Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Summary of Significant Accounting Policies	Note A - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Company"). All significant inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation. Use of Estimates: Preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results will differ from those estimates. Cash and Cash Equivalents: The Company considers investments in money market funds to be cash equivalents. Carrying amounts for these instruments approximate their fair values. Investments: Carrying amounts for fixed maturity securities represent fair value and are based on quoted market prices, where available, or broker/dealer quotes for specific securities where quoted market prices are not available. Equity securities are carried at quoted market prices (fair value). The Company accounts for investments in limited partnerships using the equity method of accounting, which requires an investor in a limited partnership to record its proportionate share of the limited partnership's net income. To the extent that the limited partnership investees include both realized and unrealized investment gains or losses in the determination of net income or loss, then the Company would also recognize, through its statement of operations, its proportionate share of the investee's unrealized as well as realized investment gains or losses. Other investments, if any, are carried at either market value or cost, depending on the nature of the investment. Short-term investments are carried at cost which approximates their fair values. Realized gains and losses on disposals of investments are determined by specific identification of cost of investments sold and are included in income. All fixed maturity and equity securities are considered to be available for sale; the related unrealized net gains or losses (net of applicable tax effect) are reflected directly in shareholders' equity. In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standard Board's (“FASB”) other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”) guidance, if a fixed maturity security is in an unrealized loss position and the Company has the intent to sell the fixed maturity security, or it is more likely than not that the Company will have to sell the fixed maturity security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the decline in value is deemed to be other-than-temporary and is recorded to net realized losses on investments in the consolidated statements of operations. For impaired fixed maturity securities that the Company does not intend to sell or in cases where it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell such securities, but the Company expects that it will not fully recover the amortized cost basis, the credit component of the other-than-temporary impairment is recognized in net realized losses on investments in the consolidated statements of operations and the non-credit component of the other-than-temporary impairment is recognized directly in shareholder's equity (accumulated other comprehensive income). Furthermore, unrealized losses caused by non-credit related factors related to fixed maturity securities for which the Company expects to fully recover the amortized cost basis continue to be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income. The credit component of an other-than-temporary impairment is determined by comparing the net present value of projected future cash flows with the amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity security. The net present value is calculated by discounting the Company's best estimate of projected future cash flows at the appropriate effective interest rate. The unrealized net gains or losses (net of applicable tax effect) related to equity securities are reflected directly in shareholders' equity, unless a decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary, in which case the loss is charged to income. In determining if and when a decline in market value below cost is other-than-temporary, an objective analysis is made of each individual security where current market value is less than cost. For any equity security where the unrealized loss exceeds 20% of original or adjusted cost, and where that decline has existed for a period of at least six months, the decline is treated as an other-than-temporary impairment, subject to an evaluation as to possible future recovery, and the Company's intent and ability to retain the equity security for a period of time sufficient to allow for such recovery in fair value. Additionally, the Company takes into account any known subjective information in evaluating for impairment without consideration to the Company's quantitative criteria defined above. Property and Equipment: Property and equipment is carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed principally by the straight-line method. Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill is not amortized. It is instead tested for impairment in accordance with FASB guidance, at the reporting-unit level. Goodwill is tested annually (during the fourth quarter) or more often if events or circumstances, such as adverse changes in the business climate, indicate there may be impairment. Intangible assets determined to have finite lives, such as customer relationships and employment agreements, are amortized over their estimated useful lives in a manner that best reflects the economic benefits of the intangible asset. In addition, impairment testing is performed on these amortizing intangible assets if impairment indicators are noted. Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses: The reserves for losses and loss expenses, minor portions of which are discounted, are determined using case basis evaluations and statistical analyses and represent estimates of the ultimate cost of all reported and unreported losses which are unpaid at year end. These reserves include estimates of future trends in claim severity and frequency and other factors which could vary as the losses are ultimately settled. Although it is not possible to measure the degree of variability inherent in such estimates, management believes that the reserves for losses and loss expenses are adequate. The estimates are continually reviewed and as adjustments to these reserves become necessary, such adjustments are reflected in current operations. Recognition of Revenue and Costs: Premiums are earned over the period for which insurance protection is provided. A reserve for unearned premiums, computed by the daily pro-rata method, is established to reflect amounts applicable to subsequent accounting periods. Commissions to unaffiliated companies and premium taxes applicable to unearned premiums are deferred and expensed as the related premiums are earned. The Company does not defer acquisition costs which are not directly variable with the production of premium. If it is determined that expected losses and deferred expenses will likely exceed the related unearned premiums, the asset representing deferred policy acquisition costs is reduced and an expense is charged against current operations to reflect any such premium deficiency. In the event that the expected premium deficiency exceeds deferred policy acquisition costs, an additional liability would be recorded with a corresponding expense to current operations for the amount of the excess premium deficiency. Anticipated investment income is considered in determining recoverability of deferred acquisition costs. Reinsurance: Reinsurance premiums, commissions, expense reimbursements and reserves related to reinsured business are accounted for on bases consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Premiums ceded to other insurers have been reported as a reduction of premium earned. Amounts applicable to reinsurance ceded for unearned premium and claim loss reserves have been reported as reinsurance recoverable assets. Certain reinsurance contracts provide for additional or return premiums and commissions based upon profits or losses to the reinsurer over prescribed periods. Estimates of additional or return premiums and commissions are adjusted quarterly to recognize actual loss experience to date as well as projected loss experience applicable to the various contract periods. Estimates of reinstatement premiums on reinsurance contracts covering catastrophic events are, to the extent reasonably determinable, recorded concurrently with the related loss. Should impairment in the ability of a reinsurer to satisfy its obligations to the Company be determined to exist, current year operations would be charged in amounts sufficient to provide for the Company's additional liability. Such charges, when incurred, are included in other operating expenses, rather than losses and loss expenses incurred, since the inability of the Company to collect from reinsurers is a credit risk rather than a deficiency associated with the loss reserving process. The Company accounts for foreign and domestic reinsurance using the periodic method. Under the periodic method, premiums are recognized as revenue ratably over the contract term, and claims, including an estimate of claims incurred but not reported, are recognized as they occur. Federal Income Taxes: A consolidated federal income tax return is filed by the Company and includes all wholly owned subsidiaries. Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between the financial statement and tax return bases of assets and liabilities based on enacted tax rates and laws. The deferred tax benefits of the deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent realization of such benefits is more likely than not. Deferred income tax expense or benefit generally represents the net change in deferred income tax assets and liabilities during the year. Current income tax expense represents the tax liability associated with revenues and expenses currently taxable or deductible on various income tax returns for the year reported. Restricted Stock: Restricted shares vest ratably over the vesting period from the date of grant and are accelerated for retirement eligible recipients due to the non-substantive post-grant date vesting clause per Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 715, Compensation-Retirement Benefits. Restricted stock is valued based on the closing price of the stock on the day the award is granted. Non-vested restricted shares will be forfeited should an executive's employment terminate for any reason other than death, disability, or retirement as defined by the Compensation Committee. Earnings Per Share: Diluted earnings per share of common stock are based on the average number of shares of Class A and Class B common stock outstanding during the year, adjusted for the dilutive effect, if any, of restricted stock awards outstanding. Basic earnings per share are presented exclusive of the effect of share-based awards outstanding. Comprehensive Income: The Company records accumulated other comprehensive income from unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities as a separate component of shareholders' equity. Foreign exchange adjustments are generally not material and the Company has no defined benefit pension plan. A reclassification adjustment to other comprehensive income is made for gains during the period included in net income. Fair Value Measurements: In January 2010, the FASB issued revised accounting guidance that clarifies and provides additional disclosure requirements related to recurring and non-recurring fair value measurements. The guidance requires separate disclosures for the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, along with an explanation for the transfers. Additionally, a separate disclosure is required for purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis for Level 3 fair value measurements. The guidance also provides additional clarification for both the level of disaggregation reported for each class of assets or liabilities and disclosures of inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value for both recurring and non-recurring fair value measurements for assets and liabilities categorized as Level 2 or Level 3. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures were effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, which were effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010. Pending Accounting Standards: In October 2010, the FASB issued updated guidance to address the diversity in practice for the accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. This guidance modifies the definition of acquisition costs to specify that a cost must be directly related to the successful acquisition of a new or renewal insurance contract in order to be deferred. If application of this guidance would result in the capitalization of acquisition costs that had not previously been capitalized by a reporting entity, the entity may elect not to capitalize those costs. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the guidance, effective January 1, 2012, will have on the consolidated financial statements. We expect no adjustments. In May 2011, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance that changes the wording used to describe many of the requirements in GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements to ensure consistency between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The guidance also expands the disclosures for fair value measurements that are estimated using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the guidance effective January 1, 2012, will have on our consolidated financial statements. We expect no significant adjustments. In June 2011, the FASB issued revised accounting guidance that eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of shareholders' equity. Instead, comprehensive income must be reported in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income which contains two sections, net income and other comprehensive income, or in two separate but consecutive statements. The guidance will be effective for public companies during the interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. This new guidance is to be applied retrospectively. We expect no significant adjustments. Reclassification: Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.

Note A - Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Basis of Presentation: The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and its wholly owned subsidiaries (the “Company"). All significant inter-company transactions and accounts have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates: Preparation of the consolidated financial statements requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes. Actual results will differ from those estimates.

Cash and Cash Equivalents: The Company considers investments in money market funds to be cash equivalents. Carrying amounts for these instruments approximate their fair values.

Investments: Carrying amounts for fixed maturity securities represent fair value and are based on quoted market prices, where available, or broker/dealer quotes for specific securities where quoted market prices are not available. Equity securities are carried at quoted market prices (fair value). The Company accounts for investments in limited partnerships using the equity method of accounting, which requires an investor in a limited partnership to record its proportionate share of the limited partnership's net income. To the extent that the limited partnership investees include both realized and unrealized investment gains or losses in the determination of net income or loss, then the Company would also recognize, through its statement of operations, its proportionate share of the investee's unrealized as well as realized investment gains or losses.

Other investments, if any, are carried at either market value or cost, depending on the nature of the investment. Short-term investments are carried at cost which approximates their fair values.

Realized gains and losses on disposals of investments are determined by specific identification of cost of investments sold and are included in income. All fixed maturity and equity securities are considered to be available for sale; the related unrealized net gains or losses (net of applicable tax effect) are reflected directly in shareholders' equity.

In accordance with the Financial Accounting Standard Board's (“FASB”) other than temporary impairment (“OTTI”) guidance, if a fixed maturity security is in an unrealized loss position and the Company has the intent to sell the fixed maturity security, or it is more likely than not that the Company will have to sell the fixed maturity security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, the decline in value is deemed to be other-than-temporary and is recorded to net realized losses on investments in the consolidated statements of operations. For impaired fixed maturity securities that the Company does not intend to sell or in cases where it is more likely than not that the Company will not have to sell such securities, but the Company expects that it will not fully recover the amortized cost basis, the credit component of the other-than-temporary impairment is recognized in net realized losses on investments in the consolidated statements of operations and the non-credit component of the other-than-temporary impairment is recognized directly in shareholder's equity (accumulated other comprehensive income). Furthermore, unrealized losses caused by non-credit related factors related to fixed maturity securities for which the Company expects to fully recover the amortized cost basis continue to be recognized in accumulated other comprehensive income.

The credit component of an other-than-temporary impairment is determined by comparing the net present value of projected future cash flows with the amortized cost basis of the fixed maturity security. The net present value is calculated by discounting the Company's best estimate of projected future cash flows at the appropriate effective interest rate.

The unrealized net gains or losses (net of applicable tax effect) related to equity securities are reflected directly in shareholders' equity, unless a decline in value is determined to be other-than-temporary, in which case the loss is charged to income. In determining if and when a decline in market value below cost is other-than-temporary, an objective analysis is made of each individual security where current market value is less than cost. For any equity security where the unrealized loss exceeds 20% of original or adjusted cost, and where that decline has existed for a period of at least six months, the decline is treated as an other-than-temporary impairment, subject to an evaluation as to possible future recovery, and the

Company's intent and ability to retain the equity security for a period of time sufficient to allow for such recovery in fair value. Additionally, the Company takes into account any known subjective information in evaluating for impairment without consideration to the Company's quantitative criteria defined above.

Property and Equipment: Property and equipment is carried at cost, less accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed principally by the straight-line method.

Goodwill and Other Intangible Assets: Goodwill is not amortized. It is instead tested for impairment in accordance with FASB guidance, at the reporting-unit level. Goodwill is tested annually (during the fourth quarter) or more often if events or circumstances, such as adverse changes in the business climate, indicate there may be impairment. Intangible assets determined to have finite lives, such as customer relationships and employment agreements, are amortized over their estimated useful lives in a manner that best reflects the economic benefits of the intangible asset. In addition, impairment testing is performed on these amortizing intangible assets if impairment indicators are noted.

Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses: The reserves for losses and loss expenses, minor portions of which are discounted, are determined using case basis evaluations and statistical analyses and represent estimates of the ultimate cost of all reported and unreported losses which are unpaid at year end. These reserves include estimates of future trends in claim severity and frequency and other factors which could vary as the losses are ultimately settled. Although it is not possible to measure the degree of variability inherent in such estimates, management believes that the reserves for losses and loss expenses are adequate. The estimates are continually reviewed and as adjustments to these reserves become necessary, such adjustments are reflected in current operations.

Recognition of Revenue and Costs: Premiums are earned over the period for which insurance protection is provided. A reserve for unearned premiums, computed by the daily pro-rata method, is established to reflect amounts applicable to subsequent accounting periods. Commissions to unaffiliated companies and premium taxes applicable to unearned premiums are deferred and expensed as the related premiums are earned. The Company does not defer acquisition costs which are not directly variable with the production of premium. If it is determined that expected losses and deferred expenses will likely exceed the related unearned premiums, the asset representing deferred policy acquisition costs is reduced and an expense is charged against current operations to reflect any such premium deficiency. In the event that the expected premium deficiency exceeds deferred policy acquisition costs, an additional liability would be recorded with a corresponding expense to current operations for the amount of the excess premium deficiency. Anticipated investment income is considered in determining recoverability of deferred acquisition costs.

Reinsurance: Reinsurance premiums, commissions, expense reimbursements and reserves related to reinsured business are accounted for on bases consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and the terms of the reinsurance contracts. Premiums ceded to other insurers have been reported as a reduction of premium earned. Amounts applicable to reinsurance ceded for unearned premium and claim loss reserves have been reported as reinsurance recoverable assets. Certain reinsurance contracts provide for additional or return premiums and commissions based upon profits or losses to the reinsurer over prescribed periods. Estimates of additional or return premiums and commissions are adjusted quarterly to recognize actual loss experience to date as well as projected loss experience applicable to the various contract periods. Estimates of reinstatement premiums on reinsurance contracts covering catastrophic events are, to the extent reasonably determinable, recorded concurrently with the related loss.

Should impairment in the ability of a reinsurer to satisfy its obligations to the Company be determined to exist, current year operations would be charged in amounts sufficient to provide for the Company's additional liability. Such charges, when incurred, are included in other operating expenses, rather than losses and loss expenses incurred, since the inability of the Company to collect from reinsurers is a credit risk rather than a deficiency associated with the loss reserving process.

The Company accounts for foreign and domestic reinsurance using the periodic method. Under the periodic method, premiums are recognized as revenue ratably over the contract term, and claims, including an estimate of claims incurred but not reported, are recognized as they occur.

Federal Income Taxes: A consolidated federal income tax return is filed by the Company and includes all wholly owned subsidiaries.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for temporary differences between the financial statement and tax return bases of assets and liabilities based on enacted tax rates and laws. The deferred tax benefits of the deferred tax assets are recognized to the extent realization of such benefits is more likely than not. Deferred income tax expense or benefit generally represents the net change in deferred income tax assets and liabilities during the year. Current income tax expense represents the tax liability associated with revenues and expenses currently taxable or deductible on various income tax returns for the year reported.

Restricted Stock: Restricted shares vest ratably over the vesting period from the date of grant and are accelerated for retirement eligible recipients due to the non-substantive post-grant date vesting clause per Accounting Standard Codification (“ASC”) 715, Compensation-Retirement Benefits. Restricted stock is valued based on the closing price of the stock on the day the award is granted. Non-vested restricted shares will be forfeited should an executive's employment terminate for any reason other than death, disability, or retirement as defined by the Compensation Committee.

Earnings Per Share: Diluted earnings per share of common stock are based on the average number of shares of Class A and Class B common stock outstanding during the year, adjusted for the dilutive effect, if any, of restricted stock awards outstanding. Basic earnings per share are presented exclusive of the effect of share-based awards outstanding.

Comprehensive Income: The Company records accumulated other comprehensive income from unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities as a separate component of shareholders' equity. Foreign exchange adjustments are generally not material and the Company has no defined benefit pension plan. A reclassification adjustment to other comprehensive income is made for gains during the period included in net income.

Fair Value Measurements: In January 2010, the FASB issued revised accounting guidance that clarifies and provides additional disclosure requirements related to recurring and non-recurring fair value measurements. The guidance requires separate disclosures for the amounts of significant transfers in and out of Level 1 and Level 2 fair value measurements, along with an explanation for the transfers. Additionally, a separate disclosure is required for purchases, sales, issuances and settlements on a gross basis for Level 3 fair value measurements. The guidance also provides additional clarification for both the level of disaggregation reported for each class of assets or liabilities and disclosures of inputs and valuation techniques used to measure fair value for both recurring and non-recurring fair value measurements for assets and liabilities categorized as Level 2 or Level 3. The new disclosures and clarifications of existing disclosures were effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2009, except for the disclosures about purchases, sales, issuances, and settlements in the roll forward of activity in Level 3 fair value measurements, which were effective for fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2010.

Pending Accounting Standards: In October 2010, the FASB issued updated guidance to address the diversity in practice for the accounting for costs associated with acquiring or renewing insurance contracts. This guidance modifies the definition of acquisition costs to specify that a cost must be directly related to the successful acquisition of a new or renewal insurance contract in order to be deferred. If application of this guidance would result in the capitalization of acquisition costs that had not previously been capitalized by a reporting entity, the entity may elect not to capitalize those costs. The updated guidance is effective for interim and annual reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2011. The Company is currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the guidance, effective January 1, 2012, will have on the consolidated financial statements. We expect no adjustments.

In May 2011, the FASB issued updated accounting guidance that changes the wording used to describe many of the requirements in GAAP for measuring fair value and for disclosing information about fair value measurements to ensure consistency between GAAP and International Financial Reporting Standards. The guidance also expands the disclosures for fair value measurements that are estimated using significant unobservable (Level 3) inputs. We are currently evaluating the impact that the adoption of the guidance effective January 1, 2012, will have on our consolidated financial statements. We expect no significant adjustments.

In June 2011, the FASB issued revised accounting guidance that eliminates the option to present the components of other comprehensive income as part of the statement of shareholders' equity. Instead, comprehensive income must be reported in either a single continuous statement of comprehensive income which contains two sections, net income and other comprehensive income, or in two separate but consecutive statements. The guidance will be effective for public companies during the interim and annual periods beginning after December 15, 2011. This new guidance is to be applied retrospectively. We expect no significant adjustments.

Reclassification: Certain prior year balances have been reclassified to conform to the current year presentation.