Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities, fair value	$ 685,242	$ 683,463
Fixed maturity securities, cost	98,077	21,865
Equity securities, cost	$ 11,776	$ 1,687
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	19,408,512	19,060,649
Common stock, shares outstanding	18,150,262	18,352,041
Treasury stock, at cost	1,258,250	708,608