Donegal (DGICA) 10-Q 11 May 15 2015 Q1 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	1-May-15
Document Information [Line Items]
Document Type	10-Q
Amendment Flag	FALSE
Document Period End Date	31-Mar-15
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	Q1
Trading Symbol	DGICA
Entity Registrant Name	DONEGAL GROUP INC
Entity Central Index Key	800457
Current Fiscal Year End Date	-19
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		21,952,039
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Document Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		5,576,775

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fixed maturities
Held to maturity, at amortized cost	$305,005,882	$307,391,699
Available for sale, at fair value	460,621,748	435,149,784
Equity securities, available for sale, at fair value	31,441,616	30,822,022
Investments in affiliates	39,433,841	39,283,924
Short-term investments, at cost, which approximates fair value	15,873,206	20,293,648
Total investments	852,376,293	832,941,077
Cash	27,913,112	35,578,509
Accrued investment income	6,475,577	5,751,376
Premiums receivable	143,668,330	133,306,961
Reinsurance receivable	265,967,213	253,635,890
Deferred policy acquisition costs	50,068,460	48,298,608
Deferred tax asset, net	16,712,715	17,146,303
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	116,698,920	115,871,783
Property and equipment, net	7,475,919	7,668,340
Federal income taxes recoverable		581,477
Goodwill	5,625,354	5,625,354
Other intangible assets	958,010	958,010
Other	1,328,972	1,290,956
Total assets	1,495,268,875	1,458,654,644
Liabilities
Unpaid losses and loss expenses	557,000,689	538,258,406
Unearned premiums	419,591,008	408,646,363
Accrued expenses	16,685,393	19,429,627
Reinsurance balances payable	7,742,072	7,841,172
Borrowings under lines of credit	55,000,000	53,500,000
Cash dividends declared		3,467,273
Subordinated debentures	5,000,000	5,000,000
Accounts payable - securities	1,133,854
Federal income taxes payable	1,152,359
Due to affiliate	2,662,207	2,409,347
Drafts payable	1,192,613	1,950,765
Other	2,578,335	2,017,048
Total liabilities	1,069,738,530	1,042,520,001
Stockholders' Equity
Preferred stock, $.01 par value, authorized 2,000,000 shares; none issued
Additional paid-in capital	202,971,367	200,348,783
Accumulated other comprehensive income	5,481,220	5,353,269
Retained earnings	229,897,853	223,253,887
Treasury stock	-13,101,682	-13,101,682
Total stockholders' equity	425,530,345	416,134,643
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,495,268,875	1,458,654,644
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock value	225,095	223,894
Total stockholders' equity	225,095	223,894
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Stockholders' Equity
Common stock value	56,492	56,492
Total stockholders' equity	$56,492	$56,492

Consolidated_Balance_Sheets_Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Preferred stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	2,000,000	2,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	0	0
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	40,000,000	40,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	22,509,452	22,389,369
Common stock, shares outstanding	21,567,744	21,447,661
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Common stock, par value	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	5,649,240	5,649,240
Common stock, shares outstanding	5,576,775	5,576,775

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc

Consolidated Statements of Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Revenues:
Net premiums earned	$146,529,816	$133,548,261
Investment income, net of investment expenses	4,948,953	4,615,776
Net realized investment gains (losses)	1,046,521	-88,532
Lease income	200,073	212,790
Installment payment fees	1,520,325	1,641,550
Equity in earnings of Donegal Financial Services Corporation	526,760	409,242
Total revenues	154,772,448	140,339,087
Expenses:
Net losses and loss expenses	95,939,312	97,632,392
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs	24,010,000	21,319,000
Other underwriting expenses	23,833,064	20,458,719
Policyholder dividends	917,837	394,503
Interest	330,538	365,482
Other expenses	726,392	962,207
Total expenses	145,757,143	141,132,303
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	9,015,305	-793,216
Income tax expense (benefit)	2,160,969	-158,802
Net income (loss)	$6,854,336	($634,414)
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Common stock - basic	$0.26	($0.02)
Common stock - diluted	$0.25	($0.02)
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Earnings (loss) per common share:
Common stock - basic	$0.23	($0.02)
Common stock - diluted	$0.23	($0.02)
Common stock - basic and diluted	$0.23	($0.02)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Inc1

Consolidated Statements of Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Net realized investment gains (losses)	$1,046,521	($88,532)
Income tax expense (benefit)	2,160,969	-158,802
Reclassification out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]
Net realized investment gains (losses)	1,046,521	-88,532
Income tax expense (benefit)	$366,282	($30,101)

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income (loss)	$6,854,336	($634,414)
Unrealized gain on securities:
Unrealized holding income during the period, net of income tax expense of $435,178 and $2,258,082	808,190	4,191,051
Reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses included in net income, net of income tax expense (benefit) of $366,282 and ($30,101)	-680,239	58,431
Other comprehensive income	127,951	4,249,482
Comprehensive income	$6,982,287	$3,615,068

Consolidated_Statements_of_Com1

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Income tax expense on unrealized holding income arising during the period	$435,178	$2,258,082
Income tax expense (benefit) on reclassification adjustment for (gains) losses	$366,282	($30,101)

Consolidated_Statement_of_Stoc

Consolidated Statement of Stockholders' Equity (USD $)	Total	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Treasury Stock [Member]	Class A Common Stock [Member]	Class B Common Stock [Member]
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2014	$416,134,643	$200,348,783	$5,353,269	$223,253,887	($13,101,682)	$223,894	$56,492
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2014						22,389,369	5,649,240
Issuance of common stock (stock compensation plans)	2,352,383	2,351,182				1,201
Issuance of common stock (stock compensation plans), shares						120,083
Net income	6,854,336			6,854,336
Cash dividends declared	-10,218			-10,218
Grant of stock options		200,152		-200,152
Tax benefit on exercise of stock options	71,250	71,250
Other comprehensive income	127,951		127,951
Ending balance at Mar. 31, 2015	$425,530,345	$202,971,367	$5,481,220	$229,897,853	($13,101,682)	$225,095	$56,492
Ending balance, shares at Mar. 31, 2015						22,509,452	5,649,240

Consolidated_Statements_of_Cas

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Cash Flows from Operating Activities:
Net income (loss)	$6,854,336	($634,414)
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	1,099,355	793,240
Net realized investment (gains) losses	-1,046,521	88,532
Equity in earnings of Donegal Financial Services Corporation	-526,760	-409,242
Changes in assets and liabilities:
Losses and loss expenses	18,742,283	14,503,090
Unearned premiums	10,944,645	15,062,954
Premiums receivable	-10,361,369	-9,438,265
Deferred acquisition costs	-1,769,852	-1,779,873
Deferred income taxes	364,693	136,054
Reinsurance receivable	-12,331,323	-7,840,714
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	-827,137	-4,029,194
Accrued investment income	-724,201	-1,074,592
Due to affiliate	252,860	-508,059
Reinsurance balances payable	-99,100	-5,438,306
Current income taxes	1,733,836	-311,031
Accrued expenses	-2,744,234	-4,643,285
Other, net	-234,881	234,873
Net adjustments	2,472,294	-4,653,818
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	9,326,630	-5,288,232
Cash Flows from Investing Activities:
Purchases of fixed maturities, held to maturity	-5,206,151	-69,863,688
Purchases of fixed maturities, available for sale	-61,903,285	-34,438,401
Purchases of equity securities, available for sale	-2,902,385	-10,837,100
Maturity of fixed maturities:
Held to maturity	7,419,966	13,941,822
Available for sale	17,529,168	9,197,730
Sales of fixed maturities, available for sale	19,916,071	1,235,464
Sales of equity securities, available for sale	2,666,225	2,329,866
Net purchases of property and equipment	-21,805	-832,686
Net decrease in investment in affiliates	675,100
Net sales of short-term investments	4,420,442	83,310,206
Net cash used in investing activities	-17,406,654	-5,956,787
Cash Flows from Financing Activities:
Cash dividends paid	-3,477,491	-3,302,286
Issuance of common stock	2,392,118	1,075,959
Purchase of treasury stock		-12,026
Borrowings under lines of credit	1,500,000	3,000,000
Net cash provided by financing activities	414,627	761,647
Net decrease in cash	-7,665,397	-10,483,372
Cash at beginning of period	35,578,509	27,636,416
Cash at end of period	27,913,112	17,153,044
Cash paid during period - Interest	265,366	299,614
Net cash paid during period - Taxes	$0	$0

Organization

Organization	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Organization	1 -	Organization
	Donegal Mutual Insurance Company (“Donegal Mutual”) organized us as an insurance holding company on August 26, 1986. Our insurance subsidiaries, Atlantic States Insurance Company (“Atlantic States”), Southern Insurance Company of Virginia (“Southern”), Le Mars Insurance Company (“Le Mars”), the Peninsula Insurance Group (“Peninsula”), which consists of Peninsula Indemnity Company and The Peninsula Insurance Company, Sheboygan Falls Insurance Company (“Sheboygan”) and Michigan Insurance Company (“MICO”), write personal and commercial lines of property and casualty coverages exclusively through a network of independent insurance agents in certain Mid-Atlantic, Midwestern, New England and Southern states. We also own 48.2% of the outstanding stock of Donegal Financial Services Corporation (“DFSC”), a grandfathered unitary savings and loan holding company that owns Union Community Bank (“UCB”), a state savings bank. UCB has 14 banking offices, all of which are located in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Donegal Mutual owns the remaining 51.8% of the outstanding stock of DFSC.
	We have four segments: our investment function, our personal lines of insurance, our commercial lines of insurance and our investment in DFSC. The personal lines products of our insurance subsidiaries consist primarily of homeowners and private passenger automobile policies. The commercial lines products of our insurance subsidiaries consist primarily of commercial automobile, commercial multi-peril and workers’ compensation policies.
	At March 31, 2015, Donegal Mutual held approximately 36% of our outstanding Class A common stock and approximately 76% of our outstanding Class B common stock. This ownership provides Donegal Mutual with approximately 65% of the total voting power of our common stock. We believe Donegal Mutual’s voting control is beneficial to us for the reasons we describe in our Annual Report on Form 10-K. Our insurance subsidiaries and Donegal Mutual have interrelated operations due to a pooling agreement and other intercompany agreements and transactions. While each company maintains its separate corporate existence, our insurance subsidiaries and Donegal Mutual conduct business together as the Donegal Insurance Group. As such, Donegal Mutual and our insurance subsidiaries share the same business philosophy, the same management, the same employees and the same facilities and offer the same types of insurance products.
	Atlantic States, our largest subsidiary, participates in a pooling agreement with Donegal Mutual. Under the pooling agreement, the two companies pool their insurance business and each company receives an allocated percentage of the pooled business. Atlantic States has an 80% share of the results of the pooled business, and Donegal Mutual has a 20% share of the results of the pooled business.
	The same executive management and underwriting personnel administer products, classes of business underwritten, pricing practices and underwriting standards of Donegal Mutual and our insurance subsidiaries. In addition, as the Donegal Insurance Group, Donegal Mutual and our insurance subsidiaries share a combined business plan to achieve market penetration and underwriting profitability objectives. The products our insurance subsidiaries and Donegal Mutual market are generally complementary, thereby allowing the Donegal Insurance Group to offer a broader range of products to a given market and to expand the Donegal Insurance Group’s ability to service an entire personal lines or commercial lines account. Distinctions within the products of Donegal Mutual and our insurance subsidiaries generally relate to specific risk profiles targeted within similar classes of business, such as preferred tier products versus standard tier products, but we do not allocate all of the standard risk gradients to one company. Therefore, the underwriting profitability of the business the individual companies write directly will vary. However, as the risk characteristics of all business Donegal Mutual and Atlantic States write directly are homogenized within the underwriting pool, Donegal Mutual and Atlantic States share the underwriting results in proportion to their respective participation in the pool. Pooled business represents the predominant percentage of the net underwriting activity of both Donegal Mutual and Atlantic States.
	On February 23, 2009, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program pursuant to which we may purchase up to 300,000 shares of our Class A common stock at prices prevailing from time to time in the open market subject to the provisions of applicable rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) and in privately negotiated transactions. We did not purchase any shares of our Class A common stock under this program during the three-month period ended March 31, 2015. We purchased 846 shares of our Class A common stock under this program during the three months ended March 31, 2014. At March 31, 2015, we had the authority remaining to purchase 3,222 shares under this program.
	On July 18, 2013, our board of directors authorized a share repurchase program pursuant to which we have the authority to purchase up to 500,000 additional shares of our Class A common stock at prices prevailing from time to time in the open market subject to the provisions of applicable rules of the SEC and in privately negotiated transactions. We did not purchase any shares of our Class A common stock under this program during the three months ended March 31, 2015 or 2014.

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Presentation	2 -	Basis of Presentation
	Our financial information for the interim periods included in this Form 10-Q Report is unaudited; however, such information reflects all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments that, in the opinion of our management, are necessary for a fair presentation of our financial position, results of operations and cash flows for those interim periods. Our results of operations for the three months ended March 31, 2015 are not necessarily indicative of the results of operations we expect for the year ending December 31, 2015.
	You should read these interim financial statements in conjunction with the financial statements and the notes to our financial statements contained in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2014.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	3 -	Earnings Per Share
	We have two classes of common stock, which we refer to as our Class A common stock and our Class B common stock. Our certificate of incorporation provides that whenever our board of directors declares a dividend on our Class B common stock, our board of directors shall simultaneously declare a dividend on our Class A common stock that is payable to the holders of our Class A common stock at the same time and as of the same record date at a rate that is at least 10% greater than the rate at which our board of directors declared a dividend on our Class B common stock. Accordingly, we use the two-class method to compute our earnings per common share. The two-class method is an earnings allocation formula that determines earnings per share separately for each class of common stock based on dividends we have declared and an allocation of our remaining undistributed earnings using a participation percentage that reflects the dividend rights of each class. The table below presents for the periods indicated a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators we used to compute basic and diluted net income per share for each class of our common stock:
			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2015				2014
			Class A		Class B		Class A			Class B
			(in thousands, except per share data)
	Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share:
	Numerator:
	Allocation of net income (loss)		$	5,550	$	1,304	$	(510	)	$	(124	)
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average shares outstanding			21,533,443		5,576,775		20,873,043			5,576,775
	Basic net income (loss) per share		$	0.26	$	0.23	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.02	)
	Diluted net income (loss) per share:
	Numerator:
	Allocation of net income (loss)		$	5,550	$	1,304	$	(510	)	$	(124	)
	Denominator:
	Number of shares used in basic computation			21,533,443		5,576,775		20,873,043			5,576,775
	Weighted-average shares effect of dilutive securities
	Add: Director and employee stock options			580,446		—		380,186			—
	Number of shares used in per share computations			22,113,889		5,576,775		21,253,229			5,576,775
	Diluted net income (loss) per share		$	0.25	$	0.23	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.02	)
	We did not include outstanding options to purchase the following number of shares of Class A common stock in our computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise price of the options was greater than the average market price of our Class A common stock during the applicable period:
			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2015		2014
	Number of options to purchase Class A shares excluded			—		2,548,500

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Reinsurance	4 -	Reinsurance
	Atlantic States and Donegal Mutual have participated in a pooling agreement since 1986 under which each company places all of its direct written premiums into the pool, and Atlantic States and Donegal Mutual then share the underwriting results of the pool in accordance with the terms of the pooling agreement. Atlantic States has an 80% share of the results of the pool, and Donegal Mutual has a 20% share of the results of the pool.
	Our insurance subsidiaries and Donegal Mutual purchase certain third-party reinsurance on a combined basis. Le Mars, MICO, Peninsula and Sheboygan also purchase separate third-party reinsurance that provides coverage that we believe is commensurate with their relative size and exposures. Our insurance subsidiaries use several different reinsurers, all of which, consistent with requirements of our insurance subsidiaries and Donegal Mutual, have an A.M. Best rating of A- (Excellent) or better or, with respect to foreign reinsurers, have a financial condition that, in the opinion of our management, is equivalent to a company with at least an A- rating from A.M. Best. The following information describes the external reinsurance our insurance subsidiaries have in place for 2015:
		•	excess of loss reinsurance, under which losses are automatically reinsured, through a series of reinsurance agreements, over a set retention (generally $1.0 million), and
		•	catastrophe reinsurance, under which Donegal Mutual and our insurance subsidiaries recover, through a series of reinsurance agreements, 100% of an accumulation of many losses resulting from a single event, including natural disasters, over a set retention (generally $5.0 million) and after exceeding an annual aggregate deductible (generally $1.5 million) up to aggregate losses of $149.0 million per occurrence.
	Our insurance subsidiaries and Donegal Mutual also purchase facultative reinsurance to cover exposures from losses that exceed the limits their third-party reinsurance agreements provide.
	Until December 31, 2014, MICO maintained a quota-share reinsurance agreement with third-party reinsurers to reduce its net exposures. Effective January 1, 2015, MICO no longer maintains a quota-share reinsurance agreement with third-party reinsurers.
	In addition to the pooling agreement and third-party reinsurance, our insurance subsidiaries have various reinsurance agreements with Donegal Mutual.
	Other than the changes we discuss above, we have made no significant changes to our third-party reinsurance or the reinsurance agreements between our insurance subsidiaries and Donegal Mutual during the three months ended March 31, 2015.

Investments

Investments	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	5 -	Investments
	The amortized cost and estimated fair values of our fixed maturities and equity securities at March 31, 2015 were as follows:
			Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized			Gross Unrealized		Estimated Fair
					Gains			Losses		Value
			(in thousands)
	Held to Maturity
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies		$	51,814	$	2,508		$	—	$	54,322
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions			114,776		10,053			106		124,723
	Corporate securities			51,896		1,885			167		53,614
	Mortgage-backed securities			86,520		2,582			53		89,049
	Totals		$	305,006	$	17,028		$	326	$	321,708
			Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized			Gross Unrealized		Estimated Fair
					Gains			Losses		Value
			(in thousands)
	Available for Sale
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies		$	34,362	$	240		$	24	$	34,578
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions			253,442		17,183			219		270,406
	Corporate securities			48,378		974			10		49,342
	Mortgage-backed securities			103,971		2,402			77		106,296
	Fixed maturities			440,153		20,799			330		460,622
	Equity securities			30,524		1,593			675		31,442
	Totals		$	470,677	$	22,392		$	1,005	$	492,064
	At March 31, 2015, our holdings of obligations of states and political subdivisions included general obligation bonds with an aggregate fair value of $286.4 million and an amortized cost of $267.8 million. Our holdings at March 31, 2015 also included special revenue bonds with an aggregate fair value of $108.7 million and an amortized cost of $100.4 million. With respect to both categories of these bonds, we held no securities of any issuer that constituted more than 10% of either bond category at March 31, 2015. Education bonds and water and sewer utility bonds represented 55% and 27%, respectively, of our total investments in special revenue bonds based on the carrying values of these investments at March 31, 2015. Many of the issuers of the special revenue bonds we held at March 31, 2015 have the authority to impose ad valorem taxes. In that respect, many of the special revenue bonds we held at March 31, 2015 were similar to general obligation bonds.
	The amortized cost and estimated fair values of our fixed maturities and equity securities at December 31, 2014 were as follows:
			Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized			Gross Unrealized		Estimated Fair
					Gains			Losses		Value
			(in thousands)
	Held to Maturity
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies		$	53,619	$	1,694		$	—	$	55,313
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions			110,999		10,313			5		121,307
	Corporate securities			52,226		1,235			461		53,000
	Mortgage-backed securities			90,548		2,099			112		92,535
	Totals		$	307,392	$	15,341		$	578	$	322,155
			Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized			Gross Unrealized		Estimated Fair
					Gains			Losses		Value
			(in thousands)
	Available for Sale
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies		$	21,153	$	126		$	20	$	21,259
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions			248,046		18,210			14		266,242
	Corporate securities			53,211		809			75		53,945
	Mortgage-backed securities			91,791		2,005			92		93,704
	Fixed maturities			414,201		21,150			201		435,150
	Equity securities			29,986		1,652			816		30,822
	Totals		$	444,187	$	22,802		$	1,017	$	465,972
	At December 31, 2014, our holdings of obligations of states and political subdivisions included general obligation bonds with an aggregate fair value of $279.7 million and an amortized cost of $259.8 million. Our holdings also included special revenue bonds with an aggregate fair value of $107.8 million and an amortized cost of $99.2 million. With respect to both categories, we held no securities of any issuer that constituted more than 10% of either bond category at December 31, 2014. Education bonds and water and sewer utility bonds represented 55% and 27%, respectively, of our total investments in special revenue bonds based on the carrying values of these investments at December 31, 2014. Many of the issuers of the special revenue bonds we held at December 31, 2014 have the authority to impose ad valorem taxes. In that respect, many of the special revenue bonds we held at December 31, 2014 were similar to general obligation bonds.
	We made reclassifications from available for sale to held to maturity of certain fixed maturities at fair value on November 30, 2013. We have segregated within accumulated other comprehensive income the net unrealized losses of $15.1 million arising prior to the November 30, 2013 reclassification date for fixed maturities reclassified from available for sale to held to maturity. We will amortize this balance over the remaining life of the related securities as an adjustment to yield in a manner consistent with the accretion of discount on the same fixed maturities. We recorded amortization of $328,528 and $307,903 in accumulated other comprehensive income during the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, net unrealized losses of $13.2 million and $13.6 million, respectively, remained within accumulated other comprehensive income.
	We show below the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our fixed maturities at March 31, 2015 by contractual maturity. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
			Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair
					Value
			(in thousands)
	Held to maturity
	Due in one year or less		$	8,874	$	8,888
	Due after one year through five years			35,983		36,854
	Due after five years through ten years			79,535		83,680
	Due after ten years			94,094		103,237
	Mortgage-backed securities			86,520		89,049
	Total held to maturity		$	305,006	$	321,708
	Available for sale
	Due in one year or less		$	35,794	$	36,672
	Due after one year through five years			85,681		89,583
	Due after five years through ten years			112,524		119,343
	Due after ten years			102,183		108,728
	Mortgage-backed securities			103,971		106,296
	Total available for sale		$	440,153	$	460,622
Gross realized gains and losses from investments before applicable income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
Gross realized gains:
Fixed maturities		$	823	$	23
Equity securities			457		24
			1,280		47
Gross realized losses:
Fixed maturities			78		1
Equity securities			155		135
			233		136
Net realized gains (losses)		$	1,047	$	(89	)
We held fixed maturities and equity securities with unrealized losses representing declines that we considered temporary at March 31, 2015 as follows:
		Less Than 12 Months					More Than 12 Months
		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
		(in thousands)
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies		$	11,210	$	24		$	—	$	—
Obligations of states and political subdivisions			23,905		325			—		—
Corporate securities			10,231		176			382		1
Mortgage-backed securities			24,152		62			6,661		68
Equity securities			8,590		675			—		—
Totals		$	78,088	$	1,262		$	7,043	$	69
We held fixed maturities and equity securities with unrealized losses representing declines that we considered temporary at December 31, 2014 as follows:
		Less Than 12 Months					More Than 12 Months
		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
		(in thousands)
U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies		$	6,821	$	18		$	937	$	1
Obligations of states and political subdivisions			4,146		15			1,309		4
Corporate securities			26,854		500			2,398		36
Mortgage-backed securities			13,361		72			9,026		132
Equity securities			7,512		816			—		—
Totals		$	58,694	$	1,421		$	13,670	$	173
We make estimates concerning the valuation of our investments and the recognition of other-than-temporary declines in the value of our investments. For equity securities, we write down the investment to its fair value, and we reflect the amount of the write-down as a realized loss in our results of operations when we consider the decline in value of an individual investment to be other than temporary. We individually monitor all investments for other-than-temporary declines in value. Generally, we assume there has been an other-than-temporary decline in value if an individual equity security has depreciated in value by more than 20% of original cost and has been in such an unrealized loss position for more than six months. We held 16 equity securities that were in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2015. Based upon our analysis of general market conditions and underlying factors impacting these equity securities, we considered these declines in value to be temporary. With respect to a debt security that is in an unrealized loss position, we first assess if we intend to sell the debt security. If we determine we intend to sell the debt security, we recognize the impairment loss in our results of operations. If we do not intend to sell the debt security, we determine whether it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the debt security prior to recovery. If we determine it is more likely than not that we will be required to sell the debt security prior to recovery, we recognize an impairment loss in our results of operations. If we determine it is more likely than not that we will not be required to sell the debt security prior to recovery, we then evaluate whether a credit loss has occurred. We determine whether a credit loss has occurred by comparing the amortized cost of the debt security to the present value of the cash flows we expect to collect. If we expect a cash flow shortfall, we consider that a credit loss has occurred. If we determine that a credit loss has occurred, we consider the impairment to be other than temporary. We then recognize the amount of the impairment loss related to the credit loss in our results of operations, and we recognize the remaining portion of the impairment loss in our other comprehensive income, net of applicable taxes. In addition, we may write down securities in an unrealized loss position based on a number of other factors, including when the fair value of an investment is significantly below its cost, when the financial condition of the issuer of a security has deteriorated, the occurrence of industry, company or geographic events that have negatively impacted the value of a security and rating agency downgrades. We held 69 debt securities that were in an unrealized loss position at March 31, 2015. Based upon our analysis of general market conditions and underlying factors impacting these debt securities, we considered these declines in value to be temporary.
We amortize premiums and discounts on debt securities over the life of the security as an adjustment to yield using the effective interest method. We compute realized investment gains and losses using the specific identification method.
We amortize premiums and discounts on mortgage-backed debt securities using anticipated prepayments.
We account for investments in our affiliates using the equity method of accounting. Under this method, we record our investment at cost, with adjustments for our share of our affiliates’ earnings and losses as well as changes in the equity of our affiliates due to unrealized gains and losses. Our investments in affiliates represent our 48.2% ownership interest in DFSC. We include our share of DFSC’s net income in our results of operations. We have compiled the following summary financial information for DFSC at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014 and for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, from the financial statements of DFSC. The financial information of DFSC at March 31, 2015 and 2014 and for the three months then ended is unaudited.
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
Balance sheets:
Total assets		$	504,829	$	505,934
Total liabilities		$	423,127	$	424,267
Stockholders’ equity			81,702		81,667
Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity		$	504,829	$	505,934
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
Income statements:
Net income		$	816	$	849

Segment_Information

Segment Information	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segment Information	6 -	Segment Information
	We evaluate the performance of our personal lines and commercial lines segments based upon the underwriting results of our insurance subsidiaries using statutory accounting principles (“SAP”) that various state insurance departments prescribe or permit. Our management uses SAP to measure the performance of our insurance subsidiaries instead of United States generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”). Financial data by segment is as follows:
			Three Months Ended March 31,
			2015			2014
			(in thousands)
	Revenues:
	Premiums earned
	Commercial lines		$	62,327		$	54,346
	Personal lines			84,203			79,202
	GAAP premiums earned			146,530			133,548
	Net investment income			4,949			4,616
	Realized investment gains (losses)			1,047			(89	)
	Equity in earnings of DFSC			527			409
	Other			1,719			1,855
	Total revenues		$	154,772		$	140,339
	Income (loss) before income taxes:
	Underwriting income (loss):
	Commercial lines		$	(169	)	$	(5,348	)
	Personal lines			126			(3,833	)
	SAP underwriting loss			(43	)		(9,181	)
	GAAP adjustments			1,873			2,925
	GAAP underwriting income (loss)			1,830			(6,256	)
	Net investment income			4,949			4,616
	Realized investment gains (losses)			1,047			(89	)
	Equity in earnings of DFSC			527			409
	Other			662			527
	Income (loss) before income taxes		$	9,015		$	(793	)

Borrowings

Borrowings	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Borrowings	7 -	Borrowings
	Lines of Credit
	In June 2014, we renewed our existing credit agreement with Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company (“M&T”) relating to a $60.0 million unsecured, revolving line of credit. The line of credit expires in July 2017. We have the right to request a one-year extension of the credit agreement as of each anniversary date of the agreement. At March 31, 2015, we had $40.0 million in outstanding borrowings and had the ability to borrow an additional $20.0 million at interest rates equal to M&T’s current prime rate or the then current LIBOR rate plus 2.25%. The interest rate on our outstanding borrowings is adjustable quarterly. At March 31, 2015, the interest rate on our outstanding borrowings from M&T was 2.43%. We pay a fee of 0.2% per annum on the loan commitment amount regardless of usage. The credit agreement requires our compliance with certain covenants. These covenants include minimum levels of our net worth, leverage ratio, statutory surplus and the A.M. Best ratings of our insurance subsidiaries. We were in compliance with all requirements of the credit agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	MICO is a member of the Federal Home Loan Bank (“FHLB”) of Indianapolis. Through its membership, MICO has the ability to issue debt to the FHLB of Indianapolis in exchange for cash advances. MICO had no outstanding borrowings with the FHLB of Indianapolis at December 31, 2014 or March 31, 2015. The table below presents the amount of FHLB of Indianapolis stock MICO purchased, collateral pledged and assets related to MICO’s membership at March 31, 2015.
	FHLB of Indianapolis stock purchased and owned		$	239,300
	Collateral pledged, at par (carrying value $2,233,418)			2,244,832
	Borrowing capacity currently available			2,087,191
	Atlantic States is a member of the FHLB of Pittsburgh. Through its membership, Atlantic States has the ability to issue debt to the FHLB of Pittsburgh in exchange for cash advances. In 2013, Atlantic States issued secured debt in the principal amount of $15.0 million to the FHLB of Pittsburgh in exchange for cash advances in the amount of $15.0 million. The interest rate on the advances was .32% at March 31, 2015. The table below presents the amount of FHLB of Pittsburgh stock Atlantic States purchased, collateral pledged and assets related to Atlantic States’ membership in the FHLB of Pittsburgh at March 31, 2015.
	FHLB of Pittsburgh stock purchased and owned		$	697,700
	Collateral pledged, at par (carrying value $17,423,166)			17,692,466
	Borrowing capacity currently available			1,881,716
	Subordinated Debentures
	In 2002, West Bend Mutual Insurance Company (“West Bend”), the prior owner of MICO, purchased a $5.0 million surplus note from MICO at face value to increase MICO’s statutory surplus. In 2010, Donegal Mutual purchased the surplus note from West Bend at face value in connection with our acquisition of MICO. The surplus note carries an interest rate of 5.00%, and any repayment of principal or payment of interest on the surplus note requires prior approval of the Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services.

ShareBased_Compensation

Share-Based Compensation	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Share-Based Compensation	8 -	Share–Based Compensation
	We measure all share-based payments to employees, including grants of stock options, and use a fair-value-based method for the recording of related compensation expense in our consolidated statements of income. In determining the expense we record for stock options granted to directors and employees of our subsidiaries and affiliates, we estimate the fair value of each option award on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option pricing model. The significant assumptions we utilize in applying the Black-Scholes option pricing model are the risk-free interest rate, the expected term, the dividend yield and the expected volatility.
	We charged compensation expense related to our stock compensation plans against income before income taxes of $682,473 and $180,415 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, with a corresponding income tax benefit of $238,866 and $63,145, respectively. At March 31, 2015, we had $3.9 million of unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested share-based compensation granted under our stock compensation plans. We expect to recognize this compensation expense over a weighted average period of 1.5 years.
	We received cash from option exercises under all stock compensation plans for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 of $1.3 million and $193,558, respectively. We realized actual tax benefits for the tax deductions from option exercises of share-based compensation of $71,250 and $11,515 for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively.

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements	9 -	Fair Value Measurements
	We account for financial assets using a framework that establishes a hierarchy that ranks the quality and reliability of the inputs, or assumptions, we use in the determination of fair value, and we classify financial assets and liabilities carried at fair value in one of the following three categories:
	Level 1 – quoted prices in active markets for identical assets and liabilities;
	Level 2 – directly or indirectly observable inputs other than Level 1 quoted prices; and
	Level 3 – unobservable inputs not corroborated by market data.
	For investments that have quoted market prices in active markets, we use the quoted market price as fair value and include these investments in Level 1 of the fair value hierarchy. We classify publicly-traded equity securities as Level 1. When quoted market prices in active markets are not available, we base fair values on quoted market prices of comparable instruments or price estimates we obtain from independent pricing services and include these investments in Level 2 of the fair value hierarchy. We classify our fixed maturity investments as Level 2. Our fixed maturity investments consist of U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies, obligations of states and political subdivisions, corporate securities and mortgage-backed securities. We also classify a portion of our equity securities as Level 2.
	We present our investments in available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities at estimated fair value. The estimated fair value of a security may differ from the amount that could be realized if we sold the security in a forced transaction. In addition, the valuation of fixed maturity investments is more subjective when markets are less liquid, increasing the potential that the estimated fair value does not reflect the price at which an actual transaction would occur. We utilize nationally recognized independent pricing services to estimate fair values or obtain market quotations for substantially all of our fixed maturity and equity investments. These pricing services utilize market quotations for fixed maturity and equity securities that have quoted prices in active markets. For fixed maturity securities that generally do not trade on a daily basis, the pricing services prepare estimates of fair value measurements based predominantly on observable market inputs. The pricing services do not use broker quotes in determining the fair values of our investments. Our investment personnel review the estimates of fair value the pricing services provide to determine if the estimates we obtain from the pricing services are representative of fair values based upon our investment personnel’s general knowledge of the market, their research findings related to unusual fluctuations in value and their comparison of such values to execution prices for similar securities. Our investment personnel regularly monitor the market, current trading ranges for similar securities and the pricing of specific investments. Our investment personnel review all pricing estimates that we receive from the pricing services against their expectations with respect to pricing based on fair market curves, security ratings, coupon rates, security type and recent trading activity. Our investment personnel review documentation with respect to the pricing services’ pricing methodology that they obtain periodically to determine if the primary pricing sources, market inputs and pricing frequency for various security types are reasonable. At March 31, 2015, we received two estimates per security from the pricing services, and we priced substantially all of our Level 1 and Level 2 investments using those prices. In our review of the estimates the pricing services provided at March 31, 2015, we did not identify any material discrepancies, and we did not make any adjustments to the estimates the pricing services provided.
	We present our cash and short-term investments at estimated fair value. We classify these items as Level 1.
	The carrying values in our balance sheet for premium receivables and reinsurance receivables and payables for premiums and paid losses and loss expenses approximate their fair values. The carrying amounts we report in our balance sheet for our subordinated debentures and borrowings under lines of credit approximate their fair values. We classify these items as Level 3.
	We evaluate our assets and liabilities on a recurring basis to determine the appropriate level at which to classify them for each reporting period.
	The following table presents our fair value measurements for our investments in available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities at March 31, 2015:
					Fair Value Measurements Using
			Fair Value		Quoted		Significant Other		Significant
					Prices in Active		Observable Inputs		Unobservable
					Markets for		(Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)
					Identical Assets
					(Level 1)
			(in thousands)
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies		$	34,578	$	—	$	34,578	$	—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions			270,406		—		270,406		—
	Corporate securities			49,342		—		49,342		—
	Mortgage-backed securities			106,296		—		106,296		—
	Equity securities			31,442		21,019		10,423		—
	Totals		$	492,064	$	21,019	$	471,045	$	—
	We did not transfer any investments between Levels 1 and 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	The following table presents our fair value measurements for our investments in available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities at December 31, 2014:
					Fair Value Measurements Using
			Fair Value		Quoted		Significant Other		Significant
					Prices in Active		Observable Inputs		Unobservable
					Markets for		(Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)
					Identical Assets
					(Level 1)
			(in thousands)
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies		$	21,259	$	—	$	21,259	$	—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions			266,242		—		266,242		—
	Corporate securities			53,945		—		53,945		—
	Mortgage-backed securities			93,704		—		93,704		—
	Equity securities			30,822		20,768		10,054		—
	Totals		$	465,972	$	20,768	$	445,204	$	—

Income_Taxes

Income Taxes	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	10 -	Income Taxes
	At March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, we had no material unrecognized tax benefits or accrued interest and penalties. Tax years 2011 through 2014 remained open for examination at March 31, 2015. We provide a valuation allowance when we believe it is more likely than not that we will not realize some portion of our tax asset. We established a valuation allowance of $440,778 related to a portion of the net operating loss carryforward of Le Mars at January 1, 2004. We have determined that we are not required to establish a valuation allowance for our other net deferred tax assets of $42.1 million and $41.7 million at March 31, 2015 and December 31, 2014, respectively, because it is more likely than not that we will realize these deferred tax assets through reversals of existing temporary differences, future taxable income and the implementation of tax planning strategies. We also have a net operating loss carryforward of $3.9 million related to Le Mars, which will begin to expire in 2020 if not previously utilized. This carryforward is subject to an annual limitation in the amount that we can use in any one year of approximately $376,000.We also have an alternative minimum tax credit carryforward of $11.0 million with an indefinite life.

Impact_of_New_Accounting_Stand

Impact of New Accounting Standards	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Impact of New Accounting Standards	11 -	Impact of New Accounting Standards
	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance that requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. While the guidance will replace most existing GAAP revenue recognition guidance, the scope of the guidance excludes insurance contracts. The new standard is effective on January 1, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or the cumulative effect transition method. We do not expect the adoption of this new guidance to have a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued a new standard that amends the current consolidation guidance affecting both the variable interest entity (“VIE”) and voting interest entity (“VOE”) consolidation models. The standard does not add or remove any of the characteristics in determining if an entity is a VIE or VOE, but rather, the standard enhances assessment of some of these characteristics. The new standard is effective on January 1, 2017. We do not expect the adoption of this new guidance to have a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Impact_of_New_Accounting_Stand1

Impact of New Accounting Standards (Policies)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Accounting Changes and Error Corrections [Abstract]
Other Comprehensive Income	In May 2014, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued guidance that requires an entity to recognize the amount of revenue to which it expects to be entitled for the transfer of promised goods or services to customers. While the guidance will replace most existing GAAP revenue recognition guidance, the scope of the guidance excludes insurance contracts. The new standard is effective on January 1, 2017. Early adoption is not permitted. The standard permits the use of either the retrospective or the cumulative effect transition method. We do not expect the adoption of this new guidance to have a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.
	In February 2015, the FASB issued a new standard that amends the current consolidation guidance affecting both the variable interest entity (“VIE”) and voting interest entity (“VOE”) consolidation models. The standard does not add or remove any of the characteristics in determining if an entity is a VIE or VOE, but rather, the standard enhances assessment of some of these characteristics. The new standard is effective on January 1, 2017. We do not expect the adoption of this new guidance to have a significant impact on our financial position, results of operations or cash flows.

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Summary of Reconciliation of Numerators and Denominators Used in Basic and Diluted Per Share Computations	The table below presents for the periods indicated a reconciliation of the numerators and denominators we used to compute basic and diluted net income per share for each class of our common stock:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015				2014
		Class A		Class B		Class A			Class B
		(in thousands, except per share data)
	Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share:
	Numerator:
	Allocation of net income (loss)	$	5,550	$	1,304	$	(510	)	$	(124	)
	Denominator:
	Weighted-average shares outstanding		21,533,443		5,576,775		20,873,043			5,576,775
	Basic net income (loss) per share	$	0.26	$	0.23	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.02	)
	Diluted net income (loss) per share:
	Numerator:
	Allocation of net income (loss)	$	5,550	$	1,304	$	(510	)	$	(124	)
	Denominator:
	Number of shares used in basic computation		21,533,443		5,576,775		20,873,043			5,576,775
	Weighted-average shares effect of dilutive securities
	Add: Director and employee stock options		580,446		—		380,186			—
	Number of shares used in per share computations		22,113,889		5,576,775		21,253,229			5,576,775
	Diluted net income (loss) per share	$	0.25	$	0.23	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.02	)
Reconciliation of Diluted Shares Outstanding	We did not include outstanding options to purchase the following number of shares of Class A common stock in our computation of diluted earnings per share because the exercise price of the options was greater than the average market price of our Class A common stock during the applicable period:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015		2014
	Number of options to purchase Class A shares excluded		—		2,548,500

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Summary of Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Values of Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities	The amortized cost and estimated fair values of our fixed maturities and equity securities at March 31, 2015 were as follows:
		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized			Gross Unrealized		Estimated Fair
				Gains			Losses		Value
		(in thousands)
	Held to Maturity
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	51,814	$	2,508		$	—	$	54,322
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions		114,776		10,053			106		124,723
	Corporate securities		51,896		1,885			167		53,614
	Mortgage-backed securities		86,520		2,582			53		89,049
	Totals	$	305,006	$	17,028		$	326	$	321,708
		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized			Gross Unrealized		Estimated Fair
				Gains			Losses		Value
		(in thousands)
	Available for Sale
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	34,362	$	240		$	24	$	34,578
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions		253,442		17,183			219		270,406
	Corporate securities		48,378		974			10		49,342
	Mortgage-backed securities		103,971		2,402			77		106,296
	Fixed maturities		440,153		20,799			330		460,622
	Equity securities		30,524		1,593			675		31,442
	Totals	$	470,677	$	22,392		$	1,005	$	492,064
	The amortized cost and estimated fair values of our fixed maturities and equity securities at December 31, 2014 were as follows:
		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized			Gross Unrealized		Estimated Fair
				Gains			Losses		Value
		(in thousands)
	Held to Maturity
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	53,619	$	1,694		$	—	$	55,313
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions		110,999		10,313			5		121,307
	Corporate securities		52,226		1,235			461		53,000
	Mortgage-backed securities		90,548		2,099			112		92,535
	Totals	$	307,392	$	15,341		$	578	$	322,155
		Amortized Cost		Gross Unrealized			Gross Unrealized		Estimated Fair
				Gains			Losses		Value
		(in thousands)
	Available for Sale
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	21,153	$	126		$	20	$	21,259
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions		248,046		18,210			14		266,242
	Corporate securities		53,211		809			75		53,945
	Mortgage-backed securities		91,791		2,005			92		93,704
	Fixed maturities		414,201		21,150			201		435,150
	Equity securities		29,986		1,652			816		30,822
	Totals	$	444,187	$	22,802		$	1,017	$	465,972
Summary of Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Fixed Maturities by Contractual Maturity	We show below the amortized cost and estimated fair value of our fixed maturities at March 31, 2015 by contractual maturity. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties.
		Amortized Cost		Estimated Fair
				Value
		(in thousands)
	Held to maturity
	Due in one year or less	$	8,874	$	8,888
	Due after one year through five years		35,983		36,854
	Due after five years through ten years		79,535		83,680
	Due after ten years		94,094		103,237
	Mortgage-backed securities		86,520		89,049
	Total held to maturity	$	305,006	$	321,708
	Available for sale
	Due in one year or less	$	35,794	$	36,672
	Due after one year through five years		85,681		89,583
	Due after five years through ten years		112,524		119,343
	Due after ten years		102,183		108,728
	Mortgage-backed securities		103,971		106,296
	Total available for sale	$	440,153	$	460,622
Summary of Gross Realized Gains and Losses from Investments before Applicable Income Taxes	Gross realized gains and losses from investments before applicable income taxes for the three months ended March 31, 2015 and 2014 were as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
	Gross realized gains:
	Fixed maturities	$	823	$	23
	Equity securities		457		24
			1,280		47
	Gross realized losses:
	Fixed maturities		78		1
	Equity securities		155		135
			233		136
	Net realized gains (losses)	$	1,047	$	(89	)
Summary of Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities with Unrealized Losses	We held fixed maturities and equity securities with unrealized losses representing declines that we considered temporary at March 31, 2015 as follows:
		Less Than 12 Months					More Than 12 Months
		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
		(in thousands)
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	11,210	$	24		$	—	$	—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions		23,905		325			—		—
	Corporate securities		10,231		176			382		1
	Mortgage-backed securities		24,152		62			6,661		68
	Equity securities		8,590		675			—		—
	Totals	$	78,088	$	1,262		$	7,043	$	69
	We held fixed maturities and equity securities with unrealized losses representing declines that we considered temporary at December 31, 2014 as follows:
		Less Than 12 Months					More Than 12 Months
		Fair Value		Unrealized Losses			Fair Value		Unrealized Losses
		(in thousands)
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	6,821	$	18		$	937	$	1
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions		4,146		15			1,309		4
	Corporate securities		26,854		500			2,398		36
	Mortgage-backed securities		13,361		72			9,026		132
	Equity securities		7,512		816			—		—
	Totals	$	58,694	$	1,421		$	13,670	$	173
Summary of Financial Information	The financial information of DFSC at March 31, 2015 and 2014 and for the three months then ended is unaudited.
		March 31,		December 31,
		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
	Balance sheets:
	Total assets	$	504,829	$	505,934
	Total liabilities	$	423,127	$	424,267
	Stockholders’ equity		81,702		81,667
	Total liabilities and stockholders’ equity	$	504,829	$	505,934
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015		2014
		(in thousands)
	Income statements:
	Net income	$	816	$	849

Segment_Information_Tables

Segment Information (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Summary of Financial Data by Segment	Financial data by segment is as follows:
		Three Months Ended March 31,
		2015			2014
		(in thousands)
	Revenues:
	Premiums earned
	Commercial lines	$	62,327		$	54,346
	Personal lines		84,203			79,202
	GAAP premiums earned		146,530			133,548
	Net investment income		4,949			4,616
	Realized investment gains (losses)		1,047			(89	)
	Equity in earnings of DFSC		527			409
	Other		1,719			1,855
	Total revenues	$	154,772		$	140,339
	Income (loss) before income taxes:
	Underwriting income (loss):
	Commercial lines	$	(169	)	$	(5,348	)
	Personal lines		126			(3,833	)
	SAP underwriting loss		(43	)		(9,181	)
	GAAP adjustments		1,873			2,925
	GAAP underwriting income (loss)		1,830			(6,256	)
	Net investment income		4,949			4,616
	Realized investment gains (losses)		1,047			(89	)
	Equity in earnings of DFSC		527			409
	Other		662			527
	Income (loss) before income taxes	$	9,015		$	(793	)

Borrowings_Tables

Borrowings (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Amount of FHLB of Indianapolis/Pittsburgh Stock Purchased, Collateral Pledged and Assets Related to MICO's/Atlantic States Agreement	The table below presents the amount of FHLB of Indianapolis stock MICO purchased, collateral pledged and assets related to MICO’s membership at March 31, 2015.
	FHLB of Indianapolis stock purchased and owned	$	239,300
	Collateral pledged, at par (carrying value $2,233,418)		2,244,832
	Borrowing capacity currently available		2,087,191
	FHLB of Pittsburgh stock purchased and owned	$	697,700
	Collateral pledged, at par (carrying value $17,423,166)		17,692,466
	Borrowing capacity currently available		1,881,716

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurements for Investments in Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities	The following table presents our fair value measurements for our investments in available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities at March 31, 2015:
				Fair Value Measurements Using
		Fair Value		Quoted		Significant Other		Significant
				Prices in Active		Observable Inputs		Unobservable
				Markets for		(Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)
				Identical Assets
				(Level 1)
		(in thousands)
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	34,578	$	—	$	34,578	$	—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions		270,406		—		270,406		—
	Corporate securities		49,342		—		49,342		—
	Mortgage-backed securities		106,296		—		106,296		—
	Equity securities		31,442		21,019		10,423		—
	Totals	$	492,064	$	21,019	$	471,045	$	—
	We did not transfer any investments between Levels 1 and 2 during the three months ended March 31, 2015.
	The following table presents our fair value measurements for our investments in available-for-sale fixed maturity and equity securities at December 31, 2014:
				Fair Value Measurements Using
		Fair Value		Quoted		Significant Other		Significant
				Prices in Active		Observable Inputs		Unobservable
				Markets for		(Level 2)		Inputs (Level 3)
				Identical Assets
				(Level 1)
		(in thousands)
	U.S. Treasury securities and obligations of U.S. government corporations and agencies	$	21,259	$	—	$	21,259	$	—
	Obligations of states and political subdivisions		266,242		—		266,242		—
	Corporate securities		53,945		—		53,945		—
	Mortgage-backed securities		93,704		—		93,704		—
	Equity securities		30,822		20,768		10,054		—
	Totals	$	465,972	$	20,768	$	445,204	$	—

Organization_Additional_Inform

Organization - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Feb. 23, 2009	Jul. 18, 2013
	Office
	Segment
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Operations commenced date	26-Aug-86
Outstanding stock percentage	48.20%
Stock ownership percentage owned by third party	51.80%
Number of banking offices	14
Number of operating segments	4
Voting power percentage of outstanding common stock	65.00%
Percentage of share in results of pooled business	80.00%
Percentage of share in results of pooled business owned by third party	20.00%
Stock Repurchase Program One [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Authority to purchase shares	3,222
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Stock ownership percentage held by major shareholder	36.00%
Class A Common Stock [Member] | Stock Repurchase Program One [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Purchased shares for class A common stock			300,000
Common stock shares purchased	0	846
Class A Common Stock [Member] | Stock Repurchase Program Two [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Common stock shares purchased	0	0
Authority to purchase shares				500,000
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Stock ownership percentage held by major shareholder	76.00%

Earnings_Per_Share_Additional_

Earnings Per Share - Additional Information (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015
Equity [Abstract]
Percentage of dividend declared on each share	10.00%

Earnings_Per_Share_Summary_of_

Earnings Per Share - Summary of Reconciliation of Numerators and Denominators Used in Basic and Diluted Per Share Computations (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Class A Common Stock [Member]
Numerator:
Allocation of net income (loss)	$5,550	($510)
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares outstanding	21,533,443	20,873,043
Basic net income (loss) per share	$0.26	($0.02)
Numerator:
Allocation of net income (loss)	5,550	-510
Denominator:
Number of shares used in basic computation	21,533,443	20,873,043
Weighted-average shares effect of dilutive securities
Add: Director and employee stock options	580,446	380,186
Number of shares used in per share computations	22,113,889	21,253,229
Diluted net income (loss) per share	$0.25	($0.02)
Class B Common Stock [Member]
Numerator:
Allocation of net income (loss)	1,304	-124
Denominator:
Weighted-average shares outstanding	5,576,775	5,576,775
Basic net income (loss) per share	$0.23	($0.02)
Numerator:
Allocation of net income (loss)	$1,304	($124)
Denominator:
Number of shares used in basic computation	5,576,775	5,576,775
Weighted-average shares effect of dilutive securities
Number of shares used in per share computations	5,576,775	5,576,775
Diluted net income (loss) per share	$0.23	($0.02)

Earnings_Per_Share_Reconciliat

Earnings Per Share - Reconciliation of Diluted Shares Outstanding (Detail)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Number of options to purchase Class A shares excluded	2,548,500

Reinsurance_Additional_Informa

Reinsurance - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Percentage of share in results of pooled business subsidiary	80.00%
Percentage of share in results of pooled business owned by third party	20.00%
Excess of loss reinsured under an agreement	$1
Percentage of accumulation of losses	100.00%
Natural disasters, over a set retention	5
Natural disasters, aggregate annual deduction	1.5
Donegal Mutual [Member]
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]
Maximum amount of loss coverage under reinsurance agreement of property catastrophe	$149

Investments_Summary_of_Amortiz

Investments - Summary of Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Values of Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total held to maturity, Amortized Cost	$305,005,882	$307,391,699
Held to Maturity, Gross Unrealized Gains	17,028,000	15,341,000
Held to Maturity, Gross Unrealized Losses	326,000	578,000
Total held to maturity, Estimated Fair Value	321,708,000	322,155,000
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	470,677,000	444,187,000
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Gains	22,392,000	22,802,000
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Losses	1,005,000	1,017,000
Available for Sale, Estimated Fair Value	492,064,000	465,972,000
U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Corporations and Agencies [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total held to maturity, Amortized Cost	51,814,000	53,619,000
Held to Maturity, Gross Unrealized Gains	2,508,000	1,694,000
Total held to maturity, Estimated Fair Value	54,322,000	55,313,000
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	34,362,000	21,153,000
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Gains	240,000	126,000
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Losses	24,000	20,000
Available for Sale, Estimated Fair Value	34,578,000	21,259,000
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total held to maturity, Amortized Cost	114,776,000	110,999,000
Held to Maturity, Gross Unrealized Gains	10,053,000	10,313,000
Held to Maturity, Gross Unrealized Losses	106,000	5,000
Total held to maturity, Estimated Fair Value	124,723,000	121,307,000
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	253,442,000	248,046,000
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Gains	17,183,000	18,210,000
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Losses	219,000	14,000
Available for Sale, Estimated Fair Value	270,406,000	266,242,000
Corporate Securities [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total held to maturity, Amortized Cost	51,896,000	52,226,000
Held to Maturity, Gross Unrealized Gains	1,885,000	1,235,000
Held to Maturity, Gross Unrealized Losses	167,000	461,000
Total held to maturity, Estimated Fair Value	53,614,000	53,000,000
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	48,378,000	53,211,000
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Gains	974,000	809,000
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Losses	10,000	75,000
Available for Sale, Estimated Fair Value	49,342,000	53,945,000
Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Total held to maturity, Amortized Cost	86,520,000	90,548,000
Held to Maturity, Gross Unrealized Gains	2,582,000	2,099,000
Held to Maturity, Gross Unrealized Losses	53,000	112,000
Total held to maturity, Estimated Fair Value	89,049,000	92,535,000
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	103,971,000	91,791,000
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Gains	2,402,000	2,005,000
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Losses	77,000	92,000
Available for Sale, Estimated Fair Value	106,296,000	93,704,000
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	440,153,000	414,201,000
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Gains	20,799,000	21,150,000
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Losses	330,000	201,000
Available for Sale, Estimated Fair Value	460,622,000	435,150,000
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Equity Method Investments [Line Items]
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost	30,524,000	29,986,000
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Gains	1,593,000	1,652,000
Available for Sale, Gross Unrealized Losses	675,000	816,000
Available for Sale, Estimated Fair Value	$31,442,000	$30,822,000

Investments_Additional_Informa

Investments - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Nov. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of which the company held security of any issuer		10.00%		10.00%
Net unrealized losses arising prior to reclassification date and classified in accumulated other comprehensive income	$15,100,000
Amortization of unrealized losses recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income		328,528	307,903
Depreciation of original cost value		20.00%
Time period for which individual security should be in unrealized position of twenty percentage or more to assume it as other than temporary decline		More than six months
Percentage of ownership interest		48.20%
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Number of fixed maturity securities classified as available for sale		16
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Number of fixed maturity securities classified as available for sale		69
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Aggregate fair value of bond held		286,400,000		279,700,000
Amortized cost of bond held		267,800,000		259,800,000
Special Revenue Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Aggregate fair value of bond held		108,700,000		107,800,000
Amortized cost of bond held		100,400,000		99,200,000
Education Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of investments in special revenue bonds		55.00%		55.00%
Water and Sewer Utility Bonds [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of investments in special revenue bonds		27.00%		27.00%
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Losses [Member]
Schedule of Investments [Line Items]
Net unrealized losses reclassified in accumulated other comprehensive income		$13,200,000		13,600,000

Investments_Summary_of_Amortiz1

Investments - Summary of Amortized Cost and Estimated Fair Value of Fixed Maturities by Contractual Maturity (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Held to maturity
Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost	$8,874,000
Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	35,983,000
Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	79,535,000
Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	94,094,000
Mortgage-backed securities, Amortized Cost	86,520,000
Total held to maturity, Amortized Cost	305,005,882	307,391,699
Due in one year or less, Estimated Fair Value	8,888,000
Due after one year through five years, Estimated Fair Value	36,854,000
Due after five years through ten years, Estimated Fair Value	83,680,000
Due after ten years, Estimated Fair Value	103,237,000
Mortgage-backed securities, Estimated Fair Value	89,049,000
Total held to maturity, Estimated Fair Value	321,708,000	322,155,000
Available for sale
Due in one year or less, Amortized Cost	35,794,000
Due after one year through five years, Amortized Cost	85,681,000
Due after five years through ten years, Amortized Cost	112,524,000
Due after ten years, Amortized Cost	102,183,000
Mortgage-backed securities, Amortized Cost	103,971,000
Total available for sale, Amortized Cost	440,153,000
Due in one year or less, Estimated Fair Value	36,672,000
Due after one year through five years, Estimated Fair Value	89,583,000
Due after five years through ten years, Estimated Fair Value	119,343,000
Due after ten years, Estimated Fair Value	108,728,000
Mortgage-backed securities, Estimated Fair Value	106,296,000
Total available for sale, Estimated Fair Value	$460,621,748	$435,149,784

Investments_Summary_of_Gross_R

Investments - Summary of Gross Realized Gains and Losses from Investments before Applicable Income Taxes (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross realized gains	$1,280,000	$47,000
Gross realized losses	233,000	136,000
Net realized gains (losses)	1,046,521	-88,532
Fixed Maturities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross realized gains	823,000	23,000
Gross realized losses	78,000	1,000
Equity Securities [Member]
Gain (Loss) on Investments [Line Items]
Gross realized gains	457,000	24,000
Gross realized losses	$155,000	$135,000

Investments_Summary_of_Fixed_M

Investments - Summary of Fixed Maturities and Equity Securities with Unrealized Losses (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	$78,088	$58,694
Less Than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	1,262	1,421
More Than 12 Months, Fair Value	7,043	13,670
More Than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	69	173
U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Corporations and Agencies [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	11,210	6,821
Less Than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	24	18
More Than 12 Months, Fair Value		937
More Than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses		1
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	23,905	4,146
Less Than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	325	15
More Than 12 Months, Fair Value		1,309
More Than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses		4
Corporate Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	10,231	26,854
Less Than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	176	500
More Than 12 Months, Fair Value	382	2,398
More Than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	1	36
Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	24,152	13,361
Less Than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	62	72
More Than 12 Months, Fair Value	6,661	9,026
More Than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	68	132
Equity Securities [Member]
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Less Than 12 Months, Fair Value	8,590	7,512
Less Than 12 Months, Unrealized Losses	$675	$816

Investments_Summary_of_Financi

Investments - Summary of Financial Information (Detail) (Donegal Financial Services Corporation [Member], USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2014
Donegal Financial Services Corporation [Member]
Balance sheets:
Total assets	$504,829		$505,934
Total liabilities	423,127		424,267
Stockholders' equity	81,702		81,667
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	504,829		505,934
Income statements:
Net income	$816	$849

Segment_Information_Summary_of

Segment Information - Summary of Financial Data by Segment (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Premiums earned
Net premiums earned	$146,529,816	$133,548,261
GAAP premiums earned	146,530,000	133,548,000
Net investment income	4,948,953	4,615,776
Realized investment gains (losses)	1,046,521	-88,532
Equity in earnings of DFSC	526,760	409,242
Other	1,719,000	1,855,000
Total revenues	154,772,448	140,339,087
Underwriting income (loss):
GAAP underwriting income (loss)	-43,000	-9,181,000
GAAP adjustments	1,873,000	2,925,000
GAAP underwriting income (loss)	1,830,000	-6,256,000
Net investment income	4,948,953	4,615,776
Realized investment gains (losses)	1,046,521	-88,532
Equity in earnings of DFSC	526,760	409,242
Other	662,000	527,000
Income (loss) before income tax expense (benefit)	9,015,305	-793,216
Commercial Lines [Member]
Premiums earned
Net premiums earned	62,327,000	54,346,000
Underwriting income (loss):
GAAP underwriting income (loss)	-169,000	-5,348,000
Personal Lines [Member]
Premiums earned
Net premiums earned	84,203,000	79,202,000
Underwriting income (loss):
GAAP underwriting income (loss)	$126,000	($3,833,000)

Borrowings_Additional_Informat

Borrowings - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Line of credit that expires date	2017-07
Outstanding borrowings	$55,000,000	$53,500,000
Line of credit facility remaining borrowing capacity	20,000,000
Line of credit, interest rate related to LIBOR rate description	Interest rates equal to M&T's current prime rate or the then current LIBOR rate plus 2.25%.
Percentage commitment fee	0.20%
Revolving credit facility, borrowing interest rate	The credit agreement requires our compliance with certain covenants. These covenants include minimum levels of our net worth, leverage ratio, statutory surplus and the A.M. Best ratings of our insurance subsidiaries. We were in compliance with all requirements of the credit agreement during the three months ended March 31, 2015
Subordinated Debentures [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument basis spread on variable rate	5.00%
Atlantic States [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt issued to FHLB in exchange of advance cash			15,000,000
Atlantic States [Member] | Lines of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate on advances	0.32%
Maximum [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate effective percentage	2.25%
Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Right to request for extension of credit agreement with Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company				60,000,000
Outstanding borrowings	40,000,000
Interest rate on borrowings	2.43%
MICO [Member] | Indianapolis [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Federal Home Loan Bank borrowing amount outstanding	0	0
MICO [Member] | Indianapolis [Member] | Lines of Credit [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Right to request for extension of credit agreement with Manufacturers and Traders Trust Company	2,087,191
West Bend Mutual Insurance Company [Member] | Subordinated Debentures [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Purchase of surplus note	$5,000,000

Borrowings_Amount_of_FHLB_of_I

Borrowings - Amount of FHLB of Indianapolis/Pittsburgh Stock Purchased, Collateral Pledged and Assets Related to MICO's/Atlantic States Agreement (Detail) (Lines of Credit [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
MICO [Member] | Indianapolis [Member]
Amount of FHLB of Indianapolis/Pittsburgh stock purchased, collateral pledged and assets related to MICO's/Atlantic States Agreement
FHLB stock purchased and owned	$239,300
Collateral pledged, at par	2,244,832
Borrowing capacity currently available	2,087,191
Atlantic States [Member] | Pittsburgh [Member]
Amount of FHLB of Indianapolis/Pittsburgh stock purchased, collateral pledged and assets related to MICO's/Atlantic States Agreement
FHLB stock purchased and owned	697,700
Collateral pledged, at par	17,692,466
Borrowing capacity currently available	$1,881,716

Borrowings_Amount_of_FHLB_of_I1

Borrowings - Amount of FHLB of Indianapolis/Pittsburgh Stock Purchased, Collateral Pledged and Assets Related to MICO's/Atlantic States Agreement (Parenthetical) (Detail) (Lines of Credit [Member], USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
Indianapolis [Member] | MICO [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Collateral Pledged at carrying value	$2,233,418
Pittsburgh [Member] | Atlantic States [Member]
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Collateral Pledged at carrying value	$17,423,166

ShareBased_Compensation_Additi

Share-Based Compensation - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Mar. 31, 2014
Disclosure of Compensation Related Costs, Share-based Payments [Abstract]
Compensation expense in stock compensation plans	$682,473	$180,415
Income tax benefit of stock compensation plans	238,866	63,145
Unrecognized compensation expense related to nonvested share-based compensation granted under the plan	3,900,000
Weighted average period of unrecognized compensation expense	1 year 6 months
Cash from option exercises	1,300,000	193,558
Tax benefit for tax deductions from option exercises	$71,250	$11,515

Fair_Value_Measurements_Fair_V

Fair Value Measurements - Fair Value Measurements for Investments in Available-for-Sale Fixed Maturity and Equity Securities (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$492,064	$465,972
U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Corporations and Agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	34,578	21,259
Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	270,406	266,242
Corporate Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	49,342	53,945
Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	106,296	93,704
Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	31,442	30,822
Assets and Liabilities on Recurring Basis [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	492,064	465,972
Assets and Liabilities on Recurring Basis [Member] | U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Corporations and Agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	34,578	21,259
Assets and Liabilities on Recurring Basis [Member] | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	270,406	266,242
Assets and Liabilities on Recurring Basis [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	49,342	53,945
Assets and Liabilities on Recurring Basis [Member] | Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	106,296	93,704
Assets and Liabilities on Recurring Basis [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	31,442	30,822
Assets and Liabilities on Recurring Basis [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,019	20,768
Assets and Liabilities on Recurring Basis [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	21,019	20,768
Assets and Liabilities on Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	471,045	445,204
Assets and Liabilities on Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | U.S. Treasury Securities and Obligations of U.S. Government Corporations and Agencies [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	34,578	21,259
Assets and Liabilities on Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Obligations of States and Political Subdivisions [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	270,406	266,242
Assets and Liabilities on Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	49,342	53,945
Assets and Liabilities on Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Mortgage-Backed Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	106,296	93,704
Assets and Liabilities on Recurring Basis [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity Securities [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value Disclosure	$10,423	$10,054

Fair_Value_Measurements_Additi

Fair Value Measurements - Additional information (Detail) (USD $)	Mar. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Transfer of investments between Levels 1 and 2	$0

Income_Taxes_Additional_Inform

Income Taxes - Additional Information (Detail) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Deferred tax asset, net	42,100,000	$41,700,000
Alternative minimum tax credit carryforward	11,000,000
Earliest Tax Year [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax years open for examination	2011
Latest Tax Year [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Tax years open for examination	2014
Le Mars [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Valuation allowance related to the portion of operating loss carryforwards	440,778
Operating loss carryforwards	3,900,000
Operating loss carryforwards expiration period	2020
Operating loss carryforwards annual limitations in amount on use	376,000