Protective Insurance (PTVCA) 10-K 13 Mar 18 2017 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Mar. 01, 2018	Jun. 30, 2017
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Registrant Name	BALDWIN & LYONS INC
Entity Central Index Key	9,346
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	No
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Filer Category	Accelerated Filer
Entity Public Float			$ 266,182,000
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,017
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2017
Class A (voting) [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		2,623,109
Class B (nonvoting) [Member]
Entity Information [Line Items]
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		12,387,703

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Investments:
Fixed maturities (Amortized cost: 2017, $521,017; 2016, $494,561)	$ 521,853	$ 491,904
Equity securities (Cost: 2017, $130,751; 2016, $64,902)	201,763	119,945
Limited partnerships (Affiliated: 2017, $43,586; 2016, $44,038)	70,806	76,469
Short-term and other	1,000	1,500
Total Investments	795,422	689,818
Cash and cash equivalents	64,680	62,976
Accounts receivable--less allowance (2017, $484; 2016, $542)	87,551	64,984
Accrued investment income	4,159	3,882
Reinsurance recoverable	318,331	255,024
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	4,578	2,674
Deferred policy acquisition costs	5,608	1,172
Property and equipment--less accumulated depreciation (2017, $16,614; 2016, $15,328)	47,317	47,225
Restricted cash and short-term investments	11,402	0
Other assets	11,030	23,779
Current federal income taxes recoverable	6,938	2,603
Total Assets	1,357,016	1,154,137
Reserves:
Losses and loss expenses	680,274	576,330
Unearned premiums	53,085	21,694
Total Reserves	733,359	598,024
Reinsurance payable	62,308	43,150
Short-term borrowings	20,000	20,000
Depository liabilities	3,050	9,910
Accounts payable and other liabilities	105,130	67,296
Deferred federal income taxes	14,358	11,412
Total Liabilities	938,205	749,792
Shareholders' equity:
Additional paid-in capital	55,078	54,286
Unrealized net gains on investments	46,700	34,051
Foreign exchange adjustment	(309)	(831)
Retained earnings	316,700	316,195
Shareholders' equity	418,811	404,345
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	1,357,016	1,154,137
Class A Voting [Member]
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	112	112
Class B Non-voting [Member]
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock	$ 530	$ 532

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Pa

Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets
Fixed maturities, amortized cost	$ 521,017	$ 494,561
Equity securities, cost	130,751	64,902
Limited partnerships, affiliated	43,586	44,038
Account receivable, allowance	484	542
Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation	$ 16,614	$ 15,328
Class A Voting [Member]
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	3,000,000	3,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	2,623,109	2,623,109
Class B Non-voting [Member]
Shareholders' equity:
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	12,423,518	12,460,900

Consolidated Statements of Inco

Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Revenues:
Net premiums earned	$ 328,145	$ 276,011	$ 263,335
Net investment income	18,095	14,483	12,498
Commissions and other income	5,308	5,275	5,703
Net realized gains on investments, excluding impairment losses	19,835	28,971	6,439
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses on investments	(149)	(5,743)	(7,700)
Net realized gains (losses) on investments	19,686	23,228	(1,261)
Total revenues	371,234	318,997	280,275
Expenses:
Losses and loss expenses incurred	247,518	186,481	155,750
Other operating expenses	113,594	89,462	90,573
Total expenses	361,112	275,943	246,323
Income before federal income taxes (benefits)	10,122	43,054	33,952
Federal income taxes (benefits)	(8,201)	14,109	10,669
Net income	$ 18,323	$ 28,945	$ 23,283
Per share data:
Basic and diluted earnings (in dollars per share)	$ 1.21	$ 1.92	$ 1.55

Consolidated Statements of Comp

Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 16,476	$ 7,434	$ (12,343)	$ 6,756	$ 4,864	$ 4,001	$ 5,969	$ 14,112	$ 18,323	$ 28,945	$ 23,283
Unrealized net gains (losses) on securities:
Unrealized holding net gains (losses) arising during the period									17,340	8,618	(12,639)
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains (losses) included in net income									(4,691)	(13,491)	(277)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments									12,649	(4,873)	(12,916)
Foreign currency translation adjustments									522	235	(1,456)
Other comprehensive income (loss)									13,171	(4,638)	(14,372)
Comprehensive income									$ 31,494	$ 24,307	$ 8,911

Consolidated Statements of Shar

Consolidated Statements of Shareholders' Equity $ in Thousands	USD ($)
Shareholders' equity at beginning of year: at Dec. 31, 2014	$ 399,496
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	23,283
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(14,372)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(15,003)
Issuance of common stock	1,094
Repurchase of common shares	0
Shareholders' equity at end of year: at Dec. 31, 2015	394,498
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	28,945
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(4,638)
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(15,803)
Issuance of common stock	1,343
Repurchase of common shares	0
Shareholders' equity at end of year: at Dec. 31, 2016	404,345
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	18,323
Other comprehensive income (loss)	13,171
Cash dividends paid to shareholders	(16,302)
Issuance of common stock	1,154
Repurchase of common shares	(1,880)
Shareholders' equity at end of year: at Dec. 31, 2017	$ 418,811

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Operating activities
Net income	$ 18,323	$ 28,945	$ 23,283
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Change in accounts receivable and unearned premium	2,678	(2,721)	22,939
Change in accrued investment income	(278)	108	(307)
Change in reinsurance recoverable on paid losses	(446)	692	4,458
Change in losses and loss expenses reserves net of reinsurance	47,229	23,568	6,325
Change in other assets, other liabilities and current income taxes	45,188	(8,063)	(28,299)
Amortization of net policy acquisition costs	47,387	18,085	21,314
Net policy acquisition costs deferred	(51,824)	(17,813)	(20,495)
Provision for deferred income taxes (benefits)	(3,866)	2,838	(1,819)
Bond amortization	1,865	3,030	3,388
Loss on sale of property and equipment	235	63	18
Depreciation	5,752	5,521	5,037
Net realized (gains) losses on investments	(19,686)	(23,228)	1,261
Compensation expense related to restricted stock	1,154	1,343	1,094
Net cash provided by operating activities	93,711	32,368	38,197
Investing activities
Purchases of fixed maturities and equity securities	(436,932)	(400,670)	(342,592)
Purchases of limited partnership interests	(1,097)	0	(409)
Distributions from limited partnerships	19,230	1,462	4,494
Proceeds from maturities	131,623	78,691	161,706
Proceeds from sales of fixed maturities	148,652	199,790	117,338
Proceeds from sales of equity securities	69,756	88,773	53,270
Net sales of short-term investments	500	11,258	746
Purchases of property and equipment	(6,661)	(7,725)	(7,662)
Proceeds from disposals of property and equipment	582	1,059	277
Net cash used in investing activities	(74,347)	(27,362)	(12,832)
Financing activities
Dividends paid to shareholders	(16,302)	(15,803)	(15,003)
Repurchase of common shares	(1,880)	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities	(18,182)	(15,803)	(15,003)
Effect of foreign exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents	522	235	(1,456)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	1,704	(10,562)	8,906
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year	62,976	73,538	64,632
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	64,680	62,976	73,538
Supplemental Disclosures of Cash Flow Information
Cash paid for income taxes, net of refunds	0	10,173	14,500
Cash paid for interest	$ 456	$ 309	$ 286

Summary of Significant Accounti

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Note A - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Description of Business: The Company determined that its business constituted one reportable property and casualty insurance segment as of January 1, 2017. During 2016 and prior years, the Company had two reportable segments – property and casualty insurance and reinsurance. The Company moved to a single reportable segment based on how its operating results are regularly reviewed by the Company's chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and to assess its performance. The prior year segment information throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K was updated to conform to the current year presentation. Basis of Presentation: Use of Estimates: Cash and Cash Equivalents: Investments: Short-term and other investments are carried at cost, which approximates their fair values. Realized gains and losses on disposals of investments are recorded on the trade date, are determined by specific identification of cost of investments sold and are included in income. All fixed maturity and equity securities are considered to be available for sale; the related unrealized net gains or losses (net of applicable tax effect) are reflected directly in shareholders' equity. Included within available for sale fixed maturity securities are convertible debt securities. Portions of the changes in fair values of convertible debt securities are reflected as a component of net realized gains (losses) on investments. In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standard Board's ("FASB") other-than-temporary impairment guidance, if a fixed maturity security is in an unrealized loss position and the Company has the intent to sell the fixed maturity security, or it is more likely than not that the Company will have to sell the fixed maturity security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the decline in value is deemed to be other-than-temporary and is recorded to net realized losses on investments in the consolidated statements of operations. For impaired fixed maturity securities that the Company does not intend to sell or in cases where it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell such securities, but the Company expects that it will not fully recover the amortized cost basis, the credit component of the other-than-temporary impairment is recognized in net realized losses on investments in the consolidated statements of operations and the non-credit component of the other-than-temporary impairment is recognized directly in shareholders' equity (accumulated other comprehensive income). The credit component of an other-than-temporary impairment is determined by comparing the net present value of projected future cash flows with the amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity security. The net present value is calculated by discounting the Company's best estimate of projected future cash flows at the appropriate effective interest rate. The unrealized net gains or losses (net of applicable tax effect) related to equity securities are reflected directly in shareholders' equity, unless a decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary, in which case the loss is charged to income. In determining if and when a decline in market value below cost is other-than-temporary, an objective analysis is made of each individual security where current market value is less than cost. For any equity security where the unrealized loss exceeds 20% of original or adjusted cost, and where that decline has existed for six months, the decline is treated as an other-than-temporary impairment. Additionally, for any equity security where the decline has existed for a period of at least one year, the decline is treated as an other-than-temporary impairment. Additionally, the Company takes into account any known subjective information in evaluating for impairment, without consideration of the Company's quantitative criteria defined above, as well as the Company's intent and ability to retain the equity security for a period of time sufficient to allow for such recovery in fair value. Property and Equipment: Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses: Recognition of Revenue and Costs: Reinsurance Should impairment in the ability of a reinsurer to satisfy its obligations to the Company be determined to exist, current year operations would be charged in amounts sufficient to provide for the Company's additional liability. Such charges, when incurred, are included in other operating expenses, rather than losses and loss expenses incurred, since the inability of the Company to collect from reinsurers is a credit risk rather than a deficiency associated with the loss reserving process. The Company accounts for foreign and domestic reinsurance using the periodic method. Under the periodic method, premiums are recognized as revenue ratably over the contract term, and claims, including an estimate of claims incurred but not reported, are recognized as they occur. Deferred Taxes: Restricted Stock: Earnings Per Share: Comprehensive Income: Fair Value Measurements: Recent Accounting Pronouncements: In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), or ASU 2014-09, as amended by subsequently issued ASUs, to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue. While insurance contracts are not within the scope of this updated guidance, the Company's commission and fee income, other than that directly associated with insurance contracts, is subject to this updated guidance. The updated guidance requires an entity to recognize revenue as performance obligations are met, in order to reflect the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity is entitled to receive for those goods or services. The following steps are applied in the updated guidance: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when, or as, the entity satisfies a performance obligation. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 to the quarter ending March 31, 2018. The Company will use the modified retrospective method upon adoption in 2018. The Company has completed its evaluation of the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and has performed a technical assessment of material customer contracts and has concluded the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will not result in any material adjustments and it will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, or ASU 2016-01. The amendments in ASU 2016-01 change the accounting for non-consolidated equity investments that are not accounted for under the equity method of accounting by requiring changes in fair value to be recognized in income. Under current guidance, changes in fair value for investments of this nature were recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income as a component of shareholders' equity. Additionally, ASU 2016-01 simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values; requires entities to use the exit price when estimating the fair value of financial instruments; and modifies various presentation disclosure requirements for financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 became effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The effect of this guidance will be dependent on the unrealized gains or losses associated with the Company's equity investments. Such unrealized gains or losses will be recognized upon adoption as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings with future unrealized gains or losses recognized in the statement of income. Refer to Note B for a discussion of unrealized gains and losses (before income taxes) on non-consolidated equity investments of $71,012 currently recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), or ASU 2016-02. Upon the effective date, ASU 2016-02 will supersede the current lease guidance in ASC Topic 840, Leases. Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize for all leases, with the exception of short-term leases, a lease liability, which is a lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis. Concurrently, lessees will be required to recognize a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee's right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The guidance is required to be applied using a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative periods presented in the financial statements. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-02 to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, or ASU 2016-13. This update introduces a current expected credit loss model for measuring expected credit losses for certain types of financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable supportable forecasts. ASU 2016-13 replaces the current incurred loss model for measuring expected credit losses, requires expected losses on available-for-sale debt securities to be recognized through an allowance for credit losses rather than as reductions in the amortized cost of the securities, and provides for additional disclosure requirements. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the effects the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This update addresses the presentation and classification on the statement of cash flows for eight specific items, with the objective of reducing existing diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified. ASU 2016-15 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effects the adoption of ASU 2016-15 will have on our consolidated statements of cash flows, if any. The Company does not expect ASU 2016-18 to impact our consolidated balance sheet or consolidated statement of income. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. This update amends ASC Topic 230 to add and clarify guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The guidance requires entities to show the changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. The guidance will be applied retrospectively and is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effects the adoption of ASU 2016-18 will have on our consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company does not expect ASU 2016-18 to impact our consolidated balance sheet or consolidated statement of income. I In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220). This ASU allows for the option to reclassify from accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the newly enacted federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "U.S. Tax Act"), which was enacted on December 22, 2017. The legislation included a reduction to the corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent effective January 1, 2018. The amount of the reclassification would be the difference between the historical corporate income tax rate and the newly enacted 21 percent corporate income tax rate. ASU 2018-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is still evaluating the impacts of this standard on its consolidated financial statements but intends to make this reclassification.

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments [Abstract]
Investments	Note B - Investments The following is a summary of available for sale securities at December 31: Net Cost or Gross Gross Unrealized Fair Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Gains Value Cost Gains Losses (Losses) December 31, 2017 Fixed maturities Agency collateralized mortgage obligations $ 16,586 $ 15,839 $ 818 $ (71 ) $ 747 Agency mortgage-backed securities 27,075 27,180 47 (152 ) (105 ) Asset-backed securities 43,469 42,861 749 (141 ) 608 Bank loans 19,488 19,271 266 (49 ) 217 Certificates of deposit 3,135 3,124 11 - 11 Collateralized mortgage obligations 6,492 6,079 451 (38 ) 413 Corporate securities 198,349 198,419 1,602 (1,672 ) (70 ) Mortgage-backed securities 24,204 23,656 933 (385 ) 548 Municipal obligations 96,650 97,059 322 (731 ) (409 ) Non-U.S. government obligations 37,394 37,971 475 (1,052 ) (577 ) U.S. government obligations 49,011 49,558 - (547 ) (547 ) Total fixed maturities 521,853 521,017 5,674 (4,838 ) 836 Equity securities: Consumer 46,578 23,565 24,031 (1,018 ) 23,013 Energy 10,278 6,763 3,602 (87 ) 3,515 Financial 45,470 31,859 13,937 (326 ) 13,611 Industrial 25,402 8,949 16,793 (340 ) 16,453 Technology 13,061 5,768 7,401 (108 ) 7,293 Funds (e.g. mutual funds, closed end funds, ETFs) 50,291 46,177 4,153 (39 ) 4,114 Other 10,683 7,670 3,313 (300 ) 3,013 Total equity securities 201,763 130,751 73,230 (2,218 ) 71,012 Total $ 723,616 $ 651,768 $ 78,904 $ (7,056 ) 71,848 Applicable federal income taxes (25,148 ) Net unrealized gains - net of tax $ 46,700 Net Cost or Gross Gross Unrealized Fair Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Gains Value Cost Gains Losses (Losses) December 31, 2016 Fixed maturities Agency collateralized mortgage obligations $ 6,171 $ 6,000 $ 171 $ - $ 171 Agency mortgage-backed securities 4,770 4,751 57 (38 ) 19 Asset-backed securities 45,183 45,207 458 (482 ) (24 ) Bank loans 10,349 10,222 149 (22 ) 127 Certificates of deposit 3,117 3,126 - (9 ) (9 ) Collateralized mortgage obligations 9,104 9,096 290 (282 ) 8 Corporate securities 142,683 143,356 1,643 (2,316 ) (673 ) Mortgage-backed securities 24,571 23,904 1,132 (465 ) 667 Municipal obligations 129,335 130,204 391 (1,260 ) (869 ) Non-U.S. government obligations 24,681 26,461 230 (2,010 ) (1,780 ) U.S. government obligations 91,940 92,234 74 (368 ) (294 ) Total fixed maturities 491,904 494,561 4,595 (7,252 ) (2,657 ) Equity securities: Consumer 32,576 15,231 17,656 (311 ) 17,345 Energy 12,842 5,641 7,203 (2 ) 7,201 Financial 31,186 22,417 8,998 (229 ) 8,769 Industrial 21,145 6,239 15,098 (192 ) 14,906 Technology 8,858 4,117 4,769 (28 ) 4,741 Funds (e.g. mutual funds, closed end funds, ETFs) 6,995 6,930 121 (56 ) 65 Other 6,343 4,327 2,181 (165 ) 2,016 Total equity securities 119,945 64,902 56,026 (983 ) 55,043 Total $ 611,849 $ 559,463 $ 60,621 $ (8,235 ) 52,386 Applicable federal income taxes (18,335 ) Net unrealized gains - net of tax $ 34,051 The following table summarizes, for fixed maturity and equity security investments in an unrealized loss position at December 31, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss categorized by the duration those securities have been continuously in an unrealized loss position: 2017 2016 Number of Securities Fair Value Gross Unrealized Loss Number of Securities Fair Value Gross Unrealized Loss Fixed maturity securities: 12 months or less 459 $ 313,421 $ (2,683 ) 397 $ 291,048 $ (4,380 ) Greater than 12 months 112 75,638 (2,155 ) 54 32,054 (2,872 ) Total fixed maturities 571 389,059 (4,838 ) 451 323,102 (7,252 ) Equity securities: 12 months or less 65 46,654 (2,218 ) 35 20,698 (983 ) Greater than 12 months - - - - - - Total equity securities 65 46,654 (2,218 ) 35 20,698 (983 ) Total 636 $ 435,713 $ (7,056 ) 486 $ 343,800 $ (8,235 ) Unrealized losses in the Company's fixed maturity portfolio are generally the result of interest rate or foreign currency fluctuations. The Company does not intend to sell any fixed maturity securities which are in an unrealized loss position at December 31, 2017 and it is not more likely than not that the Company will have to sell any fixed maturity security before recovery of its amortized cost basis. For equity securities, the Company has evaluated the near-term prospects of the investments in relation to the severity and duration of the impairment and, based on that evaluation, the Company has the ability and intent to hold these investments for a period sufficient to allow for recovery of their fair value. Accordingly, the Company does not believe any unrealized losses represent an other-than-temporary impairment as of December 31, 2017. The fair value and the cost or amortized cost of fixed maturity investments at December 31, 2017, organized by contractual maturity, is shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have, in some cases, the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Pre-refunded municipal bonds are classified based on their pre-refunded call dates. Fair Value Cost or Amortized Cost One year or less $ 54,567 10.5 % $ 54,777 10.5 % Excess of one year to five years 292,755 56.1 294,698 56.6 Excess of five years to ten years 61,087 11.7 60,366 11.6 Excess of ten years 2,909 0.5 2,914 0.5 Total maturities 411,318 78.8 412,755 79.2 Asset-backed securities 110,535 21.2 108,262 20.8 $ 521,853 100.0 % $ 521,017 100.0 % Major categories of investment income for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Interest on fixed maturities $ 15,340 $ 13,254 $ 11,663 Dividends on equity securities 4,611 3,598 3,445 Money market funds, Short-term and other 471 128 32 20,422 16,980 15,140 Investment expenses (2,327 ) (2,497 ) (2,642 ) Net investment income $ 18,095 $ 14,483 $ 12,498 2017 2016 2015 Fixed maturities: Gross gains $ 9,135 $ 11,628 $ 6,633 Gross losses (10,031 ) (14,020 ) (13,634 ) Net losses (896 ) (2,392 ) (7,001 ) Equity securities: Gross gains 10,481 28,742 21,070 Gross losses (2,368 ) (5,595 ) (13,643 ) Net gains 8,113 23,147 7,427 Limited partnerships - net gain (loss) 12,469 2,473 (1,687 ) Total net gains (losses) $ 19,686 $ 23,228 $ (1,261 ) Gain and loss activity for fixed maturity and equity security investments, as shown in the previous table, includes adjustments for other-than-temporary impairment for the years ended December 31 summarized as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Cumulative charges to income at beginning of year $ 5,060 $ 10,513 $ 7,168 Writedowns based on objective and subjective criteria 149 5,743 7,700 Recovery of prior writedowns upon sale or disposal (1,590 ) (10,606 ) (4,355 ) Net pre-tax realized gain (loss) 1,441 4,863 (3,345 ) Cumulative charges to income at end of year $ 4,209 $ 5,060 $ 10,513 There is no primary market and only a limited secondary market for the Company's investments in limited partnerships and, in most cases, the Company is prohibited from disposing of its limited partnership interests for some period of time and generally must seek approval from the applicable general partner for any such disposal. Distributions of earnings from these partnerships are largely at the sole discretion of the general partners and distributions are generally not received by the Company for many years after the earnings have been reported. The Company has a commitment to contribute up to an additional $1,404 to a limited partnership as of December 31, 2017. The Company has invested in three limited partnerships with an aggregate estimated value of $43,586 at December 31, 2017, that are managed by organizations in which two directors of the Company are executive officers, directors or owners. The Company's ownership interest in these limited partnerships was 5% for New Vernon India Fund, 37% for New Vernon Global Opportunity Fund and 23% for New Vernon Global Opportunity Fund II. During 2017, the Company withdrew $5,000 from the New Vernon India Fund and $5,000 from the New Vernon Global Opportunity Fund II which reduced our investments. These limited partnerships contributed to or (reduced) $9,549, ($971) and ($1,978), net of fees, investment gains in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. During 2017, 2016 and 2015, the Company recorded management fees of $803, $777 and $749, respectively, for management of these limited partnerships. The Company utilizes the services of investment firms of which two directors of the Company are employees or partial owners. These investment firms manage equity securities and fixed maturity portfolios with an aggregate market value of approximately $24,779 at December 31, 2017. Total commissions and net fees earned by the investment firms and affiliates on these portfolios and for advice and consulting were approximately $97, $207 and $235 during 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The Company's limited partnerships include one investment which primarily invests in public and private equity markets in India. This limited partnership investment's value as of December 31, 2017 and 2016 was $29,817 and $27,153, respectively. At December 31, 2017, the Company's estimated ownership interest in this limited partnership investment was approximately 5%. The Company's share of income (losses), from both realized and unrealized appreciation (losses) from this limited partnership investment was $7,665, ($1,117) and ($1,599) in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. The summarized financial information of this limited partnership investment as of and for the years ended December 31 is as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Investment income (loss) $ 623 $ (5 ) $ (188 ) Partnership expenses 2,206 2,426 3,024 Net investment loss (1,583 ) (2,431 ) (3,212 ) Realized gain (loss) on investments 8,723 7,754 21,091 Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments 133,807 (21,002 ) (37,482 ) Net increase (decrease) in partners' capital resulting from operations $ 140,947 $ (15,679 ) $ (19,603 ) Total assets 566,629 448,263 511,118 Total liabilities 30,976 39,988 40,335 Total partners' capital 535,653 408,275 470,783 The fair value of regulatory deposits with various insurance departments in the United States and Canada totaled $86,335 and $86,169 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. Short-term investments at December 31, 2017 included $1,000 in certificates of deposit issued by a Bermuda bank. The Company's fixed maturities are over 86% invested in investment grade fixed maturity investments. The Company has a total of $693, representing one investment, of fixed maturity investments which were originally issued with guarantees by a third party insurance company. The S&P credit rating of such investment, with consideration of the guarantee, is AA. The S&P underlying credit rating of such investment, without consideration of the guarantee, would remain AA. The Company does not have any direct exposure to any guarantor. Approximately $71,907 of fixed maturity investments (8.4% of the Company's consolidated investment portfolio) consists of non-rated bonds and bonds rated as less than investment grade at year end. These investments include a diversified portfolio of over 40 investments and have a $1,605 aggregate net

Loss and Loss Expense Reserves

Loss and Loss Expense Reserves	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Loss and Loss Expense Reserves [Abstract]
Loss and Loss Expense Reserves	Note C – Loss and Loss Expense Reserves Activity in the reserves for losses and loss expenses is summarized as follows. All amounts are shown net of reinsurance, unless otherwise indicated. 2017 2016 2015 Reserves, gross of reinsurance recoverable, at the beginning of the year $ 576,330 $ 513,596 $ 506,102 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses at the beginning of the year 251,563 211,843 210,519 Reserves at the beginning of the year 324,767 301,753 295,583 Provision for losses and loss expenses: Claims occurring during the current year 228,303 172,645 165,812 Claims occurring during prior years 19,215 13,836 (10,062 ) Total incurred losses and loss expenses 247,518 186,481 155,750 Loss and loss expense payments: Claims occurring during the current year 67,234 54,239 56,710 Claims occurring during prior years 132,920 109,228 92,870 Total paid 200,154 163,467 149,580 Reserves at the end of the year 372,131 324,767 301,753 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses at the end of the year 308,143 251,563 211,843 Reserves, gross of reinsurance recoverable, at the end of the year $ 680,274 $ 576,330 $ 513,596 The table above shows that a reserve deficiency of $19,215 developed during 2017 in the settlement of claims occurring on or before December 31, 2016, compared to a reserve deficiency of $13,836 in 2016 and a reserve savings of $10,062 in 2015. The developments for each year are composed of individual claim savings and deficiencies which, in the aggregate have resulted from the settlement of claims at amounts higher or lower than previously reserved and from changes in estimates of losses incurred but not reported as part of the normal reserving process. The $19,215 prior accident year deficiency that developed during 2017 primarily related to: (1) infrequent, but severe, transportation losses that experienced adverse development primarily during the first six months of 2017 and (2) higher than expected loss development for discontinued lines of business. This 2017 deficiency compares to a deficiency of $13,836 for 2016, which was also impacted by discontinued lines of business. Loss reserves have been reduced by estimated salvage and subrogation recoverable of approximately $7,559 and $4,151 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively. The following is information about incurred and paid claims development as of December 31, 2017, net of reinsurance, as well as cumulative claim frequency and the total of incurred ‐ ‐ ‐ As of December 31, 2017 Total of Incurred- Workers' Compensation but-Not-Reported Liabilities Plus Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance Expected Number of Accident For the Years Ended December 31 (2008-2016 is Supplementary Information and Unaudited) Development on Reported Claims Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Reported Claims Per Year 2008 $ 19,833 $ 23,640 $ 24,715 $ 24,721 $ 24,855 $ 25,109 $ 23,916 $ 24,048 $ 24,352 $ 25,077 $ 661 3,656 2009 17,270 20,931 21,447 21,261 21,268 20,767 20,641 20,817 20,946 877 3,784 2010 20,644 20,111 19,400 19,300 18,849 18,344 19,195 19,541 1,096 4,222 2011 26,057 26,628 26,958 26,767 25,515 27,293 26,617 2,399 4,545 2012 23,965 25,544 24,887 24,485 25,616 27,020 3,151 4,479 2013 27,619 30,638 29,913 32,121 32,553 5,344 5,271 2014 36,768 36,968 34,009 33,427 5,848 5,394 2015 26,277 23,115 25,889 6,921 6,284 2016 35,240 29,757 9,795 6,003 2017 42,387 25,679 14,490 Total $ 283,214 $ 61,771 Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance Accident For the Years Ended December 31 (2008-2016 is Supplementary Information and Unaudited) Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2008 $ 6,046 $ 13,919 $ 17,320 $ 18,943 $ 20,055 $ 20,839 $ 21,306 $ 21,883 $ 22,199 22,910 2009 4,186 10,073 13,343 15,576 16,592 17,448 18,028 18,514 18,982 2010 3,974 9,134 11,963 13,845 14,966 15,835 16,590 16,789 2011 4,916 11,912 15,973 18,884 20,617 21,622 22,569 2012 4,597 11,004 14,834 17,415 18,946 20,276 2013 4,880 12,792 18,065 21,655 23,643 2014 5,328 13,665 19,075 22,387 2015 2,918 10,128 15,020 2016 5,784 13,377 2017 6,150 Total $ 182,103 Outstanding liabilities prior to 2008 net of reinsurance 12,640 Liabilities for claims and claims adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 113,751 As of December 31, 2017 Total of Incurred- Commercial Liability but-Not-Reported Liabilities Plus Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance Expected Number of Accident For the Years Ended December 31 (2008-2016 is Supplementary Information and Unaudited) Development on Reported Claims Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Reported Claims Per Year 2008 $ 34,693 $ 28,591 $ 27,311 $ 25,511 $ 23,989 $ 24,892 $ 24,902 $ 23,480 $ 23,482 $ 23,733 $ 110 1,280 2009 29,707 30,406 30,203 26,280 27,259 25,872 25,373 25,320 25,485 136 1,161 2010 31,124 22,161 21,899 19,139 20,300 19,764 19,377 19,081 96 2,384 2011 46,829 43,832 31,633 36,894 35,805 37,122 36,076 271 2,764 2012 49,743 54,269 49,743 51,367 48,708 51,475 478 3,211 2013 53,817 39,143 37,701 36,371 46,690 664 3,611 2014 49,971 52,254 52,483 52,964 1,451 3,091 2015 61,420 70,174 64,323 2,278 3,340 2016 61,638 68,974 6,725 3,581 2017 103,126 $ 43,880 4,387 Total $ 491,927 $ 56,089 Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance Accident For the Years Ended December 31 (2008-2016 is Supplementary Information and Unaudited) Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2008 $ 2,612 $ 8,942 $ 15,733 $ 21,220 $ 21,396 $ 23,169 $ 23,354 $ 23,444 $ 23,500 $ 23,510 2009 928 17,880 19,718 23,521 24,866 25,066 25,114 25,125 25,199 2010 1,649 7,166 11,635 16,052 18,627 18,517 18,866 18,662 2011 1,809 11,350 23,615 30,795 33,255 34,009 35,561 2012 3,086 23,252 32,942 45,303 47,601 50,036 2013 5,167 15,772 25,270 34,481 44,865 2014 4,023 9,046 28,393 45,075 2015 10,923 27,582 49,267 2016 6,843 30,377 2017 11,415 Total $ 333,967 Outstanding liabilities prior to 2008 net of reinsurance 4,621 Liabilities for claims and claims adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 162,581 As of December 31, 2017 Total of Incurred- Professional Liability Reinsurance Assumed (in runoff) but-Not-Reported Liabilities Plus Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance Expected Number of Accident For the Years Ended December 31 (2008-2016 is Supplementary Information and Unaudited) Development on Reported Claims Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Reported Claims Per Year 2008 2009 2010 $ 2,196 $ 4,277 $ 7,827 $ 7,946 $ 9,733 $ 10,740 $ 11,689 $ 11,893 $ 175 N/A 2011 10,492 8,314 9,017 9,859 10,779 12,735 12,744 290 N/A 2012 10,041 9,276 5,569 10,157 14,605 16,555 3,049 N/A 2013 14,370 13,034 11,618 17,694 23,256 4,653 N/A 2014 12,675 8,825 7,259 9,837 2,621 N/A 2015 11,638 7,859 7,147 3,290 N/A 2016 6,368 2,482 2,273 N/A 2017 - - N/A Total $ 83,914 $ 16,351 Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance Accident For the Years Ended December 31 (2008-2016 is Supplementary Information and Unaudited) Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2008 2009 2010 $ 41 $ 729 $ 3,505 $ 5,844 $ 7,758 $ 9,904 $ 11,132 $ 11,334 2011 50 637 2,061 4,983 8,104 10,404 11,679 2012 103 992 2,388 5,077 8,355 11,239 2013 123 1,135 5,088 10,988 14,779 2014 723 761 2,241 3,999 2015 10 390 1,899 2016 - 5 2017 - Total $ 54,934 Outstanding liabilities prior to 2008 net of reinsurance - Liabilities for claims and claims adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 28,980 The reconciliation of the net incurred and paid claims development tables to the liability for claims and claim adjustment expenses in the consolidated statement of financial position at December 31 is as follows. 2017 2016 Net outstanding liabilities Commercial Liability $ 162,581 $ 133,139 Workers' Compensation 113,751 101,883 Professional Liability Assumed 28,980 34,700 Other short-duration insurance lines 48,970 38,556 Liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance 354,282 308,278 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims Commercial Liability 124,695 85,549 Workers' Compensation 170,394 153,847 Other short-duration insurance lines 13,053 12,167 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses at the end of the year 308,142 251,563 Unallocated claims adjustment expenses 17,850 16,489 Total gross liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense $ 680,274 $ 576,330 The following is supplementary information about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2017. Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance (Supplementary Information and Unaudited) Years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Commercial Liability 9.1 % 31.1 % 25.3 % 22.3 % 7.0 % 2.9 % 1.8 % 0.1 % 0.3 % 0.1 % Workers' Compensation 17.6 % 26.5 % 15.5 % 9.7 % 5.6 % 4.1 % 3.0 % 1.9 % 1.7 % 2.8 % Professional Liability Assumed 1.3 % 3.7 % 16.0 % 20.4 % 19.2 % 17.8 % 10.2 % 1.7 % Reserve methodologies for incurred but not reported losses The Company uses both standard actuarial techniques common to most insurance companies as well as proprietary techniques developed by the Company in connection with its specialty business products. For its short-tail lines of The Company also uses the loss development factor approach for its long-tail lines of business, including workers' compensation. A minimum of 15 accident years is included in the loss development triangles used to calculate link ratios and the selected loss development factors used to determine the reserves for incurred but not reported losses. Significant emphasis is placed on the use of tail factors for the Company's long-tail lines of business. For the Company's fleet transportation risks, which are covered by regularly updated reinsurance agreements and which contain wide-ranging self-insured retentions ("SIR"), traditional actuarial methods are supplemented by other methods, as described below, in consideration of the Company's exposures to loss. In situations where the Company's reinsurance structure, the insured's SIR selections, policy volume, and other factors are changing, current accident period loss exposures may not be homogenous enough with historical loss data to allow for reliable projection of future developed losses. Therefore, the Company supplements the above-described actuarial methods with loss ratio reserving techniques developed from the Company's extensive, proprietary databases to arrive at the reserve for incurred but not reported losses for the calendar/accident period under review. As losses for a given calendar/accident period develop with the passage of time, management evaluates such development on a monthly and quarterly basis and adjusts reserve factors, as necessary, to reflect current judgment with regard to the anticipated ultimate incurred losses. This process continues until all losses are settled for each period subject to this method. Claim count methodology The Company uses a claim event and coverage combination to estimate frequency. For example, a single claim event involving loss for physical damage of a vehicle and personal injury to a claimant would be considered two claims for purposes of the calculation of frequency. A single claim event causing personal injury to two claimants would be considered a single claim under the methodology.

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Reinsurance [Abstract]
Reinsurance	Note D – Reinsurance The Insurance Subsidiaries cede portions of their gross premiums written to certain other insurers under excess of loss and quota share treaties and by facultative placements. Reinsurance treaties with other companies permit the recovery of a portion of related direct losses. Management determines the amount of net exposure it is willing to accept generally on a product line basis. Certain historical treaties covering fleet transportation risks include annual deductibles which must be exceeded before the Company can recover under the terms of the treaty. The Company retains a higher percentage of the direct premium in consideration of these deductible provisions. The Company remains liable to the extent the reinsuring companies are unable to meet their obligations under reinsurance contracts. The Company also serves as an assuming reinsurer on treaties with direct writing insurance companies and, prior to June 30, 2015, under retrocessions from other reinsurers for catastrophic property coverages. Accordingly, for periods prior to that date, the occurrence of catastrophic events could have had a significant impact on the Company's operations. In addition, the Insurance Subsidiaries participate in certain mandatory residual market pools which require insurance companies to provide coverages on assigned risks. The assigned risk pools allocate participation to all insurers based upon each insurer's portion of premium writings on a state or national level. Historically, the operation of these assigned risk pools have resulted in net losses allocated to the Company, although such losses have not been material in relation to the Company's operations. The following table summarizes the impact of reinsurance ceded and assumed on the Company's net premiums written and earned for the most recent three years: Premiums Written Premiums Earned 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Direct $ 504,033  $ 395,625  $ 366,668  $ 470,158  $ 394,679  $ 370,499 Ceded on direct (151,348 ) (131,166 ) (128,338 ) (145,201 ) (129,926 ) (128,135 ) Net direct 352,685 264,459 238,330 324,957 264,753 242,364 Assumed 704  7,379  16,885  3,188 11,344 21,533 Ceded on assumed - (86 ) (562 ) - (86 ) (562 ) Net assumed 704 7,293 16,323 3,188 11,258 20,971 Net $ 353,389 $ 271,752 $ 254,653 $ 328,145 $ 276,011 $ 263,335 Net losses and loss expenses incurred for 2017, 2016 and 2015 have been reduced by ceded reinsurance recoveries of approximately $128,086, $108,656 and $75,581, respectively. Ceded reinsurance premiums and loss recoveries for the purchase of catastrophe reinsurance coverage on the Company's net direct business were not material. Net losses and loss expenses incurred for 2017, 2016 and 2015 include approximately $5,223, $14,746 and $13,492, respectively, relating to reinsurance assumed from non-affiliated insurance or reinsurance companies. Components of reinsurance recoverable at December 31 are as follows: 2017 2016 Case unpaid losses, net of valuation allowance $ 119,615 $ 126,244 Incurred but not reported unpaid losses and loss expenses 187,163 123,819 Paid losses and loss expenses 2,206 1,760 Unearned premiums 9,347 3,201 $ 318,331 $ 255,024

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Note E - Income Taxes Deferred income taxes are calculated to account for the net tax effects of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and the amounts used for income tax purposes. Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are as follows: 2017 2016 Deferred tax liabilities: Unrealized gain on fixed income and equity security investments $ 15,086 $ 18,335 Deferred acquisition costs 1,804 874 Loss and loss expense reserves 2,623 1,198 Limited partnership investments 3,826 2,274 Accelerated depreciation 492 1,037 Other 1,791 1,251 Total deferred tax liabilities 25,622 24,969 Deferred tax assets: Loss and loss expense reserves 6,761 9,467 Unearned premiums discount 1,837 1,295 Other-than-temporary investment declines 815 858 Deferred compensation 885 1,097 Deferred ceding commission 627 464 Other 339 376 Total deferred tax assets 11,264 13,557 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 14,358 $ 11,412 On December 22, 2017, the U.S. Tax Act was signed into law, which lowered the U.S. corporate income tax rate from 35% to 21% effective January 1, 2018. As a result, the Company recorded a tax benefit of $9.6 million related to the re-measurement of its deferred tax assets and liabilities. The IRS has not yet published all of the detailed regulations resulting from the enactment of the U.S. Tax Act; therefore we have not completed our accounting for the tax effects, but we have made a reasonable estimate of the effects on our existing deferred tax balances at December 31, 2017. We re-measured deferred tax assets and liabilities based on the rates at which they are expected to be utilized in the future, which is generally 21%. However, we are still analyzing certain aspects of the U.S. Tax Act and refining our calculations, which could potentially affect the measurement of those balances or give rise to new deferred tax amounts. A summary of the difference between federal income tax expense computed at the statutory rate and that reported in the consolidated financial statements is as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Statutory federal income rate applied to pretax income $ 3,543 $ 15,069 $ 11,883 Tax effect of (deduction): Tax-exempt investment income (968 ) (938 ) (919 ) Change in enacted tax rates (9,572 ) - - Other (1,204 ) (22 ) (295 ) Federal income tax expense (benefit) $ (8,201 ) $ 14,109 $ 10,669 Federal income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following: 2017 2016 2015 Taxes (benefit) on pre-tax income: Current $ (4,335 ) $ 11,271 $ 12,488 Deferred (3,866 ) 2,838 (1,819 ) $ (8,201 ) $ 14,109 $ 10,669 2017 2016 2015 Limited partnerships $ 4,099 $ 503 $ (2,865 ) Discounts of loss and loss expense reserves 1,315 (114 ) 1,526 Reserves - salvage and subrogation and other 56 (1,110 ) 29 Unearned premium discount (1,767 ) 298 608 Deferred compensation (168 ) 595 (127 ) Other-than-temporary investment declines (127 ) 2,320 (1,416 ) Deferred acquisitions costs and ceding commission 1,553 (95 ) (287 ) Change in enacted tax rates (9,572 ) - - Other 745 441 713 Provision for deferred federal income tax $ (3,866 ) $ 2,838 $ (1,819 ) The Company is required to establish a valuation allowance for any portion of the gross deferred tax asset that management believes will not be realized. Management has determined that no such valuation allowance is necessary at December 31, 2017 or 2016. As of December 31, 2017, calendar years 2016, 2015 and 2014 remain subject to examination by the IRS. The Company has no uncertain tax positions as of December 31, 2017 or 2016. The Company recognizes accrued interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in income tax expense and changes in such accruals would impact the Company's effective tax rate. There were no amounts accrued for the payment of interest at December 31, 2017, 2016 and 2015.

Shareholders' Equity

Shareholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Shareholders' Equity	Note F - Shareholders' Equity Changes in common stock outstanding and additional paid-in capital are as follows: Additional Class A Class B Paid-in Shares Amount Shares Amount Capital Balance at January 1, 2015 2,623,109 $ 112 12,356,389 $ 527 $ 51,854 Restricted stock grants - - 46,552 2 1,092 Balance at December 31, 2015 2,623,109 112 12,402,941 529 52,946 Restricted stock grants - - 57,959 3 1,340 Balance at December 31, 2016 2,623,109 112 12,460,900 532 54,286 Restricted stock grants - - 47,578 2 1,152 Repurchase of common shares - - (84,960 ) (4 ) (360 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 2,623,109 $ 112 12,423,518 $ 530 $ 55,078 The Company's Class A and Class B common stock has a stated value of approximately $.04 per share. The Company paid a total of $16,302, or $1.08 per share, in dividends during 2017, $15,803, or $1.04 per share, during 2016 and $15,003, or $1.00 per share, during 2015. On August 31, 2017, the Company's Board of Directors authorized the reinstatement of its share repurchase program for up to 2,464,209 shares of the Company's Class A or Class B common stock. Pursuant to this share repurchase program, on September 21, 2017 the Company entered into a Rule 10b5-1 plan expiring on March 5, 2018, authorizing the repurchase of up to $17.5 million of the Company's outstanding common shares, at various pricing thresholds (the "Plan"). Because repurchases under the Plan will be subject to price, market volume and timing constraints, there is no assurance as to the exact number of shares that will be repurchased, if any. The Company may amend, suspend or discontinue the share repurchase program at any time. For the year ended December 31, 2017, the Company paid $1,880 to repurchase 84,960 shares of Class B common stock at an average share price of $22.12 under the Plan.

Other Operating Expenses

Other Operating Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Other Operating Expenses	Note G - Other Operating Expenses Details of other operating expenses for the years ended December 31: 2017 2016 2015 Amortization of gross deferred policy acquisition costs $ 70,574 $ 51,597 $ 50,270 Other underwriting expenses 37,230 41,692 42,638 Reinsurance ceded credits (23,187 ) (33,512 ) (28,956 ) Total underwriting expenses 84,617 59,777 63,952 Operating expenses of non-insurance companies 28,977 29,685 26,621 Total other operating expenses $ 113,594 $ 89,462 $ 90,573 During 2015, the Company entered into a consulting contract with an insurance brokerage firm of which a director of the Company is CEO and a Managing Director. The consulting contract provides for an annual fee of $300. For the years ended December 31, 2017 and 2016, the Company incurred expenses of $300 and $300, respectively, related to this agreement. The Company also has a brokerage agreement with this entity. The Company incurred commission expense in connection with insurance policies written in 2017 and 2016 under this brokerage agreement. Total commission expense for 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $674, $419 and $0, respectively.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Employee Benefit Plans [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Note H - Employee Benefit Plans The Company maintains a defined contribution 401(k) Employee Savings and Profit Sharing Plan (the "Plan") which covers nearly all employees who have completed one year of service. The Company's contributions are based on a set percentage and the contributions to the Plan for 2017, 2016 and 2015 were $2,797, $2,449 and $2,090, respectively.

Stock Based Compensation

Stock Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Stock Based Compensation [Abstract]
Stock Based Compensation	Note I - Stock Based Compensation In accordance with the terms of the 1981 Stock Purchase Plan (the "1981 Plan"), the Company is obligated to repurchase shares issued under the 1981 Plan, at a price equal to 90% of the book value of the shares at the end of the quarter immediately preceding the date of repurchase from one outside director. A limited number of shares have ever been repurchased under the 1981 Plan. At December 31, 2017, there were 46,875 shares (Class A) and 187,500 shares (Class B) outstanding which remain eligible for repurchase by the Company. Restricted Stock: The Company issues shares of restricted Class B common stock to the Company's outside directors, which serve as a portion of the annual compensation for the outside directors. The shares are distributed to the outside directors on the vesting date, one year following the date of grant. On August 31, 2017, the Company granted shares of restricted Class B common stock to a new outside director, in lieu of cash, as such director's pro-rated annual retainer compensation, which shares will vest and be distributed on May 9, 2018. The table below provides detail of the stock issuances for 2017, 2016 and 2015: Grant Date Grant Number of Shares Vesting Fair Value Date Issued Date Period Per Share 5/12/2015 21,252 5/12/2016 7/1/2015 - 6/30/2016 $22.59 5/10/2016 17,677 5/10/2017 7/1/2016 - 6/30/2017 $24.89 5/9/2017 18,183 5/9/2018 7/1/2017 - 6/30/2018 $24.20 8/31/2017 1,257 5/9/2018 8/31/2017 - 6/30/2018 $21.90 Compensation expense related to the above stock grants is recognized over the period in which the directors render the services. Director compensation expense associated with these restricted stock grants of $454, $460 and $460 was charged against income for the restricted stock awards granted in 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. On February 8, 2017, the Company issued 20,181 shares of restricted Class B common stock to certain of the Company's executives under the Company's Restricted Stock Compensation Plan. The shares of restricted stock represent a portion of the calendar year 2016 compensation earned by certain executives under the terms of the Company's Executive Incentive Bonus Plan. The shares of restricted stock will vest over a three-year period from the date of grant. The shares of restricted stock were valued based on the closing price of the Company's Class B common stock on February 8, 2017, the day the shares of restricted stock were granted. Each share of restricted stock was valued at $23.80 per share, representing a total value of $480. Non-vested shares of restricted stock will be forfeited should an executive's employment terminate for any reason other than death, disability, or retirement as defined by the Compensation Committee. In May 2017, the Company's Compensation Committee granted equity-based awards pursuant to the Company's Long-Term Incentive Plan (the "Long-Term Incentive Plan"), which was approved by the Company's shareholders at the 2017 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Certain participants under the Long-Term Incentive Plan were granted performance-based equity awards ("2017 LTIP Awards"), with the number of shares of Class B common stock earned pursuant to such award determined by applying a performance matrix consisting of a measurement of the combined results of the Company's 2017 growth in net premiums earned and the Company's 2017 combined ratio. The combined ratio is calculated as a ratio of (A) losses and loss expenses incurred, plus other operating expenses, less commission and other income to (B) net premiums earned. Any 2017 LTIP Awards earned by the Company's named executive officers ("NEOs") will be paid in shares of restricted Class B common stock at the end of the 2017 annual performance period and will vest after a one-year period. Any 2017 LTIP Awards earned by non-NEOs will be paid in shares of restricted Class B common stock at the end of the 2017 annual performance period and will vest ratably over a three-year period. In addition to the 2017 LTIP Awards, in May 2017 the Company's Compensation Committee also granted Value Creation Incentive Plan awards ("VCIP Awards") to certain participants under the Long-Term Incentive Plan. The VCIP Awards are performance-based equity awards that will be earned based on the Company's cumulative operating income over a three-year performance period from January 1, 2017 through December 31, 2019 relative to an operating income goal for the period set by the Compensation Committee in March 2017. For the purpose of the VCIP Awards, cumulative operating income is equal to income before taxes excluding net realized gains (losses) on investments. Any VCIP Awards that are earned will be paid in unrestricted shares of the Company's Class B common stock at the end of the three-year performance period, but no later than March 15, 2020. No shares were issued as of December 31, 2017 with respect to either the 2017 LTIP Awards or the VCIP Awards.

Segment Information

Segment Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Information [Abstract]
Segment Information	Note J – Segment Information As previously disclosed, the Company determined that its business constituted one reportable property and casualty insurance segment as of January 1, 2017 based on how its operating results are regularly reviewed by the Company's chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and to assess its performance. The property and casualty insurance segment provides multiple lines of insurance coverage primarily to fleet transportation companies as well as to independent contractors who contract with fleet transportation companies. In addition, the Company provides workers' compensation coverage for a variety of operations outside the transportation industry. The following table summarizes segment revenues for the years ended December 31: 2017 2016 2015 Revenues: Net premiums earned $ 328,145 $ 276,011 $ 263,335 Net investment income 18,095 14,483 12,498 Commissions and other income 5,308 5,275 5,703 Net realized gains (losses) on investments 19,686 23,228 (1,261 ) Total revenues $ 371,234 $ 318,997 $ 280,275

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Note K - Earnings Per Share The following is a reconciliation of the denominators used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31: 2017 2016 2015 Average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share 15,065,216 15,071,900 15,010,454 Dilutive effect of share equivalents 42,220 12,108 11,308 Average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share 15,107,436 15,084,008 15,021,762

Concentrations of Credit Risk

Concentrations of Credit Risk	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Concentrations of Credit Risk [Abstract]
Concentrations of Credit Risk	Note L - Concentrations of Credit Risk The Company writes policies of excess insurance attaching above SIRs and also writes policies that contain per-claim deductibles. Those losses and claims that fall within the SIR limits are obligations of the insured; however, the Company writes surety bonds in favor of various regulatory agencies guaranteeing the insureds' payment of claims within the SIR. Further, specified portions of losses and claims incurred under large deductible policies, while obligations of the Company, are contractually reimbursable to the Company from the insureds. The Company requires collateral from its insureds to serve as a source of reimbursement if the Company is obligated to pay claims within the SIR by reason of an insured's default or if the insured fails to reimburse the Company for deductible amounts paid by the Company. Acceptable collateral may be provided in the form of letters of credit on Company-approved banks, Company- approved marketable securities or cash. At December 31, 2017, the Company held collateral in the aggregate amount of $300,069. The amount of collateral required of an insured is determined by the financial condition of the insured, the type of obligations guaranteed by the Company, estimated reserves for incurred losses within the SIR or deductible that have been reported to the insured or the Company, estimated incurred but not reported losses, and estimated losses that are expected to occur within the SIR or deductible prior to the next collateral adjustment date. In general, the Company attempts to hold collateral equal to 100% of the ultimate losses that would be paid by or due the Company in the event of an insured's default. Periodic audits are conducted by the Company to evaluate its exposure and the collateral required. If a deficiency in collateral is noted as the result of an audit, additional collateral is requested immediately. Because collateral amounts contain numerous estimates of the Company's exposure, are adjusted only periodically and are sometimes reduced based on the superior financial condition of the insured, the amount of collateral held by the Company at a given point in time may not be sufficient to fully reimburse the Company for all of its guarantees or amounts due in the event of an insured's default. In that regard, the Company is not fully collateralized for the guarantees made for, or the deductible amounts that may be due from, FedEx Ground and certain of its subsidiaries and related entities, and in the event of their default, such default may have a material adverse impact on the Company. The Company estimates its uncollateralized exposure related to FedEx to be as much as 46% (after-tax) of shareholders' equity at December 31, 2017. The Company's balance sheet includes paid and estimated unpaid amounts recoverable from reinsurers under various agreements. These recoverables are only partially collateralized. The two largest amounts due from individual reinsurers, net of collateral and offsets, were $35,801 and $34,927 at December 31, 2017.

Acquisition and related Goodwil

Acquisition and related Goodwill and Intangibles	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Acquisition and related Goodwill and Intangibles [Abstract]
Acquisition and related Goodwill and Intangibles	Note M – Acquisition and related Goodwill and Intangibles On October 31, 2008, the Company purchased a commercial lines specialty insurance agency for a cash purchase price of $3,500. As part of the purchase, the Company recorded goodwill of $3,152 and intangible assets of $179. Accumulated amortization of intangible assets was $179 as of both December 31, 2017 and 2016.

Fair Value

Fair Value	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair Value	Note N – Fair Value Assets and liabilities recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets are categorized based upon the level of judgment associated with the inputs used to measure their fair value. The carrying amounts reported in the consolidated balance sheets for cash, accounts receivables, reinsurance recoverable, notes receivable, accounts payable and accrued expenses, income taxes payable, short-term borrowings and unearned income approximate fair value because of the short-term nature of these items. The following tables summarize fair value measurements by level for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis: As of December 31, 2017: Description Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fixed maturities: Agency collateralized mortgage obligations $ 16,586 $ - $ 16,586 $ - Agency mortgage-backed securities 27,075 - 27,075 - Asset-backed securities 43,469 - 43,469 - Bank loans 19,488 - 19,488 - Certificates of deposit 3,135 3,135 - - Collateralized mortgage obligations 6,492 - 6,492 - Corporate securities 193,058 - 193,058 - Options embedded in convertible securities 5,291 - 5,291 - Mortgage-backed securities 24,204 - 24,204 - Municipal obligations 96,650 - 96,650 - Non-U.S. government obligations 37,394 - 37,394 - U.S. government obligations 49,011 - 49,011 - Total fixed maturities 521,853 3,135 518,718 - Equity securities: Consumer 46,578 46,578 - - Energy 10,278 10,278 - - Financial 45,470 45,470 - - Industrial 25,402 25,402 - - Technology 13,061 13,061 - - Funds (e.g. mutual funds, closed end funds, ETFs) 50,291 45,276 5,015 - Other 10,683 10,683 - - Total equity securities 201,763 196,748 5,015 - Short term 1,000 1,000 - - Cash equivalents 59,173 - 59,173 - Total $ 783,789 $ 200,883 $ 582,906 $ - As of December 31, 2016: Description Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fixed maturities: Agency collateralized mortgage obligations $ 6,171 $ - $ 6,171 $ - Agency mortgage-backed securities 4,770 - 4,770 - Asset-backed securities 45,183 - 37,919 7,264 Bank loans 10,349 - - 10,349 Certificates of deposit 3,117 3,117 - - Collateralized mortgage obligations 9,104 - 6,409 2,695 Corporate securities 137,932 - 135,794 2,138 Options embedded in convertible securities 4,751 - 4,751 - Mortgage-backed securities 24,571 - 22,206 2,365 Municipal obligations 129,335 - 129,190 145 Non-U.S. government obligations 24,681 - 24,419 262 U.S. government obligations 91,940 - 91,940 - Total fixed maturities 491,904 3,117 463,569 25,218 Equity securities: Consumer 32,576 32,576 - - Energy 12,842 12,842 - - Financial 31,186 30,943 243 - Industrial 21,145 20,262 883 - Technology 8,858 8,858 - - Funds (e.g. mutual funds, closed end funds, ETFs) 6,995 - 6,995 - Other 6,343 6,343 - - Total equity securities 119,945 111,824 8,121 - Short term 1,500 1,500 - - Cash equivalents 59,683 - 59,683 - Total $ 673,032 $ 116,441 $ 531,373 $ 25,218 Level inputs, as defined by the FASB guidance, are as follows: Level Input: Input Definition: Level 1 Inputs are unadjusted, quoted prices for identical assets or liabilities in active markets at the measurement date. Level 2 Inputs other than quoted prices included in Level 1 that are observable for the asset or liability through corroboration with market data at the measurement date. Level 3 Unobservable inputs that reflect management's best estimate of what market participants would use in pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. The Company does not have any Level 3 fair value assets at December 31, 2017. Transfers into Level 3 during 2017 and 2016 relate to securities previously classified as Level 2. A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs is as follows for the years ended December 31: 2017 2016 Beginning of period balance $ 25,218 $ 16,793 Total gains or losses (realized) included in income 406 1,846 Purchases 81 5,540 Settlements (9,123 ) (8,791 ) Transfers into Level 3 144 10,202 Transfers out of Level 3 (16,726 ) (372 ) End of period balance $ - $ 25,218 Quoted market prices are obtained whenever possible. Where quoted market prices are not available, fair values are estimated using broker/dealer quotes for specific securities. These techniques are significantly affected by our assumptions, including discount rates and estimates of future cash flows. Potential taxes and other transaction costs have not been considered in estimating fair values. Transfers between levels, if any, are recorded as of the beginning of the reporting period. There were no significant transfers of assets between Level 1 and Level 2 during 2017. The transfers out of Level 3 during 2017 consisted mainly of bank loans, asset-backed securities and certain mortgage-backed securities and corporate securities, and were the result of changes in the availability of market observable inputs. In addition to the preceding disclosures on assets recorded at fair value in the consolidated balance sheets, FASB guidance also requires the disclosure of fair values for certain other financial instruments for which it is practicable to estimate fair value, whether or not such values are recognized in the consolidated balance sheets. Non-financial instruments such as real estate, property and equipment, other assets, deferred income taxes and intangible assets, and certain financial instruments such as policy reserve liabilities are excluded from the fair value disclosures. Therefore, the fair value amounts cannot be aggregated to determine the underlying economic value of the Company. The following methods, assumptions and inputs were used to estimate the fair value of each class of financial instrument: Limited partnerships: The Company accounts for investments in limited partnerships using the equity method of accounting, which requires an investor in a limited partnership to carry the investment at its proportionate share of the limited partnership's equity. The underlying assets of the Company's investments in limited partnerships are carried primarily at fair value, and, therefore, the Company's carrying value of limited partnerships approximates fair value. As these investments are not actively traded and the corresponding inputs are based on data provided by the investees, they are classified as Level 3. Short-term borrowings: The fair value of our short-term borrowings is based on quoted market prices for the same or similar debt, or, if no quoted market prices are available, on the current market interest rates available to us for debt of similar terms and remaining maturities. A summary of the carrying value and fair value by level of financial instruments not recorded at fair value on the Company's consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows: 2017: Carrying Fair Value Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Limited partnerships $ 70,806 $ - $ - $ 70,806 $ 70,806 Liabilities: Short-term borrowings 20,000 - 20,000 - 20,000 2016: Assets: Limited partnerships $ 76,469 $ - $ - $ 76,469 $ 76,469 Liabilities: Short-term borrowings 20,000 - 20,000 - 20,000

Quarterly Results of Operations

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited)	Note O - Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) Quarterly results of operations are as follows: Results by Quarter 2017 2016 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Net premiums earned $ 73,974 $ 67,996 $ 89,100 $ 97,075 $ 66,909 $ 68,726 $ 71,235 $ 69,141 Net investment income 3,692 4,716 4,027 5,661 3,440 3,549 3,513 3,982 Net realized gains on investments 6,294 3,296 5,944 4,152 9,012 280 7,732 6,204 Losses and loss expenses incurred 48,599 71,754 60,673 66,492 38,623 42,666 56,827 48,366 Net income (loss) 6,756 (12,343 ) 7,434 16,476 14,112 5,969 4,001 4,864 Net income (loss) per share - diluted $ .45 $ (.82 ) $ .49 $ 1.10 $ .94 $ .40 $ .27 $ .32

Statutory

Statutory	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Statutory [Abstract]
Statutory	Note P - Statutory Net income of the Insurance Subsidiaries, all of which are wholly-owned, as determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices, was $22,000, $31,647 and $25,627 for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively. Consolidated statutory capital and surplus for these subsidiaries was $421,663 and $399,314 at December 31, 2017 and 2016, respectively, of which $59,106 may be transferred by dividend or loan to the parent company during calendar year 2018 with proper notification to, but without approval from, regulatory authorities. State regulatory authorities prescribe calculations of the minimum amount of statutory capital and surplus necessary for each insurance company to remain authorized. These computations are referred to as Risk Based Capital ("RBC") requirements and are based on a number of complex factors taking into consideration the quality and nature of assets, the historical adequacy of recorded liabilities and the specific nature of business conducted. At December 31, 2017, the minimum statutory capital and surplus requirements of the Insurance Subsidiaries was $104,913. Actual consolidated statutory capital and surplus at December 31, 2017 exceeded this requirement by $316,750.

Leases

Leases	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Leases	Note Q - Leases The Company leases certain computer and related equipment using noncancelable operating leases. Lease expense for 2017, 2016 and 2015 was $417, $157 and $175, respectively. At December 31, 2017, future lease payments for operating leases with initial or remaining noncancelable terms of one year or more consisted of the following: 2018 $ 297 2019 297 2020 80 2021 and thereafter 6 Total minimum payments required $ 680

Accumulated Other Comprehensive

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Note R – Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income A reconciliation of the components of accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31 is as follows: 2017 2016 Investments: Total unrealized gain before federal income taxes $ 71,848 $ 52,386 Deferred tax liability (25,148 ) (18,335 ) Net unrealized gains on investments 46,700 34,051 Foreign exchange adjustment: Total unrealized losses (475 ) (1,278 ) Deferred tax benefit 166 447 Net unrealized losses on foreign exchange adjustment (309 ) (831 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income $ 46,391 $ 33,220 Details of changes in net unrealized gains on investments for the years ended December 31 are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Investments: Pre-tax holding gains (losses) on debt and equity securities arising during period $ 26,677 $ 13,259 $ (19,445 ) Less: applicable federal income taxes 9,337 4,641 (6,806 ) 17,340 8,618 (12,639 ) Pre-tax gains on debt and equity securities included in net income during period 7,217 20,755 426 Less: applicable federal income taxes 2,526 7,264 149 4,691 13,491 277 Change in unrealized gains on investments $ 12,649 $ (4,873 ) $ (12,916 ) Reconciliation of accumulated other comprehensive income and retained earnings for the years ended December 31 are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Beginning accumulated other comprehensive income $ 33,220 $ 37,858 $ 52,230 Change in foreign exchange adjustment 522 235 (1,456 ) Change in unrealized net gains on investments 12,649 (4,873 ) (12,916 ) Ending accumulated other comprehensive income $ 46,391 $ 33,220 $ 37,858 2017 2016 2015 Beginning retained earnings $ 316,195 $ 303,053 $ 294,773 Net income 18,323 28,945 23,283 Dividends (16,302 ) (15,803 ) (15,003 ) Repurchase of common shares (1,516 ) - - Ending retained earnings $ 316,700 $ 316,195 $ 303,053

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Debt [Abstract]
Debt	Note S – Debt The Company maintains a revolving line of credit with a $40,000 limit and an expiration date of September 23, 2018. Interest on this line of credit is referenced to LIBOR and can be fixed for periods of up to one year at the Company's option. Outstanding drawings on this line of credit were $20,000 as of both December 31, 2017 and 2016. At December 31, 2017, the effective interest rate was 2.65%. The Company had $20,000 remaining unused under the line of credit at December 31, 2017. These outstanding borrowings were used for general corporate purposes.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Note T – Subsequent Events On February 9, 2018, the Board of Directors of Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.28 per share on the Company's Class A and Class B Common Stock. The dividend per share will be payable March 9, 2018 to shareholders of record on February 23, 2018.

SCHEDULE I --SUMMARY OF INVESTM

SCHEDULE I --SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS-OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
SCHEDULE I -- SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS-OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES [Abstract]
SCHEDULE I -- SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS-OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES	SCHEDULE I -- SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS- OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES Form 10-K - Year Ended December 31, 2017 Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and Subsidiaries Column A Column B Column C Column D Amount At Which Shown Fair In The Balance Type of Investment Cost Value Sheet (A) (dollars in thousands) Fixed Maturities: Bonds: Agency collateralized mortgage obligations $ 15,839 $ 16,586 $ 16,586 Agency mortgage-backed securities 27,180 27,075 27,075 Asset-backed securities 42,861 43,469 43,469 Bank loans 19,271 19,488 19,488 Certificates of deposit 3,124 3,135 3,135 Collateralized mortgage obligations 6,079 6,492 6,492 Corporate securities 197,201 197,130 197,130 Mortgage-backed securities 23,656 24,204 24,204 Municipal obligations 97,059 96,650 96,650 Non-U.S. government obligations 39,189 38,613 38,613 U.S. government obligations 49,558 49,011 49,011 Total fixed maturities 521,017 521,853 521,853 Equity Securities: Common Stocks: Consumer 23,565 46,578 46,578 Energy 6,763 10,278 10,278 Financial 31,859 45,470 45,470 Industrial 8,949 25,402 25,402 Technology 5,768 13,061 13,061 Funds (e.g. mutual funds, closed end funds, ETFs) 46,177 50,291 50,291 Other 7,670 10,683 10,683 Total equity securities 130,751 201,763 201,763 Short-term: Certificates of deposit 1,000 1,000 1,000 Total short-term and other 1,000 1,000 1,000 Total investments $ 652,768 $ 724,616 $ 724,616 (A) Amounts presented above do not include investments of $59,174 classified as cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet.

SCHEDULE II CONDENSED FINANCIAL

SCHEDULE II CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
SCHEDULE II CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT [Abstract]
SCHEDULE II CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT	SCHEDULE II CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT Form 10-K Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. Condensed Balance Sheets December 31 2017 2016 (dollars in thousands) Assets Investment in subsidiaries $ 436,879 $ 409,892 Due from affiliates 1,191 3,381 Investments other than subsidiaries: Fixed maturities 22,306 10,166 Limited partnerships 222 205 22,528 10,371 Cash and cash equivalents 26,496 14,995 Accounts receivable 6,833 7,602 Other assets 24,772 25,763 Total assets $ 518,699 $ 472,004 Liabilities and shareholders' equity Liabilities: Premiums payable $ 14,046 $ 11,973 Deposits from insureds 60,893 30,087 Short-term borrownings 20,000 20,000 Other liabilities 4,949 5,599 99,888 67,659 Shareholders' equity: Common stock: Class A 112 112 Class B 530 532 Additional paid-in capital 55,078 54,286 Unrealized net gains on investments 46,700 34,051 Foreign exchange adjustment (309 ) (831 ) Retained earnings 316,700 316,195 418,811 404,345 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity $ 518,699 $ 472,004 SCHEDULE II CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT Form 10-K Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. Condensed Statements of Income Year Ended December 31 2017 2016 2015 (dollars in thousands) Revenue: Commissions and service fees $ 18,863 $ 27,736 $ 23,523 Cash dividends from subsidiaries 10,000 20,000 20,000 Net investment income 348 134 120 Net realized gains (losses) on investments 308 (3 ) (22 ) Other (106 ) (24 ) (17 ) 29,413 47,843 43,604 Expenses: Salary and related items 18,140 17,462 17,616 Other 9,686 10,808 7,297 27,826 28,270 24,913 Income before federal income taxes and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries 1,587 19,573 18,691 Federal income tax benefit (2,971 ) (69 ) (350 ) 4,558 19,642 19,041 Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries 13,765 9,303 4,242 Net income $ 18,323 $ 28,945 $ 23,283 SCHEDULE II CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT Form 10-K Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income 2017 2016 2015 (dollars in thousands) Net income $ 18,323 $ 28,945 $ 23,283 Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax: Unrealized net losses on securities: Unrealized holding net gains (losses) arising during the period 17,340 8,618 (12,639 ) Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income (4,691 ) (13,491 ) (277 ) Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax 12,649 (4,873 ) (12,916 ) Foreign currency translation adjustments 522 235 (1,456 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) 13,171 (4,638 ) (14,372 ) Comprehensive income $ 31,494 $ 24,307 $ 8,911 SCHEDULE II CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT Form 10-K Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. Condensed Statements of Cash Flows Year Ended December 31 2017 2016 2015 (dollars in thousands) Net cash provided by operating activities $ 44,998 $ 15,484 $ 21,841 Investing activities: Purchases of long-term investments (21,365 ) (4,000 ) (4,792 ) Sales or maturities of long-term investments 9,146 3,493 4,194 Net sales of short-term investments - 2,165 - Distributions from limited partnerships 298 - - Net purchases of property and equipment (3,394 ) (4,278 ) (4,921 ) Net cash used in investing activities (15,315 ) (2,620 ) (5,519 ) Financing activities: Dividends paid to shareholders (16,302 ) (15,803 ) (15,003 ) Repurchase of common shares (1,880 ) - - Net cash used in financing activities (18,182 ) (15,803 ) (15,003 ) Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 11,501 (2,939 ) 1,319 Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year 14,995 17,934 16,615 Cash and cash equivalents at end of year $ 26,496 $ 14,995 $ 17,934 Note to Condensed Financial Statements -- Basis of Presentation The Company's investment in subsidiaries is stated at cost plus equity in the undistributed earnings of subsidiaries since the date of acquisition. The Company's share of net income of its subsidiaries is included in income using the equity method. These financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company's consolidated financial statements.

SCHEDULE III -- SUPPLEMENTARY I

SCHEDULE III -- SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
SCHEDULE III -- SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION [Abstract]
SCHEDULE III -- SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION	SCHEDULE III -- SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION Form 10-K Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and Subsidiaries (Dollars in thousands) Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Column F Column G Column H Column I Column J Column K As of December 31 Year Ended December 31 Reserves for Unpaid Other Benefits, Amortization Deferred Claims Policy Claims, of Deferred Policy and Claim Claims and Net Net Losses and Policy Other Net Acquisition Adjustment Unearned Benefits Premium Investment Settlement Acquisition Operating Premiums Segment Costs Expenses Premiums Payable Earned Income Expenses Costs Expenses Written (A) (A) (A) (B) Property/Casualty Insurance 2017 $ 5,608 $ 680,274 $ 53,085 --- $ 328,145 $ 18,095 $ 247,518 $ 70,574 $ 14,043 $ 353,389 2016 1,172 576,330 21,694 --- 276,011 14,483 186,481 51,597 8,180 271,752 2015 1,443 513,596 25,291 --- 263,335 12,498 155,750 50,270 13,682 254,653 (A) Allocations of certain expenses have been made to invesetment income, settlement expenses and other operating expenses and are based on a number of assumptions and estimates. Results among these categories would change if different methods were applied. (B) Commission allowances relating to reinsurance ceded are offset against other operating expenses.

SCHEDULE IV -- REINSURANCE

SCHEDULE IV -- REINSURANCE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
SCHEDULE IV -- REINSURANCE [Abstract]
SCHEDULE IV -- REINSURANCE	SCHEDULE IV -- REINSURANCE Form 10-K Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and Subsidiaries Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Column F % of Ceded Assumed Amount Direct to Other from Other Net Assumed to Premiums Companies Companies Amount Net (dollars in thousands) Premiums Earned - Years Ended December 31: 2017 $ 470,158 $ 145,201 $ 3,188 $ 328,145 1.0 2016 394,679 130,012 11,344 276,011 4.1 2015 370,499 128,697 21,533 263,335 8.0 Note: Included in Ceded to Other Companies is $0, $86 and $562 for 2017, 2016 and 2015, respectively, relating to retrocessions associated with premiums assumed from other companies. Percentage of Amount Assumed to Net above considers the impact of this retrocession.

SCHEDULE VI--SUPPLEMENTAL INFOR

SCHEDULE VI--SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
SCHEDULE VI--SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS [Abstract]
SCHEDULE VI--SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS	SCHEDULE VI--SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS Form 10-K Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and Subsidiaries (Dollars in thousands) Column A Column B Column C Column D Column E Column F Column G Column H Column I Column J Column K As of December 31 Year Ended December 31 Reserves Claims and Claim Amortiza- for Unpaid Discount, Adjustment Expenses tion of Deferred Claims if any Incurred Related to Deferred Paid Claims AFFILIATION Policy and Claim Deducted Net (1) (2) Policy and Claim Net WITH Acquisi- Adjustment in Unearned Earned Investment Current Prior Acquisition Adjustment Premiums REGISTRANT tion Costs Expenses Column C Premiums Premiums Income Year Years Costs Expenses Written Consolidated Property/Casualty Subsidiaries: (A) 2017 $5,608 $680,274 $- $53,085 $328,145 $18,095 $228,303 $19,215 $70,574 $200,154 $353,389 2016 1,172 576,330 - 21,694 276,011 14,483 172,645 13,836 51,597 163,467 271,752 2015 1,443 513,596 2,110 25,291 263,335 12,498 165,812 (10,062) 50,270 149,580 254,653 (A) Loss reserves on certain reinsurance assumed and permanent total disability workers' compensation claims have been discounted to present value using pretax interest rates not exceeding 3.5% through 2015.

Summary of Significant Accoun33

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Description of Business	Description of Business: The Company determined that its business constituted one reportable property and casualty insurance segment as of January 1, 2017. During 2016 and prior years, the Company had two reportable segments – property and casualty insurance and reinsurance. The Company moved to a single reportable segment based on how its operating results are regularly reviewed by the Company's chief operating decision maker to make decisions about resources to be allocated to the segment and to assess its performance. The prior year segment information throughout this Annual Report on Form 10-K was updated to conform to the current year presentation.
Basis of Presentation	Basis of Presentation:
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates:
Cash and Cash Equivalents	Cash and Cash Equivalents:
Investments	Investments: Short-term and other investments are carried at cost, which approximates their fair values. Realized gains and losses on disposals of investments are recorded on the trade date, are determined by specific identification of cost of investments sold and are included in income. All fixed maturity and equity securities are considered to be available for sale; the related unrealized net gains or losses (net of applicable tax effect) are reflected directly in shareholders' equity. Included within available for sale fixed maturity securities are convertible debt securities. Portions of the changes in fair values of convertible debt securities are reflected as a component of net realized gains (losses) on investments. In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standard Board's ("FASB") other-than-temporary impairment guidance, if a fixed maturity security is in an unrealized loss position and the Company has the intent to sell the fixed maturity security, or it is more likely than not that the Company will have to sell the fixed maturity security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the decline in value is deemed to be other-than-temporary and is recorded to net realized losses on investments in the consolidated statements of operations. For impaired fixed maturity securities that the Company does not intend to sell or in cases where it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell such securities, but the Company expects that it will not fully recover the amortized cost basis, the credit component of the other-than-temporary impairment is recognized in net realized losses on investments in the consolidated statements of operations and the non-credit component of the other-than-temporary impairment is recognized directly in shareholders' equity (accumulated other comprehensive income). The credit component of an other-than-temporary impairment is determined by comparing the net present value of projected future cash flows with the amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity security. The net present value is calculated by discounting the Company's best estimate of projected future cash flows at the appropriate effective interest rate. The unrealized net gains or losses (net of applicable tax effect) related to equity securities are reflected directly in shareholders' equity, unless a decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary, in which case the loss is charged to income. In determining if and when a decline in market value below cost is other-than-temporary, an objective analysis is made of each individual security where current market value is less than cost. For any equity security where the unrealized loss exceeds 20% of original or adjusted cost, and where that decline has existed for six months, the decline is treated as an other-than-temporary impairment. Additionally, for any equity security where the decline has existed for a period of at least one year, the decline is treated as an other-than-temporary impairment. Additionally, the Company takes into account any known subjective information in evaluating for impairment, without consideration of the Company's quantitative criteria defined above, as well as the Company's intent and ability to retain the equity security for a period of time sufficient to allow for such recovery in fair value.
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment:
Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets:
Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses	Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses:
Recognition of Revenue and Costs	Recognition of Revenue and Costs:
Reinsurance	Reinsurance Should impairment in the ability of a reinsurer to satisfy its obligations to the Company be determined to exist, current year operations would be charged in amounts sufficient to provide for the Company's additional liability. Such charges, when incurred, are included in other operating expenses, rather than losses and loss expenses incurred, since the inability of the Company to collect from reinsurers is a credit risk rather than a deficiency associated with the loss reserving process. The Company accounts for foreign and domestic reinsurance using the periodic method. Under the periodic method, premiums are recognized as revenue ratably over the contract term, and claims, including an estimate of claims incurred but not reported, are recognized as they occur.
Deferred Taxes	Deferred Taxes:
Restricted Stock	Restricted Stock:
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share:
Comprehensive Income	Comprehensive Income:
Fair Value Measurements	Fair Value Measurements:
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	Recent Accounting Pronouncements: In May 2014, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), or ASU 2014-09, as amended by subsequently issued ASUs, to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue. While insurance contracts are not within the scope of this updated guidance, the Company's commission and fee income, other than that directly associated with insurance contracts, is subject to this updated guidance. The updated guidance requires an entity to recognize revenue as performance obligations are met, in order to reflect the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity is entitled to receive for those goods or services. The following steps are applied in the updated guidance: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when, or as, the entity satisfies a performance obligation. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 to the quarter ending March 31, 2018. The Company will use the modified retrospective method upon adoption in 2018. The Company has completed its evaluation of the impact this guidance will have on its consolidated financial statements and has performed a technical assessment of material customer contracts and has concluded the adoption of ASU 2014-09 will not result in any material adjustments and it will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities, or ASU 2016-01. The amendments in ASU 2016-01 change the accounting for non-consolidated equity investments that are not accounted for under the equity method of accounting by requiring changes in fair value to be recognized in income. Under current guidance, changes in fair value for investments of this nature were recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income as a component of shareholders' equity. Additionally, ASU 2016-01 simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values; requires entities to use the exit price when estimating the fair value of financial instruments; and modifies various presentation disclosure requirements for financial instruments. ASU 2016-01 became effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The effect of this guidance will be dependent on the unrealized gains or losses associated with the Company's equity investments. Such unrealized gains or losses will be recognized upon adoption as a cumulative-effect adjustment to retained earnings with future unrealized gains or losses recognized in the statement of income. Refer to Note B for a discussion of unrealized gains and losses (before income taxes) on non-consolidated equity investments of $71,012 currently recognized in other comprehensive income (loss). In February 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842), or ASU 2016-02. Upon the effective date, ASU 2016-02 will supersede the current lease guidance in ASC Topic 840, Leases. Under the new guidance, lessees will be required to recognize for all leases, with the exception of short-term leases, a lease liability, which is a lessee's obligation to make lease payments arising from a lease, measured on a discounted basis. Concurrently, lessees will be required to recognize a right-of-use asset, which is an asset that represents the lessee's right to use, or control the use of, a specified asset for the lease term. ASU 2016-02 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018, with early adoption permitted. The guidance is required to be applied using a modified retrospective transition approach for leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative periods presented in the financial statements. The Company does not expect the adoption of ASU 2016-02 to have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements. In June 2016, the FASB issued ASU No. 2016-13, Financial Instruments - Credit Losses (Topic 326): Measurement of Credit Losses on Financial Instruments, or ASU 2016-13. This update introduces a current expected credit loss model for measuring expected credit losses for certain types of financial instruments held at the reporting date based on historical experience, current conditions and reasonable supportable forecasts. ASU 2016-13 replaces the current incurred loss model for measuring expected credit losses, requires expected losses on available-for-sale debt securities to be recognized through an allowance for credit losses rather than as reductions in the amortized cost of the securities, and provides for additional disclosure requirements. ASU 2016-13 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2019, with early adoption permitted for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the effects the adoption of ASU 2016-13 will have on its consolidated financial statements. In August 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-15, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Classification of Certain Cash Receipts and Cash Payments. This update addresses the presentation and classification on the statement of cash flows for eight specific items, with the objective of reducing existing diversity in practice in how certain cash receipts and cash payments are presented and classified. ASU 2016-15 is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effects the adoption of ASU 2016-15 will have on our consolidated statements of cash flows, if any. The Company does not expect ASU 2016-18 to impact our consolidated balance sheet or consolidated statement of income. In November 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-18, Statement of Cash Flows (Topic 230): Restricted Cash. This update amends ASC Topic 230 to add and clarify guidance on the classification and presentation of restricted cash in the statement of cash flows. The guidance requires entities to show the changes in the total of cash, cash equivalents, restricted cash and restricted cash equivalents in the statement of cash flows. The guidance will be applied retrospectively and is effective for annual periods beginning after December 15, 2017, and interim periods within those years, with early adoption permitted. We are currently evaluating the effects the adoption of ASU 2016-18 will have on our consolidated statements of cash flows. The Company does not expect ASU 2016-18 to impact our consolidated balance sheet or consolidated statement of income. I In February 2018, the FASB issued ASU 2018-02, Income Statement - Reporting Comprehensive Income (Topic 220). This ASU allows for the option to reclassify from accumulated other comprehensive income ("AOCI") to retained earnings for stranded tax effects resulting from the newly enacted federal corporate income tax rate in the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 (the "U.S. Tax Act"), which was enacted on December 22, 2017. The legislation included a reduction to the corporate income tax rate from 35 percent to 21 percent effective January 1, 2018. The amount of the reclassification would be the difference between the historical corporate income tax rate and the newly enacted 21 percent corporate income tax rate. ASU 2018-02 is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. The Company is still evaluating the impacts of this standard on its consolidated financial statements but intends to make this reclassification.

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Investments [Abstract]
Summary of available for sale securities	The following is a summary of available for sale securities at December 31: Net Cost or Gross Gross Unrealized Fair Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Gains Value Cost Gains Losses (Losses) December 31, 2017 Fixed maturities Agency collateralized mortgage obligations $ 16,586 $ 15,839 $ 818 $ (71 ) $ 747 Agency mortgage-backed securities 27,075 27,180 47 (152 ) (105 ) Asset-backed securities 43,469 42,861 749 (141 ) 608 Bank loans 19,488 19,271 266 (49 ) 217 Certificates of deposit 3,135 3,124 11 - 11 Collateralized mortgage obligations 6,492 6,079 451 (38 ) 413 Corporate securities 198,349 198,419 1,602 (1,672 ) (70 ) Mortgage-backed securities 24,204 23,656 933 (385 ) 548 Municipal obligations 96,650 97,059 322 (731 ) (409 ) Non-U.S. government obligations 37,394 37,971 475 (1,052 ) (577 ) U.S. government obligations 49,011 49,558 - (547 ) (547 ) Total fixed maturities 521,853 521,017 5,674 (4,838 ) 836 Equity securities: Consumer 46,578 23,565 24,031 (1,018 ) 23,013 Energy 10,278 6,763 3,602 (87 ) 3,515 Financial 45,470 31,859 13,937 (326 ) 13,611 Industrial 25,402 8,949 16,793 (340 ) 16,453 Technology 13,061 5,768 7,401 (108 ) 7,293 Funds (e.g. mutual funds, closed end funds, ETFs) 50,291 46,177 4,153 (39 ) 4,114 Other 10,683 7,670 3,313 (300 ) 3,013 Total equity securities 201,763 130,751 73,230 (2,218 ) 71,012 Total $ 723,616 $ 651,768 $ 78,904 $ (7,056 ) 71,848 Applicable federal income taxes (25,148 ) Net unrealized gains - net of tax $ 46,700 Net Cost or Gross Gross Unrealized Fair Amortized Unrealized Unrealized Gains Value Cost Gains Losses (Losses) December 31, 2016 Fixed maturities Agency collateralized mortgage obligations $ 6,171 $ 6,000 $ 171 $ - $ 171 Agency mortgage-backed securities 4,770 4,751 57 (38 ) 19 Asset-backed securities 45,183 45,207 458 (482 ) (24 ) Bank loans 10,349 10,222 149 (22 ) 127 Certificates of deposit 3,117 3,126 - (9 ) (9 ) Collateralized mortgage obligations 9,104 9,096 290 (282 ) 8 Corporate securities 142,683 143,356 1,643 (2,316 ) (673 ) Mortgage-backed securities 24,571 23,904 1,132 (465 ) 667 Municipal obligations 129,335 130,204 391 (1,260 ) (869 ) Non-U.S. government obligations 24,681 26,461 230 (2,010 ) (1,780 ) U.S. government obligations 91,940 92,234 74 (368 ) (294 ) Total fixed maturities 491,904 494,561 4,595 (7,252 ) (2,657 ) Equity securities: Consumer 32,576 15,231 17,656 (311 ) 17,345 Energy 12,842 5,641 7,203 (2 ) 7,201 Financial 31,186 22,417 8,998 (229 ) 8,769 Industrial 21,145 6,239 15,098 (192 ) 14,906 Technology 8,858 4,117 4,769 (28 ) 4,741 Funds (e.g. mutual funds, closed end funds, ETFs) 6,995 6,930 121 (56 ) 65 Other 6,343 4,327 2,181 (165 ) 2,016 Total equity securities 119,945 64,902 56,026 (983 ) 55,043 Total $ 611,849 $ 559,463 $ 60,621 $ (8,235 ) 52,386 Applicable federal income taxes (18,335 ) Net unrealized gains - net of tax $ 34,051
Fixed maturity and equity security investments in unrealized loss position	The following table summarizes, for fixed maturity and equity security investments in an unrealized loss position at December 31, the aggregate fair value and gross unrealized loss categorized by the duration those securities have been continuously in an unrealized loss position: 2017 2016 Number of Securities Fair Value Gross Unrealized Loss Number of Securities Fair Value Gross Unrealized Loss Fixed maturity securities: 12 months or less 459 $ 313,421 $ (2,683 ) 397 $ 291,048 $ (4,380 ) Greater than 12 months 112 75,638 (2,155 ) 54 32,054 (2,872 ) Total fixed maturities 571 389,059 (4,838 ) 451 323,102 (7,252 ) Equity securities: 12 months or less 65 46,654 (2,218 ) 35 20,698 (983 ) Greater than 12 months - - - - - - Total equity securities 65 46,654 (2,218 ) 35 20,698 (983 ) Total 636 $ 435,713 $ (7,056 ) 486 $ 343,800 $ (8,235 )
Fair value and cost or amortized cost of fixed maturity investments by contractual maturity	The fair value and the cost or amortized cost of fixed maturity investments at December 31, 2017, organized by contractual maturity, is shown below. Actual maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers have, in some cases, the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. Pre-refunded municipal bonds are classified based on their pre-refunded call dates. Fair Value Cost or Amortized Cost One year or less $ 54,567 10.5 % $ 54,777 10.5 % Excess of one year to five years 292,755 56.1 294,698 56.6 Excess of five years to ten years 61,087 11.7 60,366 11.6 Excess of ten years 2,909 0.5 2,914 0.5 Total maturities 411,318 78.8 412,755 79.2 Asset-backed securities 110,535 21.2 108,262 20.8 $ 521,853 100.0 % $ 521,017 100.0 %
Major categories of investment income	Major categories of investment income for the years ended December 31 are summarized as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Interest on fixed maturities $ 15,340 $ 13,254 $ 11,663 Dividends on equity securities 4,611 3,598 3,445 Money market funds, Short-term and other 471 128 32 20,422 16,980 15,140 Investment expenses (2,327 ) (2,497 ) (2,642 ) Net investment income $ 18,095 $ 14,483 $ 12,498
Realized gains (losses) on investments	Gains and losses on investments, including equity method earnings from limited partnerships, for the years ended December 31 are summarized below: 2017 2016 2015 Fixed maturities: Gross gains $ 9,135 $ 11,628 $ 6,633 Gross losses (10,031 ) (14,020 ) (13,634 ) Net losses (896 ) (2,392 ) (7,001 ) Equity securities: Gross gains 10,481 28,742 21,070 Gross losses (2,368 ) (5,595 ) (13,643 ) Net gains 8,113 23,147 7,427 Limited partnerships - net gain (loss) 12,469 2,473 (1,687 ) Total net gains (losses) $ 19,686 $ 23,228 $ (1,261 )
Schedule of realized gains (loss)	Gain and loss activity for fixed maturity and equity security investments, as shown in the previous table, includes adjustments for other-than-temporary impairment for the years ended December 31 summarized as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Cumulative charges to income at beginning of year $ 5,060 $ 10,513 $ 7,168 Writedowns based on objective and subjective criteria 149 5,743 7,700 Recovery of prior writedowns upon sale or disposal (1,590 ) (10,606 ) (4,355 ) Net pre-tax realized gain (loss) 1,441 4,863 (3,345 ) Cumulative charges to income at end of year $ 4,209 $ 5,060 $ 10,513
Financial information of significant limited partnership investment	The summarized financial information of this limited partnership investment as of and for the years ended December 31 is as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Investment income (loss) $ 623 $ (5 ) $ (188 ) Partnership expenses 2,206 2,426 3,024 Net investment loss (1,583 ) (2,431 ) (3,212 ) Realized gain (loss) on investments 8,723 7,754 21,091 Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments 133,807 (21,002 ) (37,482 ) Net increase (decrease) in partners' capital resulting from operations $ 140,947 $ (15,679 ) $ (19,603 ) Total assets 566,629 448,263 511,118 Total liabilities 30,976 39,988 40,335 Total partners' capital 535,653 408,275 470,783

Loss and Loss Expense Reserves

Loss and Loss Expense Reserves (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Loss and Loss Expense Reserves [Abstract]
Summary of activity in reserves for losses and loss expenses	Activity in the reserves for losses and loss expenses is summarized as follows. All amounts are shown net of reinsurance, unless otherwise indicated. 2017 2016 2015 Reserves, gross of reinsurance recoverable, at the beginning of the year $ 576,330 $ 513,596 $ 506,102 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses at the beginning of the year 251,563 211,843 210,519 Reserves at the beginning of the year 324,767 301,753 295,583 Provision for losses and loss expenses: Claims occurring during the current year 228,303 172,645 165,812 Claims occurring during prior years 19,215 13,836 (10,062 ) Total incurred losses and loss expenses 247,518 186,481 155,750 Loss and loss expense payments: Claims occurring during the current year 67,234 54,239 56,710 Claims occurring during prior years 132,920 109,228 92,870 Total paid 200,154 163,467 149,580 Reserves at the end of the year 372,131 324,767 301,753 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses at the end of the year 308,143 251,563 211,843 Reserves, gross of reinsurance recoverable, at the end of the year $ 680,274 $ 576,330 $ 513,596
Incurred claims development net of reinsurance	The following is information about incurred and paid claims development as of December 31, 2017, net of reinsurance, as well as cumulative claim frequency and the total of incurred ‐ ‐ ‐ As of December 31, 2017 Total of Incurred- Workers' Compensation but-Not-Reported Liabilities Plus Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance Expected Number of Accident For the Years Ended December 31 (2008-2016 is Supplementary Information and Unaudited) Development on Reported Claims Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Reported Claims Per Year 2008 $ 19,833 $ 23,640 $ 24,715 $ 24,721 $ 24,855 $ 25,109 $ 23,916 $ 24,048 $ 24,352 $ 25,077 $ 661 3,656 2009 17,270 20,931 21,447 21,261 21,268 20,767 20,641 20,817 20,946 877 3,784 2010 20,644 20,111 19,400 19,300 18,849 18,344 19,195 19,541 1,096 4,222 2011 26,057 26,628 26,958 26,767 25,515 27,293 26,617 2,399 4,545 2012 23,965 25,544 24,887 24,485 25,616 27,020 3,151 4,479 2013 27,619 30,638 29,913 32,121 32,553 5,344 5,271 2014 36,768 36,968 34,009 33,427 5,848 5,394 2015 26,277 23,115 25,889 6,921 6,284 2016 35,240 29,757 9,795 6,003 2017 42,387 25,679 14,490 Total $ 283,214 $ 61,771 Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance Accident For the Years Ended December 31 (2008-2016 is Supplementary Information and Unaudited) Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2008 $ 6,046 $ 13,919 $ 17,320 $ 18,943 $ 20,055 $ 20,839 $ 21,306 $ 21,883 $ 22,199 22,910 2009 4,186 10,073 13,343 15,576 16,592 17,448 18,028 18,514 18,982 2010 3,974 9,134 11,963 13,845 14,966 15,835 16,590 16,789 2011 4,916 11,912 15,973 18,884 20,617 21,622 22,569 2012 4,597 11,004 14,834 17,415 18,946 20,276 2013 4,880 12,792 18,065 21,655 23,643 2014 5,328 13,665 19,075 22,387 2015 2,918 10,128 15,020 2016 5,784 13,377 2017 6,150 Total $ 182,103 Outstanding liabilities prior to 2008 net of reinsurance 12,640 Liabilities for claims and claims adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 113,751 As of December 31, 2017 Total of Incurred- Commercial Liability but-Not-Reported Liabilities Plus Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance Expected Number of Accident For the Years Ended December 31 (2008-2016 is Supplementary Information and Unaudited) Development on Reported Claims Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Reported Claims Per Year 2008 $ 34,693 $ 28,591 $ 27,311 $ 25,511 $ 23,989 $ 24,892 $ 24,902 $ 23,480 $ 23,482 $ 23,733 $ 110 1,280 2009 29,707 30,406 30,203 26,280 27,259 25,872 25,373 25,320 25,485 136 1,161 2010 31,124 22,161 21,899 19,139 20,300 19,764 19,377 19,081 96 2,384 2011 46,829 43,832 31,633 36,894 35,805 37,122 36,076 271 2,764 2012 49,743 54,269 49,743 51,367 48,708 51,475 478 3,211 2013 53,817 39,143 37,701 36,371 46,690 664 3,611 2014 49,971 52,254 52,483 52,964 1,451 3,091 2015 61,420 70,174 64,323 2,278 3,340 2016 61,638 68,974 6,725 3,581 2017 103,126 $ 43,880 4,387 Total $ 491,927 $ 56,089
Incurred claims development net of reinsurance	Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance Accident For the Years Ended December 31 (2008-2016 is Supplementary Information and Unaudited) Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2008 $ 2,612 $ 8,942 $ 15,733 $ 21,220 $ 21,396 $ 23,169 $ 23,354 $ 23,444 $ 23,500 $ 23,510 2009 928 17,880 19,718 23,521 24,866 25,066 25,114 25,125 25,199 2010 1,649 7,166 11,635 16,052 18,627 18,517 18,866 18,662 2011 1,809 11,350 23,615 30,795 33,255 34,009 35,561 2012 3,086 23,252 32,942 45,303 47,601 50,036 2013 5,167 15,772 25,270 34,481 44,865 2014 4,023 9,046 28,393 45,075 2015 10,923 27,582 49,267 2016 6,843 30,377 2017 11,415 Total $ 333,967 Outstanding liabilities prior to 2008 net of reinsurance 4,621 Liabilities for claims and claims adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 162,581 As of December 31, 2017 Total of Incurred- Professional Liability Reinsurance Assumed (in runoff) but-Not-Reported Liabilities Plus Incurred Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expenses, Net of Reinsurance Expected Number of Accident For the Years Ended December 31 (2008-2016 is Supplementary Information and Unaudited) Development on Reported Claims Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 Reported Claims Per Year 2008 2009 2010 $ 2,196 $ 4,277 $ 7,827 $ 7,946 $ 9,733 $ 10,740 $ 11,689 $ 11,893 $ 175 N/A 2011 10,492 8,314 9,017 9,859 10,779 12,735 12,744 290 N/A 2012 10,041 9,276 5,569 10,157 14,605 16,555 3,049 N/A 2013 14,370 13,034 11,618 17,694 23,256 4,653 N/A 2014 12,675 8,825 7,259 9,837 2,621 N/A 2015 11,638 7,859 7,147 3,290 N/A 2016 6,368 2,482 2,273 N/A 2017 - - N/A Total $ 83,914 $ 16,351 Cumulative Paid Claims and Allocated Claim Adjustment Expense, Net of Reinsurance Accident For the Years Ended December 31 (2008-2016 is Supplementary Information and Unaudited) Year 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2008 2009 2010 $ 41 $ 729 $ 3,505 $ 5,844 $ 7,758 $ 9,904 $ 11,132 $ 11,334 2011 50 637 2,061 4,983 8,104 10,404 11,679 2012 103 992 2,388 5,077 8,355 11,239 2013 123 1,135 5,088 10,988 14,779 2014 723 761 2,241 3,999 2015 10 390 1,899 2016 - 5 2017 - Total $ 54,934 Outstanding liabilities prior to 2008 net of reinsurance - Liabilities for claims and claims adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance $ 28,980
Reconciliation of net incurred and paid claims development	The reconciliation of the net incurred and paid claims development tables to the liability for claims and claim adjustment expenses in the consolidated statement of financial position at December 31 is as follows. 2017 2016 Net outstanding liabilities Commercial Liability $ 162,581 $ 133,139 Workers' Compensation 113,751 101,883 Professional Liability Assumed 28,980 34,700 Other short-duration insurance lines 48,970 38,556 Liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance 354,282 308,278 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims Commercial Liability 124,695 85,549 Workers' Compensation 170,394 153,847 Other short-duration insurance lines 13,053 12,167 Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses at the end of the year 308,142 251,563 Unallocated claims adjustment expenses 17,850 16,489 Total gross liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense $ 680,274 $ 576,330
Supplementary information about average historical claims duration	The following is supplementary information about average historical claims duration as of December 31, 2017. Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance (Supplementary Information and Unaudited) Years 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Commercial Liability 9.1 % 31.1 % 25.3 % 22.3 % 7.0 % 2.9 % 1.8 % 0.1 % 0.3 % 0.1 % Workers' Compensation 17.6 % 26.5 % 15.5 % 9.7 % 5.6 % 4.1 % 3.0 % 1.9 % 1.7 % 2.8 % Professional Liability Assumed 1.3 % 3.7 % 16.0 % 20.4 % 19.2 % 17.8 % 10.2 % 1.7 %

Reinsurance (Tables)

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Reinsurance [Abstract]
Impact of reinsurance ceded and assumed on the company's net premium written and earned	The following table summarizes the impact of reinsurance ceded and assumed on the Company's net premiums written and earned for the most recent three years: Premiums Written Premiums Earned 2017 2016 2015 2017 2016 2015 Direct $ 504,033  $ 395,625  $ 366,668  $ 470,158  $ 394,679  $ 370,499 Ceded on direct (151,348 ) (131,166 ) (128,338 ) (145,201 ) (129,926 ) (128,135 ) Net direct 352,685 264,459 238,330 324,957 264,753 242,364 Assumed 704  7,379  16,885  3,188 11,344 21,533 Ceded on assumed - (86 ) (562 ) - (86 ) (562 ) Net assumed 704 7,293 16,323 3,188 11,258 20,971 Net $ 353,389 $ 271,752 $ 254,653 $ 328,145 $ 276,011 $ 263,335
Components of reinsurance recoverable	Components of reinsurance recoverable at December 31 are as follows: 2017 2016 Case unpaid losses, net of valuation allowance $ 119,615 $ 126,244 Incurred but not reported unpaid losses and loss expenses 187,163 123,819 Paid losses and loss expenses 2,206 1,760 Unearned premiums 9,347 3,201 $ 318,331 $ 255,024

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Income Taxes [Abstract]
Significant components of deferred tax assets and liabilities	Significant components of the Company's deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31 are as follows: 2017 2016 Deferred tax liabilities: Unrealized gain on fixed income and equity security investments $ 15,086 $ 18,335 Deferred acquisition costs 1,804 874 Loss and loss expense reserves 2,623 1,198 Limited partnership investments 3,826 2,274 Accelerated depreciation 492 1,037 Other 1,791 1,251 Total deferred tax liabilities 25,622 24,969 Deferred tax assets: Loss and loss expense reserves 6,761 9,467 Unearned premiums discount 1,837 1,295 Other-than-temporary investment declines 815 858 Deferred compensation 885 1,097 Deferred ceding commission 627 464 Other 339 376 Total deferred tax assets 11,264 13,557 Net deferred tax liabilities $ 14,358 $ 11,412
Summary of the difference between federal income taxes expense computed at the statutory rate	A summary of the difference between federal income tax expense computed at the statutory rate and that reported in the consolidated financial statements is as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Statutory federal income rate applied to pretax income $ 3,543 $ 15,069 $ 11,883 Tax effect of (deduction): Tax-exempt investment income (968 ) (938 ) (919 ) Change in enacted tax rates (9,572 ) - - Other (1,204 ) (22 ) (295 ) Federal income tax expense (benefit) $ (8,201 ) $ 14,109 $ 10,669
Federal income tax expense (benefit)	Federal income tax expense (benefit) consists of the following: 2017 2016 2015 Taxes (benefit) on pre-tax income: Current $ (4,335 ) $ 11,271 $ 12,488 Deferred (3,866 ) 2,838 (1,819 ) $ (8,201 ) $ 14,109 $ 10,669
Components of provisions for deferred federal income taxes (credits)	2017 2016 2015 Limited partnerships $ 4,099 $ 503 $ (2,865 ) Discounts of loss and loss expense reserves 1,315 (114 ) 1,526 Reserves - salvage and subrogation and other 56 (1,110 ) 29 Unearned premium discount (1,767 ) 298 608 Deferred compensation (168 ) 595 (127 ) Other-than-temporary investment declines (127 ) 2,320 (1,416 ) Deferred acquisitions costs and ceding commission 1,553 (95 ) (287 ) Change in enacted tax rates (9,572 ) - - Other 745 441 713 Provision for deferred federal income tax $ (3,866 ) $ 2,838 $ (1,819 )

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)

Shareholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]
Changes in common stock outstanding and additional paid-in capital	Changes in common stock outstanding and additional paid-in capital are as follows: Additional Class A Class B Paid-in Shares Amount Shares Amount Capital Balance at January 1, 2015 2,623,109 $ 112 12,356,389 $ 527 $ 51,854 Restricted stock grants - - 46,552 2 1,092 Balance at December 31, 2015 2,623,109 112 12,402,941 529 52,946 Restricted stock grants - - 57,959 3 1,340 Balance at December 31, 2016 2,623,109 112 12,460,900 532 54,286 Restricted stock grants - - 47,578 2 1,152 Repurchase of common shares - - (84,960 ) (4 ) (360 ) Balance at December 31, 2017 2,623,109 $ 112 12,423,518 $ 530 $ 55,078

Other Operating Expenses (Table

Other Operating Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Other Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Details of other operating expenses	Details of other operating expenses for the years ended December 31: 2017 2016 2015 Amortization of gross deferred policy acquisition costs $ 70,574 $ 51,597 $ 50,270 Other underwriting expenses 37,230 41,692 42,638 Reinsurance ceded credits (23,187 ) (33,512 ) (28,956 ) Total underwriting expenses 84,617 59,777 63,952 Operating expenses of non-insurance companies 28,977 29,685 26,621 Total other operating expenses $ 113,594 $ 89,462 $ 90,573

Stock Based Compensation (Table

Stock Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Stock Based Compensation [Abstract]
Summary of stock issuances	The table below provides detail of the stock issuances for 2017, 2016 and 2015: Grant Date Grant Number of Shares Vesting Fair Value Date Issued Date Period Per Share 5/12/2015 21,252 5/12/2016 7/1/2015 - 6/30/2016 $22.59 5/10/2016 17,677 5/10/2017 7/1/2016 - 6/30/2017 $24.89 5/9/2017 18,183 5/9/2018 7/1/2017 - 6/30/2018 $24.20 8/31/2017 1,257 5/9/2018 8/31/2017 - 6/30/2018 $21.90

Segment Information (Tables)

Segment Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Segment Information [Abstract]
Summary of segment revenues	The following table summarizes segment revenues for the years ended December 31: 2017 2016 2015 Revenues: Net premiums earned $ 328,145 $ 276,011 $ 263,335 Net investment income 18,095 14,483 12,498 Commissions and other income 5,308 5,275 5,703 Net realized gains (losses) on investments 19,686 23,228 (1,261 ) Total revenues $ 371,234 $ 318,997 $ 280,275

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Reconciliation of the denominators used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share	The following is a reconciliation of the denominators used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31: 2017 2016 2015 Average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share 15,065,216 15,071,900 15,010,454 Dilutive effect of share equivalents 42,220 12,108 11,308 Average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share 15,107,436 15,084,008 15,021,762

Fair Value (Tables)

Fair Value (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair value measurements by level for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis	The following tables summarize fair value measurements by level for assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis: As of December 31, 2017: Description Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fixed maturities: Agency collateralized mortgage obligations $ 16,586 $ - $ 16,586 $ - Agency mortgage-backed securities 27,075 - 27,075 - Asset-backed securities 43,469 - 43,469 - Bank loans 19,488 - 19,488 - Certificates of deposit 3,135 3,135 - - Collateralized mortgage obligations 6,492 - 6,492 - Corporate securities 193,058 - 193,058 - Options embedded in convertible securities 5,291 - 5,291 - Mortgage-backed securities 24,204 - 24,204 - Municipal obligations 96,650 - 96,650 - Non-U.S. government obligations 37,394 - 37,394 - U.S. government obligations 49,011 - 49,011 - Total fixed maturities 521,853 3,135 518,718 - Equity securities: Consumer 46,578 46,578 - - Energy 10,278 10,278 - - Financial 45,470 45,470 - - Industrial 25,402 25,402 - - Technology 13,061 13,061 - - Funds (e.g. mutual funds, closed end funds, ETFs) 50,291 45,276 5,015 - Other 10,683 10,683 - - Total equity securities 201,763 196,748 5,015 - Short term 1,000 1,000 - - Cash equivalents 59,173 - 59,173 - Total $ 783,789 $ 200,883 $ 582,906 $ - As of December 31, 2016: Description Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Fixed maturities: Agency collateralized mortgage obligations $ 6,171 $ - $ 6,171 $ - Agency mortgage-backed securities 4,770 - 4,770 - Asset-backed securities 45,183 - 37,919 7,264 Bank loans 10,349 - - 10,349 Certificates of deposit 3,117 3,117 - - Collateralized mortgage obligations 9,104 - 6,409 2,695 Corporate securities 137,932 - 135,794 2,138 Options embedded in convertible securities 4,751 - 4,751 - Mortgage-backed securities 24,571 - 22,206 2,365 Municipal obligations 129,335 - 129,190 145 Non-U.S. government obligations 24,681 - 24,419 262 U.S. government obligations 91,940 - 91,940 - Total fixed maturities 491,904 3,117 463,569 25,218 Equity securities: Consumer 32,576 32,576 - - Energy 12,842 12,842 - - Financial 31,186 30,943 243 - Industrial 21,145 20,262 883 - Technology 8,858 8,858 - - Funds (e.g. mutual funds, closed end funds, ETFs) 6,995 - 6,995 - Other 6,343 6,343 - - Total equity securities 119,945 111,824 8,121 - Short term 1,500 1,500 - - Cash equivalents 59,683 - 59,683 - Total $ 673,032 $ 116,441 $ 531,373 $ 25,218
Reconciliation of beginning and ending balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using level 3 inputs	A reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances of assets measured at fair value on a recurring basis using Level 3 inputs is as follows for the years ended December 31: 2017 2016 Beginning of period balance $ 25,218 $ 16,793 Total gains or losses (realized) included in income 406 1,846 Purchases 81 5,540 Settlements (9,123 ) (8,791 ) Transfers into Level 3 144 10,202 Transfers out of Level 3 (16,726 ) (372 ) End of period balance $ - $ 25,218
Summary of the carrying value and fair value by level of financial instruments	A summary of the carrying value and fair value by level of financial instruments not recorded at fair value on the Company's consolidated balance sheet at December 31, 2017 and 2016 is as follows: 2017: Carrying Fair Value Value Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Total Assets: Limited partnerships $ 70,806 $ - $ - $ 70,806 $ 70,806 Liabilities: Short-term borrowings 20,000 - 20,000 - 20,000 2016: Assets: Limited partnerships $ 76,469 $ - $ - $ 76,469 $ 76,469 Liabilities: Short-term borrowings 20,000 - 20,000 - 20,000

Quarterly Results of Operatio44

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Quarterly results of operations	Quarterly results of operations are as follows: Results by Quarter 2017 2016 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 1st 2nd 3rd 4th Net premiums earned $ 73,974 $ 67,996 $ 89,100 $ 97,075 $ 66,909 $ 68,726 $ 71,235 $ 69,141 Net investment income 3,692 4,716 4,027 5,661 3,440 3,549 3,513 3,982 Net realized gains on investments 6,294 3,296 5,944 4,152 9,012 280 7,732 6,204 Losses and loss expenses incurred 48,599 71,754 60,673 66,492 38,623 42,666 56,827 48,366 Net income (loss) 6,756 (12,343 ) 7,434 16,476 14,112 5,969 4,001 4,864 Net income (loss) per share - diluted $ .45 $ (.82 ) $ .49 $ 1.10 $ .94 $ .40 $ .27 $ .32

Leases (Tables)

Leases (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Leases [Abstract]
Future lease payments for operating leases with initial or remaining noncancelable terms of one year or more	At December 31, 2017, future lease payments for operating leases with initial or remaining noncancelable terms of one year or more consisted of the following: 2018 $ 297 2019 297 2020 80 2021 and thereafter 6 Total minimum payments required $ 680

Accumulated Other Comprehensi46

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Reconciliation of components of accumulated other comprehensive income	A reconciliation of the components of accumulated other comprehensive income at December 31 is as follows: 2017 2016 Investments: Total unrealized gain before federal income taxes $ 71,848 $ 52,386 Deferred tax liability (25,148 ) (18,335 ) Net unrealized gains on investments 46,700 34,051 Foreign exchange adjustment: Total unrealized losses (475 ) (1,278 ) Deferred tax benefit 166 447 Net unrealized losses on foreign exchange adjustment (309 ) (831 ) Accumulated other comprehensive income $ 46,391 $ 33,220
Changes in net unrealized gains on investments	Details of changes in net unrealized gains on investments for the years ended December 31 are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Investments: Pre-tax holding gains (losses) on debt and equity securities arising during period $ 26,677 $ 13,259 $ (19,445 ) Less: applicable federal income taxes 9,337 4,641 (6,806 ) 17,340 8,618 (12,639 ) Pre-tax gains on debt and equity securities included in net income during period 7,217 20,755 426 Less: applicable federal income taxes 2,526 7,264 149 4,691 13,491 277 Change in unrealized gains on investments $ 12,649 $ (4,873 ) $ (12,916 )
Reconciliation of accumulated other comprehensive income and retained earnings	Reconciliation of accumulated other comprehensive income and retained earnings for the years ended December 31 are as follows: 2017 2016 2015 Beginning accumulated other comprehensive income $ 33,220 $ 37,858 $ 52,230 Change in foreign exchange adjustment 522 235 (1,456 ) Change in unrealized net gains on investments 12,649 (4,873 ) (12,916 ) Ending accumulated other comprehensive income $ 46,391 $ 33,220 $ 37,858 2017 2016 2015 Beginning retained earnings $ 316,195 $ 303,053 $ 294,773 Net income 18,323 28,945 23,283 Dividends (16,302 ) (15,803 ) (15,003 ) Repurchase of common shares (1,516 ) - - Ending retained earnings $ 316,700 $ 316,195 $ 303,053

Summary of Significant Accoun47

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) - Segment	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments		1	2
Percentage of decline on cost of securities treated as other-than-temporary impairment		20.00%
Period of decline on the cost of equity securities that will be considered other-than-temporary impairment		6 months
Period of decline on the cost of additional equity securities that will be considered other-than-temporary impairment		1 year
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Corporate income tax rate		35.00%
Plan [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Corporate income tax rate	21.00%

Investments (Details)

Investments (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)DirectorSecurityInvestment	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Security	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)DirectorSecurityPartnershipInvestment	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Security	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment Income									$ 20,422	$ 16,980	$ 15,140
Investment expenses									(2,327)	(2,497)	(2,642)
Net investment income									18,095	14,483	12,498
Available-for-sale Securities, Fair Value to Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fair value	$ 723,616				$ 611,849				723,616	611,849
Cost or amortized cost	651,768				559,463				651,768	559,463
Gross unrealized gains	78,904				60,621				78,904	60,621
Gross unrealized losses	(7,056)				(8,235)				(7,056)	(8,235)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	$ 71,848				$ 52,386				71,848	52,386
Applicable federal income taxes									(25,148)	(18,335)
Net unrealized gains - net of tax									$ 46,700	$ 34,051
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Number of securities, total | Security	636				486				636	486
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair value, total	$ 435,713				$ 343,800				$ 435,713	$ 343,800
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]
Gross unrealized loss, total	(7,056)				(8,235)				(7,056)	(8,235)
Gain and Loss on Investment [Abstract]
Limited partnerships - net gain (loss)									12,469	2,473	(1,687)
Total net gains (losses)	4,152	$ 5,944	$ 3,296	$ 6,294	6,204	$ 7,732	$ 280	$ 9,012	19,686	23,228	(1,261)
Adjustments for other-than-temporary impairment [Roll Forward]
Cumulative charges to income at beginning of year				$ 5,060				$ 10,513	5,060	10,513	7,168
Writedowns based on objective and subjective criteria									149	5,743	7,700
Recovery of prior writedowns upon sale or disposal									(1,590)	(10,606)	(4,355)
Net pre-tax realized gain (loss)									1,441	4,863	(3,345)
Cumulative charges to income at end of year	4,209				5,060				4,209	5,060	10,513
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Market value of equity and fixed maturity securities portfolio managed by broker dealers	24,779								24,779
Total commissions and net fees earned by broker dealers and affiliates									97	207	235
Summarized financial information of significant limited partnership investments [Abstract]
Total assets	1,357,016				1,154,137				1,357,016	1,154,137
Total liabilities	938,205				749,792				938,205	749,792
Total partners' capital	43,586				44,038				43,586	44,038
Regulatory deposits with various insurance departments in United States and Canada, fair value	86,335				86,169				86,335	86,169
Time certificate of deposit included in short-term investments	1,000								$ 1,000
Percentage of fixed maturities invested in investment grade fixed maturity									86.00%
Total fixed maturity investments	$ 693								$ 693
Number of different investments in fixed maturity | Investment	1								1
Fixed maturity investment below investment grade	$ 71,907								$ 71,907
Percentage of fixed maturity investment to total invested assets									8.40%
Number of investments in diversified portfolio including catastrophe bonds | Investment	40								40
Net unrealized loss position of diversified portfolio									$ 1,605
Directors [Member]
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Number of company employees employed by investment firm | Director	2								2
Limited Partnership [Member]
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Commitment to make additional contributions to various limited partnerships	$ 1,404								$ 1,404
Number of investments of the partnership | Partnership									3
Aggregate estimated value in limited partnership	43,586								$ 43,586
Number of directors that are executive officers, directors, and owners of the organization managing the limited partnership | Director									2
Investment gains (losses), net of fees	$ 9,549				(971)				$ 9,549	(971)	(1,978)
Management fees									$ 803	777	749
Number of significant investments in public and private equity market in India | Investment	1								1
Significant investment in public and private equity markets in India, value	$ 29,817				27,153				$ 29,817	27,153
Estimated ownership interest in significant limited partnership investment									5.00%
Earnings from limited partnership investment									$ 7,665	(1,117)	(1,599)
Summarized financial information of significant limited partnership investments [Abstract]
Investment income (loss)									623	(5)	(188)
Partnership expenses									2,206	2,426	3,024
Net investment loss									(1,583)	(2,431)	(3,212)
Realized gain (loss) on investments									8,723	7,754	21,091
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on investments	133,807				(21,002)				133,807	(21,002)	(37,482)
Net increase (decrease) in partners' capital resulting from operations									140,947	(15,679)	(19,603)
Total assets	566,629				448,263				566,629	448,263	511,118
Total liabilities	30,976				39,988				30,976	39,988	40,335
Total partners' capital	$ 535,653				408,275				$ 535,653	408,275	470,783
Limited Partnership [Member] | New Vernon India Fund [Member]
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Ownership interest in limited partnership	5.00%								5.00%
Withdrew from fund									$ 5,000
Limited Partnership [Member] | New Vernon Global Opportunity Fund [Member]
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Ownership interest in limited partnership	37.00%								37.00%
Limited Partnership [Member] | New Vernon Global Opportunity Fund II [Member]
Limited Partners' Capital Account [Line Items]
Ownership interest in limited partnership	23.00%								23.00%
Withdrew from fund									$ 5,000
Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fair value	$ 16,586				6,171				16,586	6,171
Cost or amortized cost	15,839				6,000				15,839	6,000
Gross unrealized gains	818				171				818	171
Gross unrealized losses	(71)				0				(71)	0
Net unrealized gains (losses)	747				171				747	171
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Total, Fair Value	16,586				6,171				16,586	6,171
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Cost or amortized cost	15,839				6,000				15,839	6,000
Agency Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fair value	27,075				4,770				27,075	4,770
Cost or amortized cost	27,180				4,751				27,180	4,751
Gross unrealized gains	47				57				47	57
Gross unrealized losses	(152)				(38)				(152)	(38)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	(105)				19				(105)	19
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Total, Fair Value	27,075				4,770				27,075	4,770
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Cost or amortized cost	27,180				4,751				27,180	4,751
Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fair value	43,469				45,183				43,469	45,183
Cost or amortized cost	42,861				45,207				42,861	45,207
Gross unrealized gains	749				458				749	458
Gross unrealized losses	(141)				(482)				(141)	(482)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	608				(24)				608	(24)
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Total, Fair Value	43,469				45,183				43,469	45,183
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Cost or amortized cost	42,861				45,207				42,861	45,207
Bank Loans [Member]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fair value	19,488				10,349				19,488	10,349
Cost or amortized cost	19,271				10,222				19,271	10,222
Gross unrealized gains	266				149				266	149
Gross unrealized losses	(49)				(22)				(49)	(22)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	217				127				217	127
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Total, Fair Value	19,488				10,349				19,488	10,349
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Cost or amortized cost	19,271				10,222				19,271	10,222
Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fair value	3,135				3,117				3,135	3,117
Cost or amortized cost	3,124				3,126				3,124	3,126
Gross unrealized gains	11				0				11	0
Gross unrealized losses	0				(9)				0	(9)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	11				(9)				11	(9)
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Total, Fair Value	3,135				3,117				3,135	3,117
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Cost or amortized cost	3,124				3,126				3,124	3,126
Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fair value	6,492				9,104				6,492	9,104
Cost or amortized cost	6,079				9,096				6,079	9,096
Gross unrealized gains	451				290				451	290
Gross unrealized losses	(38)				(282)				(38)	(282)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	413				8				413	8
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Total, Fair Value	6,492				9,104				6,492	9,104
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Cost or amortized cost	6,079				9,096				6,079	9,096
Corporate Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fair value	198,349				142,683				198,349	142,683
Cost or amortized cost	198,419				143,356				198,419	143,356
Gross unrealized gains	1,602				1,643				1,602	1,643
Gross unrealized losses	(1,672)				(2,316)				(1,672)	(2,316)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	(70)				(673)				(70)	(673)
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Total, Fair Value	198,349				142,683				198,349	142,683
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Cost or amortized cost	198,419				143,356				198,419	143,356
Mortgage-backed Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fair value	24,204				24,571				24,204	24,571
Cost or amortized cost	23,656				23,904				23,656	23,904
Gross unrealized gains	933				1,132				933	1,132
Gross unrealized losses	(385)				(465)				(385)	(465)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	548				667				548	667
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Total, Fair Value	24,204				24,571				24,204	24,571
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Cost or amortized cost	23,656				23,904				23,656	23,904
Municipal Obligations [Member]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fair value	96,650				129,335				96,650	129,335
Cost or amortized cost	97,059				130,204				97,059	130,204
Gross unrealized gains	322				391				322	391
Gross unrealized losses	(731)				(1,260)				(731)	(1,260)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	(409)				(869)				(409)	(869)
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Total, Fair Value	96,650				129,335				96,650	129,335
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Cost or amortized cost	97,059				130,204				97,059	130,204
Non-U.S. Government Obligations [Member]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fair value	37,394				24,681				37,394	24,681
Cost or amortized cost	37,971				26,461				37,971	26,461
Gross unrealized gains	475				230				475	230
Gross unrealized losses	(1,052)				(2,010)				(1,052)	(2,010)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	(577)				(1,780)				(577)	(1,780)
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Total, Fair Value	37,394				24,681				37,394	24,681
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Cost or amortized cost	37,971				26,461				37,971	26,461
U.S. Government Obligations [Member]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fair value	49,011				91,940				49,011	91,940
Cost or amortized cost	49,558				92,234				49,558	92,234
Gross unrealized gains	0				74				0	74
Gross unrealized losses	(547)				(368)				(547)	(368)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	(547)				(294)				(547)	(294)
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
Total, Fair Value	49,011				91,940				49,011	91,940
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Cost or amortized cost	49,558				92,234				49,558	92,234
Total Fixed Maturities [Member]
Available-for-sale Debt Securities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fair value	521,853				491,904				521,853	491,904
Cost or amortized cost	521,017				494,561				521,017	494,561
Gross unrealized gains	5,674				4,595				5,674	4,595
Gross unrealized losses	(4,838)				(7,252)				(4,838)	(7,252)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	$ 836				$ (2,657)				$ 836	$ (2,657)
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Number of Securities 12 months or less | Security	459				397				459	397
Number of securities, Greater than 12 months | Security	112				54				112	54
Number of securities, total | Security	571				451				571	451
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair value, 12 months or less	$ 313,421				$ 291,048				$ 313,421	$ 291,048
Fair value, Greater than 12 months	75,638				32,054				75,638	32,054
Fair value, total	389,059				323,102				389,059	323,102
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]
Gross unrealized loss, less than 12 months	(2,683)				(4,380)				(2,683)	(4,380)
Gross unrealized loss, 12 months or longer	(2,155)				(2,872)				(2,155)	(2,872)
Gross unrealized loss, total	(4,838)				(7,252)				(4,838)	(7,252)
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
One year or less, Fair Value	54,567								54,567
Excess of one year to five years, Fair Value	292,755								292,755
Excess of five years to ten years, Fair Value	61,087								61,087
Excess of ten years, Fair Value	2,909								2,909
Total contractual maturities, Fair Value	411,318								411,318
Asset-backed securities, Fair Value	110,535								110,535
Total, Fair Value	$ 521,853				491,904				$ 521,853	491,904
Percentage of Available for sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Fair Value [Abstract]
One year or less, Fair Value	10.50%								10.50%
Excess of one year to five years, Fair Value	56.10%								56.10%
Excess of five years to ten years, Fair Value	11.70%								11.70%
Excess of ten years, Fair Value	0.50%								0.50%
Total maturities, Fair Value	78.80%								78.80%
Asset-backed securities, Fair Value	21.20%								21.20%
Total, Fair Value	100.00%								100.00%
Available-for-sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
One year or less, Cost or Amortized Cost	$ 54,777								$ 54,777
Excess of one year to five years, Cost or Amortized Cost	294,698								294,698
Excess of five years to ten years, Cost or Amortized Cost	60,366								60,366
Excess of ten years, Cost or Amortized Cost	2,914								2,914
Total contractual maturities, Cost or Amortized Cost	412,755								412,755
Asset-backed securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	108,262								108,262
Cost or amortized cost	$ 521,017				494,561				$ 521,017	494,561
Percentage of Available for sale Securities, Debt Maturities, Amortized Cost Basis, Fiscal Year Maturity [Abstract]
One year or less, Cost or Amortized Cost	10.50%								10.50%
Excess of one year to five years, Cost or Amortized Cost	56.60%								56.60%
Excess of five years to ten years, Cost or Amortized Cost	11.60%								11.60%
Excess of ten years, Cost or Amortized Cost	0.50%								0.50%
Total maturities, Cost or Amortized Cost	79.20%								79.20%
Asset-backed securities, Cost or Amortized Cost	20.80%								20.80%
Cost or amortized cost	100.00%								100.00%
Gain and Loss on Investment [Abstract]
Gross gains									$ 9,135	11,628	6,633
Gross losses									(10,031)	(14,020)	(13,634)
Net losses									(896)	(2,392)	(7,001)
Consumer [Member]
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fair value	$ 46,578				32,576				46,578	32,576
Cost or amortized cost	23,565				15,231				23,565	15,231
Gross unrealized gains	24,031				17,656				24,031	17,656
Gross unrealized losses	(1,018)				(311)				(1,018)	(311)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	23,013				17,345				23,013	17,345
Energy [Member]
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fair value	10,278				12,842				10,278	12,842
Cost or amortized cost	6,763				5,641				6,763	5,641
Gross unrealized gains	3,602				7,203				3,602	7,203
Gross unrealized losses	(87)				(2)				(87)	(2)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	3,515				7,201				3,515	7,201
Financial [Member]
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fair value	45,470				31,186				45,470	31,186
Cost or amortized cost	31,859				22,417				31,859	22,417
Gross unrealized gains	13,937				8,998				13,937	8,998
Gross unrealized losses	(326)				(229)				(326)	(229)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	13,611				8,769				13,611	8,769
Industrial [Member]
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fair value	25,402				21,145				25,402	21,145
Cost or amortized cost	8,949				6,239				8,949	6,239
Gross unrealized gains	16,793				15,098				16,793	15,098
Gross unrealized losses	(340)				(192)				(340)	(192)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	16,453				14,906				16,453	14,906
Technology [Member]
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fair value	13,061				8,858				13,061	8,858
Cost or amortized cost	5,768				4,117				5,768	4,117
Gross unrealized gains	7,401				4,769				7,401	4,769
Gross unrealized losses	(108)				(28)				(108)	(28)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	7,293				4,741				7,293	4,741
Funds (e.g. mutual funds, closed end funds, ETFs) [Member]
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fair value	50,291				6,995				50,291	6,995
Cost or amortized cost	46,177				6,930				46,177	6,930
Gross unrealized gains	4,153				121				4,153	121
Gross unrealized losses	(39)				(56)				(39)	(56)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	4,114				65				4,114	65
Other [Member]
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fair value	10,683				6,343				10,683	6,343
Cost or amortized cost	7,670				4,327				7,670	4,327
Gross unrealized gains	3,313				2,181				3,313	2,181
Gross unrealized losses	(300)				(165)				(300)	(165)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	3,013				2,016				3,013	2,016
Total Equity Securities [Member]
Available-for-sale Equity Securities, Amortized Cost Basis [Abstract]
Fair value	201,763				119,945				201,763	119,945
Cost or amortized cost	130,751				64,902				130,751	64,902
Gross unrealized gains	73,230				56,026				73,230	56,026
Gross unrealized losses	(2,218)				(983)				(2,218)	(983)
Net unrealized gains (losses)	$ 71,012				$ 55,043				$ 71,012	$ 55,043
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position [Abstract]
Number of Securities 12 months or less | Security	65				35				65	35
Number of securities, Greater than 12 months | Security	0				0				0	0
Number of securities, total | Security	65				35				65	35
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Fair Value [Abstract]
Fair value, 12 months or less	$ 46,654				$ 20,698				$ 46,654	$ 20,698
Fair value, Greater than 12 months	0				0				0	0
Fair value, total	46,654				20,698				46,654	20,698
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position, Aggregate Losses [Abstract]
Gross unrealized loss, less than 12 months	(2,218)				(983)				(2,218)	(983)
Gross unrealized loss, 12 months or longer	0				0				0	0
Gross unrealized loss, total	$ (2,218)				$ (983)				(2,218)	(983)
Gain and Loss on Investment [Abstract]
Gross gains									10,481	28,742	21,070
Gross losses									(2,368)	(5,595)	(13,643)
Net losses									8,113	23,147	7,427
Total Fixed Maturities [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment Income									15,340	13,254	11,663
Dividends on Equity Securities [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment Income									4,611	3,598	3,445
Money Market Funds, Short term and Other [Member]
Net Investment Income [Line Items]
Investment Income									$ 471	$ 128	$ 32

Loss and Loss Expense Reserves,

Loss and Loss Expense Reserves, Activity in Reserves for Losses and Major Components (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Activity in the reserve for losses and loss expenses [Roll Forward]
Reserves, gross of reinsurance recoverable, at the beginning of the year	$ 576,330	$ 513,596	$ 506,102
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses at the beginning of the year	251,563	211,843	210,519
Reserves at the beginning of the year	324,767	301,753	295,583
Provision for losses and loss expenses [Abstract]
Claims occurring during the current year	228,303	172,645	165,812
Claims occurring during prior years	19,215	13,836	(10,062)
Total incurred losses and loss expenses	247,518	186,481	155,750
Loss and loss expense payments [Abstract]
Claims occurring during the current year	67,234	54,239	56,710
Claims occurring during prior years	132,920	109,228	92,870
Total paid	200,154	163,467	149,580
Reserves at the end of the year	372,131	324,767	301,753
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses at the end of the year	308,143	251,563	211,843
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	680,274	576,330	$ 513,596
Salvage and Subrogation Recoveries [Abstract]
Estimated salvage and subrogation recoverable	$ 7,559	$ 4,151

Loss and Loss Expense Reserve50

Loss and Loss Expense Reserves, Incurred Claims Development (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Claim	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2011USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2010USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2009USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2008USD ($)
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Liabilities for claims and claims adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 354,282	$ 308,278
Workers' Compensation [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	283,214
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	61,771
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	182,103
Outstanding liabilities prior to 2008 net of reinsurance	12,640
Liabilities for claims and claims adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	113,751	101,883
Commercial Liability [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	491,927
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	56,089
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	333,967
Outstanding liabilities prior to 2008 net of reinsurance	4,621
Liabilities for claims and claims adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	162,581	133,139
Professional Liability Reinsurance Assumed [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	83,914
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	16,351
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	54,934
Outstanding liabilities prior to 2008 net of reinsurance	0
Liabilities for claims and claims adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	28,980	34,700
Accident Year 2008 [Member] | Workers' Compensation [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	25,077	24,352	$ 24,048	$ 23,916	$ 25,109	$ 24,855	$ 24,721	$ 24,715	$ 23,640	$ 19,833
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 661
Number of reported claims per year | Claim	3,656
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	$ 22,910	22,199	21,883	21,306	20,839	20,055	18,943	17,320	13,919	6,046
Accident Year 2008 [Member] | Commercial Liability [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	23,733	23,482	23,480	24,902	24,892	23,989	25,511	27,311	28,591	34,693
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 110
Number of reported claims per year | Claim	1,280
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	$ 23,510	23,500	23,444	23,354	23,169	21,396	21,220	15,733	8,942	$ 2,612
Accident Year 2009 [Member] | Workers' Compensation [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	20,946	20,817	20,641	20,767	21,268	21,261	21,447	20,931	17,270
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 877
Number of reported claims per year | Claim	3,784
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	$ 18,982	18,514	18,028	17,448	16,592	15,576	13,343	10,073	4,186
Accident Year 2009 [Member] | Commercial Liability [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	25,485	25,320	25,373	25,872	27,259	26,280	30,203	30,406	29,707
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 136
Number of reported claims per year | Claim	1,161
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	$ 25,199	25,125	25,114	25,066	24,866	23,521	19,718	17,880	$ 928
Accident Year 2010 [Member] | Workers' Compensation [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	19,541	19,195	18,344	18,849	19,300	19,400	20,111	20,644
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 1,096
Number of reported claims per year | Claim	4,222
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	$ 16,789	16,590	15,835	14,966	13,845	11,963	9,134	3,974
Accident Year 2010 [Member] | Commercial Liability [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	19,081	19,377	19,764	20,300	19,139	21,899	22,161	31,124
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 96
Number of reported claims per year | Claim	2,384
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	$ 18,662	18,866	18,517	18,627	16,052	11,635	7,166	1,649
Accident Year 2010 [Member] | Professional Liability Reinsurance Assumed [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	11,893	11,689	10,740	9,733	7,946	7,827	4,277	2,196
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	175
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	11,334	11,132	9,904	7,758	5,844	3,505	729	$ 41
Accident Year 2011 [Member] | Workers' Compensation [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	26,617	27,293	25,515	26,767	26,958	26,628	26,057
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 2,399
Number of reported claims per year | Claim	4,545
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	$ 22,569	21,622	20,617	18,884	15,973	11,912	4,916
Accident Year 2011 [Member] | Commercial Liability [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	36,076	37,122	35,805	36,894	31,633	43,832	46,829
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 271
Number of reported claims per year | Claim	2,764
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	$ 35,561	34,009	33,255	30,795	23,615	11,350	1,809
Accident Year 2011 [Member] | Professional Liability Reinsurance Assumed [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	12,744	12,735	10,779	9,859	9,017	8,314	10,492
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	290
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	11,679	10,404	8,104	4,983	2,061	637	$ 50
Accident Year 2012 [Member] | Workers' Compensation [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	27,020	25,616	24,485	24,887	25,544	23,965
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 3,151
Number of reported claims per year | Claim	4,479
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	$ 20,276	18,946	17,415	14,834	11,004	4,597
Accident Year 2012 [Member] | Commercial Liability [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	51,475	48,708	51,367	49,743	54,269	49,743
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 478
Number of reported claims per year | Claim	3,211
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	$ 50,036	47,601	45,303	32,942	23,252	3,086
Accident Year 2012 [Member] | Professional Liability Reinsurance Assumed [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	16,555	14,605	10,157	5,569	9,276	10,041
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	3,049
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	11,239	8,355	5,077	2,388	992	$ 103
Accident Year 2013 [Member] | Workers' Compensation [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	32,553	32,121	29,913	30,638	27,619
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 5,344
Number of reported claims per year | Claim	5,271
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	$ 23,643	21,655	18,065	12,792	4,880
Accident Year 2013 [Member] | Commercial Liability [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	46,690	36,371	37,701	39,143	53,817
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 664
Number of reported claims per year | Claim	3,611
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	$ 44,865	34,481	25,270	15,772	5,167
Accident Year 2013 [Member] | Professional Liability Reinsurance Assumed [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	23,256	17,694	11,618	13,034	14,370
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	4,653
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	14,779	10,988	5,088	1,135	$ 123
Accident Year 2014 [Member] | Workers' Compensation [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	33,427	34,009	36,968	36,768
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 5,848
Number of reported claims per year | Claim	5,394
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	$ 22,387	19,075	13,665	5,328
Accident Year 2014 [Member] | Commercial Liability [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	52,964	52,483	52,254	49,971
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 1,451
Number of reported claims per year | Claim	3,091
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	$ 45,075	28,393	9,046	4,023
Accident Year 2014 [Member] | Professional Liability Reinsurance Assumed [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	9,837	7,259	8,825	12,675
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	2,621
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	3,999	2,241	761	$ 723
Accident Year 2015 [Member] | Workers' Compensation [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	25,889	23,115	26,277
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 6,921
Number of reported claims per year | Claim	6,284
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	$ 15,020	10,128	2,918
Accident Year 2015 [Member] | Commercial Liability [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	64,323	70,174	61,420
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 2,278
Number of reported claims per year | Claim	3,340
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	$ 49,267	27,582	10,923
Accident Year 2015 [Member] | Professional Liability Reinsurance Assumed [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	7,147	7,859	11,638
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	3,290
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	1,899	390	$ 10
Accident Year 2016 [Member] | Workers' Compensation [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	29,757	35,240
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 9,795
Number of reported claims per year | Claim	6,003
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	$ 13,377	5,784
Accident Year 2016 [Member] | Commercial Liability [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	68,974	61,638
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 6,725
Number of reported claims per year | Claim	3,581
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	$ 30,377	6,843
Accident Year 2016 [Member] | Professional Liability Reinsurance Assumed [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	2,482	6,368
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	2,273
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	5	$ 0
Accident Year 2017 [Member] | Workers' Compensation [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	42,387
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 25,679
Number of reported claims per year | Claim	14,490
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	$ 6,150
Accident Year 2017 [Member] | Commercial Liability [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	103,126
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	$ 43,880
Number of reported claims per year | Claim	4,387
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	$ 11,415
Accident Year 2017 [Member] | Professional Liability Reinsurance Assumed [Member]
Incurred Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Incurred claims and allocated claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	0
Total of incurred-but-not-reported liabilities plus expected development on reported claims	0
Cumulative Paid Claims Development, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Cumulative paid claims and allocated claim adjustment expense, net of reinsurance	$ 0

Loss and Loss Expense Reserve51

Loss and Loss Expense Reserves, Incurred Paid Claims Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Net outstanding liabilities [Abstract]
Liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	$ 354,282	$ 308,278
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims [Abstract]
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	308,142	251,563
Unallocated claims adjustment expenses	17,850	16,489
Total gross liability for unpaid claims and claims adjustment expense	680,274	576,330
Workers' Compensation [Member]
Net outstanding liabilities [Abstract]
Liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	113,751	101,883
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims [Abstract]
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	170,394	153,847
Commercial Liability [Member]
Net outstanding liabilities [Abstract]
Liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	162,581	133,139
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims [Abstract]
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	124,695	85,549
Professional Liability Assumed [Member]
Net outstanding liabilities [Abstract]
Liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	28,980	34,700
Other Short-duration Insurance Lines [Member]
Net outstanding liabilities [Abstract]
Liabilities for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, net of reinsurance	48,970	38,556
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid claims [Abstract]
Reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses	$ 13,053	$ 12,167

Loss and Loss Expense Reserve52

Loss and Loss Expense Reserves, Average Historical Claims Duration (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017Quarteryr
Minimum [Member]
Reserve Methodologies for Incurred But Not Reported Losses [Abstract]
Number of running accident quarters used | Quarter	12
Number of accident years included in loss development triangles | yr	15
Workers' Compensation [Member]
Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Year One	17.60%
Year Two	26.50%
Year Three	15.50%
Year Four	9.70%
Year Five	5.60%
Year Six	4.10%
Year Seven	3.00%
Year Eight	1.90%
Year Nine	1.70%
Year Ten	2.80%
Professional Liability Assumed [Member]
Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Year One	1.30%
Year Two	3.70%
Year Three	16.00%
Year Four	20.40%
Year Five	19.20%
Year Six	17.80%
Year Seven	10.20%
Year Eight	1.70%
Commercial Liability [Member]
Average Annual Percentage Payout of Incurred Claims by Age, Net of Reinsurance [Abstract]
Year One	9.10%
Year Two	31.10%
Year Three	25.30%
Year Four	22.30%
Year Five	7.00%
Year Six	2.90%
Year Seven	1.80%
Year Eight	0.10%
Year Nine	0.30%
Year Ten	0.10%

Reinsurance (Details)

Reinsurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Premiums Written [Abstract]
Direct									$ 504,033	$ 395,625	$ 366,668
Ceded on direct									(151,348)	(131,166)	(128,338)
Net direct									352,685	264,459	238,330
Assumed									704	7,379	16,885
Ceded on assumed									0	(86)	(562)
Net assumed									704	7,293	16,323
Net									353,389	271,752	254,653
Premium Earned [Abstract]
Direct									470,158	394,679	370,499
Ceded on direct									(145,201)	(129,926)	(128,135)
Net direct									324,957	264,753	242,364
Assumed									3,188	11,344	21,533
Ceded on assumed									0	(86)	(562)
Net assumed									3,188	11,258	20,971
Net	$ 97,075	$ 89,100	$ 67,996	$ 73,974	$ 69,141	$ 71,235	$ 68,726	$ 66,909	328,145	276,011	263,335
Net losses and loss expenses incurred reduced by ceded reinsurance recoveries									128,086	108,656	75,581
Net losses and loss expense incurred from reinsurance assumed from non-affiliates									5,223	14,746	$ 13,492
Components of reinsurance recoverable [Abstract]
Case unpaid losses, net of valuation allowance	119,615				126,244				119,615	126,244
Incurred but not reported unpaid losses and loss expenses	187,163				123,819				187,163	123,819
Paid losses and loss expenses	2,206				1,760				2,206	1,760
Unearned premiums	9,347				3,201				9,347	3,201
Reinsurance recoverable	$ 318,331				$ 255,024				$ 318,331	$ 255,024

Income Taxes (Details)

Income Taxes (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2018	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Deferred tax liabilities [Abstract]
Unrealized gain on fixed income and equity security investments		$ 15,086	$ 18,335
Deferred acquisition costs		1,804	874
Loss and loss expense reserves		2,623	1,198
Limited partnership investments		3,826	2,274
Accelerated depreciation		492	1,037
Other		1,791	1,251
Total deferred tax liabilities		25,622	24,969
Deferred tax assets [Abstract]
Loss and loss expense reserves		6,761	9,467
Unearned premiums discount		1,837	1,295
Other-than-temporary investment declines		815	858
Deferred compensation		885	1,097
Deferred ceding commission		627	464
Other		339	376
Total deferred tax assets		11,264	13,557
Net deferred tax liabilities		$ 14,358	11,412
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Corporate income tax rate		35.00%
Tax benefit related to remeasurement of deferred tax assets and liabilities		$ 9,600
Summary of the difference between federal income tax expense computed at statutory rate [Abstract]
Statutory federal income rate applied to pretax income		3,543	15,069	$ 11,883
Tax effect of (deduction) [Abstract]
Tax-exempt investment income		(968)	(938)	(919)
Change in enacted tax rates		(9,572)	0	0
Other		(1,204)	(22)	(295)
Federal income tax expense (benefit)		(8,201)	14,109	10,669
Taxes (benefit) on pre-tax income [Abstract]
Current		(4,335)	11,271	12,488
Deferred		(3,866)	2,838	(1,819)
Federal income tax expense (benefit)		(8,201)	14,109	10,669
Components of the provisions for deferred federal income taxes (credits) [Abstract]
Limited partnerships		4,099	503	(2,865)
Discounts of loss and loss expense reserves		1,315	(114)	1,526
Reserves - salvage and subrogation and other		56	(1,110)	29
Unearned premium discount		(1,767)	298	608
Deferred compensation		(168)	595	(127)
Other-than-temporary investment declines		(127)	2,320	(1,416)
Deferred acquisitions costs and ceding commission		1,553	(95)	(287)
Change in enacted tax rates		(9,572)	0	0
Other		745	441	713
Provision for deferred federal income tax		(3,866)	2,838	(1,819)
Deferred tax assets, valuation allowance		0	0
Uncertain tax positions		0	0
Accrued interest		$ 0	$ 0	$ 0
Plan [Member]
Income Tax Disclosure [Line Items]
Corporate income tax rate	21.00%

Shareholders' Equity (Details)

Shareholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 21, 2017	Aug. 31, 2017
Amount [Abstract]
Repurchase of common shares	$ (1,880)	$ 0	$ 0
Dividends paid to shareholders	$ 16,302	$ 15,803	$ 15,003
Cash dividends paid (in dollars per share)	$ 1.08	$ 1.04	$ 1
Stock repurchase program, shares authorized (in shares)					2,464,209
Stock repurchase program, authorized amount				$ 17,500
Repurchase of common shares amount paid	$ 1,880	$ 0	$ 0
Average share price (in dollars per share)	$ 22.12
Class A [Member]
Shares [Abstract]
Balance, Beginning period (in shares)	2,623,109
Balance, Period end (in shares)	2,623,109	2,623,109
Amount [Abstract]
Stated value of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.04
Class B [Member]
Shares [Abstract]
Balance, Beginning period (in shares)	12,460,900
Balance, Period end (in shares)	12,423,518	12,460,900
Amount [Abstract]
Stated value of common stock (in dollars per share)	$ 0.04
Common Stock [Member] | Class A [Member]
Shares [Abstract]
Balance, Beginning period (in shares)	2,623,109	2,623,109	2,623,109
Restricted stock grants (in shares)	0	0	0
Repurchase of common shares (in shares)	0
Balance, Period end (in shares)	2,623,109	2,623,109	2,623,109
Amount [Abstract]
Balance, Beginning period	$ 112	$ 112	$ 112
Restricted stock grants	0	0	0
Repurchase of common shares	0
Balance, Period end	$ 112	$ 112	$ 112
Common Stock [Member] | Class B [Member]
Shares [Abstract]
Balance, Beginning period (in shares)	12,460,900	12,402,941	12,356,389
Restricted stock grants (in shares)	47,578	57,959	46,552
Repurchase of common shares (in shares)	(84,960)
Balance, Period end (in shares)	12,423,518	12,460,900	12,402,941
Amount [Abstract]
Balance, Beginning period	$ 532	$ 529	$ 527
Restricted stock grants	2	3	2
Repurchase of common shares	(4)
Balance, Period end	530	532	529
Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]
Amount [Abstract]
Balance, Beginning period	54,286	52,946	51,854
Restricted stock grants	1,152	1,340	1,092
Repurchase of common shares	(360)
Balance, Period end	$ 55,078	$ 54,286	$ 52,946

Other Operating Expenses (Detai

Other Operating Expenses (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Other Operating Expenses [Abstract]
Amortization of gross deferred policy acquisition costs	$ 70,574	$ 51,597	$ 50,270
Other underwriting expenses	37,230	41,692	42,638
Reinsurance ceded credits	(23,187)	(33,512)	(28,956)
Total underwriting expenses	84,617	59,777	63,952
Operating expenses of non-insurance companies	28,977	29,685	26,621
Total other operating expenses	113,594	89,462	90,573
Director [Member] | Consulting Contract [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Annual fee	300
Incurred expenses	300	300
Director [Member] | Brokerage Agreement [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Total commission expense	$ 674	$ 419	$ 0

Employee Benefit Plans (Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) - 401(k) Employee Savings and Profit Sharing Plan [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Requisite service period	1 year
Company's contribution to the plan	$ 2,797	$ 2,449	$ 2,090

Stock Based Compensation (Detai

Stock Based Compensation (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Feb. 08, 2017	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Class B [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares distribution period from grant date		1 year
Summary of stock Issuances [Abstract]
Period restricted stocks will vest ratably from date of grant		3 years
Class B [Member] | 05/12/2015 [Member]
Summary of stock Issuances [Abstract]
Number of shares issued (in shares)		21,252
Vesting date		May 12, 2016
Period		7/1/2015 - 6/30/2016
Grant date fair value per share (in dollars per share)		$ 22.59
Class B [Member] | 5/10/2016 [Member]
Summary of stock Issuances [Abstract]
Number of shares issued (in shares)		17,677
Vesting date		May 10, 2017
Period		7/1/2016 - 6/30/2017
Grant date fair value per share (in dollars per share)		$ 24.89
Class B [Member] | 5/09/2017 [Member]
Summary of stock Issuances [Abstract]
Number of shares issued (in shares)		18,183
Vesting date		May 9, 2018
Period		7/1/2017 - 6/30/2018
Grant date fair value per share (in dollars per share)		$ 24.20
Class B [Member] | 8/31/2017 [Member]
Summary of stock Issuances [Abstract]
Number of shares issued (in shares)		1,257
Vesting date		May 9, 2018
Period		8/31/2017 - 6/30/2018
Grant date fair value per share (in dollars per share)		$ 21.90
Class B [Member] | Outside Director [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Compensation cost charged against income		$ 454	$ 460	$ 460
Class B [Member] | Executives [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Shares awarded (in shares)	20,181
Total value of shares issued	$ 480
Summary of stock Issuances [Abstract]
Grant date fair value per share (in dollars per share)	$ 23.80
1981 Stock Purchase Plan [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Purchase price of shares obligated to be repurchased, percentage of book value		90.00%
1981 Stock Purchase Plan [Member] | Class A [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of outstanding shares eligible for repurchase (in shares)		46,875
1981 Stock Purchase Plan [Member] | Class B [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of outstanding shares eligible for repurchase (in shares)		187,500

Segment Information (Details)

Segment Information (Details) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2017USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2017USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2017USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)Segment	Dec. 31, 2016USD ($)Segment	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Segment Information [Abstract]
Number of reportable segments | Segment									1	2
Revenues [Abstract]
Net premiums earned	$ 97,075	$ 89,100	$ 67,996	$ 73,974	$ 69,141	$ 71,235	$ 68,726	$ 66,909	$ 328,145	$ 276,011	$ 263,335
Net investment income	5,661	4,027	4,716	3,692	3,982	3,513	3,549	3,440	18,095	14,483	12,498
Commissions and other income									5,308	5,275	5,703
Net realized gains (losses) on investments	$ 4,152	$ 5,944	$ 3,296	$ 6,294	$ 6,204	$ 7,732	$ 280	$ 9,012	19,686	23,228	(1,261)
Total revenues									371,234	318,997	280,275
Property and Casualty Insurance [Member]
Revenues [Abstract]
Net premiums earned									328,145	276,011	263,335
Net investment income									18,095	14,483	12,498
Commissions and other income									5,308	5,275	5,703
Net realized gains (losses) on investments									19,686	23,228	(1,261)
Total revenues									$ 371,234	$ 318,997	$ 280,275

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) - shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Reconciliation of the denominators used in the calculation of basic and diluted earnings per share [Abstract]
Average shares outstanding for basic earnings per share (in shares)	15,065,216	15,071,900	15,010,454
Dilutive effect of share equivalents (in shares)	42,220	12,108	11,308
Average shares outstanding for diluted earnings per share (in shares)	15,107,436	15,084,008	15,021,762

Concentrations of Credit Risk (

Concentrations of Credit Risk (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017USD ($)
Concentrations of Credit Risk [Abstract]
Guarantor obligations, aggregate amount of collateral held	$ 300,069
Collateral held that is equal to the ultimate losses that would be paid or due in the event of insured's default	100.00%
Uncollateralized exposure as a percentage of shareholder's equity	46.00%
Largest estimated amounts due from individual reinsurers, one	$ 35,801
Second largest estimated amounts due from individual reinsurers, two	$ 34,927

Acquisition and related Goodw62

Acquisition and related Goodwill and Intangibles (Details) - Commercial Lines Specialty Insurance Agency [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 31, 2008	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash purchase price	$ 3,500
Recorded goodwill	3,152
Intangible assets acquired	$ 179
Accumulated amortization on intangible assets		$ 179	$ 179

Fair Value (Details)

Fair Value (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fixed maturities [Abstract]
Total fixed maturities	$ 521,853	$ 491,904
Equity securities [Abstract]
Total equity securities	201,763	119,945
Recurring [Member]
Fixed maturities [Abstract]
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations	16,586	6,171
Agency mortgage-backed securities	27,075	4,770
Asset-backed securities	43,469	45,183
Bank loans	19,488	10,349
Certificates of deposit	3,135	3,117
Collateralized mortgage obligations	6,492	9,104
Corporate securities	193,058	137,932
Options embedded in convertible securities	5,291	4,751
Mortgage-backed securities	24,204	24,571
Municipal obligations	96,650	129,335
Non-U.S. government obligations	37,394	24,681
U.S. government obligations	49,011	91,940
Total fixed maturities	521,853	491,904
Equity securities [Abstract]
Consumer	46,578	32,576
Energy	10,278	12,842
Financial	45,470	31,186
Industrial	25,402	21,145
Technology	13,061	8,858
Funds (e.g. mutual funds, closed end funds, ETFs)	50,291	6,995
Other	10,683	6,343
Total equity securities	201,763	119,945
Short term	1,000	1,500
Cash equivalents	59,173	59,683
Total fair value	783,789	673,032
Recurring [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Fixed maturities [Abstract]
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations	0	0
Agency mortgage-backed securities	0	0
Asset-backed securities	0	0
Bank loans	0	0
Certificates of deposit	3,135	3,117
Collateralized mortgage obligations	0	0
Corporate securities	0	0
Options embedded in convertible securities	0	0
Mortgage-backed securities	0	0
Municipal obligations	0	0
Non-U.S. government obligations	0	0
U.S. government obligations	0	0
Total fixed maturities	3,135	3,117
Equity securities [Abstract]
Consumer	46,578	32,576
Energy	10,278	12,842
Financial	45,470	30,943
Industrial	25,402	20,262
Technology	13,061	8,858
Funds (e.g. mutual funds, closed end funds, ETFs)	45,276	0
Other	10,683	6,343
Total equity securities	196,748	111,824
Short term	1,000	1,500
Cash equivalents	0	0
Total fair value	200,883	116,441
Recurring [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Fixed maturities [Abstract]
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations	16,586	6,171
Agency mortgage-backed securities	27,075	4,770
Asset-backed securities	43,469	37,919
Bank loans	19,488	0
Certificates of deposit	0	0
Collateralized mortgage obligations	6,492	6,409
Corporate securities	193,058	135,794
Options embedded in convertible securities	5,291	4,751
Mortgage-backed securities	24,204	22,206
Municipal obligations	96,650	129,190
Non-U.S. government obligations	37,394	24,419
U.S. government obligations	49,011	91,940
Total fixed maturities	518,718	463,569
Equity securities [Abstract]
Consumer	0	0
Energy	0	0
Financial	0	243
Industrial	0	883
Technology	0	0
Funds (e.g. mutual funds, closed end funds, ETFs)	5,015	6,995
Other	0	0
Total equity securities	5,015	8,121
Short term	0	0
Cash equivalents	59,173	59,683
Total fair value	582,906	531,373
Recurring [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Fixed maturities [Abstract]
Agency collateralized mortgage obligations	0	0
Agency mortgage-backed securities	0	0
Asset-backed securities	0	7,264
Bank loans	0	10,349
Certificates of deposit	0	0
Collateralized mortgage obligations	0	2,695
Corporate securities	0	2,138
Options embedded in convertible securities	0	0
Mortgage-backed securities	0	2,365
Municipal obligations	0	145
Non-U.S. government obligations	0	262
U.S. government obligations	0	0
Total fixed maturities	0	25,218
Equity securities [Abstract]
Consumer	0	0
Energy	0	0
Financial	0	0
Industrial	0	0
Technology	0	0
Funds (e.g. mutual funds, closed end funds, ETFs)	0	0
Other	0	0
Total equity securities	0	0
Short term	0	0
Cash equivalents	0	0
Total fair value	$ 0	$ 25,218

Fair Value, Unobservable Input

Fair Value, Unobservable Input Reconciliation (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Fair value assets measured on recurring basis unobservable input reconciliation calculation [Roll Forward]
Beginning of period balance	$ 25,218	$ 16,793
Total gains or losses (realized) included in income	406	1,846
Purchases	81	5,540
Settlements	(9,123)	(8,791)
Transfers into Level 3	144	10,202
Transfers out of Level 3	(16,726)	(372)
End of period balance	$ 0	$ 25,218

Fair Value, Balance Sheet Group

Fair Value, Balance Sheet Grouping (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Assets [Abstract]
Limited partnerships	$ 70,806	$ 76,469
Carrying Value [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Limited partnerships	70,806	76,469
Liabilities [Abstract]
Short-term borrowings	20,000	20,000
Fair Value [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Limited partnerships	70,806	76,469
Liabilities [Abstract]
Short-term borrowings	20,000	20,000
Fair Value [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Limited partnerships	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Short-term borrowings	0	0
Fair Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Limited partnerships	0	0
Liabilities [Abstract]
Short-term borrowings	20,000	20,000
Fair Value [Member] | Level 3 [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Limited partnerships	70,806	76,469
Liabilities [Abstract]
Short-term borrowings	$ 0	$ 0

Quarterly Results of Operatio66

Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Results of Operations (Unaudited) [Abstract]
Net premiums earned	$ 97,075	$ 89,100	$ 67,996	$ 73,974	$ 69,141	$ 71,235	$ 68,726	$ 66,909	$ 328,145	$ 276,011	$ 263,335
Net investment income	5,661	4,027	4,716	3,692	3,982	3,513	3,549	3,440	18,095	14,483	12,498
Net realized gains (losses) on investments	4,152	5,944	3,296	6,294	6,204	7,732	280	9,012	19,686	23,228	(1,261)
Losses and loss expenses incurred	66,492	60,673	71,754	48,599	48,366	56,827	42,666	38,623	247,518	186,481	155,750
Net income (loss)	$ 16,476	$ 7,434	$ (12,343)	$ 6,756	$ 4,864	$ 4,001	$ 5,969	$ 14,112	$ 18,323	$ 28,945	$ 23,283
Net income (loss) per share - diluted (in dollars per share)	$ 1.10	$ 0.49	$ (0.82)	$ 0.45	$ 0.32	$ 0.27	$ 0.40	$ 0.94

Statutory (Details)

Statutory (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Statutory [Abstract]
Net income of the insurance subsidiaries in accordance with statutory accounting practices	$ 22,000	$ 31,647	$ 25,627
Consolidated statutory capital and surplus for subsidiaries	421,663	$ 399,314
Amount of statutory surplus transferred by dividend or loan to the parent company	59,106
Minimum statutory surplus necessary for the insurance subsidiaries to satisfy statutory risk based capital requirements	104,913
Consolidated statutory capital and surplus exceeded requirement	$ 316,750

Leases (Details)

Leases (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Leases [Abstract]
Lease expense	$ 417	$ 157	$ 175
Future lease payments for operating leases with initial or remaining noncancelable term of one year or more [Abstract]
2,018	297
2,019	297
2,020	80
2021 and thereafter	6
Total minimum payments required	$ 680

Accumulated Other Comprehensi69

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments [Abstract]
Total unrealized gain before federal income taxes	$ 71,848	$ 52,386
Deferred tax liability	(25,148)	(18,335)
Net unrealized gains on investments	46,700	34,051
Foreign exchange adjustment [Abstract]
Total unrealized losses	(475)	(1,278)
Deferred tax benefit	166	447
Net unrealized losses on foreign exchange adjustment	(309)	(831)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	46,391	33,220
Investments [Abstract]
Pre-tax holding gains (losses) on debt and equity securities arising during period	26,677	13,259	$ (19,445)
Less: applicable federal income taxes	9,337	4,641	(6,806)
Net unrealized gains (losses) on investments	17,340	8,618	(12,639)
Pre-tax gains on debt and equity securities included in net income during period	7,217	20,755	426
Less: applicable federal income taxes	2,526	7,264	149
Other comprehensive income (loss), reclassification adjustment for sale of securities included in net income, net of tax	4,691	13,491	277
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments	12,649	(4,873)	(12,916)
Reconciliation of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Shareholders' equity at beginning of year:	404,345	394,498	399,496
Change in foreign exchange adjustment	522	235	(1,456)
Change in unrealized net gains on investments	12,649	(4,873)	(12,916)
Shareholders' equity at end of year:	418,811	404,345	394,498
AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member]
Reconciliation of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Roll Forward]
Shareholders' equity at beginning of year:	33,220	37,858	52,230
Shareholders' equity at end of year:	$ 46,391	$ 33,220	$ 37,858

Accumulated Other Comprehensi70

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income, Retained Earnings (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Retained Earnings [Roll Forward]
Shareholders' equity at beginning of year:				$ 404,345				$ 394,498	$ 404,345	$ 394,498	$ 399,496
Net income	$ 16,476	$ 7,434	$ (12,343)	6,756	$ 4,864	$ 4,001	$ 5,969	14,112	18,323	28,945	23,283
Dividends									(16,302)	(15,803)	(15,003)
Repurchase of common shares									(1,880)	0	0
Shareholders' equity at end of year:	418,811				404,345				418,811	404,345	394,498
Retained Earnings [Member]
Retained Earnings [Roll Forward]
Shareholders' equity at beginning of year:				$ 316,195				$ 303,053	316,195	303,053	294,773
Net income									18,323	28,945	23,283
Dividends									(16,302)	(15,803)	(15,003)
Repurchase of common shares									(1,516)	0	0
Shareholders' equity at end of year:	$ 316,700				$ 316,195				$ 316,700	$ 316,195	$ 303,053

Debt (Details)

Debt (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Debt [Abstract]
Revolving line of credit limit	$ 40,000
Line of credit maturity date	Sep. 23, 2018
Period of fixed interest on line of credit at company's options	1 year
Outstanding drawings on line of credit	$ 20,000	$ 20,000
Effective interest rate	2.65%
Remaining amount under line of credit	$ 20,000

Subsequent Events (Details)

Subsequent Events (Details) - Subsequent Event [Member] - Dividend Declared Q1-2018 [Member]	Feb. 09, 2018$ / shares
Subsequent Event [Abstract]
Dividend payable, date declared	Feb. 9, 2018
Dividend payable, date to be paid	Mar. 9, 2018
Dividend payable, date of record	Feb. 23, 2018
Class A [Member]
Subsequent Event [Abstract]
Dividend payable (in dollars per share)	$ 0.28
Class B [Member]
Subsequent Event [Abstract]
Dividend payable (in dollars per share)	$ 0.28

SCHEDULE I -- SUMMARY OF INVEST

SCHEDULE I -- SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS-OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost		$ 521,017	$ 494,561
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet		693
Investments classified as cash and cash equivalents		59,174
Total Investments [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost		652,768
Fair value		724,616
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	[1]	724,616
Bonds [Member] | Total Fixed Maturities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost		521,017
Fair value		521,853
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	[1]	521,853
Bonds [Member] | Agency Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost		15,839
Fair value		16,586
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	[1]	16,586
Bonds [Member] | Agency Mortgage-backed Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost		27,180
Fair value		27,075
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	[1]	27,075
Bonds [Member] | Asset-backed Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost		42,861
Fair value		43,469
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	[1]	43,469
Bonds [Member] | Bank Loans [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost		19,271
Fair value		19,488
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	[1]	19,488
Bonds [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost		3,124
Fair value		3,135
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	[1]	3,135
Bonds [Member] | Collateralized Mortgage Obligations [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost		6,079
Fair value		6,492
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	[1]	6,492
Bonds [Member] | Corporate Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost		197,201
Fair value		197,130
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	[1]	197,130
Bonds [Member] | Mortgage-backed Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost		23,656
Fair value		24,204
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	[1]	24,204
Bonds [Member] | Municipal Obligations [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost		97,059
Fair value		96,650
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	[1]	96,650
Bonds [Member] | Non-U.S. Government Obligations [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost		39,189
Fair value		38,613
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	[1]	38,613
Bonds [Member] | U.S. Government Obligations [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost		49,558
Fair value		49,011
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	[1]	49,011
Common Stocks [Member] | Total Equity Securities [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost		130,751
Fair value		201,763
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	[1]	201,763
Common Stocks [Member] | Consumer [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost		23,565
Fair value		46,578
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	[1]	46,578
Common Stocks [Member] | Energy [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost		6,763
Fair value		10,278
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	[1]	10,278
Common Stocks [Member] | Financial [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost		31,859
Fair value		45,470
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	[1]	45,470
Common Stocks [Member] | Industrial [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost		8,949
Fair value		25,402
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	[1]	25,402
Common Stocks [Member] | Technology [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost		5,768
Fair value		13,061
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	[1]	13,061
Common Stocks [Member] | Funds (e.g. mutual funds, closed end funds, ETFs) [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost		46,177
Fair value		50,291
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	[1]	50,291
Common Stocks [Member] | Other [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost		7,670
Fair value		10,683
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	[1]	10,683
Short-term [Member] | Total Short-term and Other [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost		1,000
Fair value		1,000
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	[1]	1,000
Short-term [Member] | Certificates of Deposit [Member]
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost		1,000
Fair value		1,000
Amount at which shown in the balance sheet	[1]	$ 1,000
[1]	Amounts presented above do not include investments of $59,174 classified as cash and cash equivalents in the balance sheet.

SCHEDULE II CONDENSED FINANCI74

SCHEDULE II CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments other than subsidiaries [Abstract]
Fixed maturities												$ 521,853	$ 491,904
Limited partnerships												70,806	76,469
Total Investments												795,422	689,818
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 64,680			$ 62,976	$ 62,976			$ 73,538	$ 62,976	$ 62,976	$ 64,632	64,680	62,976	$ 73,538	$ 64,632
Accounts receivable												87,551	64,984
Other assets												11,030	23,779
Total Assets												1,357,016	1,154,137
Liabilities [Abstract]
Short-term borrowings												20,000	20,000
Total Liabilities												938,205	749,792
Shareholders' equity [Abstract]
Additional paid-in capital												55,078	54,286
Unrealized net gains on investments												46,700	34,051
Foreign exchange adjustment												(309)	(831)
Retained earnings												316,700	316,195
Shareholders' equity												418,811	404,345	394,498	399,496
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity												1,357,016	1,154,137
Revenue [Abstract]
Net investment income	5,661	$ 4,027	$ 4,716	3,692	3,982	$ 3,513	$ 3,549	3,440	18,095	14,483	12,498
Net realized gains (losses) on investments	4,152	5,944	3,296	6,294	6,204	7,732	280	9,012	19,686	23,228	(1,261)
Total revenues									371,234	318,997	280,275
Expenses [Abstract]
Other									113,594	89,462	90,573
Total expenses									361,112	275,943	246,323
Federal income tax benefit									(8,201)	14,109	10,669
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries									12,469	2,473	(1,687)
Net income	16,476	7,434	(12,343)	6,756	4,864	4,001	5,969	14,112	18,323	28,945	23,283
Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	16,476	$ 7,434	$ (12,343)	6,756	4,864	$ 4,001	$ 5,969	14,112	18,323	28,945	23,283
Unrealized net losses on securities [Abstract]
Unrealized holding net gains (losses) arising during the period									17,340	8,618	(12,639)
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income									(4,691)	(13,491)	(277)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments									12,649	(4,873)	(12,916)
Foreign currency translation adjustments									522	235	(1,456)
Other comprehensive income (loss)									13,171	(4,638)	(14,372)
Comprehensive income									31,494	24,307	8,911
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net cash provided by operating activities									93,711	32,368	38,197
Investing activities [Abstract]
Net sales of short-term investments									500	11,258	746
Distributions from limited partnerships									19,230	1,462	4,494
Net purchases of property and equipment									(6,661)	(7,725)	(7,662)
Net cash used in investing activities									(74,347)	(27,362)	(12,832)
Financing activities [Abstract]
Dividends paid to shareholders									(16,302)	(15,803)	(15,003)
Repurchase of common shares									(1,880)	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities									(18,182)	(15,803)	(15,003)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents									1,704	(10,562)	8,906
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				62,976				73,538	62,976	73,538	64,632
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	64,680				62,976				64,680	62,976	73,538
Class A [Member]
Shareholders' equity [Abstract]
Common stock												112	112
Class B [Member]
Shareholders' equity [Abstract]
Common stock												530	532
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. [Member]
Assets [Abstract]
Investment in subsidiaries												436,879	409,892
Due from affiliates												1,191	3,381
Investments other than subsidiaries [Abstract]
Fixed maturities												22,306	10,166
Limited partnerships												222	205
Total Investments												22,528	10,371
Cash and cash equivalents	26,496			14,995	14,995			17,934	14,995	14,995	17,934	26,496	14,995	$ 17,934	$ 16,615
Accounts receivable												6,833	7,602
Other assets												24,772	25,763
Total Assets												518,699	472,004
Liabilities [Abstract]
Premiums payable												14,046	11,973
Deposits from insureds												60,893	30,087
Short-term borrowings												20,000	20,000
Other liabilities												4,949	5,599
Total Liabilities												99,888	67,659
Shareholders' equity [Abstract]
Additional paid-in capital												55,078	54,286
Unrealized net gains on investments												46,700	34,051
Foreign exchange adjustment												(309)	(831)
Retained earnings												316,700	316,195
Shareholders' equity												418,811	404,345
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity												518,699	472,004
Revenue [Abstract]
Commissions and service fees									18,863	27,736	23,523
Cash dividends from subsidiaries									10,000	20,000	20,000
Net investment income									348	134	120
Net realized gains (losses) on investments									308	(3)	(22)
Other									(106)	(24)	(17)
Total revenues									29,413	47,843	43,604
Expenses [Abstract]
Salary and related items									18,140	17,462	17,616
Other									9,686	10,808	7,297
Total expenses									27,826	28,270	24,913
Income before federal income taxes and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries									1,587	19,573	18,691
Federal income tax benefit									(2,971)	(69)	(350)
Income after federal income taxes and equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries									4,558	19,642	19,041
Equity in undistributed income of subsidiaries									13,765	9,303	4,242
Net income									18,323	28,945	23,283
Condensed Statements of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income									18,323	28,945	23,283
Unrealized net losses on securities [Abstract]
Unrealized holding net gains (losses) arising during the period									17,340	8,618	(12,639)
Less: reclassification adjustment for net gains included in net income									(4,691)	(13,491)	(277)
Change in unrealized gains (losses) on investments									12,649	(4,873)	(12,916)
Foreign currency translation adjustments									522	235	(1,456)
Other comprehensive income (loss)									13,171	(4,638)	(14,372)
Comprehensive income									31,494	24,307	8,911
Condensed Statements of Cash Flows [Abstract]
Net cash provided by operating activities									44,998	15,484	21,841
Investing activities [Abstract]
Purchases of long-term investments									(21,365)	(4,000)	(4,792)
Sales or maturities of long-term investments									9,146	3,493	4,194
Net sales of short-term investments									0	2,165	0
Distributions from limited partnerships									298	0	0
Net purchases of property and equipment									(3,394)	(4,278)	(4,921)
Net cash used in investing activities									(15,315)	(2,620)	(5,519)
Financing activities [Abstract]
Dividends paid to shareholders									(16,302)	(15,803)	(15,003)
Repurchase of common shares									(1,880)	0	0
Net cash used in financing activities									(18,182)	(15,803)	(15,003)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents									11,501	(2,939)	1,319
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year				$ 14,995				$ 17,934	14,995	17,934	16,615
Cash and cash equivalents at end of year	$ 26,496				$ 14,995				$ 26,496	$ 14,995	$ 17,934
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. [Member] | Class A [Member]
Shareholders' equity [Abstract]
Common stock												112	112
Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. [Member] | Class B [Member]
Shareholders' equity [Abstract]
Common stock												$ 530	$ 532

SCHEDULE III -- SUPPLEMENTARY75

SCHEDULE III -- SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION (Details) - Property/Casualty Insurance [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs		$ 5,608	$ 1,172	$ 1,443
Reserves for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses		680,274	576,330	513,596
Unearned premiums		53,085	21,694	25,291
Other policy claims and benefits payable		0	0	0
Net premium earned		328,145	276,011	263,335
Net investment income	[1]	18,095	14,483	12,498
Benefits, claims, losses and settlement expenses	[1]	247,518	186,481	155,750
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs		70,574	51,597	50,270
Other operating expenses	[1],[2]	14,043	8,180	13,682
Net premiums written		$ 353,389	$ 271,752	$ 254,653
[1]	Allocations of certain expenses have been made to investment income, settlement expenses and other operating expenses and are based on a number of assumptions and estimates. Results among these categories would change if different methods were applied.
[2]	Commission allowances relating to reinsurance ceded are offset against other operating expenses.

SCHEDULE IV -- REINSURANCE (Det

SCHEDULE IV -- REINSURANCE (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2017	Sep. 30, 2017	Jun. 30, 2017	Mar. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Sep. 30, 2016	Jun. 30, 2016	Mar. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
SCHEDULE IV -- REINSURANCE [Abstract]
Direct premiums									$ 470,158	$ 394,679	$ 370,499
Ceded to other companies									145,201	130,012	128,697
Assumed from other companies									3,188	11,344	21,533
Net	$ 97,075	$ 89,100	$ 67,996	$ 73,974	$ 69,141	$ 71,235	$ 68,726	$ 66,909	$ 328,145	$ 276,011	$ 263,335
% of amount assumed to net									1.00%	4.10%	8.00%
Retrocessions associated with premiums assumed from other companies									$ 0	$ 86	$ 562

SCHEDULE VI--SUPPLEMENTAL INF77

SCHEDULE VI--SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION CONCERNING PROPERTY/CASUALTY INSURANCE OPERATIONS (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands		12 Months Ended
		Dec. 31, 2017	Dec. 31, 2016	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Line Items]
Deferred policy acquisition costs		$ 5,608	$ 1,172	$ 1,443
Reserves for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses		680,274	576,330	513,596
Discount if any deducted in Column C	[1]	0	0	2,110
Unearned premiums		53,085	21,694	25,291
Earned premiums		328,145	276,011	263,335
Net investment income		18,095	14,483	12,498
Claims and claim adjustment expenses incurred related to current year		228,303	172,645	165,812
Claims and claim adjustment expenses incurred related to prior years		19,215	13,836	(10,062)
Amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs		70,574	51,597	50,270
Paid claims and claim adjustment expenses		200,154	163,467	149,580
Net premiums written		$ 353,389	$ 271,752	$ 254,653
Loss reserve discounted present value cash flow pretax interest rate utilized				3.50%
[1]	Loss reserves on certain reinsurance assumed and permanent total disability workers' compensation claims have been discounted to present value using pretax interest rates not exceeding 3.5% through 2015.