Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities, fair value	$ 676,287	$ 683,463
Fixed maturity securities, cost	63,011	21,865
Equity securities, cost	$ 14,306	$ 1,687
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	19,287,912	19,060,649
Common stock, shares outstanding	18,062,272	18,352,041
Treasury stock, at cost	1,225,640	708,608