Consolidated Statement of Cash Flows (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2014	Sep. 30, 2013
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Net loss	$ 12,575	$ 32,658
Net (loss) income	(12,575)	(25,431)
Adjustments to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract]
Gain on liquidation of subsidiaries, net of taxes	0	7,227
Equity in net loss (income) of investee	83	(255)
Equity in net income of limited liability investments	201	133
Depreciation and amortization	2,006	2,786
Contingent consideration expense	801	465
Stock based compensation expense, net of forfeitures	1,033	198
Net realized (gains) losses	(5,459)	1,056
Loss on change in fair value of debt	10,199	2,812
Deferred income taxes	1,079	144
Other than temporary impairment loss	0	(1,800)
Amortization of fixed maturities premiums and discounts	515	2,302
Loss on disposal of subsidiary	1,242	0
Impairment of asset held for sale	(1,180)	(1,446)
Realized loss on buy-back of debt	0	24
Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets and Liabilities, Net [Abstract]
Premiums and service fee receivable	1,796	(8)
Other receivables	1,176	7,918
Reinsurance recoverable	6,332	(6,751)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	6,761	(944)
Deferred acquisition costs	71	(3,411)
Unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses	16,531	13,696
Unearned premiums	(10,181)	2,799
Reinsurance payable	(984)	(721)
Deferred service fees	1,689	255
Other, net	1,640	4,895
Net cash used in operating activities	(14,414)	(38,675)
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract]
Proceeds from sales and maturities of fixed maturities	21,722	18,725
Proceeds from sales of equity investments	6,761	8,799
Proceeds from sales of other investments	1,000	0
Proceeds from sales of investment in investee	0	13,638
Purchase of fixed maturities	21,293	4,725
Purchase of equity investments	10,180	286
Net acquisition of limited liability investments	1,159	919
Purchase of other investments	0	(1,031)
Net purchases of short-term investments	103	325
Acquisition of business, net of cash acquired	0	(1,052)
Net purchases of property and equipment and intangible assets	(384)	(455)
Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities	(3,636)	32,369
Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities, Continuing Operations [Abstract]
Proceeds from issuance of common stock, net	6,330	0
Proceeds from Issuance of Common Stock	0	12,113
Redemption of senior unsecured debentures	14,356	583
Net cash provided by financing activities	6,734	11,530
Net (decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents	(11,316)	5,224
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	98,589	80,813
Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	87,273
Proceeds from Issuance of Warrants	$ 14,760	$ 0