CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 67,440	$ 100,115
Investments ($46.6 million and $48.5 million measured at fair value at June 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, respectively)	48,732	50,524
Notes and other receivables, net	18,716	10,487
Real estate and water assets, net	347,682	342,338
Property and equipment, net	124,907	128,654
Other assets	55,308	35,056
Total assets	662,785	667,174
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	33,260	25,063
Deferred compensation	23,213	22,607
Debt	150,447	141,008
Total liabilities	206,920	188,678
Commitments and contingencies
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 100,000 shares, 25,818 issued and 22,745 outstanding at June 30, 2013, and 25,807 issued and 22,734 outstanding at December 31, 2012.	26	26
Additional paid-in capital	528,767	526,591
Retained (deficit) earnings	(17,470)	5,215
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(514)	(2,014)
Treasury stock, at cost (common shares: 3,073 in 2013 and 2012)	(56,593)	(56,593)
Total PICO Holdings, Inc. shareholders’ equity	454,216	473,225
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	1,649	5,271
Total shareholders’ equity	455,865	478,496
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 662,785	$ 667,174