Fair Value of Financial Instruments Level 4 Carrying and Fair Values of Financial Instruments (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 11,284	$ 31,339	$ 23,114	$ 43,389
Fixed Maturity Securities	110,833	93,509
Equity Securities	6,085	1,219
Notes receivable	4,281	3,603
Accounts and Premiums Receivable, Net	25,056	20,172
Other receivables	15,708	9,103
Short-term investments	970	1,070
Notes payable	71,168	73,000
Preferred trust securities	35,000	35,000
Carrying Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	11,284	31,339
Fixed Maturity Securities	110,833	93,509
Equity Securities	6,085	1,219
Notes receivable	4,281	3,603
Accounts and Premiums Receivable, Net	25,056	20,172
Other receivables	15,708	9,103
Short-term investments	970	1,070
Total Financial Assets	174,217	160,015
Notes payable	71,168	73,000
Preferred trust securities	35,000	35,000
Interest Rate Swap	4,599	3,601
Total Financial Liabilities	110,767	111,601
Fair Value [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Cash and cash equivalents	11,284	31,339
Fixed Maturity Securities	110,833	93,509
Equity Securities	6,085	1,219
Notes receivable	4,281	3,603
Accounts and Premiums Receivable, Net	25,056	20,172
Other receivables	15,708	9,103
Short-term investments	970	1,070
Total Financial Assets	174,217	160,015
Notes payable	71,168	73,000
Preferred trust securities	35,000	35,000
Interest Rate Swap	4,599	3,601
Total Financial Liabilities	$ 110,767	$ 111,601