Fair Value Measurements (Details 2) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Sep. 30, 2011
Assets:
Trading securities	$ 14,846
Liabilities:
Securities payable	948,314
Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Trading securities	7,044
Liabilities:
Securities payable	169,894
Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Trading securities	7,802
Liabilities:
Securities payable	771,714
Carrying Amount [Member]
Assets:
Fixed maturities	791,761	815,999
Equity securities	9,771	9,683
Short-term investments	131,936	57,417
Trading securities	14,846
Carrying Amount [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	31,889	43,481
Carrying Amount [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Premiums receivable	40,397	33,458
Reinsurance recoverable	160,949	173,982
Liabilities:
Securities payable	16,834
Loans payable	39,183	39,183
Estimated Fair Value [Member]
Assets:
Fixed maturities	791,761	815,999
Equity securities	9,771	9,683
Short-term investments	131,936	57,417
Trading securities	14,846
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Level 1 [Member]
Assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	31,889	43,481
Estimated Fair Value [Member] | Level 2 [Member]
Assets:
Premiums receivable	40,397	33,458
Reinsurance recoverable	160,949	173,982
Liabilities:
Securities payable	16,834
Loans payable	$ 39,183	$ 39,183