Meadowbrook Insurance (MIG) 10-K 5 Mar 14 2013 FY Annual report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 21, 2014	Jun. 30, 2013
Document and Entity Information [Abstract]	'	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP INC	'	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000949156	'	'
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	'	'	$400,594,216
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	49,887,200	'
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'FY	'	'
Document Type	'10-K	'	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'	'
Document Period End Date	31-Dec-13	'	'

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEET

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments	'	'
Debt securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $1,455,754 and $1,211,794 in 2013 and 2012, respectively)	$1,463,046	$1,286,807
Equity securities available for sale, at fair value (cost of $95,346 and $20,389 in 2013 and 2012, respectively)	109,982	22,661
Cash and cash equivalents	94,776	342,124
Accrued investment income	14,266	11,167
Premiums and agent balances receivable (net of allowance of $5,094 and $4,855 in 2013 and 2012, respectively)	214,144	208,743
Reinsurance recoverable on:	'	'
Paid losses	14,453	13,612
Unpaid losses	505,431	381,905
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	63,908	143,180
Deferred policy acquisition costs	62,773	45,417
Deferred income taxes, net	41,435	10,929
Goodwill	5,644	121,041
Other intangible assets	24,509	28,264
Other assets	147,475	97,424
Total assets	2,761,842	2,713,274
Liabilities	'	'
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	1,616,521	1,455,980
Unearned premiums	354,367	439,418
Debt	160,723	78,500
Debentures	80,930	80,930
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	29,712	29,190
Funds held and reinsurance balances payable	29,320	49,622
Payable to insurance companies	45,625	5,641
Other liabilities	31,231	15,714
Total liabilities	2,348,429	2,154,995
Shareholders' Equity	'	'
Common stock, $0.01 stated value; authorized 75,000,000 shares; 49,887,200 and 49,776,011 shares issued and outstanding	499	505
Additional paid-in capital	276,410	272,472
Retained earnings	120,894	237,351
Note receivable from officer	-709	-737
Accumulated other comprehensive income	16,319	48,688
Total shareholders' equity	413,413	558,279
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$2,761,842	$2,713,274

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEET_Par

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Investments	'	'
Debt securities available for sale, amortized cost	$1,455,754	$1,211,794
Equity securities available for sale, at amortized cost	95,346	20,389
Premiums and agent balances receivable, allowance	$5,094	$4,855
Shareholders' Equity	'	'
Common stock, stated value (in dollars per share)	$0.01	$0.01
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	75,000,000	75,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	49,887,200	49,776,011
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	49,887,200	49,776,011

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_INCO

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF INCOME (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Premiums earned	'	'	'
Gross	$1,029,062,000	$1,013,965,000	$869,861,000
Ceded	-331,645,000	-159,706,000	-122,226,000
Net earned premiums	697,417,000	854,259,000	747,635,000
Net commissions and fees	39,512,000	34,049,000	32,115,000
Net investment income	46,473,000	53,143,000	54,522,000
Realized (losses) gains:	'	'	'
Total other-than-temporary impairments on securities	0	0	-84,000
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income	0	0	0
Net other-than-temporary impairments on securities recognized in earnings	0	0	-84,000
Net realized gains excluding other-than-temporary impairments on securities	7,769,000	55,312,000	3,033,000
Net realized gains	7,769,000	55,312,000	2,949,000
Total revenues	791,171,000	996,763,000	837,221,000
Expenses	'	'	'
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	787,531,000	806,635,000	590,675,000
Reinsurance recoveries	-238,494,000	-128,951,000	-95,324,000
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses	549,037,000	677,684,000	495,351,000
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses	225,510,000	274,066,000	250,535,000
General selling and administrative expenses	25,789,000	24,463,000	24,775,000
General corporate expense	3,997,000	3,572,000	400,000
Amortization expense	4,237,000	7,296,000	4,973,000
Goodwill impairment expense	115,397,000	0	0
Interest expense	12,950,000	8,429,000	8,347,000
Total expenses	936,917,000	995,510,000	784,381,000
(Loss) income before taxes and equity earnings	-145,746,000	1,253,000	52,840,000
Federal and state income tax (benefit) expense	-30,960,000	-7,842,000	12,169,000
Equity earnings of affiliates, net of tax	3,441,000	2,652,000	2,418,000
Equity (losses) earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries, net of tax	-965,000	2,000	-57,000
Net (loss) income	($112,310,000)	$11,749,000	$43,032,000
(Loss) Earnings Per Share	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	($2.25)	$0.23	$0.82
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($2.25)	$0.23	$0.82
Weighted average number of common shares	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	49,871,587	50,177,484	52,404,377
Diluted (in shares)	49,871,587	50,177,484	52,404,377

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_COMP

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	($11,850)	$5,516	($113,058)	$7,082	$37,987	($26,610)	($7,732)	$8,104	($112,310)	$11,749	$43,032
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized (losses) gains on securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-31,178	15,549	33,779
Unrealized (losses) gains in affiliates and unconsolidated subsidiaries	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-113	163	-23
Increase on non-credit other-than-temporary impairments on securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	741	17
Net deferred derivative gains - hedging activity	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,954	334	578
Less reclassification adjustment for investment gains included in net income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-5,032	-35,953	-1,872
Other comprehensive (loss) income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-32,369	-19,166	32,479
Comprehensive (loss) income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($144,679)	($7,417)	$75,511

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_SHAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Note Receivable from Officer [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member]	Total
Balances at Dec. 31, 2010	$520,000	$292,705,000	$212,600,000	($797,000)	$35,375,000	$540,403,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Change in unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities, net of tax	0	0	0	0	32,211,000	32,211,000
Change in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets	0	0	0	0	-287,000	-287,000
Net deferred derivative gain - hedging activity	0	0	0	0	578,000	578,000
Dividends declared and paid	0	0	-8,889,000	0	0	-8,889,000
Stock award	0	543,000	0	0	0	543,000
Long term incentive plan; stock award for 2009-2013 plan years	0	-2,006,000	0	0	0	-2,006,000
Repurchase of shares of common stock	0	-12,237,000	-8,204,000	0	0	-20,441,000
Change in investment in affiliates, net of tax	0	0	0	0	-19,000	-19,000
Change in investment of unconsolidated subsidiaries	0	0	0	0	-4,000	-4,000
Stock warrant issuance	'	'	'	'	'	0
Note receivable from an officer	0	0	0	30,000	0	30,000
Net (loss) income	0	0	43,032,000	0	0	43,032,000
Balances at Dec. 31, 2011	520,000	279,005,000	238,539,000	-767,000	67,854,000	585,151,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Change in unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities, net of tax	0	0	0	0	-19,854,000	-19,854,000
Change in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets	0	0	0	0	191,000	191,000
Net deferred derivative gain - hedging activity	0	0	0	0	334,000	334,000
Dividends declared and paid	0	0	-8,542,000	0	0	-8,542,000
Stock award	0	362,000	0	0	0	362,000
Long term incentive plan; stock award for 2009-2013 plan years	0	212,000	0	0	0	212,000
Repurchase of shares of common stock	-15,000	-7,107,000	-4,395,000	0	0	-11,517,000
Change in investment in affiliates, net of tax	0	0	0	0	192,000	192,000
Change in investment of unconsolidated subsidiaries	0	0	0	0	-29,000	-29,000
Stock warrant issuance	'	'	'	'	'	0
Note receivable from an officer	0	0	0	30,000	0	30,000
Net (loss) income	0	0	11,749,000	0	0	11,749,000
Balances at Dec. 31, 2012	505,000	272,472,000	237,351,000	-737,000	48,688,000	558,279,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Change in unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities, net of tax	0	0	0	0	-36,075,000	-36,075,000
Change in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets	0	0	0	0	-135,000	-135,000
Net deferred derivative gain - hedging activity	0	0	0	0	3,954,000	3,954,000
Dividends declared and paid	0	0	-3,991,000	0	0	-3,991,000
Stock award	1,000	358,000	0	0	0	359,000
Long term incentive plan; stock award for 2009-2013 plan years	0	430,000	0	0	0	430,000
Change in investment in affiliates, net of tax	0	0	0	0	-113,000	-113,000
Change in investment of unconsolidated subsidiaries	0	0	0	0	'	0
Stock warrant issuance	'	3,023,000	'	'	'	3,023,000
Other reclass	-7,000	127,000	-156,000	'	'	-36,000
Note receivable from an officer	0	0	0	28,000	0	28,000
Net (loss) income	0	0	-112,310,000	0	0	-112,310,000
Balances at Dec. 31, 2013	$499,000	$276,410,000	$120,894,000	($709,000)	$16,319,000	$413,413,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_SHAR1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Parenthetical)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]	'	'	'
Repurchase of shares of common stock (in shares)	0	1,267,300	2,225,000

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_CASH

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Cash Flows From Operating Activities	'	'	'
Net (loss) income	($112,310)	$11,749	$43,032
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:	'	'	'
Amortization of other intangible assets	4,137	7,296	4,847
Amortization of deferred debenture issuance costs	73	125	125
Impairment of goodwill	115,397	0	0
Depreciation of furniture, equipment, and building	4,698	5,098	5,491
Net accretion of discount and premiums on bonds	11,556	6,526	4,406
Accretion of issued debt/original issue discount	1,165	0	0
Amortization of capitalized convertible note fees	331	0	0
Gain on investments	-7,741	-55,313	-2,879
Gain on sale of fixed assets	-88	-88	-88
Long term incentive plan expense (benefit)	453	212	-2,006
Stock award	358	362	535
Equity earnings of affiliates, net of taxes	-3,441	-2,652	-2,418
Equity (earnings) losses of unconsolidated subsidiaries, net of taxes	965	-2	57
Deferred income tax expense	-13,427	-8,890	-54
Write-off of book of business	100	123	0
(Increase) decrease in:	'	'	'
Premiums and agent balances receivable	-5,401	-25,583	-13,294
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses	-124,367	-69,763	-31,558
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	79,272	-109,426	-5,546
Deferred policy acquisition costs	-17,356	29,050	-6,017
Other assets	-36,566	745	-3,159
Increase (decrease) in:	'	'	'
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	160,541	261,003	129,921
Unearned premiums	-85,051	52,668	34,165
Payable to insurance companies	39,084	1,320	1,567
Funds held and reinsurance balances payable	-20,302	23,719	-2,921
Other liabilities	9,915	-6,236	-16,088
Total adjustments	114,305	110,294	95,086
Net cash provided by operating activities	1,995	122,043	138,118
Cash Flows From Investing Activities	'	'	'
Purchase of equity securities available for sale	-111,225	0	0
Purchase of debt securities available for sale	-433,963	-594,264	-223,787
Proceeds from sales and calls of equity securities available for sale	42,538	6,121	700
Proceeds from sales and maturities of debt securities available for sale	179,956	682,930	140,980
Capital Expenditures	-2,148	-2,663	-5,958
Purchase of books of business	0	-3,700	-1,036
Loan receivable	2,063	706	940
Other investing activities	-3,233	-758	-306
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	-326,012	88,372	-88,467
Cash Flows From Financing Activities	'	'	'
Proceeds from term loan	0	30,000	0
Proceeds from lines of credit	0	30,000	4,500
Proceeds from FHLB advance	0	30,000	0
Payments on term loan	-6,000	-25,375	-13,875
Payment of lines of credit	0	-14,500	0
Proceeds from convertible senior notes	96,324	0	0
Payments for convertible senior notes hedge	-12,942	0	0
Proceeds from issuance of warrants	3,023	0	0
Book overdrafts	227	-144	358
Dividend paid on common stock	-3,991	-8,542	-8,889
Cash payment for payroll taxes associated with long-term incentive plan net stock issuance	0	0	9
Share repurchases of common stock	0	-11,517	-20,441
Other financing activities	28	30	30
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	76,669	29,952	-38,308
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	-247,348	240,367	11,343
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year	342,124	101,757	90,414
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	94,776	342,124	101,757
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:	'	'	'
Interest paid	9,586	7,695	7,852
Net income taxes paid	1,058	176	17,682
Supplemental Disclosure of Non Cash Investing and Financing Activities:	'	'	'
Share-based employee compensation	$358	$362	$535

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]	'
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES	'
	1. SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES
	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include accounts, after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions, of Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. (the “Company” or “Meadowbrook”), its wholly owned subsidiary Star Insurance Company (“Star”), and Star’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Savers Property and Casualty Insurance Company (“Savers”), Williamsburg National Insurance Company (“Williamsburg”), and Ameritrust Insurance Corporation (“Ameritrust”).   The consolidated financial statements also include Meadowbrook, Inc., Crest Financial Corporation, and their respective subsidiaries.  In addition, the consolidated financial statements also include ProCentury Corporation (“ProCentury”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries.  ProCentury’s wholly owned subsidiaries consist of Century Surety Company (“Century”) and its wholly owned subsidiary ProCentury Insurance Company (“PIC”).  In addition, ProCentury Risk Partners Insurance Company, Ltd. ("PROPIC") is a wholly owned subsidiary of ProCentury.  Star, Savers, Williamsburg, Ameritrust, Century, and PIC are collectively referred to as the "Insurance Company Subsidiaries".
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"), which differ from statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted for insurance companies by regulatory authorities. Prescribed statutory accounting practices include a variety of publications of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC"), as well as state laws, regulations and general administrative rules. Permitted statutory accounting practices encompass all accounting practices not so prescribed.  In addition, certain amounts in the 2012 financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2013 presentation as a result of adopting the new Accumulated Other Comprehensive guidance noted below and to reflect the reclassification adjustment net of taxes.
	Business
	The Company, through its affiliated Insurance Company Subsidiaries, is a specialty niche focused commercial insurance underwriter and insurance administration services company. The Company markets and underwrites specialty property and casualty insurance programs and products on both an admitted and non-admitted basis through a broad and diverse network of independent retail agents, wholesalers, program administrators and general agents. Program business refers to an aggregation of individually underwritten risks that have some unique characteristic and are distributed through a select group of agents. The Company seeks to combine profitable underwriting, income from net commissions and fees, investment returns and efficient capital management to deliver consistent long-term growth in shareholder value.
	Through its retail property and casualty agencies, the Company also generates commission revenue, which represents 2.1% of total consolidated revenues. The Company’s agencies are located in Michigan, California, Massachusetts, and Florida and produce commercial, personal lines, life and accident and health insurance primarily with unaffiliated insurance carriers. These agencies produce a minimal amount of business for the Company’s affiliated Insurance Company Subsidiaries.
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  While management believes the amounts included in the consolidated financial statements reflect management’s best estimates and assumptions, actual results may differ from those estimates.
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and highly liquid short-term investments. The Company considers all short-term investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
	Investments
	The Company’s investment securities are classified as available for sale. Investments classified as available for sale are available to be sold in the future in response to the Company’s liquidity needs, changes in market interest rates, tax strategies and asset-liability management strategies, among other reasons. Available for sale securities that are not determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired ("OTTI") are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity, net of deferred taxes and, accordingly, have no effect on net income.
	Realized gains or losses on sale of investments are determined on the basis of specific costs of the investments. Dividend income is recognized when declared and interest income is recognized when earned.  Discount or premium on debt securities purchased at other than par value is amortized using the effective yield method.
	Refer to Note 2 ~ Investments of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail in regard to the Company’s investments.
	Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses and Reinsurance Recoverables
	The liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) represents case base estimates of reported unpaid losses and LAE and actuarial estimates of incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) losses and LAE.  In addition, the liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses represents estimates received from ceding reinsurers on assumed business.  Such liabilities, by necessity, are based upon estimates and, while management believes the amount of its reserves is adequate, the ultimate liability may be greater or less than the estimate.
	Reserves related to the Company’s direct business and assumed business it manages directly are established through transactions processed through the Company’s internal systems and related controls.  Accordingly, case reserves are established on a current basis, therefore, there is no delay or lag in reporting of losses from a ceding company, and IBNR is determined utilizing various actuarial methods based upon historical data.  Ultimate reserve estimates related to assumed business from residual markets are provided by the mandatory pools on a two quarter lag and include an estimated reserve determined based upon internal actuarial methods for this lag.   Lastly, in relation to assumed business from other sources, the Company receives case and paid loss data within a forty-five day reporting period and develops estimates for IBNR based on both current and historical data.
	In addition to case reserves and in accordance with industry practice, the Company maintains estimates of reserves for losses and LAE IBNR.  The Company projects an estimate of ultimate losses and LAE expenses at each reporting date.  The difference between the projected ultimate loss and LAE reserves and the case loss and LAE reserves is carried as IBNR reserves.  By using both estimates of reported claims and IBNR determined using generally accepted actuarial reserving techniques, the Company estimates the ultimate liability for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance recoverables.
	Reinsurance recoverables represent (1) amounts currently due from reinsurers on paid losses and LAE, (2) amounts recoverable from reinsurers on case basis estimates of reported losses and LAE, and (3) amounts recoverable from reinsurers on actuarial estimates of incurred but not reported losses and LAE.  Such recoverables, by necessity, are based upon estimates and, while management believes that the amount accrued is collectible, the ultimate recoverable may be greater or less than the amount accrued.
	The methods for making such estimates and for establishing the loss reserves and reinsurance recoverables are continually reviewed and updated.  We reviewed the key assumptions that underlie the actuarial methods and made the appropriate adjustments to reflect the emergence of claim activity.
	Revenue Recognition
	Premiums written, which include direct, assumed and ceded amounts are recognized as earned on a pro rata basis over the life of the policy term. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written that are applicable to the unexpired terms of policies in force. Provisions for unearned premiums on reinsurance assumed from others are made on the basis of ceding reports when received and actuarial estimates.
	Assumed premium estimates include business where the Company accepts a portion of the risk from a ceding carrier as well as the mandatory assumed pool business from the National Council on Compensation Insurance (“NCCI”), or residual market business.
	Effective July 1, 2013 the Insurance Company Subsidiaries of Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. entered into an agreement with State National Insurance Company, National Specialty Insurance Company and United Specialty Insurance Company (collectively, “SNIC”), wherein certain portions of our business from our Insurance Company Subsidiaries were written direct with SNIC and 100% assumed collectively by our Insurance Company Subsidiaries based on agreed upon percentages.  The SNIC business has a 5.5% fee, which is reflected as assumed commission on the applicable Insurance Company Subsidiaries' financial statements.  As of December 31, 2013, our Insurance Company Subsidiaries collectively have assumed $170.2 million in gross written premium from SNIC. The impact of the SNIC fee on the Company’s expense ratio was 0.5% for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Fee income, which includes risk management consulting, loss control, and claims services, is recognized during the period the services are provided.  Depending on the terms of the contract, claims processing fees are recognized as revenue over the estimated life of the claims, or the estimated life of the contract.  For those contracts that provide services beyond the expiration or termination of the contract, fees are deferred in an amount equal to management’s estimate of the Company’s obligation to continue to provide services in the future.
	Commission income, which includes reinsurance placement, is recorded on the later of the effective date or the billing date of the policies on which they were earned.  Commission income is reported net of any sub-producer commission expense.  Commission adjustments that occur subsequent to the issuance of the policy, because of cancellation typically are recognized when the policy is effectively cancelled.  Profit sharing commissions from Insurance Company Subsidiaries are recognized when determinable, which is when such commissions are received.
	The Company reviews, on an ongoing basis, the collectability of its receivables and establishes an allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the allowance for uncollectibles on receivables was $5.1 million and $4.9 million, respectively.
	The agent balances receivable from Midwest Financial Holdings, LLC (“MFH”) for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $37.7 million and $40.9 million, respectively.  No other receivable exceeds 10% of the aggregate amount of receivables.
	Equity Earnings of Affiliates
	Equity earnings represent investments in affiliates in which the Company does not exercise control and has a 20% or more voting interest. Such investments in affiliates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The Company has a 28.5% equity interest in one affiliate, MFH. The equity earnings of this interest were recorded in net income. Equity earnings, net of tax, from MFH in 2013, 2012, and 2011, were $2.8 million, $3.0 million, and $2.4 million, respectively.   The Company received dividends from MFH in 2013, 2012, and 2011, for $2.0 million, $4.0 million, and $3.4 million, respectively. The Company is recording the equity earnings in MFH based on a month lag due to timing differences with respect to the availability of information.
	The Company has a 1.3% equity interest in another affiliate, Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P. The equity earnings incurred with respect to this interest were recorded in net income. The equity earnings, net of tax, from Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P. in 2013 was $0.6 million.  The Company had no equity earnings related to the Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P. for 2012 and 2011.
	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
	Commissions and other costs of acquiring insurance business that vary with and are primarily related to the production of new and renewal business are deferred and amortized over the terms of the policies or reinsurance treaties to which they relate. Investment earnings are anticipated in determining the recoverability of such deferred amounts. The Company reduces these costs for premium deficiencies.  There were no premium deficiencies for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011.
	Participating Policyholder Dividends
	The Company’s method for determining policyholder dividends is a combination of subjective and objective decisions, which may include, among other things, a loss ratio analysis for the specific program and the Company’s overall business strategy and regulatory constraints related to the Insurance Company Subsidiaries.  The Company determines the total dividends to be paid and then obtains the approval of the Board of Directors to pay up to a certain amount.  At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had $1.3 million and $1.5 million accrued for policyholder dividends, respectively.
	Furniture and Equipment
	Furniture and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, and are primarily depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally three to ten years. Upon sale or retirement, the cost of the asset and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from their respective accounts, and the resulting gain or loss is included in income. Repairs and maintenance are charged to operations when incurred.
	Goodwill
	The Company evaluates existing goodwill for impairment on an annual basis as of October 1, or more frequently, if events or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.  Goodwill impairment is performed at the reporting unit level.
	Refer to Note 14 ~ Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail in regard to the Company’s Goodwill.
	Income Taxes
	The Company provides for federal income taxes based on amounts the Company believes it ultimately will owe. Inherent in the provision for federal income taxes are estimates regarding the deductibility of certain items and the realization of certain tax credits. In the event the ultimate deductibility of certain items or the realization of certain tax credits differs from estimates, the Company may be required to significantly change the provision for federal income taxes recorded in the consolidated financial statements. Any such change could significantly affect the amounts reported in the consolidated statements of income.
	The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return in accordance with a tax sharing agreement, whereby allocation is made primarily on a separate return basis with current credit for any net operating losses or other items utilized in the consolidated tax return.
	The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting for income tax.  Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Under this method, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amounts that are more likely than not to be realized.
	Restricted Stock Awards, Long Term Incentive Plan, and Deferred Compensation Plan
	Refer to Note 11 ~ Variable Compensation of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details in regards to the Company’s Restricted Stock Awards, Long Term Incentive Plan, and Deferred Compensation Plan.
	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year, while diluted earnings per share includes the weighted average number of common shares and potential dilution from shares issuable pursuant to stock awards using the treasury stock method.
	Shares related to the LTIP included in diluted earnings per share were all zero for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	Restricted stock awards granted under the Plan on February 23, 2011, and 2010, were 28,500 and 202,500, respectively.  Shares retired under both plans for tax withholding were 30,556 resulting in a net issuance of 200,444, which are included in the weighted average number of common shares for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Comprehensive Income
	Comprehensive income encompasses all changes in shareholders’ equity (except those arising from transactions with shareholders) and includes net income, net unrealized capital gains or losses on available for sale securities, net unrealized gains or losses in affiliates and unconsolidated subsidiaries, net increase or decrease on non-credit other-than-temporary impairments on available for sale securities, and net deferred derivative gains or losses on hedging activity.
	Derivative Instruments
	The Company has entered into interest rate swap transactions to mitigate its interest rate risk on its existing debt obligations.  These interest rate swap transactions have been designated as cash flow hedges and are deemed highly effective hedges.  These interest rate swap transactions are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet and the effective portion of the changes in fair value are accounted for within other comprehensive income.  The interest differential to be paid or received is accrued and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense.  The Company does not use interest rate swaps for trading or other speculative purposes.
	Fair Value Disclosures
	Due to the short-term nature of cash and cash equivalents, premiums and agent balances receivable, reinsurance recoverables, accrued interest, and other assets, their estimated fair value approximates their carrying value.  Since debt and equity securities are recorded in the financial statements at their estimated fair value as securities available for sale, their carrying value is their estimated fair value. The Company’s long term debt, including its debentures, line of credit, accrued expenses and other liabilities, and reinsurance balances payable are either short term in nature or based on current market prices; therefore, their estimated fair value approximates their carrying value.  In addition, the Company’s derivative instruments, as disclosed in Note 7 ~ Derivative Instruments, are recorded in accordance with related accounting guidance and, therefore, are recorded at fair value.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The guidance requires an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under GAAP that provide addition detail about those amounts. The guidance is to be applied prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted this new guidance on January 1, 2013 and included the required disclosures in Note 19 ~ Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.
	Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists
	In July 2013, the FASB issued a new standard that requires entities to present an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, or similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward, rather than as a liability when the uncertain tax position would reduce the net operating loss or other carryforward under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction and when the entity intends to use the deferred tax asset for that purpose.  The new standard will be effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years that begin after December 15, 2013. The adoption of the new standard will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

INVESTMENTS

INVESTMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
INVESTMENTS [ Abstract]	'
INVESTMENTS	'
	2. INVESTMENTS
	The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, non-credit other than temporary impairments (“OTTI”) and estimated fair value of investments in securities classified as available for sale at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
			31-Dec-13
			Cost or			Gross Unrealized
			Amortized			Gains			Losses			Non-Credit		Estimated
			Cost									OTTI		Fair Value
	Debt Securities:
	U.S. Government and agencies		$	24,985		$	572		$	(188	)	$	-		25,369
	Obligations of states and political subs			730,004			25,509			(20,121	)		-		735,392
	Corporate securities			534,913			15,529			(11,935	)		-		538,507
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			118,930			2,191			(4,737	)		-		116,384
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			26,719			617			(868	)		-		26,468
	Other asset-backed securities			20,203			763			(40	)		-		20,926
	Total debt securities available for sale			1,455,754			45,181			(37,889	)		-		1,463,046
	Equity Securities:
	Perpetual preferred stock			71			147			-			-		218
	Common stock			95,275			14,933			(444	)		-		109,764
	Total equity securities available for sale			95,346			15,080			(444	)		-		109,982
	Total securities available for sale		$	1,551,100		$	60,261		$	(38,333	)	$	-	$	1,573,028
			31-Dec-12
			Cost or			Gross Unrealized
			Amortized			Gains			Losses			Non-Credit		Estimated
			Cost									OTTI		Fair Value
	Debt Securities:
	U.S. Government and agencies		$	26,788		$	918		$	(22	)	$	-	$	27,684
	Obligations of states and political subs			587,276			43,124			(1,427	)		-		628,973
	Corporate securities			482,290			25,569			(858	)		-		507,001
	Redeemable preferred stocks			1,743			436			-			-		2,179
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			73,530			4,393			(41	)		-		77,882
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			33,732			1,800			-			-		35,532
	Other asset-backed securities			6,435			1,125			(4	)		-		7,556
	Total debt securities available for sale			1,211,794			77,365			(2,352	)		-		1,286,807
	Equity Securities:
	Perpetual preferred stock			6,930			1,578			-			-		8,508
	Common stock			13,459			901			(207	)		-		14,153
	Total equity securities available for sale			20,389			2,479			(207	)		-		22,661
	Total securities available for sale		$	1,232,183		$	79,844		$	(2,559	)	$	-	$	1,309,468
	The Company’s investment objective within the common stock portfolio focuses primarily on providing maximizing dividend yield while minimizing price risk.
	Gross unrealized gains, losses, and non-credit OTTI on available for sale securities as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
			31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Unrealized gains		$	60,261		$	79,844
	Unrealized losses			(38,333	)		(2,559	)
	Non-credit OTTI			-			-
	Net unrealized gains			21,928			77,285
	Deferred federal income tax expense			(7,675	)		(26,957	)
	Net unrealized gains on investments, net of deferred federal income taxes		$	14,253		$	50,328
	Net realized gains (losses, including OTTI) on securities, for the three years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 were as follows (in thousands):
			December 31,
			2013			2012			2011
	Realized gains (losses):
	Debt securities:
	Gross realized gains		$	2,002		$	54,196		$	2,815
	Gross realized losses			(531	)		(217	)		(180	)
	Total debt securities			1,471			53,979			2,635
	Equity securities:
	Gross realized gains			6,671			1,351			244
	Gross realized losses			(401	)		(17	)		-
	Total equity securities			6,270			1,334			244
	Net realized gains		$	7,741		$	55,313		$	2,879
	OTTI included in realized losses on securities above		$	-		$	-		$	(84	)
	Proceeds from the sales of debt and equity securities available for sale were $119.6 million, $572.1 million, and $35.9 million for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	At December 31, 2013, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of available for sale debt securities by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities, because certain borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties (in thousands):
			Available for Sale
		Amortized			Estimated
		Cost			Fair Value
Due in one year or less		$	25,403		$	25,698
Due after one year through five years			456,511			472,425
Due after five years through ten years			655,603			656,536
Due after ten years			152,388			144,609
Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized obligations and asset-backed securities			165,849			163,778
		$	1,455,754		$	1,463,046
Net investment income for the three years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 was as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
Net Investment Income Earned From:
Debt securities		$	43,505		$	51,956		$	52,983
Equity securities			3,855			1,740			2,054
Cash and cash equivalents			728			825			807
Total gross investment income			48,088			54,521			55,844
Less investment expenses			1,615			1,378			1,322
Net investment income		$	46,473		$	53,143		$	54,522
United States Government obligations, municipal and corporate bonds aggregating $756.5 million and $361.5 million were on deposit at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively, with state regulatory authorities or otherwise pledged as required by law or contract.
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments of Securities and Unrealized Losses on Investments
Available for sale securities are reviewed for declines in fair value that are determined to be other-than-temporary.  For a debt security, if the Company intends to sell a security and it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis and the fair value of the debt security is below amortized cost, the Company concludes that an OTTI has occurred and the amortized cost is written down to current fair value, with a corresponding charge to realized loss in the Consolidated Statements of Income.  If the Company does not intend to sell a debt security and it is not more likely than not the Company will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis but the present value of the cash flows expected to be collected is less than the amortized cost of the debt security (referred to as the credit loss), the Company concludes that an OTTI has occurred.  In this instance, accounting guidance requires the bifurcation of the total OTTI into the amount related to the credit loss, which is recognized in earnings and the non-credit OTTI, which is recorded in Other Comprehensive Income as an unrealized non-credit OTTI in the Consolidated Statements of Comprehensive Income.
When assessing the Company’s intent to sell a debt security, if it is more likely than not the Company will be required to sell a debt security before recovery of its cost basis, facts and circumstances such as, but not limited to, decisions to reposition the security portfolio, sale of securities to meet cash flow needs and sales of securities to capitalize on favorable pricing, are evaluated.  In order to determine the amount of the credit loss for a debt security, the Company calculates the recovery value by performing a discounted cash flow analysis based on the current cash flows and future cash flows expected to be recovered.  The discount rate is the effective interest rate implicit in the underlying debt security upon issuance.  The effective interest rate is the original yield or the coupon if the debt security was previously impaired.  If an OTTI exists and there is not sufficient cash flows or other information to determine a recovery value of the security, the Company concludes that the entire OTTI is credit-related and the amortized cost for the security is written down to current fair value with a corresponding charge to realized loss in the Consolidated Statements of Income.
To determine the recovery period of a debt security, the Company considers the facts and circumstances surrounding the underlying issuer including, but not limited to the following:
	·	Historical and implied volatility of the security;
	·	Length of time and extent to which the fair value has been less than amortized cost;
	·	Conditions specifically related to the security such as default rates, loss severities, loan to value ratios, current levels of subordination, third party guarantees, and vintage;
	·	Specific conditions in an industry or geographic area;
	·	Any changes to the rating of the security by a rating agency;
	·	Failure, if any, of the issuer of the security to make scheduled payments; and
	·	Recoveries or additional declines in fair value subsequent to the balance sheet date.
In periods subsequent to the recognition of an OTTI, the security is accounted for as if it had been purchased on the measurement date of the OTTI.  Therefore, for a fixed maturity security, the discount or reduced premium is reflected in net investment income over the contractual term of the investment in a manner that produces a constant effective yield.
For an equity security, if the Company does not have the ability and intent to hold the security for a sufficient period of time to allow for a recovery in value, the Company concludes that an OTTI has occurred, and the cost of the equity security is written down to the current fair value, with a corresponding charge to realized loss within the Consolidated Statements of Income. When assessing the Company’s ability and intent to hold the equity security to recovery, the Company considers, among other things, the severity and duration of the decline in fair value of the equity security, as well as the cause of decline, a fundamental analysis of the liquidity, business prospects and overall financial condition of the issuer.
Upon review of the Company’s investment portfolio in the context of our OTTI policy, the Company did not record a credit or a non-credit related OTTI loss for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The Company did record $84,000 of credit related OTTI, of which no non-credit related OTTI losses were recognized in other comprehensive income for the year ended December 31, 2011.
The fair value and amount of unrealized losses segregated by the time period the investment has been in an unrealized loss position were as follows (in thousands):
		31-Dec-13
		Less than 12 months									Greater than 12 months							Total
		Number			Fair Value of Investments			Gross			Number		Fair Value of Investments		Gross			Number		Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses		Gross
		of			with Unrealized Losses			Unrealized			of		with Unrealized Losses		Unrealized			of				Unrealized
		Issues						Losses and			Issues				Losses and			Issues				Losses and
								Non-Credit							Non-Credit							Non-Credit
								OTTI							OTTI							OTTI
Debt Securities:
U.S. Government and agencies			5		$	6,181		$	(91	)		1	$	903	$	(97	)		6	$	7,084	$	(188	)
Obligations of states and political subs			103			285,264			(16,218	)		16		43,811		(3,903	)		119		329,075		(20,121	)
Corporate securities			121			259,581			(10,663	)		8		16,734		(1,272	)		129		276,315		(11,935	)
Residential mortgage-backed securities			13			72,458			(3,879	)		1		8,095		(858	)		14		80,553		(4,737	)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities			5			12,451			(868	)		-		-		-			5		12,451		(868	)
Other asset-backed securities			4			8,522			(40	)		-		-		-			4		8,522		(40	)
Total debt securities			251			644,457			(31,759	)		26		69,543		(6,130	)		277		714,000		(37,889	)
Equity Securities:
Perpetual preferred stock			-			-			-			-		-		-			-		-		-
Common stock			15			12,112			(444	)		-		-		-			15		12,112		(444	)
Total equity securities			15			12,112			(444	)		-		-		-			15		12,112		(444	)
Total securities			266		$	656,569		$	(32,203	)		26	$	69,543	$	(6,130	)		292	$	726,112	$	(38,333	)
		31-Dec-12
		Less than 12 months									Greater than 12 months							Total
		Number			Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses			Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI			Number		Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses		Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI			Number		Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses		Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI
		of									of							of
		Issues									Issues							Issues
Debt Securities:
U.S. Government and agencies			5		$	7,063		$	(22	)		-	$	-	$	-			5	$	7,063	$	(22	)
Obligations of states and political subs			23			69,016			(1,427	)		-		-		-			23		69,016		(1,427	)
Corporate securities			50			113,348			(858	)		-		-		-			50		113,348		(858	)
Residential mortgage-backed securities			1			10,219			(40	)		1		24		(1	)		2		10,243		(41	)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities			-			-			-			-		-		-			-		-		-
Other asset-backed securities			2			463			(4	)		-		-		-			2		463		(4	)
Total debt securities			81			200,109			(2,351	)		1		24		(1	)		82		200,133		(2,352	)
Equity Securities:
Perpetual preferred stock			-			-			-			-		-		-			-		-		-
Common stock			-			-			-			2		4,583		(207	)		2		4,583		(207	)
Total equity securities			0			-			-			2		4,583		(207	)		2		4,583		(207	)
Total securities			81		$	200,109		$	(2,351	)		3	$	4,607	$	(208	)		84	$	204,716	$	(2,559	)
Changes in the amount of credit loss on fixed maturities for which a portion of an OTTI related to other factors was recognized in other comprehensive income were as follows (in thousands):
Balance as of January 1, 2012		$	(789	)
Additional credit impairments on:
Previously impaired securities
Securities for which an impairment was not previously recognized			-
Reductions			633
Balance as of December 31, 2012			(156	)
Additional credit impairments on:
Previously impaired securities			-
Securities for which an impairment was not previously recognized			-
Reductions			156
Balance as of December 31, 2013		$	-

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]	'
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS	'
	3. FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS
	According to accounting guidance for fair value measurements and disclosures, fair value is the price that would be received in the sale of an asset or would be paid in the transfer of a liability (i.e., the “exit price”) in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date.  The guidance establishes a three-level hierarchy for fair value measurements that distinguishes between market participant assumptions based on market data obtained from sources independent of the reporting entity (“observable inputs”) and the reporting entity’s own assumptions about market participant assumptions developed based on the best information available in the circumstances (“unobservable inputs”).
	The estimated fair values of the Company’s fixed investment portfolio are based on prices provided by a third party pricing service and a third party investment manager.  The prices provided by these services are based on quoted market prices, when available, non-binding broker quotes, or matrix pricing.  The third party pricing service and the third party investment manager provide a single price or quote per security and the Company has not historically adjusted security prices.  The Company obtains an understanding of the methods, models and inputs used by the third party pricing service and the third party investment manager, and has controls in place to validate that amounts provided represent fair values.  The Company’s control process includes, but is not limited to, initial and ongoing evaluation of the methodologies used, a review of specific securities and an assessment for proper classification within the fair value hierarchy.  The hierarchy level assigned to each security in the Company’s available for sale portfolio is based upon its assessment of the transparency and reliability of the inputs used in the valuation as of the measurement date. The three hierarchy levels are defined as follows:
	Level 1 – Valuations that are based on unadjusted quoted prices in active markets for identical securities. The fair value of exchange-traded preferred and common equities, and mutual funds included in the Level 1 category were based on quoted prices that are readily and regularly available in an active market. The fair value measurements that were based on Level 1 inputs comprise 7.0% of the fair value of the total investment portfolio.
	Level 2 – Valuations that are based on observable inputs (other than Level 1 prices) such as quoted prices for similar assets at the measurement date; quoted prices in markets that are not active; or other inputs that are observable, either directly or indirectly.  The fair value of securities included in the Level 2 category were based on the market values obtained from a third party pricing service that were evaluated using pricing models that vary by asset class and incorporate available trade, bid and other observable market information.  The third party pricing service monitors market indicators, as well as industry and economic events.  The Level 2 category includes corporate bonds, government and agency bonds, asset-backed, residential mortgage-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities and municipal bonds.  The fair value measurements that were based on Level 2 inputs comprise 92.8% of the fair value of the total investment portfolio.
	Level 3 – Valuations that are derived from techniques in which one or more of the significant inputs are unobservable and/or involve management judgment and/or are based on non-binding broker quotes.  The fair value measurements that were based on Level 3 inputs comprise 0.2% of the fair value of the total investment portfolio.
	For corporate, government and municipal bonds, the third party pricing service utilizes a pricing model with standard inputs that include benchmark yields, reported trades, issuer spreads, two-sided markets, benchmark securities, market bids/offers, and other reference data observable in the marketplace.  The model uses the option adjusted spread methodology and is a multi-dimensional relational model.  All bonds valued under these techniques are classified as Level 2.
	For asset-backed, residential mortgage-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities, the third party pricing service valuation methodology includes consideration of interest rate movements, new issue data, monthly remittance reports and other pertinent data that is observable in the marketplace.  This information is used to determine the cash flows for each tranche and identifies the inputs to be used such as benchmark yields, prepayment assumptions and collateral performance.  All asset-backed, residential mortgage-backed and commercial mortgage-backed securities valued under these methods are classified as Level 2.
	Also included in Level 2 valuation are interest rate swap agreements the Company utilizes to hedge the floating interest rate on its debt, thereby changing the variable rate exposure to a fixed rate exposure for interest on these obligations.  The estimated fair value of the interest rate swaps is obtained from the third party financial institution counterparties and measured using discounted cash flow analysis that incorporates significant observable inputs, including the LIBOR forward curve, derivative counterparty spreads, and measurements of volatility.
	The Level 3 securities consist of 17 securities totaling $3.5 million or 0.2% of the total investment portfolio.  These primarily represent asset-backed securities and corporate debt securities that have a principal protection feature supported by a U.S. Treasury strip.  To fair value all 17 of these securities, the third party investment manager used benchmarking techniques based upon industry sector, rating and other factors.
	Also included in Level 3 valuation, are the conversion feature within the Notes (as defined in Note 6) and the convertible senior notes hedge.  The estimated fair values of the both the conversion feature and the convertible senior notes hedge are obtained from the third party financial institution counterparties valued using non-binding broker quotations and significant unobservable inputs.
	The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, classified by the valuation hierarchy as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
					Fair Value Measurements Using
		December 31,			Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
		2013			in Active		Other		Unobservable
					Markets for		Observable		Inputs
					Identical Assets		Inputs
		Total			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Debt Securities:
	U.S. Government and agencies	$	25,369		$	-	$	25,369	$	-
	Obligations of states and political subs		735,392			-		735,392		-
	Corporate securities		538,507			-		537,618		889
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		116,384			-		116,384		-
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		26,468			-		26,309		159
	Other asset-backed securities		20,926			-		18,477		2,449
	Total debt securities available for sale		1,463,046			-		1,459,549		3,497
	Equity Securities:
	Perpetual preferred stock		218			-		218		-
	Common stock		109,764			109,764		-		-
	Total equity securities available for sale		109,982			109,764		218		-
	Total securities available for sale	$	1,573,028		$	109,764	$	1,459,767	$	3,497
	Derivatives:
	Derivatives - interest rate swaps	$	1,553			-		1,553		-
	Cash conversion feature of cash convertible notes		(16,797	)		-		-		(16,797	)
	Purchased cash convertible note hedge		16,797			-		-		16,797
	Total derivatives	$	1,553		$	-	$	1,553	$	-
	Total securities available for sale and derivatives	$	1,574,581		$	109,764	$	1,461,320	$	3,497
	The following table presents changes in Level 3 available for sale investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		Fair Value Measurement Using Significant Unobservable Inputs - Level 3
	Balance as of January 1, 2012	$	4,659
	Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
	Included in earnings		1,027
	Included in other comprehensive income		(139	)
	Purchases		-
	Issuances		-
	Settlements		(1,662	)
	Transfers in and out of Level 3		1,559
	Balance as of December 31, 2012		5,444
	Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
	Included in earnings		766
	Included in other comprehensive income		(519	)
	Purchases		-
	Issuances		-
	Settlements		(2,194	)
	Transfers in and out of Level 3		-
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	3,497
	There were no credit related losses for the period included in earnings attributable to the change in unrealized losses on Level 3 assets still held at the reporting date.
	The Company’s policy on recognizing transfers between hierarchy levels is applied at the end of a reporting period.  During the year ended December 31, 2013, there were no transfers between Levels 1, 2 and 3.

LIABILITY_FOR_LOSSES_AND_LOSS_

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES [Abstract]	'
LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES	'
	4. LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES
	The Company regularly updates its reserve estimates as new information becomes available and further events occur that may impact the resolution of unsettled claims. Changes in prior reserve estimates are reflected in results of operations in the year such changes are determined to be needed and recorded. Activity in the reserves for ultimate losses and loss adjustment expenses is summarized as follows (in thousands):
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Balance, beginning of year	$	1,455,980	$	1,194,977	$	1,065,056
	Less reinsurance recoverables		381,905		315,884		280,854
	Total beginning reserves		1,074,075		879,093		784,202
	Incurred related to:
	Current year		480,637		592,169		488,040
	Prior years		68,400		85,515		7,311
	Total incurred		549,037		677,684		495,351
	Paid related to:
	Current year		115,542		151,262		130,547
	Prior years		396,480		331,440		269,913
	Total paid		512,022		482,702		400,460
	Net balance, end of year		1,111,090		1,074,075		879,093
	Plus reinsurance recoverables		505,431		381,905		315,884
	Balance, end of year	$	1,616,521	$	1,455,980	$	1,194,977
	As a result of development on prior accident years’ reserves, the estimate for net ultimate losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) increased by $68.4 million in calendar year 2013, increased by $85.5 million in calendar year 2012, and increased by $7.3 million in calendar year 2011.
	For the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company reported an increase in net ultimate loss and LAE estimates of $68.4 million, or 6.4% of $1,074.1 million of beginning net loss and LAE reserves.  There were no significant changes in the key methods utilized in the analysis and calculations of the Company’s reserves during 2013.  The $68.4 million net ultimate increase reflects increases of $35.6 million, $15.8 million, $14.6 million, $1.8 million, and $0.6 million related to commercial multiple peril, commercial automobile programs, workers’ compensation programs, other lines of business and the residual markets, respectively.
	For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company reported an increase in net ultimate loss and LAE estimates of $85.5 million, or 9.7% of $879.1 million of beginning net loss and LAE reserves.  There were no significant changes in the key methods utilized in the analysis and calculations of the Company’s reserves during 2012.  We reviewed the key assumptions that underlie the actuarial methods and made the appropriate adjustments to reflect the emergence of claim activity. The $85.5 million net ultimate increase reflects increases of $34.4 million, $28.5 million, $19.9 million, and $3.8 million related to commercial multiple peril, workers’ compensation programs, commercial automobile programs and other lines of business, respectively.  The 2012 increase also reflects a decrease of $1.1 million related to the residual markets.
	For the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company reported an increase in net ultimate loss and LAE estimates of $7.3 million, or 0.9% of $784.2 million of beginning net loss and LAE reserves.  There were no significant changes in the key methods utilized in the analysis and calculations of the Company’s reserves during 2011.  The $7.3 million net ultimate increase reflects increases of $9.2 million and $5.4 million related to workers’ compensation programs and commercial automobile programs respectively.  The 2011 increase also reflects decreases of $5.1 million, $1.4 million, and $0.8 million related to commercial multiple peril, the residual markets and other lines of business, respectively.

REINSURANCE

REINSURANCE

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

REINSURANCE [Abstract]

'

REINSURANCE

'

5. REINSURANCE

The Company’s Insurance Company Subsidiaries cede insurance to reinsurers under pro-rata and excess-of-loss contracts. These reinsurance arrangements diversify the Company’s business and minimize its exposure to large losses or hazards of an unusual nature. The ceding of insurance does not discharge the original insurer from its primary liability to its policyholder.  In the event that all or any of the reinsuring companies are unable to meet their obligations, the Company would be liable for such defaulted amounts. Therefore, the Company is subject to credit risk with respect to the obligations of its reinsurers. In order to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies, the Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and monitors the economic characteristics of the reinsurers on an ongoing basis. The Company also assumes insurance from other domestic insurers and reinsurers.  The Company performs a risk transfer analysis on those agreements which are not reasonably self-evident to evaluate whether  the reinsurance agreements entered into by the Company transfer both significant timing and underwriting risk to the reinsurer. All current reinsurance contracts conform to the risk transfer requirements and, accordingly, are accounted for as reinsurance under the applicable accounting guidance.

The Company receives ceding commissions in conjunction with certain reinsurance activities. These ceding commissions are offset against the related underwriting expenses and were $56.8 million, $57.2 million, and $15.2 million in 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.  The notable increase in ceding commission from 2011 to 2012 was related to the Multiple Line Quota Share agreement effective December 31, 2012.  This ceding commission was deferred for GAAP purposes, from which the benefit is being realized over time in relation to earned premium.  The terms of the multiple line quota share agreement are further detailed below within the discussion of the Company’s reinsurance structure.

At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had reinsurance recoverable for paid and unpaid losses of $519.9 million and $395.5 million, respectively.

The Company manages its credit risk on reinsurance recoverable by reviewing the financial stability, A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”) rating, capitalization, and credit worthiness of prospective and existing risk-sharing partners.  The Company customarily collateralizes reinsurance balances due from non-admitted reinsurers through funds withheld trusts or stand-by letters of credit issued by highly rated banks. The Company generally does not seek collateral where the reinsurer is rated “A-” or better by A.M. Best, has $500 million or more in surplus, and is admitted in the state of Michigan.  As of December 31, 2013, the largest unsecured reinsurance recoverable is due from an admitted reinsurer with an “A+” (Superior) A.M. Best rating and accounts for 20.9% of the total recoverable for paid and unpaid losses.  To date, the Company has not, in the aggregate, experienced material difficulties in collecting reinsurance recoverable.

The Company has historically maintained an allowance for the potential exposure to certain uncollectible reinsurance balances. At the end of each quarter, an analysis of these exposures is conducted to determine the potential exposure to default.  While management believes the allowances to be adequate, no assurance can be given regarding the future ability of any of the Company’s risk-sharing partners to meet their financial obligations.

The allowance was $14.0 million and $10.0 milion at December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.

The Company maintains a reinsurance structure designed to protect against large or unusual loss and loss adjustment expense activity. The Company determines the appropriate amount of reinsurance based primarily on the Company’s evaluation of the risks accepted, but also considers analysis prepared by consultants and reinsurers, along with market conditions including the availability and pricing of reinsurance.  To date, there have been no material disputes with the Company’s reinsurers.  However, no assurance can be given regarding the future ability of any of the Company’s reinsurers to meet their obligations.

The Company’s current reinsurance structure for business generated by its affiliated insurance entities includes the following primary categories:

Agriculture

·

The Company retains the first $500,000 of loss, per risk, for property and casualty.

·

Reinsurers reimburse the Company up to $500,000 for casualty and up to $9,500,000 for property, per risk, in excess of the $500,000 retention.

Aviation

·

The Company retains up to the first $500,000 of loss for each aviation hull and up to $1.0 million for each aviation liability risk; however, the retention for any one occurrence is limited to $1.0 million.

·

Reinsurers reimburse the Company up to $24.5 million for each loss occurrence in excess of the $1.0 million retention for policies effective prior to November 1, 2013.  For policies effective November 1, 2013 and after, Reinsurers reimburse the Company up to $12.5 million for each loss occurrence in excess of the $1.0 million retention.

Casualty – Commercial Lines – Excess and Primary

·

The Company retains up to the first $1.0 million of loss for each risk.

·

Reinsurers reimburse the Company up to $15.0 million per risk, or up to $15.0 million per risk, for business classified as excess liability for Public Entities, in excess of the $1.0 million retention.

·

Reinsurers reimburse the Company up to an additional $14.0 million for awards made in excess of the Company’s policy limits or resulting from extra contractual obligations, after the Company retains the first $500,000.

Excess Workers’ Compensation

·

The Company retains 10% of the difference between $2.0 million and the insured’s self-insured retention, up to $175,000 of loss per claim, per occurrence based on a minimum SIR of $250,000.

·

Reinsurers reimburse the Company 90% of the difference between $2.0 million and the insured’s self-insured retention, up to $1.575 million per claim, per occurrence after an annual aggregate deductible is met.  The minimum annual aggregate deductible is $9,000,000.

·

Reinsurers reimburse the Company 100% of $13.0 million per claim, per occurrence in excess of the $2 million underlying structure.

Marine

·

The Company retains up to $1.0 million of loss for each hull and each marine liability risk.

·

Reinsurers reimburse the Company up to $4.0 million for each hull and each marine liability risk in excess of the $1.0 million retention.

·

Reinsurers reimburse the Company up to an additional $2.0 million for a loss event involving both marine hull and liability or a loss event involving more than one risk.

Multiple Line Quota Share

·

The Company entered into a 50% quota share agreement for a select portion of business subject to certain limitations, effective December 31, 2012 on an in force, new and renewal basis.  Business subject to the treaty effective January 1, 2013 through September 30, 2013 ceded at 25%.  In return, the Company received a provisional ceding commission, which has been deferred and is recognized in relation to earned premium.  This treaty was terminated by mutual consent October 1, 2013 on a run-off basis.

Property

·

The Company retains up to $1.0 million of loss for each property risk.

·

Reinsurers reimburse the Company up to $9.0 million for each property risk in excess of the $1.0 million retention after an annual aggregate deductible of $1.0 million is met.

·

Individual facultative reinsurance is purchased for any property risk with limits in excess of $10.0 million.

·

The Company retains the first $5.0 million of net property catastrophe loss plus 50% of the next $5.0 million of net property catastrophe loss (up to $7.5 million) per loss occurrence.

·

Reinsurers reimburse the Company up to $57.5 million of net property catastrophe loss, per occurrence in excess of the $7.5 million retention, subject to an aggregate limit of $115.0 million for all property catastrophe losses occurring during the treaty period.

Surety

·

The Company retained up to $2.5 million for each bond and Reinsurers reimbursed the Company up to $7.5 million for each bond under a variable quota share agreement effective through November 1, 2013.  The Company terminated the variable quota share agreement November 1, 2013 in line with reducing its maximum exposure to $1.0M or less for any single bond.

Workers’ Compensation

·

The Company retains up to $1.0 million of loss per occurrence.

·

Reinsurers reimburse the Company up to $14.0 million of loss for each claimant and $99.0 million for all claimants involved in any one loss occurrence, subject to an aggregate limit of $198.0 million for the annual period.  For terrorism the Company can recover an additional $65.0 million in loss in excess of the $100.0 million underlying reinsurance structure.

·

The Company assumes a 65% line under a third party quota share agreement where the maximum exposure to any one loss occurrence is limited to $1.0 million after an annual aggregate deductible of $500,000 is met.  The quota share contract is protected by inuring excess of loss reinsurance up to $20.0 million per claim or per occurrence.

Fronting – Multiple Lines

·

Effective July 1, 2013, the Company entered into a reinsurance fronting agreement with SNIC, wherein certain portions of our business from our six insurance carriers was written with SNIC and 100% assumed collectively by our six carriers based on agreed upon percentages. The SNIC fronted business has a 5.5% fee, which is reflected as assumed commission in the Company’s financial statements.  As of December 31, 2013, our six Insurance Company Subsidiaries Collectively have assumed $170.2 million in gross written premium from SNIC.

Reconciliations of direct to net premiums, on a written and earned basis, for 2013, 2012, and 2011 are as follows (in thousands):

2013

2012

2011

Written

Earned

Written

Earned

Written

Earned

Direct

$

741,265

$

928,919

$

1,028,630

$

977,749

$

876,014

$

846,402

Assumed

202,746

100,143

38,003

36,216

28,012

23,459

Ceded

(252,374

)

(331,645

)

(269,131

)

(159,706

)

(127,773

)

(122,226

)

Net

$

691,637

$

697,417

$

797,502

$

854,259

$

776,253

$

747,635

One reinsurer, with an A.M. Best financial strength rating of “A+” (Superior), accounts for 33.6% of ceded premiums in 2013.

DEBT

DEBT	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
DEBT [Abstract]	'
DEBT	'
	6. DEBT
	Credit Facilities
	On August 29, 2012, the Company executed $130.0 million in senior credit facilities (the “Credit Facilities”). The Credit Facilities included a $30.0 million term loan facility and a $100.0 million revolving credit facility.  On September 19, 2013, the Company amended the Credit Facilities pursuant to a second Amendment to Credit Agreement and Waiver (the “Amendment”).
	Under the Amendment, the term loan facility continues to have a four year term, along with no changes to the amortization period. As of December 31, 2013, the outstanding balance on the Company’s term loan facility was $22.5 million. The Amendment reduced available borrowing under the revolving credit facility from $100.0 million to $30.0 million with further periodic reductions to $21.0 million as of March 31, 2016.  The Amendment also established an amortization schedule for the revolving credit facility beginning on September 30, 2014.  The Company has $20.0 million outstanding under its revolving credit facility as of December 31, 2013.The undrawn portion of the revolving credit facility, which was $10.0 million as of December 31, 2013, is available to finance working capital and for other general corporate purposes, including but not limited to, surplus contributions to its Insurance Company Subsidiaries to support premium growth or strategic acquisitions.
	The Credit Facilities replaced the Company’s former term loan of $65.0 million and revolving credit agreement of $35.0 million, entered into on July 31, 2008, which were terminated upon the closing of the Credit Facilities on August 29, 2012. At December 31, 2012, the Company had an outstanding balance of $28.5 million on its term loan and a $20.0 million outstanding balance on its revolving credit facility. There was $0.5 million in letters of credit that had been issued as of December 31, 2012.
	The principal amount outstanding under the Credit Facilities provides for interest at either the Alternative Base Rate (“ABR”) or the London interbank offered rate (“LIBOR”). ABR borrowings under the Credit Facilities will bear interest at the greatest of (a) the Administrative Agent’s prime rate, (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5%, or (c) the adjusted LIBOR for a one-month period plus 1.0%, in each case, plus a margin that is adjusted on the basis of Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. Eurodollar borrowings under the Credit Facilities will bear interest at the adjusted LIBOR for the interest period in effect plus a margin that is adjusted on the basis of Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. In addition, the Credit Facilities provide for an unused facility fee ranging between twenty-five basis points and thirty-seven and a half basis points, based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio as defined by the Credit Facilities. At December 31, 2013, the interest rate on the Company’s term loan was 2.75%, which consisted of a variable rate of 0.25%, plus an applicable margin of 2.50%. To reduce the exposure to changes in variable interest rates, the Company has entered into interest rate swaps as described in Note 7 ~ Derivative Instruments. At December 31, 2013, the interest rate on the Company’s revolving credit facility was 2.75%, which consisted of a variable rate of 0.25%, plus a 2.50% margin.
	Additionally, the Amendment revised the financial covenants applicable to the Credit Facilities that consist of: (1) minimum consolidated net worth of $365,697,000 as of the effective date of the Amendment, with quarterly increases thereafter of the sum of (a) seventy-five percent of positive net income and (b) seventy-five percent of increases in shareholders’ equity by reason of the issuance and sale of equity interests, if any, (2) minimum Risk Based Capital Ratio for all material Insurance Company Subsidiaries of 1.75 times Company Action Level, (3) maximum permitted consolidated leverage ratio of (i) 0.375 to 1.00 at any time prior to September 30, 2014, or (ii) 0.35 to 1.00 at any time on or after September 30, 2014, (4) minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio of 1.25 to 1.00, and (5) minimum A.M. Best rating of “B++.” As of December 31, 2013, the Company was in compliance with these debt covenants.
	FHLBI
	During 2011, several of the Insurance Company Subsidiaries (Star, Williamsburg, and Ameritrust) became members of the Federal Home Loan Bank of Indianapolis (“FHLBI”). As a member of the FHLBI, these subsidiaries have the ability to borrow on a collateralized basis at relatively low borrowing rates, providing a source of liquidity. As of December 31, 2013, the Company had borrowed $30.0 million from the FHLBI after pledging as collateral residential mortgage-backed securities (“RMBS”) having a carrying value of $38.4 million, and making a FHLBI common stock investment of approximately $1.6 million. The Company has the ability to increase its borrowing capacity through purchasing additional investments and pledging additional securities. The Company retains all the rights regarding the collateralized RMBS.
	Debentures
	The following table summarizes the principal amounts and variables associated with the Company’s debentures (in thousands):
	Year of Issuance	Description	Year Callable	Year Due	Interest Rate Terms	Interest Rate at			Principal Amount
						December 31,
						2013 (1)
	2003	Junior subordinated debentures	2008	2033	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.05%		4.3	%	$	10,310
	2004	Senior debentures	2009	2034	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.00%		4.24	%		13,000
	2004	Senior debentures	2009	2034	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.20%		4.44	%		12,000
	2005	Junior subordinated debentures	2010	2035	Three-month LIBOR, plus 3.58%		3.82	%		20,620
		Junior subordinated debentures (2)	2007	2032	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.00%		4.24	%		15,000
		Junior subordinated debentures (2)	2008	2033	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.10%		4.34	%		10,000
						Total			$	80,930
	(1) The underlying three-month LIBOR rate varies as a result of the interest rate reset dates used in determining the three-month LIBOR rate, which varies for each long-term debt item each quarter.
	(2) Represents the junior subordinated debentures acquired in conjunction with the ProCentury Merger on July 31, 2008.
	Excluding the junior subordinated debentures acquired in conjunction with the ProCentury Merger, the Company received a total of $53.3 million in net proceeds from the issuances of the above long-term debt, of which $26.2 million was contributed to the surplus of its Insurance Company Subsidiaries and the remaining balance was used for general corporate purposes.  Associated with the issuance of the above long-term debt, the Company incurred approximately $1.7 million in issuance costs for commissions paid to the placement agents in the transactions.
	The issuance costs associated with these debentures have been capitalized and are included in other assets on the balance sheet.  As of June 30, 2007, these issuance costs were being amortized over a seven year period as a component of interest expense.  The seven year amortization period represented management’s best estimate of the estimated useful life of the bonds related to both the senior debentures and junior subordinated debentures.  Beginning July 1, 2007, the Company reevaluated its best estimate and determined a five year amortization period to be a more accurate representation of the estimated useful life.  Therefore, this change in amortization period from seven years to five years has been applied prospectively beginning July 1, 2007.   As of December 31, 2013, these issuance costs were fully amortized.
	The junior subordinated debentures issued in 2003 and 2005 were issued in conjunction with the issuance of $10.0 million and $20.0 million in mandatory redeemable trust preferred securities to a trust formed by an institutional investor from the Company’s unconsolidated subsidiary trusts, Meadowbrook Capital Trust I and Meadowbrook Capital Trust II, respectively.
	The junior subordinated debentures acquired in the ProCentury Merger were issued in conjunction with the issuance of $15.0 million and $10.0 million in floating rate trust preferred securities to a trust formed from the Company’s unconsolidated trust, ProFinance Statutory Trust I and ProFinance Statutory Trust II.  The Company also acquired the remaining unamortized portion of the capitalized issuance costs associated with these debentures.  The remaining unamortized portion of the issuance costs acquired was $625,000.  These issuance costs are included in other assets on the balance sheet.  The remaining balance is being amortized over a five year period beginning August 1, 2008, as a component of interest expense.  As of December 31, 2013, these issuance costs were fully amortized.
	The junior subordinated debentures are unsecured obligations of the Company and are junior to the right of payment to all senior indebtedness of the Company.  The Company has guaranteed that the payments made to the four trusts mentioned above will be distributed to the holders of the respective trust preferred securities.
	The Company estimates that the fair value of the above mentioned junior subordinated debentures and senior debentures issued approximate the gross proceeds of cash received at the time of issuance.
	To reduce the exposure to changes in variable interest rates, the Company has entered into interest rate swaps as described in Note 7 ~ Derivative Instruments.
	Cash Convertible Senior Notes
	On March 18, 2013, the Company issued $100.0 million of 5.0% cash convertible senior notes (the “Notes”), which mature on March 15, 2020. Interest on the Notes is payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, commencing September 15, 2013. Until the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date, holders may convert their Notes solely into cash at any time on or after September 15, 2019 or earlier under certain circumstances determined by: (i) the market price of the Company’s stock, (ii) the trading price of the Notes, or (iii) the occurrence of specified corporate transactions. The Notes are not convertible into Meadowbrook common stock or any other securities under any circumstances. The initial conversion rate is 108.8732 shares of common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the Notes (equivalent to an initial conversion price of approximately $9.18 per share), subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events. Additionally, in the event of certain fundamental changes with respect to the Company, the holders may require the Company to repurchase the Notes for a cash price equal to 100% of the principal, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. The proceeds from the issuance of the Notes were bifurcated into a debt component and an embedded conversion option component.
	Due to the bifurcation, the debt component reflects an original issue discount (“OID”) of $12.9 million, which will be amortized into interest expense over the term of the Notes. After considering the contractual interest payments and amortization of the OID, the Notes’ effective interest rate is 7.4%.
	The following table shows the amounts recorded for the debt component of the Notes as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
	Outstanding principal		$	100,000
	Unamortized OID			(11,777	)
	Total debt component		$	88,223
	Deferred issuance costs of $3.7 million will also be amortized into interest expense over the term of the Notes. Interest expense on the Notes, including amortization of deferred issuance costs, recognized on the Notes was $5.4 million for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	As the conversion feature is structured under the cash settlement method, the embedded conversion option is reported as a derivative liability.
	In connection with the offering of the Notes, the Company also entered into cash convertible senior notes hedge transactions (the “Note Hedges”) and warrant transactions (the “Warrants”) with respect to its common stock with certain counter-parties. Upon conversion, the Note Hedges are intended to offset potential cash payments in excess of the principal of the Notes. The Note Hedges and Warrants are separate transactions, which were entered into by the Company with certain counter-parties and are not part of the terms of the Notes.
	The Company paid $12.9 million for the Note Hedges, which are exercisable upon conversion of the Notes. The Note Hedges are structured under the cash settlement method and are accounted for as a derivative asset.
	The Company received $3.0 million for the Warrants sold to certain counter-parties. The Warrants have a strike price of $11.69 and will be net share settled; meaning the Company will issue a number of shares per Warrant corresponding to the difference between its share price on each Warrant exercise date and the exercise price. The Warrants meet the definition of derivatives under the guidance in ASC 815; however, because these instruments have been determined to be indexed to the Company’s own stock and meet the criteria for equity classification under ASC 815-40, the Warrants have been accounted for as an adjustment to the Company’s paid-in-capital.
	If the market value per share of the Company’s common stock exceeds the strike price of the Warrants, the Warrants will have a dilutive effect on the Company’s net income per share and the Company will use the “treasury stock” method in calculating the dilutive effect on earnings per share.
	See Note 7 ~ Derivative Instruments for additional discussion on the Cash Convertible Senior Notes.

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]	'
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS	'
	7. DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS
	Interest Rate Swaps
	The Company has entered into interest rate swap transactions to mitigate its interest rate risk on its existing debt obligations.  These interest rate swap transactions have been designated as cash flow hedges and are deemed highly effective hedges.  These interest rate swap transactions are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet, with gross unrealized gains reported as other assets and gross unrealized losses reported as other liabilities. The effective portion of the changes in fair value is accounted for within other comprehensive income.  The interest differential to be paid or received is accrued and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense.
	The following table summarizes the rates and amounts associated with the Company’s interest rate swaps (in thousands):
	Effective Date	Expiration	Debt Instrument	Counterparty Interest Rate Terms	Fixed Rate			Fixed Amount at
		Date						31-Dec-13
	6/30/13	6/30/23	Junior subordinated debentures	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.05%		6.34	%	$	10,000
	4/29/13	4/29/23	Senior debentures	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.00%		6.25	%		13,000
	9/28/12	8/30/16	Term loan (1)	Three-month LIBOR		0.714	%		22,500
	8/15/13	8/15/23	Junior subordinated debentures (2)	Three-month LIBOR		2.18	%		10,000
	9/4/13	9/4/23	Junior subordinated debentures (2)	Three-month LIBOR		2.27	%		15,000
	9/8/10	5/24/16	Senior debentures	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.20%		6.248	%		5,000
	9/16/10	9/15/15	Junior subordinated debentures	Three-month LIBOR, plus 3.58%		6.16	%		10,000
	9/16/10	9/15/15	Junior subordinated debentures	Three-month LIBOR, plus 3.58%		6.19	%		10,000
	5/24/11	5/24/16	Senior debentures	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.20%		6.472	%		7,000
					Total			$	102,500
	(1) The Company is required to make fixed rate interest payments on the current balance of the term loan, amortizing in accordance with the term loan amortization schedule.  The Company fixed only the variable interest portion of the loan.  The actual interest payments associated with the term loan also include an additional rate of 2.50% in accordance with the Credit Facilities.
	(2) The Company fixed only the variable interest portion of the debt.  The actual interest payments associated with the debentures also include an additional rate of 4.10% and 4.00% on the $10.0 million and $15.0 million debentures, respectively.
	In relation to the above interest rate swaps, the net interest expense incurred for the year ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 was approximately $2.3 million, $3.1 million, and $3.7 million, respectively.
	As of December 31, 2013, the total fair value of the interest rate swaps was $1.6 million, which reflects a gross unrealized gain position of $2.9 million and a gross unrealized loss position of ($1.3 million). As of December 31, 2012, the total fair value of the interest rate swaps was ($4.5 million), which reflects a gross unrealized loss position of ($4.5 million). At December 31, 2013 and 2012, accumulated other comprehensive income included accumulated gain (loss) on the cash flow hedge, net of taxes, of approximately $1.0 million and ($2.9 million), respectively. The Company does not net the unrealized gains and losses in the financial statements.
	Convertible Note with Unaffiliated Insurance Agency
	In March 2012, the Company replaced its existing $5.6 million convertible note and $664,000 demand note receivables with an unaffiliated insurance agency into new debt instruments with a related limited liability company.  The new instruments were effective January 1, 2012 and consist of a $2 million convertible note and a $4.2 million term loan.  The interest rate on the convertible note is 3% and is due on January 1, 2022. This note is convertible at the option of the Company based upon a pre-determined formula.  The interest rate on the term loan is 5.5% and is due on April 30, 2016.  As security for the note and term loan, the borrower granted the Company a first lien on all of its accounts receivable, cash, general intangibles, and other assets.  As additional collateral for the note and term loan, the Company obtained guaranties of payment and performance from certain affiliated companies of the borrower, as well as related individuals, which guaranties are secured by additional collateral.
	Cash Convertible Senior Notes and Note Hedges
	As discussed in Note 6 ~ Debt, the Company issued the Notes. Holders may convert their cash convertible notes subject to certain conversion provisions. In order to offset the risk associated with the cash conversion feature, the Company entered into convertible note hedges with certain counterparties. Both the cash conversion feature and the purchased convertible note hedges are measured at fair value with gains and losses recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
	At December 31, 2013, cash conversion feature of cash convertible notes had a fair market value of ($16.8 million) and the note hedges had a fair market value of $16.8 million.

REGULATORY_MATTERS_AND_RATING_

REGULATORY MATTERS AND RATING ISSUES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
REGULATORY MATTERS AND RATING ISSUES [Abstract]	'
REGULATORY MATTERS AND RATING ISSUES	'
	8. REGULATORY MATTERS AND RATING ISSUES
	As an insurance holding company, the Company’s ability to continue to pay shareholder dividends is dependent upon the availability of liquid assets, which is dependent in large part on the dividend paying ability of the Company’s Insurance Company Subsidiaries. The timing and amount of dividends paid by the Insurance Company Subsidiaries to the Company may vary from year to year. Our Insurance Company Subsidiaries are subject to laws and regulations in the jurisdictions where they operate that restrict the amount and timing of dividends they may pay within twelve consecutive months without the prior approval of regulatory authorities. The restrictions are generally based on net income and on certain levels of policyholders’ surplus as determined in accordance with statutory accounting practices.  Dividends in excess of such thresholds are considered “extraordinary” and require prior regulatory approval.
	A significant portion of the Company’s consolidated assets represents assets of its Insurance Company Subsidiaries that may not be transferable to the holding company in the form of dividends, loans or advances. The restriction on the transferability to the holding company from its Insurance Company Subsidiaries is limited by regulatory guidelines.  These guidelines specify that dividends can be paid only from unassigned surplus and only to the extent that all dividends in the current twelve months do not exceed the greater of 10% of total statutory surplus as of the end of the prior fiscal year or 100% of the statutory net income for the prior year, less any dividends paid in the prior twelve months. Using these criteria, the ordinary dividend available to be paid from the Insurance Company Subsidiaries during 2013 was $42.6 million without prior regulatory approval. Of this $42.6 million, ordinary dividends of $14.0 million were declared and paid as of December 31, 2013. In addition to ordinary dividends, the Insurance Company Subsidiaries had the capacity to pay $127.3 million of extraordinary dividends in 2013, subject to prior regulatory approval. The ability to pay ordinary and extraordinary dividends must be reviewed in relation to the impact on key financial measurement ratios, including Risk Based Capital (RBC) ratios and A.M. Best’s Capital Adequacy Ratio (BCAR).  The Company heavily considers these ratios when evaluating liquidity and capital strategies. The Insurance Company Subsidiaries’ ability to pay future dividends without advance regulatory approval is dependent upon maintaining a positive level of unassigned surplus, which in turn, is dependent upon the Insurance Company Subsidiaries generating net income.  Total ordinary dividends paid from the Company’s Insurance Company Subsidiaries to its holding company were $14.0 million and $12.5 million in 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Summarized 2013 and 2012 statutory basis information for the primary insurance subsidiaries, which differs from generally accepted accounting principles, is as follows (in thousands):
	2013:00:00	Star			Savers			Williamsburg			Ameritrust			Century			PIC
	Statutory capital and surplus	$	309,591		$	57,937		$	31,347		$	29,403		$	178,629		$	46,050
	RBC authorized control level	$	80,246		$	13,565		$	7,097		$	6,122		$	40,714		$	9,924
	Statutory net income	$	3,935		$	(3,561	)	$	(2,018	)	$	(1,398	)	$	(3,776	)	$	(2,715	)
	RBC %		385.8	%		427.1	%		441.7	%		480.3	%		438.7	%		464	%
	2012:00:00	Star			Savers			Williamsburg			Ameritrust			Century			PIC
	Statutory capital and surplus	$	263,096		$	54,496		$	29,432		$	27,382		$	163,162		$	37,304
	RBC authorized control level	$	80,831		$	13,763		$	7,193		$	6,236		$	40,749		$	10,054
	Statutory net income	$	5,752		$	6,051		$	1,705		$	2,291		$	15,328		$	2,408
	RBC %		325.5	%		396	%		409.2	%		439.1	%		400.4	%		371	%
	Insurance operations are subject to various leverage tests (e.g., premium to statutory surplus ratios), which are evaluated by regulators and rating agencies. As of December 31, 2013, on a trailing twelve month statutory consolidated basis, the gross and net premium leverage ratios were 1.9 to 1.0 and 1.4 to 1.0, respectively.
	The National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) has adopted a RBC formula to be applied to all property and casualty insurance companies. The formula measures required capital and surplus based on an insurance company’s products and investment portfolio and is used as a tool to evaluate the capital of regulated companies. The RBC formula is used by state insurance regulators to monitor trends in statutory capital and surplus for the purpose of initiating regulatory action. In general, an insurance company must submit a calculation of its RBC formula to the insurance department of its state of domicile as of the end of the previous calendar year.  These laws require increasing degrees of regulatory oversight and intervention as an insurance company’s RBC declines.  The level of regulatory oversight ranges from requiring the insurance company to inform and obtain approval from the domiciliary insurance commissioner of a comprehensive financial plan for increasing its RBC to mandatory regulatory intervention requiring an insurance company to be placed under regulatory control in a rehabilitation or liquidation proceeding.
	The RBC Model Act provides for four different levels of regulatory attention depending on the ratio of the company’s total adjusted capital, defined as the total of its statutory capital, and surplus to its risk-based capital requirement. Risk-based capital requirements are determined by applying varying factors to asset, premium and reserve items. The factor is higher for those items that have a greater inherent risk, and lower for those items of lesser risk.
	At December 31, 2013, each of our Insurance Company Subsidiaries was in excess of any minimum threshold at which corrective action would be required.  At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company’s consolidated statutory surplus was $488.2 million and $426.3 million, respectively.  For the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, the Company’s consolidated statutory net (loss)/income was ($20.7 million), $33.5 million, and $37.3 million, respectively.
	The Company’s Insurance Company Subsidiaries have deposits with various states to comply with the insurance laws where the Insurance Company Subsidiaries are licensed.  At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the book value of these deposits totaled $756.5 million and $361.5 million, respectively.  There are withdrawal and other restrictions on these deposits, but we direct how the deposits are invested and we earn interest on the funds, and therefore these funds are not restricted cash.  Since these deposits are invested at management’s direction and the Company earns the related interest, management does not anticipate that it is reasonably likely that the deposits will affect the Company’s financial position or results of operations.
	The Company’s current financial strength rating from A.M. Best (insurance industry credit rating) is “B++” (Good) for its Insurance Company Subsidiaries.  The issuer credit rating is "bbb" for the Insurance Company Subsidiaries and "bb" for Meadowbrook. A.M. Best ratings are designed to assess an insurer’s financial strength and ability to meet continuing obligations to policyholders.

DEFERRED_POLICY_ACQUISITION_CO

DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS [Abstract]	'
DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS	'
	9. DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS
	As disclosed in Note 1 ~ Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, the Company adopted new guidance regarding the accounting for the costs related to acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. The Company adopted this guidance retrospectively on January 1, 2012 and has adjusted its previously issued financial information.
	The following table reflects the amounts of policy acquisition costs deferred and amortized (in thousands):
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Balance, beginning of period	$	45,417		$	74,467		$	68,451
	Acquisition costs deferred		144,359			159,416			149,323
	Amortized to expense during the period		(151,255	)		(156,480	)		(143,307	)
	Change in Swiss Re QS Agreement		24,252			(31,986	)		-
	Balance, end of period	$	62,773		$	45,417		$	74,467
	The Company reduces deferred policy acquisition costs for premium deficiencies. There were no premium deficiencies at December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011.

INCOME_TAXES

INCOME TAXES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]	'
INCOME TAXES	'
	10. INCOME TAXES
	The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Current tax (benefit) expense	$	(17,533	)	$	1,048		$	12,223
	Deferred tax (benefit) expense		(13,427	)		(8,890	)		(54	)
	Total provision for income tax (benefit) expense	$	(30,960	)	$	(7,842	)	$	12,169
	A reconciliation of the Company’s tax provision on income from operations to the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% is as follows (in thousands):
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Tax provision at statutory rate	$	(51,011	)	$	439		$	18,495
	Tax effect of:
	Goodwill impairment write off		26,532			-			-
	Tax exempt interest		(6,057	)		(5,684	)		(5,409	)
	Deferred tax asset valuation allowance		(548	)		(4,085	)		(260	)
	Dividends received deduction		(539	)		(130	)		(235	)
	Deferred and other tax asset adjustments		199			1,233			(903	)
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit		113			153			422
	Other, net		351			232			59
	Federal and state income tax (benefit) expense	$	(30,960	)	$	(7,842	)	$	12,169
	Effective tax (benefit) expense rate		21.2	%		(625.9	)%		23	%
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the current taxes receivable were $20.5 million and $3.6 million, respectively.
	Deferred federal income taxes reflect the estimated future tax effect of temporary differences between the bases of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such amounts as measured by tax laws and regulations.
	The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Deferred Tax Assets:
	Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	34,424		$	39,279
	Unearned premium reserves		20,966			20,759
	Net operating loss carry-forward		9,325			-
	Goodwill		4,953			-
	AMT credit carry-forward		2,312			1,355
	Other than temporary impairment losses on investments and purchase accounting adjustments		2,015			3,365
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		1,783			1,699
	Compensation related		1,520			1,051
	Amortization of debt and transaction costs		1,191			1,257
	Other, net		839			876
	Total Deferred Tax Assets		79,328			69,641
	Deferred Tax Liabilities:
	Deferred policy acquisition costs		(21,970	)		(15,896	)
	Unrealized gains on investments, net		(8,310	)		(25,523	)
	Amortization of intangible assets		(3,872	)		(4,689	)
	Depreciation		(2,750	)		(3,446	)
	Goodwill		-			(7,754	)
	Total Deferred Tax Liabilities		(36,902	)		(57.308	)
	Net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance		42,426			12,333
	Valuation allowance		(991	)		(1,404	)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	41,435		$	10,929
	Realization of the deferred tax asset shown above is dependent upon generating sufficient taxable income to absorb the applicable reversing temporary differences.  A valuation allowance is established if, based upon certain facts and circumstances, management believes some or all of certain tax assets will not be realized.  At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had a valuation allowance of $1.0 million and $1.4 million, respectively, related to unrealized losses on securities and other than temporary impairments that, upon realization, could not be offset by past or future capital gains.  During 2013, the valuation allowance decreased by $413,000 of which $548,000 was recorded through the statement of operations.  The offsetting $135,000 was recorded as a reduction to other comprehensive income.   During 2012, the valuation allowance decreased by $4,276,000 of which $4,085,000 was recorded through the statement of operations.  The remaining $191,000 was recorded as an increase in other comprehensive income.   Management periodically evaluates the adequacy of the valuation allowances, taking into account open tax positions, tax assessments received and tax law changes.  This evaluation involves the use of estimates and a high degree of management judgment.  Actual results could differ significantly from the estimates and interpretations used in determining the current and deferred income tax liabilities and reserves.
	At December 31, 2013, the Company had a Net Operating Loss (NOL) Carry-forward of $26.6 million which will expire in 2033.  This carry-forward is available to be used as a reduction of future taxable income on the federal income tax returns filed by the Company in subsequent years.  The Company did not have an NOL Carry-forward at December 31, 2012.
	The Company had an Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT) credit carry-forward of $2,312,000 at December 31, 2013 and $1,355,000 at December 31, 2012.  The AMT credit carry-forwards have no expiration date.
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits.  Interest costs and penalties related to income taxes are classified as interest expense and general corporate expenses, respectively.  As of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had no accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions.
	The Company and its subsidiaries are subject to U.S. federal income tax as well as to income tax of multiple state jurisdictions.  Tax returns for all years after 2009 are subject to future examination by tax authorities.

VARIABLE_COMPENSATION

VARIABLE COMPENSATION	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
VARIABLE COMPENSATION [Abstract]	'
VARIABLE COMPENSATION	'
	11. VARIABLE COMPENSATION
	Restricted and Non-Restricted Stock Awards
	On February 23, 2011 and 2010, the Company issued 28,500 and 202,500 restricted stock awards, respectively, to executives of the Company, out of its 2002 Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan.  No restricted stock awards were issued in 2012 or 2013.  The restricted stock awards vest over a four year period, with the first twenty percent vesting immediately on the date issued (i.e., February 23) and the remaining eighty percent vesting annually on a straight-line basis over the requisite four year service period. The unvested restricted stock awards are subject to forfeiture in the event the employee is terminated for “Good Cause” or voluntarily resigns their employment without “Good Reason” as provided for in the employee’s respective employment agreements. The Company recorded approximately $330,000 and $294,000 of restricted stock awards compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  The total compensation cost related to the nonvested portion of the awards that have not been recognized as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 were approximately $103,000 and $433,000, respectively.  The 2002 Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan expired in 2012 so any future award will be issued out of the Company’s 2009 Equity Compensation Plan, which was previously approved by shareholders.
	On February 13, 2013 and February 23, 2012, the Company issued 2,400 and 1,500 non-restricted stock awards, respectively, to each outside member of the Board of Directors, which vested immediately.  The Company recorded $137,000 and $148,500 of non-restricted stock awards compensation expense for the year ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.
	Long Term Incentive Plan
	The Company maintains a Long Term Incentive Plan (the “LTIP”). On February 8, 2013 and July 27, 2012, the Company adopted its 2013 and 2012 LTIP (the “Plan(s)”), respectively. The Plans allow for the use of restricted stock incentive awards to eligible executives, managers and other eligible key employees based on the achievement of service and pre-established performance goals for annual performance periods.  The Compensation Committee of the Board of Directors administer the Plans, subject to the direction of the Board of Directors, and will designate the eligible employees who will participate in the Plans for a specified service/performance period.  The Plans were adopted pursuant to the Company's 2009 Equity Compensation Plan.  Participants are not eligible for any award under the Plans, until the end of the service and performance periods, which are December 31 for each respective Plan.
	Under the Plans, in the event that a participant’s employment is terminated by the Company or any of its subsidiaries for “cause”, or by the participant without “good reason” (as such terms are defined in the Plans), the participant forfeits all shares of unvested restricted stock, and will not be entitled to any award for the period in which such termination of employment occurs.
	In the event that a participant’s employment is terminated by the Company or any of its subsidiaries without “cause”, by the participant for “good reason” (as such terms are defined in the Plans), or due to the participant’s death, disability or retirement, the participant will become vested in all shares of restricted stock that have not yet vested (or will continue to vest in such shares in accordance with the terms and conditions of the participant’s restricted stock agreement), and is entitled to a pro rata portion of any awards for the period in which such termination occurs.
	In the event of a “change in control” of the Company (as defined in the Plans) each participant under the plan is entitled to the payment of a pro rata portion of the award for the period in which the change in control occurs, to the extent provided in the applicable restricted stock agreement, all shares of restricted stock fully vest and become nonforfeitable.
	The Plan will be paid 100% in stock and vest in 20% increments following the end of the one-year period, with 30% of the award based upon service and 70% of the award based upon the performance of the Company for senior executives.  For other participants, the service component ranges from 50% to 40% during the one-year period. The Company will expense each Plan over a five year period beginning with the quarter ending March 31 of the respective Plan year.
	The prior LTIP, was a three-year plan for the years 2009 through 2011 and provided participants with the opportunity to earn cash and stock awards based upon the achievement of pre-established performance goals over a three-year performance period. The Company began accruing for the LTIP payout for the 2009 through 2011 Plan years as of March 31, 2009.
	At December 31, 2013, the Company had accrued $398,000 for the 2012 LTIP service portion and $244,000 for the 2013 LTIP service portion for a total of $642,000.  At December 31, 2012, the Company had accrued $212,000 for the 2012 LTIP service portion. Because the targets were not met for the performance portion of both the 2013 and 2012 LTIP Plans, no amounts were accrued for the performance portion by the Company as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.  At December 31, 2011, there was nothing accrued for the 2009 through 2011 plan years under the prior LTIP as there was no service element in that LTIP plan and the performance goals were not met; hence, no awards were ever made for the 2009-2011 plan.
	Deferred Compensation Plan
	The Company maintains an Executive Nonqualified Excess Plan (the “Excess Plan”).  The Excess Plan is intended to be a nonqualified deferred compensation plan that will comply with the provisions of Section 409A of the Internal Revenue Code.  The Company maintains the Excess Plan to provide a means by which certain key management employees may elect to defer receipt of current compensation from the Company in order to provide retirement and other benefits, as provided for in the Excess Plan.  The Excess Plan is funded solely by the participating employees and maintained primarily for the purpose of providing deferred compensation benefits for eligible employees.  For those participants who satisfy minimum funding requirements, the participant is eligible for a life insurance benefit of $250,000 in the event of the participant’s death. At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had $2.2 million and $2.2 million accrued for the Excess Plan, respectively.

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]	'
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY	'
	12. SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
	At December 31, 2013, shareholders’ equity was $413.4 million, or a book value of $8.29 per common share, compared to $558.3 million, or a book value of $11.22 per common share, at December 31, 2012.
	On October 28, 2011, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a Share Repurchase Plan authorizing management to purchase up to 5.0 million shares of the Company’s common stock in market transactions for a period not to exceed twenty-four months.  For the year ended December 31, 2013, there were no share repurchases.  For the year ended December 31, 2012, the Company purchased and retired 1.3 million shares of common stock for a total cost of approximately $11.5 million.  The Share Repurchase Plan expired on October 28, 2013.
	For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, cash dividends paid to common shareholders totaled $4.0 million and $8.5 million, respectively.  On February 12, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.02 per common share.  The dividend is payable on April 7, 2014, to shareholders of record as of March 21, 2014.
	When evaluating the declaration of a dividend, the Company’s Board of Directors considers a variety of factors, including but not limited to, cash flow, liquidity needs, results of operations, industry conditions, and our overall financial condition.  As a holding company, the ability to pay cash dividends is partially dependent on dividends and other permitted payments from its Insurance Company Subsidiaries.

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE

EARNINGS PER SHARE	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]	'
EARNINGS PER SHARE	'
	13. EARNINGS PER SHARE
	Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year, while diluted earnings per share include the weighted average number of common shares and potential dilution from shares issuable pursuant to stock awards using the treasury stock method.
	The following table is a reconciliation of the income and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the years ended December 31 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		2013			2012		2011
	Net income	$	(112,310	)	$	11,749	$	43,032
	Common shares:
	Basic
	Weighted average shares outstanding		49,871,587			50,177,484		52,404,377
	Diluted
	Weighted average shares outstanding		49,871,587			50,177,484		52,404,377
	Dilutive effect of:
	Share awards under long term incentive plan		-			-		-
	Total		49,871,587			50,177,484		52,404,377
	Net income per common share
	Basic	$	(2.25	)	$	0.23	$	0.82
	Diluted	$	(2.25	)	$	0.23	$	0.82

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]	'
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS	'
	14. GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS
	Goodwill
	The Company evaluates existing goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.  Goodwill impairment is performed at the reporting unit level.
	In accordance with accounting guidance, the Company concluded its reporting units to be specialty insurance operations (the “Specialty Insurance Operations”) and agency operations (the “Agency Operations”). The nature of the business and economic characteristics of all Agency Operations and all Specialty Insurance Operations are similar based upon, but not limited to, the following: (1) management alignment within each reporting unit, (2) the Company’s Insurance Company Subsidiaries operating under a reinsurance pooling arrangement, and (3) the ability of the Company to leverage its expertise and fixed costs within each reporting unit.
	Goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives are required to be tested for impairment at least once a year or more frequently if events or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount. Carrying values are compared with fair values, and when the carrying value exceeds the fair value, the carrying value of the impaired asset is reduced to its fair value. The performance of the test involves a two-step process.  Step One of the impairment test involves comparing the fair values of the applicable reporting units with their aggregate carrying values, including goodwill. If the carrying amount of a reporting unit exceeds the reporting unit's fair value, the Company performs Step Two to determine the amount of impairment loss. Step Two analysis involves determining the potential impairment of goodwill as the difference between the carried goodwill and the hypothetical fair value of the enterprise less the fair value of the tangible net assets and less the estimation of identifiable intangible assets, such as agent relationships, licenses, trademarks and other intangibles that are not carried on the books at fair value.
	Estimating the fair value of reporting units is a subjective process involving the use of estimates and judgments, particularly related to future cash flows, discount rates (including market risk premiums) and market multiples. The fair values of the reporting units were determined using a blend of two commonly used valuation techniques, the market approach and the income approach. The Company gives consideration to both approaches, as either technique can be an indicator of fair value. For the market approach, valuations of reporting units were based on an analysis of peer group price multiples including: price to earnings, price to net book value and price to net tangible book value.  The peer group price multiples used in the analysis were selected based on management’s judgment.  For the income approach, the Company estimated future cash flows using a discounted cash flow model (“DCF model”). Assumptions in the DCF model were selected to be comparable to what would be used by market participants to estimate fair value based on management’s judgment. The DCF model incorporated expected future growth rates, terminal value amounts, and the applicable weighted-average cost of capital to discount estimated cash flows.  The projections used in the estimate of fair value are consistent with the Company’s forecast and long-range plans.
	On August 2, 2013, A.M. Best (insurance industry rating agency) downgraded Meadowbrook's issuer credit rating, as well its financial strength ratings and the issuer credit ratings of its Insurance Company Subsidiaries after the Company reported weaker-than-anticipated second-quarter results.  This downgrade represented a triggering event for potential goodwill impairment.  In response, the Company completed a Step One interim goodwill impairment evaluation and determined that a potential goodwill impairment existed in the Specialty Insurance Operations reporting unit, as the carrying value of the unit exceeded its fair value.  The results of Step One analysis indicated that after assigning the fair value of the Specialty Insurance Operations reporting unit to all of the assets and liabilities, there would not be any excess fair value over the amounts assigned to allocate to goodwill. As a result, the Company performed a Step Two analysis of the goodwill impairment test.  The Step Two analysis indicated that the estimation of the fair value of identifiable intangible assets was greater than the amount of other intangibles carried.  To the extent this estimation is greater than the carried amount of other intangibles, the Company is not permitted to write up the other intangibles to fair value.  Management reviewed the results of Step Two analysis and, concluded that a full impairment of Specialty Insurance Operations’ goodwill should be recognized resulting in a $115.4 million impairment charge in the second quarter of 2013.
	The carrying amount of the remaining goodwill as of December 31, 2013 is $5.6 million and it represents goodwill attributable to the Company’s Agency Operations reporting unit.  The Company performed an annual qualitative assessment testing of the Agency Operations goodwill.  The qualitative assessment is a method that allows management to qualitatively assess whether it is more likely than not that the fair value of a reporting unit is less than its carrying amount in lieu of performing the two-step goodwill impairment testing.  The Company selected October 1st as the date for the evaluation of the Agency Operations reporting unit goodwill.  As part of the analysis, management evaluated the impact of events and circumstances, including both positive and negative evidence that have occurred since the last two-step goodwill impairment test date of June 30, 2013.  This evaluation is a subjective process and involves the consideration of historical performance, changes in carrying value, and identifying and assessing changes in key drivers of enterprise value (both internal and external factors).  Based on this qualitative assessment, management concluded that there was no goodwill impairment in the Agency Operations reporting unit as of December 31, 2013.
	The following summarizes the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		As of December 31, 2013
		Gross Amount		Accumulated			Carrying
				Impairment			Value
				Losses
	Agency Operations	$	5,644		-		$	5,644
	Specialty Insurance Operations		-		-			-
	Total	$	5,644	$	-		$	5,644
		As of December 31, 2012
		Gross Amount		Accumulated			Carrying
				Impairment			Value
				Losses
	Agency Operations	$	5,644		-		$	5,644
	Specialty Insurance Operations		115,397		-			115,397
	Total	$	121,041	$	-		$	121,041
	The following summarizes goodwill activity and beginning and ending balances for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		Agency		Specialty			Total
		Operations		Insurance
				Operations
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	5,395	$	115,397		$	120,792
	Additions to Goodwill		249		-			249
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	5,644	$	115,397		$	121,041
	Goodwill Impairment		-		(115,397	)		(115,397	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	5,644	$	-		$	5,644
	Other Intangible Assets
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had other intangible assets of $24.5 million ($53.8 million gross, net of $29.3 million accumulated amortization) and $28.3 million ($53.4 million gross, net of $25.1 million accumulated amortization), respectively.  Other intangible assets consist of definite lived intangibles and indefinite lived intangibles as detailed below.
	As of December 31, 2013 and 2012 the Company had definite lived intangibles of $19.0 million ($48.3 million gross, net of $29.3 million accumulated amortization) and $22.8 million ($47.9 million gross, net of $25.1 million accumulated amortization), respectively. The definite lived assets are primarily comprised of agent relationships and trade names acquired during the 2008 ProCentury Merger. ProCentury-related agent relationships were $12.7 million ($21.0 million gross, net of $8.3 million accumulated amortization) and $14.8 million ($21.0 million gross, net of $6.2 million accumulated amortization) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively. ProCentury-related trade names were $2.3 million ($5.0 million gross, net of $2.7 million accumulated amortization) and $2.3 million ($5.0 million gross, net of $2.7 million accumulated amortization) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  At the time of acquisition, agent relationships and trade names had estimated useful lives of fifteen years and ten years, respectively. As of December 31, 2013, agent relationships have an estimated remaining life of ten years and trade names have an estimated remaining life of five years.
	The definite lived intangible balances also included intangibles acquired through the USSU acquisition of $1.2 million ($14.5 million gross, net of $13.3 million accumulated amortization) and $2.0 million ($14.5 million gross, net of $12.5 million accumulated amortization) as of December 31, 2013 and 2012, respectively.  At the time of acquisition, the USSU intangible had an estimated life of eight years and as of December 31, 2013 the estimated remaining life of this asset is three years.  All other definite lived intangible assets, except those described above, have estimated useful lives of five to fifteen years.
	The indefinite lived intangible balance was $5.5 million as of December 31, 2013 and 2012. The indefinite lived assets are primarily related to an insurance license acquired during the ProCentury Merger in 2008 and were not subject to amortization as of December 31, 2013 and 2012.
	Amortization expense related to other intangible assets for 2013, 2012, and 2011, was $4.2 million, $7.3 million, and $5.0 million, respectively.   During 2012, the Company wrote off a $1.8 million intangible asset related to the Public Entity Excess Liability program that it terminated in the fourth quarter of 2012. This amount is included in the 2012 amortization expense.
	Amortization expense for the five succeeding years is as follows (in thousands):
	2014	$	3,881
	2015		3,482
	2016		2,773
	2017		2,332
	2018		1,902
	Total amortization expense	$	14,370

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]	'
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES	'
	15. COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES
	The Company has certain operating lease agreements for its offices and equipment. A majority of the Company’s lease agreements contain renewal options and rent escalation clauses.  At December 31, 2013, future minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable long-term operating leases are as follows (in thousands):
	2014	$	2,511
	2015		2,774
	2016		2,570
	2017		2,384
	2018		1,902
	Thereafter		6,647
	Total minimum lease commitments	$	18,788
	Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, was $4.1 million, $4.7 million, and $5.0 million, respectively.
	In November 2012, Century committed to a $10 million contribution to the Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P. as a strategic investment.  As of December 31, 2013, approximately $6.4 million of the commitment had been satisfied with $3.6 million of unfunded commitment remaining.  The remainder of the capital commitment will most likely be called in 2014, however, the exact date is not known as it is at the discretion of the fund managers based on the timing of the fund’s investments.
	Most states require admitted property and casualty insurers to become members of insolvency funds or associations, which generally protect policyholders against the insolvency of such insurers.  Members of the fund or association must contribute to the payment of certain claims made against insolvent insurers.  Maximum contributions required by law in any one year vary between 1% and 2% of annual premium written by a member in that state.  Assessments from insolvency funds were $7.0 million, $6.8 million, and $8.6 million, for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.  Most of these payments are recoverable through future policy surcharges or premium tax reductions.
	The Company’s Insurance Company Subsidiaries are also required to participate in various mandatory insurance facilities or in funding mandatory pools, which are generally designed to provide insurance coverage for consumers who are unable to obtain insurance in the voluntary insurance market.  Among the pools participated in are those established in certain states to provide windstorm and other similar types of property coverage.  These pools typically require all companies writing applicable lines of insurance in the state for which the pool has been established to fund deficiencies experienced by the pool based upon each company’s relative premium writings in that state, with any excess funding typically distributed to the participating companies on the same basis.  To the extent that reinsurance treaties do not cover these assessments, they may have an adverse effect on the Company.  Total assessments paid to all such facilities were $4.2 million, $4.9 million, and $5.0 million for 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	Legal Proceedings
	The Company, and its subsidiaries, are subject at times to various claims, lawsuits and proceedings relating principally to alleged errors or omissions in the placement of insurance, claims administration, consulting services and other business transactions arising in the ordinary course of business.  Where appropriate, the Company vigorously defends such claims, lawsuits and proceedings.  Some of these claims, lawsuits and proceedings seek damages, including consequential, exemplary or punitive damages, in amounts that could, if awarded, be significant.   Most of the claims, lawsuits and proceedings arising in the ordinary course of business are covered by the policy of insurance at issue. We account for such activity through the establishment of unpaid loss and loss expense reserves.  We also maintain errors and omissions insurance and extra-contractual coverage under reinsurance treaties related to the policy of insurance at issue or other appropriate insurance.  In terms of any retentions or deductibles associated with such insurance, the Company has established accruals for such retentions or deductibles, when necessary, based upon current available information.  In accordance with accounting guidance, if it is probable that an asset has been impaired or a liability has been incurred as of the date of the financial statements and the amount of loss is reasonably estimable; then an accrual for the costs to resolve these claims is recorded by the Company in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets.  Period expenses related to the defense of such claims are included in the accompanying consolidated statements of income.  Management, with the assistance of outside counsel, adjusts such provisions according to new developments or changes in the strategy in dealing with such matters.  On the basis of current information, the Company does not believe that there is a reasonable possibility that, other than with regard to the arbitration described below, any material loss exceeding amounts already accrued, if any, will result from any of the claims, lawsuits and proceedings to which the Company is subject to, either individually, or in the aggregate.
	Arbitration
	The Company purchased a three year underlying per occurrence excess of loss reinsurance agreement (the “Retention Buy Down Treaty”) from a reinsurer (the “Reinsurer”), which reinsured the Company’s statutory workers’ compensation business for the period of January 1, 1999 through January 1, 2002.  Under the Retention Buy Down Treaty, the Company ceded losses to the Reinsurer of approximately $42.6 million. The Company was also a party to an unrelated excess of loss treaty with another reinsurer for its workers’ compensation business covering the same periods (the “Excess of Loss Treaty”). Under the Excess of Loss Treaty, the Company’s retention was $250,000 per occurrence. The Company purchased the Retention Buy Down Treaty to reduce its $250,000 existing per occurrence retention to $100,000. In approximately 2008, a dispute arose between the Company and the Reinsurer as to how the Retention Buy Down Treaty applied to certain losses. When the Company and the Reinsurer could not come to a mutual understanding, the Company initiated arbitration proceedings requesting payment of its outstanding balance. On July 23, 2013, the arbitration panel issued an interim final award finding the Retention Buy Down Treaty did not include certain losses that the Company believed were subject to the Retention Buy Down Treaty.
	During the arbitration, the Reinsurer sought from the Company an award of $1.6 million. This amount reflected the difference between what the Company claimed was due from the Reinsurer ($2.9 million) and what the Reinsurer claimed it was due back from the Company ($4.5 million). The panel awarded the Reinsurer $1.6 million, and $2.0 million in interest, plus attorney’s fees. Based upon the panel’s interpretation of the Retention Buy Down Treaty, the Company was required to reverse certain of its ceded incurred losses due from the Reinsurer. The Company recorded this change in ceded incurred losses during the second quarter of 2013. Notwithstanding the panel’s netting of the outstanding balances, the panel requested the Company submit additional documentation listing all programs covered by the Retention Buy Down Treaty and the Company's retained limit for each program. The Reinsurer was allowed to respond and submit its bill for attorney’s fees. The Company paid the $1.6 million and $2.0 million in interest, as required by the interim final award.  On August 6, 2013, the Company submitted the above-mentioned additional documentation.
	On August 9, 2013 the Reinsurer argued the Company’s submission was non-compliant. On August 12, 2013 and August 13, 2013, the panel (by majority) issued two orders: (1) the first order determined the Company’s submission of August 6, 2013 was non-compliant; and (2) the second order modified the terms of the interim final award and limited the submissions to documents previously produced in the arbitration.
	The Company filed a complaint in state court to vacate and/or modify the interim final award.
	On August 21, 2013, the Company brought a Motion to Stay Proceedings before the panel, because it had discovered evidence of what it believed were improper ex parte contacts between the Reinsurer’s lawyer and the arbitrator appointed by the Reinsurer.  On August 29, 2013, the panel (by majority) denied the Company’s Motion to Stay Proceedings.
	Subsequently, the Company filed a Motion to Stay the Arbitration in the state court requesting discovery to investigate what the Company believed was a “tainted” arbitration panel.  The Reinsurer removed the case to the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan under Case No. 2:13-CV-13807.
	On September 4, 2013, the Reinsurer filed a response to the Company’s submission before the panel seeking an additional $25 million in damages from the Company.  On September 10, 2013, the Company filed a motion seeking a preliminary injunction from the federal court requesting the court enjoin the panel from issuing any further decisions.
	On September 12, 2013, the federal court granted the Company’s preliminary injunction enjoining the panel from issuing any further decisions.  The district court found the Company would likely succeed on its underlying complaint seeking to vacate the interim final award due to the strong evidence of: (1)  improper ex parte communications between the arbitrator appointed by the Reinsurer and its lawyer; (2) a breach of the arbitration provision within the Retention Buy Down Treaty because the Reinsurer’s arbitrator and the neutral arbitrator issued two substantive orders without the knowledge or input from the Company’s arbitrator; and  (3) failing to disclose to the Company certain relationships between the Reinsurer and its arbitrator.
	The Reinsurer appealed the preliminary injunction.  The parties have filed their briefs and oral argument is set for March 21, 2014.
	Given the inherent uncertainty surrounding the conclusion of this proceeding, an adverse outcome in this matter could have a material impact on our results of operations or cash flows on a particular quarter or annual period. At this time, an estimate of possible loss or range of loss cannot be made. The $1.6 million and the interest of $2.0 million were expensed by the Company during the second quarter and an estimate for the attorney fee portion of the award was also reserved for by the Company. Each of these amounts are being disputed in the federal court proceeding.
	Securities Class Actions
	On August 15, 2013, a lawsuit was filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against the Company, Robert Cubbin and Karen Spaun by Gabby Klein, a purported shareholder of the Company, individually and on behalf of a purported class consisting of stockholders who purchased Meadowbrook common stock between July 30, 2012 and August 8, 2013.  On October 7, 2013, a second lawsuit was filed against the same defendants in the same court by Anita Salberg and Family Estates Development, Inc., on behalf of themselves and a purported class of stockholders who purchased Meadowbrook common stock between January 25, 2012 and August 14, 2013.  Both lawsuits allege that during the purported class periods, the defendants made materially false and misleading statements relating to the Company’s reserves and reported goodwill.  On January 31, 2014, the Court consolidated the cases and appointed lead plaintiffs and lead counsel.  The Company intends to vigorously defend against these claims.  The Company has not accrued any amounts for the securities class actions as the Company does not believe, based upon current information, that a loss relating to these matters is probable, and an estimate of a range of potential loss relating to these matters, cannot reasonably be made.

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS [Abstract]	'
RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS	'
	16. RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS
	At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company held a $709,000 and $737,000 note receivable from one of its executive officers, including $48,000 and $76,000 of accrued interest, respectively.  This note arose from a transaction in late 1998 in which the Company loaned the officer funds to exercise 64,718 common stock options to cover the exercise price and the taxes incurred as a result of the exercise.  The note bears interest equal to the rate charged pursuant to the Company’s revolving credit agreement and is due on demand any time after January 1, 2002.  As of December 31, 2013, the rate was 2.74%.  The loan is partially collateralized by 64,718 shares of the Company’s common stock under a stock pledge agreement.  For the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012, $43,800 and $43,800, respectively, was paid against the loan.  As of December 31, 2013, the cumulative amount that has been paid against this loan was $425,600.
	The Company maintains an employment agreement with the executive officer, which provides that the note is a non-recourse loan and the Company’s sole legal remedy in the event of a default is the right to reclaim the shares pledged under the stock pledge agreement.  Also, if there is a change in control of the Company and the officer is terminated or if the officer is terminated without cause, the note is cancelled and deemed paid in full.  In these events, the officer may also retain the pledged shares of the Company, or, at the officer’s discretion, sell these shares back to the Company at the then current market price or their book value, whichever is greater.
	If the officer is terminated by the Company for cause, the note is cancelled and considered paid in full.  In this case, however, the officer forfeits the pledged shares of the Company, or, at the Company’s discretion, must sell these shares back to the Company for a nominal amount.
	If the officer terminates his employment during the term of the agreement, the Company can demand full repayment of the note.  If the note was not paid by the officer on the demand of the Company, the Company’s only recourse is to reclaim the shares of the Company that were pledged under the stock pledge agreement.

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS [Abstract]	'
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS	'
	17. EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS
	Company employees over the age of 20 1/2 who have completed six months of service are eligible for participation in The Meadowbrook, Inc. 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan (the “401(k) Plan”). The 401(k) Plan provides for matching contributions and/or profit sharing contributions at the discretion of the Board of Directors of Meadowbrook, Inc.  In 2013, 2012, and 2011, the matching contributions were $1.4 million, $1.3 million, and $1.4 million, respectively.  There were no profit sharing contributions in 2013, 2012, and 2011.

QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_DATA_Unaud

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) [Abstract]	'
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)	'
	18. QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited)
	The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly results of operations for 2013 and 2012 (in thousands, except per share and ratio data):
		1st			2nd			3rd			4th
		Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter
	2013:00:00
	Gross premiums written	$	267,665		$	234,086		$	257,028		$	185,232
	Net premiums written		194,815			166,555			185,858			144,409
	Net premiums earned		170,588			175,781			181,056			169,992
	Net commissions and fees		9,634			8,539			10,458			10,881
	Net investment income		11,140			11,768			11,695			11,870
	Net realized gains		316			2,869			675			3,909
	Net losses and loss adjustment expenses		121,816			145,371			132,247			149,603
	Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses		50,605			58,450			54,228			62,227
	General selling & administrative expenses		6,023			5,901			7,026			6,839
	General corporate expense		1,516			760			1,025			696
	Amortization expense		1,071			1,038			1,037			1,091
	Goodwill impairment expense		0			115,397			0			0
	Interest expense		2,197			3,653			3,581			3,519
	Net income (loss)		7,082			(113,058	)		5,516			(11,850	)
	Diluted earnings (losses) per share	$	0.14		$	(2.27	)	$	0.11		$	(0.24	)
	GAAP combined ratio(1)		101.1	%		116	%		103	%		124.6	%
	2012:00:00
	Gross premiums written	$	257,955		$	256,082		$	305,935		$	246,661
	Net premiums written		218,975			219,229			248,646			110,653
	Net premiums earned		192,815			211,303			223,407			226,734
	Net commissions and fees		8,965			8,552			7,410			9,122
	Net investment income		13,732			13,683			13,815			11,913
	Net realized gains		732			1,567			902			52,111
	Net losses and loss adjustment expenses		132,747			165,758			212,698			166,481
	Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses		63,113			68,993			71,373			70,587
	General selling & administrative expenses		6,339			6,327			5,745			6,052
	General corporate expense		1,373			758			717			724
	Amortization expense		1,416			1,307			1,372			3,201
	Goodwill impairment expense		0			0			0			0
	Interest expense		1,977			2,033			2,372			2,047
	Net income (loss)		8,104			(7,732	)		(26,610	)		37,987
	Diluted earnings (losses) per share	$	0.16		$	(0.15	)	$	(0.53	)	$	0.76
	GAAP combined ratio(1)		101.5	%		111.1	%		127.1	%		104.5	%
	(1) Management uses the GAAP combined ratio and its components to assess and benchmark underwriting performance.  The GAAP combined ratio is the sum of the GAAP loss and loss adjustment expense ratio and the GAAP expense ratio.  The GAAP loss and loss adjustment expense ratio is the net incurred loss and loss adjustment expense in relation to net earned premium.  The GAAP expense ratio is the policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses in relation to net earned premium.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]	'
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME	'
	19.  ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
	The Company’s comprehensive income includes net earnings plus unrealized gain or loss on available-for-sale investment securities, net of tax. In reporting comprehensive earnings on a net basis in the income statement, we used a 35 percent tax rate. The following table illustrates the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income:
	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income: Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
	Details about accumulated other comprehensive income components	Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			Affected line item in the statement where net income is presented
	Unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities
		$	7,741		Net realized gains
			(2,709	)	Tax expense
		$	5,032		Net of tax
	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income: Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(in thousands)
	Details about accumulated other comprehensive income components	Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			Affected line item in the statement where net income is presented
	Unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities
		$	55,313		Net realized gains
			(19,360	)	Tax expense
		$	35,953		Net of tax

SUBSEQUENT_EVENTS

SUBSEQUENT EVENTS	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS [Abstract]	'
SUBSEQUENT EVENTS [Text Block]	'
	20.  SUBSEQUENT EVENTS
	A.M. Best Downgrades the Company’s Issuer Credit Rating
	Following the release of our 2013 fourth quarter results, on February 21, 2014, A.M. Best Company (“A.M. Best”) downgraded the issuer credit rating for our Insurance Company Subsidiaries to “bbb” from “bbb+” while affirming their financial strength rating of B++ (Good).  A.M. Best also downgraded Meadowbrook’s issuer credit rating to “bb” from “bb+” and revised the outlook for the Insurance Company Subsidiaries to negative from stable.  The Company cannot make an estimate of the financial effect to the Company as a result of the A.M. Best downgrade.
	Appointment of Chief Underwriting Officer
	On February 18, 2014, the Company announced that Roger S. Walleck, CPCU, AIS was appointed Chief Underwriting officer.  In this capacity, Mr. Walleck will oversee all underwriting activities for Meadowbrook and the Company’s Insurance Company Subsidiaries and will report directly to the President and Chief Executive Officer, Robert S. Cubbin. In addition, Mr. Walleck will manage the Corporate Loss Control, Regulatory Compliance, Premium Audit and Reinsurance Operations.

Schedule_I_Summary_of_investme

Schedule I Summary of investments - other than investments in related parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
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
	Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc.
	Summary of investments - other than investments in related parties
	As of December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
		Cost or		Estimated Fair		Amount at
		Amortized Cost		Value		Which Shown
						on the Balance
						Sheet
	Debt Securities:
	US Government and agencies	$	24,985	$	25,369	$	25,369
	Obligations of states and political subs		730,004		735,392		735,392
	Corporate securities		534,913		538,507		538,507
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		118,930		116,384		116,384
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		26,719		26,468		26,468
	Other asset-backed securities		20,203		20,926		20,926
	Total debt securities available for sale		1,455,754		1,463,046		1,463,046
	Equity Securities:
	Perpetual preferred stock		71		218		218
	Common stock		95,275		109,764		109,764
	Total equity securities available for sale		95,346		109,982		109,982
	Total securities available for sale	$	1,551,100	$	1,573,028	$	1,573,028

SCHEDULE_II_CONDENSED_FINANCIA

SCHEDULE II CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT PARENT COMPANY ONLY	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SCHEDULE II CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT PARENT COMPANY ONLY [Abstract]	'
SCHEDULE II CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT PARENT COMPANY ONLY	'
	SCHEDULE II
	CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
	MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
	PARENT COMPANY ONLY
	BALANCE SHEET
		December 31,
					As Adjusted *
		2013			2012
		(In thousands)
	ASSETS
	Investment in subsidiaries	$	561,214		$	586,085
	Cash and cash equivalents		12,330			418
	Goodwill		-			62,328
	Other assets		58,538			39,786
	Total assets	$	632,082		$	688,617
	LIABILITIES
	Other liabilities		23,687			17,268
	Payable to subsidiaries		8,329			8,640
	Debt		130,723			48,500
	Debentures		55,930			55,930
	Total liabilities		218,669			130,338
	SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
	Common stock		499			505
	Additional paid-in capital		276,410			272,472
	Retained earnings		120,894			237,351
	Note receivable from officer		(709	)		(737	)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income		16,319			48,688
	Total shareholders' equity		413,413			558,279
	Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$	632,082		$	688,617
	*Prior year Schedule II was corrected for certain immaterial misstatements.  The correction of this error did not impact the consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows of the Company for any periods presented.
	SCHEDULE II
	CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
	MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
	PARENT COMPANY ONLY
	INCOME STATEMENT
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Revenue	$	1,935		$	2,043		$	1,970
	Operating expenses:
	Interest expense		11,072			6,582			6,604
	Amortization expense		2,756			4,813			2,142
	Goodwill Impairment		62,328			-			-
	Other expenses		4,026			3,599			429
	Total operating expenses		80,182			14,994			9,175
	Loss before income taxes and subsidiary equity		(78,247	)		(12,951	)		(7,205	)
	Federal and state income tax benefit		(5,506	)		(4,534	)		(2,563	)
	Loss before subsidiary equity earnings		(72,741	)		(8,417	)		(4,642	)
	Subsidiary equity (loss) earnings		(39,569	)		20,166			47,674
	Net (loss) gain	$	(112,310	)	$	11,749		$	43,032
	*Prior year Schedule II was corrected for certain immaterial misstatements.  The correction of this error did not impact the consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows of the Company for any periods presented.
	SCHEDULE II
	CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
	MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
	PARENT COMPANY ONLY
	STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
		(In thousands)
	Net (loss) income	$	(112,310	)	$	11,749		$	43,032
	Other comprehensive (loss) gain, net of tax:
	Unrealized (losses) gains on securities		-			-			-
	Unrealized gains (losses) in affiliates and unconsolidated subsidiaries		-			14			(2	)
Increase on non-credit other-than-temporary impairments on securities		-			-			-
Net deferred derivative gains - hedging activity		2,105			254			240
Less: reclassification adjustment for investment gains included in net income		-			-			-
Other comprehensive income - parent only		2,105			268			238
Equity in other comprehensive (loss) income of subsidiaries		(34,474	)		(19,434	)		32,241
Other comprehensive (loss) income		(32,369	)		(19,166	)		32,479
Comprehensive (loss) income	$	(144,679	)	$	(7,417	)	$	75,511
*Prior year Schedule II was corrected for certain immaterial misstatements.  The correction of this error did not impact the consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows of the Company for any periods presented.
SCHEDULE II
CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT
MEADOWBROOK INSURANCE GROUP, INC.
PARENT COMPANY ONLY
STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
	For the Year Ended December 31,
				As Adjusted *			As Adjusted *
	2013			2012			2011
	(In thousands)
Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Operating Activities	$	(14,724	)	$	(4,717	)	$	(1,659	)
Cash Flow from Investing Activities:
Dividends from subsidiaries		21,728			15,906			22,571
Investment in Subsidiaries		(73,446	)		(10,000	)		-
Capital Expenditures		-			(184	)		-
Purchase of book of business		-			(1,200	)		-
Loan receivable		1,912			406			436
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities		(49,806	)		4,928			23,007
Cash Flow from Financing Activities:
Proceeds from borrowings		86,405			60,000			4,500
Principal payments on borrowings		(6,000	)		(39,875	)		(13,875	)
Dividends paid on common stock		(3,991	)		(8,542	)		(8,889	)
Share repurchases of common stock		-			(11,517	)		(20,441	)
Payroll taxes associated with long-term incentive plan stock issuance		-			-			9
Other financing activities		28			30			30
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities		76,442			96			(38,666	)
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents		11,912			307			(17,318	)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year		418			111			17,429
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$	12,330		$	418		$	111
Supplemental Disclosure for Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities
Share-based employee compensation	$	358		$	363		$	535
*Prior year Schedule II was corrected for certain immaterial misstatements.  The correction of this error did not impact the consolidated statements of income, comprehensive income and cash flows of the Company for any periods presented.

Schedule_IV_Reinsurance

Schedule IV Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule IV Reinsurance [Abstract]	'
Schedule IV Reinsurance	'
	Schedule IV
	Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc.
	Reinsurance
	For the Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011
	(in thousands)
	Property and Liability Insurance	Gross		Ceded		Assumed		Net		Percentage
		amount		to other		from other		amount		of amount
				companies		companies				assumed to net
	2013	$	928,919	$	331,645	$	100,143	$	697,417		14.36	%
	2012	$	977,749	$	159,706	$	36,216	$	854,259		4.24	%
	2011	$	846,402	$	122,226	$	23,459	$	747,635		3.14	%

Schedule_V_Valuation_and_Quali

Schedule V Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule V Valuation and Qualifying Accounts [Abstract]	'
Schedule V Valuation and Qualifying Accounts	'
	Schedule V
	Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc.
	Valuation and Qualifying Accounts
	For the Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011
	(in thousands)
				Additions
	Allowance for doubtful accounts	Balance at		Charged to		Charged to		Deductions		Balance at
		beginning of		costs and		other		from allowance		end of
		period		expense		accounts		account		period
	2013	$	4,855	$	3,176		-	$	2,937	$	5,094
	2012	$	3,904	$	4,014		-	$	3,063	$	4,855
	2011	$	3,015	$	3,712		-	$	2,823	$	3,904
	Allowance for reinsurance recoverables (paids and reserves)
	2013	$	9,980	$	5,239		-	$	1,250	$	13,969
	2012	$	9,998	$	31		-	$	49	$	9,980
	2011	$	9,646	$	380		-	$	28	$	9,998
	Valuation for deferred tax assets
	2013	$	1,404	$	0	$	135	$	548	$	991
	2012	$	5,680	$	0	$	0	$	4,276	$	1,404
	2011	$	5,653	$	30	$	288	$	291	$	5,680

Schedule_VI_Supplemental_Infor

Schedule VI Supplemental Information Concerning Property and Casualty Insurance Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule VI Supplemental Information Concerning Property and Casualty Insurance Operations [Abstract]	'
Schedule VI Supplemental Information Concerning Property and Casualty Insurance Operations	'
	Schedule VI
	Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc.
	Supplemental Information Concerning Property and Casualty Insurance Operations
	For the Years Ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011
	(in thousands)
	Affiliation with Registrant	Deferred		Reserves for		Discount, if		Unearned		Net		Net
		Policy		Losses and Loss		any, deducted		Premiums (2)		Premiums		Investment
		Acquisition		Adjustment		from previous				Earned		Income
		Costs		Expenses (2)		column (1)
	(a) Consolidated Property and Casualty Subsidiaries
	2013	$	62,773	$	1,616,521	$	-	$	354,367	$	697,417	$	45,755
	2012	$	45,417	$	1,455,980	$	-	$	439,418	$	854,259	$	52,357
	2011	$	74,467	$	1,194,977	$	-	$	386,750	$	747,635	$	53,746
				Losses and loss				Amortization		Paid losses		Net
				adjustment expense				of deferred		and loss		Premiums
								policy		adjustment
								acquisition
				Current Year		Prior Years		expenses		expenses		Written
	2013			$	480,637	$	68,400	$	127,003	$	512,022	$	691,637
	2012			$	592,169	$	85,515	$	188,466	$	482,702	$	797,502
	2011			$	488,040	$	7,311	$	143,307	$	400,460	$	776,253
	(1) The Company does not employ any discounting techniques.
	(2) Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses are shown gross of $505.4 million, $381.9 million, and $315.9 million of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses in 2013, 2012, and 2011 respectively.  Unearned premiums are shown gross of ceded unearned premiums of $63.9 million, $143.2 million, and $33.8 million in 2013, 2012, and 2011 respectively.

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT1

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation	'
	Basis of Presentation and Principles of Consolidation
	The consolidated financial statements include accounts, after elimination of intercompany accounts and transactions, of Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. (the “Company” or “Meadowbrook”), its wholly owned subsidiary Star Insurance Company (“Star”), and Star’s wholly owned subsidiaries, Savers Property and Casualty Insurance Company (“Savers”), Williamsburg National Insurance Company (“Williamsburg”), and Ameritrust Insurance Corporation (“Ameritrust”).   The consolidated financial statements also include Meadowbrook, Inc., Crest Financial Corporation, and their respective subsidiaries.  In addition, the consolidated financial statements also include ProCentury Corporation (“ProCentury”) and its wholly owned subsidiaries.  ProCentury’s wholly owned subsidiaries consist of Century Surety Company (“Century”) and its wholly owned subsidiary ProCentury Insurance Company (“PIC”).  In addition, ProCentury Risk Partners Insurance Company, Ltd. ("PROPIC") is a wholly owned subsidiary of ProCentury.  Star, Savers, Williamsburg, Ameritrust, Century, and PIC are collectively referred to as the "Insurance Company Subsidiaries".
	The accompanying consolidated financial statements have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States ("GAAP"), which differ from statutory accounting practices prescribed or permitted for insurance companies by regulatory authorities. Prescribed statutory accounting practices include a variety of publications of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC"), as well as state laws, regulations and general administrative rules. Permitted statutory accounting practices encompass all accounting practices not so prescribed.  In addition, certain amounts in the 2012 financial statements have been reclassified to conform to the 2013 presentation as a result of adopting the new Accumulated Other Comprehensive guidance noted below and to reflect the reclassification adjustment net of taxes.
Business	'
	Business
	The Company, through its affiliated Insurance Company Subsidiaries, is a specialty niche focused commercial insurance underwriter and insurance administration services company. The Company markets and underwrites specialty property and casualty insurance programs and products on both an admitted and non-admitted basis through a broad and diverse network of independent retail agents, wholesalers, program administrators and general agents. Program business refers to an aggregation of individually underwritten risks that have some unique characteristic and are distributed through a select group of agents. The Company seeks to combine profitable underwriting, income from net commissions and fees, investment returns and efficient capital management to deliver consistent long-term growth in shareholder value.
	Through its retail property and casualty agencies, the Company also generates commission revenue, which represents 2.1% of total consolidated revenues. The Company’s agencies are located in Michigan, California, Massachusetts, and Florida and produce commercial, personal lines, life and accident and health insurance primarily with unaffiliated insurance carriers. These agencies produce a minimal amount of business for the Company’s affiliated Insurance Company Subsidiaries.
Use of Estimates	'
	Use of Estimates
	The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period.  While management believes the amounts included in the consolidated financial statements reflect management’s best estimates and assumptions, actual results may differ from those estimates.
Cash and Cash Equivalents	'
	Cash and Cash Equivalents
	Cash and cash equivalents include cash on hand and highly liquid short-term investments. The Company considers all short-term investments purchased with an original maturity of three months or less to be cash equivalents.
Investments	'
	Investments
	The Company’s investment securities are classified as available for sale. Investments classified as available for sale are available to be sold in the future in response to the Company’s liquidity needs, changes in market interest rates, tax strategies and asset-liability management strategies, among other reasons. Available for sale securities that are not determined to be other-than-temporarily impaired ("OTTI") are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses reported in the accumulated other comprehensive income component of shareholders’ equity, net of deferred taxes and, accordingly, have no effect on net income.
	Realized gains or losses on sale of investments are determined on the basis of specific costs of the investments. Dividend income is recognized when declared and interest income is recognized when earned.  Discount or premium on debt securities purchased at other than par value is amortized using the effective yield method.
	Refer to Note 2 ~ Investments of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail in regard to the Company’s investments.
Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses and Reinsurance Recoverables	'
	Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses and Reinsurance Recoverables
	The liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) represents case base estimates of reported unpaid losses and LAE and actuarial estimates of incurred but not reported (“IBNR”) losses and LAE.  In addition, the liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses represents estimates received from ceding reinsurers on assumed business.  Such liabilities, by necessity, are based upon estimates and, while management believes the amount of its reserves is adequate, the ultimate liability may be greater or less than the estimate.
	Reserves related to the Company’s direct business and assumed business it manages directly are established through transactions processed through the Company’s internal systems and related controls.  Accordingly, case reserves are established on a current basis, therefore, there is no delay or lag in reporting of losses from a ceding company, and IBNR is determined utilizing various actuarial methods based upon historical data.  Ultimate reserve estimates related to assumed business from residual markets are provided by the mandatory pools on a two quarter lag and include an estimated reserve determined based upon internal actuarial methods for this lag.   Lastly, in relation to assumed business from other sources, the Company receives case and paid loss data within a forty-five day reporting period and develops estimates for IBNR based on both current and historical data.
	In addition to case reserves and in accordance with industry practice, the Company maintains estimates of reserves for losses and LAE IBNR.  The Company projects an estimate of ultimate losses and LAE expenses at each reporting date.  The difference between the projected ultimate loss and LAE reserves and the case loss and LAE reserves is carried as IBNR reserves.  By using both estimates of reported claims and IBNR determined using generally accepted actuarial reserving techniques, the Company estimates the ultimate liability for losses and LAE, net of reinsurance recoverables.
Reinsurance	'
	Reinsurance recoverables represent (1) amounts currently due from reinsurers on paid losses and LAE, (2) amounts recoverable from reinsurers on case basis estimates of reported losses and LAE, and (3) amounts recoverable from reinsurers on actuarial estimates of incurred but not reported losses and LAE.  Such recoverables, by necessity, are based upon estimates and, while management believes that the amount accrued is collectible, the ultimate recoverable may be greater or less than the amount accrued.
	The methods for making such estimates and for establishing the loss reserves and reinsurance recoverables are continually reviewed and updated.  We reviewed the key assumptions that underlie the actuarial methods and made the appropriate adjustments to reflect the emergence of claim activity.
Revenue Recognition	'
	Revenue Recognition
	Premiums written, which include direct, assumed and ceded amounts are recognized as earned on a pro rata basis over the life of the policy term. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written that are applicable to the unexpired terms of policies in force. Provisions for unearned premiums on reinsurance assumed from others are made on the basis of ceding reports when received and actuarial estimates.
	Assumed premium estimates include business where the Company accepts a portion of the risk from a ceding carrier as well as the mandatory assumed pool business from the National Council on Compensation Insurance (“NCCI”), or residual market business.
	Effective July 1, 2013 the Insurance Company Subsidiaries of Meadowbrook Insurance Group, Inc. entered into an agreement with State National Insurance Company, National Specialty Insurance Company and United Specialty Insurance Company (collectively, “SNIC”), wherein certain portions of our business from our Insurance Company Subsidiaries were written direct with SNIC and 100% assumed collectively by our Insurance Company Subsidiaries based on agreed upon percentages.  The SNIC business has a 5.5% fee, which is reflected as assumed commission on the applicable Insurance Company Subsidiaries' financial statements.  As of December 31, 2013, our Insurance Company Subsidiaries collectively have assumed $170.2 million in gross written premium from SNIC. The impact of the SNIC fee on the Company’s expense ratio was 0.5% for the year ended December 31, 2013.
	Fee income, which includes risk management consulting, loss control, and claims services, is recognized during the period the services are provided.  Depending on the terms of the contract, claims processing fees are recognized as revenue over the estimated life of the claims, or the estimated life of the contract.  For those contracts that provide services beyond the expiration or termination of the contract, fees are deferred in an amount equal to management’s estimate of the Company’s obligation to continue to provide services in the future.
	Commission income, which includes reinsurance placement, is recorded on the later of the effective date or the billing date of the policies on which they were earned.  Commission income is reported net of any sub-producer commission expense.  Commission adjustments that occur subsequent to the issuance of the policy, because of cancellation typically are recognized when the policy is effectively cancelled.  Profit sharing commissions from Insurance Company Subsidiaries are recognized when determinable, which is when such commissions are received.
	The Company reviews, on an ongoing basis, the collectability of its receivables and establishes an allowance for estimated uncollectible accounts. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the allowance for uncollectibles on receivables was $5.1 million and $4.9 million, respectively.
	The agent balances receivable from Midwest Financial Holdings, LLC (“MFH”) for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 were $37.7 million and $40.9 million, respectively.  No other receivable exceeds 10% of the aggregate amount of receivables.
Equity Earnings of Affiliates	'
	Equity Earnings of Affiliates
	Equity earnings represent investments in affiliates in which the Company does not exercise control and has a 20% or more voting interest. Such investments in affiliates are accounted for using the equity method of accounting. The Company has a 28.5% equity interest in one affiliate, MFH. The equity earnings of this interest were recorded in net income. Equity earnings, net of tax, from MFH in 2013, 2012, and 2011, were $2.8 million, $3.0 million, and $2.4 million, respectively.   The Company received dividends from MFH in 2013, 2012, and 2011, for $2.0 million, $4.0 million, and $3.4 million, respectively. The Company is recording the equity earnings in MFH based on a month lag due to timing differences with respect to the availability of information.
	The Company has a 1.3% equity interest in another affiliate, Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P. The equity earnings incurred with respect to this interest were recorded in net income. The equity earnings, net of tax, from Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P. in 2013 was $0.6 million.  The Company had no equity earnings related to the Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P. for 2012 and 2011.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	'
	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs
	Commissions and other costs of acquiring insurance business that vary with and are primarily related to the production of new and renewal business are deferred and amortized over the terms of the policies or reinsurance treaties to which they relate. Investment earnings are anticipated in determining the recoverability of such deferred amounts. The Company reduces these costs for premium deficiencies.  There were no premium deficiencies for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011.
Participating Policyholder Dividends	'
	Participating Policyholder Dividends
	The Company’s method for determining policyholder dividends is a combination of subjective and objective decisions, which may include, among other things, a loss ratio analysis for the specific program and the Company’s overall business strategy and regulatory constraints related to the Insurance Company Subsidiaries.  The Company determines the total dividends to be paid and then obtains the approval of the Board of Directors to pay up to a certain amount.  At December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company had $1.3 million and $1.5 million accrued for policyholder dividends, respectively.
Furniture and Equipment	'
	Furniture and Equipment
	Furniture and equipment are stated at cost, net of accumulated depreciation, and are primarily depreciated using the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets, generally three to ten years. Upon sale or retirement, the cost of the asset and related accumulated depreciation are eliminated from their respective accounts, and the resulting gain or loss is included in income. Repairs and maintenance are charged to operations when incurred.
Goodwill	'
	Goodwill
	The Company evaluates existing goodwill for impairment on an annual basis as of October 1, or more frequently, if events or circumstances change that would more likely than not reduce the fair value of a reporting unit below its carrying amount.  Goodwill impairment is performed at the reporting unit level.
	Refer to Note 14 ~ Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further detail in regard to the Company’s Goodwill.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	The Company provides for federal income taxes based on amounts the Company believes it ultimately will owe. Inherent in the provision for federal income taxes are estimates regarding the deductibility of certain items and the realization of certain tax credits. In the event the ultimate deductibility of certain items or the realization of certain tax credits differs from estimates, the Company may be required to significantly change the provision for federal income taxes recorded in the consolidated financial statements. Any such change could significantly affect the amounts reported in the consolidated statements of income.
	The Company and its subsidiaries file a consolidated federal income tax return in accordance with a tax sharing agreement, whereby allocation is made primarily on a separate return basis with current credit for any net operating losses or other items utilized in the consolidated tax return.
	The Company utilizes the asset and liability method of accounting for income tax.  Under this method, deferred tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the future tax consequences attributable to differences between the financial statement carrying amounts of existing assets and liabilities and their respective tax bases and operating loss and tax credit carryforwards. Deferred tax assets and liabilities are measured using enacted tax rates expected to apply to taxable income in the years in which those temporary differences are expected to be recovered or settled. Under this method, the effect on deferred tax assets and liabilities of a change in tax rates is recognized in income in the period that includes the enactment date. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amounts that are more likely than not to be realized.
Restricted Stock Awards, Long Term Incentive Plan, and Deferred Compensation Plan	'
	Restricted Stock Awards, Long Term Incentive Plan, and Deferred Compensation Plan
	Refer to Note 11 ~ Variable Compensation of the Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements for further details in regards to the Company’s Restricted Stock Awards, Long Term Incentive Plan, and Deferred Compensation Plan.
Earnings Per Share	'
	Earnings Per Share
	Basic earnings per share are based on the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year, while diluted earnings per share includes the weighted average number of common shares and potential dilution from shares issuable pursuant to stock awards using the treasury stock method.
	Shares related to the LTIP included in diluted earnings per share were all zero for the years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011, respectively.
	Restricted stock awards granted under the Plan on February 23, 2011, and 2010, were 28,500 and 202,500, respectively.  Shares retired under both plans for tax withholding were 30,556 resulting in a net issuance of 200,444, which are included in the weighted average number of common shares for the year ended December 31, 2013.
Comprehensive Income	'
	Comprehensive Income
	Comprehensive income encompasses all changes in shareholders’ equity (except those arising from transactions with shareholders) and includes net income, net unrealized capital gains or losses on available for sale securities, net unrealized gains or losses in affiliates and unconsolidated subsidiaries, net increase or decrease on non-credit other-than-temporary impairments on available for sale securities, and net deferred derivative gains or losses on hedging activity.
Derivative Instruments	'
	Derivative Instruments
	The Company has entered into interest rate swap transactions to mitigate its interest rate risk on its existing debt obligations.  These interest rate swap transactions have been designated as cash flow hedges and are deemed highly effective hedges.  These interest rate swap transactions are recorded at fair value on the balance sheet and the effective portion of the changes in fair value are accounted for within other comprehensive income.  The interest differential to be paid or received is accrued and recognized as an adjustment to interest expense.  The Company does not use interest rate swaps for trading or other speculative purposes.
Fair Value Disclosures	'
	Fair Value Disclosures
	Due to the short-term nature of cash and cash equivalents, premiums and agent balances receivable, reinsurance recoverables, accrued interest, and other assets, their estimated fair value approximates their carrying value.  Since debt and equity securities are recorded in the financial statements at their estimated fair value as securities available for sale, their carrying value is their estimated fair value. The Company’s long term debt, including its debentures, line of credit, accrued expenses and other liabilities, and reinsurance balances payable are either short term in nature or based on current market prices; therefore, their estimated fair value approximates their carrying value.  In addition, the Company’s derivative instruments, as disclosed in Note 7 ~ Derivative Instruments, are recorded in accordance with related accounting guidance and, therefore, are recorded at fair value.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income
	In February 2013, the FASB issued guidance to improve the reporting of reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income. The guidance requires an entity to report the effect of significant reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income on the respective line items in net income if the amount being reclassified is required under GAAP to be reclassified in its entirety to net income. For other amounts that are not required under GAAP to be reclassified in their entirety to net income in the same reporting period, an entity is required to cross-reference other disclosures required under GAAP that provide addition detail about those amounts. The guidance is to be applied prospectively for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2012. The Company adopted this new guidance on January 1, 2013 and included the required disclosures in Note 19 ~ Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.
	Presentation of an Unrecognized Tax Benefit When a Net Operating Loss Carryforward, a Similar Loss, or a Tax Credit Carryforward Exists
	In July 2013, the FASB issued a new standard that requires entities to present an unrecognized tax benefit as a reduction of a deferred tax asset for a net operating loss carryforward, or similar tax loss or tax credit carryforward, rather than as a liability when the uncertain tax position would reduce the net operating loss or other carryforward under the tax law of the applicable jurisdiction and when the entity intends to use the deferred tax asset for that purpose.  The new standard will be effective for fiscal years and interim periods within those years that begin after December 15, 2013. The adoption of the new standard will not have a material impact on the Company's consolidated financial statements.

INVESTMENTS_Tables

INVESTMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
INVESTMENTS [ Abstract]	'
Available-for-sale securities	'
	The cost or amortized cost, gross unrealized gains, losses, non-credit other than temporary impairments (“OTTI”) and estimated fair value of investments in securities classified as available for sale at December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
		31-Dec-13
		Cost or			Gross Unrealized
		Amortized			Gains			Losses			Non-Credit		Estimated
		Cost									OTTI		Fair Value
	Debt Securities:
	U.S. Government and agencies	$	24,985		$	572		$	(188	)	$	-		25,369
	Obligations of states and political subs		730,004			25,509			(20,121	)		-		735,392
	Corporate securities		534,913			15,529			(11,935	)		-		538,507
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		118,930			2,191			(4,737	)		-		116,384
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		26,719			617			(868	)		-		26,468
	Other asset-backed securities		20,203			763			(40	)		-		20,926
	Total debt securities available for sale		1,455,754			45,181			(37,889	)		-		1,463,046
	Equity Securities:
	Perpetual preferred stock		71			147			-			-		218
	Common stock		95,275			14,933			(444	)		-		109,764
	Total equity securities available for sale		95,346			15,080			(444	)		-		109,982
	Total securities available for sale	$	1,551,100		$	60,261		$	(38,333	)	$	-	$	1,573,028
		31-Dec-12
		Cost or			Gross Unrealized
		Amortized			Gains			Losses			Non-Credit		Estimated
		Cost									OTTI		Fair Value
	Debt Securities:
	U.S. Government and agencies	$	26,788		$	918		$	(22	)	$	-	$	27,684
	Obligations of states and political subs		587,276			43,124			(1,427	)		-		628,973
	Corporate securities		482,290			25,569			(858	)		-		507,001
	Redeemable preferred stocks		1,743			436			-			-		2,179
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		73,530			4,393			(41	)		-		77,882
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		33,732			1,800			-			-		35,532
	Other asset-backed securities		6,435			1,125			(4	)		-		7,556
	Total debt securities available for sale		1,211,794			77,365			(2,352	)		-		1,286,807
	Equity Securities:
	Perpetual preferred stock		6,930			1,578			-			-		8,508
	Common stock		13,459			901			(207	)		-		14,153
	Total equity securities available for sale		20,389			2,479			(207	)		-		22,661
	Total securities available for sale	$	1,232,183		$	79,844		$	(2,559	)	$	-	$	1,309,468
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments	'
	Gross unrealized gains, losses, and non-credit OTTI on available for sale securities as of December 31, 2013 and December 31, 2012 were as follows (in thousands):
		31-Dec-13			31-Dec-12
	Unrealized gains	$	60,261		$	79,844
	Unrealized losses		(38,333	)		(2,559	)
	Non-credit OTTI		-			-
	Net unrealized gains		21,928			77,285
	Deferred federal income tax expense		(7,675	)		(26,957	)
	Net unrealized gains on investments, net of deferred federal income taxes	$	14,253		$	50,328
Realized gain (loss) on investments	'
	Net realized gains (losses, including OTTI) on securities, for the three years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 were as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Realized gains (losses):
	Debt securities:
	Gross realized gains	$	2,002		$	54,196		$	2,815
	Gross realized losses		(531	)		(217	)		(180	)
	Total debt securities		1,471			53,979			2,635
	Equity securities:
	Gross realized gains		6,671			1,351			244
	Gross realized losses		(401	)		(17	)		-
	Total equity securities		6,270			1,334			244
	Net realized gains	$	7,741		$	55,313		$	2,879
	OTTI included in realized losses on securities above	$	-		$	-		$	(84	)
Investments classified by contractual maturity date	'
	At December 31, 2013, the amortized cost and estimated fair value of available for sale debt securities by contractual maturity, are shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities, because certain borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties (in thousands):
		Available for Sale
		Amortized			Estimated
		Cost			Fair Value
	Due in one year or less	$	25,403		$	25,698
	Due after one year through five years		456,511			472,425
	Due after five years through ten years		655,603			656,536
	Due after ten years		152,388			144,609
	Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized obligations and asset-backed securities		165,849			163,778
		$	1,455,754		$	1,463,046
Investment income	'
	Net investment income for the three years ended December 31, 2013, 2012, and 2011 was as follows (in thousands):
		December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Net Investment Income Earned From:
	Debt securities	$	43,505		$	51,956		$	52,983
	Equity securities		3,855			1,740			2,054
	Cash and cash equivalents		728			825			807
	Total gross investment income		48,088			54,521			55,844
	Less investment expenses		1,615			1,378			1,322
	Net investment income	$	46,473		$	53,143		$	54,522
Investments classified by time period	'
	The fair value and amount of unrealized losses segregated by the time period the investment has been in an unrealized loss position were as follows (in thousands):
		31-Dec-13
		Less than 12 months									Greater than 12 months							Total
		Number			Fair Value of Investments			Gross			Number		Fair Value of Investments		Gross			Number		Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses		Gross
		of			with Unrealized Losses			Unrealized			of		with Unrealized Losses		Unrealized			of				Unrealized
		Issues						Losses and			Issues				Losses and			Issues				Losses and
								Non-Credit							Non-Credit							Non-Credit
								OTTI							OTTI							OTTI
	Debt Securities:
	U.S. Government and agencies		5		$	6,181		$	(91	)		1	$	903	$	(97	)		6	$	7,084	$	(188	)
	Obligations of states and political subs		103			285,264			(16,218	)		16		43,811		(3,903	)		119		329,075		(20,121	)
	Corporate securities		121			259,581			(10,663	)		8		16,734		(1,272	)		129		276,315		(11,935	)
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		13			72,458			(3,879	)		1		8,095		(858	)		14		80,553		(4,737	)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		5			12,451			(868	)		-		-		-			5		12,451		(868	)
	Other asset-backed securities		4			8,522			(40	)		-		-		-			4		8,522		(40	)
	Total debt securities		251			644,457			(31,759	)		26		69,543		(6,130	)		277		714,000		(37,889	)
	Equity Securities:
	Perpetual preferred stock		-			-			-			-		-		-			-		-		-
	Common stock		15			12,112			(444	)		-		-		-			15		12,112		(444	)
	Total equity securities		15			12,112			(444	)		-		-		-			15		12,112		(444	)
	Total securities		266		$	656,569		$	(32,203	)		26	$	69,543	$	(6,130	)		292	$	726,112	$	(38,333	)
		31-Dec-12
		Less than 12 months									Greater than 12 months							Total
		Number			Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses			Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI			Number		Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses		Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI			Number		Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses		Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI
		of									of							of
		Issues									Issues							Issues
	Debt Securities:
	U.S. Government and agencies		5		$	7,063		$	(22	)		-	$	-	$	-			5	$	7,063	$	(22	)
	Obligations of states and political subs		23			69,016			(1,427	)		-		-		-			23		69,016		(1,427	)
	Corporate securities		50			113,348			(858	)		-		-		-			50		113,348		(858	)
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		1			10,219			(40	)		1		24		(1	)		2		10,243		(41	)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		-			-			-			-		-		-			-		-		-
	Other asset-backed securities		2			463			(4	)		-		-		-			2		463		(4	)
	Total debt securities		81			200,109			(2,351	)		1		24		(1	)		82		200,133		(2,352	)
	Equity Securities:
	Perpetual preferred stock		-			-			-			-		-		-			-		-		-
	Common stock		-			-			-			2		4,583		(207	)		2		4,583		(207	)
	Total equity securities		0			-			-			2		4,583		(207	)		2		4,583		(207	)
	Total securities		81		$	200,109		$	(2,351	)		3	$	4,607	$	(208	)		84	$	204,716	$	(2,559	)
Summary of changes in amount of credit loss on fixed maturities recognized in other comprehensive income	'
	Changes in the amount of credit loss on fixed maturities for which a portion of an OTTI related to other factors was recognized in other comprehensive income were as follows (in thousands):
	Balance as of January 1, 2012	$	(789	)
	Additional credit impairments on:
	Previously impaired securities
	Securities for which an impairment was not previously recognized		-
	Reductions		633
	Balance as of December 31, 2012		(156	)
	Additional credit impairments on:
	Previously impaired securities		-
	Securities for which an impairment was not previously recognized		-
	Reductions		156
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	-

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Tables

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS [Abstract]	'
Summary of assets and liabilities measured at fair value on recurring basis	'
	The following table presents the Company’s assets and liabilities measured at fair value on a recurring basis, classified by the valuation hierarchy as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
					Fair Value Measurements Using
		December 31,			Quoted Prices		Significant		Significant
		2013			in Active		Other		Unobservable
					Markets for		Observable		Inputs
					Identical Assets		Inputs
		Total			(Level 1)		(Level 2)		(Level 3)
	Debt Securities:
	U.S. Government and agencies	$	25,369		$	-	$	25,369	$	-
	Obligations of states and political subs		735,392			-		735,392		-
	Corporate securities		538,507			-		537,618		889
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		116,384			-		116,384		-
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		26,468			-		26,309		159
	Other asset-backed securities		20,926			-		18,477		2,449
	Total debt securities available for sale		1,463,046			-		1,459,549		3,497
	Equity Securities:
	Perpetual preferred stock		218			-		218		-
	Common stock		109,764			109,764		-		-
	Total equity securities available for sale		109,982			109,764		218		-
	Total securities available for sale	$	1,573,028		$	109,764	$	1,459,767	$	3,497
	Derivatives:
	Derivatives - interest rate swaps	$	1,553			-		1,553		-
	Cash conversion feature of cash convertible notes		(16,797	)		-		-		(16,797	)
	Purchased cash convertible note hedge		16,797			-		-		16,797
	Total derivatives	$	1,553		$	-	$	1,553	$	-
	Total securities available for sale and derivatives	$	1,574,581		$	109,764	$	1,461,320	$	3,497
Summary of changes in Level 3 available for sale investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis	'
	The following table presents changes in Level 3 available for sale investments measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		Fair Value Measurement Using Significant Unobservable Inputs - Level 3
	Balance as of January 1, 2012	$	4,659
	Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
	Included in earnings		1,027
	Included in other comprehensive income		(139	)
	Purchases		-
	Issuances		-
	Settlements		(1,662	)
	Transfers in and out of Level 3		1,559
	Balance as of December 31, 2012		5,444
	Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
	Included in earnings		766
	Included in other comprehensive income		(519	)
	Purchases		-
	Issuances		-
	Settlements		(2,194	)
	Transfers in and out of Level 3		-
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	3,497

LIABILITY_FOR_LOSSES_AND_LOSS_1

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES [Abstract]	'
Summary of reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses	'
	The Company regularly updates its reserve estimates as new information becomes available and further events occur that may impact the resolution of unsettled claims. Changes in prior reserve estimates are reflected in results of operations in the year such changes are determined to be needed and recorded. Activity in the reserves for ultimate losses and loss adjustment expenses is summarized as follows (in thousands):
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2013		2012		2011
	Balance, beginning of year	$	1,455,980	$	1,194,977	$	1,065,056
	Less reinsurance recoverables		381,905		315,884		280,854
	Total beginning reserves		1,074,075		879,093		784,202
	Incurred related to:
	Current year		480,637		592,169		488,040
	Prior years		68,400		85,515		7,311
	Total incurred		549,037		677,684		495,351
	Paid related to:
	Current year		115,542		151,262		130,547
	Prior years		396,480		331,440		269,913
	Total paid		512,022		482,702		400,460
	Net balance, end of year		1,111,090		1,074,075		879,093
	Plus reinsurance recoverables		505,431		381,905		315,884
	Balance, end of year	$	1,616,521	$	1,455,980	$	1,194,977

REINSURANCE_Tables

REINSURANCE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
REINSURANCE [Abstract]	'
Reconciliations of direct to net premiums, on a written and earned basis	'
	Reconciliations of direct to net premiums, on a written and earned basis, for 2013, 2012, and 2011 are as follows (in thousands):
		2013						2012						2011
		Written			Earned			Written			Earned			Written			Earned
	Direct	$	741,265		$	928,919		$	1,028,630		$	977,749		$	876,014		$	846,402
	Assumed		202,746			100,143			38,003			36,216			28,012			23,459
	Ceded		(252,374	)		(331,645	)		(269,131	)		(159,706	)		(127,773	)		(122,226	)
	Net	$	691,637		$	697,417		$	797,502		$	854,259		$	776,253		$	747,635

DEBT_Tables

DEBT (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
DEBT [Abstract]	'
Schedule of principal amount and variables associated with debentures	'
	The following table summarizes the principal amounts and variables associated with the Company’s debentures (in thousands):
	Year of Issuance	Description	Year Callable	Year Due	Interest Rate Terms	Interest Rate at			Principal Amount
						December 31,
						2013 (1)
	2003	Junior subordinated debentures	2008	2033	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.05%		4.3	%	$	10,310
	2004	Senior debentures	2009	2034	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.00%		4.24	%		13,000
	2004	Senior debentures	2009	2034	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.20%		4.44	%		12,000
	2005	Junior subordinated debentures	2010	2035	Three-month LIBOR, plus 3.58%		3.82	%		20,620
		Junior subordinated debentures (2)	2007	2032	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.00%		4.24	%		15,000
		Junior subordinated debentures (2)	2008	2033	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.10%		4.34	%		10,000
						Total			$	80,930
	(1) The underlying three-month LIBOR rate varies as a result of the interest rate reset dates used in determining the three-month LIBOR rate, which varies for each long-term debt item each quarter.
	(2) Represents the junior subordinated debentures acquired in conjunction with the ProCentury Merger on July 31, 2008.
Amounts recorded for the debt component of notes	'
	The following table shows the amounts recorded for the debt component of the Notes as of December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
	Outstanding principal		$	100,000
	Unamortized OID			(11,777	)
	Total debt component		$	88,223

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Tables

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS [Abstract]	'
Summary of interest rate swaps	'
	The following table summarizes the rates and amounts associated with the Company’s interest rate swaps (in thousands):
	Effective Date	Expiration	Debt Instrument	Counterparty Interest Rate Terms	Fixed Rate			Fixed Amount at
		Date						31-Dec-13
	6/30/13	6/30/23	Junior subordinated debentures	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.05%		6.34	%	$	10,000
	4/29/13	4/29/23	Senior debentures	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.00%		6.25	%		13,000
	9/28/12	8/30/16	Term loan (1)	Three-month LIBOR		0.714	%		22,500
	8/15/13	8/15/23	Junior subordinated debentures (2)	Three-month LIBOR		2.18	%		10,000
	9/4/13	9/4/23	Junior subordinated debentures (2)	Three-month LIBOR		2.27	%		15,000
	9/8/10	5/24/16	Senior debentures	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.20%		6.248	%		5,000
	9/16/10	9/15/15	Junior subordinated debentures	Three-month LIBOR, plus 3.58%		6.16	%		10,000
	9/16/10	9/15/15	Junior subordinated debentures	Three-month LIBOR, plus 3.58%		6.19	%		10,000
	5/24/11	5/24/16	Senior debentures	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.20%		6.472	%		7,000
					Total			$	102,500
	(1) The Company is required to make fixed rate interest payments on the current balance of the term loan, amortizing in accordance with the term loan amortization schedule.  The Company fixed only the variable interest portion of the loan.  The actual interest payments associated with the term loan also include an additional rate of 2.50% in accordance with the Credit Facilities.
	(2) The Company fixed only the variable interest portion of the debt.  The actual interest payments associated with the debentures also include an additional rate of 4.10% and 4.00% on the $10.0 million and $15.0 million debentures, respectively.

REGULATORY_MATTERS_AND_RATING_1

REGULATORY MATTERS AND RATING ISSUES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
REGULATORY MATTERS AND RATING ISSUES [Abstract]	'
Summary of statutory basis information	'
	Summarized 2013 and 2012 statutory basis information for the primary insurance subsidiaries, which differs from generally accepted accounting principles, is as follows (in thousands):
	2013:00:00	Star			Savers			Williamsburg			Ameritrust			Century			PIC
	Statutory capital and surplus	$	309,591		$	57,937		$	31,347		$	29,403		$	178,629		$	46,050
	RBC authorized control level	$	80,246		$	13,565		$	7,097		$	6,122		$	40,714		$	9,924
	Statutory net income	$	3,935		$	(3,561	)	$	(2,018	)	$	(1,398	)	$	(3,776	)	$	(2,715	)
	RBC %		385.8	%		427.1	%		441.7	%		480.3	%		438.7	%		464	%
	2012:00:00	Star			Savers			Williamsburg			Ameritrust			Century			PIC
	Statutory capital and surplus	$	263,096		$	54,496		$	29,432		$	27,382		$	163,162		$	37,304
	RBC authorized control level	$	80,831		$	13,763		$	7,193		$	6,236		$	40,749		$	10,054
	Statutory net income	$	5,752		$	6,051		$	1,705		$	2,291		$	15,328		$	2,408
	RBC %		325.5	%		396	%		409.2	%		439.1	%		400.4	%		371	%

DEFERRED_POLICY_ACQUISITION_CO1

DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS [Abstract]	'
Deferred and amortized policy acquisition costs	'
	The following table reflects the amounts of policy acquisition costs deferred and amortized (in thousands):
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Balance, beginning of period	$	45,417		$	74,467		$	68,451
	Acquisition costs deferred		144,359			159,416			149,323
	Amortized to expense during the period		(151,255	)		(156,480	)		(143,307	)
	Change in Swiss Re QS Agreement		24,252			(31,986	)		-
	Balance, end of period	$	62,773		$	45,417		$	74,467

INCOME_TAXES_Tables

INCOME TAXES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
INCOME TAXES [Abstract]	'
Provision for income taxes	'
	The provision for income taxes consists of the following (in thousands):
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Current tax (benefit) expense	$	(17,533	)	$	1,048		$	12,223
	Deferred tax (benefit) expense		(13,427	)		(8,890	)		(54	)
	Total provision for income tax (benefit) expense	$	(30,960	)	$	(7,842	)	$	12,169
Reconciliation of tax provision on income from operations to U.S. federal income tax rate	'
	A reconciliation of the Company’s tax provision on income from operations to the U.S. federal income tax rate of 35% is as follows (in thousands):
		For the Years Ended December 31,
		2013			2012			2011
	Tax provision at statutory rate	$	(51,011	)	$	439		$	18,495
	Tax effect of:
	Goodwill impairment write off		26,532			-			-
	Tax exempt interest		(6,057	)		(5,684	)		(5,409	)
	Deferred tax asset valuation allowance		(548	)		(4,085	)		(260	)
	Dividends received deduction		(539	)		(130	)		(235	)
	Deferred and other tax asset adjustments		199			1,233			(903	)
	State income taxes, net of federal benefit		113			153			422
	Other, net		351			232			59
	Federal and state income tax (benefit) expense	$	(30,960	)	$	(7,842	)	$	12,169
	Effective tax (benefit) expense rate		21.2	%		(625.9	)%		23	%
Components of deferred tax assets and liabilities	'
	The components of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2013 and 2012 are as follows (in thousands):
		2013			2012
	Deferred Tax Assets:
	Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	$	34,424		$	39,279
	Unearned premium reserves		20,966			20,759
	Net operating loss carry-forward		9,325			-
	Goodwill		4,953			-
	AMT credit carry-forward		2,312			1,355
	Other than temporary impairment losses on investments and purchase accounting adjustments		2,015			3,365
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		1,783			1,699
	Compensation related		1,520			1,051
	Amortization of debt and transaction costs		1,191			1,257
	Other, net		839			876
	Total Deferred Tax Assets		79,328			69,641
	Deferred Tax Liabilities:
	Deferred policy acquisition costs		(21,970	)		(15,896	)
	Unrealized gains on investments, net		(8,310	)		(25,523	)
	Amortization of intangible assets		(3,872	)		(4,689	)
	Depreciation		(2,750	)		(3,446	)
	Goodwill		-			(7,754	)
	Total Deferred Tax Liabilities		(36,902	)		(57.308	)
	Net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance		42,426			12,333
	Valuation allowance		(991	)		(1,404	)
	Net deferred tax assets	$	41,435		$	10,929

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Tables

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of income and share data used in basic and diluted earnings per share computations	'
	The following table is a reconciliation of the income and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the years ended December 31 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		2013			2012		2011
	Net income	$	(112,310	)	$	11,749	$	43,032
	Common shares:
	Basic
	Weighted average shares outstanding		49,871,587			50,177,484		52,404,377
	Diluted
	Weighted average shares outstanding		49,871,587			50,177,484		52,404,377
	Dilutive effect of:
	Share awards under long term incentive plan		-			-		-
	Total		49,871,587			50,177,484		52,404,377
	Net income per common share
	Basic	$	(2.25	)	$	0.23	$	0.82
	Diluted	$	(2.25	)	$	0.23	$	0.82

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_1

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS [Abstract]	'
Schedule of goodwill	'
	The following summarizes the carrying amount of goodwill for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		As of December 31, 2013
		Gross Amount		Accumulated			Carrying
				Impairment			Value
				Losses
	Agency Operations	$	5,644		-		$	5,644
	Specialty Insurance Operations		-		-			-
	Total	$	5,644	$	-		$	5,644
		As of December 31, 2012
		Gross Amount		Accumulated			Carrying
				Impairment			Value
				Losses
	Agency Operations	$	5,644		-		$	5,644
	Specialty Insurance Operations		115,397		-			115,397
	Total	$	121,041	$	-		$	121,041
	The following summarizes goodwill activity and beginning and ending balances for the years ended December 31, 2013 and 2012 (in thousands):
		Agency		Specialty			Total
		Operations		Insurance
				Operations
	Balance at January 1, 2012	$	5,395	$	115,397		$	120,792
	Additions to Goodwill		249		-			249
	Balance at January 1, 2013	$	5,644	$	115,397		$	121,041
	Goodwill Impairment		-		(115,397	)		(115,397	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013	$	5,644	$	-		$	5,644
Schedule of expected amortization expense	'
	Amortization expense for the five succeeding years is as follows (in thousands):
	2014	$	3,881
	2015		3,482
	2016		2,773
	2017		2,332
	2018		1,902
	Total amortization expense	$	14,370

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES [Abstract]	'
Future minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable long-term operating leases	'
	The Company has certain operating lease agreements for its offices and equipment. A majority of the Company’s lease agreements contain renewal options and rent escalation clauses.  At December 31, 2013, future minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable long-term operating leases are as follows (in thousands):
	2014	$	2,511
	2015		2,774
	2016		2,570
	2017		2,384
	2018		1,902
	Thereafter		6,647
	Total minimum lease commitments	$	18,788

QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_DATA_Unaud1

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) [Abstract]	'
Schedule of quarterly financial information	'
	The following is a summary of unaudited quarterly results of operations for 2013 and 2012 (in thousands, except per share and ratio data):
		1st			2nd			3rd			4th
		Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter
	2013:00:00
	Gross premiums written	$	267,665		$	234,086		$	257,028		$	185,232
	Net premiums written		194,815			166,555			185,858			144,409
	Net premiums earned		170,588			175,781			181,056			169,992
	Net commissions and fees		9,634			8,539			10,458			10,881
	Net investment income		11,140			11,768			11,695			11,870
	Net realized gains		316			2,869			675			3,909
	Net losses and loss adjustment expenses		121,816			145,371			132,247			149,603
	Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses		50,605			58,450			54,228			62,227
	General selling & administrative expenses		6,023			5,901			7,026			6,839
	General corporate expense		1,516			760			1,025			696
	Amortization expense		1,071			1,038			1,037			1,091
	Goodwill impairment expense		0			115,397			0			0
	Interest expense		2,197			3,653			3,581			3,519
	Net income (loss)		7,082			(113,058	)		5,516			(11,850	)
	Diluted earnings (losses) per share	$	0.14		$	(2.27	)	$	0.11		$	(0.24	)
	GAAP combined ratio(1)		101.1	%		116	%		103	%		124.6	%
	2012:00:00
	Gross premiums written	$	257,955		$	256,082		$	305,935		$	246,661
	Net premiums written		218,975			219,229			248,646			110,653
	Net premiums earned		192,815			211,303			223,407			226,734
	Net commissions and fees		8,965			8,552			7,410			9,122
	Net investment income		13,732			13,683			13,815			11,913
	Net realized gains		732			1,567			902			52,111
	Net losses and loss adjustment expenses		132,747			165,758			212,698			166,481
	Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses		63,113			68,993			71,373			70,587
	General selling & administrative expenses		6,339			6,327			5,745			6,052
	General corporate expense		1,373			758			717			724
	Amortization expense		1,416			1,307			1,372			3,201
	Goodwill impairment expense		0			0			0			0
	Interest expense		1,977			2,033			2,372			2,047
	Net income (loss)		8,104			(7,732	)		(26,610	)		37,987
	Diluted earnings (losses) per share	$	0.16		$	(0.15	)	$	(0.53	)	$	0.76
	GAAP combined ratio(1)		101.5	%		111.1	%		127.1	%		104.5	%
	(1) Management uses the GAAP combined ratio and its components to assess and benchmark underwriting performance.  The GAAP combined ratio is the sum of the GAAP loss and loss adjustment expense ratio and the GAAP expense ratio.  The GAAP loss and loss adjustment expense ratio is the net incurred loss and loss adjustment expense in relation to net earned premium.  The GAAP expense ratio is the policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses in relation to net earned premium.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV1

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	The Company’s comprehensive income includes net earnings plus unrealized gain or loss on available-for-sale investment securities, net of tax. In reporting comprehensive earnings on a net basis in the income statement, we used a 35 percent tax rate. The following table illustrates the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income:
	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income: Year Ended December 31, 2013
	(in thousands)
	Details about accumulated other comprehensive income components	Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			Affected line item in the statement where net income is presented
	Unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities
		$	7,741		Net realized gains
			(2,709	)	Tax expense
		$	5,032		Net of tax
	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income: Year Ended December 31, 2012
	(in thousands)
	Details about accumulated other comprehensive income components	Amount reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income			Affected line item in the statement where net income is presented
	Unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities
		$	55,313		Net realized gains
			(19,360	)	Tax expense
		$	35,953		Net of tax

SUMMARY_OF_SIGNIFICANT_ACCOUNT2

SUMMARY OF SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Impact Of SNIC Fee On Expense Ratio (in hundredths)	0.50%	'	'	'
Business [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Commission revenue (in hundredths)	2.10%	'	'	'
LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Case and paid loss data receivable period	'45 days	'	'	'
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Allowance on uncollectible receivables	$5,100,000	$4,900,000	'	'
Other receivable percentage maximum limit (in hundredths)	10.00%	'	'	'
Equity Earnings of Affiliates [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Equity earnings of affiliates, net of tax	3,441,000	2,652,000	2,418,000	'
Equity earnings from Aquiline Financial Services Fund II, L.P.	600,000	'	'	'
Participating Policyholder Dividends [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Accrued policyholder Dividend	1,300,000	1,500,000	'	'
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Shares related LTIP included in diluted earnings per share (in shares)	0	0	0	'
Restricted stock awards granted under the plan (in shares)	'	'	28,500	202,500
Shares retired under both plans for tax withholding (in shares)	30,556	'	'	'
Restricted Stock issued during the period, Net (in shares)	200,444	'	'	'
Minimum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Furniture and Equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Furniture and equipment, useful life	'3 years	'	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Furniture and Equipment [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Furniture and equipment, useful life	'10 years	'	'	'
MFH [Member]	'	'	'	'
Revenue Recognition [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Allowance on uncollectible receivables	37,700,000	40,900,000	'	'
Equity Earnings of Affiliates [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Equity investments in affiliates (in hundredths)	20.00%	'	'	'
Equity earnings of affiliates, net of tax	2,800,000	3,000,000	2,400,000	'
Dividend Received from affiliates	2,000,000	4,000,000	3,400,000	'
SNIC Carriers [Member]	'	'	'	'
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Fee (in hundredths)	5.50%	'	'	'
Written premium assumed	$170,200,000	'	'	'
MIG Carriers [Member]	'	'	'	'
Ceded Credit Risk [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of quota share premiums assumed (in hundredths)	100.00%	'	'	'

INVESTMENTS_Details

INVESTMENTS (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
	Security				Security				Security	Security
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	$1,551,100,000	'	'	'	$1,232,183,000	'	'	'	$1,551,100,000	$1,232,183,000	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	60,261,000	'	'	'	79,844,000	'	'	'	60,261,000	79,844,000	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	-38,333,000	'	'	'	-2,559,000	'	'	'	-38,333,000	-2,559,000	'
Gross Unrealized Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Estimated Fair Value	1,573,028,000	'	'	'	1,309,468,000	'	'	'	1,573,028,000	1,309,468,000	'
Gross unrealized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains	60,261,000	'	'	'	79,844,000	'	'	'	60,261,000	79,844,000	'
Unrealized losses	-38,333,000	'	'	'	-2,559,000	'	'	'	-38,333,000	-2,559,000	'
Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Net unrealized gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	21,928,000	77,285,000	'
Deferred federal income tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-7,675,000	-26,957,000	'
Net unrealized gains on investments, net of deferred federal income taxes	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	14,253,000	50,328,000	'
Realized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net realized gains	3,909,000	675,000	2,869,000	316,000	52,111,000	902,000	1,567,000	732,000	7,769,000	55,312,000	2,949,000
Net realized gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,741,000	55,313,000	2,879,000
OTTI included in realized losses on securities above	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	-84,000
Proceeds from sale of fixed maturity securities available for sale	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	119,600,000	572,100,000	35,900,000
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Due in one year or less	25,403,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	25,403,000	'	'
Due after one year through five years	456,511,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	456,511,000	'	'
Due after five years through ten years	655,603,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	655,603,000	'	'
Due after ten years	152,388,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	152,388,000	'	'
Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized obligations and asset-backed securities	165,849,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	165,849,000	'	'
Amortized Cost	1,455,754,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,455,754,000	'	'
Available for Sale, Estimated Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Due in one year or less	25,698,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	25,698,000	'	'
Due after one year through five years	472,425,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	472,425,000	'	'
Due after five years through ten years	656,536,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	656,536,000	'	'
Due after ten years	144,609,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	144,609,000	'	'
Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized obligations and asset-backed securities	163,778,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	163,778,000	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	1,463,046,000	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,463,046,000	'	'
Net Investment Income Earned From [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	48,088,000	54,521,000	55,844,000
Less investment expenses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,615,000	1,378,000	1,322,000
Net investment income	11,870,000	11,695,000	11,768,000	11,140,000	11,913,000	13,815,000	13,683,000	13,732,000	46,473,000	53,143,000	54,522,000
Aggregate amount deposited	756,500,000	'	'	'	361,500,000	'	'	'	756,500,000	361,500,000	'
OTTI loss	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	84,000
Non-credit related OTTI loss	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	84,000
Investments in unrealized loss position, classified by continuous loss time period [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Issues in an unrealized loss position, Less than 12 months	266	'	'	'	81	'	'	'	266	81	'
Number of Issues in an unrealized loss position, Greater than 12 months	26	'	'	'	3	'	'	'	26	3	'
Number of Issues, Total	292	'	'	'	84	'	'	'	292	84	'
Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	656,569,000	'	'	'	200,109,000	'	'	'	656,569,000	200,109,000	'
Greater than 12 months	69,543,000	'	'	'	4,607,000	'	'	'	69,543,000	4,607,000	'
Total	726,112,000	'	'	'	204,716,000	'	'	'	726,112,000	204,716,000	'
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	-32,203,000	'	'	'	-2,351,000	'	'	'	-32,203,000	-2,351,000	'
Greater than 12 months	-6,130,000	'	'	'	-208,000	'	'	'	-6,130,000	-208,000	'
Total	-38,333,000	'	'	'	-2,559,000	'	'	'	-38,333,000	-2,559,000	'
Changes in amount of credit loss on fixed maturities recognized in other comprehensive income [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning Balance	'	'	'	-156,000	'	'	'	-789,000	-156,000	-789,000	'
Additional credit impairments on [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Previously impaired securities	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	'	'
Securities for which an impairment was not previously recognized	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	'
Reductions	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	156,000	633,000	'
Ending Balance	0	'	'	'	-156,000	'	'	'	0	-156,000	-789,000
Debt securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	1,455,754,000	'	'	'	1,211,794,000	'	'	'	1,455,754,000	1,211,794,000	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	45,181,000	'	'	'	77,365,000	'	'	'	45,181,000	77,365,000	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	-37,889,000	'	'	'	-2,352,000	'	'	'	-37,889,000	-2,352,000	'
Gross Unrealized Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Estimated Fair Value	1,463,046,000	'	'	'	1,286,807,000	'	'	'	1,463,046,000	1,286,807,000	'
Gross unrealized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains	45,181,000	'	'	'	77,365,000	'	'	'	45,181,000	77,365,000	'
Unrealized losses	-37,889,000	'	'	'	-2,352,000	'	'	'	-37,889,000	-2,352,000	'
Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Realized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross realized gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	2,002,000	54,196,000	2,815,000
Gross realized losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-531,000	-217,000	-180,000
Net realized gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	1,471,000	53,979,000	2,635,000
Net Investment Income Earned From [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	43,505,000	51,956,000	52,983,000
Investments in unrealized loss position, classified by continuous loss time period [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Issues in an unrealized loss position, Less than 12 months	251	'	'	'	81	'	'	'	251	81	'
Number of Issues in an unrealized loss position, Greater than 12 months	26	'	'	'	1	'	'	'	26	1	'
Number of Issues, Total	277	'	'	'	82	'	'	'	277	82	'
Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	644,457,000	'	'	'	200,109,000	'	'	'	644,457,000	200,109,000	'
Greater than 12 months	69,543,000	'	'	'	24,000	'	'	'	69,543,000	24,000	'
Total	714,000,000	'	'	'	200,133,000	'	'	'	714,000,000	200,133,000	'
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	-31,759,000	'	'	'	-2,351,000	'	'	'	-31,759,000	-2,351,000	'
Greater than 12 months	-6,130,000	'	'	'	-1,000	'	'	'	-6,130,000	-1,000	'
Total	-37,889,000	'	'	'	-2,352,000	'	'	'	-37,889,000	-2,352,000	'
Debt securities [Member] | U.S. Government and agencies [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	24,985,000	'	'	'	26,788,000	'	'	'	24,985,000	26,788,000	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	572,000	'	'	'	918,000	'	'	'	572,000	918,000	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	-188,000	'	'	'	-22,000	'	'	'	-188,000	-22,000	'
Gross Unrealized Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Estimated Fair Value	25,369,000	'	'	'	27,684,000	'	'	'	25,369,000	27,684,000	'
Gross unrealized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains	572,000	'	'	'	918,000	'	'	'	572,000	918,000	'
Unrealized losses	-188,000	'	'	'	-22,000	'	'	'	-188,000	-22,000	'
Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Investments in unrealized loss position, classified by continuous loss time period [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Issues in an unrealized loss position, Less than 12 months	5	'	'	'	5	'	'	'	5	5	'
Number of Issues in an unrealized loss position, Greater than 12 months	1	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	1	0	'
Number of Issues, Total	6	'	'	'	5	'	'	'	6	5	'
Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	6,181,000	'	'	'	7,063,000	'	'	'	6,181,000	7,063,000	'
Greater than 12 months	903,000	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	903,000	0	'
Total	7,084,000	'	'	'	7,063,000	'	'	'	7,084,000	7,063,000	'
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	-91,000	'	'	'	-22,000	'	'	'	-91,000	-22,000	'
Greater than 12 months	-97,000	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	-97,000	0	'
Total	-188,000	'	'	'	-22,000	'	'	'	-188,000	-22,000	'
Debt securities [Member] | Obligations of states and political subs [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	730,004,000	'	'	'	587,276,000	'	'	'	730,004,000	587,276,000	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	25,509,000	'	'	'	43,124,000	'	'	'	25,509,000	43,124,000	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	-20,121,000	'	'	'	-1,427,000	'	'	'	-20,121,000	-1,427,000	'
Gross Unrealized Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Estimated Fair Value	735,392,000	'	'	'	628,973,000	'	'	'	735,392,000	628,973,000	'
Gross unrealized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains	25,509,000	'	'	'	43,124,000	'	'	'	25,509,000	43,124,000	'
Unrealized losses	-20,121,000	'	'	'	-1,427,000	'	'	'	-20,121,000	-1,427,000	'
Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Investments in unrealized loss position, classified by continuous loss time period [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Issues in an unrealized loss position, Less than 12 months	103	'	'	'	23	'	'	'	103	23	'
Number of Issues in an unrealized loss position, Greater than 12 months	16	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	16	0	'
Number of Issues, Total	119	'	'	'	23	'	'	'	119	23	'
Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	285,264,000	'	'	'	69,016,000	'	'	'	285,264,000	69,016,000	'
Greater than 12 months	43,811,000	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	43,811,000	0	'
Total	329,075,000	'	'	'	69,016,000	'	'	'	329,075,000	69,016,000	'
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	-16,218,000	'	'	'	-1,427,000	'	'	'	-16,218,000	-1,427,000	'
Greater than 12 months	-3,903,000	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	-3,903,000	0	'
Total	-20,121,000	'	'	'	-1,427,000	'	'	'	-20,121,000	-1,427,000	'
Debt securities [Member] | Corporate securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	534,913,000	'	'	'	482,290,000	'	'	'	534,913,000	482,290,000	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	15,529,000	'	'	'	25,569,000	'	'	'	15,529,000	25,569,000	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	-11,935,000	'	'	'	-858,000	'	'	'	-11,935,000	-858,000	'
Gross Unrealized Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Estimated Fair Value	538,507,000	'	'	'	507,001,000	'	'	'	538,507,000	507,001,000	'
Gross unrealized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains	15,529,000	'	'	'	25,569,000	'	'	'	15,529,000	25,569,000	'
Unrealized losses	-11,935,000	'	'	'	-858,000	'	'	'	-11,935,000	-858,000	'
Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Investments in unrealized loss position, classified by continuous loss time period [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Issues in an unrealized loss position, Less than 12 months	121	'	'	'	50	'	'	'	121	50	'
Number of Issues in an unrealized loss position, Greater than 12 months	8	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	8	0	'
Number of Issues, Total	129	'	'	'	50	'	'	'	129	50	'
Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	259,581,000	'	'	'	113,348,000	'	'	'	259,581,000	113,348,000	'
Greater than 12 months	16,734,000	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	16,734,000	0	'
Total	276,315,000	'	'	'	113,348,000	'	'	'	276,315,000	113,348,000	'
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	-10,663,000	'	'	'	-858,000	'	'	'	-10,663,000	-858,000	'
Greater than 12 months	-1,272,000	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	-1,272,000	0	'
Total	-11,935,000	'	'	'	-858,000	'	'	'	-11,935,000	-858,000	'
Debt securities [Member] | Redeemable preferred stock [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	'	'	'	'	1,743,000	'	'	'	'	1,743,000	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	'	'	'	'	436,000	'	'	'	'	436,000	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	'	0	'
Gross Unrealized Non-Credit OTTI	'	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	'	0	'
Estimated Fair Value	'	'	'	'	2,179,000	'	'	'	'	2,179,000	'
Gross unrealized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains	'	'	'	'	436,000	'	'	'	'	436,000	'
Unrealized losses	'	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	'	0	'
Non-Credit OTTI	'	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	'	0	'
Debt securities [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	118,930,000	'	'	'	73,530,000	'	'	'	118,930,000	73,530,000	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	2,191,000	'	'	'	4,393,000	'	'	'	2,191,000	4,393,000	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	-4,737,000	'	'	'	-41,000	'	'	'	-4,737,000	-41,000	'
Gross Unrealized Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Estimated Fair Value	116,384,000	'	'	'	77,882,000	'	'	'	116,384,000	77,882,000	'
Gross unrealized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains	2,191,000	'	'	'	4,393,000	'	'	'	2,191,000	4,393,000	'
Unrealized losses	-4,737,000	'	'	'	-41,000	'	'	'	-4,737,000	-41,000	'
Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Investments in unrealized loss position, classified by continuous loss time period [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Issues in an unrealized loss position, Less than 12 months	13	'	'	'	1	'	'	'	13	1	'
Number of Issues in an unrealized loss position, Greater than 12 months	1	'	'	'	1	'	'	'	1	1	'
Number of Issues, Total	14	'	'	'	2	'	'	'	14	2	'
Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	72,458,000	'	'	'	10,219,000	'	'	'	72,458,000	10,219,000	'
Greater than 12 months	8,095,000	'	'	'	24,000	'	'	'	8,095,000	24,000	'
Total	80,553,000	'	'	'	10,243,000	'	'	'	80,553,000	10,243,000	'
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	-3,879,000	'	'	'	-40,000	'	'	'	-3,879,000	-40,000	'
Greater than 12 months	-858,000	'	'	'	-1,000	'	'	'	-858,000	-1,000	'
Total	-4,737,000	'	'	'	-41,000	'	'	'	-4,737,000	-41,000	'
Debt securities [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	26,719,000	'	'	'	33,732,000	'	'	'	26,719,000	33,732,000	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	617,000	'	'	'	1,800,000	'	'	'	617,000	1,800,000	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	-868,000	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	-868,000	0	'
Gross Unrealized Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Estimated Fair Value	26,468,000	'	'	'	35,532,000	'	'	'	26,468,000	35,532,000	'
Gross unrealized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains	617,000	'	'	'	1,800,000	'	'	'	617,000	1,800,000	'
Unrealized losses	-868,000	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	-868,000	0	'
Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Investments in unrealized loss position, classified by continuous loss time period [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Issues in an unrealized loss position, Less than 12 months	5	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	5	0	'
Number of Issues in an unrealized loss position, Greater than 12 months	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Number of Issues, Total	5	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	5	0	'
Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	12,451,000	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	12,451,000	0	'
Greater than 12 months	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Total	12,451,000	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	12,451,000	0	'
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	-868,000	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	-868,000	0	'
Greater than 12 months	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Total	-868,000	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	-868,000	0	'
Debt securities [Member] | Other asset-backed securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	20,203,000	'	'	'	6,435,000	'	'	'	20,203,000	6,435,000	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	763,000	'	'	'	1,125,000	'	'	'	763,000	1,125,000	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	-40,000	'	'	'	-4,000	'	'	'	-40,000	-4,000	'
Gross Unrealized Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Estimated Fair Value	20,926,000	'	'	'	7,556,000	'	'	'	20,926,000	7,556,000	'
Gross unrealized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains	763,000	'	'	'	1,125,000	'	'	'	763,000	1,125,000	'
Unrealized losses	-40,000	'	'	'	-4,000	'	'	'	-40,000	-4,000	'
Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Investments in unrealized loss position, classified by continuous loss time period [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Issues in an unrealized loss position, Less than 12 months	4	'	'	'	2	'	'	'	4	2	'
Number of Issues in an unrealized loss position, Greater than 12 months	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Number of Issues, Total	4	'	'	'	2	'	'	'	4	2	'
Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	8,522,000	'	'	'	463,000	'	'	'	8,522,000	463,000	'
Greater than 12 months	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Total	8,522,000	'	'	'	463,000	'	'	'	8,522,000	463,000	'
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	-40,000	'	'	'	-4,000	'	'	'	-40,000	-4,000	'
Greater than 12 months	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Total	-40,000	'	'	'	-4,000	'	'	'	-40,000	-4,000	'
Equity securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	95,346,000	'	'	'	20,389,000	'	'	'	95,346,000	20,389,000	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	15,080,000	'	'	'	2,479,000	'	'	'	15,080,000	2,479,000	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	-444,000	'	'	'	-207,000	'	'	'	-444,000	-207,000	'
Gross Unrealized Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Estimated Fair Value	109,982,000	'	'	'	22,661,000	'	'	'	109,982,000	22,661,000	'
Gross unrealized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains	15,080,000	'	'	'	2,479,000	'	'	'	15,080,000	2,479,000	'
Unrealized losses	-444,000	'	'	'	-207,000	'	'	'	-444,000	-207,000	'
Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Realized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Gross realized gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,671,000	1,351,000	244,000
Gross realized losses	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-401,000	-17,000	0
Net realized gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	6,270,000	1,334,000	244,000
Net Investment Income Earned From [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	3,855,000	1,740,000	2,054,000
Investments in unrealized loss position, classified by continuous loss time period [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Issues in an unrealized loss position, Less than 12 months	15	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	15	0	'
Number of Issues in an unrealized loss position, Greater than 12 months	0	'	'	'	2	'	'	'	0	2	'
Number of Issues, Total	15	'	'	'	2	'	'	'	15	2	'
Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	12,112,000	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	12,112,000	0	'
Greater than 12 months	0	'	'	'	4,583,000	'	'	'	0	4,583,000	'
Total	12,112,000	'	'	'	4,583,000	'	'	'	12,112,000	4,583,000	'
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	-444,000	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	-444,000	0	'
Greater than 12 months	0	'	'	'	-207,000	'	'	'	0	-207,000	'
Total	-444,000	'	'	'	-207,000	'	'	'	-444,000	-207,000	'
Equity securities [Member] | Perpetual preferred stock [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	71,000	'	'	'	6,930,000	'	'	'	71,000	6,930,000	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	147,000	'	'	'	1,578,000	'	'	'	147,000	1,578,000	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Gross Unrealized Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Estimated Fair Value	218,000	'	'	'	8,508,000	'	'	'	218,000	8,508,000	'
Gross unrealized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains	147,000	'	'	'	1,578,000	'	'	'	147,000	1,578,000	'
Unrealized losses	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Investments in unrealized loss position, classified by continuous loss time period [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Issues in an unrealized loss position, Less than 12 months	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Number of Issues in an unrealized loss position, Greater than 12 months	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Number of Issues, Total	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Greater than 12 months	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Total	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Greater than 12 months	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Total	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Equity securities [Member] | Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	95,275,000	'	'	'	13,459,000	'	'	'	95,275,000	13,459,000	'
Gross Unrealized Gains	14,933,000	'	'	'	901,000	'	'	'	14,933,000	901,000	'
Gross Unrealized Losses	-444,000	'	'	'	-207,000	'	'	'	-444,000	-207,000	'
Gross Unrealized Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Estimated Fair Value	109,764,000	'	'	'	14,153,000	'	'	'	109,764,000	14,153,000	'
Gross unrealized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains	14,933,000	'	'	'	901,000	'	'	'	14,933,000	901,000	'
Unrealized losses	-444,000	'	'	'	-207,000	'	'	'	-444,000	-207,000	'
Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	0	0	'
Investments in unrealized loss position, classified by continuous loss time period [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Number of Issues in an unrealized loss position, Less than 12 months	15	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	15	0	'
Number of Issues in an unrealized loss position, Greater than 12 months	0	'	'	'	2	'	'	'	0	2	'
Number of Issues, Total	15	'	'	'	2	'	'	'	15	2	'
Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	12,112,000	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	12,112,000	0	'
Greater than 12 months	0	'	'	'	4,583,000	'	'	'	0	4,583,000	'
Total	12,112,000	'	'	'	4,583,000	'	'	'	12,112,000	4,583,000	'
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	-444,000	'	'	'	0	'	'	'	-444,000	0	'
Greater than 12 months	0	'	'	'	-207,000	'	'	'	0	-207,000	'
Total	-444,000	'	'	'	-207,000	'	'	'	-444,000	-207,000	'
Cash and cash equivalents [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income Earned From [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross investment income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$728,000	$825,000	$807,000

FAIR_VALUE_MEASUREMENTS_Detail

FAIR VALUE MEASUREMENTS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Changes in Level 3 available for sale investments measured at fair value [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning balance	$5,444	$4,659
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized) [Abstract]	'	'
Included in earnings	766	1,027
Included in other comprehensive income	-519	-139
Purchases	0	0
Issuances	0	0
Settlements	-2,194	-1,662
Transfers in and out of Level 3	0	1,559
Ending balance	3,497	5,444
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Total Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Percentage as fair value of investment portfolio (in hundredths)	7.00%	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Total Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Percentage as fair value of investment portfolio (in hundredths)	92.80%	'
Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Total Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Percentage as fair value of investment portfolio (in hundredths)	0.20%	'
Number of securities in investment portfolio	17	'
Recurring [Member]	'	'
Total Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Total securities available for sale	1,573,028	'
Derivatives - interest rate swaps	1,553	'
Cash conversion feature of cash convertible notes	-16,797	'
Purchased cash convertible note hedge	16,797	'
Total derivatives	1,553	'
Total securities available for sale and derivatives	1,574,581	'
Recurring [Member] | Debt securities [Member]	'	'
Debt Securities [Abstract]	'	'
U.S. Government and agencies	25,369	'
Obligations of states and political subs	735,392	'
Corporate securities	538,507	'
Residential mortgage-backed securities	116,384	'
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	26,468	'
Other asset-backed securities	20,926	'
Total debt securities available for sale	1,463,046	'
Recurring [Member] | Equity securities [Member]	'	'
Equity Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Perpetual preferred stock	218	'
Common stock	109,764	'
Total equity securities available for sale	109,982	'
Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Total Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Total securities available for sale	109,764	'
Derivatives - interest rate swaps	0	'
Cash conversion feature of cash convertible notes	0	'
Purchased cash convertible note hedge	0	'
Total derivatives	0	'
Total securities available for sale and derivatives	109,764	'
Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Debt securities [Member]	'	'
Debt Securities [Abstract]	'	'
U.S. Government and agencies	0	'
Obligations of states and political subs	0	'
Corporate securities	0	'
Residential mortgage-backed securities	0	'
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	0	'
Other asset-backed securities	0	'
Total debt securities available for sale	0	'
Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Equity securities [Member]	'	'
Equity Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Perpetual preferred stock	0	'
Common stock	109,764	'
Total equity securities available for sale	109,764	'
Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Total Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Total securities available for sale	1,459,767	'
Derivatives - interest rate swaps	1,553	'
Cash conversion feature of cash convertible notes	0	'
Purchased cash convertible note hedge	0	'
Total derivatives	1,553	'
Total securities available for sale and derivatives	1,461,320	'
Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Debt securities [Member]	'	'
Debt Securities [Abstract]	'	'
U.S. Government and agencies	25,369	'
Obligations of states and political subs	735,392	'
Corporate securities	537,618	'
Residential mortgage-backed securities	116,384	'
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	26,309	'
Other asset-backed securities	18,477	'
Total debt securities available for sale	1,459,549	'
Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity securities [Member]	'	'
Equity Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Perpetual preferred stock	218	'
Common stock	0	'
Total equity securities available for sale	218	'
Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Total Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Total securities available for sale	3,497	'
Derivatives - interest rate swaps	0	'
Cash conversion feature of cash convertible notes	-16,797	'
Purchased cash convertible note hedge	16,797	'
Total derivatives	0	'
Total securities available for sale and derivatives	3,497	'
Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Debt securities [Member]	'	'
Debt Securities [Abstract]	'	'
U.S. Government and agencies	0	'
Obligations of states and political subs	0	'
Corporate securities	889	'
Residential mortgage-backed securities	0	'
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	159	'
Other asset-backed securities	2,449	'
Total debt securities available for sale	3,497	'
Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity securities [Member]	'	'
Equity Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Perpetual preferred stock	0	'
Common stock	0	'
Total equity securities available for sale	$0	'

LIABILITY_FOR_LOSSES_AND_LOSS_2

LIABILITY FOR LOSSES AND LOSS ADJUSTMENT EXPENSES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Activity in reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of year	$1,455,980,000	$1,194,977,000	$1,065,056,000
Less reinsurance recoverables	381,905,000	315,884,000	280,854,000
Total beginning reserves	1,074,075,000	879,093,000	784,202,000
Incurred related to [Abstract]	'	'	'
Current year	480,637,000	592,169,000	488,040,000
Prior years	68,400,000	85,515,000	7,311,000
Total incurred	549,037,000	677,684,000	495,351,000
Paid related to [Abstract]	'	'	'
Current year	115,542,000	151,262,000	130,547,000
Prior years	396,480,000	331,440,000	269,913,000
Total paid	512,022,000	482,702,000	400,460,000
Net balance, end of year	1,111,090,000	1,074,075,000	879,093,000
Plus reinsurance recoverables	505,431,000	381,905,000	315,884,000
Balance, end of year	1,616,521,000	1,455,980,000	1,194,977,000
Liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses	'	'	'
Percentage of unfavorable development on loss (in hundredths)	6.40%	9.70%	0.90%
Workers' compensation programs [Member]	'	'	'
Liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses	'	'	'
Unfavorable development on loss	14,600,000	28,500,000	9,200,000
Commercial auto programs [Member]	'	'	'
Liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses	'	'	'
Unfavorable development on loss	15,800,000	19,900,000	5,400,000
Commercial multiple peril [Member]	'	'	'
Liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses	'	'	'
Unfavorable development on loss	35,600,000	34,400,000	'
Favorable development	'	'	5,100,000
The residual markets [Member]	'	'	'
Liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses	'	'	'
Unfavorable development on loss	600,000	'	'
Favorable development	'	1,100,000	1,400,000
Other lines of business [Member]	'	'	'
Liability for losses and loss adjustment expenses	'	'	'
Unfavorable development on loss	1,800,000	3,800,000	'
Favorable development	'	'	$800,000

REINSURANCE_Details

REINSURANCE (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Oct. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Oct. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Agriculture [Member]

Aviation [Member]

Aviation [Member]

Aviation [Member]

Aviation [Member]

Aviation [Member]

Casualty Commercial Lines Excess and Primary [Member]

Casualty Commercial Lines Excess and Primary [Member]

Casualty Commercial Lines Excess and Primary [Member]

Excess Workers Compensation [Member]

Excess Workers Compensation [Member]

Excess Workers Compensation [Member]

Marine [Member]

Marine [Member]

Multiple Line Quota Share [Member]

Property [Member]

Property [Member]

Property [Member]

Property [Member]

Property [Member]

Property [Member]

Surety [Member]

Surety [Member]

Workers Compensation [Member]

Workers Compensation [Member]

Casualty [Member]

SNIC [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Marine Liability Risk [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Property Insurance [Member]

Property catastrophe loss [Member]

Property catastrophe loss [Member]

Property catastrophe loss [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Company

Maximum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Reinsurance expense [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Underwriting expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$56,800,000

$57,200,000

$15,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reinsurance recoverables for paid and unpaid losses

519,900,000

'

'

'

395,500,000

'

'

'

519,900,000

395,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum surplus requirement for non collateral reinsurance

500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unsecured reinsurance recoverable form best rating reinsurer (in hundredths)

20.90%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.90%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reinsurance structure [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reinsurance liability

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000

500,000

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

1,000,000

2,500,000

1,000,000

'

'

'

Reinsurers reimburse allowance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,000,000

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reinsurance receivables

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,500,000

24,500,000

'

15,000,000

15,000,000

'

'

'

'

4,000,000

'

'

9,500,000

9,000,000

'

'

57,500,000

7,500,000

'

'

14,000,000

500,000

'

Retention amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000

1,000,000

'

1,000,000

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

250,000

175,000

1,000,000

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reinsurance receivables additional amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,000,000

'

'

'

2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

First retention amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Remaining retention amount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

7,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of third party quota share (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

65.00%

'

'

'

Percentage of direct written premium ceded (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

25.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum amount of individual facultative reinsurance purchased

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Maximum amount of exposure on third party quota share per risk limited

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

Amount related to loss occurred during treaty period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

115,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of loss retained per risk (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of loss retained per risk occurrence after annual aggregate deductible met (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

90.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of difference related to retention

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Retention per claim amount related self insured retention

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,575,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum amount of annual aggregate deductible

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

500,000

'

'

'

Percentage of loss on per risk reinsured (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount of reinsurance reimbursement per claim

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Aggregate amount of reimbursement

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

99,000,000

'

'

'

Aggregate limit of reinsurance reimbursement.

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

198,000,000

'

'

'

Additional reimburse amount on loss per risk

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

65,000,000

'

'

'

Value of reinsurance structure

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

'

'

Excess amount of loss on per claim reinsurance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

7,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,000,000

'

'

'

Number of insurance companies

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6

Percentage of assumption collectively by our six carriers based on agreed upon percentages (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

Percentage of fronted business fee (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.50%

Written premium assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

170,200,000

Premiums Written [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Direct

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

741,265,000

1,028,630,000

876,014,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

202,746,000

38,003,000

28,012,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ceded

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-252,374,000

-269,131,000

-127,773,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net premium written

144,409,000

185,858,000

166,555,000

194,815,000

110,653,000

248,646,000

219,229,000

218,975,000

691,637,000

797,502,000

776,253,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Premiums Earned [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Direct

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

928,919,000

977,749,000

846,402,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Assumed

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,143,000

36,216,000

23,459,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Ceded

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-331,645,000

-159,706,000

-122,226,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net earned premiums

$169,992,000

$181,056,000

$175,781,000

$170,588,000

$226,734,000

$223,407,000

$211,303,000

$192,815,000

$697,417,000

$854,259,000

$747,635,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of ceded premiums related best financial strength rating (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

33.60%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

DEBT_Details

DEBT (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Aug. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Aug. 29, 2012

Jul. 31, 2008

Dec. 31, 2012

Apr. 29, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Aug. 29, 2012

Jul. 31, 2008

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Trust

Junior Subordinated Debentures [Member]

Senior Debentures [Member]

Senior Debentures [Member]

Junior Subordinated Debentures [Member]

Junior Subordinated Debentures [Member]

Junior Subordinated Debentures [Member]

Cash Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan [Member]

Meadowbrook Capital Trust I [Member]

Meadowbrook Capital Trust II [Member]

ProFinance Statutory Trust I [Member]

ProFinance Statutory Trust II [Member]

Star Insurance [Member]

Century Insurance [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowing capacity on credit facility, maximum

'

'

'

$130,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$100,000,000

$35,000,000

'

'

'

'

$30,000,000

$65,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument expiration period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding amount on credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20,000,000

20,000,000

'

'

500,000

'

'

28,500,000

'

'

22,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Reduction in borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Further periodic reduction in borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Undrawn portion of the revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit facilities basis spread on federal funds effective rate (in hundredths)

0.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Credit facility basis spread on adjusted LIBOR (in hundredths)

1.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Commitment fee on unused facility fees of credit facilities (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.25%

0.38%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate on term loan and credit facility (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.75%

'

'

'

'

'

2.75%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Variable rate of term loan and credit facility (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

4.05%

4.00%

4.20%

3.58%

4.00%

[1]

4.10%

[1]

'

'

'

'

0.25%

'

'

'

'

'

0.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Applicable margin of term loan and credit facility (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.50%

'

'

'

'

'

2.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt financial covenants applicable to credit facilities abstract [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt covenant consolidated net worth

365,697,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly increases thereafter, percentage of net income (in hundredths)

75.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Quarterly increases thereafter, percentage of shareholders' equity (in hundredths)

75.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Covenant risk based capital ratio, minimum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1.75

'0.375 to 1.00

Debt Covenant consolidated leverage ratio as debt covenant, maximum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'0.35 to 1.00

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fixed charge coverage ratio as debt covenant, minimum

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'1.25 to 1.00

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount borrowed from FHLBI

30,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Carrying value of collateral pledged to FHLBI

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

38,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

FHLBI investments by subsidiaries

1,600,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Instrument [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from issuance of long term debt excluding junior subordinated debenture acquired in conjunction with the ProCentury merger

53,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount contributed by the entity to surplus of its insurance company subsidiaries

26,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Issuance costs for commissions paid to the placement agents in the transactions

1,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amortization period of debt issuance cost

'7 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revised amortization period of debt issuance cost

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from issuance of mandatory redeemable trust preferred securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

20,000,000

15,000,000

10,000,000

'

'

Remaining unamortized portion of the issuance costs

625,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Remaining amortization period of debt issuance cost

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of trusts

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash Convertible Senior Notes [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash convertible senior notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt instrument maturity date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Mar-20

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Initial conversion rate (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

108.8732

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Initial conversion per principal amount of notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equivalent initial conversion price (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$9.18

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of cash price of note that can be repurchased (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Original issue discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective interest rate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7.40%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amounts recorded for the debt component of notes [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding principal

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unamortized OID

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-11,777,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total debt component

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

88,223,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

OID and deferred issuance costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense, including amortization of deferred issuance costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,400,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment for note hedge

-12,942,000

0

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from warrants sold

$3,023,000

$0

$0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warrants strike price (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$11.69

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

Represents the junior subordinated debentures acquired in conjunction with the ProCentury Merger on July 31, 2008.

DEBT_Debentures_Details

DEBT, Debentures (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013
Description of entity debenture [Abstract]	'
Principal Amount	$80,930
Junior Subordinated Debentures [Member]	'
Description of entity debenture [Abstract]	'
Year of Issuance	'2003
Description	'Junior subordinated debentures
Year Callable	'2008
Year Due	'2033
Interest Rate Terms	'Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.05%
Interest Rate at period end (in hundredths)	4.30%	[1]
Principal Amount	10,310
Interest Rate Terms (in hundredths)	4.05%
Senior Debentures [Member]	'
Description of entity debenture [Abstract]	'
Year of Issuance	'2004
Description	'Senior debentures
Year Callable	'2009
Year Due	'2034
Interest Rate Terms	'Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.00%
Interest Rate at period end (in hundredths)	4.24%	[1]
Principal Amount	13,000
Interest Rate Terms (in hundredths)	4.00%
Senior Debentures [Member]	'
Description of entity debenture [Abstract]	'
Year of Issuance	'2004
Description	'Senior debentures
Year Callable	'2009
Year Due	'2034
Interest Rate Terms	'Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.20%
Interest Rate at period end (in hundredths)	4.44%	[1]
Principal Amount	12,000
Interest Rate Terms (in hundredths)	4.20%
Junior Subordinated Debentures [Member]	'
Description of entity debenture [Abstract]	'
Year of Issuance	'2005
Description	'Junior subordinated debentures
Year Callable	'2010
Year Due	'2035
Interest Rate Terms	'Three-month LIBOR, plus 3.58%
Interest Rate at period end (in hundredths)	3.82%	[1]
Principal Amount	20,620
Interest Rate Terms (in hundredths)	3.58%
Junior Subordinated Debentures [Member]	'
Description of entity debenture [Abstract]	'
Description	'Junior subordinated debentures	[2]
Year Callable	'2007	[2]
Year Due	'2032	[2]
Interest Rate Terms	'Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.00%	[2]
Interest Rate at period end (in hundredths)	4.24%	[1],[2]
Principal Amount	15,000	[2]
Interest Rate Terms (in hundredths)	4.00%	[2]
Junior Subordinated Debentures [Member]	'
Description of entity debenture [Abstract]	'
Description	'Junior subordinated debentures	[2]
Year Callable	'2008	[2]
Year Due	'2033	[2]
Interest Rate Terms	'Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.10%	[2]
Interest Rate at period end (in hundredths)	4.34%	[1],[2]
Principal Amount	$10,000	[2]
Interest Rate Terms (in hundredths)	4.10%	[2]
[1]	The underlying three-month LIBOR rate varies as a result of the interest rate reset dates used in determining the three-month LIBOR rate, which varies for each long-term debt item each quarter.
[2]	Represents the junior subordinated debentures acquired in conjunction with the ProCentury Merger on July 31, 2008.

DERIVATIVE_INSTRUMENTS_Details

DERIVATIVE INSTRUMENTS (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Interest rate swaps rate and amount [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense incurred in relation to interest rate swaps

$3,519,000

$3,581,000

$3,653,000

$2,197,000

$2,047,000

$2,372,000

$2,033,000

$1,977,000

$12,950,000

$8,429,000

$8,347,000

Term Loan [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate swaps rate and amount [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage points added on variable rate of term loan and debentures (in hundredths)

2.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.50%

'

'

Junior Subordinated Debentures, 2.270% Fixed Rate [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate swaps rate and amount [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage points added on variable rate of term loan and debentures (in hundredths)

4.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.00%

'

'

Junior Subordinated Debentures, 2.180% Fixed Rate [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate swaps rate and amount [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage points added on variable rate of term loan and debentures (in hundredths)

4.10%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4.10%

'

'

Interest Rate Swap [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate swaps rate and amount [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense incurred in relation to interest rate swaps

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,300,000

3,100,000

3,700,000

Fair value of interest rate swaps

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,600,000

-4,500,000

'

Fair value of interest rate swaps, unrealized gain on derivatives

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,900,000

0

'

Fair value of interest rate swaps, unrealized loss on derivatives

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-1,300,000

-4,500,000

'

Accumulated other comprehensive income included accumulated loss on the cash flow hedge, net of taxes

1,000,000

'

'

'

-2,900,000

'

'

'

1,000,000

-2,900,000

'

Convertible Note Receivable [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate swaps rate and amount [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of interest rate swaps

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-16,800,000

'

'

Convertible Note Receivable [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible note receivable

2,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,600,000

2,000,000

'

'

Demand note receivable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

664,000

'

'

'

Term loan receivable interest rate (in hundredths)

3.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3.00%

'

'

Convertible Note Receivable [Member] | Term Loan [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Convertible Note Receivable [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Term loan receivable

4,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,200,000

'

'

Convertible note receivable interest rate (in hundredths)

5.50%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.50%

'

'

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate swaps rate and amount [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fixed Amount

102,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

102,500,000

'

'

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Senior Debentures, 6.250% Fixed Rate [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate swaps rate and amount [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Effective Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

29-Apr-13

'

'

Expiration Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

29-Apr-23

'

'

Debt Instrument hedge

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Senior debentures

[1]

'

'

Counterparty Interest Rate Terms

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.00%

'

'

Fixed Rate (in hundredths)

6.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.25%

'

'

Fixed Amount

13,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

13,000,000

'

'

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Term Loan [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate swaps rate and amount [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Effective Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

28-Sep-12

'

'

Expiration Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30-Aug-16

'

'

Debt Instrument hedge

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Term loan (1)

[1]

'

'

Counterparty Interest Rate Terms

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Three-month LIBOR

'

'

Fixed Rate (in hundredths)

0.71%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.71%

'

'

Fixed Amount

22,500,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

22,500,000

'

'

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Junior Subordinated Debentures, 2.270% Fixed Rate [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate swaps rate and amount [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Effective Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4-Sep-13

'

'

Expiration Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4-Sep-23

'

'

Debt Instrument hedge

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Junior subordinated debentures (2)

[2]

'

'

Counterparty Interest Rate Terms

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Three-month LIBOR

'

'

Fixed Rate (in hundredths)

2.27%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.27%

'

'

Fixed Amount

15,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,000,000

'

'

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Senior Debentures , 6.248% Fixed Rate[Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate swaps rate and amount [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Effective Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8-Sep-10

'

'

Expiration Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

24-May-16

'

'

Debt Instrument hedge

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Senior debentures

'

'

Counterparty Interest Rate Terms

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.20%

'

'

Fixed Rate (in hundredths)

6.25%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.25%

'

'

Fixed Amount

5,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Junior Subordinated Debentures, 6.16% Fixed Rate [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate swaps rate and amount [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Effective Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16-Sep-10

'

'

Expiration Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Sep-15

'

'

Debt Instrument hedge

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Junior subordinated debentures

'

'

Counterparty Interest Rate Terms

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Three-month LIBOR, plus 3.58%

'

'

Fixed Rate (in hundredths)

6.16%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.16%

'

'

Fixed Amount

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

'

'

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Junior Subordinated Debentures, 6.19% Fixed Rate [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate swaps rate and amount [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Effective Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

16-Sep-10

'

'

Expiration Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Sep-15

'

'

Debt Instrument hedge

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Junior subordinated debentures

'

'

Counterparty Interest Rate Terms

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Three-month LIBOR, plus 3.58%

'

'

Fixed Rate (in hundredths)

6.19%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.19%

'

'

Fixed Amount

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

'

'

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Senior Debentures, 6.472% Fixed Rate [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate swaps rate and amount [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Effective Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

24-May-11

'

'

Expiration Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

24-May-16

'

'

Debt Instrument hedge

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Senior debentures

'

'

Counterparty Interest Rate Terms

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.20%

'

'

Fixed Rate (in hundredths)

6.47%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.47%

'

'

Fixed Amount

7,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

7,000,000

'

'

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Junior Subordinated Debentures, 2.180% Fixed Rate [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate swaps rate and amount [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Effective Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Aug-13

'

'

Expiration Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15-Aug-23

'

'

Debt Instrument hedge

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Junior subordinated debentures (2)

[2]

'

'

Counterparty Interest Rate Terms

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Three-month LIBOR

'

'

Fixed Rate (in hundredths)

2.18%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2.18%

'

'

Fixed Amount

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

'

'

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Junior Subordinated Debentures, 6.340% Fixed Rate [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate swaps rate and amount [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Derivative Effective Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30-Jun-13

'

'

Expiration Date

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30-Jun-23

'

'

Debt Instrument hedge

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Junior subordinated debentures

[1]

'

'

Counterparty Interest Rate Terms

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.05%

'

'

Fixed Rate (in hundredths)

6.34%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

6.34%

'

'

Fixed Amount

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

'

'

Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Convertible Note Receivable [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate swaps rate and amount [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value of interest rate swaps

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$16,800,000

'

'

[1]

The Company is required to make fixed rate interest payments on the current balance of the term loan, amortizing in accordance with the term loan amortization schedule. The Company fixed only the variable interest portion of the loan. The actual interest payments associated with the term loan also include an additional rate of 2.50% in accordance with the Credit Facilities.

[2]

The Company fixed only the variable interest portion of the debt. The actual interest payments associated with the debentures also include an additional rate of 4.10% and 4.00% on the $10.0 million and $15.0 million debentures, respectively.

REGULATORY_MATTERS_AND_RATING_2

REGULATORY MATTERS AND RATING ISSUES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'	'
Minimum percentage of aggregate surplus required for dividend paid (in hundredths)	10.00%	'	'
Percentage statutory net income related to prior period (in hundredths)	100.00%	'	'
Dividends payable	$42,600,000	'	'
Dividends paid on common stock	3,991,000	8,542,000	8,889,000
Extraordinary dividends	127,300,000	'	'
Statutory basis information for the primary insurance subsidiaries [Abstract]	'	'	'
Statutory net income	-20,700,000	33,500,000	37,300,000
Gross leverage ratio as a multiple	1.9	'	'
Net written premium leverage ratio as a multiple	1.4	'	'
Consolidated statutory surplus	488,200,000	426,300,000	'
Total deposits with regulatory authority	756,500,000	361,500,000	'
Star [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory basis information for the primary insurance subsidiaries [Abstract]	'	'	'
Statutory capital and surplus	309,591,000	263,096,000	'
RBC authorized control level	80,246,000	80,831,000	'
Statutory net income	3,935,000	5,752,000	'
RBC % (in hundredth)	385.80%	325.50%	'
Savers [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory basis information for the primary insurance subsidiaries [Abstract]	'	'	'
Statutory capital and surplus	57,937,000	54,496,000	'
RBC authorized control level	13,565,000	13,763,000	'
Statutory net income	-3,561,000	6,051,000	'
RBC % (in hundredth)	427.10%	396.00%	'
Williamsburg [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory basis information for the primary insurance subsidiaries [Abstract]	'	'	'
Statutory capital and surplus	31,347,000	29,432,000	'
RBC authorized control level	7,097,000	7,193,000	'
Statutory net income	-2,018,000	1,705,000	'
RBC % (in hundredth)	441.70%	409.20%	'
Ameritrust [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory basis information for the primary insurance subsidiaries [Abstract]	'	'	'
Statutory capital and surplus	29,403,000	27,382,000	'
RBC authorized control level	6,122,000	6,236,000	'
Statutory net income	-1,398,000	2,291,000	'
RBC % (in hundredth)	480.30%	439.10%	'
Century [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory basis information for the primary insurance subsidiaries [Abstract]	'	'	'
Statutory capital and surplus	178,629,000	163,162,000	'
RBC authorized control level	40,714,000	40,749,000	'
Statutory net income	-3,776,000	15,328,000	'
RBC % (in hundredth)	438.70%	400.40%	'
PIC [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory basis information for the primary insurance subsidiaries [Abstract]	'	'	'
Statutory capital and surplus	46,050,000	37,304,000	'
RBC authorized control level	9,924,000	10,054,000	'
Statutory net income	-2,715,000	2,408,000	'
RBC % (in hundredth)	464.00%	371.00%	'
Subsidiaries [Member]	'	'	'
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]	'	'	'
Dividends paid on common stock	$14,000,000	$12,500,000	'

DEFERRED_POLICY_ACQUISITION_CO2

DEFERRED POLICY ACQUISITION COSTS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Policy acquisition costs deferred and amortized [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Balance, beginning of period	$45,417,000	$74,467,000	$68,451,000
Acquisition costs deferred	144,359,000	159,416,000	149,323,000
Amortized to expense during the period	-151,255,000	-156,480,000	-143,307,000
Change in Swiss Re QS Agreement	24,252,000	-31,986,000	0
Balance, end of period	62,773,000	45,417,000	74,467,000
Premium deficiencies	$0	$0	$0

INCOME_TAXES_Details

INCOME TAXES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Provision for income taxes [Abstract]	'	'	'
Current tax (benefit) expense	($17,533,000)	$1,048,000	$12,223,000
Deferred tax (benefit) expense	-13,427,000	-8,890,000	-54,000
Total provision for income tax (benefit) expense	-30,960,000	-7,842,000	12,169,000
U.S. federal income tax rate (in hundredths)	35.00%	'	'
Reconciliation of tax provision on income from operations to U.S. federal income tax rate [Abstract]	'	'	'
Tax provision at statutory rate	-51,011,000	439,000	18,495,000
Tax effect of [Abstract]	'	'	'
Goodwill impairment write off	26,532,000	0	0
Tax exempt interest	-6,057,000	-5,684,000	-5,409,000
Deferred tax asset valuation allowance	-548,000	-4,085,000	-260,000
Dividends received deduction	-539,000	-130,000	-235,000
Deferred and other tax asset adjustments	199,000	1,233,000	-903,000
State income taxes, net of federal benefit	113,000	153,000	422,000
Other, net	351,000	232,000	59,000
Total provision for income tax (benefit) expense	-30,960,000	-7,842,000	12,169,000
Effective tax (benefit) expense rate (in hundredths)	21.20%	-625.90%	23.00%
Current taxes receivable	20,500,000	3,600,000	'
Deferred Tax Assets [Abstract]	'	'	'
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	34,424,000	39,279,000	'
Unearned premium reserves	20,966,000	20,759,000	'
Net operating loss carry-forward	9,325,000	0	'
Goodwill	4,953,000	0	'
AMT credit carry-forward	2,312,000	1,355,000	'
Other than temporary impairment losses on investments and purchase accounting adjustments	2,015,000	3,365,000	'
Allowance for doubtful accounts	1,783,000	1,699,000	'
Compensation related	1,520,000	1,051,000	'
Amortization of debt and transaction costs	1,191,000	1,257,000	'
Other, net	839,000	876,000	'
Total Deferred Tax Assets	79,328,000	69,641,000	'
Deferred Tax Liabilities [Abstract]	'	'	'
Deferred policy acquisition costs	-21,970,000	-15,896,000	'
Unrealized gains on investments, net	-8,310,000	-25,523,000	'
Amortization of intangible assets	-3,872,000	-4,689,000	'
Depreciation	-2,750,000	-3,446,000	'
Goodwill	0	-7,754,000	'
Total Deferred Tax Liabilities	-36,902,000	-57,308,000	'
Net deferred tax assets before valuation allowance	42,426,000	12,333,000	'
Valuation allowance	-991,000	-1,404,000	'
Net deferred tax assets	41,435,000	10,929,000	'
(Increase) decrease in valuation allowance	413,000	4,276,000	'
Change in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets	-135,000	191,000	-287,000
Change in valuation allowance recorded in statement of operation	548,000	4,085,000	'
Net Operating Loss (NOL) Carry-forward	26,600,000	0	'
Unrecognized tax benefits	0	0	'
Accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions	$0	$0	'

VARIABLE_COMPENSATION_Details

VARIABLE COMPENSATION (Details) (USD $)

12 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2009

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Feb. 23, 2011

Feb. 23, 2010

Feb. 13, 2013

Feb. 23, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

2009 - 2011 plan [Member]

2009 - 2011 plan [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan 2012 [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan 2012 [Member]

Long Term Incentive Plan 2013 [Member]

Excess Plan [Member]

Excess Plan [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Non Restricted Stock [Member]

Non Restricted Stock [Member]

Non Restricted Stock [Member]

Non Restricted Stock [Member]

Senior Executive [Member]

Other Participants [Member]

Other Participants [Member]

Amended and restated stock option plan 2002 [Member]

Amended and restated stock option plan 2002 [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of stock awards vested immediately (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted and Non-Restricted Stock Awards [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock awards issued (in shares)

'

0

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

28,500

202,500

2,400

1,500

'

'

Stock award vesting period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Percentage of stock awards vesting annually (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

80.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Restricted stock awards requisite service period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Recognized stock awards compensation expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$330,000

$294,000

'

'

'

'

$137,000

$148,500

Unrecognized stock awards compensation expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

103,000

433,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Long Term Incentive Plan [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Performance period for goal achievement

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Portion of LTIP payable in stock (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock award vested based upon service (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

30.00%

40.00%

50.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Stock award vested based upon performance (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

70.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Recognized LTIP compensation expense

642,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

398,000

212,000

244,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Period over which each plan will be expensed

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred Compensation Plan [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred compensation benefits

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,200,000

2,200,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Deferred compensation arrangement with individual participant life insurance benefit

$250,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

SHAREHOLDERS_EQUITY_Details

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Details) (USD $)	0 Months Ended	12 Months Ended				1 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Oct. 28, 2011	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Feb. 12, 2014
						Subsequent Event [Member]
SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Shareholders' equity	'	$413,413	$558,279	$585,151	$540,403	'
Book value per common share (in dollars per share)	'	$8.29	$11.22	'	'	'
Number of shares authorized to be repurchased under stock repurchase plan (in shares)	5,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Period during which shares may be purchased under a stock repurchase plan	'24 months	'	'	'	'	'
Common stock repurchased during period (in shares)	'	0	1,267,300	2,225,000	'	'
Stock purchased and retired during period	'	'	11,517	20,441	'	'
Dividends paid on common stock	'	$3,991	$8,542	$8,889	'	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	$0.02
Date on which the dividend was declared	'	12-Feb-14	'	'	'	'
Date on which dividend is to be paid	'	7-Apr-14	'	'	'	'
Dividends payable record date	'	21-Mar-14	'	'	'	'

EARNINGS_PER_SHARE_Details

EARNINGS PER SHARE (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
EARNINGS PER SHARE [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	($11,850)	$5,516	($113,058)	$7,082	$37,987	($26,610)	($7,732)	$8,104	($112,310)	$11,749	$43,032
Basic [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	49,871,587	50,177,484	52,404,377
Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	49,871,587	50,177,484	52,404,377
Dilutive effect of [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Share awards under long term incentive plan (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	0	0	0
Total (in shares)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	49,871,587	50,177,484	52,404,377
Net income per common share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	($2.25)	$0.23	$0.82
Diluted (in dollars per share)	($0.24)	$0.11	($2.27)	$0.14	$0.76	($0.53)	($0.15)	$0.16	($2.25)	$0.23	$0.82

GOODWILL_AND_OTHER_INTANGIBLE_2

GOODWILL AND OTHER INTANGIBLE ASSETS (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2008

Goodwill [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Decrease in stock price (in hundredths)

'

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill, beginning balance

'

'

'

$121,041,000

'

'

'

$120,792,000

$121,041,000

$120,792,000

'

'

Additions to goodwill

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

249,000

'

'

Goodwill Impairment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-115,397,000

'

'

'

Goodwill, ending balance

5,644,000

'

'

'

121,041,000

'

'

'

5,644,000

121,041,000

120,792,000

'

Goodwill [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross Amount

5,644,000

'

'

'

121,041,000

'

'

'

5,644,000

121,041,000

'

'

Accumulated Impairment Loss

0

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

Net Carrying Value

5,644,000

'

'

'

121,041,000

'

'

'

5,644,000

121,041,000

120,792,000

'

Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other intangible assets Net

24,509,000

'

'

'

28,264,000

'

'

'

24,509,000

28,264,000

'

'

Other intangible assets, gross

53,800,000

'

'

'

53,400,000

'

'

'

53,800,000

53,400,000

'

'

Intangible assets, accumulated amortization

29,300,000

'

'

'

25,100,000

'

'

'

29,300,000

25,100,000

'

'

Write of intangible asset

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,800,000

'

'

'

Definite lived intangible assets, Net

19,000,000

'

'

'

22,800,000

'

'

'

19,000,000

22,800,000

'

'

Definite lived intangible assets, Gross

48,300,000

'

'

'

47,900,000

'

'

'

48,300,000

47,900,000

'

'

Acquired definite lived intangible assets, Net

1,200,000

'

'

'

2,000,000

'

'

'

1,200,000

2,000,000

'

'

Acquired definite lived intangible assets, Gross

14,500,000

'

'

'

14,500,000

'

'

'

14,500,000

14,500,000

'

'

Acquired definite lived intangible assets, accumulated depreciation

13,300,000

'

'

'

12,500,000

'

'

'

13,300,000

12,500,000

'

'

Acquired definite lived intangible assets, Estimated Useful Life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'3 years

'

'

'8 years

Indefinite lived intangible assets, net

5,500,000

'

'

'

5,500,000

'

'

'

5,500,000

5,500,000

'

'

Amortization of other intangible assets

1,091,000

1,037,000

1,038,000

1,071,000

3,201,000

1,372,000

1,307,000

1,416,000

4,137,000

7,296,000

4,847,000

'

Amortization expense for the five succeeding years [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2014

3,881,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,881,000

'

'

'

2015

3,482,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,482,000

'

'

'

2016

2,773,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,773,000

'

'

'

2017

2,332,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,332,000

'

'

'

2018

1,902,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,902,000

'

'

'

Total amortization expense

14,370,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

14,370,000

'

'

'

Agent Relationships [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible assets, accumulated amortization

8,300,000

'

'

'

6,200,000

'

'

'

8,300,000

6,200,000

'

'

Definite lived intangible assets, Net

12,700,000

'

'

'

14,800,000

'

'

'

12,700,000

14,800,000

'

'

Definite lived intangible assets, Gross

21,000,000

'

'

'

21,000,000

'

'

'

21,000,000

21,000,000

'

'

Definite lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'10 years

'

'

'15 years

Acquired definite lived intangible assets, accumulated depreciation

8,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

8,300,000

'

'

'

Agent Relationships [Member] | Maximum [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquired definite lived intangible assets, Estimated Useful Life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'15 years

'

'

'

Trade Names [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Intangible assets, accumulated amortization

2,700,000

'

'

'

2,700,000

'

'

'

2,700,000

2,700,000

'

'

Definite lived intangible assets, Net

2,300,000

'

'

'

2,300,000

'

'

'

2,300,000

2,300,000

'

'

Definite lived intangible assets, Gross

5,000,000

'

'

'

5,000,000

'

'

'

5,000,000

5,000,000

'

'

Definite lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'10 years

Acquired definite lived intangible assets, accumulated depreciation

2,700,000

'

'

'

2,700,000

'

'

'

2,700,000

2,700,000

'

'

Trade Names [Member] | Minimum [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other Intangible Assets [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Acquired definite lived intangible assets, Estimated Useful Life

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'5 years

'

'

'

Agency Operations [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill, beginning balance

'

'

'

5,644,000

'

'

'

5,395,000

5,644,000

5,395,000

'

'

Additions to goodwill

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

249,000

'

'

Goodwill Impairment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

Goodwill, ending balance

5,644,000

'

'

'

5,644,000

'

'

'

5,644,000

5,644,000

'

'

Goodwill [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross Amount

5,644,000

'

'

'

5,644,000

'

'

'

5,644,000

5,644,000

'

'

Accumulated Impairment Loss

0

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

Net Carrying Value

5,644,000

'

'

'

5,644,000

'

'

'

5,644,000

5,644,000

'

'

Specialty Insurance Operations [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill [Roll Forward]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Goodwill, beginning balance

'

'

'

115,397,000

'

'

'

115,397,000

115,397,000

115,397,000

'

'

Additions to goodwill

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

'

'

Goodwill Impairment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-115,397,000

'

'

'

Goodwill, ending balance

0

'

'

'

115,397,000

'

'

'

0

115,397,000

'

'

Goodwill [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Gross Amount

0

'

'

'

115,397,000

'

'

'

0

115,397,000

'

'

Accumulated Impairment Loss

0

'

'

'

0

'

'

'

0

0

'

'

Net Carrying Value

$0

'

'

'

$115,397,000

'

'

'

$0

$115,397,000

'

'

COMMITMENTS_AND_CONTINGENCIES_1

COMMITMENTS AND CONTINGENCIES (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended					12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 04, 2013	Jul. 23, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
				AIG Arbitration [Member]	AIG Arbitration [Member]	Minimum [Member]	Maximum [Member]
Future minimum rental payments required under non-cancelable long-term operating leases [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
2014	$2,511,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
2015	2,774,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
2016	2,570,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
2017	2,384,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
2018	1,902,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Thereafter	6,647,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Total minimum lease commitments	18,788,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Rent expense	4,100,000	4,700,000	5,000,000	'	'	'	'
Commitment to fund strategic investment in Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P.	'	10,000,000	'	'	'	'	'
Investment in Aquiline Financial Services Fund II L.P.	6,400,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Unfunded commitment remaining	3,600,000	'	'	'	'	'	'
Loss contingency accrual insurance related assessment policy surcharge asset or premium tax offset	7,000,000	6,800,000	8,600,000	'	'	'	'
Insurance related assessment amount paid	4,200,000	4,900,000	5,000,000	'	'	'	'
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Percentage of annual premium written (in hundredths)	'	'	'	'	'	1.00%	2.00%
Excess of loss treaty amount of potential loss per occurrence	'	'	'	'	42,600,000	'	'
Company's original retention level of potential loss per occurence	'	'	'	'	250,000	'	'
Retention buy down treaty amount of potential loss per occurrence	'	'	'	'	100,000	'	'
Legal contingency amount reinsurer sought to recover from company	'	'	'	25,000,000	'	'	'
Legal contingency amount company sought to recover from reinsurer	'	'	'	'	2,900,000	'	'
Legal contingency gross amount reinsurer claimed was due back from company	'	'	'	'	4,500,000	'	'
Legal settlement amount awarded reinsurer by arbitration panel	'	'	'	'	1,600,000	'	'
Legal settlement amount awarded reinsurer for interest on award by arbitration panel and legal fees	'	'	'	'	$2,000,000	'	'

RELATED_PARTY_TRANSACTIONS_Det

RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS (Details) (Executive Officer [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Executive Officer [Member]	'	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'	'
Notes Receivable	$709,000	$737,000
Accrued interest	48,000	76,000
Related party transaction rate (in hundredths)	2.74%	'
Number of shares of common stock under a stock pledge agreement (in shares)	64,718	'
Amount paid against the loan	43,800	43,800
Cumulative amount paid related notes receivable from related parties	$425,600	'

EMPLOYEE_BENEFIT_PLANS_Details

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS [Abstract]	'	'	'
Employer matching contributions	$1,400,000	$1,300,000	$1,400,000
Employee Benefit Plan Profit sharing contributions	$0	$0	$0

QUARTERLY_FINANCIAL_DATA_Unaud2

QUARTERLY FINANCIAL DATA (Unaudited) (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended																12 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013		Sep. 30, 2013		Jun. 30, 2013		Mar. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Sep. 30, 2012		Jun. 30, 2012		Mar. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of unaudited quarterly results of operations [Abstract]	'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'		'	'	'
Gross premiums written	$185,232		$257,028		$234,086		$267,665		$246,661		$305,935		$256,082		$257,955		'	'	'
Net premium written	144,409		185,858		166,555		194,815		110,653		248,646		219,229		218,975		691,637	797,502	776,253
Net premiums earned	169,992		181,056		175,781		170,588		226,734		223,407		211,303		192,815		697,417	854,259	747,635
Net commissions and fees	10,881		10,458		8,539		9,634		9,122		7,410		8,552		8,965		39,512	34,049	32,115
Net investment income	11,870		11,695		11,768		11,140		11,913		13,815		13,683		13,732		46,473	53,143	54,522
Net realized gains	3,909		675		2,869		316		52,111		902		1,567		732		7,769	55,312	2,949
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses	149,603		132,247		145,371		121,816		166,481		212,698		165,758		132,747		549,037	677,684	495,351
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses	62,227		54,228		58,450		50,605		70,587		71,373		68,993		63,113		225,510	274,066	250,535
General, selling and administrative expenses	6,839		7,026		5,901		6,023		6,052		5,745		6,327		6,339		25,789	24,463	24,775
General corporate expense	696		1,025		760		1,516		724		717		758		1,373		3,997	3,572	400
Amortization expense	1,091		1,037		1,038		1,071		3,201		1,372		1,307		1,416		4,137	7,296	4,847
Goodwill impairment expense	0		0		115,397		0		0		0		0		0		115,397	0	0
Interest expense	3,519		3,581		3,653		2,197		2,047		2,372		2,033		1,977		12,950	8,429	8,347
Net income (loss)	($11,850)		$5,516		($113,058)		$7,082		$37,987		($26,610)		($7,732)		$8,104		($112,310)	$11,749	$43,032
Diluted earnings (losses) per share (in dollars per share)	($0.24)		$0.11		($2.27)		$0.14		$0.76		($0.53)		($0.15)		$0.16		($2.25)	$0.23	$0.82
GAAP combined ratio (in hundredths)	124.60%	[1]	103.00%	[1]	116.00%	[1]	101.10%	[1]	104.50%	[1]	127.10%	[1]	111.10%	[1]	101.50%	[1]	'	'	'
[1]	Management uses the GAAP combined ratio and its components to assess and benchmark underwriting performance. The GAAP combined ratio is the sum of the GAAP loss and loss adjustment expense ratio and the GAAP expense ratio. The GAAP loss and loss adjustment expense ratio is the net incurred loss and loss adjustment expense in relation to net earned premium. The GAAP expense ratio is the policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses in relation to net earned premium.

ACCUMULATED_OTHER_COMPREHENSIV2

ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2012	Jun. 30, 2012	Mar. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
ACCUMULATED OTHER COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Tax rate used in reporting comprehensive earning on net basis (in hundredths)	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	35.00%	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Item]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$30,960	$7,842	($12,169)
Net (loss) income	-11,850	5,516	-113,058	7,082	37,987	-26,610	-7,732	8,104	-112,310	11,749	43,032
Reclassification Out Of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member] | Unrealized Gain or Loss on Available for Sale Securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Item]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net realized gains	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	7,741	55,313	'
Tax expense	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	-2,709	-19,360	'
Net (loss) income	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	$5,032	$35,953	'

Schedule_I_Summary_of_investme1

Schedule I Summary of investments - other than investments in related parties (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	$1,551,100
Estimated Fair Value	1,573,028
Amount at Which Shown on the Balance Sheet	1,573,028
Debt Securities [Member]	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	1,455,754
Estimated Fair Value	1,463,046
Amount at Which Shown on the Balance Sheet	1,463,046
Debt Securities [Member] | U.S. Government and agencies [Member]	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	24,985
Estimated Fair Value	25,369
Amount at Which Shown on the Balance Sheet	25,369
Debt Securities [Member] | Obligations of states and political subs [Member]	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	730,004
Estimated Fair Value	735,392
Amount at Which Shown on the Balance Sheet	735,392
Debt Securities [Member] | Corporate securities [Member]	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	534,913
Estimated Fair Value	538,507
Amount at Which Shown on the Balance Sheet	538,507
Debt Securities [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	118,930
Estimated Fair Value	116,384
Amount at Which Shown on the Balance Sheet	116,384
Debt Securities [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	26,719
Estimated Fair Value	26,468
Amount at Which Shown on the Balance Sheet	26,468
Debt Securities [Member] | Other asset-backed securities [Member]	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	20,203
Estimated Fair Value	20,926
Amount at Which Shown on the Balance Sheet	20,926
Equity Securities [Member]	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	95,346
Estimated Fair Value	109,982
Amount at Which Shown on the Balance Sheet	109,982
Equity Securities [Member] | Perpetual preferred stock [Member]	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	71
Estimated Fair Value	218
Amount at Which Shown on the Balance Sheet	218
Equity Securities [Member] | Common stock [Member]	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	95,275
Estimated Fair Value	109,764
Amount at Which Shown on the Balance Sheet	$109,764

SCHEDULE_II_CONDENSED_FINANCIA1

SCHEDULE II CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT PARENT COMPANY ONLY (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

12 Months Ended

In Thousands, unless otherwise specified

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Jun. 30, 2013

Mar. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2012

Jun. 30, 2012

Mar. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Dec. 31, 2011

Dec. 31, 2010

ASSETS

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents

$94,776

'

'

'

$342,124

'

'

'

$94,776

$342,124

$101,757

'

Goodwill

5,644

'

'

'

121,041

'

'

'

5,644

121,041

120,792

'

Other assets

147,475

'

'

'

97,424

'

'

'

147,475

97,424

'

'

Total assets

2,761,842

'

'

'

2,713,274

'

'

'

2,761,842

2,713,274

'

'

LIABILITIES

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other liabilities

31,231

'

'

'

15,714

'

'

'

31,231

15,714

'

'

Debt

160,723

'

'

'

78,500

'

'

'

160,723

78,500

'

'

Debentures

80,930

'

'

'

80,930

'

'

'

80,930

80,930

'

'

Total liabilities

2,348,429

'

'

'

2,154,995

'

'

'

2,348,429

2,154,995

'

'

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock

499

'

'

'

505

'

'

'

499

505

'

'

Additional paid-in capital

276,410

'

'

'

272,472

'

'

'

276,410

272,472

'

'

Retained earnings

120,894

'

'

'

237,351

'

'

'

120,894

237,351

'

'

Note receivable from officer

-709

'

'

'

-737

'

'

'

-709

-737

'

'

Accumulated other comprehensive income

16,319

'

'

'

48,688

'

'

'

16,319

48,688

'

'

Total shareholders' equity

413,413

'

'

'

558,279

'

'

'

413,413

558,279

585,151

540,403

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

2,761,842

'

'

'

2,713,274

'

'

'

2,761,842

2,713,274

'

'

INCOME STATEMENT [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

791,171

996,763

837,221

'

Operating expenses [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense

3,519

3,581

3,653

2,197

2,047

2,372

2,033

1,977

12,950

8,429

8,347

'

Amortization expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,237

7,296

4,973

'

Goodwill Impairment

0

0

115,397

0

0

0

0

0

115,397

0

0

'

(Loss) income before taxes and equity earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-145,746

1,253

52,840

'

Federal and state income tax (benefit) expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-30,960

-7,842

12,169

'

Subsidiary equity (loss) earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,441

2,652

2,418

'

Net (loss) income

-11,850

5,516

-113,058

7,082

37,987

-26,610

-7,732

8,104

-112,310

11,749

43,032

'

STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net (loss) income

-11,850

5,516

-113,058

7,082

37,987

-26,610

-7,732

8,104

-112,310

11,749

43,032

'

Other comprehensive income, net of tax [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized (losses) gains on securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-31,178

15,549

33,779

'

Unrealized gains (losses) in affiliates and unconsolidated subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-113

163

-23

'

Increase on non-credit other-than-temporary impairments on securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

741

17

'

Net deferred derivative gains - hedging activity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,954

334

578

'

Less: reclassification adjustment for investment gains included in net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-5,032

-35,953

-1,872

'

Other comprehensive (loss) income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-32,369

-19,166

32,479

'

Comprehensive (loss) income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-144,679

-7,417

75,511

'

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Operating Activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,995

122,043

138,118

'

Cash Flow from Investing Activities [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Capital Expenditures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-2,148

-2,663

-5,958

'

Purchase of books of business

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

-3,700

-1,036

'

Loan receivable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,063

706

940

'

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-326,012

88,372

-88,467

'

Cash Flow from Financing Activities [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividend paid on common stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,991

-8,542

-8,889

'

Share repurchases of common stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

-11,517

-20,441

'

Payroll taxes associated with long-term incentive plan stock issuance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

9

'

Other financing activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

28

30

30

'

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

76,669

29,952

-38,308

'

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-247,348

240,367

11,343

'

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

'

'

'

342,124

'

'

'

101,757

342,124

101,757

90,414

'

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

94,776

'

'

'

342,124

'

'

'

94,776

342,124

101,757

'

Supplemental Disclosure for Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based employee compensation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

358

362

535

'

PARENT COMPANY ONLY [Member]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

ASSETS

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investment in subsidiaries

561,214

'

'

'

586,085

[1]

'

'

'

561,214

586,085

[1]

'

'

Cash and cash equivalents

12,330

'

'

'

418

[1]

'

'

'

12,330

418

[1]

111

'

Goodwill

0

'

'

'

62,328

[1]

'

'

'

0

62,328

[1]

'

'

Other assets

58,538

'

'

'

39,786

[1]

'

'

'

58,538

39,786

[1]

'

'

Total assets

632,082

'

'

'

688,617

[1]

'

'

'

632,082

688,617

[1]

'

'

LIABILITIES

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Other liabilities

23,687

'

'

'

17,268

[1]

'

'

'

23,687

17,268

[1]

'

'

Payable to subsidiaries

8,329

'

'

'

8,640

[1]

'

'

'

8,329

8,640

[1]

'

'

Debt

130,723

'

'

'

48,500

[1]

'

'

'

130,723

48,500

[1]

'

'

Debentures

55,930

'

'

'

55,930

[1]

'

'

'

55,930

55,930

[1]

'

'

Total liabilities

218,669

'

'

'

130,338

[1]

'

'

'

218,669

130,338

[1]

'

'

SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Common stock

499

'

'

'

505

[1]

'

'

'

499

505

[1]

'

'

Additional paid-in capital

276,410

'

'

'

272,472

[1]

'

'

'

276,410

272,472

[1]

'

'

Retained earnings

120,894

'

'

'

237,351

[1]

'

'

'

120,894

237,351

[1]

'

'

Note receivable from officer

-709

'

'

'

-737

[1]

'

'

'

-709

-737

[1]

'

'

Accumulated other comprehensive income

16,319

'

'

'

48,688

[1]

'

'

'

16,319

48,688

[1]

'

'

Total shareholders' equity

413,413

'

'

'

558,279

[1]

'

'

'

413,413

558,279

[1]

'

'

Total liabilities and shareholders' equity

632,082

'

'

'

688,617

[1]

'

'

'

632,082

688,617

[1]

'

'

INCOME STATEMENT [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Revenues

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,935

2,043

1,970

'

Operating expenses [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,072

6,582

6,604

'

Amortization expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,756

4,813

2,142

'

Goodwill Impairment

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

62,328

0

0

'

Other expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

4,026

3,599

429

'

Total operating expenses

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

80,182

14,994

9,175

'

(Loss) income before taxes and equity earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-78,247

-12,951

-7,205

'

Federal and state income tax (benefit) expense

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-5,506

-4,534

-2,563

'

Loss before subsidiary equity earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-72,741

-8,417

-4,642

'

Subsidiary equity (loss) earnings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-39,569

20,166

47,674

'

Net (loss) income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-112,310

11,749

43,032

'

STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net (loss) income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-112,310

11,749

43,032

'

Other comprehensive income, net of tax [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unrealized (losses) gains on securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

'

Unrealized gains (losses) in affiliates and unconsolidated subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

14

-2

'

Increase on non-credit other-than-temporary impairments on securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

'

Net deferred derivative gains - hedging activity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,105

254

240

'

Less: reclassification adjustment for investment gains included in net income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

0

'

Other comprehensive income - parent only

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

2,105

268

238

'

Equity in other comprehensive (loss) income of subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-34,474

-19,434

32,241

'

Other comprehensive (loss) income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-32,369

-19,166

32,479

'

Comprehensive (loss) income

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-144,679

-7,417

75,511

'

STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Net Cash (Used in) Provided by Operating Activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-14,724

-4,717

-1,659

'

Cash Flow from Investing Activities [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Dividends from subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,728

15,906

22,571

'

Investment in Subsidiaries

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-73,446

-10,000

0

'

Capital Expenditures

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

-184

0

'

Purchase of books of business

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

-1,200

0

'

Loan receivable

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,912

406

436

'

Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-49,806

4,928

23,007

'

Cash Flow from Financing Activities [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from borrowings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

86,405

60,000

4,500

'

Principal payments on borrowings

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-6,000

-39,875

-13,875

'

Dividend paid on common stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-3,991

-8,542

-8,889

'

Share repurchases of common stock

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

-11,517

-20,441

'

Payroll taxes associated with long-term incentive plan stock issuance

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0

0

9

'

Other financing activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

28

30

30

'

Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

76,442

96

-38,666

'

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

11,912

307

-17,318

'

Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of year

'

'

'

418

[1]

'

'

'

111

418

[1]

111

17,429

'

Cash and cash equivalents, end of year

12,330

'

'

'

418

[1]

'

'

'

12,330

418

[1]

111

'

Supplemental Disclosure for Non-cash Investing and Financing Activities [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share-based employee compensation

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$358

$363

$535

'

[1]

Prior year information was adjusted to conform with current year financial presentation.

Schedule_IV_Reinsurance_Detail

Schedule IV Reinsurance (Details) (Property and Liability Insurance [Member], USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Property and Liability Insurance [Member]	'	'	'
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]	'	'	'
Gross amount	$928,919	$977,749	$846,402
Ceded to other companies	331,645	159,706	122,226
Assumed from other companies	100,143	36,216	23,459
Net amount	$697,417	$854,259	$747,635
Percentage of amount assumed to net (in hundredths)	14.36%	4.24%	3.14%

Schedule_V_Valuation_and_Quali1

Schedule V Valuation and Qualifying Accounts (Details) (USD $)	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Allowance for Doubtful Accounts [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	$4,855	$3,904	$3,015
Charged to costs and expense	3,176	4,014	3,712
Charged to other accounts	0	0	0
Deductions from allowance account	2,937	3,063	2,823
Balance at end of period	5,094	4,855	3,904
Allowance for Reinsurance Recoverables (Paid and Reserves) [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	9,980	9,998	9,646
Charged to costs and expense	5,239	31	381
Charged to other accounts	0	0	0
Deductions from allowance account	1,250	49	28
Balance at end of period	13,969	9,980	9,998
Valuation For Deferred Tax Assets [Member]	'	'	'
Valuation and Qualifying Accounts Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'	'
Balance at beginning of period	1,404	5,680	5,653
Charged to costs and expense	0	0	0
Charged to other accounts	135	0	288
Deductions from allowance account	548	4,276	291
Balance at end of period	$991	$1,404	$5,680

Schedule_VI_Supplemental_Infor1

Schedule VI Supplemental Information Concerning Property and Casualty Insurance Operations (Details) (USD $)	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012		Dec. 31, 2011
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified					Consolidated Property and Casualty Subsidiaries [Member]		Consolidated Property and Casualty Subsidiaries [Member]		Consolidated Property and Casualty Subsidiaries [Member]
Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'		'		'
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	'	'	'	'	$62,773		$45,417		$74,467
Reserves for Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	'	'	'	'	1,616,521	[1]	1,455,980	[1]	1,194,977	[1]
Discount, if any, deducted from previous column	'	'	'	'	0	[2]	0	[2]	0	[2]
Unearned Premiums	'	'	'	'	354,367	[1]	439,418	[1]	386,750	[1]
Net Premiums Earned	'	'	'	'	697,417		854,259		747,635
Net Investment Income	'	'	'	'	45,755		52,357		53,746
Losses and loss adjustment expense Current Year	'	'	'	'	480,637		592,169		488,040
Losses and loss adjustment expense Prior Years	'	'	'	'	68,400		85,515		7,311
Amortization policy acquisition expenses	'	'	'	'	127,003		188,466		143,307
Paid losses and loss adjustment expenses	'	'	'	'	512,022		482,702		400,460
Net Premiums Written	'	'	'	'	691,637		797,502		776,253
Reinsurance recoverables	505,431	381,905	315,884	280,854	505,400		381,905		315,884
Ceded unearned premiums	$63,908	$143,180	'	'	$63,900		$143,180		$33,754
[1]	Reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses are shown gross of $505.4 million, $381.9 million, and $315.9 million of reinsurance recoverable on unpaid losses in 2013, 2012, and 2011 respectively.B Unearned premiums are shown gross of ceded unearned premiums of $63.9 million, $143.2 million, and $33.8 million in 2013, 2012, and 2011 respectively.
[2]	The Company does not employ any discounting techniques.