ 17,610,406 $ 353,001 $ (186,354 ) $ 17,777,053 Total assets $ 163,582,898 $ 47,939,131 $ — $ 211,522,029

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Equity [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders’ Equity On November 12, 2002, the Company’s Board of Directors amended the Company’s Articles of Incorporation, creating a series of Class A Junior Participating Preferred Stock (the “Class A Preferred Stock”). The Class A Preferred Stock is senior to common stock in dividends or distributions of assets upon liquidations, dissolutions or winding up of the Company. Dividends on the Class A Preferred Stock are cumulative and accrue from the quarterly dividend payment date. Each share of Class A Preferred Stock entitles the holder thereof to 100 votes on all matters submitted to a vote of shareholders of the Company. These shares were reserved for issuance under the Shareholder Rights Plan (the “Plan”), which was adopted on November 21, 2002, by the Company’s Board of Directors. Under the terms of the Plan, the Company’s common stock acquired by a person or a group buying 15% or more of the Company’s common stock would be diluted, except in transactions approved by the Board of Directors. In connection with the Plan, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a dividend distribution of one right (a “Right”) for each outstanding share of the Company’s common stock paid on December 16, 2002, to shareholders of record at the close of business on December 2, 2002. Each Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from the Company a unit (a “Unit”) consisting of one one-hundredth of a share of Class A Preferred Stock. Under the Plan, the Rights detach and become exercisable upon the earlier of (a) ten ( 10 ) days following public announcement that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons has acquired, or obtained the right to acquire, beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock, or (b) ten (10) business days following the commencement of, or first public announcement of the intent of a person or group to commence, a tender offer or exchange offer that would result in a person or group beneficially owning 15% or more of such outstanding shares of the Company’s common stock. The exercise price, the kind and the number of shares covered by each right are subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events described in the Plan. If any person or group of affiliated or associated persons acquires beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding common stock, each holder of a Right (other than the acquiring person or group) will have the right to buy, at the exercise price, common stock of the Company having a market value of twice the exercise price. If the Company is acquired in a merger or consolidation in which the Company is not the surviving corporation, or the Company engages in a merger or consolidation in which the Company is the surviving corporation and the Company’s common stock is changed or exchanged, or more than 50% of the Company’s assets or earning power is sold or transferred, the Rights entitle a holder (other than the acquiring person or group) to buy, at the exercise price, stock of the acquiring company having a market value equal to twice the exercise price. At any time after a person or group of affiliated or associated persons has acquired beneficial ownership of 15% or more of the outstanding common stock and prior to the acquisition by such person or group of 50% or more of the outstanding common stock, the Company’s Board of Directors may exchange the Rights (other than the Rights owned by such person or group), in whole or in part, at an exchange ratio of one share of the Company’s common stock, or one one-hundredth of a share of Preferred Stock, per Right. The Rights are redeemable upon action by the Board of Directors at a price of $0.01 per right at any time before they become exercisable. Until the Rights become exercisable, they are evidenced only by the common stock certificates and are transferred with and only with such certificates. On October 31, 2012, the Plan was amended to, among other things, extend the expiration date of the plan from November 11, 2012 to October 31, 2022 and increase the exercise price of the stock purchase rights from $80 per unit to $220 per unit. In connection with the amendments to the shareholders’ rights plan, the Board of Directors of the Company also amended the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of shares designated under the rights plan as Series A Participating Preferred Stock from 100,000 shares to 200,000 shares. There were 1,000,000 shares of Preferred Stock authorized as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , with 200,000 , being designated Class A Junior Participating Preferred Stock.

Concentration of Credit Risk

Concentration of Credit Risk	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Concentration of Credit Risk	Concentration of Credit Risk Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents. The Company invests its cash and cash equivalents into high credit quality security instruments. Deposits which exceed $250,000 at each institution are not insured by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (“FDIC”). Of the $20.2 million in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2017 , $19.3 million was not insured by the FDIC. Of the $27.9 million in cash and cash equivalents at December 31, 2016 , $27.1 million was not insured by the FDIC. The Company mitigates the risk of having cash and cash equivalents not insured by the FDIC by monitoring the credit quality of the financial institutions in which the funds are held.

Business Concentration

Business Concentration	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Business Concentration	Business Concentration The Company generates a significant amount of title insurance premiums in North Carolina, Texas and South Carolina. In 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , North Carolina accounted for 38.3% , 35.5% and 32.5% of total title premiums, respectively. In 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , Texas accounted for 19.1% , 20.0% and 22.5% of total title premiums, respectively. In 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , South Carolina accounted for 10.3% , 10.1% and 10.1% of total title premiums, respectively.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions The Company does business with, and has investments in, unconsolidated limited liability companies that are primarily title insurance agencies. The Company utilizes the equity method to account for its investments in these limited liability companies. The following table sets forth the approximate values by year found within each financial statement classification: Financial Statement Classification, 2017 2016 Consolidated Balance Sheets Other investments $ 6,594,000 $ 6,437,000 Premiums and fees receivable $ 720,000 $ 56,000 Financial Statement Classification, Consolidated Statements of Income 2017 2016 2015 Net premiums written $ 14,355,000 $ 15,016,000 $ 14,015,000 Other income $ 2,240,000 $ 2,317,000 $ 2,618,000 Commissions to agents $ 9,864,000 $ 10,394,000 $ 9,700,000

Business Combinations, Intangib

Business Combinations, Intangible Assets and Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisition	Recent Business Combinations In October 2016, National Investors Holdings, LLC ("NIH"), a subsidiary of the Company, acquired all of the outstanding shares of a title insurance agency doing business in Texas. NIH paid $10 million plus a $918,000 adjustment for the title insurance agency’s net cash position at closing. Intangible Assets The fair values of intangible assets recognized as the result of title insurance agency acquisitions, all Level 3 inputs, are principally based on values obtained from a third party valuation service. In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other , management determined that certain events and changes in circumstances occurred during 2017 that indicated a portion of the carrying amount of the Company’s intangible assets may not be recoverable. Therefore, net identifiable intangible assets of $153,667 were impaired during 2017. Identifiable intangible assets consist of the following as of December 31: Year Ended: 2017 2016 Referral relationships $ 6,416,215 $ 6,416,215 Non-complete agreements 1,405,685 1,405,685 Tradename 560,000 560,000 Total 8,381,900 8,381,900 Accumulated amortization (1,374,461 ) (475,110 ) Identifiable intangible assets, net $ 7,007,439 $ 7,906,790 The following table provides the estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years: Year Ended: 2018 $ 642,253 2019 568,920 2020 568,920 2021 561,587 2022 524,920 Thereafter 4,140,839 Total $ 7,007,439 Goodwill and Title Plant As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , the Company recognized $4,349,851 in goodwill and $690,000 in a title plant, net of impairments, as the result of title agency acquisitions. The fair values of goodwill and the title plant, both Level 3 inputs, are principally based on values obtained from a third party valuation service. In accordance with ASC 350, Intangibles – Goodwill and Other , management determined that certain events and changes in circumstances occurred during 2017 that indicated a portion of the carrying amount of the Company’s goodwill may not be recoverable. Therefore, goodwill of $29,000 was impaired during 2017 .

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income The following tables provide changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, for the periods ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 : 2017 Unrealized Gains and Losses On Available-for-Sale Securities Postretirement Benefits Plans Total Beginning balance at January 1 $ 11,870,647 $ (109,200 ) $ 11,761,447 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 4,922,796 45,958 4,968,754 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (791,061 ) 5,686 (785,375 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income 4,131,735 51,644 4,183,379 Ending balance $ 16,002,382 $ (57,556 ) $ 15,944,826 2016 Unrealized Gains and Losses On Available-for-Sale Securities Postretirement Benefits Plans Total Beginning balance at January 1 $ 11,597,741 $ (114,726 ) $ 11,483,015 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 758,021 (374 ) 757,647 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (485,115 ) 5,900 (479,215 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income 272,906 5,526 278,432 Ending balance $ 11,870,647 $ (109,200 ) $ 11,761,447 2015 Unrealized Gains and Losses On Available-for-Sale Securities Postretirement Benefits Plans Total Beginning balance at January 1 $ 12,934,497 $ (77,988 ) $ 12,856,509 Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (1,355,316 ) (41,954 ) (1,397,270 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income 18,560 5,216 23,776 Net current-period other comprehensive loss (1,336,756 ) (36,738 ) (1,373,494 ) Ending balance $ 11,597,741 $ (114,726 ) $ 11,483,015 The following tables provide significant amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income for the periods ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 : 2017 Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Income Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities: Net realized gain on investment $ 1,227,265 Other-than-temporary impairments (25,411 ) Total $ 1,201,854 Net realized gain (loss) on investments Tax (410,793 ) Provision for Income Taxes Net of Tax $ 791,061 Amortization related to postretirement benefit plans: Prior year service cost $ — Unrecognized loss (8,612 ) Total $ (8,612 ) (a) Tax 2,926 Provision for Income Taxes Net of Tax $ (5,686 ) Reclassifications for the period $ 785,375 2016 Details about Accumulated Other Amount Reclassified from Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities: Net realized gain on investment $ 972,672 Other-than-temporary impairments (233,941 ) Total $ 738,731 Net realized gain (loss) on investments Tax (253,616 ) Provision for Income Taxes Net of Tax $ 485,115 Amortization related to postretirement benefit plans: Prior year service cost $ — Unrecognized loss (8,941 ) Total $ (8,941 ) (a) Tax 3,041 Provision for Income Taxes Net of Tax $ (5,900 ) Reclassifications for the period $ 479,215 2015 Details about Accumulated Other Amount Reclassified from Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities: Net realized gain on investment $ 718,837 Other-than-temporary impairments (751,059 ) Total $ (32,222 ) Net realized gain (loss) on investments Tax 13,662 Provision for Income Taxes Net of Tax $ (18,560 ) Amortization related to postretirement benefit plans: Prior year service cost $ (4,390 ) Unrecognized loss (3,514 ) Total $ (7,904 ) (a) Tax 2,688 Provision for Income Taxes Net of Tax $ (5,216 ) Reclassifications for the period $ (23,776 ) (a) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are not reclassified to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period. The amounts are presented within salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes on the Consolidated Statements of Income as amortized. Amortization related to postretirement benefit plans is included in the computation of net periodic pension costs, as discussed in Note 10.

Schedule I

Schedule I	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract]
Summary of Investments - Other than Investments in Related Parties	SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS – OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 Type of Investment Cost (1) Market Value Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet (2) Fixed maturities: Bonds: Government obligation $ 1,042,921 $ 1,041,970 $ 1,041,970 General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions 23,979,386 24,435,873 24,435,873 Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions 45,848,032 47,470,175 47,470,175 Public utilities 16,953,592 17,383,561 17,383,561 Corporate debt securities 12,490,154 13,009,504 13,009,504 Total fixed maturities 100,314,085 103,341,083 103,341,083 Equity securities: Common stocks: Public utilities 312,656 459,265 459,265 Banks, trusts and insurance companies 5,213,975 9,112,321 9,112,321 Industrial, miscellaneous and all other 17,596,334 30,385,656 30,385,656 Technology 2,879,654 7,409,584 7,409,584 Total equity securities 26,002,619 47,366,826 47,366,826 Other investments: Short-term investments 23,779,672 23,779,672 23,779,672 Other investments (3) 11,024,172 11,024,172 11,024,172 Total other investments 34,803,844 34,803,844 34,803,844 Total investments (3) $ 161,120,548 $ 185,511,753 $ 185,511,753 (1) Fixed maturities are shown at amortized cost and equity securities are shown at original cost. (2) All fixed maturities presented are classified as available-for-sale and shown at estimated fair value. Equity securities are shown at fair value. (3) The above summary of investments does not include investments in related parties accounted for under the cost and equity methods of accounting in the amount of $1,008,254 .

Schedule II

Schedule II	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Text Block]	CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT BALANCE SHEETS AS OF DECEMBER 31, 2017 AND 2016 2017 2016 Assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 5,872,001 $ 10,178,219 Investments in fixed maturities, available-for-sale 22,713,771 16,505,866 Investments in equity securities, available-for-sale 3,691,564 3,193,268 Short-term investments 5,808,966 3,162,283 Investments in affiliated companies 128,580,223 113,234,094 Other investments 5,167,102 4,318,296 Premium and fees receivable 94,521 99,878 Other receivables 1,629,758 1,986,634 Income taxes recoverable 3,878,824 2,562,589 Accrued interest and dividends 198,297 86,481 Property, net 2,253,866 2,340,605 Total Assets $ 179,888,893 $ 157,668,213 Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity Liabilities: Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 1,916,253 $ 2,370,963 Deferred income taxes, net 137,153 252,181 Total liabilities 2,053,406 2,623,144 Stockholders’ Equity: Preferred stock (1,000,000 authorized shares; no shares issued) — — Common stock – no par value (10,000,000 authorized shares; 1,885,993 and 1,884,283 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, excluding in each period 291,676 shares of common stock held by the Company) 1 1 Retained earnings 161,890,660 143,283,621 Accumulated other comprehensive income 15,944,826 11,761,447 Total stockholders’ equity 177,835,487 155,045,069 Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 179,888,893 $ 157,668,213 See notes to Condensed Financial Statements. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT STATEMENTS OF INCOME FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 , 2016 AND 2015 2017 2016 2015 Revenues: Investment income – interest and dividends $ 501,653 $ 525,453 $ 535,963 Net realized gain (loss) on investments 35,834 77,895 (152,026 ) Rental income 812,951 772,123 765,134 Miscellaneous income 220,497 77,074 385,058 Total 1,570,935 1,452,545 1,534,129 Operating Expenses: Salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes 1,004,177 664,436 651,957 Office occupancy and operations 213,547 236,954 239,176 Business development 98,562 99,229 76,684 Taxes – other than payroll and income 396,084 183,566 213,466 Professional and contract labor fees 134,659 377,738 378,265 Other expenses 269,300 246,375 198,788 Total 2,116,329 1,808,298 1,758,336 Equity in Net Income of Affiliated Companies 25,633,964 19,665,205 12,640,260 Income before Income Taxes 25,088,570 19,309,452 12,416,053 Income Tax Benefit (612,000 ) (206,000 ) (133,000 ) Net Income 25,700,570 19,515,452 12,549,053 Net Loss (Income) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests 5,932 7,666 (15,148 ) Net Income Attributable to the Company $ 25,706,502 $ 19,523,118 $ 12,533,905 Basic Earnings per Common Share $ 13.63 $ 10.23 $ 6.32 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Basic 1,886,354 1,907,675 1,984,360 Diluted Earnings per Common Share $ 13.56 $ 10.19 $ 6.30 Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Diluted 1,895,871 1,915,057 1,989,799 Cash Dividends Paid per Common Share $ 3.75 $ 0.72 $ 0.40 See notes to Condensed Financial Statements. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 , 2016 AND 2015 2017 2016 2015 Operating Activities Net income $ 25,700,570 $ 19,515,452 $ 12,549,053 Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash (used in) provided by operating activities: Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries (25,633,964 ) (19,665,205 ) (12,640,260 ) Depreciation 97,407 93,086 112,690 Amortization, net 157,674 163,989 192,654 Share-based compensation expense related to stock appreciation rights and options 219,315 132,098 137,759 Net loss on disposals of property 2,955 — 1,683 Net realized (gain) loss on investments (35,834 ) (77,895 ) 152,026 Net loss (earnings) from other investments 4,994 (13,135 ) (237,686 ) (Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes (211,000 ) (18,000 ) 13,000 Decrease (increase) in receivables 362,233 1,037,423 (847,177 ) (Increase) decrease in income taxes recoverable (1,316,235 ) (796,982 ) 169,803 (Increase) decrease in other assets (111,816 ) 33,888 7,852 (Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities (454,710 ) (896,311 ) 1,192,927 Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (1,218,411 ) (491,592 ) 804,324 Investing Activities Purchase of subsidiary — (10,918,003 ) — Dividends received from subsidiaries 14,816,379 17,330,948 7,630,835 Purchases of available-for-sale securities (13,178,177 ) (1,783,223 ) (260,044 ) Purchases of short-term securities (5,835,325 ) (3,162,283 ) (2,721,578 ) Purchases of and net earnings from other investments (1,049,680 ) (1,552,769 ) (2,007,798 ) Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities 6,616,875 6,815,907 2,475,557 Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term securities 3,188,641 3,005,647 — Proceeds from sales and distributions of other investments 195,881 321,758 734,170 Purchases of property (13,623 ) (144,915 ) (32,071 ) Net cash provided by investing activities 4,740,971 9,913,067 5,819,071 Financing Activities Repurchases of common stock (244,831 ) (6,219,670 ) (5,483,953 ) Exercise of stock appreciation rights and options (737 ) (200 ) 54,988 Proceeds from note payable — 6,000,000 — Payments on note payable — (6,000,000 ) — Capital contribution to subsidiary (510,000 ) — — Dividends paid (7,073,210 ) (1,370,390 ) (789,907 ) Net cash used in financing activities (7,828,778 ) (7,590,260 ) (6,218,872 ) Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents (4,306,218 ) 1,831,215 404,523 Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period 10,178,219 8,347,004 7,942,481 Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period $ 5,872,001 $ 10,178,219 $ 8,347,004 Supplemental Disclosures: Income tax payments, net $ 11,447,000 $ 4,964,000 $ 4,598,000 See notes to Condensed Financial Statements. CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT NOTES TO THE CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 , 2016 AND 2015 1. The accompanying Condensed Financial Statements should be read in conjunction with the Consolidated Financial Statements and notes thereto of Investors Title Company and Subsidiaries. 2. Cash dividends paid to Investors Title Company by its wholly owned subsidiaries were as follows: Subsidiaries 2017 2016 2015 Investors Title Insurance Company, net* $ 13,236,379 $ 15,838,248 $ 7,134,823 Investors Title Exchange Corporation 300,000 100,000 245,000 Investors Title Accommodation Corporation 80,000 45,000 12,000 Investors Capital Management Company — — 9,012 Investors Trust Company 200,000 750,000 — Investors Title Commercial Agency, LLC 150,000 125,000 230,000 National Investors Holdings, LLC 850,000 472,700 — Total $ 14,816,379 $ 17,330,948 $ 7,630,835 * Total dividends of $14,330,164 , $16,048,255 and $7,251,493 paid to the Parent Company in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively, netted with dividends of $1,093,785 , $210,007 and $116,670 received from the Parent Company in 2017 , 2016 and 2015 , respectively.

Schedule III

Schedule III	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]
Supplementary Insurance Information	SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 , 2016 AND 2015 Segment Deferred Policy Acquisition Cost Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expenses Unearned Premiums Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable Premium Revenue Net Investment Income Benefits, Claims. Losses and Settlement Expenses Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Other Operating Expenses Premiums Written Year Ended December 31, 2017 Title Insurance $ — $ 34,801,000 $ — $ 537,379 $ 138,588,877 $ 3,898,342 $ 3,311,080 $ — $ 120,247,790 N/A All Other — — — — — 546,105 — — 7,819,856 N/A $ — $ 34,801,000 $ — $ 537,379 $ 138,588,877 $ 4,444,447 $ 3,311,080 $ — $ 128,067,646 N/A Year Ended December 31, 2016 Title Insurance $ — $ 35,305,000 $ — $ 475,700 $ 120,569,151 $ 4,119,598 $ 242,953 $ — $ 103,585,220 N/A All Other — — — — — 564,891 — — 6,532,789 N/A $ — $ 35,305,000 $ — $ 475,700 $ 120,569,151 $ 4,684,489 $ 242,953 $ — $ 110,118,009 N/A Year Ended December 31, 2015 Title Insurance $ — $ 37,788,000 $ — $ 341,191 $ 111,909,473 $ 3,957,187 $ 4,478,494 $ — $ 98,417,207 N/A All Other — — — — — 574,132 — — 6,527,318 N/A $ — $ 37,788,000 $ — $ 341,191 $ 111,909,473 $ 4,531,319 $ 4,478,494 $ — $ 104,944,525 N/A

Schedule IV

Schedule IV	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]
Reinsurance	REINSURANCE FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 , 2016 AND 2015 Gross Amount Ceded to Other Companies Assumed from Other Companies Net Amount Percentages of Amount Assumed to Net Year Ended December 31, 2017 Title Insurance $ 138,850,280 $ 264,159 $ 2,756 $ 138,588,877 — % Year Ended December 31, 2016 Title Insurance $ 120,692,847 $ 140,942 $ 17,246 $ 120,569,151 0.01 % Year Ended December 31, 2015 Title Insurance $ 112,090,537 $ 214,667 $ 33,603 $ 111,909,473 0.03 %

Schedule V

Schedule V	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	VALUATION AND QUALIFYING ACCOUNTS FOR THE YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31, 2017 , 2016 AND 2015 Description Balance at Beginning of Period Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses Additions Charge to Other Accounts – Describe Deductions – Describe Balance at End of Period 2017 Premiums Receivable: Valuation Provision $ 372,172 $ 5,783,429 $ — $ (5,779,869 ) (a) $ 375,732 Reserves for Claims $ 35,305,000 $ 3,311,080 $ — $ (3,815,080 ) (b) $ 34,801,000 2016 Premiums Receivable: Valuation Provision $ 3,552,779 $ 2,679,300 $ — $ (5,859,907 ) (a) $ 372,172 Reserves for Claims $ 37,788,000 $ 242,953 $ — $ (2,725,953 ) (b) $ 35,305,000 2015 Premiums Receivable: Valuation Provision $ 3,022,731 $ 6,267,911 $ — $ (5,737,863 ) (a) $ 3,552,779 Reserves for Claims $ 36,677,000 $ 4,478,494 $ — $ (3,367,494 ) (b) $ 37,788,000 (a) Canceled premiums (b) Payments of claims, net of recoveries

Basis Of Presentation and Sig33

Basis Of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Policy)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation	Principles of Consolidation and Basis of Presentation – The accompanying Consolidated Financial Statements include the accounts and operations of Investors Title Company and its subsidiaries, and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States (“GAAP”). Earnings attributable to noncontrolling interests in majority-owned insurance agencies are recorded in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Noncontrolling interests representing the portion of equity not related to the Company's ownership interests are recorded in separate sections of the Consolidated Balance Sheets. All intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Reclassifications	Immaterial Classification Corrections – In previous periods, certain commission revenue was improperly classified as net premiums written. The issue was identified in 2017 and, accordingly, the Consolidated Statements of Income have been corrected. The correction resulted in a decrease to previously reported net premiums written and an increase to other revenues of $1,526,230 and $566,213 for 2016 and 2015 , respectively. The immaterial classification correction had no impact to the Company’s financial position or results of operations as previously reported.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents For the purpose of presentation in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, cash equivalents are highly liquid instruments with remaining original maturities of three months or less. The carrying amount of cash and cash equivalents is a reasonable estimate of fair value due to the short-term maturity at purchase of these instruments.
Investments in Securities	Investments in Securities Securities for which the Company has the intent and ability to hold to maturity are classified as held-to-maturity and reported at cost, adjusted for amortization of premiums or accretion of discounts, and other-than-temporary declines in fair value. Securities held principally for resale in the near term are classified as trading securities and recorded at fair values. Realized and unrealized gains and losses on trading securities are included in other income. Securities not classified as either trading or held-to-maturity are classified as available-for-sale and reported at fair value with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax and adjusted for other-than-temporary declines in fair value, reported as accumulated other comprehensive income. As of December 31, 2017 and 2016 , all investments in securities are classified as available-for-sale. Securities are regularly reviewed for differences between the cost and estimated fair value of each security for factors that may indicate that a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary. Some factors considered in evaluating whether or not a decline in fair value is other-than-temporary include the duration and extent to which the fair value has been less than cost and the Company’s ability and intent to retain the investment for a period of time sufficient to allow for a recovery in value. Such reviews are inherently uncertain and the value of the investment may not fully recover or may decline in future periods resulting in a realized loss. Fair values of the majority of investments are based on quoted market prices. Realized gains and losses are determined on the specific identification method. Refer to Note 3 for further information regarding investments in securities and fair value.
Short-term Investments	Short-term Investments Short-term investments are comprised of money market accounts which are invested in short-term funds, commercial paper, certificates of deposit, and other investments expected to have maturities or redemptions greater than three months and less than twelve months. The Company monitors any events or changes in circumstances that may have a significant adverse effect on the fair value of these investments.
Other Investments	Other Investments Other investments consist primarily of investments in title insurance agencies structured as limited liability companies (“LLCs”), which are accounted for under the equity or cost methods of accounting. The aggregate cost of the Company’s cost method investments totaled $5,438,745 and $4,744,402 at December 31, 2017 and 2016 , respectively. The Company monitors any events or changes in circumstances that may have had a significant adverse effect on the fair value of these investments and makes any necessary adjustments.
Property Acquired in Settlement of Claims	Property Acquired in Settlement of Claims Property acquired in settlement of claims is held for sale and valued at the lower of cost or market. Adjustments to reported estimated realizable values and realized gains or losses on dispositions are recorded as increases or decreases in claim costs. Properties acquired in settlement of claims are included in prepaid expenses and other assets in the Consolidated Balance Sheets.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment Property and equipment are recorded at cost and are depreciated principally under the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives ( 3 to 25 years) of the respective assets. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operating expenses and improvements are capitalized.
Reserves for Claims	Reserve for Claims The total reserve for all reported and unreported losses the Company incurred through December 31, 2017 is represented by the reserve for claims. The Company’s reserve for unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses is established using estimated amounts required to settle claims for which notice has been received (reported) and the amount estimated to be required to satisfy incurred claims of policyholders which may be reported in the future. Despite the variability of such estimates, management believes that the reserve is adequate to cover claim losses resulting from pending and future claims for policies issued through December 31, 2017 . The Company continually reviews and adjusts its reserve estimates as necessary to reflect its loss experience and any new information that becomes available. Adjustments resulting from such reviews may be significant. Claims and losses paid are charged to the reserve for claims. Although claims losses are typically paid in cash, occasionally claims are settled by purchasing the interest of the insured or the claimant in the real property. When this event occurs, the acquiring company carries assets at the lower of cost or estimated realizable value, net of any indebtedness on the property.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The Company makes certain estimates and judgments in determining income tax expense (benefit) for financial statement purposes. These estimates and judgments occur in the calculation of certain tax assets and liabilities which arise from differences in the timing of recognition of revenue and expense for tax and financial statement purposes. The Company provides for deferred income taxes (benefits) for the tax consequences in future years of temporary differences between the financial statements’ carrying values and the tax bases of assets and liabilities using currently enacted tax rates. The Company establishes a valuation allowance if it believes that it is more likely than not that some or all of its deferred tax assets will not be realized. Refer to Note 8 for further information regarding income taxes.
Premiums Written and Commissions to Agents	Premiums Written and Commissions to Agents Generally, title insurance premiums are recognized at the time of settlement of the related real estate transaction, as the earnings process is then considered complete, irrespective of the timing of issuance of a title insurance policy or commitment. Expenses typically associated with premiums, including agent commissions, premium taxes, and provision for future claims are recognized concurrent with recognition of related premium revenue.
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts	Allowance for Doubtful Accounts Company management continually evaluates the collectability of receivables and provides an allowance for doubtful accounts equal to estimated losses expected to be incurred in the collection of premiums and fees receivable. Changes to the allowance for doubtful accounts are reflected within net premiums written in the Consolidated Statements of Income. Amounts are charged off in the period they are deemed to be uncollectible. Quarterly, the Company evaluates the collectability of receivables. Premiums not collected within 7 months are fully reserved. Write-offs of receivables have not been material to the Company.
Exchange Services Revenue	Exchange Services Revenue Fees are recognized at the signing of a binding agreement and investment earnings are recognized as they are earned. Exchange services revenue is included in other revenues in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
Fair Values of Financial Instruments	Fair Values of Financial Instruments The carrying amounts reported in the Consolidated Balance Sheets for cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, premium and fees receivable, accrued interest and dividends, accounts payable, commissions payable, reinsurance payable and current income taxes recoverable/payable approximate fair value due to the short-term nature of these assets and liabilities. Estimated fair values for the majority of investment securities are based on quoted market prices. Refer to Note 3 for further information regarding investments in securities and fair value.
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income The Company’s accumulated other comprehensive income is comprised of unrealized holding gains/losses on available-for-sale securities, net of tax, and unrecognized prior service cost and unrealized gains/losses associated with postretirement benefit liabilities, net of tax. Accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2017 consists of $16,002,382 of unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities and $57,556 of unrecognized actuarial losses associated with postretirement benefit liabilities. Accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2016 consists of $11,870,647 of unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities and $109,200 of unrecognized actuarial losses associated with postretirement benefit liabilities. Accumulated other comprehensive income as of December 31, 2015 consists of $11,597,741 of unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities and $114,726 of unrecognized prior service cost and unrecognized actuarial losses associated with postretirement benefit liabilities.
Share-Based Compensation	Share-Based Compensation The Company accounts for share-based compensation in accordance with the fair value based principles required by the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”). Share-based compensation cost is generally measured at the grant date, based on the estimated fair value of the award, and is recognized as an expense over the employee’s requisite service period. As the share-based compensation expense recognized in the Consolidated Statements of Income is based on awards ultimately expected to vest, it has been reduced for estimated forfeitures. Forfeitures are estimated at the time of grant and revised, if necessary, in subsequent periods if actual forfeitures differ from those estimates. The excess tax benefit related to stock appreciation rights included in income taxes payable was $142,280 , $32,293 and $26,875 in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill Goodwill represents the excess of cost over fair value of identifiable net assets acquired and assumed in a business combination. The fair value of the Company’s goodwill is principally based on values obtained from a third party valuation service. Goodwill is reviewed for impairment at least annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable. Other Intangible Assets The Company’s other intangible assets consist of non-compete agreements, referral relationships and a tradename resulting from agency acquisitions; all of which are recorded at the acquisition date fair value. The fair value of the Company’s other intangible assets is principally based on values obtained from a third party valuation service. These assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their useful lives, which range from 1 to 30 years; noting that the amortization of certain non-compete contracts will start at a future date when the related employment agreements are terminated. Other intangible assets are reviewed for impairment at least annually or when events or changes in circumstances indicate the carrying value may not be recoverable.
Title Plant	Title Plants Title plants represent a historical record of matters affecting title to parcels of land in a particular geographic area. Title plants are recorded at the cost incurred to construct or obtain and organize historical title information to the point it can be used to perform title searches. Costs incurred to maintain, update and operate title plants are expensed as incurred. Title plants are not amortized as they are considered to have an indefinite life with no diminishment of value if properly maintained; but are subject to impairment evaluation, which the Company performs on at least an annual basis.
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events The Company has evaluated and concluded that there were no material subsequent events requiring adjustment or disclosure to its Consolidated Financial Statements.
Recently Issued Accounting Standards	Recently Issued Accounting Standards In February 2018, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220): Reclassification of Certain Tax Effects from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income . ASU 2018-02 is intended to help organizations reclassify certain stranded income tax effects in accumulated other comprehensive income resulting from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (“TCJA”). Under the ASU, entities will have the option to reclassify tax effects within other comprehensive income to retained earnings in each period in which the effect of the change in the federal corporate tax rate under the TCJA is recorded. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted upon issuance of the standard, and the Company expects to adopt the standard during 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the recently issued accounting standard will have on the Company's financial position and results of operations, but does not expect it to have a material impact. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-08, Receivables - Nonrefundable Fees and Other Costs (Subtopic 310-20): Premium Amortization on Purchased Callable Debt Securities. ASU 2017-08 is intended to enhance the accounting for the amortization of premiums for purchased callable debt securities. Specifically, the ASU shortens the amortization period for certain investments in callable debt securities purchased at a premium by requiring that the premium be amortized to the earliest call date. The amendments do not require an accounting change for securities held at a discount; the discount continues to be amortized to maturity. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2018, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the recently issued accounting standard will have on the Company's financial position and results of operations, but does not expect it to have a material impact. In March 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-07, Compensation - Retirement Benefits (Topic 715) . This update requires entities to (1) disaggregate the current service cost component from the other components of net benefit cost (the "other components") and present it with other current compensation costs for related employees in the income statement and (2) present the other components elsewhere in the income statement and outside of income from operations if that subtotal is presented. In addition, the ASU requires entities to disclose the income statement lines that contain the other components if they are not presented on appropriately described separate lines. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted as of the beginning of an annual period for which financial statements (interim or annual) have not been issued or made available for issuance. None of these amendments will have a material impact on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. In January 2017, the FASB issued ASU 2017-04, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other (Topic 350) . This update removes the requirement to compare the implied fair value of goodwill with its carrying amount as part of step 2 of the goodwill impairment test. As a result, under the ASU, an entity should perform its annual, or interim, goodwill impairment test by comparing the fair value of a reporting unit with its carrying amount and should recognize an impairment charge for the amount by which the carrying amount exceeds the reporting unit’s fair value; however, the loss recognized should not exceed the total amount of goodwill allocated to that reporting unit. In addition, the ASU clarifies that an entity should consider income tax effects from any tax deductible goodwill on the carrying amount of the reporting unit when measuring the goodwill impairment loss, if applicable. The update is effective for annual or any interim goodwill impairment tests in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2019. Early adoption is permitted for interim or annual goodwill impairment tests performed on testing dates after January 1, 2017. None of these amendments is expected to have a material impact on the Company's financial position or results of operations. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-13, Financial Instruments – Credit Losses (Topic 326) . ASU 2016-13 is intended to provide financial statement users with more decision-useful information about the expected credit losses on financial instruments and other commitments to extend credit held by a reporting entity at each reporting date. The update broadens the information that an entity must consider in developing its expected credit loss estimates, and is meant to better reflect an entity’s current estimate of all expected credit losses. In addition, this update amends the accounting for credit losses on available-for-sale debt securities and purchased financial assets with credit deterioration. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2019, and interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted as of fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the recently issued accounting standard will have on the Company's financial position and results of operations, but does not expect it to have a material impact. Currently, the Company's potential credit losses under this accounting standard relate to available-for-sale securities. The Company does not believe that the risk of credit losses, based on current available-for-sale security holdings, is material to the Company's financial statements as a whole. Please refer to Note 3 for further information about the Company's investments. In March 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-09, Compensation – Stock Compensation (Topic 718) . ASU 2016-09 updated guidance to simplify several aspects of the accounting for share-based payment transactions, including the income tax consequences, classification of awards as either equity or liabilities and classification on the statement of cash flows. The update is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2016, and interim periods within that reporting period. The Company adopted this update on January 1, 2017 with no material impact to the Company's financial position or results of operations. All excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies are now recognized as income tax expense or benefit in the Consolidated Statements of Income. In addition, a reclassification was made on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows, as companies are now required to present excess tax benefits as an operating activity on the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows rather than as a financing activity. The Company began recording all excess tax benefits and tax deficiencies as an income tax expense or benefit on a prospective basis. The amendments relating to the presentation of excess tax benefits within the Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows were adopted by the Company retrospectively. In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) . ASU 2016-02 updated guidance to improve financial reporting for leasing transactions. The core principle of the guidance is that lessees will be required to recognize assets and liabilities on the balance sheet for all leases with terms of more than twelve months. A lessee would recognize a liability to make lease payments and a right-of-use asset representing its right to use the underlying asset for the lease term. The accounting applied by a lessor is largely unchanged from current GAAP, with some targeted improvements. Disclosures will be required by lessees and lessors to meet the objective of enabling users of financial statements to assess the amount, timing, and uncertainty of cash flows arising from leases. In transition, both lessees and lessors are required to recognize and measure leases at the beginning of the earliest period presented using a modified retrospective approach. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption was permitted for all entities upon issuance. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the recently issued accounting standard will have on the Company's financial position and results of operations, but does not expect it to have a material impact. As of December 31, 2017, future minimum lease payments with terms of more than twelve months were approximately $3.6 million. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments – Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities . ASU 2016-01 updated guidance to enhance the reporting model for financial instruments. Among the main principles of the guidance applicable to the Company are provisions to: require equity investments, except those accounted for under the equity method of accounting or those that result in consolidation of the investee, to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in net income; simplify the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment, noting that when a qualitative assessment indicates that impairment exists that an entity is required to measure the investment at fair value; eliminate the requirement to disclose methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value for financial instruments measured at amortized cost; require entities to use the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes; require separate presentation of financial assets and financial liabilities by measuring category and form of financial asset on the balance sheet or accompanying notes to the financial statements; and clarify that an entity should evaluate the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to available-for-sale securities in combination with the entity’s other deferred tax assets. The update is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2017, including interim periods within those fiscal years. Early adoption is permitted for the provision requiring entities to recognize the fair value change from instrument-specific credit risk in other comprehensive income for financial liabilities measured using the fair value option in Accounting Standards Codification ("ASC") 825, and can be early adopted for financial statements of annual or interim periods that have not yet been issued or made available for issuance. The Company will be required to apply the update by means of a cumulative-effect adjustment to the balance sheet as of the beginning of the fiscal year of adoption, with the amendments related to equity securities without readily determinable fair values being applied prospectively to equity investments that exist as of the date of adoption. While the Company expects the guidance to have an impact on the Company’s financial condition and results of operations once effective, the materiality of this impact will depend upon the level of volatility experienced within the Company’s equity portfolio. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606) . ASU 2014-09 updated guidance to improve the comparability of revenue recognition practices for entities that either enter into contracts with customers to transfer goods or services or enter into contracts for the transfer of nonfinancial assets, unless those contracts are within the scope of other standards such as insurance contracts or lease standards. The core principle of the guidance is that an entity should recognize revenue to depict the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration to which the entity expects to be entitled in exchange for those goods or services. For public entities, this update originally became effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2016. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date . ASU 2015-14 updated guidance to defer the effective date of the standard by one year. Based on the Company’s evaluation of ASU 2014-09, there will be no significant changes to revenue recognition practices upon adoption.
Use Of Estimates and Assumptions	Use of Estimates and Assumptions The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities, and 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 and accompanying notes. Actual results could differ materially from those estimates and assumptions used. The more significant of these estimates and assumptions include the following: Claims – The Company’s reserve for claims is established using estimated amounts required to settle claims for which notice has been received (reported) and the amount estimated to be required to satisfy incurred claims of policyholders which may be reported in the future (incurred but not reported, or “IBNR”). A provision for estimated future claims payments is recorded at the time policy revenue is recorded as a percentage of premium income. By their nature, title claims can often be complex, vary greatly in dollar amounts, vary in number due to economic and market conditions such as an increase in mortgage foreclosures, and involve uncertainties as to ultimate exposure. In addition, some claims may require a number of years to settle and determine the final liability for indemnity and loss adjustment expense. The payment experience may extend for more than 20 years after the issuance of a policy. Events such as fraud, defalcation and multiple property defects can substantially and unexpectedly cause increases in estimates of losses. Due to the length of time over which claim payments are made and regularly occurring changes in underlying economic and market conditions, these estimates are subject to variability. Management considers factors such as the Company’s historical claims experience, case reserve estimates on reported claims, large claims, actuarial projections and other relevant factors in determining its loss provision rates and the aggregate recorded expected liability for claims. In establishing the reserve, actuarial projections are compared with recorded reserves to evaluate the adequacy of such recorded claims reserves and any necessary adjustments are then recorded in the current period’s income statement. As the most recent claims experience develops and new information becomes available, the loss reserve estimate related to prior periods will change to more accurately reflect updated and improved emerging data. The Company reflects any adjustments to the reserve in the results of operations in the period in which new information (principally claims experience) becomes available. The Company’s reserve for claims is established using estimated amounts required to settle claims for which notice has been received (reported) and the amount estimated to be required to satisfy incurred claims of policyholders which have been incurred but not reported (“IBNR”). Premiums written – Premium revenues from certain agency operations include accruals for transactions which have settled but have not been reported as of the balance sheet date. These accruals are based on estimates of the typical lag time between settlement of real estate transactions and the agent’s reporting of these transactions to the Company. Reporting lag times vary by market. In certain markets, the lag time may be very short, but in others, can be as high as 100 days. The Company reviews and adjusts lag time estimates periodically, using historical experience and other factors, and reflects any adjustments in the result of operations in the period in which new information becomes available. Impairments – Securities are regularly evaluated and reviewed for differences between the cost and estimated fair value of each security for factors that may indicate that a decline in estimated fair value is other-than-temporary. When, in the opinion of management, a decline in the estimated fair value of an investment is considered to be other-than-temporary, such investment is written down to its estimated fair value. Some factors considered in evaluating whether or not a decline in estimated fair value is other-than-temporary include the duration and extent to which the estimated fair value has been less than cost; the probability that the Company will be unable to collect all amounts due under the contractual terms of the security; with respect to equity securities, whether the Company’s ability and intent to retain the investment for a period of time is sufficient to allow for a recovery in value; with respect to fixed maturity securities, whether the Company has the intent to sell or will more likely than not be required to sell a particular security before recovery in value; and the financial condition and prospects of the issuer (including credit ratings). These factors are reviewed quarterly and any material degradation in the prospect for recovery will be considered in the other-than-temporary impairment analysis. Such reviews are inherently uncertain and the value of the investment may not fully recover or may decline in future periods resulting in a realized loss. The estimated fair values of the majority of the Company’s investments are based on quoted market prices from independent pricing services.

Investments in Securities and34

Investments in Securities and Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Schedule of Gross Unrealized Gains (Losses) and Amortized Cost for Securities	The aggregate estimated fair value, gross unrealized holding gains, gross unrealized holding losses, and cost or amortized cost for securities by major security type at December 31 were as follows: December 31, 2017 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value: Government obligations $ 1,042,921 $ — $ 951 $ 1,041,970 General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions 24,189,032 505,513 50,224 24,644,321 Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions 62,591,978 2,217,665 164,355 64,645,288 Corporate debt securities 12,490,154 528,218 8,868 13,009,504 Total $ 100,314,085 $ 3,251,396 $ 224,398 $ 103,341,083 Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value: Common stocks $ 26,002,619 $ 21,376,110 $ 11,903 $ 47,366,826 Total $ 26,002,619 $ 21,376,110 $ 11,903 $ 47,366,826 Short-term investments: Commercial paper, money market funds and certificates of deposit $ 23,779,672 $ — $ — $ 23,779,672 Total $ 23,779,672 $ — $ — $ 23,779,672 December 31, 2016 Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Estimated Fair Value Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value: General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions $ 29,374,774 $ 440,628 $ 298,533 $ 29,516,869 Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions 57,459,818 1,619,444 502,135 58,577,127 Corporate debt securities 13,327,765 512,316 — 13,840,081 Total $ 100,162,357 $ 2,572,388 $ 800,668 $ 101,934,077 Equity securities, available-for sale, at fair value: Common stocks $ 24,836,032 $ 16,392,210 $ 48,983 $ 41,179,259 Total $ 24,836,032 $ 16,392,210 $ 48,983 $ 41,179,259 Short-term investments: Money market funds and certificates of deposit $ 6,558,840 $ — $ — $ 6,558,840 Total $ 6,558,840 $ — $ — $ 6,558,840
Schedule Of Fixed Maturity Securities	The scheduled maturities of fixed maturity securities at December 31, 2017 were as follows: Available-for-Sale Amortized Cost Fair Value Due in one year or less $ 11,570,232 $ 11,637,351 Due after one year through five years 38,510,415 39,352,750 Due five years through ten years 48,246,123 49,802,410 Due after ten years 1,987,315 2,548,572 Total $ 100,314,085 $ 103,341,083
Schedule of Earnings on Investments	Earnings on investments for the years ended December 31 were as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Fixed maturities $ 3,037,105 $ 3,506,484 $ 3,439,296 Equity securities 1,202,912 1,157,550 1,086,365 Invested cash and other short-term investments 201,780 19,982 5,605 Miscellaneous interest 2,650 473 53 Investment income $ 4,444,447 $ 4,684,489 $ 4,531,319
Schedule of Gross Realized Gain (Loss) on Securities	Gross realized gains and losses on sales of investments for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Gross realized gains: Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions $ 139 $ 161 $ — Corporate debt securities — 119,001 5,417 Common stocks and nonredeemable preferred stocks 1,487,420 953,491 1,572,636 Auction rate securities — 74,996 — Total 1,487,559 1,147,649 1,578,053 Gross realized losses: General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions — (535 ) (12,319 ) Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions (100 ) (1,085 ) (397 ) Common stocks (260,194 ) (173,357 ) (846,500 ) Other than temporary impairment of securities (25,411 ) (233,941 ) (751,059 ) Total (285,705 ) (408,918 ) (1,610,275 ) Net realized gain (loss) $ 1,201,854 $ 738,731 $ (32,222 ) Net realized (loss) gain on other investments: Impairments of other assets and investments $ (182,667 ) $ — $ (233,069 ) Net gain on other assets and investments 21,714 29,705 149,128 Total $ (160,953 ) $ 29,705 $ (83,941 ) Net realized gain (loss) on investments $ 1,040,901 $ 768,436 $ (116,163 )
Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments	The following table presents the gross unrealized losses on investment securities and the estimated fair value of the related securities, aggregated by investment category and length of time that individual securities have been in a continuous loss position at December 31, 2017 and 2016 : Less than 12 Months 12 Months or Longer Total December 31, 2017 Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Loss Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Loss Estimated Fair Value Unrealized Loss Government obligations $ 1,041,970 $ (951 ) $ — $ — $ 1,041,970 $ (951 ) General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions 4,560,021 (26,823 ) 3,535,040 (23,401 ) 8,095,061 (50,224 ) Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions 13,550,979 (61,127 ) 4,022,310 (103,228 ) 17,573,289 (164,355 ) Corporate debt securities 3,744,195 (8,868 ) — — 3,744,195 (8,868 ) Total fixed maturity securities $ 22,897,165 $ (97,769 ) $ 7,557,350 $ (126,629 ) $ 30,454,515 $ (224,398 ) Equity securities 61,187 (11,903 ) — — 61,187 (11,903 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 22,958,352 $ (109,672 ) $ 7,557,350 $ (126,629 ) $ 30,515,702 $ (236,301 ) December 31, 2016 General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions $ 13,884,808 $ (298,533 ) $ — $ — $ 13,884,808 $ (298,533 ) Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions 16,161,906 (502,135 ) — — 16,161,906 (502,135 ) Total fixed maturity securities $ 30,046,714 $ (800,668 ) $ — $ — $ 30,046,714 $ (800,668 ) Equity securities 380,400 (48,983 ) — — 380,400 (48,983 ) Total temporarily impaired securities $ 30,427,114 $ (849,651 ) $ — $ — $ 30,427,114 $ (849,651 )
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities	The following table sets forth details about the Company's variable interest investments in VIEs, which are structured either as limited partnerships ("LPs") or limited liability companies ("LLCs"), as of December 31, 2017: Type of Investment Balance Sheet Classification Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Maximum Potential Loss (a) Tax credit LPs Other investments $ 905,179 $ 905,179 $ 1,325,000 Real estate LLCs or LPs Other investments 5,355,874 5,849,112 7,700,000 Small business investment LPs Other investments 3,750,677 3,806,600 9,400,000 Total $ 10,011,730 $ 10,560,891 $ 18,425,000 (a) Maximum potential loss is calculated as the total investment in the LLC or LP including any capital commitments that may have not yet been called. The Company is not exposed to any loss beyond the total commitment of its investment.
Schedule of Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis	The following table presents, by level, the financial assets carried at estimated fair value measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 . The table does not include cash on hand and also does not include assets that are measured at historical cost or any basis other than fair value. As of December 31, 2017 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Short-term investments $ 23,779,672 $ — $ — $ 23,779,672 Equity securities: Common stocks 47,366,826 — — 47,366,826 Fixed maturities: Obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions* — 90,331,579 — 90,331,579 Corporate debt securities* — 13,009,504 — 13,009,504 Total $ 71,146,498 $ 103,341,083 $ — $ 174,487,581 As of December 31, 2016 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Short-term investments $ 6,558,840 $ — $ — $ 6,558,840 Equity securities: Common stocks 41,179,259 — — 41,179,259 Fixed maturities: Obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions* — 88,093,996 — 88,093,996 Corporate debt securities* — 13,840,081 — 13,840,081 Total $ 47,738,099 $ 101,934,077 $ — $ 149,672,176 *Denotes fair market value obtained from pricing services.
Schedule of Carrying Value and Fair Value of Financial Assets	The carrying amounts and estimated fair values of other financial instruments (see previous table for investments carried at estimated fair value) as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 are presented in the following table: As of December 31, 2017 Financial Assets Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents $ 20,214,468 $ 20,214,468 $ 20,214,468 $ — $ — Cost-basis investments 5,438,745 5,710,184 — — 5,710,184 Accrued interest and dividends 1,099,879 1,099,879 1,099,879 — — Total $ 26,753,092 $ 27,024,531 $ 21,314,347 $ — $ 5,710,184 As of December 31, 2016 Financial Assets Carrying Value Estimated Fair Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Cash and cash equivalents $ 27,928,472 $ 27,928,472 $ 27,928,472 $ — $ — Cost-basis investments 4,244,402 4,497,665 — — 4,497,665 Accrued interest and dividends 1,035,152 1,035,152 1,035,152 — — Total $ 33,208,026 $ 33,461,289 $ 28,963,624 $ — $ 4,497,665

Property and Equipment (Tables)

Property and Equipment (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Schedule of Property, Plant and Equipment	Property and equipment and estimated useful lives at December 31 are summarized as follows: 2017 2016 Land $ 1,122,582 $ 1,122,582 Office buildings and improvements (25 years) 4,406,117 4,399,448 Furniture, fixtures and equipment (3 to 10 years) 12,993,387 10,444,355 Automobiles (3 years) 891,001 971,235 Total 19,413,087 16,937,620 Less accumulated depreciation (9,240,183 ) (8,184,154 ) Property and equipment, net $ 10,172,904 $ 8,753,466 Included within furniture, fixtures and equipment is software developed by the Company for internal use. Capitalized costs include both direct and indirect costs, such as payroll costs of employees associated with developing software, incurred during the software development stage.

Reserves for Claims (Tables)

Reserves for Claims (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Abstract]
Summary Of Transactions In Reserves For Claims	Changes in the reserve for claims for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows based on the year in which the policies were written: 2017 2016 2015 Balance, beginning of period $ 35,305,000 $ 37,788,000 $ 36,677,000 Provision (benefit) related to: Current year 7,431,586 6,673,036 7,295,013 Prior years (4,120,506 ) (6,430,083 ) (2,816,519 ) Total provision charged to operations 3,311,080 242,953 4,478,494 Claims paid, net of recoveries, related to: Current year (74,885 ) (102,501 ) (97,116 ) Prior years (3,740,195 ) (2,623,452 ) (3,270,378 ) Total claims paid, net of recoveries (3,815,080 ) (2,725,953 ) (3,367,494 ) Balance, end of year $ 34,801,000 $ 35,305,000 $ 37,788,000
Summary Of The Company's Loss Reserves	A summary of the Company’s loss reserve, broken down into its components of known title claims and IBNR, follows: 2017 % 2016 % Known title claims $ 4,646,422 13.4 $ 4,405,343 12.5 IBNR 30,154,578 86.6 30,899,657 87.5 Total loss reserve $ 34,801,000 100.0 $ 35,305,000 100.0

Earnings Per Common Share and37

Earnings Per Common Share and Share Awards (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share	The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31: For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Net income attributable to the Company $ 25,706,502 $ 19,523,118 $ 12,533,905 Weighted average common shares outstanding – Basic 1,886,354 1,907,675 1,984,360 Incremental shares outstanding assuming the exercise of dilutive stock options and SARs (share-settled) 9,517 7,382 5,439 Weighted average common shares outstanding – Diluted 1,895,871 1,915,057 1,989,799 Basic earnings per common share $ 13.63 $ 10.23 $ 6.32 Diluted earnings per common share $ 13.56 $ 10.19 $ 6.30
Summary Of Share-Based Award Transactions	A summary of share-based award transactions for all share-based award plans follows: Number Of Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Average Remaining Contractual Term (Years) Aggregate Intrinsic Value Outstanding as of January 1, 2015 21,000 $ 51.30 3.64 $ 453,510 SARs granted 4,500 73.00 SARs exercised (2,000 ) 47.88 Options exercised (1,500 ) 36.79 Outstanding as of December 31, 2015 22,000 $ 57.04 3.93 $ 945,055 SARs granted 4,500 93.87 SARs exercised (2,000 ) 32.00 Outstanding as of December 31, 2016 24,500 $ 65.85 3.85 $ 836,640 SARs granted 4,500 192.71 SARs exercised (4,000 ) 36.38 Outstanding as of December 31, 2017 25,000 $ 93.40 3.98 $ 2,623,720 Exercisable as of December 31, 2017 23,875 $ 88.72 3.87 $ 2,617,375 Unvested as of December 31, 2017 1,125 $ 192.71 6.38 $ 6,345
Summary of Information of Fixed Stock Options	The following table summarizes information about SARs outstanding at December 31, 2017 : SARs Outstanding at Year-End SARs Exercisable at Year-End Range of Exercise Prices Number Outstanding Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life Weighted Average Exercise Price Number Exercisable Weighted Average Exercise Price $ 40.00 — $ 49.99 1,000 0.38 $ 41.50 1,000 $ 41.50 50.00 — 59.99 3,000 1.37 50.50 3,000 50.50 60.00 — 69.99 4,500 3.39 68.70 4,500 68.70 70.00 — 79.99 7,500 3.58 72.44 7,500 72.44 90.00 — 99.99 4,500 5.38 93.87 4,500 93.87 190.00 — 199.99 4,500 6.38 192.71 3,375 192.71 $ 40.00 — $ 199.99 25,000 3.98 $ 93.40 23,875 $ 88.72
Share-Based Valuation Assumptions	The weighted average fair values for the SARs issued during 2017 , 2016 and 2015 were $55.40 , $28.75 and $31.16 , respectively, and were estimated using the weighted average assumptions shown in the table below. 2017 2016 2015 Expected Life in Years 7.0 7.0 7.0 Volatility 26.2% 28.9% 40.7% Interest Rate 2.0% 1.7% 2.0% Yield Rate 0.8% 0.7% 0.4%
Schedule of Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards Plans	The estimated weighted average grant-date fair value of SARs granted for the years ended December 31 was as follows: For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Exercise price equal to market price on date of grant: Weighted average market price $ 192.71 $ 93.87 $ 73.00 Weighted average grant-date fair value $ 55.40 $ 28.75 $ 31.16

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense	The components of income tax expense for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows: For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Current: Federal $ 9,163,000 $ 5,745,000 $ 4,179,000 State 71,000 81,000 34,000 Total current 9,234,000 5,826,000 4,213,000 Deferred: Federal (4,649,054 ) 2,755,777 976,624 State (14,946 ) 34,223 38,376 Total deferred (4,664,000 ) 2,790,000 1,015,000 Total $ 4,570,000 $ 8,616,000 $ 5,228,000
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	At December 31, the approximate tax effect of each component of deferred income tax assets and liabilities is summarized as follows: For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 Deferred income tax assets: Accrued benefits and retirement services $ 2,448,598 $ 3,625,943 Other-than-temporary impairment of assets 265,178 429,167 Allowance for doubtful accounts 102,015 122,477 Net operating loss carryforward 33,000 15,000 Postretirement benefit obligation 18,318 56,259 Other 878,195 418,335 Total 3,745,304 4,667,181 Deferred income tax liabilities: Net unrealized gain on investments 5,193,029 6,207,324 Recorded reserve for claims, net of statutory premium reserves 4,126,388 4,985,984 Intangible assets 1,337,909 2,525,511 Excess of tax over book depreciation 1,042,205 1,303,710 Other 671,532 762,908 Total 12,371,063 15,785,437 Net deferred income tax liabilities $ (8,625,759 ) $ (11,118,256 )
Schedule of Reconciliation of Income Tax	A reconciliation of income tax as computed for the years ended December 31 at the U.S. federal statutory income tax rate of 35% for 2017, 34.6% for 2016 and 34.4% for 2015, respectively, to income tax expense follows: For the Years Ended December 31, 2017 2016 2015 Anticipated income tax expense $ 10,594,700 $ 9,733,482 $ 6,115,306 Increase (decrease) related to: State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit 46,150 52,974 22,304 Tax-exempt interest income (net of amortization) (1,298,251 ) (1,074,504 ) (981,712 ) Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (5,341,521 ) — — Other, net 568,922 (95,952 ) 72,102 Provision for income taxes $ 4,570,000 $ 8,616,000 $ 5,228,000

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	The future minimum lease payments under operating leases that have initial or remaining noncancelable lease terms in excess of one year as of December 31, 2017 , are summarized as follows: Year Ended: 2018 $ 1,190,734 2019 1,018,685 2020 861,763 2021 766,584 2022 588,720 Thereafter 340,462 Total $ 4,766,948

Retirement Agreements and Oth40

Retirement Agreements and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Components Of Net Periodic Benefits Cost	Cost of the Company’s postretirement benefits included the following components and is presented in the salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes line of its Consolidated Statements of Income: 2017 2016 2015 Net periodic benefit cost Service cost – benefits earned during the year $ — $ 10,180 $ 16,748 Interest cost on the projected benefit obligation 36,869 35,123 30,772 Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost — — 4,390 Amortization of unrecognized loss 8,612 8,941 3,514 Net periodic benefits cost at end of year $ 45,481 $ 54,244 $ 55,424
Schedule of Net Funded Status On The Balance Sheet	The effects of the funded status on the Company’s Consolidated Balance Sheets at December 31, 2017 and 2016 are presented in the following table: 2017 2016 Funded status Actuarial present value of future benefits: Fully eligible active employee $ (895,727 ) $ (928,492 ) Non-eligible active employees — — Plan assets — — Funded status of accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, recognized in other liabilities $ (895,727 ) $ (928,492 )
Development Of The Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation	Development of the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation for the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 includes the following: 2017 2016 Accrued postretirement benefit obligation at beginning of year $ (928,492 ) $ (882,623 ) Service cost – benefits earned during the year — (10,180 ) Interest cost on projected benefit obligation (36,869 ) (35,123 ) Actuarial gain (loss) 69,634 (566 ) Accrued postretirement benefit obligation at end of year $ (895,727 ) $ (928,492 )
Changes in Amounts Related to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Pre-Tax	The changes in amounts related to accumulated other comprehensive income, pre-tax, are as follows: 2017 2016 Balance at beginning of year $ 165,437 $ 173,812 Components of accumulated other comprehensive income: Unrecognized prior service cost — — Amortization of loss, net (8,612 ) (8,941 ) Actuarial (gain) loss (69,634 ) 566 Balance at end of year $ 87,191 $ 165,437
Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Pre-Tax, to be Recognized as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs	The amounts currently in accumulated other comprehensive income, pre-tax, that will be reclassified to the Consolidated Statements of Income and recognized as components of net periodic benefit costs in 2018 are: Projected 2018 Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost $ — Amortization of unrecognized loss — Net periodic benefit cost at end of year $ —
Effect of Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost and Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation	The following illustrates the effects on the net periodic postretirement benefit cost (“NPPBC”) and the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (“APBO”) of a one percentage point increase and one percentage point decrease in the assumed health care cost trend rate as of December 31, 2017 : One Percentage Point Increase One Percentage Point Decrease Net periodic postretirement benefit cost Effect on the service cost component $ — $ — Effect on interest cost 6,761 (5,305 ) Total effect on the net periodic postretirement benefit cost $ 6,761 $ (5,305 ) Accumulated postretirement benefit obligation (including active employees who are not fully eligible) Effect on those currently receiving benefits (retirees and spouses) $ — $ — Effect on active fully eligible 187,814 (147,367 ) Effect on actives not yet eligible — — Total effect on the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation $ 187,814 $ (147,367 )

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Selected Financial Information About The Company's Operations By Segment	Provided below is selected financial information about the Company’s operations by segment for the periods ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 : 2017 Title Insurance All Other Intersegment Eliminations Total Insurance and other services revenues $ 154,333,311 $ 7,530,496 $ (5,699,859 ) $ 156,163,948 Investment income 4,992,127 546,105 (1,093,785 ) 4,444,447 Net realized gain on investments 931,635 109,266 — 1,040,901 Total revenues $ 160,257,073 $ 8,185,867 $ (6,793,644 ) $ 161,649,296 Operating expenses 129,095,939 7,912,962 (5,630,175 ) 131,378,726 Income before income taxes $ 31,161,134 $ 272,905 $ (1,163,469 ) $ 30,270,570 Total assets $ 193,827,920 $ 55,084,939 $ — $ 248,912,859 2016 Title Insurance All Other Intersegment Eliminations Total Insurance and other services revenues $ 128,408,746 $ 6,808,392 $ (2,177,649 ) $ 133,039,489 Investment income 4,329,605 564,891 (210,007 ) 4,684,489 Net realized gain on investments 644,850 123,586 — 768,436 Total revenues $ 133,383,201 $ 7,496,869 $ (2,387,656 ) $ 138,492,414 Operating expenses 105,885,770 6,583,157 (2,107,965 ) 110,360,962 Income before income taxes $ 27,497,431 $ 913,712 $ (279,691 ) $ 28,131,452 Total assets $ 183,763,655 $ 45,174,467 $ — $ 228,938,122 2015 Title Insurance All Other Intersegment Eliminations Total Insurance and other services revenues $ 118,144,981 $ 6,479,484 $ (1,839,549 ) $ 122,784,916 Investment income 4,073,857 574,132 (116,670 ) 4,531,319 Net realized loss on investments (13,603 ) (102,560 ) — (116,163 ) Total revenues $ 122,205,235 $ 6,951,056 $ (1,956,219 ) $ 127,200,072 Operating expenses 104,594,829 6,598,055 (1,769,865 ) 109,423,019 Income before income taxes $ 17,610,406 $ 353,001 $ (186,354 ) $ 17,777,053 Total assets $ 163,582,898 $ 47,939,131 $ — $ 211,522,029

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Related Party Transactions [Abstract]
Summary Of Approximate Values By Year Found Within Consolidated Balance Sheets	The following table sets forth the approximate values by year found within each financial statement classification: Financial Statement Classification, 2017 2016 Consolidated Balance Sheets Other investments $ 6,594,000 $ 6,437,000 Premiums and fees receivable $ 720,000 $ 56,000
Summary Of Approximate Values By Year Found Within Consolidated Statements Of Income	Financial Statement Classification, Consolidated Statements of Income 2017 2016 2015 Net premiums written $ 14,355,000 $ 15,016,000 $ 14,015,000 Other income $ 2,240,000 $ 2,317,000 $ 2,618,000 Commissions to agents $ 9,864,000 $ 10,394,000 $ 9,700,000

Business Combinations, Intang43

Business Combinations, Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets	Identifiable intangible assets consist of the following as of December 31: Year Ended: 2017 2016 Referral relationships $ 6,416,215 $ 6,416,215 Non-complete agreements 1,405,685 1,405,685 Tradename 560,000 560,000 Total 8,381,900 8,381,900 Accumulated amortization (1,374,461 ) (475,110 ) Identifiable intangible assets, net $ 7,007,439 $ 7,906,790
Schedule Of Aggregate Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets	stimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the five succeeding fiscal years: Year Ended: 2018 $ 642,253 2019 568,920 2020 568,920 2021 561,587 2022 524,920 Thereafter 4,140,839 Total $ 7,007,439

Accumulated Other Comprehensi44

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Abstract]
Schedule Of Changes In Balances Of Each Component Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net Of Tax	The following tables provide changes in the balances of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax, for the periods ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 : 2017 Unrealized Gains and Losses On Available-for-Sale Securities Postretirement Benefits Plans Total Beginning balance at January 1 $ 11,870,647 $ (109,200 ) $ 11,761,447 Other comprehensive income before reclassifications 4,922,796 45,958 4,968,754 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (791,061 ) 5,686 (785,375 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income 4,131,735 51,644 4,183,379 Ending balance $ 16,002,382 $ (57,556 ) $ 15,944,826 2016 Unrealized Gains and Losses On Available-for-Sale Securities Postretirement Benefits Plans Total Beginning balance at January 1 $ 11,597,741 $ (114,726 ) $ 11,483,015 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 758,021 (374 ) 757,647 Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income (485,115 ) 5,900 (479,215 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income 272,906 5,526 278,432 Ending balance $ 11,870,647 $ (109,200 ) $ 11,761,447 2015 Unrealized Gains and Losses On Available-for-Sale Securities Postretirement Benefits Plans Total Beginning balance at January 1 $ 12,934,497 $ (77,988 ) $ 12,856,509 Other comprehensive loss before reclassifications (1,355,316 ) (41,954 ) (1,397,270 ) Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income 18,560 5,216 23,776 Net current-period other comprehensive loss (1,336,756 ) (36,738 ) (1,373,494 ) Ending balance $ 11,597,741 $ (114,726 ) $ 11,483,015
Schedule Of Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	The following tables provide significant amounts reclassified out of each component of accumulated other comprehensive income for the periods ended December 31, 2017 , 2016 and 2015 : 2017 Details about Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Components Amount Reclassified from Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Statements of Income Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities: Net realized gain on investment $ 1,227,265 Other-than-temporary impairments (25,411 ) Total $ 1,201,854 Net realized gain (loss) on investments Tax (410,793 ) Provision for Income Taxes Net of Tax $ 791,061 Amortization related to postretirement benefit plans: Prior year service cost $ — Unrecognized loss (8,612 ) Total $ (8,612 ) (a) Tax 2,926 Provision for Income Taxes Net of Tax $ (5,686 ) Reclassifications for the period $ 785,375 2016 Details about Accumulated Other Amount Reclassified from Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities: Net realized gain on investment $ 972,672 Other-than-temporary impairments (233,941 ) Total $ 738,731 Net realized gain (loss) on investments Tax (253,616 ) Provision for Income Taxes Net of Tax $ 485,115 Amortization related to postretirement benefit plans: Prior year service cost $ — Unrecognized loss (8,941 ) Total $ (8,941 ) (a) Tax 3,041 Provision for Income Taxes Net of Tax $ (5,900 ) Reclassifications for the period $ 479,215 2015 Details about Accumulated Other Amount Reclassified from Affected Line Item in the Consolidated Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities: Net realized gain on investment $ 718,837 Other-than-temporary impairments (751,059 ) Total $ (32,222 ) Net realized gain (loss) on investments Tax 13,662 Provision for Income Taxes Net of Tax $ (18,560 ) Amortization related to postretirement benefit plans: Prior year service cost $ (4,390 ) Unrecognized loss (3,514 ) Total $ (7,904 ) (a) Tax 2,688 Provision for Income Taxes Net of Tax $ (5,216 ) Reclassifications for the period $ (23,776 ) (a) These accumulated other comprehensive income components are not reclassified to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period. The amounts are presented within salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes on the Consolidated Statements of Income as amortized. Amortization related to postretirement benefit plans is included in the computation of net periodic pension costs, as discussed in Note 10.

Basis Of Presentation and Sig45

Basis Of Presentation and Significant Accounting Policies (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)StateSubsidiary	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Line Items]
Number of title insurance subsidiaries | Subsidiary	2
Number of States in which Entity operates | State	22
Cost Method Investments, Original Cost	$ 5,438,745	$ 4,744,402
Premium collection period before reserved	7 months
Unrealized holding gains on available-for-sale securities	$ 16,002,382	11,870,647	$ 11,597,741
Unrecognized prior service cost and unrecognized actuarial losses associated with postretirement benefit liabilities	57,556	109,200	114,726
Excess Tax Benefit from Share-based Compensation, Operating Activities	$ 142,280	32,293	26,875
Potential claim payment period after policy issuance	20 years
Minimum
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Line Items]
Property and equipment useful life	3 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	1 year
Maximum
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Line Items]
Property and equipment useful life	25 years
Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life	30 years
Lag time between Policy effective dates and transaction reporting dates	100 days
Restatement Adjustment [Member]
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Line Items]
Quantifying Misstatement in Current Year Financial Statements, Amount		$ 1,526,230	$ 566,213

Statutory Restrictions on Con46

Statutory Restrictions on Consolidated Stockholders' Equity and Investments (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statutory Restrictions on Consolidated Stockholders' Equity and Investments [Abstract]
Combined capital and surplus on statutory basis	$ 171,896,522	$ 152,700,227
Net income statutory basis	18,766,527	17,863,815	$ 13,621,174
Statutory accounting statutory premium and supplemental reserves	57,301,000	53,190,000
Amount available for dividend distribution with approval from regulatory agencies	102,082,000	88,323,000
Statutory Accounting Practices, Statutory Amount Available for Dividend Payments	18,960,000
Investments on deposit with state insurance departments	$ 7,119,000	$ 6,843,000

Investments in Securities and47

Investments in Securities and Fair Value (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)security	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Schedule of Fair Value of Separate Accounts by Major Category of Investment [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, fixed maturity	$ 103,341,083	$ 101,934,077
Available for sale securities, unrealized losses	236,301	849,651
Available for sale securities, equity securities	$ 47,366,826	$ 41,179,259
Number of securities with unrealized losses | security	32	36
Other than Temporary Impairment Losses, Investments, Portion Recognized in Earnings, Net	$ 25,411	$ 233,941	$ 751,059

Investments in Securities and48

Investments in Securities and Fair Value Schedule of Gross Unrealized Gains and Losses and Amortized Cost for Securities (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	$ 100,314,085	$ 100,162,357
Gross Unrealized Gains	3,251,396	2,572,388
Gross Unrealized Losses	224,398	800,668
Estimated Fair Value	103,341,083	101,934,077
Amortized Cost	26,002,619	24,836,032
Available For Sale Equity Securities Gross Unrealized Gains	21,376,110	16,392,210
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	11,903	48,983
Estimated Fair Value	47,366,826	41,179,259
Short Term Investments Amortized Cost Basis	23,779,672	6,558,840
Short Term Investments Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Short Term Investments Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Short Term Investments Estimated Fair Value	23,779,672	6,558,840
Government obligations
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	1,042,921
Gross Unrealized Gains	0
Gross Unrealized Losses	951
Estimated Fair Value	1,041,970
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	24,189,032	29,374,774
Gross Unrealized Gains	505,513	440,628
Gross Unrealized Losses	50,224	298,533
Estimated Fair Value	$ 24,644,321	29,516,869
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Number of Special Revenue Bonds	60
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	$ 62,591,978	57,459,818
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,217,665	1,619,444
Gross Unrealized Losses	164,355	502,135
Estimated Fair Value	64,645,288	58,577,127
Corporate debt securities
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	12,490,154	13,327,765
Gross Unrealized Gains	528,218	512,316
Gross Unrealized Losses	8,868	0
Estimated Fair Value	13,009,504	13,840,081
Common stocks
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost	26,002,619	24,836,032
Available For Sale Equity Securities Gross Unrealized Gains	21,376,110	16,392,210
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Accumulated Gross Unrealized Loss, before Tax	11,903	48,983
Estimated Fair Value	47,366,826	41,179,259
Commercial paper, money market funds and certificates of deposit
Available-for-sale Securities [Abstract]
Short Term Investments Amortized Cost Basis	23,779,672	6,558,840
Short Term Investments Gross Unrealized Gains	0	0
Short Term Investments Gross Unrealized Losses	0	0
Short Term Investments Estimated Fair Value	$ 23,779,672	$ 6,558,840

Investments in Securities and49

Investments in Securities and Fair Value Schedule of Fixed Maturity Securities (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Due in one year or less	$ 11,570,232
Due after one year through five years	38,510,415
Due five years through ten years	48,246,123
Due after ten years	1,987,315
Total	100,314,085	$ 100,162,357
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
Due after one year through five years	11,637,351
Due after one year through five years	39,352,750
Due five years through ten years	49,802,410
Due after ten years	2,548,572
Total	$ 103,341,083

Investments in Securities and50

Investments in Securities and Fair Value Schedule of Earnings on Investments (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income	$ 4,444,447	$ 4,684,489	$ 4,531,319
Fixed maturities
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income	3,037,105	3,506,484	3,439,296
Equity securities
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income	1,202,912	1,157,550	1,086,365
Invested cash and other short-term investments
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income	201,780	19,982	5,605
Miscellaneous interest
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Investment income	$ 2,650	$ 473	$ 53

Investments in Securities and51

Investments in Securities and Fair Value Schedule of Gross Realized Gains (Losses) on Securities (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross realized gains	$ 1,487,559	$ 1,147,649	$ 1,578,053
Gross realized losses	(285,705)	(408,918)	(1,610,275)
Net realized gain (loss)	1,201,854	738,731	(32,222)
Impairments of other assets and investments	(182,667)	0	(233,069)
Net gain on other assets and investments	21,714	29,705	149,128
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)	(160,953)	29,705	(83,941)
Gain (Loss) on Investments	1,040,901	768,436	(116,163)
Special revenue issuer obligations of U S states, territories and political subdivisions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross realized gains	139	161	0
Corporate debt securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross realized gains	0	119,001	5,417
Common stocks and nonredeemable preferred stocks
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross realized gains	1,487,420	953,491	1,572,636
Gross realized losses	(260,194)	(173,357)	(846,500)
Auction rate securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross realized gains	0	74,996	0
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross realized losses	0	(535)	(12,319)
Special revenue issuer obligations of U S states, territories and political subdivisions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross realized losses	(100)	(1,085)	(397)
Other than temporary impairment of securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross realized losses	$ (25,411)	$ (233,941)	$ (751,059)

Investments in Securities and52

Investments in Securities and Fair Value Schedule of Unrealized Losses on Investments (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	$ 22,958,352	$ 30,427,114
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(109,672)	(849,651)
Available-for-sale Securities, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	7,557,350	0
Available-for-sale Securities, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(126,629)	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Fair Value	30,515,702	30,427,114
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Aggregate Losses	(236,301)	(849,651)
Government obligations
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	1,041,970
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(951)
Available-for-sale Securities, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0
Available-for-sale Securities, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Fair Value	1,041,970
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Aggregate Losses	(951)
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	4,560,021	13,884,808
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(26,823)	(298,533)
Available-for-sale Securities, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	3,535,040	0
Available-for-sale Securities, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(23,401)	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Fair Value	8,095,061	13,884,808
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Aggregate Losses	(50,224)	(298,533)
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	13,550,979	16,161,906
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(61,127)	(502,135)
Available-for-sale Securities, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	4,022,310	0
Available-for-sale Securities, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(103,228)	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Fair Value	17,573,289	16,161,906
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Aggregate Losses	(164,355)	(502,135)
Corporate debt securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	3,744,195
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(8,868)
Available-for-sale Securities, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0
Available-for-sale Securities, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Fair Value	3,744,195
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Aggregate Losses	(8,868)
Total fixed maturity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	22,897,165	30,046,714
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(97,769)	(800,668)
Available-for-sale Securities, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	7,557,350	0
Available-for-sale Securities, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	(126,629)	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Fair Value	30,454,515	30,046,714
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Aggregate Losses	(224,398)	(800,668)
Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Less than Twelve Months, Fair Value	61,187	380,400
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Less than 12 Months, Accumulated Loss	(11,903)	(48,983)
Available-for-sale Securities, Twelve Months or Longer, Fair Value	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, 12 Months or Longer, Aggregate Losses	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Fair Value	61,187	380,400
Available-for-sale Securities, Total Aggregate Losses	$ (11,903)	$ (48,983)

Investments in Securities and53

Investments in Securities and Fair Value Schedule of Fair Value Assets Measured on Recurring Basis (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments	$ 23,779,672	$ 6,558,840
Available for sale securities, equity securities	47,366,826	41,179,259
Available-for-sale, fixed maturity	103,341,083	101,934,077
Total	174,487,581	149,672,176
Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments	23,779,672	6,558,840
Total	71,146,498	47,738,099
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments	0	0
Total	103,341,083	101,934,077
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Short-term investments	0	0
Total	0	0
Common stocks
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale securities, equity securities	47,366,826	41,179,259
Common stocks | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale securities, equity securities	47,366,826	41,179,259
Common stocks | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale securities, equity securities	0	0
Common stocks | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available for sale securities, equity securities	0	0
Obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, fixed maturity	90,331,579	88,093,996
Obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, fixed maturity	0	0
Obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, fixed maturity	90,331,579	88,093,996
Obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, fixed maturity	0	0
Corporate debt securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, fixed maturity	13,009,504	13,840,081
Corporate debt securities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, fixed maturity	0	0
Corporate debt securities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, fixed maturity	13,009,504	13,840,081
Corporate debt securities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale, fixed maturity	$ 0	$ 0

Investments in Securities and54

Investments in Securities and Fair Value Schedule of Carrying Value and Fair Value of Financial Assets (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents, carrying value	$ 20,214,468	$ 27,928,472	$ 21,790,068	$ 15,826,515
Cost-basis investments, carrying value	5,438,745	4,244,402
Accrued dividends and interest, carrying value	1,099,879	1,035,152
Financial assets disclosed, carrying value	26,753,092	33,208,026
Cash and cash equivalents, estimated fair value	20,214,468	27,928,472
Cost-basis investments, estimated fair value	5,710,184	4,497,665
Accrued dividends and interest, estimated fair value	1,099,879	1,035,152
Financial assets disclosed, estimated fair value	27,024,531	33,461,289
Level 1
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents, estimated fair value	20,214,468	27,928,472
Cost-basis investments, estimated fair value	0	0
Accrued dividends and interest, estimated fair value	1,099,879	1,035,152
Financial assets disclosed, estimated fair value	21,314,347	28,963,624
Level 2
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents, estimated fair value	0	0
Cost-basis investments, estimated fair value	0	0
Accrued dividends and interest, estimated fair value	0	0
Financial assets disclosed, estimated fair value	0	0
Level 3
Financial Assets
Cash and cash equivalents, estimated fair value	0	0
Cost-basis investments, estimated fair value	5,710,184	4,497,665
Accrued dividends and interest, estimated fair value	0	0
Financial assets disclosed, estimated fair value	$ 5,710,184	$ 4,497,665

Investments in Securities and55

Investments in Securities and Fair Value Schedule of Variable Interest Entities (Details) - Other Investments	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	$ 10,011,730
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Fair Value, Amount, Assets	10,560,891
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	18,425,000
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary, Tax Credit LP
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	905,179
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Fair Value, Amount, Assets	905,179
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	1,325,000
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary, Real Estate LLC or LP
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	5,355,874
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Fair Value, Amount, Assets	5,849,112
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	7,700,000
Variable Interest Entity, Not Primary Beneficiary, Small Business Investment LP
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Carrying Amount, Assets	3,750,677
Variable Interest Entity, Nonconsolidated, Fair Value, Amount, Assets	3,806,600
Variable Interest Entity, Reporting Entity Involvement, Maximum Loss Exposure, Amount	$ 9,400,000

Property and Equipment (Details

Property and Equipment (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 19,413,087	$ 16,937,620
Less accumulated depreciation	(9,240,183)	(8,184,154)
Property and equipment, net	$ 10,172,904	8,753,466
Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment useful life	3 years
Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment useful life	25 years
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 1,122,582	1,122,582
Office buildings and improvements (25 years)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 4,406,117	4,399,448
Property and equipment useful life	25 years
Office buildings and improvements (25 years) | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment useful life	3 years
Office buildings and improvements (25 years) | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment useful life	25 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment (3 to 10 years)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 12,993,387	10,444,355
Furniture, fixtures and equipment (3 to 10 years) | Minimum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment useful life	3 years
Furniture, fixtures and equipment (3 to 10 years) | Maximum
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment useful life	10 years
Automobiles (3 years)
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 891,001	$ 971,235
Property and equipment useful life	3 years

Reinsurance (Details)

Reinsurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Assumed premiums written	$ 3	$ 17	$ 34
Ceded premiums written	$ 264	$ 141	$ 215

Reserves for Claims Summary Of

Reserves for Claims Summary Of Transactions In Reserves For Claims (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Roll Forward]
Balance, beginning of period	$ 35,305,000	$ 37,788,000	$ 36,677,000
Provisions related to: Current year	7,431,586	6,673,036	7,295,013
Provisions related to: Prior years	(4,120,506)	(6,430,083)	(2,816,519)
Total provision charged to operations	3,311,080	242,953	4,478,494
Claims paid, net of recoveries, related to: Current year	(74,885)	(102,501)	(97,116)
Claims paid, net of recoveries, related to: Prior years	(3,740,195)	(2,623,452)	(3,270,378)
Total claims paid, net of recoveries	(3,815,080)	(2,725,953)	(3,367,494)
Balance, end of year	$ 34,801,000	$ 35,305,000	$ 37,788,000

Reserves for Claims Summary O59

Reserves for Claims Summary Of The Company's Loss Reserves (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Liability for Future Policy Benefits and Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Abstract]
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Reported Claims, Amount	$ 4,646,422	$ 4,405,343
IBNR	30,154,578	30,899,657
Total loss reserves	$ 34,801,000	$ 35,305,000	$ 37,788,000	$ 36,677,000
% of Known title claims	13.40%	12.50%
% of IBNR	86.60%	87.50%
% of Total loss reserves	100.00%	100.00%

Reserves for Claims Narrative (

Reserves for Claims Narrative (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Realized claim recoveries	$ 570,000	$ 1,040,000	$ 467,000
Provision rate for title insurance claims	2.40%	0.20%	4.00%
Minimum
Causes of Increase (Decrease) in Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Line Items]
Large claim threshold	$ 250,000

Earnings Per Common Share and61

Earnings Per Common Share and Share Awards (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Common Share And Share Awards [Line Items]
Incremental dilutive potential common shares, calculated using treasury stock method (in shares)	9,517	7,382	5,439
Anti-dilutive shares excluded from computation of diluted earnings per share	4,500	0	0
Intrinsic values of options exercised	$ 473,000	$ 117,000	$ 104,000
Options and SARs vested	4,500
Fair value of options and SARs vested	$ 219,315
Weighted-average fair values for SARs issued (dollars per share)	$ 55.40	$ 28.75	$ 31.16
Compensation expense relating to SARs or options vesting	$ 219,000	$ 132,000	$ 138,000
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested share-based compensation arrangements granted under stock award plans	$ 62,000
Weighted-average period of unrecognized compensation cost recognition	3 months
Number of stock options or SARs granted where exercise price was less than market price on date of grant	0
Maximum
Earnings Per Common Share And Share Awards [Line Items]
Maximum shares of Company stock to be granted to key employees or directors	250,000

Earnings Per Common Share and62

Earnings Per Common Share and Share Awards Computation Of Basic And Diluted Earnings Per Share (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Net Income Attributable to the Company	$ 25,706,502	$ 19,523,118	$ 12,533,905
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Basic	1,886,354	1,907,675	1,984,360
Incremental shares outstanding assuming the exercise of dilutive stock options and SARs (share settled)	9,517	7,382	5,439
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted	1,895,871	1,915,057	1,989,799
Basic Earnings per Common Share	$ 13.63	$ 10.23	$ 6.32
Diluted Earnings per Common Share	$ 13.56	$ 10.19	$ 6.30

Earnings Per Common Share and63

Earnings Per Common Share and Share Awards Summary Of Share-Based Award Transactions (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Number Of Shares, Options exercised			(1,500)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options exercised			$ 36.79
StockOptionsAndStockAppreciationRightsSARS
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Number Of Shares, Outstanding Beginning Balance	24,500	22,000	21,000
Number Of Shares, Outstanding Ending Balance	25,000	24,500	22,000	21,000
Number Of Shares, Exercisable as of December 31, 2017	23,875
Number Of Shares, Unvested as of December 31, 2017	1,125
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Beginning Balance	$ 65.85	$ 57.04	$ 51.30
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Outstanding Ending Balance	93.40	$ 65.85	$ 57.04	$ 51.30
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Exercisable as of December 31, 2017	88.72
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Unvested as of December 31, 2017	$ 192.71
Average Remaining Contractual Term, Outstanding Beginning Balance	3 years 11 months 23 days	3 years 10 months 6 days	3 years 11 months 4 days	3 years 7 months 20 days
Average Remaining Contractual Term, Exercisable as of December 31, 2017	3 years 10 months 13 days
Average Remaining Contractual Term, Unvested as of December 31, 2017	6 years 4 months 17 days
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding Beginning Balance	$ 836,640	$ 945,055	$ 453,510
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Outstanding Ending Balance	2,623,720	$ 836,640	$ 945,055	$ 453,510
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Exercisable as of December 31, 2017	2,617,375
Aggregate Intrinsic Value, Unvested as of December 31, 2017	$ 6,345
SARs
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding [Roll Forward]
Number Of Shares, SARs granted	4,500	4,500	4,500
Number Of Shares, Options exercised	(4,000)	(2,000)	(2,000)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Options, Outstanding, Weighted Average Exercise Price [Roll Forward]
Weighted Average Exercise Price, SARs granted	$ 192.71	$ 93.87	$ 73
Weighted Average Exercise Price, Options exercised	$ 36.38	$ 32	$ 47.88

Earnings Per Common Share and64

Earnings Per Common Share and Share Awards Summary of Information of Fixed Stock Options (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017$ / sharesshares
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
Options Outstanding - Number Outstanding | shares	0
$40.00 - $49.99
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
SARs exercise price, lower limit	$ 40
SARs exercise price, upper limit	$ 49.99
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Appreciation Rights Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Shares | shares	1,000
SARs Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	4 months 17 days
SARs - Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 41.50
SARs Exercisable - Number Exercisable | shares	1,000
SARs Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 41.50
$50.00 - $59.99
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
SARs exercise price, lower limit	50
SARs exercise price, upper limit	$ 59.99
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Appreciation Rights Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Shares | shares	3,000
SARs Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	1 year 4 months 13 days
SARs - Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 50.50
SARs Exercisable - Number Exercisable | shares	3,000
SARs Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 50.50
$60.00 - $69.99
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
SARs exercise price, lower limit	60
SARs exercise price, upper limit	$ 69.99
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Appreciation Rights Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Shares | shares	4,500
SARs Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 4 months 20 days
SARs - Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 68.70
SARs Exercisable - Number Exercisable | shares	4,500
SARs Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 68.70
$70.00 - $79.99
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
SARs exercise price, lower limit	70
SARs exercise price, upper limit	$ 79.99
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Appreciation Rights Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Shares | shares	7,500
SARs Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 6 months 29 days
SARs - Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 72.44
SARs Exercisable - Number Exercisable | shares	7,500
SARs Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 72.44
$90.00 - $99.99
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
SARs exercise price, lower limit	90
SARs exercise price, upper limit	$ 99.99
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Appreciation Rights Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Shares | shares	4,500
SARs Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	5 years 4 months 17 days
SARs - Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 93.87
SARs Exercisable - Number Exercisable | shares	4,500
SARs Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 93.87
$190.00 - $199.99
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
SARs exercise price, lower limit	190
SARs exercise price, upper limit	$ 199.99
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Appreciation Rights Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Shares | shares	4,500
SARs Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	6 years 4 months 17 days
SARs - Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 192.71
SARs Exercisable - Number Exercisable | shares	3,375
SARs Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 192.71
$40.00 - $199.99
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Option Plans, Exercise Price Range [Line Items]
SARs exercise price, lower limit	40
SARs exercise price, upper limit	$ 199.99
Share-based Compensation, Shares Authorized under Stock Appreciation Rights Plans, Exercise Price Range, Number of Outstanding Shares | shares	25,000
SARs Outstanding - Weighted Average Remaining Contractual Life	3 years 11 months 23 days
SARs - Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 93.40
SARs Exercisable - Number Exercisable | shares	23,875
SARs Exercisable - Weighted Average Exercise Price	$ 88.72

Earnings Per Common Share and65

Earnings Per Common Share and Share Awards Share-Based Assumptions (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Expected Life (in years)	7 years	7 years	7 years
Volatility	26.20%	28.90%	40.70%
Interest Rate	2.00%	1.70%	2.00%
Yield Rate	0.80%	0.70%	0.40%

Earnings Per Common Share and66

Earnings Per Common Share and Share Awards Schedule of Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value of Stock Awards Plans (Details) - $ / shares	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Weighted-average market price	$ 192.71	$ 93.87	$ 73
Weighted-average grant-date fair value	$ 55.40	$ 28.75	$ 31.16

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Taxes [Abstract]
U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	34.60%	34.40%
U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate after the Tax Cuts And Jobs Act Of 2017 becomes effective	21.00%
Income tax benefit from Tax Cuts And Jobs Act of 2017	$ 5,341,521	$ 0	$ 0
Diluter per share impact of income tax benefit from Tax Cuts And Jobs Act of 2017	$ 2.82

Income Taxes Schedule of Compon

Income Taxes Schedule of Components of Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Federal	$ 9,163,000	$ 5,745,000	$ 4,179,000
State	71,000	81,000	34,000
Total current	9,234,000	5,826,000	4,213,000
Federal	(4,649,054)	2,755,777	976,624
State	(14,946)	34,223	38,376
Deferred Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	(4,664,000)	2,790,000	1,015,000
Total	$ 4,570,000	$ 8,616,000	$ 5,228,000

Income Taxes Schedule of Deferr

Income Taxes Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Deferred income tax assets:
Accrued benefits and retirement services	$ 2,448,598	$ 3,625,943
Other-than-temporary impairment of assets	265,178	429,167
Allowance for doubtful accounts	102,015	122,477
Net operating loss carryforward	18,318	56,259
Postretirement benefit obligation	33,000	15,000
Other	878,195	418,335
Total deferred income tax assets	3,745,304	4,667,181
Deferred income tax liabilities:
Net unrealized gain on investments	5,193,029	6,207,324
Recorded reserve for claims, net of statutory premium reserves	4,126,388	4,985,984
Intangible assets	1,337,909	2,525,511
Excess of tax over book depreciation	1,042,205	1,303,710
Other	671,532	762,908
Total deferred income tax liabilities	12,371,063	15,785,437
Net deferred income tax liabilities	$ (8,625,759)	$ (11,118,256)

Income Taxes Reconciliation of

Income Taxes Reconciliation of Income Tax (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Anticipated income tax expense	$ 10,594,700	$ 9,733,482	$ 6,115,306
State income taxes, net of federal income tax benefit	46,150	52,974	22,304
Tax-exempt interest income (net of amortization)	(1,298,251)	(1,074,504)	(981,712)
Income tax benefit from Tax Cuts And Jobs Act of 2017	(5,341,521)	0	0
Other, net	568,922	(95,952)	72,102
Total	$ 4,570,000	$ 8,616,000	$ 5,228,000
U.S. Federal statutory income tax rate	35.00%	34.60%	34.40%

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Rent expense	$ 1,232	$ 896	$ 793

Leases Schedule of Future Minim

Leases Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Leases [Abstract]
2,018	$ 1,190,734
2,019	1,018,685
2,020	861,763
2,021	766,584
2,022	588,720
Thereafter	340,462
Total	$ 4,766,948

Retirement Agreements and Oth73

Retirement Agreements and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)h	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
DefinedContributionPlanMinimumNumberOfMonthsEmployedEligibility	3 months
Minimum number of years employed in order to participate in the 401(k) plan	1 year
Minimum number of hours worked annually in order to participate in the 401(k) plan | h	1,000
Defined contribution plan contribution percent	3.00%
Expenses related to the 401(k) plan	$ 1,577,000	$ 810,000	$ 741,000
Amount accrued for all deferred compensation plan agreements	9,492,000	8,487,000
Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, before tax	(87,191)	(165,437)	(173,812)
Amount recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income, net of tax	(57,556)	$ (109,200)	$ (114,726)
Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payment [Abstract]
2,018	11,789
2,019	13,343
2,020	14,913
2,021	16,501
2,022	24,250
Next 5 years thereafter	$ 174,283
Minimum
Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans Table Text Block [Line Items]
Noncompete period following employment	2 years

Retirement Agreements and Oth74

Retirement Agreements and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Components of Net Periodic Benefit Cost (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Service cost - benefits earned during the year	$ 0	$ 10,180	$ 16,748
Interest cost on the projected benefit obligation	36,869	35,123	30,772
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost	0	0	4,390
Amortization of unrecognized losses	8,612	8,941	3,514
Net periodic benefits costs	$ 45,481	$ 54,244	$ 55,424

Retirement Agreements and Oth75

Retirement Agreements and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Effected of the Funded Status on the Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Fully eligible active employee	$ (895,727)	$ (928,492)
Non-eligible active employees	0	0
Plan assets	0	0
Funded status of accumulated postretirement benefit obligation, recognized in other liabilities	$ (895,727)	$ (928,492)

Retirement Agreements and Oth76

Retirement Agreements and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Development of the Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan, Change in Benefit Obligation [Roll Forward]
Accrued postretirement benefit obligation at beginning of year	$ (928,492)	$ (882,623)
Service cost – benefits earned during the year	0	(10,180)	$ (16,748)
Interest cost on projected benefit obligation	(36,869)	(35,123)	(30,772)
Actuarial gain (loss)	69,634	(566)
Accrued postretirement benefit obligation at end of year	$ (895,727)	$ (928,492)	$ (882,623)

Retirement Agreements and Oth77

Retirement Agreements and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Changes in Amounts Related to Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Pre-tax (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Balance at beginning of year	$ 165,437	$ 173,812
Unrecognized prior service cost	0	0	$ (4,390)
Amortization of loss, net	(8,612)	(8,941)	(3,514)
Actuarial (gain) loss	(69,634)	566	63,566
Balance at end of year	$ 87,191	$ 165,437	$ 173,812

Retirement Agreements and Oth78

Retirement Agreements and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Amounts in Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Pre-tax, to be Recognized as Components of Net Periodic Benefit Costs (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
Amortization of unrecognized prior service cost	$ 0
Amortization of unrecognized loss	0
Net periodic benefit cost at end of year	$ 0

Retirement Agreements and Oth79

Retirement Agreements and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan Effects on Net Periodic Postretirement Benefit Cost and Accumulated Postretirement Benefit Obligation (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Retirement Benefits [Abstract]
One-Percent Point Increase: Effect on the service cost component	$ 0
One-Percent Point Increase: Effect on interest cost	6,761
One-Percent Point Increase: Total effect on the net periodic postretirement benefit cost	6,761
One-Percent Point Decrease: Effect on the service cost component	0
One-Percent Point Decrease: Effect on interest cost	(5,305)
One-Percent Point Decrease: Total effect on the net periodic postretirement benefit cost	(5,305)
One-Percent Point Increase: Effect on those currently receiving benefits (retirees and spouses)	0
One-Percent Point Increase: Effect on active fully eligible	187,814
One-Percent Point Increase: Effect on actives not yet eligible	0
One-Percent Point Increase: Total effect on the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	187,814
One-Percent Point Decrease: Effect on those currently receiving benefits (retirees and spouses)	0
One-Percent Point Decrease: Effect on active fully eligible	(147,367)
One-Percent Point Decrease: Effect on actives not yet eligible	0
One-Percent Point Decrease: Total effect on the accumulated postretirement benefit obligation	$ (147,367)

Commitments and Contingencies (

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Cash held for escrow and trust deposits	$ 20,880	$ 18,032
Like-kind exchange deposits and reverse exchange property	$ 184,985	$ 202,184

Segment Information Selected Fi

Segment Information Selected Financial Information By Segment (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of reportable segments | segment	1
Insurance And Other Services Revenue	$ 156,163,948	$ 133,039,489	$ 122,784,916
Investment income	4,444,447	4,684,489	4,531,319
Net realized gain (loss) on investments	1,040,901	768,436	(116,163)
Total Revenues	161,649,296	138,492,414	127,200,072
Operating expenses	131,378,726	110,360,962	109,423,019
Income (loss) before income taxes	30,270,570	28,131,452	17,777,053
Total assets	248,912,859	228,938,122	211,522,029
Title Insurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Insurance And Other Services Revenue	154,333,311	128,408,746	118,144,981
Investment income	4,992,127	4,329,605	4,073,857
Net realized gain (loss) on investments	931,635	644,850	(13,603)
Total Revenues	160,257,073	133,383,201	122,205,235
Operating expenses	129,095,939	105,885,770	104,594,829
Income (loss) before income taxes	31,161,134	27,497,431	17,610,406
Total assets	193,827,920	183,763,655	163,582,898
All Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Insurance And Other Services Revenue	7,530,496	6,808,392	6,479,484
Investment income	546,105	564,891	574,132
Net realized gain (loss) on investments	109,266	123,586	(102,560)
Total Revenues	8,185,867	7,496,869	6,951,056
Operating expenses	7,912,962	6,583,157	6,598,055
Income (loss) before income taxes	272,905	913,712	353,001
Total assets	55,084,939	45,174,467	47,939,131
Intersegment Eliminations
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Insurance And Other Services Revenue	(5,699,859)	(2,177,649)	(1,839,549)
Investment income	(1,093,785)	(210,007)	(116,670)
Net realized gain (loss) on investments	0	0	0
Total Revenues	(6,793,644)	(2,387,656)	(1,956,219)
Operating expenses	(5,630,175)	(2,107,965)	(1,769,865)
Income (loss) before income taxes	(1,163,469)	(279,691)	(186,354)
Total assets	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

Stockholders' Equity (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017Vote$ / Rightshares	Dec. 31, 2016shares	Oct. 31, 2012$ / sharesshares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Number of votes | Vote	100
Shares of Class A Preferred Stock Available Per Right	0.01
Threshold of days following requirements for exercise rights	10 days
Redemption price per right | $ / Right	0.01
Purchase price of preferred stock per Unit | $ / shares			$ 220
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized	200,000	200,000	200,000
Minimum
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Threshold of common stock percentage for common stock diluted	15.00%
Ownership percentage of common stock	15.00%
Threshold of beneficial ownership of outstanding common stock for the Rights exchanging	15.00%
Threshold of percentage of assets or earning power sold or transferred for merger	50.00%
Threshold of prior acquisition common stock percentage for the Right exchanging	50.00%
Plan Amendment [Member]
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Purchase price of preferred stock per Unit | $ / shares			$ 80
Plan Amendment [Member] | Preferred Class A
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares authorized			100,000

Concentration of Credit Risk (D

Concentration of Credit Risk (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Risks and Uncertainties [Abstract]
Threshold of not insured deposits by FDIC	$ 250,000
Cash and cash equivalents	20,214,468	$ 27,928,472	$ 21,790,068	$ 15,826,515
Cash and cash equivalents uninsured amount	$ 19,300,000	$ 27,100,000

Business Concentration (Details

Business Concentration (Details) - Geographic Concentration Risk	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
NORTH CAROLINA
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration percentage	38.30%	35.50%	32.50%
TEXAS
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration percentage	19.10%	20.00%	22.50%
SOUTH CAROLINA
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration percentage	10.30%	10.10%	10.10%

Related Party Transactions Summ

Related Party Transactions Summary Of Approximate Values By Year Found Within Consolidated Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Other investments	$ 12,032,426	$ 11,181,531
Premiums and fees receivable	10,159,519	8,654,161
Title Insurance Agencies
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Other investments	6,594,000	6,437,000
Premiums and fees receivable	$ 720,000	$ 56,000

Related Party Transactions Su86

Related Party Transactions Summary Of Approximate Values By Year Found Within Consolidated Statements Of Income (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Net premiums written	$ 138,588,877	$ 120,569,151	$ 111,909,473
Other income	17,575,071	12,470,338	10,875,443
Insurance Commissions	68,643,220	63,643,321	62,174,301
Title Insurance Agencies
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Net premiums written	14,355,000	15,016,000	14,015,000
Other income	2,240,000	2,317,000	2,618,000
Insurance Commissions	$ 9,864,000	$ 10,394,000	$ 9,700,000

Business Combinations, Intang87

Business Combinations, Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Details) - USD ($)	Nov. 01, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)		$ 153,667
Goodwill		4,349,851
Title Plants		690,000
Goodwill, Impairment Loss		$ 29,000
University Title Company [Domain]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Fair value of total consideration to be transferred	$ 10,000,000
Business Combination Consideration Transferred for Net Cash Position	$ 918,000

Business Combinations, Intang88

Business Combinations, Intangible Assets and Goodwill Schedule of Aggregate Amortization Expense for Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Combinations [Abstract]
2,018	$ 642,253
2,019	568,920
2,020	568,920
2,021	561,587
2,022	524,920
Thereafter	4,140,839
Identifiable intangible assets, net	$ 7,007,439	$ 7,906,790

Business Combinations, Intang89

Business Combinations, Intangible Assets and Goodwill Schedule of Finite-Lived Intangible Assets (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Referral relationships	$ 6,416,215	$ 6,416,215
Non-compete agreements	1,405,685	1,405,685
Tradename	560,000	560,000
Identifiable intangible assets, gross	8,381,900	8,381,900
Accumulated amortization	(1,374,461)	(475,110)
Identifiable intangible assets, net	$ 7,007,439	$ 7,906,790

Accumulated Other Comprehensi90

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Balances Of Each Component Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Net Of Tax (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 11,761,447	$ 11,483,015	$ 12,856,509
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	4,968,754	757,647	(1,397,270)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(785,375)	(479,215)	23,776
Other comprehensive income (loss)	4,183,379	278,432	(1,373,494)
Ending balance	15,944,826	11,761,447	11,483,015
Unrealized Gains And Losses On Available-For-Sale Securities
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	11,870,647	11,597,741	12,934,497
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	4,922,796	758,021	(1,355,316)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	(791,061)	(485,115)	18,560
Other comprehensive income (loss)	4,131,735	272,906	(1,336,756)
Ending balance	16,002,382	11,870,647	11,597,741
Postretirement Benefits Plans
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	(109,200)	(114,726)	(77,988)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	45,958	(374)	(41,954)
Amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income	5,686	5,900	5,216
Other comprehensive income (loss)	51,644	5,526	(36,738)
Ending balance	$ (57,556)	$ (109,200)	$ (114,726)

Accumulated Other Comprehensi91

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net realized gain (loss) on investment		$ 1,040,901	$ 768,436	$ (116,163)
Prior year service cost		0	0	(4,390)
Unrecognized loss		(8,612)	(8,941)	(3,514)
Income before Income Taxes		30,270,570	28,131,452	17,777,053
Tax		(4,570,000)	(8,616,000)	(5,228,000)
Net income		25,700,570	19,515,452	12,549,053
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net income		785,375	479,215	(23,776)
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Unrealized Gains And Losses On Available-For-Sale Securities
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Net realized gain (loss) on investment		1,227,265	972,672	718,837
Other-than-temporary impairments		(25,411)	(233,941)	(751,059)
Income before Income Taxes		1,201,854	738,731	(32,222)
Tax		(410,793)	(253,616)	13,662
Net income		791,061	485,115	(18,560)
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income | Postretirement Benefits Plans
Reclassification Adjustment Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Line Items]
Prior year service cost		0	0	(4,390)
Unrecognized loss		(8,612)	(8,941)	(3,514)
Income before Income Taxes	[1]	(8,612)	(8,941)	(7,904)
Tax		2,926	3,041	2,688
Net income		$ (5,686)	$ (5,900)	$ (5,216)
[1]	These accumulated other comprehensive income components are not reclassified to net income in their entirety in the same reporting period. The amounts are presented within salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes on the Consolidated Statements of Income as amortized. Amortization related to postretirement benefit plans is included in the computation of net periodic pension costs, as discussed in Note 10.

Schedule I (Details)

Schedule I (Details)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	$ 161,120,548	[1],[2]
Market Value	185,511,753	[2]
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	185,511,753	[2],[3]
Investments in related party accounted for under the cost and equity method	1,008,254
Fixed maturities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	100,314,085	[1]
Market Value	103,341,083
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	103,341,083	[3]
Government obligation
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	1,042,921
Market Value	1,041,970
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	1,041,970
General obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	23,979,386
Market Value	24,435,873
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	24,435,873
Special revenue issuer obligations of U.S. states, territories and political subdivisions
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	45,848,032
Market Value	47,470,175
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	47,470,175
Public utilities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	16,953,592
Market Value	17,383,561
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	17,383,561
Corporate debt securities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	12,490,154
Market Value	13,009,504
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	13,009,504
Equity securities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	26,002,619	[1]
Market Value	47,366,826
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	47,366,826	[3]
Public utilities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	312,656
Market Value	459,265
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	459,265
Banks, trusts and insurance companies
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	5,213,975
Market Value	9,112,321
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	9,112,321
Industrial, miscellaneous and all other
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	17,596,334
Market Value	30,385,656
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	30,385,656
Technology
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	2,879,654
Market Value	7,409,584
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	7,409,584
Short-term investments
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	23,779,672
Market Value	23,779,672
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	23,779,672
Other investments
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	11,024,172
Market Value	11,024,172
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	11,024,172
Total other investments
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	34,803,844
Market Value	34,803,844
Amount at which shown in the Balance Sheet	$ 34,803,844
[1]	Fixed maturities are shown at amortized cost and equity securities are shown at original cost
[2]	The above summary of investments does not include investments in related parties accounted for under the cost and equity methods of accounting in the amount of $1,008,254.
[3]	All fixed maturities presented are classified as available-for-sale and shown at estimated fair value. Equity securities are shown at fair value.

Schedule II _Disclosure_ - Con

Schedule II [Disclosure] - Condensed Balance Sheets (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 20,214,468	$ 27,928,472	$ 21,790,068	$ 15,826,515
Available-for-sale, fixed maturity	103,341,083	101,934,077
Available for sale securities, equity securities	47,366,826	41,179,259
Short-term investments	23,779,672	6,558,840
Other investments	12,032,426	11,181,531
Premiums and fees receivable	10,159,519	8,654,161
Accrued interest and dividends	1,099,879	1,035,152
Property, net	10,172,904	8,753,466
Total Assets	248,912,859	228,938,122	211,522,029
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	27,565,660	26,146,480
Deferred income taxes, net	8,625,759	11,118,256
Total liabilities	70,992,419	73,802,168
Preferred stock (1,000,000 authorized shares; no shares issued)	0	0
Common stock – no par value (10,000,000 authorized shares; 1,885,993 and 1,884,283 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, excluding in each period 291,676 shares of common stock held by the Company)	1	1
Retained earnings	161,890,660	143,283,621
Accumulated other comprehensive income	15,944,826	11,761,447	11,483,015	12,856,509
Total stockholders’ equity	177,835,487	155,045,069
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$ 248,912,859	$ 228,938,122
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, no par value
Common stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	1,885,993	1,884,283
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,885,993	1,884,283
Common stock, held by Company's subsidiary	291,676	291,676
Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 5,872,001	$ 10,178,219	$ 8,347,004	$ 7,942,481
Available-for-sale, fixed maturity	22,713,771	16,505,866
Available for sale securities, equity securities	3,691,564	3,193,268
Short-term investments	5,808,966	3,162,283
Investments in affiliated companies	128,580,223	113,234,094
Other investments	5,167,102	4,318,296
Premiums and fees receivable	94,521	99,878
Other receivables	1,629,758	1,986,634
Income taxes recoverable	3,878,824	2,562,589
Accrued interest and dividends	198,297	86,481
Property, net	2,253,866	2,340,605
Total Assets	179,888,893	157,668,213
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,916,253	2,370,963
Deferred income taxes, net	137,153	252,181
Total liabilities	2,053,406	2,623,144
Preferred stock (1,000,000 authorized shares; no shares issued)	0	0
Common stock – no par value (10,000,000 authorized shares; 1,885,993 and 1,884,283 shares issued and outstanding as of December 31, 2017 and December 31, 2016, respectively, excluding in each period 291,676 shares of common stock held by the Company)	1	1
Retained earnings	161,890,660	143,283,621
Accumulated other comprehensive income	15,944,826	11,761,447
Total stockholders’ equity	177,835,487	155,045,069
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity	$ 179,888,893	$ 157,668,213
Preferred stock, shares authorized	1,000,000	1,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Common stock, no par value
Common stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	1,885,993	1,884,283
Common stock, shares outstanding	1,885,993	1,884,283
Common stock, held by Company's subsidiary	291,676	291,676

Schedule II _Disclosure_ - C94

Schedule II [Disclosure] - Condensed Statement of Income (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Investment income – interest and dividends	$ 4,444,447	$ 4,684,489	$ 4,531,319
Net realized gain (loss) on investments	1,040,901	768,436	(116,163)
Other	17,575,071	12,470,338	10,875,443
Total Revenues	161,649,296	138,492,414	127,200,072
Salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes	39,012,354	31,372,099	28,041,213
Office occupancy and operations	8,966,623	6,265,908	5,885,336
Business development	3,164,730	2,511,699	2,373,270
Professional and contract labor fees	1,825,598	2,115,754	2,691,411
Other expenses	2,585,074	1,099,408	884,438
Income before Income Taxes	30,270,570	28,131,452	17,777,053
Income Tax Benefit	4,570,000	8,616,000	5,228,000
Net Income	25,700,570	19,515,452	12,549,053
Net Loss (Income) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	(5,932)	(7,666)	15,148
Net Income Attributable to the Company	$ 25,706,502	$ 19,523,118	$ 12,533,905
Basic Earnings per Common Share	$ 13.63	$ 10.23	$ 6.32
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Basic	1,886,354	1,907,675	1,984,360
Diluted Earnings per Common Share	$ 13.56	$ 10.19	$ 6.30
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Diluted	1,895,871	1,915,057	1,989,799
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 3.75	$ 0.72	$ 0.40
Parent Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Investment income – interest and dividends	$ 501,653	$ 525,453	$ 535,963
Net realized gain (loss) on investments	35,834	77,895	(152,026)
Rental income	812,951	772,123	765,134
Other	220,497	77,074	385,058
Total Revenues	1,570,935	1,452,545	1,534,129
Salaries, employee benefits and payroll taxes	1,004,177	664,436	651,957
Office occupancy and operations	213,547	236,954	239,176
Business development	98,562	99,229	76,684
Taxes – other than payroll and income	396,084	183,566	213,466
Professional and contract labor fees	134,659	377,738	378,265
Other expenses	269,300	246,375	198,788
Total operating expenses	2,116,329	1,808,298	1,758,336
Equity in Net Income of Affiliated Companies	25,633,964	19,665,205	12,640,260
Income before Income Taxes	25,088,570	19,309,452	12,416,053
Income Tax Benefit	(612,000)	(206,000)	(133,000)
Net Income	25,700,570	19,515,452	12,549,053
Net Loss (Income) Attributable to Noncontrolling Interests	(5,932)	(7,666)	15,148
Net Income Attributable to the Company	$ 25,706,502	$ 19,523,118	$ 12,533,905
Basic Earnings per Common Share	$ 13.63	$ 10.23	$ 6.32
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Basic	1,886,354	1,907,675	1,984,360
Diluted Earnings per Common Share	$ 13.56	$ 10.19	$ 6.30
Weighted Average Shares Outstanding – Diluted	1,895,871	1,915,057	1,989,799
Common Stock, Dividends, Per Share, Declared	$ 3.75	$ 0.72	$ 0.40

Schedule II _Disclosure_ - C95

Schedule II [Disclosure] - Condensed Statement of Cash Flows (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating Activities
Net income	$ 25,700,570	$ 19,515,452	$ 12,549,053
Depreciation	1,434,771	1,306,643	1,105,839
Amortization of investments, net	788,390	772,100	728,510
Net loss on disposals of property	(22,499)	(12,439)	(24,867)
Net realized (gain) loss on securities	(1,201,854)	(738,731)	32,222
Net loss (earnings) from other investments	(21,714)	(29,705)	(149,128)
(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes	(4,664,000)	2,790,000	1,015,000
Decrease (increase) in receivables	(1,505,358)	(261,464)	217,594
(Increase) decrease in income taxes recoverable	(385,109)	0	0
(Increase) decrease in other assets	388,113	2,631,205	(4,879,418)
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	1,463,814	(581,518)	6,689,204
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	19,893,180	22,567,262	16,916,506
Investing Activities
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	(23,066,396)	(19,424,849)	(20,164,353)
Purchases of short-term securities	(26,413,954)	(1,775,239)	(4,593,240)
Purchases of and net earnings from other investments	(1,873,398)	(2,743,413)	(3,717,978)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities	22,126,726	20,258,089	22,151,408
Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term securities	9,227,942	2,081,805	304,827
Proceeds from sales and distributions of other investments	2,695,670	3,437,999	3,911,286
Proceeds from sales of other assets	21,714	17,601	149,128
Purchases of property	(2,882,732)	(2,456,951)	(2,742,619)
Proceeds from disposals of property	51,022	91,656	75,060
Net cash used in investing activities	(20,288,406)	(8,838,598)	(4,699,081)
Financing Activities
Repurchases of common stock	(244,831)	(6,219,670)	(5,483,953)
Exercise of stock appreciation rights and options	(737)	(200)	54,988
Proceeds from note payable	0	6,000,000	0
Payments on note payable	0	(6,000,000)	0
Cash Dividends Paid per Common Share	(7,073,210)	(1,370,390)	(789,907)
Net cash used in financing activities	(7,318,778)	(7,590,260)	(6,253,872)
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(7,714,004)	6,138,404	5,963,553
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period	27,928,472	21,790,068	15,826,515
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	20,214,468	27,928,472	21,790,068
Parent Company
Operating Activities
Net income	25,700,570	19,515,452	12,549,053
Equity in net earnings of subsidiaries	(25,633,964)	(19,665,205)	(12,640,260)
Depreciation	97,407	93,086	112,690
Amortization of investments, net	157,674	163,989	192,654
Share-based compensation expense related to stock appreciation rights and options	219,315	132,098	137,759
Net loss on disposals of property	2,955	0	1,683
Net realized (gain) loss on securities	(35,834)	(77,895)	152,026
Net loss (earnings) from other investments	4,994	(13,135)	(237,686)
(Benefit) provision for deferred income taxes	(211,000)	(18,000)	13,000
Decrease (increase) in receivables	362,233	1,037,423	(847,177)
(Increase) decrease in income taxes recoverable	(1,316,235)	(796,982)	169,803
(Increase) decrease in other assets	(111,816)	33,888	7,852
(Decrease) increase in accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(454,710)	(896,311)	1,192,927
Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities	(1,218,411)	(491,592)	804,324
Investing Activities
Purchase of subsidiary	0	(10,918,003)	0
Dividends received from subsidiaries	14,816,379	17,330,948	7,630,835
Purchases of available-for-sale securities	(13,178,177)	(1,783,223)	(260,044)
Purchases of short-term securities	(5,835,325)	(3,162,283)	(2,721,578)
Purchases of and net earnings from other investments	(1,049,680)	(1,552,769)	(2,007,798)
Proceeds from sales and maturities of available-for-sale securities	6,616,875	6,815,907	2,475,557
Proceeds from sales and maturities of short-term securities	3,188,641	3,005,647	0
Proceeds from sales and distributions of other investments	195,881	321,758	734,170
Purchases of property	(13,623)	(144,915)	(32,071)
Net cash used in investing activities	4,740,971	9,913,067	5,819,071
Financing Activities
Repurchases of common stock	(244,831)	(6,219,670)	(5,483,953)
Exercise of stock appreciation rights and options	(737)	(200)	54,988
Proceeds from note payable	0	6,000,000	0
Payments on note payable	0	(6,000,000)	0
Capital Contribution to Subsidiary	(510,000)	0	0
Cash Dividends Paid per Common Share	(7,073,210)	(1,370,390)	(789,907)
Net cash used in financing activities	(7,828,778)	(7,590,260)	(6,218,872)
Net (Decrease) Increase in Cash and Cash Equivalents	(4,306,218)	1,831,215	404,523
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period	10,178,219	8,347,004	7,942,481
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period	5,872,001	10,178,219	8,347,004
Supplemental Disclosures:
Income tax payments, net	$ 11,447,000	$ 4,964,000	$ 4,598,000

Schedule II _Disclosure_ - Not

Schedule II [Disclosure] - Notes to Condensed Financial Statements (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017		Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash dividends paid to parent by wholly owned subsidiaries	$ 14,816,379		$ 17,330,948	$ 7,630,835
Investors Title Insurance Company, net
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash dividends paid (received) to (from) Parent Company	13,236,379	[1]	15,838,248	7,134,823
Cash dividends paid to parent by wholly owned subsidiaries	14,330,164		16,048,255	7,251,493
Dividend received from parent company	1,093,785		210,007	116,670
Investors Title Exchange Corporation
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash dividends paid to parent by wholly owned subsidiaries	300,000		100,000	245,000
Investors Title Accommodation Corporation
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash dividends paid to parent by wholly owned subsidiaries	80,000		45,000	12,000
Investors Capital Management Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash dividends paid to parent by wholly owned subsidiaries	0		0	9,012
Investors Trust Company
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash dividends paid to parent by wholly owned subsidiaries	200,000		750,000	0
Investors Title Commercial Agency, LLC
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash dividends paid to parent by wholly owned subsidiaries	150,000		125,000	230,000
National Investors Holdings [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash dividends paid to parent by wholly owned subsidiaries	$ 850,000		$ 472,700	$ 0
[1]	Total dividends of $14,330,164, $16,048,255 and $7,251,493 paid to the Parent Company in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, netted with dividends of $1,093,785, $210,007 and $116,670 received from the Parent Company in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively.

Schedule III (Details)

Schedule III (Details) - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expenses	34,801,000	35,305,000	37,788,000
Unearned Premiums	0	0	0
Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	537,379	475,700	341,191
Premium Revenue	138,588,877	120,569,151	111,909,473
Net Investment Income	4,444,447	4,684,489	4,531,319
Benefits, Claims. Losses and Settlement Expenses	3,311,080	242,953	4,478,494
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	0	0	0
Other Operating Expenses	128,067,646	110,118,009	104,944,525
Title Insurance
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	0	0	0
Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expenses	34,801,000	35,305,000	37,788,000
Unearned Premiums	0	0	0
Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	537,379	475,700	341,191
Premium Revenue	138,588,877	120,569,151	111,909,473
Net Investment Income	3,898,342	4,119,598	3,957,187
Benefits, Claims. Losses and Settlement Expenses	3,311,080	242,953	4,478,494
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	0	0	0
Other Operating Expenses	120,247,790	103,585,220	98,417,207
All Other
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Supplementary Insurance Information, Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	0	0	0
Future Policy Benefits, Losses, Claims and Loss Expenses	0	0	0
Unearned Premiums	0	0	0
Other Policy Claims and Benefits Payable	0	0	0
Premium Revenue	0	0	0
Net Investment Income	546,105	564,891	574,132
Benefits, Claims. Losses and Settlement Expenses	0	0	0
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	0	0	0
Other Operating Expenses	$ 7,819,856	$ 6,532,789	$ 6,527,318

Schedule IV (Details)

Schedule IV (Details) - Title Insurance - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Direct Premiums Earned	$ 138,850,280	$ 120,692,847	$ 112,090,537
Ceded Premiums Earned	264,159	140,942	214,667
Assumed Premiums Earned	2,756	17,246	33,603
Net Amount	$ 138,588,877	$ 120,569,151	$ 111,909,473
Premiums, Percentage Assumed to Net	0.00%	0.01%	0.03%

Schedule V (Details)

Schedule V (Details) - USD ($)		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Valuation Provision
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period		$ 372,172	$ 3,552,779	$ 3,022,731
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses		5,783,429	2,679,300	6,267,911
Additions Charge to Other Accounts – Describe		0	0	0
Deductions – Describe	[1]	(5,779,869)	(5,859,907)	(5,737,863)
Balance at End of Period		375,732	372,172	3,552,779
Reserves for Claims
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]
Balance at Beginning of Period		35,305,000	37,788,000	36,677,000
Additions Charged to Costs and Expenses		3,311,080	242,953	4,478,494
Additions Charge to Other Accounts – Describe		0	0	0
Deductions – Describe	[2]	(3,815,080)	(2,725,953)	(3,367,494)
Balance at End of Period		$ 34,801,000	$ 35,305,000	$ 37,788,000
[1]	Canceled premiums
[2]	Payments of claims, net of recoveries