Meadowbrook Insurance (MIG) 10-Q 10 Nov 14 2014 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Nov. 03, 2014
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 Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	50,091,690
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2014	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-14	'

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_INC

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Premiums earned	'	'	'	'
Gross	$200,822	$260,273	$630,275	$789,468
Ceded	-39,073	-79,217	-141,864	-262,043
Net earned premiums	161,749	181,056	488,411	527,425
Net commissions and fees	11,960	10,458	33,349	28,631
Net investment income	11,087	11,695	33,557	34,603
Realized gains:	'	'	'	'
Total other-than-temporary impairments on securities	0	0	0	0
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0
Net other-than-temporary impairments on securities recognized in earnings	0	0	0	0
Net realized gains excluding other-than-temporary impairments on securities	2,973	675	9,252	3,860
Net realized gains	2,973	675	9,252	3,860
Total revenues	187,769	203,884	564,569	594,519
Expenses	'	'	'	'
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	141,753	197,314	423,991	590,095
Reinsurance recoveries	-35,095	-65,067	-104,483	-190,661
Net losses and loss adjustment expenses	106,658	132,247	319,508	399,434
Policy acquisition and other underwriting expenses	60,816	54,228	179,373	163,283
General, selling and administrative expenses	9,949	7,026	25,196	18,950
General corporate expenses	1,372	1,025	4,420	3,301
Amortization expense	1,011	1,037	2,959	3,146
Goodwill impairment expense	'	'	0	115,397
Interest expense	3,506	3,581	10,440	9,431
Total expenses	183,312	199,144	541,896	712,942
Income (loss) before taxes and equity earnings	4,457	4,740	22,673	-118,423
Federal and state income tax expense (benefit)	445	356	4,474	-15,412
Equity earnings of affiliates, net of tax	953	1,164	2,870	2,547
Equity earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries, net of tax	2	-32	18	4
Net income (loss)	$4,967	$5,516	$21,087	($100,460)
Earnings (Losses) Per Share	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.09	$0.11	$0.42	($2.01)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.09	$0.11	$0.42	($2.01)
Weighted average number of common shares	'	'	'	'
Basic (in shares)	50,092,755	49,887,200	50,054,031	49,866,326
Diluted (in shares)	50,092,755	49,933,540	50,054,031	49,866,326
Dividends paid per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.02	$0.02	$0.06	$0.06

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_COM

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (Unaudited) [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$4,967	$5,516	$21,087	($100,460)
Other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax:	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains (losses) on securities	-932	3,243	22,819	-32,026
Unrealized gains (losses) in affiliates and unconsolidated subsidiaries	41	-316	159	-254
Increase on non-credit other-than-temporary impairments on securities	0	0	0	0
Net deferred derivative (losses) gains - hedging activity	232	140	-973	3,178
Less reclassification adjustment for investment gains included in net income	-1,933	-457	-6,014	-2,534
Other comprehensive gains (losses), net of tax	-2,592	2,610	15,991	-31,636
Comprehensive income (loss)	$2,375	$8,126	$37,078	($132,096)

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Un

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Investments	'	'
Debt securities available for sale, at fair value (amortized cost of $1,445,409 and $1,455,754 in 2014 and 2013, respectively)	$1,480,162	$1,463,046
Equity securities available for sale, at fair value (cost of $94,158 and $95,346 in 2014 and 2013, respectively)	106,870	109,982
Cash and cash equivalents	106,084	94,776
Accrued investment income	14,759	14,266
Premiums and agent balances receivable (net allowance of $5,410 and $5,094 in 2014 and 2013 respectively)	188,995	214,144
Reinsurance recoverable on:	'	'
Paid losses	8,358	14,453
Unpaid losses	537,879	505,431
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	34,620	63,908
Deferred policy acquisition costs	65,128	62,773
Deferred income taxes, net	28,520	41,435
Goodwill	6,857	5,644
Other intangible assets	22,911	24,509
Other assets	138,290	147,475
Total assets	2,739,433	2,761,842
Liabilities	'	'
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	1,616,674	1,616,521
Unearned premiums	302,569	354,367
Debt	152,373	160,723
Debentures	80,930	80,930
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	42,246	29,712
Funds held and reinsurance balances payable	29,857	29,320
Payable to insurance companies	41,832	45,625
Other liabilities	24,848	31,231
Total liabilities	2,291,329	2,348,429
Shareholders' Equity	'	'
Common stock, $0.01 par value; authorized 75,000,000 shares; 50,093,690 and 49,887,200 shares issued and outstanding	501	499
Additional paid-in capital	277,007	276,410
Retained earnings	138,976	120,894
Note receivable from officer	-690	-709
Accumulated other comprehensive income	32,310	16,319
Total shareholders' equity	448,104	413,413
Total liabilities and shareholders' equity	$2,739,433	$2,761,842

CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE_SHEETS_Un1

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
Investments	'	'
Debt securities available for sale, amortized cost	$1,445,409	$1,455,754
Equity securities available for sale, at cost	94,158	95,346
Premiums and agent balances receivable, allowance	$5,410	$5,094
Shareholders' Equity	'	'
Common stock, par 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)	50,093,690	49,887,200
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	50,093,690	49,887,200

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENT_OF_SHAR

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY (Unaudited) (USD $)	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-In Capital [Member]	Retained Earnings [Member]	Note Receivable from Officer [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Total
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Balances at Dec. 31, 2013	$499	$276,410	$120,894	($709)	$16,319	$413,413
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net income	0	0	21,087	0	0	21,087
Dividends declared	0	0	-3,005	0	0	-3,005
Change in unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities, net of tax	0	0	0	0	16,600	16,600
Change in valuation allowance on deferred tax assets	0	0	0	0	205	205
Net deferred derivative loss - hedging activity	0	0	0	0	-973	-973
Stock award, net of tax	2	92	0	0	0	94
Long term incentive plan; stock award for 2013 and 2014 plan years	0	505	0	0	0	505
Change in investment of affiliates, net of tax	0	0	0	0	174	174
Change in investment of unconsolidated subsidiaries	0	0	0	0	-15	-15
Note receivable from officer	0	0	0	19	0	19
Balances at Sep. 30, 2014	$501	$277,007	$138,976	($690)	$32,310	$448,104

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013
Cash Flows From Operating Activities	'		'
Net income (loss)	$21,087		($100,460)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:	'		'
Amortization of other intangible assets	2,959		3,146
Amortization of deferred debenture issuance costs	0		73
Impairment of goodwill	0		115,397
Depreciation of furniture, equipment, and building	3,217		3,479
Net amortization of discount and premiums on bonds	9,685		8,453
Accretion of issued debt/original issue discount	1,149		784
Amortization of capitalized convertible note fees	327		223
Gain on sale of investments	-9,159		-3,898
Gain on sale of fixed assets	-231		-66
Long-term incentive plan expense	538		324
Stock award	118		274
Equity earnings of affiliates, net of taxes	-2,870		-2,547
Equity earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries, net of tax	-18		-4
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)	4,612		-7,870
Write-off of book of business	52		0
(Increase) decrease in:	'		'
Premiums and agent balances receivable	25,208		-16,679
Reinsurance recoverable on paid and unpaid losses	-26,353		-108,321
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	29,288		50,493
Deferred policy acquisition costs	-2,355		-14,815
Other assets	8,406		-24,147
Increase (decrease) in:	'		'
Losses and loss adjustment expenses	153		123,411
Unearned premiums	-51,798		-30,690
Payable to insurance companies	-3,793		26,099
Funds held and reinsurance balances payable	537		-11,845
Other liabilities	-7,600		8,122
Total adjustments	-17,928		119,396
Net cash provided by operating activities	3,159		18,936
Cash Flows From Investing Activities	'		'
Purchase of debt securities available for sale	-63,765		-400,212
Proceeds from sales and maturities of debt securities available for sale	77,450		145,606
Purchase of equity securities available for sale	-27,619		-98,385
Proceeds from sales of equity securities available for sale	37,157		18,285
Capital expenditures	-1,316		-1,363
Other investing activities	6		-680
Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities	21,913		-336,749
Cash Flows From Financing Activities	'		'
Payments on term loan and revolving credit facility	-9,500		-4,500
Proceeds from convertible senior notes	0		96,324
Payments for convertible senior notes hedge	0		-12,942
Proceeds from issuance of warrants	0		3,023
Book overdrafts	-1,278		188
Dividends paid on common stock	-3,005		-2,993
Other financing activities	19		22
Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities	-13,764		79,122
Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	11,308		-238,691
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of period	94,776		342,124
Cash and cash equivalents, end of period	106,084		103,433
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:	'		'
Interest paid	5,077		8,092
Net income taxes (received) paid	-5,136	[1]	1,165	[1]
Supplemental Disclosure of Non Cash Investing and Financing Activities:	'		'
Stock-based employee compensation	$118		$274
[1]	Tax return refunds were received in first quarter of 2014 and 2013 for $8,886 and $3,067, respectively.

CONSOLIDATED_STATEMENTS_OF_CAS1

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (Unaudited) (Parenthetical) (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Supplemental Disclosure of Cash Flow Information:	'	'
Tax refunds received	$8,886	$3,067

Summary_of_Significant_Account

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	'
	NOTE 1 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies
	Basis of Presentation and Management Representation
	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, is a wholly owned subsidiary of ProCentury (Star, Savers, Williamsburg, Ameritrust, Century, and PIC are collectively referred to as “Insurance Company Subsidiaries”).
	In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present a fair statement of the results for the interim period.  Preparation of financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  The results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year.
	These financial statements and the notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and accompanying notes included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.
	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 entered into an agreement with State National Insurance Company, National Specialty Insurance Company and United Specialty Insurance Company (collectively, “SNIC”), whereby certain business from our Insurance Company Subsidiaries is written directly with SNIC and 100% assumed collectively by our Insurance Company Subsidiaries.  Our Insurance Company Subsidiaries pay SNIC a 5.5% policy issuance fee, which is reflected as assumed commission expense on the applicable Insurance Company Subsidiaries’ financial statements. For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014, our Insurance Company Subsidiaries collectively assumed $79.3 million and $214.4 million, respectively, in gross written premium from SNIC.  The impact of the SNIC policy issuance fee on the Company’s expense ratio was 2.3% and 2.2% for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.
	Fee income, which includes risk management consulting, loss control, and claims services, is recognized during the period that 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 unaffiliated insurance carriers are recognized when determinable, which is when such commissions are received.
	Income Taxes
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits.  As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had no accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions.
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive
	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 additional 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 10 ~ Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments	'
Investments	'
	NOTE 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
			30-Sep-14
			Cost or Amortized Cost				Gross Unrealized
																		Estimated
														Non-Credit OTTI				Fair Value
							Gains				Losses
	Debt Securities:
	U.S. Government and agencies		$	24,442			$	503			$	(118	)	$	-			$	24,827
	Obligations of states and political subs			703,170				27,283				(3,838	)		-				726,615
	Corporate securities			571,926				15,343				(4,367	)		-				582,902
	Residential mortgage-backed securities			104,563				1,887				(2,384	)		-				104,066
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities			21,592				318				(429	)		-				21,481
	Other asset-backed securities			19,716				567				(12	)		-				20,271
	Total debt securities available for sale			1,445,409				45,901				(11,148	)		-				1,480,162
	Equity Securities:
	Common stock			94,158				14,033				(1,321	)		-				106,870
	Total equity securities available for sale			94,158				14,033				(1,321	)		-				106,870
	Total securities available for sale		$	1,539,567			$	59,934			$	(12,469	)	$	-			$	1,587,032
			31-Dec-13
			Cost or Amortized Cost				Gross Unrealized
																		Estimated
														Non-Credit OTTI				Fair Value
							Gains				Losses
	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
	Gross unrealized gains, losses, and non-credit OTTI on available for sale securities as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
			30-Sep-14				31-Dec-13
	Unrealized gains		$	59,934			$	60,261
	Unrealized losses			(12,469	)			(38,333	)
	Non-credit OTTI			-				-
	Net unrealized gains			47,465				21,928
	Deferred federal income tax expense			(16,612	)			(7,675	)
	Net unrealized gains on investments, net of deferred federal income taxes		$	30,853			$	14,253
	Net realized gains (losses including OTTI) on securities, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
			For the Three Months Ended September 30,								For the Nine Months
											Ended September 30,
			2014				2013				2014			2013
	Realized gains (losses):
	Debt securities:
	Gross realized gains		$	857			$	87			$	1,193		$	1,617
	Gross realized losses			(383	)			(40	)			(383	)		(211	)
	Total debt securities			474				47				810			1,406
	Equity securities:
	Gross realized gains			2,328				656				8,357			2,502
	Gross realized losses			(4	)			-				(8	)		(10	)
	Total equity securities			2,324				656				8,349			2,492
	Net realized gains		$	2,798			$	703			$	9,159		$	3,898
	OTTI included in realized losses on securities above		$	-			$	-			$	-		$	-
	Proceeds from the sales of debt and equity securities available for sale were $31.8 million and $12.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  Proceeds from the sales of debt and equity securities available for sale were $62.9 million and $88.9 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	At September 30, 2014, 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		$	41,384			$	41,962
Due after one year through five years			535,460				558,383
Due after five years through ten years			601,630				611,530
Due after ten years			121,064				122,469
Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized obligations and asset-backed securities			145,871				145,818
		$	1,445,409			$	1,480,162
Net investment income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was as follows (in thousands):
		For the Three Months								For the Nine Months
		Ended September 30,								Ended September 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
Net Investment Income Earned From:
Debt securities		$	10,515			$	10,888			$	31,746		$	32,593
Equity securities			811				1,043				2,658			2,593
Cash and cash equivalents			171				165				400			558
Total gross investment income			11,497				12,096				34,804			35,744
Less investment expenses			410				401				1,247			1,141
Net investment income		$	11,087			$	11,695			$	33,557		$	34,603
Other-Than-Temporary Impairments of Securities and Unrealized Losses on Investments
Available for sale securities are reviewed for declines in fair value, excluding other-than-temporary declines.  For a debt security, if the Company intends to sell a security and it is more likely than not that 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 that 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 that 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, sales 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 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 of the cost of the security 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 of the cost of the security, the Company considers, among other things, the severity and duration of the decline in fair value of the equity security, and the cause of decline, as well as a fundamental analysis of the liquidity, business prospects and overall financial condition of the issuer.
The Company reviewed its investment portfolio in relation to its OTTI policy and determined the Company did not need to record a credit related OTTI loss, nor recognize a non-credit related OTTI loss in other comprehensive income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 or 2013.
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):
		30-Sep-14
		Less than 12 months											Greater than 12 months										Total
		Number			Fair Value of				Gross				Number			Fair Value of			Gross				Number		Fair Value of			Gross
		of			Investments				Unrealized				of			Investments			Unrealized				of		Investments			Unrealized
		Issues			with Unrealized				Losses and				Issues			with Unrealized			Losses and				Issues		with Unrealized			Losses and
					Losses				Non-Credit							Losses			Non-Credit						Losses			Non-Credit
									OTTI										OTTI									OTTI
Debt Securities:
U.S. Government and agencies			-			$	-			$	-			3			$	3,399		$	(118	)		3		$	3,399		$	(118	)
Obligations of states and political subs			29				96,714				(1,407	)		40				132,304			(2,431	)		69			229,018			(3,838	)
Corporate securities			93				197,177				(2,592	)		23				60,425			(1,775	)		116			257,602			(4,367	)
Residential mortgage-backed securities			4				28,700				(814	)		9				46,060			(1,570	)		13			74,760			(2,384	)
Commercial mortgage-backed securities			3				5,064				(159	)		2				7,792			(270	)		5			12,856			(429	)
Other asset-backed securities			3				4,435				(12	)		-				-			-			3			4,435			(12	)
Total debt securities			132				332,090				(4,984	)		77				249,980			(6,164	)		209			582,070			(11,148	)
Equity Securities:
Common stock			22				19,027				(1,223	)		3				1,390			(98	)		25			20,417			(1,321	)
Total equity securities			22				19,027				(1,223	)		3				1,390			(98	)		25			20,417			(1,321	)
Total securities			154			$	351,117			$	(6,207	)		80			$	251,370		$	(6,262	)		234		$	602,487		$	(12,469	)
		31-Dec-13
		Less than 12 months											Greater than 12 months										Total
		Number			Fair Value of				Gross				Number			Fair Value of			Gross				Number		Fair Value of			Gross
		of			Investments				Unrealized				of			Investments			Unrealized				of		Investments			Unrealized
		Issues			with Unrealized				Losses and				Issues			with Unrealized			Losses and				Issues		with Unrealized			Losses and
					Losses				Non-Credit							Losses			Non-Credit						Losses			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	)

Fair_Value_Measurements

Fair Value Measurements	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Fair Value Measurements [Abstract]	'
Fair Value Measurements	'
	NOTE 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 the amounts provided represent fair values.  The Company’s control process includes, but is not limited to, an 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 6.7% 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 93.1% 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 15 securities totaling $3.2 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 determine the fair value all 15 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 is the conversion feature within the Notes (as defined in Note 5 ~ Derivative Instruments) and the Notes Hedges.  The estimated fair values of both the conversion feature and the 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 September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
					Fair Value Measurements Using
		30-Sep-14			Quoted Prices		Significant			Significant
					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	$	24,827		$	-	$	24,827		$	-
	Obligations of states and political subs		726,615			-		726,615			-
	Corporate securities		582,902			-		581,822			1,080
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		104,066			-		104,066			-
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		21,481			-		21,481			-
	Other asset-backed securities		20,271			-		18,126			2,145
	Total debt securities available for sale		1,480,162			-		1,476,937			3,225
	Equity Securities:
	Common stock		106,870			106,870		-			-
	Total equity securities available for sale		106,870			106,870		-			-
	Total securities available for sale		1,587,032			106,870		1,476,937			3,225
	Derivatives:
	Derivatives - interest rate swaps		56			-		56			-
	Cash conversion feature of cash  convertible notes		(11,266	)		-		-			(11,266	)
	Purchased cash convertible note hedge		11,266			-		-			11,266
	Total derivatives		56			-		56			-
	Total securities available for sale and derivatives	$	1,587,088		$	106,870	$	1,476,993		$	3,225
	The following table presents changes in Level 3 available for sale investments and derivatives measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		Commercial			Corporate securities		Total
		mortgage-backed
		and Other asset-
		backed securities
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	2,608		$	889	$	3,497
	Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
	Included in earnings		367			24		391
	Included in other comprehensive income		(194	)		168		(26	)
	Purchases							-
	Issuances							-
	Settlements		(637	)		-		(637	)
	Transfers in and out of Level 3		-			-		-
	Balance as of September 30, 2014	$	2,145		$	1,080	$	3,225
	There were no credit 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 each reporting period.  There were no transfers between Levels 1, 2 and 3 for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Debt [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	NOTE 4 – 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.
	As of September 30, 2014, the outstanding balance on the Company’s term loan facility was $18.0 million. Pursuant to the Second Amendment to Credit Agreement and Waiver, dated September 19, 2013 (the “Amendment”), the available borrowing under the revolving credit facility was reduced from $100.0 million to $30.0 million with further periodic reductions to $21.0 million as of March 31, 2016, less any optional reductions to the revolving commitments. The Amendment also established an amortization schedule for the revolving credit facility beginning on September 30, 2014. The Company has $15.0 million outstanding under its revolving credit facility and $0.1 million in letters of credit as of September 30, 2014. The undrawn portion of the revolving credit facility, which was $9.1 million as of September 30, 2014, 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 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%, and (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 the 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 the 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 September 30, 2014, 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%. At September 30, 2014, the interest rate on the Company’s revolving credit facility was approximately 0.23%, plus a 2.50% margin.
	Additionally, under the Amendment, the financial covenants applicable to the Credit Facilities were modified to consist of: (1) minimum consolidated net worth of the Company and its subsidiaries of $365,697,000 as of the effective date of the Amendment, with quarterly increases thereafter equal to 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 (as defined in the Amendment) for all material Insurance Company Subsidiaries of 1.75 times Company Action Level (as defined in the Amendment), (3) a maximum permitted consolidated leverage ratio of 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++” for all Insurance Company Subsidiaries. As of September 30, 2014, the Company was in compliance with these debt covenants.
	FHLBI
	During 2011, certain 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 September 30, 2014 and 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 $36.3 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 in FHLBI 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 September 30, 2014 (1)			Principal Amount
	2003	Junior subordinated debentures	2008	2033	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.05%		4.28	%	$	10,310
	2004	Senior debentures	2009	2034	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.00%		4.23	%		13,000
	2004	Senior debentures	2009	2034	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.20%		4.43	%		12,000
	2005	Junior subordinated debentures	2010	2035	Three-month LIBOR, plus 3.58%		3.81	%		20,620
		Junior subordinated debentures (2)	2007	2032	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.00%		4.23	%		15,000
		Junior subordinated debentures (2)	2008	2033	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.10%		4.33	%		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 our merger with ProCentury (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.
	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 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.
	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 was 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 a fundamental change, 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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
			September 30,			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Outstanding principal		$	100,000		$	100,000
	Unamortized OID			(10,627	)		(11,777	)
	Total debt component		$	89,373		$	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, was $1.8 million and $1.7 million for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Interest expense on the Notes, including amortization of deferred issuance costs, was $5.2 million and $3.7 million for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	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 of the Notes, 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, 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 Accounting Standards Codification (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, 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.

Derivative_Instruments

Derivative Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Derivative Instruments [Abstract]	'
Derivative Instruments	'
	NOTE 5 – 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, 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 Date	Debt Instrument	Counterparty Interest Rate Terms	Fixed Rate			Fixed Amount at September 30, 2014
	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
	9/28/12	8/30/16	Term loan (1)	Three-month LIBOR		0.714	%		18,000
	4/29/13	4/29/23	Senior debentures	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.00%		6.25	%		13,000
	6/30/13	6/30/23	Junior subordinated debentures	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.05%		6.34	%		10,000
	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
					Total			$	98,000
	(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.
	In relation to the above interest rate swaps, the net interest expense incurred was approximately $0.5 million for each of the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013. The net interest expense incurred for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $1.3 million and $1.8 million, respectively.
	As of September 30, 2014, the total fair value of the interest rate swaps was $56,000, which reflects a gross unrealized gain position of $0.9 million and a gross unrealized loss position of ($0.8 million). 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). At September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, accumulated other comprehensive income included accumulated loss on the cash flow hedge, net of taxes, of approximately ($36,000) and accumulated gain on the cash flow hedge, net of taxes, of approximately $1.0 million, respectively. The Company does not net the unrealized gains and losses in the financial statements.
	Cash Convertible Senior Notes and Note Hedges
	In order to offset the risk associated with the cash conversion feature of the Notes, the Company entered into the Note Hedges. Both the cash conversion feature of the Notes and the Note Hedges are measured at fair value with gains and losses recorded in the Company’s Consolidated Statements of Income.
	At September 30, 2014, the cash conversion feature of the Notes had a fair market value of ($11.3 million) and the Note Hedges had a fair market value of $11.3 million.  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.

Restricted_and_NonRestricted_S

Restricted and Non-Restricted Stock Awards	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Restricted and Non-Restricted Stock Awards [Abstract]	'
Restricted and Non-Restricted Stock Awards	'
	NOTE  6 – 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 named executive officers and other members of management of the Company, out of its 2002 Amended and Restated Stock Option Plan (the “Plan”). No restricted stock awards were issued in 2012, 2013 or 2014. 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 his or her employment without “Good Reason”; as provided for in the employee’s respective employment agreements. The Company recorded approximately $14,000 and $83,000 of restricted stock awards compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.   The Company recorded approximately $82,000 and $247,000 of restricted stock awards compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.
	On February 13, 2014, and February 13, 2013, the Company issued an award of 2,400 shares of non-restricted stock to each outside member of the Board of Directors, which vested immediately. On May 16, 2014 and August 12, 2014, the Company issued an award of 2,400 shares of non-restricted stock and an award of 2,000 shares of non-restricted stock, in each case to a then newly elected member of the Board of Directors, respectively.  These stock awards vested immediately.  The Company recorded approximately $12,000 and $0 of non-restricted stock awards compensation expense for the three months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.  The Company recorded approximately $148,000 and $137,000 of non-restricted stock awards compensation expense for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013, respectively.

Shareholders_Equity

Shareholders' Equity	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]	'
Shareholders' Equity	'
	NOTE 7 – Shareholders’ Equity
	At September 30, 2014, shareholders’ equity was $448.1 million, or a book value of $8.94 per common share, compared to $413.4 million, or a book value of $8.29 per common share, at December 31, 2013.
	The Company’s Share Repurchase Plan expired on October 28, 2013. For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014, there were no share repurchases.
	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.  Additionally, pursuant to the Amendment (Note 4 ~ Debt) the Company cannot pay quarterly dividends in excess of the lesser of $0.02 per share or $1.25 million in the aggregate without the bank’s prior approval.
	The Company paid dividends to its common shareholders of $3.0 million for each of the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013.
	On October 31, 2014, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.02 per common share.  The dividend is payable on December 3, 2014, to shareholders of record as of November 20, 2014.

Earnings_Per_Share

Earnings Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Earnings Per Share	'
	NOTE 8 – 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.
	The following table is a reconciliation of the income and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		For the Three Months				For the Nine Months
		Ended September 30,				Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net income (loss)	$	4,967	$	5,516	$	21,087	$	(100,460	)
	Common shares:
	Basic
	Weighted average shares outstanding		50,092,755		49,887,200		50,054,031		49,866,326
	Diluted
	Weighted average shares outstanding		50,092,755		49,887,200		50,054,031		49,866,326
	Dilutive effect of:
	Share awards under long term incentive plan		-		46,340		-
	Total		50,092,755		49,933,540		50,054,031		49,866,326
	Net income (loss) per common share
	Basic	$	0.09	$	0.11	$	0.42	$	(2.01	)
	Diluted	$	0.09	$	0.11	$	0.42	$	(2.01	)

Goodwill

Goodwill	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill [Abstract]	'
Goodwill	'
	NOTE 9 – Goodwill
	The Company evaluates existing goodwill for impairment on an annual basis, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset might be impaired.  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 and 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.
	Pursuant to ASC 350 Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets, goodwill and intangible assets with indefinite lives must be tested for impairment at least once a year or more frequently if management believes indicators of impairment exist. 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. The 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 two valuation techniques, as either technique can be an indicator of value. For the market approach, valuations of reporting units were based on an analysis of price multiples of net income, net book value and 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”). A DCF model was selected to be comparable to what would be used by market participants to estimate fair value. 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 subsidiaries after the Company reported weaker-than-anticipated second-quarter results.  Subsequent to the announcement, the Company’s stock price decreased by 10%.  These events represented a triggering event for potential goodwill impairment.  The Company completed an interim goodwill impairment evaluation as of June 30, 2013, as required under ASC 350, and determined that a goodwill impairment existed in the Specialty Insurance Operations (SIO) reporting unit, as the carrying value of the unit exceeded its fair value.  After further analysis, the Company recorded a provisional impairment adjustment of $115.4 million at June 30, 2013.  This provisional adjustment represented a full impairment of SIO’s reporting unit’s goodwill.
	The carrying amount of the goodwill was $6.9 million and $5.6 million at September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, respectively and represented goodwill attributable to the Company’s Agency Operations reporting unit.  There were no triggering events in 2014 related to such goodwill.
	The following summarizes the goodwill activity and beginning and ending balances for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		Agency Operations		Specialty Insurance Operations			Total
	Balance as of January 1, 2013	$	5,644	$	115,397		$	121,041
	Goodwill Impairment		-		(115,397	)		(115,397	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		5,644		-			5,644
	Goodwill Addition		1,213		-			1,213
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	6,857	$	-		$	6,857

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Commitments and Contingencies [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	NOTE 10 – Commitments and Contingencies
	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.
	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, finding 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. On April 9, 2014, the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals issued an opinion and order finding the trial court did not have jurisdiction to issue its preliminary injunction enjoining the panel.  The appellate court found that the Company could challenge the fairness of the proceedings and partiality of the arbitrators after a final award was issued.
	On July 25, 2014, the panel issued its final award.  The panel (by majority) awarded the reinsurer approximately $10.9 million, plus interest. The Company immediately filed a complaint in federal district court to vacate and/or modify the arbitration award(s) for the same reasons the court previously granted the Company’s request for a preliminary injunction : (1) improper ex parte communications  between the arbitrator appointed by the Reinsurer and its lawyer; (2) breach of the Retention Buy Down Treaty’s arbitration provision because the Reinsurer’s arbitrator and the neutral arbitrator issued two substantive orders without input from the Company’s arbitrator; and (3) failure to disclose to the Company certain relationships between the Reinsurer and its arbitrator.   In addition, the following additional grounds were included in the complaint: (1) financial conflict of interest on the part of the Reinsurer’s arbitrator; (2) breach of the Retention Buy Down Treaty’s arbitration provision because the Reinsurer’s arbitrator was not a “disinterested” arbitrator and was “under the control of” the Reinsurer; (3) evident partiality of the neutral arbitrator; (4) failure to consider material evidence, in accordance with Michigan law; (5) improper interpretation and re-writing of the treaty; and (6) improper award of interest and attorney fees contrary to Michigan law.  The Reinsurer has filed a motion to confirm the panel’s majority interim and final awards. The Company has filed a motion to vacate and/or modify the awards.
	The Company intends to vigorously pursue its complaint to vacate the arbitration award(s). While the Company believes it will succeed upon the merits, 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. If this matter is resolved against the Company, we currently estimate the Company would suffer a loss of approximately $10.9 million, plus approximately $5.0 million of interest, attorney fees and costs.
	Securities Class Actions
	In August and October 2013, two putative class action complaints were filed in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York against the Company, Robert Cubbin and Karen Spaun.  The cases were subsequently consolidated and on April 25, 2014, the plaintiffs filed a Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint naming the same defendants, on behalf of a putative class consisting of all persons who purchased the Company’s stock between February 17, 2009 and February 21, 2014 (the “Class Period”).  The Consolidated Amended Complaint alleges that during the purported Class Period, the defendants made materially false and misleading statements relating to the Company’s reserves and reported goodwill.  On July 7, 2014, the defendants filed a motion to dismiss the Consolidated Amended Class Action Complaint.  The Plaintiffs filed a Second Amended Complaint in response to our motion to dismiss. On November 5, 2014, the Company filed another motion to dismiss seeking a dismissal of Plaintiffs Second Amended Complaint.  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 that a loss relating to these matters is probable, or that an estimate of a range of potential loss relating to these matters, can reasonably be made.

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	NOTE 11 – 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: Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands)
	Details about accumulated other	Amount reclassified from accumulated other			Affected line item in the statement where
	comprehensive income components	comprehensive income			net income is presented
	Unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities
		$	2,973		Net realized gains
			(1,040	)	Tax expense
		$	1,933		Net of tax
	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income: Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 (in thousands)
	Details about accumulated other	Amount reclassified from accumulated other			Affected line item in the statement where
	comprehensive income components	comprehensive income			net income is presented
	Unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities
		$	703		Net realized gains
			(246	)	Tax expense
		$	457		Net of tax
	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands)
	Details about accumulated other	Amount reclassified from accumulated other			Affected line item in the statement where
	comprehensive income components	comprehensive income			net income is presented
	Unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities
		$	9,252		Net realized gains
			(3,238	)	Tax expense
		$	6,014		Net of tax
	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 (in thousands)
	Details about accumulated other	Amount reclassified from accumulated other			Affected line item in the statement where
	comprehensive income components	comprehensive income			net income is presented
	Unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities
		$	3,898		Net realized gains
			(1,364	)	Tax expense
		$	2,534		Net of tax

Summary_of_Significant_Account1

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation and Management Representation	'
	Basis of Presentation and Management Representation
	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, is a wholly owned subsidiary of ProCentury (Star, Savers, Williamsburg, Ameritrust, Century, and PIC are collectively referred to as “Insurance Company Subsidiaries”).
	In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements reflect all normal recurring adjustments necessary to present a fair statement of the results for the interim period.  Preparation of financial statements under generally accepted accounting principles (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates.  Actual results could differ from those estimates.  The results of operations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the full year.
	These financial statements and the notes thereto should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited financial statements and accompanying notes included in its Annual Report on Form 10-K, as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2013.
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 entered into an agreement with State National Insurance Company, National Specialty Insurance Company and United Specialty Insurance Company (collectively, “SNIC”), whereby certain business from our Insurance Company Subsidiaries is written directly with SNIC and 100% assumed collectively by our Insurance Company Subsidiaries.  Our Insurance Company Subsidiaries pay SNIC a 5.5% policy issuance fee, which is reflected as assumed commission expense on the applicable Insurance Company Subsidiaries’ financial statements. For the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014, our Insurance Company Subsidiaries collectively assumed $79.3 million and $214.4 million, respectively, in gross written premium from SNIC.  The impact of the SNIC policy issuance fee on the Company’s expense ratio was 2.3% and 2.2% for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014, respectively.
	Fee income, which includes risk management consulting, loss control, and claims services, is recognized during the period that 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 unaffiliated insurance carriers are recognized when determinable, which is when such commissions are received.
Income Taxes	'
	Income Taxes
	As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company did not have any unrecognized tax benefits.  As of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013, the Company had no accrued interest or penalties related to uncertain tax positions.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements	'
	Recent Accounting Pronouncements
	Reporting of Amounts Reclassified Out of Accumulated Other Comprehensive
	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 additional 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 10 ~ Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income.

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Investments	'
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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
		30-Sep-14
		Cost or Amortized Cost				Gross Unrealized
																	Estimated
													Non-Credit OTTI				Fair Value
						Gains				Losses
	Debt Securities:
	U.S. Government and agencies	$	24,442			$	503			$	(118	)	$	-			$	24,827
	Obligations of states and political subs		703,170				27,283				(3,838	)		-				726,615
	Corporate securities		571,926				15,343				(4,367	)		-				582,902
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		104,563				1,887				(2,384	)		-				104,066
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		21,592				318				(429	)		-				21,481
	Other asset-backed securities		19,716				567				(12	)		-				20,271
	Total debt securities available for sale		1,445,409				45,901				(11,148	)		-				1,480,162
	Equity Securities:
	Common stock		94,158				14,033				(1,321	)		-				106,870
	Total equity securities available for sale		94,158				14,033				(1,321	)		-				106,870
	Total securities available for sale	$	1,539,567			$	59,934			$	(12,469	)	$	-			$	1,587,032
		31-Dec-13
		Cost or Amortized Cost				Gross Unrealized
																	Estimated
													Non-Credit OTTI				Fair Value
						Gains				Losses
	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
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments	'
	Gross unrealized gains, losses, and non-credit OTTI on available for sale securities as of September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
		30-Sep-14				31-Dec-13
	Unrealized gains	$	59,934			$	60,261
	Unrealized losses		(12,469	)			(38,333	)
	Non-credit OTTI		-				-
	Net unrealized gains		47,465				21,928
	Deferred federal income tax expense		(16,612	)			(7,675	)
	Net unrealized gains on investments, net of deferred federal income taxes	$	30,853			$	14,253
Realized gain (loss) on investments	'
	Net realized gains (losses including OTTI) on securities, for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 were as follows (in thousands):
		For the Three Months Ended September 30,								For the Nine Months
										Ended September 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Realized gains (losses):
	Debt securities:
	Gross realized gains	$	857			$	87			$	1,193		$	1,617
	Gross realized losses		(383	)			(40	)			(383	)		(211	)
	Total debt securities		474				47				810			1,406
	Equity securities:
	Gross realized gains		2,328				656				8,357			2,502
	Gross realized losses		(4	)			-				(8	)		(10	)
	Total equity securities		2,324				656				8,349			2,492
	Net realized gains	$	2,798			$	703			$	9,159		$	3,898
	OTTI included in realized losses on securities above	$	-			$	-			$	-		$	-
Investments classified by contractual maturity date	'
	At September 30, 2014, 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	$	41,384			$	41,962
	Due after one year through five years		535,460				558,383
	Due after five years through ten years		601,630				611,530
	Due after ten years		121,064				122,469
	Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized obligations and asset-backed securities		145,871				145,818
		$	1,445,409			$	1,480,162
Investment income	'
	Net investment income for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 was as follows (in thousands):
		For the Three Months								For the Nine Months
		Ended September 30,								Ended September 30,
		2014				2013				2014			2013
	Net Investment Income Earned From:
	Debt securities	$	10,515			$	10,888			$	31,746		$	32,593
	Equity securities		811				1,043				2,658			2,593
	Cash and cash equivalents		171				165				400			558
	Total gross investment income		11,497				12,096				34,804			35,744
	Less investment expenses		410				401				1,247			1,141
	Net investment income	$	11,087			$	11,695			$	33,557		$	34,603
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):
		30-Sep-14
		Less than 12 months											Greater than 12 months										Total
		Number			Fair Value of				Gross				Number			Fair Value of			Gross				Number		Fair Value of			Gross
		of			Investments				Unrealized				of			Investments			Unrealized				of		Investments			Unrealized
		Issues			with Unrealized				Losses and				Issues			with Unrealized			Losses and				Issues		with Unrealized			Losses and
					Losses				Non-Credit							Losses			Non-Credit						Losses			Non-Credit
									OTTI										OTTI									OTTI
	Debt Securities:
	U.S. Government and agencies		-			$	-			$	-			3			$	3,399		$	(118	)		3		$	3,399		$	(118	)
	Obligations of states and political subs		29				96,714				(1,407	)		40				132,304			(2,431	)		69			229,018			(3,838	)
	Corporate securities		93				197,177				(2,592	)		23				60,425			(1,775	)		116			257,602			(4,367	)
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		4				28,700				(814	)		9				46,060			(1,570	)		13			74,760			(2,384	)
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		3				5,064				(159	)		2				7,792			(270	)		5			12,856			(429	)
	Other asset-backed securities		3				4,435				(12	)		-				-			-			3			4,435			(12	)
	Total debt securities		132				332,090				(4,984	)		77				249,980			(6,164	)		209			582,070			(11,148	)
	Equity Securities:
	Common stock		22				19,027				(1,223	)		3				1,390			(98	)		25			20,417			(1,321	)
	Total equity securities		22				19,027				(1,223	)		3				1,390			(98	)		25			20,417			(1,321	)
	Total securities		154			$	351,117			$	(6,207	)		80			$	251,370		$	(6,262	)		234		$	602,487		$	(12,469	)
		31-Dec-13
		Less than 12 months											Greater than 12 months										Total
		Number			Fair Value of				Gross				Number			Fair Value of			Gross				Number		Fair Value of			Gross
		of			Investments				Unrealized				of			Investments			Unrealized				of		Investments			Unrealized
		Issues			with Unrealized				Losses and				Issues			with Unrealized			Losses and				Issues		with Unrealized			Losses and
					Losses				Non-Credit							Losses			Non-Credit						Losses			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	)

Fair_Value_Measurements_Tables

Fair Value Measurements (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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 September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
					Fair Value Measurements Using
		30-Sep-14			Quoted Prices		Significant			Significant
					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	$	24,827		$	-	$	24,827		$	-
	Obligations of states and political subs		726,615			-		726,615			-
	Corporate securities		582,902			-		581,822			1,080
	Residential mortgage-backed securities		104,066			-		104,066			-
	Commercial mortgage-backed securities		21,481			-		21,481			-
	Other asset-backed securities		20,271			-		18,126			2,145
	Total debt securities available for sale		1,480,162			-		1,476,937			3,225
	Equity Securities:
	Common stock		106,870			106,870		-			-
	Total equity securities available for sale		106,870			106,870		-			-
	Total securities available for sale		1,587,032			106,870		1,476,937			3,225
	Derivatives:
	Derivatives - interest rate swaps		56			-		56			-
	Cash conversion feature of cash  convertible notes		(11,266	)		-		-			(11,266	)
	Purchased cash convertible note hedge		11,266			-		-			11,266
	Total derivatives		56			-		56			-
	Total securities available for sale and derivatives	$	1,587,088		$	106,870	$	1,476,993		$	3,225
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 and derivatives measured at fair value on a recurring basis as of September 30, 2014 (in thousands):
		Commercial			Corporate securities		Total
		mortgage-backed
		and Other asset-
		backed securities
	Balance as of December 31, 2013	$	2,608		$	889	$	3,497
	Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized):
	Included in earnings		367			24		391
	Included in other comprehensive income		(194	)		168		(26	)
	Purchases							-
	Issuances							-
	Settlements		(637	)		-		(637	)
	Transfers in and out of Level 3		-			-		-
	Balance as of September 30, 2014	$	2,145		$	1,080	$	3,225

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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 September 30, 2014 (1)			Principal Amount
	2003	Junior subordinated debentures	2008	2033	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.05%		4.28	%	$	10,310
	2004	Senior debentures	2009	2034	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.00%		4.23	%		13,000
	2004	Senior debentures	2009	2034	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.20%		4.43	%		12,000
	2005	Junior subordinated debentures	2010	2035	Three-month LIBOR, plus 3.58%		3.81	%		20,620
		Junior subordinated debentures (2)	2007	2032	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.00%		4.23	%		15,000
		Junior subordinated debentures (2)	2008	2033	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.10%		4.33	%		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 our merger with ProCentury (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 September 30, 2014 and December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
			September 30,			December 31,
			2014			2013
	Outstanding principal		$	100,000		$	100,000
	Unamortized OID			(10,627	)		(11,777	)
	Total debt component		$	89,373		$	88,223

Derivative_Instruments_Tables

Derivative Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
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 Date	Debt Instrument	Counterparty Interest Rate Terms	Fixed Rate			Fixed Amount at September 30, 2014
	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
	9/28/12	8/30/16	Term loan (1)	Three-month LIBOR		0.714	%		18,000
	4/29/13	4/29/23	Senior debentures	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.00%		6.25	%		13,000
	6/30/13	6/30/23	Junior subordinated debentures	Three-month LIBOR, plus 4.05%		6.34	%		10,000
	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
					Total			$	98,000
	(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.

Earnings_Per_Share_Tables

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of the income and share data	'
	The following table is a reconciliation of the income and share data used in the basic and diluted earnings per share computations for the three months and nine months ended September 30, 2014 and 2013 (in thousands, except per share amounts):
		For the Three Months				For the Nine Months
		Ended September 30,				Ended September 30,
		2014		2013		2014		2013
	Net income (loss)	$	4,967	$	5,516	$	21,087	$	(100,460	)
	Common shares:
	Basic
	Weighted average shares outstanding		50,092,755		49,887,200		50,054,031		49,866,326
	Diluted
	Weighted average shares outstanding		50,092,755		49,887,200		50,054,031		49,866,326
	Dilutive effect of:
	Share awards under long term incentive plan		-		46,340		-
	Total		50,092,755		49,933,540		50,054,031		49,866,326
	Net income (loss) per common share
	Basic	$	0.09	$	0.11	$	0.42	$	(2.01	)
	Diluted	$	0.09	$	0.11	$	0.42	$	(2.01	)

Goodwill_Tables

Goodwill (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Goodwill [Abstract]	'
Summary of goodwill	'
	The following summarizes the goodwill activity and beginning and ending balances for the nine months ended September 30, 2014 and the year ended December 31, 2013 (in thousands):
		Agency Operations		Specialty Insurance Operations			Total
	Balance as of January 1, 2013	$	5,644	$	115,397		$	121,041
	Goodwill Impairment		-		(115,397	)		(115,397	)
	Balance at December 31, 2013		5,644		-			5,644
	Goodwill Addition		1,213		-			1,213
	Balance at September 30, 2014	$	6,857	$	-		$	6,857

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv1

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	'
	The following table illustrates the amounts reclassified from accumulated other comprehensive income:
	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income: Three Months Ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands)
	Details about accumulated other	Amount reclassified from accumulated other			Affected line item in the statement where
	comprehensive income components	comprehensive income			net income is presented
	Unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities
		$	2,973		Net realized gains
			(1,040	)	Tax expense
		$	1,933		Net of tax
	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income: Three Months Ended September 30, 2013 (in thousands)
	Details about accumulated other	Amount reclassified from accumulated other			Affected line item in the statement where
	comprehensive income components	comprehensive income			net income is presented
	Unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities
		$	703		Net realized gains
			(246	)	Tax expense
		$	457		Net of tax
	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2014 (in thousands)
	Details about accumulated other	Amount reclassified from accumulated other			Affected line item in the statement where
	comprehensive income components	comprehensive income			net income is presented
	Unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities
		$	9,252		Net realized gains
			(3,238	)	Tax expense
		$	6,014		Net of tax
	Reclassifications out of accumulated other comprehensive income: Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 (in thousands)
	Details about accumulated other	Amount reclassified from accumulated other			Affected line item in the statement where
	comprehensive income components	comprehensive income			net income is presented
	Unrealized gain or loss on available for sale securities
		$	3,898		Net realized gains
			(1,364	)	Tax expense
		$	2,534		Net of tax

Summary_of_Significant_Account2

Summary of Significant Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014
Policy Issuance Agreement Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Impact of SNIC fee on expense ratio (in hundredths)	2.30%	2.20%
SNIC Carriers [Member]	'	'
Policy Issuance Agreement Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Fee (in hundredths)	5.50%	'
Written premium assumed	79.3	214.4
MIG Carriers [Member]	'	'
Policy Issuance Agreement Disclosure [Line Items]	'	'
Percentage of quota share premiums assumed (in hundredths)	100.00%	'

Investments_Details

Investments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
	Security		Security		Security
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	$1,539,567,000	'	$1,539,567,000	'	$1,551,100,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	59,934,000	'	59,934,000	'	60,261,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	-12,469,000	'	-12,469,000	'	-38,333,000
Gross Unrealized Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	0	'	0
Estimated Fair Value	1,587,032,000	'	1,587,032,000	'	1,573,028,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains	59,934,000	'	59,934,000	'	60,261,000
Unrealized losses	-12,469,000	'	-12,469,000	'	-38,333,000
Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	0	'	0
Net unrealized gains	'	'	47,465,000	'	21,928,000
Deferred federal income tax expense	'	'	-16,612,000	'	-7,675,000
Net unrealized gains on investments, net of deferred federal income taxes	'	'	30,853,000	'	14,253,000
Realized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Net realized gains (losses)	2,798,000	703,000	9,159,000	3,898,000	'
Net realized gains	2,973,000	675,000	9,252,000	3,860,000	'
OTTI included in realized losses on securities above	0	0	0	0	'
Proceeds from sale of debt and equity securities available for sale	31,800,000	12,800,000	62,900,000	88,900,000	'
Available for Sale, Amortized Cost [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Due in one year or less	41,384,000	'	41,384,000	'	'
Due after one year through five years	535,460,000	'	535,460,000	'	'
Due after five years through ten years	601,630,000	'	601,630,000	'	'
Due after ten years	121,064,000	'	121,064,000	'	'
Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized obligations and asset-backed securities	145,871,000	'	145,871,000	'	'
Amortized Cost	1,445,409,000	'	1,445,409,000	'	1,455,754,000
Available for Sale, Estimated Fair Value [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Due in one year or less	41,962,000	'	41,962,000	'	'
Due after one year through five years	558,383,000	'	558,383,000	'	'
Due after five years through ten years	611,530,000	'	611,530,000	'	'
Due after ten years	122,469,000	'	122,469,000	'	'
Mortgage-backed securities, collateralized obligations and asset-backed securities	145,818,000	'	145,818,000	'	'
Estimated Fair Value	1,480,162,000	'	1,480,162,000	'	'
Net Investment Income Earned From [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross investment income	11,497,000	12,096,000	34,804,000	35,744,000	'
Less investment expenses	410,000	401,000	1,247,000	1,141,000	'
Net investment income	11,087,000	11,695,000	33,557,000	34,603,000	'
OTTI loss	0	0	0	0	'
Non-credit related OTTI loss	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 twelve months	154	'	154	'	266
Number of Issue in an unrealized loss position, greater than 12 months	80	'	80	'	26
Total	234	'	234	'	292
Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	351,117,000	'	351,117,000	'	656,569,000
Greater than 12 months	251,370,000	'	251,370,000	'	69,543,000
Total	602,487,000	'	602,487,000	'	726,112,000
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	'	'	-6,207,000	'	-32,203,000
Greater than 12 months	'	'	-6,262,000	'	-6,130,000
Total	'	'	-12,469,000	'	-38,333,000
Debt securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	1,445,409,000	'	1,445,409,000	'	1,455,754,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	45,901,000	'	45,901,000	'	45,181,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	-11,148,000	'	-11,148,000	'	-37,889,000
Gross Unrealized Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	0	'	0
Estimated Fair Value	1,480,162,000	'	1,480,162,000	'	1,463,046,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains	45,901,000	'	45,901,000	'	45,181,000
Unrealized losses	-11,148,000	'	-11,148,000	'	-37,889,000
Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	0	'	0
Realized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Gross realized gains	857,000	87,000	1,193,000	1,617,000	'
Gross realized losses	-383,000	-40,000	-383,000	-211,000	'
Net realized gains	474,000	47,000	810,000	1,406,000	'
Net Investment Income Earned From [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross investment income	10,515,000	10,888,000	31,746,000	32,593,000	'
Investments in unrealized loss position, classified by continuous loss time period [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of issues in an unrealized loss position, less than twelve months	132	'	132	'	251
Number of Issue in an unrealized loss position, greater than 12 months	77	'	77	'	26
Total	209	'	209	'	277
Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	332,090,000	'	332,090,000	'	644,457,000
Greater than 12 months	249,980,000	'	249,980,000	'	69,543,000
Total	582,070,000	'	582,070,000	'	714,000,000
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	'	'	-4,984,000	'	-31,759,000
Greater than 12 months	'	'	-6,164,000	'	-6,130,000
Total	'	'	-11,148,000	'	-37,889,000
Debt securities [Member] | U.S. Government and agencies [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	24,442,000	'	24,442,000	'	24,985,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	503,000	'	503,000	'	572,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	-118,000	'	-118,000	'	-188,000
Gross Unrealized Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	0	'	0
Estimated Fair Value	24,827,000	'	24,827,000	'	25,369,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains	503,000	'	503,000	'	572,000
Unrealized losses	-118,000	'	-118,000	'	-188,000
Non-Credit OTTI	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 twelve months	0	'	0	'	5
Number of Issue in an unrealized loss position, greater than 12 months	3	'	3	'	1
Total	3	'	3	'	6
Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	0	'	0	'	6,181,000
Greater than 12 months	3,399,000	'	3,399,000	'	903,000
Total	3,399,000	'	3,399,000	'	7,084,000
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	'	'	0	'	-91,000
Greater than 12 months	'	'	-118,000	'	-97,000
Total	'	'	-118,000	'	-188,000
Debt securities [Member] | Obligations of states and political subs [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	703,170,000	'	703,170,000	'	730,004,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	27,283,000	'	27,283,000	'	25,509,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	-3,838,000	'	-3,838,000	'	-20,121,000
Gross Unrealized Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	0	'	0
Estimated Fair Value	726,615,000	'	726,615,000	'	735,392,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains	27,283,000	'	27,283,000	'	25,509,000
Unrealized losses	-3,838,000	'	-3,838,000	'	-20,121,000
Non-Credit OTTI	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 twelve months	29	'	29	'	103
Number of Issue in an unrealized loss position, greater than 12 months	40	'	40	'	16
Total	69	'	69	'	119
Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	96,714,000	'	96,714,000	'	285,264,000
Greater than 12 months	132,304,000	'	132,304,000	'	43,811,000
Total	229,018,000	'	229,018,000	'	329,075,000
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	'	'	-1,407,000	'	-16,218,000
Greater than 12 months	'	'	-2,431,000	'	-3,903,000
Total	'	'	-3,838,000	'	-20,121,000
Debt securities [Member] | Corporate securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	571,926,000	'	571,926,000	'	534,913,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	15,343,000	'	15,343,000	'	15,529,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	-4,367,000	'	-4,367,000	'	-11,935,000
Gross Unrealized Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	0	'	0
Estimated Fair Value	582,902,000	'	582,902,000	'	538,507,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains	15,343,000	'	15,343,000	'	15,529,000
Unrealized losses	-4,367,000	'	-4,367,000	'	-11,935,000
Non-Credit OTTI	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 twelve months	93	'	93	'	121
Number of Issue in an unrealized loss position, greater than 12 months	23	'	23	'	8
Total	116	'	116	'	129
Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	197,177,000	'	197,177,000	'	259,581,000
Greater than 12 months	60,425,000	'	60,425,000	'	16,734,000
Total	257,602,000	'	257,602,000	'	276,315,000
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	'	'	-2,592,000	'	-10,663,000
Greater than 12 months	'	'	-1,775,000	'	-1,272,000
Total	'	'	-4,367,000	'	-11,935,000
Debt securities [Member] | Residential mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	104,563,000	'	104,563,000	'	118,930,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	1,887,000	'	1,887,000	'	2,191,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	-2,384,000	'	-2,384,000	'	-4,737,000
Gross Unrealized Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	0	'	0
Estimated Fair Value	104,066,000	'	104,066,000	'	116,384,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains	1,887,000	'	1,887,000	'	2,191,000
Unrealized losses	-2,384,000	'	-2,384,000	'	-4,737,000
Non-Credit OTTI	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 twelve months	4	'	4	'	13
Number of Issue in an unrealized loss position, greater than 12 months	9	'	9	'	1
Total	13	'	13	'	14
Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	28,700,000	'	28,700,000	'	72,458,000
Greater than 12 months	46,060,000	'	46,060,000	'	8,095,000
Total	74,760,000	'	74,760,000	'	80,553,000
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	'	'	-814,000	'	-3,879,000
Greater than 12 months	'	'	-1,570,000	'	-858,000
Total	'	'	-2,384,000	'	-4,737,000
Debt securities [Member] | Commercial mortgage-backed securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	21,592,000	'	21,592,000	'	26,719,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	318,000	'	318,000	'	617,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	-429,000	'	-429,000	'	-868,000
Gross Unrealized Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	0	'	0
Estimated Fair Value	21,481,000	'	21,481,000	'	26,468,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains	318,000	'	318,000	'	617,000
Unrealized losses	-429,000	'	-429,000	'	-868,000
Non-Credit OTTI	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 twelve months	3	'	3	'	5
Number of Issue in an unrealized loss position, greater than 12 months	2	'	2	'	0
Total	5	'	5	'	5
Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	5,064,000	'	5,064,000	'	12,451,000
Greater than 12 months	7,792,000	'	7,792,000	'	0
Total	12,856,000	'	12,856,000	'	12,451,000
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	'	'	-159,000	'	-868,000
Greater than 12 months	'	'	-270,000	'	0
Total	'	'	-429,000	'	-868,000
Debt securities [Member] | Other asset-backed securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	19,716,000	'	19,716,000	'	20,203,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	567,000	'	567,000	'	763,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	-12,000	'	-12,000	'	-40,000
Gross Unrealized Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	0	'	0
Estimated Fair Value	20,271,000	'	20,271,000	'	20,926,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains	567,000	'	567,000	'	763,000
Unrealized losses	-12,000	'	-12,000	'	-40,000
Non-Credit OTTI	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 twelve months	3	'	3	'	4
Number of Issue in an unrealized loss position, greater than 12 months	0	'	0	'	0
Total	3	'	3	'	4
Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	4,435,000	'	4,435,000	'	8,522,000
Greater than 12 months	0	'	0	'	0
Total	4,435,000	'	4,435,000	'	8,522,000
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	'	'	-12,000	'	-40,000
Greater than 12 months	'	'	0	'	0
Total	'	'	-12,000	'	-40,000
Equity securities [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	94,158,000	'	94,158,000	'	95,346,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	14,033,000	'	14,033,000	'	15,080,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,321,000	'	-1,321,000	'	-444,000
Gross Unrealized Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	0	'	0
Estimated Fair Value	106,870,000	'	106,870,000	'	109,982,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains	14,033,000	'	14,033,000	'	15,080,000
Unrealized losses	-1,321,000	'	-1,321,000	'	-444,000
Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	0	'	0
Realized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Gross realized gains	2,328,000	656,000	8,357,000	2,502,000	'
Gross realized losses	-4,000	0	-8,000	-10,000	'
Net realized gains	2,324,000	656,000	8,349,000	2,492,000	'
Net Investment Income Earned From [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross investment income	811,000	1,043,000	2,658,000	2,593,000	'
Investments in unrealized loss position, classified by continuous loss time period [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of issues in an unrealized loss position, less than twelve months	22	'	22	'	15
Number of Issue in an unrealized loss position, greater than 12 months	3	'	3	'	0
Total	25	'	25	'	15
Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	19,027,000	'	19,027,000	'	12,112,000
Greater than 12 months	1,390,000	'	1,390,000	'	0
Total	20,417,000	'	20,417,000	'	12,112,000
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	'	'	-1,223,000	'	-444,000
Greater than 12 months	'	'	-98,000	'	0
Total	'	'	-1,321,000	'	-444,000
Equity securities [Member] | Perpetual preferred stock [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	'	'	'	'	71,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	'	'	'	'	147,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	'	'	'	'	0
Gross Unrealized Non-Credit OTTI	'	'	'	'	0
Estimated Fair Value	'	'	'	'	218,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains	'	'	'	'	147,000
Unrealized losses	'	'	'	'	0
Non-Credit OTTI	'	'	'	'	0
Investments in unrealized loss position, classified by continuous loss time period [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Number of issues in an unrealized loss position, less than twelve months	'	'	'	'	0
Number of Issue in an unrealized loss position, greater than 12 months	'	'	'	'	0
Total	'	'	'	'	0
Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	'	'	'	'	0
Greater than 12 months	'	'	'	'	0
Total	'	'	'	'	0
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	'	'	'	'	0
Greater than 12 months	'	'	'	'	0
Total	'	'	'	'	0
Equity securities [Member] | Common Stock [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Available for sale securities [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Cost or Amortized Cost	94,158,000	'	94,158,000	'	95,275,000
Gross Unrealized Gains	14,033,000	'	14,033,000	'	14,933,000
Gross Unrealized Losses	-1,321,000	'	-1,321,000	'	-444,000
Gross Unrealized Non-Credit OTTI	0	'	0	'	0
Estimated Fair Value	106,870,000	'	106,870,000	'	109,764,000
Unrealized gain (loss) on investments [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Unrealized gains	14,033,000	'	14,033,000	'	14,933,000
Unrealized losses	-1,321,000	'	-1,321,000	'	-444,000
Non-Credit OTTI	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 twelve months	22	'	22	'	15
Number of Issue in an unrealized loss position, greater than 12 months	3	'	3	'	0
Total	25	'	25	'	15
Fair Value of Investments with Unrealized Losses [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	19,027,000	'	19,027,000	'	12,112,000
Greater than 12 months	1,390,000	'	1,390,000	'	'
Total	20,417,000	'	20,417,000	'	12,112,000
Gross Unrealized Losses and Non-Credit OTTI [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months	'	'	-1,223,000	'	-444,000
Greater than 12 months	'	'	-98,000	'	'
Total	'	'	-1,321,000	'	-444,000
Cash and cash equivalents [Member]	'	'	'	'	'
Net Investment Income Earned From [Abstract]	'	'	'	'	'
Total gross investment income	$171,000	$165,000	$400,000	$558,000	'

Fair_Value_Measurements_Detail

Fair Value Measurements (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Total Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Total securities available for sale	$1,587,032	$1,573,028
Cash conversion feature of cash convertible notes	-11,300	-16,800
Purchased cash convertible note hedge	11,300	16,800
Changes in Level 3 available for sale investments measured at fair value [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning balance	3,497	'
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized) [Abstract]	'	'
Included in earnings	391	'
Included in other comprehensive income	-26	'
Purchases	0	'
Issuances	0	'
Settlements	-637	'
Transfers in and out of Level 3	0	'
Ending balance	3,225	'
Debt securities [Member]	'	'
Total Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Total securities available for sale	1,480,162	1,463,046
Equity securities [Member]	'	'
Total Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Total securities available for sale	106,870	109,982
Commercial mortgage-backed and Other asset-backed securities [Member]	'	'
Changes in Level 3 available for sale investments measured at fair value [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning balance	2,608	'
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized) [Abstract]	'	'
Included in earnings	367	'
Included in other comprehensive income	-194	'
Settlements	-637	'
Transfers in and out of Level 3	0	'
Ending balance	2,145	'
Corporate Securities [Member]	'	'
Changes in Level 3 available for sale investments measured at fair value [Roll Forward]	'	'
Beginning balance	889	'
Total gains or losses (realized/unrealized) [Abstract]	'	'
Included in earnings	24	'
Included in other comprehensive income	168	'
Settlements	0	'
Transfers in and out of Level 3	0	'
Ending balance	1,080	'
Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Total Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Percentage as fair value of investment portfolio (in hundredths)	6.70%	'
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Total Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Percentage as fair value of investment portfolio (in hundredths)	93.10%	'
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	15	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member]	'	'
Total Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Total securities available for sale	1,587,032	'
Derivatives - interest rate swaps	56	'
Cash conversion feature of cash convertible notes	-11,266	'
Purchased cash convertible note hedge	11,266	'
Total derivatives	56	'
Total securities available for sale and derivatives	1,587,088	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Debt securities [Member]	'	'
Debt Securities [Abstract]	'	'
U.S. Government and agencies	24,827	'
Obligations of states and political subs	726,615	'
Corporate securities	582,902	'
Residential mortgage-backed securities	104,066	'
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	21,481	'
Other asset-backed securities	20,271	'
Total debt securities available for sale	1,480,162	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Equity securities [Member]	'	'
Equity Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock	106,870	'
Total equity securities available for sale	106,870	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member]	'	'
Total Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Total securities available for sale	106,870	'
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	106,870	'
Fair Value, Measurements, 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	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Quoted Prices in Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1) [Member] | Equity securities [Member]	'	'
Equity Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock	106,870	'
Total equity securities available for sale	106,870	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member]	'	'
Total Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Total securities available for sale	1,476,937	'
Derivatives - interest rate swaps	56	'
Cash conversion feature of cash convertible notes	0	'
Purchased cash convertible note hedge	0	'
Total derivatives	56	'
Total securities available for sale and derivatives	1,476,993	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Debt securities [Member]	'	'
Debt Securities [Abstract]	'	'
U.S. Government and agencies	24,827	'
Obligations of states and political subs	726,615	'
Corporate securities	581,822	'
Residential mortgage-backed securities	104,066	'
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	21,481	'
Other asset-backed securities	18,126	'
Total debt securities available for sale	1,476,937	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2) [Member] | Equity securities [Member]	'	'
Equity Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock	0	'
Total equity securities available for sale	0	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member]	'	'
Total Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Total securities available for sale	3,225	'
Derivatives - interest rate swaps	0	'
Cash conversion feature of cash convertible notes	-11,266	'
Purchased cash convertible note hedge	11,266	'
Total derivatives	0	'
Total securities available for sale and derivatives	3,225	'
Fair Value, Measurements, 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	1,080	'
Residential mortgage-backed securities	0	'
Commercial mortgage-backed securities	0	'
Other asset-backed securities	2,145	'
Total debt securities available for sale	3,225	'
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3) [Member] | Equity securities [Member]	'	'
Equity Securities [Abstract]	'	'
Common stock	0	'
Total equity securities available for sale	$0	'

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Aug. 29, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2014

Aug. 29, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 19, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Aug. 29, 2012

Sep. 30, 2014

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]

Cash Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

Cash Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

Cash Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

Cash Convertible Senior Notes [Member]

Residential Mortgage Backed Securities [Member]

Minimum [Member]

Maximum [Member]

Meadowbrook Capital Trust I [Member]

Meadowbrook Capital Trust II [Member]

ProFinance Statutory Trust I [Member]

ProFinance Statutory Trust II [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility [Member]

Letter of Credit [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Term Loan [Member]

Revolving Credit Facility and Term Loan [Member]

Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Borrowing capacity on credit facility, maximum

'

'

$130,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$100,000,000

'

'

'

$30,000,000

'

Debt instrument expiration period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'

'

'

Outstanding amount on credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

15,000,000

'

100,000

'

'

'

18,000,000

Reduction in borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

30,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Further periodic reduction in borrowing capacity

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

Undrawn portion of the revolving credit facility

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

9,100,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

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%

'

'

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

'

'

'

4.05%

4.00%

4.20%

3.58%

4.00%

[1]

4.10%

[1]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

0.23%

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Debt Covenant leverage ratio, 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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

36,300,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from issuance of mandatory redeemable trust preferred securities

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

10,000,000

20,000,000

15,000,000

10,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Number of trusts

4

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash Convertible Senior Notes [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Cash convertible senior notes

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest rate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

5.00%

'

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

'

1,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Equivalent initial conversion price (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$9.18

'

$9.18

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100.00%

'

100.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Original issue discount

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,900,000

'

12,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Effective interest rate (in hundredths)

'

'

'

4.28%

[2]

4.23%

[2]

4.43%

[2]

3.81%

[2]

4.23%

[1],[2]

4.33%

[1],[2]

7.40%

'

7.40%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amounts recorded for the debt component of notes [Abstract]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Outstanding principal

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

100,000,000

'

100,000,000

'

100,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Unamortized OID

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

-10,627,000

'

-10,627,000

'

-11,777,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Total debt component

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

89,373,000

'

89,373,000

'

88,223,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

OID and deferred issuance costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

3,700,000

'

3,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Interest expense, including amortization of deferred issuance costs

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

1,800,000

1,700,000

5,200,000

3,700,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Payment for note hedge

0

-12,942,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

12,900,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Proceeds from warrants sold

$0

$3,023,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$3,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Warrants strike price (in dollars per share)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

$11.69

'

$11.69

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

[1]

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

[2]

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.

Debt_Debentures_Details

Debt, Debentures (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014
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)	4.28%	[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)	4.23%	[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)	4.43%	[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)	3.81%	[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)	[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)	4.23%	[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)	[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)	4.33%	[1],[2]
Principal Amount	$10,000	[2]
Interest Rate Terms (in hundredths)	4.10%	[2]
Cash Convertible Senior Notes [Member]	'
Description of entity debenture [Abstract]	'
Interest Rate at period end (in hundredths)	7.40%
[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 our merger with ProCentury (the ProCentury Merger) on July 31, 2008.

Derivative_Instruments_Details

Derivative Instruments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended			12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014		Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Interest rate swaps rate and amount [Abstract]	'		'	'		'	'
Interest expense incurred in relation to interest rate swaps	$3,506,000		$3,581,000	$10,440,000		$9,431,000	'
Cash Convertible Senior Notes and Notes Hedges [Abstract]	'		'	'		'	'
Cash conversion feature of cash convertible notes, fair value	-11,300,000		'	-11,300,000		'	-16,800,000
Note hedges fair value	11,300,000		'	11,300,000		'	16,800,000
Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'		'	'		'	'
Interest rate swaps rate and amount [Abstract]	'		'	'		'	'
Interest expense incurred in relation to interest rate swaps	500,000		500,000	1,300,000		1,800,000	'
Fair value of derivatives	'		'	56,000,000		'	1,600,000
Fair value of interest rate swaps, unrealized gain on derivatives	'		'	900,000		'	2,900,000
Fair value of interest rate swaps, unrealized loss on derivatives	'		'	-800,000		'	-1,300,000
Accumulated other comprehensive income included accumulated gain (loss) on the cash flow hedge, net of taxes	-36,000,000		'	-36,000,000		'	1,000,000
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member]	'		'	'		'	'
Interest rate swaps rate and amount [Abstract]	'		'	'		'	'
Fixed Amount	98,000,000		'	98,000,000		'	'
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		'	'
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		'	'
Percentage points added on variable rate of term loan and debentures (in hundredths)	'		'	4.05%		'	'
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		'	'
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		'	'
Percentage points added on variable rate of term loan and debentures (in hundredths)	'		'	4.00%		'	'
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	[1]	'	'
Expiration Date	'		'	30-Aug-16	[1]	'	'
Debt Instrument hedge	'		'	'Term loan (1)	[1]	'	'
Counterparty Interest Rate Terms	'		'	'Three-month LIBOR	[1]	'	'
Fixed Rate (in hundredths)	0.71%	[1]	'	0.71%	[1]	'	'
Fixed Amount	18,000,000	[1]	'	18,000,000	[1]	'	'
Percentage points added on variable rate of term loan and debentures (in hundredths)	'		'	2.50%		'	'
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		'	'
Percentage points added on variable rate of term loan and debentures (in hundredths)	'		'	4.10%		'	'
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		'	'
Percentage points added on variable rate of term loan and debentures (in hundredths)	'		'	4.00%		'	'
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		'	'
Percentage points added on variable rate of term loan and debentures (in hundredths)	'		'	4.20%		'	'
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Junior Subordinated Debentures, 6.160% 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		'	'
Percentage points added on variable rate of term loan and debentures (in hundredths)	'		'	3.58%		'	'
Designated as Hedging Instrument [Member] | Interest Rate Swap [Member] | Junior Subordinated Debentures, 6.190% 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		'	'
Percentage points added on variable rate of term loan and debentures (in hundredths)	'		'	3.58%		'	'
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		'	'
Percentage points added on variable rate of term loan and debentures (in hundredths)	'		'	4.20%		'	'
[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.

Restricted_and_NonRestricted_S1

Restricted and Non-Restricted Stock Awards (Details) (USD $)

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

3 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

0 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Aug. 12, 2014

16-May-14

Feb. 13, 2014

Feb. 13, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2014

Sep. 30, 2013

Feb. 23, 2011

Feb. 23, 2010

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]

Non Restricted Stock [Member]

Non Restricted Stock [Member]

Non Restricted Stock [Member]

Non Restricted Stock [Member]

Amended And Restated Stock Option Plan 2002 [Member]

Amended And Restated Stock Option Plan 2002 [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

Restricted Stock [Member]

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

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share based compensation awards issued per board member (in shares)

'

'

'

'

2,000

2,400

2,400

2,400

'

'

'

'

'

'

Share based compensation awards issued to management (in shares)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

28,500

202,500

Stock awards vesting period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'4 years

Percentage of stock awards vested immediately (in hundredths)

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

20.00%

20.00%

Percentage of stock awards vesting annually

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

80.00%

80.00%

Restricted stock awards requisite service period

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'4 years

'4 years

Stock award compensation expenses

$14,000

$83,000

$82,000

$247,000

'

'

'

'

$12,000

$0

$148,000

$137,000

'

'

Shareholders_Equity_Details

Shareholders' Equity (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
Share data in Millions, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2013
Shareholders' Equity [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Shareholders' equity	$448,104,000	$448,104,000	'	$413,413,000
Book value per common share (in dollars per share)	$8.94	$8.94	'	$8.29
Common stock repurchased during period (in shares)	0	0	'	'
Dividends paid in the period	'	3,000,000	3,000,000	'
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.02	'	'	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Date on which the dividend was declared	'	31-Oct-14	'	'
Date on which dividend is to be paid	'	3-Dec-14	'	'
Dividends payable record date	'	20-Nov-14	'	'
Maximum [Member]	'	'	'	'
Subsequent Event [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Maximum dividend allowed per amended credit facility	'	$1,250,000	'	'

Earnings_Per_Share_Details

Earnings Per Share (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Net income (loss)	$4,967	$5,516	$21,087	($100,460)
Basic [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	50,092,755	49,887,200	50,054,031	49,866,326
Diluted [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	50,092,755	49,887,200	50,054,031	49,866,326
Dilutive effect of [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Share awards under long term incentive plan (in shares)	0	46,340	0	0
Total (in shares)	50,092,755	49,933,540	50,054,031	49,866,326
Net income per common share [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Basic (in dollars per share)	$0.09	$0.11	$0.42	($2.01)
Diluted (in dollars per share)	$0.09	$0.11	$0.42	($2.01)

Goodwill_Details

Goodwill (Details) (USD $)	9 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Aug. 02, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]	'	'	'
Decrease in stock price (in hundredths)	'	'	10.00%
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	$5,644	$121,041	'
Goodwill Impairment	'	-115,397	'
Goodwill Addition	1,213	'	'
Goodwill, ending balance	6,857	5,644	'
Agency Operations [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	5,644	5,644	'
Goodwill Impairment	'	0	'
Goodwill Addition	1,213	'	'
Goodwill, ending balance	6,857	5,644	'
Specialty Insurance Operations [Member]	'	'	'
Goodwill [Roll Forward]	'	'	'
Goodwill, beginning balance	0	115,397	'
Goodwill Impairment	'	-115,397	'
Goodwill Addition	0	'	'
Goodwill, ending balance	$0	$0	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	Jul. 25, 2014	Sep. 04, 2013	Jul. 23, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014
	AIG Arbitration [Member]	AIG Arbitration [Member]	AIG Arbitration [Member]	Securities Class Actions [Member]
				Complaint
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]	'	'	'	'
Excess of loss treaty amount of potential loss per occurrence	'	'	$42,600,000	'
Company's original retention level of potential loss per occurrence	'	'	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	1,600,000	'
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	10,900,000	'	1,600,000	'
Legal settlement amount awarded reinsurer for interest on award by arbitration panel	'	'	2,000,000	'
Putative class action complaints filed	'	'	'	2
Estimate of possible loss	10,900,000	'	'	'
Interest, fees and costs associated with possible loss	$5,000,000	'	'	'

Accumulated_Other_Comprehensiv2

Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Abstract]	'	'	'	'
Percentage of comprehensive income reported on net basis (in hundredths)	'	'	35.00%	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Line Item]	'	'	'	'
Tax expense	($445)	($356)	($4,474)	$15,412
Net income (loss)	4,967	5,516	21,087	-100,460
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	2,973	703	9,252	3,898
Tax expense	-1,040	-246	-3,238	-1,364
Net income (loss)	$1,933	$457	$6,014	$2,534