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Fair Value Disclosures (Fair Value, Investments, Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share) (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2013
Dec. 31, 2012
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]    
Other investments, at fair value $ 26,877 $ 38,323
Other Investment Vehicles [Member]
   
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]    
Other investments, at fair value 26,325 37,560
EuroDekania [Member]
   
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]    
Other investments, at fair value 4,192 [1] 2,054 [1]
Redemption frequency N/A [2] N/A [2]
Redemption notice period N/A [2] N/A [2]
EuroDekania [Member] | Other Investment Vehicles [Member]
   
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]    
Other investments, at fair value 4,192 [2] 2,054 [2]
Star Asia [Member]
   
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]    
Other investments, at fair value 17,104 [3],[4] 30,169 [3],[4]
Redemption frequency N/A [5] N/A [5]
Redemption notice period N/A [5] N/A [5]
Star Asia [Member] | Other Investment Vehicles [Member]
   
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]    
Other investments, at fair value 17,104 [5] 30,169 [5]
Tiptree Financial Partners L.P. [Member]
   
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]    
Other investments, at fair value 2,282 [6] 2,834 [6]
Redemption frequency N/A [7] N/A [7]
Redemption notice period N/A [7] N/A [7]
Cost Method Investments, Ownership Percentage 1.00%  
Tiptree Financial Partners L.P. [Member] | Other Investment Vehicles [Member]
   
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]    
Other investments, at fair value 2,282 [7] 2,834 [7]
Star Asia Special Situations Fund [Member]
   
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]    
Other investments, at fair value 2,747 [3],[4] 2,503 [3],[4]
Unfunded commitments   321 [8]
Redemption frequency N/A [8] N/A [8]
Redemption notice period N/A [8] N/A [8]
Star Asia Special Situations Fund [Member] | Other Investment Vehicles [Member]
   
Fair Value, Investments, Entities that Calculate Net Asset Value Per Share [Line Items]    
Other investments, at fair value $ 2,747 [8] $ 2,503 [8]
[1] Hybrid Securities Fund—European.
[2] EuroDekania’s investment strategy is to make investments in hybrid capital securities that have attributes of debt and equity, primarily in the form of subordinated debt issued by insurance companies, banks and bank holding companies based primarily in Western Europe; widely syndicated leveraged loans issued by European corporations; CMBS, including subordinated interests in first mortgage real estate loans; and RMBS and other ABS backed by consumer and commercial receivables. The majority of the assets are denominated in Euros and U.K. Pounds Sterling. The fair value of the investment in this category has been estimated using the net asset value per share of the investment in accordance with the “practical expedient” provisions of FASB ASC 820.
[3] On February 20, 2014, the Company announced the completion of the sale of the Company’s ownership interests in the Star Asia Group. See note 31.
[4] Real Estate Fund—Asian.
[5] Star Asia’s investment strategy is to make investments in Asian real estate structured finance investments, including CMBS, corporate debt of REITs and real estate operating companies, whole loans, mezzanine loans, and other commercial real estate fixed income investments. The fair value of the investment in this category has been estimated using an internal valuation model that uses a market approach. If the Company had used Star Asia’s unadjusted reported net asset value to determine its fair value, the carrying value of its investment in Star Asia would have been $30,261 as of December 31, 2013 and $39,998 as of December 31, 2012. On February 20, 2014, the Company announced the completion of the sale of the Company’s ownership interests in the Star Asia Group. See note 31.
[6] Diversified Fund.
[7] The investment strategy of Tiptree is focused on investing in (a) specialty finance companies; (b) alternative asset management companies; and (c) diversified credit assets and related equity interests. Tiptree primarily seeks to acquire majority ownership interests in its investees. Prior to June 30, 2013, the fair value of this investment had been estimated using the net asset value per share of the investment in accordance with the “practical expedient” provisions of FASB ASC 820. Beginning with the second quarter of 2013, the Company calculates the fair value of its investment in Tiptree by using the closing over the counter price for Tiptree Inc. and adjusting for the exchange ratio. As of December 31, 2013 and 2012, the Company owned approximately 1% of Tiptree.
[8] The Star Asia Special Situations Fund’s investment strategy is to make investments in real estate and securities backed by real estate in Japan. The Star Asia Special Situations Fund is a closed end fund that does not allow investor redemptions. It has an initial life of three years which can be extended under certain circumstances for up to two years. Prior to December 31, 2013, the fair value of the investment in this category has been estimated using the net asset value per share of the investment in accordance with the “practical expedient” provisions of FASB ASC 820. The Company’s unfunded commitment was denominated in Japanese Yen and fluctuated based on the foreign exchange spot rate used at any particular period. See note 29. As described in more detail in note 31, the Company sold its investment in Star Asia Special Situations Fund in February 2014 along with its investment in Star Asia and certain other related entities. According to ASC 820, when a sale is considered probable as of the measurement date at an amount other than the underlying NAV per share, the reporting entity should not use the practical expedient in determining fair value. Therefore, the Company determined the fair value of its investment in Star Asia Special Situations Fund as of December 31, 2013, by utilizing a valuation model that took into account the terms and conditions of the sale in February 2014.