Discontinued Operations (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011 Agreement	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009 Insurer	Dec. 31, 2007
Discontinued Operations
Pretax earnings (loss) from results	$ (3,669)	$ 2,103	$ 18,872
Gain on disposal, net of transaction bonus	11,056	7,912	584
Income tax (provision) benefit	(2,910)	(3,962)	(7,790)
Earnings on discontinued operations, net of income taxes	4,477	6,053	11,666
Discontinued Operations (Textual)
Cumulative cash receipts received under ECU earn-out				150,000
Payments received under 5CP earn-out	12,284	8,794	11,625
Total payments received under the 5CP earn-out	54,991
Excess cash received under 5CP earn-out	21,890
Number of earn-out agreements	2
Cash transaction bonus payable	1,228	882	521
Net cash transaction bonus payable	2,631
Pretax earnings (loss) from results	(3,669)	2,103	18,872
Pretax gains from discontinued operations related to insurance settlements	$ 7,575	$ 6,000	$ 23,500
Number of insurers			2