Comprehensive Loss (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Sep. 30, 2011	Sep. 30, 2010	Dec. 31, 2010
Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Net income (loss)	$ (42,739,000)	$ (2,082,000)	$ (44,611,000)	$ (10,185,000)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Unrealized depreciation on available-for-sale securities	(5,263,000)	1,675,000	(12,746,000)	(1,323,000)
Foreign currency translation	(1,282,000)	(41,000)	(1,756,000)	(400,000)
Other comprehensive loss	(6,545,000)	1,634,000	(14,502,000)	(1,723,000)
Comprehensive loss	(49,284,000)	(448,000)	(59,113,000)	(11,908,000)
Noncontrolling interest	(7,182,000)	764,000	(5,330,000)	2,305,000
Comprehensive loss attributable to PICO Holdings, Inc.	(56,466,000)	316,000	(64,443,000)	(9,603,000)
Deferred income tax benefit	(25,950,075)	1,500,000	(20,039,327)	4,500,000
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax
Net unrealized appreciation on available-for-sale investments	7,362,000		7,362,000		20,108,000
Foreign currency translation	(6,537,000)		(6,537,000)		(4,781,000)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	825,000		825,000		15,327,000
Deferred income tax liability	$ 407,000		$ 407,000		$ 8,400,000