Segmented Information Segment (loss) income (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2013	Mar. 31, 2012
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)	$ (3,180)	$ (1,493)
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 Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(2,819)	(3,623)
Interest Expense	(1,833)	(1,849)
Amortization of intangible assests not allocated to segments	231	0
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)
Property, Liability and Casualty Insurance Segment [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)	(4,529)	(3,226)
6411 Insurance Agents, Brokers and Service [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)	$ 1,349	$ 1,733