CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value, amortized cost	$ 302,954	$ 590,588
Treasury shares at cost (Series A non-voting convertible ordinary shares)	2,972,892	2,972,892
Share Capital - Ordinary Shares
Common shares, par value	$ 1	$ 1
Common shares, authorized	156,000,000	156,000,000
Ordinary shares, shares issued	13,713,088	13,665,051
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding	13,713,088	13,665,051
Series A Non-Voting Convertible Ordinary Shares
Ordinary shares, shares issued	2,972,892	2,972,892
Series B, C and D Non-Voting Convertible Ordinary Shares
Ordinary shares, shares issued	2,725,637	2,725,637
Ordinary shares, shares outstanding	2,725,637	2,725,637