Segmented Information Segment (loss) income (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2014	Mar. 31, 2013
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fair Value, Option, Changes in Fair Value, Gain (Loss)	$ 563	$ (8,951)
Operating Income (Loss)	2,171	(1,129)
Net Investment Income	413	580
Realized Investment Gains (Losses)	39	(1,409)
Other Nonoperating Income (Expense)	(470)	(4,388)
Interest Expense	1,433	1,833
Amortization of intangible assests not allocated to segments	414	558
Accretion Expense	267	155
Discontinued Operation, Gain (Loss) from Disposal of Discontinued Operation, before Income Tax	(1,242)
Gains (Losses) on Extinguishment of Debt	0	(24)
Income (Loss) from Equity Method Investments	0	255
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest	(640)	(17,612)
Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	366	(276)
Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest	(1,006)	(17,336)
Property, Liability and Casualty Insurance Product Line [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)	257	(3,045)
6411 Insurance Agents, Brokers and Service [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Operating Income (Loss)	$ 1,914	$ 1,916