Accounting Policies (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Premium Receivables [Member]
Summary of allowances for credit losses related to premium and agency receivables
Allowance for credit losses, Beginning balance	$ 990	$ 1,030
Estimated credit losses	157	229
Account write offs, net of recoveries	(147)	(269)
Allowance for credit losses, Ending balance	1,000	990
Agency Receivables [Member]
Summary of allowances for credit losses related to premium and agency receivables
Allowance for credit losses, Beginning balance	332	328
Estimated credit losses	0	0
Account write offs, net of recoveries	(46)	4
Allowance for credit losses, Ending balance	$ 286	$ 332