Consolidated Statement of Changes in Shareholders' Equity (Unaudited) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Preferred Stock [Member]	Common Stock [Member]	Additional Paid-in Capital [Member]	Accumulated Deficit [Member]	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income [Member]	Noncontrolling Interest [Member]	Total
Balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$ 0	$ 1,118	$ 444,103	$ (371,541)	$ 41	$ 0	$ 73,721
Balance (in shares) at Dec. 31, 2010	0	112,104,768
Net loss attributable to Signature Group Holdings, Inc.	0	0	0	(10,368)	0	0	(10,368)
Noncontrolling interest from acquisition	0	0	0	0	0	100	100
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interest	0	0	0	0	0	(61)	(61)
Proceeds from common stock warrant liability	0	0	60	0	0	0	60
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures	0	0	0	0	0	0	0
Issuance of restricted stock, net of forfeitures (in shares)	0	535,137
Restricted stock vested	0	3	(3)	0	0	0	0
Amortization of restricted stock	0	0	155	0	0	0	155
Change in accumulated other comprehensive income	0	0	0	0	18	0	18
Balance at Jun. 30, 2011	$ 0	$ 1,121	$ 444,315	$ (381,909)	$ 59	$ 39	$ 63,625
Balance (in shares) at Jun. 30, 2011	0	112,639,905