Variable Interest Entity (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Jun. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Assets and Liabilities of the VIE as consolidated in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Cash and equivalents	$ 35,195	$ 43,481	$ 28,579	$ 38,307
Accrued investment income	6,430	6,598
Premiums receivable	39,243	33,458
Ceded unearned premiums	26,386	22,710
Reinsurance recoverables	178,066	173,982
Deferred policy acquisition costs	25,811	24,421
Deferred income tax	3,471
Other assets	86,370	74,479
Total assets	1,328,057	1,286,532	1,265,324
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	698,465	680,201
Unearned premium	146,127	135,059
Ceded premium(s) payable	14,116	11,425
Funds held	64,088	71,955
Total liabilities	977,683	951,852
VIE
Assets and Liabilities of the VIE as consolidated in the Consolidated Balance Sheets
Investments	7,009	8,346
Cash and equivalents	1,302	2,268
Accrued investment income	44	45
Premiums receivable	826	629
Ceded unearned premiums	442	166
Reinsurance recoverables	1,256	3,055
Deferred policy acquisition costs	1,372	(454)
Deferred income tax	36	0
Other assets	6,286	1,042
Total assets	18,573	15,097
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	5,491	7,412
Unearned premium	5,430	623
Ceded premium(s) payable	901	296
Funds held	122	174
Total liabilities	$ 11,944	$ 8,505