Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fixed maturity securities, at fair value	$ 829,577	$ 815,999
Short-term investments, at fair value	76,502	57,417
Cash and cash equivalents	20,224	43,481
Accrued investment income	6,387	6,598
Premiums receivable	32,559	33,458
Ceded unearned premium	29,821	22,710
Reinsurance recoverable	183,562	173,982
Deferred income taxes	15,736	1,877
Deferred acquisition costs	26,182	24,421
Funds on deposit	42,088	32,979
Accrued premium	42,886	33,968
Other assets	25,849	7,532
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	725,244	680,201
Unearned premiums	146,096	135,059
Ceded premiums payable	13,386	11,425
Funds held	76,806	71,955
Other liabilities	18,601	14,029
Deferred income taxes	8,767	15,288
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	9,505,906	10,209,419
Common stock, shares outstanding	9,505,906	10,209,419
VIE
Fixed maturity securities, at fair value	9,499	4,623
Short-term investments, at fair value	2,645	3,723
Cash and cash equivalents	507	2,268
Accrued investment income	52	45
Premiums receivable	498	629
Ceded unearned premium	351	166
Reinsurance recoverable	5,039	3,055
Deferred income taxes	0	0
Deferred acquisition costs	1,100	(454)
Funds on deposit	231	208
Accrued premium	0	0
Other assets	1,255	834
Unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses	8,900	7,412
Unearned premiums	4,325	623
Ceded premiums payable	67	296
Funds held	113	174
Other liabilities	0	0
Deferred income taxes	$ 30	$ 0