CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - UNAUDITED (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income	Treasury Stock	Non-controlling Interest
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2010	$ 570,724	$ 27	$ 542,072	$ 88,830	$ 15,327	$ (78,152)	$ 2,620
Beginning balance, treasury stock, shares at Dec. 31, 2010						4,417,000
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2010		27,117,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation expense, shares		5,000
Stock-based compensation expense, value	3,398		3,398
Changes in ownership of noncontrolling interest	490						490
Net loss	(44,611)			(49,941)			5,330
Unrealized depreciation on investments	(12,746)				(12,746)
Foreign currency translation	(1,756)				(1,756)
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2011	515,499	27	545,470	38,889	825	(78,152)	8,440
Ending balance, treasury stock, shares at Sep. 30, 2011						4,417,000
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2011		27,122,000
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2011	509,662	27	546,608	34,288	(959)	(78,152)	7,850
Beginning balance, treasury stock, shares at Dec. 31, 2011	4,417,000					4,417,000
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011	27,122,000	27,122,000
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Stock-based compensation expense, value	2,927		2,927
Exercise of restricted stock units, shares		94,000
Exercise of restricted stock units, value	(1,687)		(1,020)			(667)
Exercise of restricted stock units, shares added to treasury						30,000
Retirement of PICO common stock, shares		(1,409,000)				(1,409,000)
Retirement of PICO common stock, value	0	(1)	(22,870)			22,871
Net loss	(27,462)			(25,593)			(1,869)
Unrealized depreciation on investments	(54)				(54)
Foreign currency translation	(295)				(295)
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2012	$ 483,091	$ 26	$ 525,645	$ 8,695	$ (1,308)	$ (55,948)	$ 5,981
Ending balance, treasury stock, shares at Sep. 30, 2012	3,038,000					3,038,000
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2012	25,807,000	25,807,000