Consolidated Statements of Operations (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Revenues [Abstract]
Net premiums earned	$ 28,068	$ 29,267
Service fee and commission income	13,124	9,529
Net investment income	580	826
Net realized (losses) gains	(1,409)	273
Loss on change in fair value of debt	(8,951)	(4,331)
Other Income	2,218	1,083
Total revenues	33,630	36,647
Operating Costs and Expenses [Abstract]
Loss and loss adjustment expenses	21,831	21,775
Commissions and premium taxes	6,712	4,419
General and administrative expenses	19,759	18,801
Restructuring expense	780	0
Interest expense	1,833	1,849
Amortization of intangible assets	558	0
Total expenses	51,473	46,844
Loss before loss on buy-back of debt, equity in net income (loss) of investee and income tax (benefit) expense	(17,843)	(10,197)
Loss on buy-back of debt	(24)	0
Equity in net income (loss) of investee	255	(2,266)
Loss before income tax (benefit) expense	(17,612)	(12,463)
Income tax (benefit) expense	(276)	59
Net loss	(17,336)	(12,522)
Less: net income (loss) attributable to noncontrolling interests in consolidated subsidiaries	95	(1,514)
Net loss attributable to common shareholders	$ (17,431)	$ (11,008)
Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract]
Basic:	$ (1.32)	$ (0.96)
Diluted:	$ (1.32)	$ (0.96)
Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted [Abstract]
Basic:	13,149	13,102
Diluted:	13,149	13,102