Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Fixed maturity securities at fair value	$ 815,999	$ 750,250
Short-term investments, at fair value	57,417	60,207
Cash and cash equivalents	43,481	38,307
Accrued investment income	6,598	7,174
Premiums receivable	33,458	32,470
Ceded unearned premium	22,710	24,380
Reinsurance recoverable	173,982	198,014
Deferred policy acquisition costs	24,421	22,142
Other assets	74,479	52,064
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	680,201	649,641
Unearned premiums	135,059	128,981
Ceded premiums payable	11,425	11,496
Funds held	71,955	55,917
Other liabilities	14,029	17,501
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	5,000,000	5,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued
Preferred stock, shares outstanding
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	30,000,000	30,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	10,209,419	10,386,519
Common stock, shares outstanding	10,209,419	10,386,519
Variable Interest Entity
Fixed maturity securities at fair value	4,623	5,419
Short-term investments, at fair value	3,723	3,083
Cash and cash equivalents	2,268	759
Accrued investment income	45	54
Premiums receivable	629	1,116
Ceded unearned premium	166	286
Reinsurance recoverable	3,055	4,291
Deferred policy acquisition costs	(454)	(38)
Other assets	1,042	0
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	7,412	9,710
Unearned premiums	623	945
Ceded premiums payable	296	434
Funds held	174	248
Other liabilities	$ 0	$ 427