Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets [Abstract]
Fixed maturity securities, fair value	$ 654,175	$ 685,242
Fixed maturity securities, cost	141,541	98,077
Equity securities, cost	$ 6,592	$ 11,776
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	50,000,000	50,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	19,445,476	19,408,512
Common stock, shares outstanding	18,187,226	18,150,262
Treasury stock, at cost	1,258,250	1,258,250