CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME OR LOSS - UNAUDITED (USD $) In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	3 Months Ended
	Mar. 31, 2012	Mar. 31, 2011
Revenues:
Sale of real estate and water assets	$ 3,544	$ 876
Net investment income	820	1,183
Net realized gain (loss) on sale and impairment of investments	(36)	5,251
Other	1,687	368
Total revenues	6,015	7,678
Costs and expenses:
Operating and other costs	9,076	9,387
Cost of real estate and water assets sold	2,310	478
Depreciation and amortization	406	329
Interest	1,014	146
Total costs and expenses	12,806	10,340
Loss before income taxes	(6,791)	(2,662)
Benefit for federal, foreign, and state income taxes	(1,673)	(1,311)
Equity in loss of unconsolidated affiliate	0	(1,574)
Net loss	(5,118)	(2,925)
Noncontrolling interests	222	820
Net loss attributable to PICO Holdings, Inc.	(4,896)	(2,105)
Other comprehensive loss, net of tax:
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on available-for-sale securities	1,540	(2,777)
Foreign currency translation	11	(695)
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	1,551	(3,472)
Comprehensive loss attributable to PICO Holdings, Inc.	$ (3,345)	$ (5,577)
Net loss per common share – basic and diluted:
Net loss per common share – basic and diluted:	$ (0.22)	$ (0.09)
Weighted average shares outstanding	22,723	22,700