Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands |
Sep. 30, 2016 |
Dec. 31, 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] | ||
| Fixed maturities, amortized cost | $ 1,379,525 | $ 1,381,510 |
| Equity securities, cost | 77,125 | 78,815 |
| Short term investments, amortized cost | 2,257 | 4,656 |
| Agents' balances and premium receivable, allowance for doubtful accounts | 14,501 | 15,385 |
| Property and equipment, accumulated depreciation | 67,849 | 72,892 |
| Recoverable from reinsurers, paid losses and loss adjustment expenses | 1,078 | 362 |
| Long-term debt, fair value | $ 292,075 | $ 281,581 |
| Common stock, par value (usd per share) | $ 0 | $ 0 |
| Common stock, shares authorized (shares) | 50,000,000 | 50,000,000 |
| Common stock, shares issued (shares) | 21,808,959 | 21,774,520 |
| Treasury stock, shares (shares) | 10,751,048 | 10,623,138 |