Financial Schedules Schedule II - Condensed Financial Infornation (Details) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Fixed maturities available-for-sale, at fair value	$ 604,520	$ 514,253
Fixed maturities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost	187,008	227,500
Equity securities	53,741	46,137
Mortgage loans on real estate	1,509	1,557
Real estate and other long-term investments	8,496	8,539
Cash and cash equivalents	56,299	33,255	49,723	48,625
Accrued investment income	10,304	7,787
Other assets	782	800
Total assets	1,174,948	1,079,512
Liabilities for options and warrants	0	451
Total liabilities	911,840	831,470
Accumulated deficit	(17,335)	(21,851)
Unrealized investment gains on securities held by parent and subsidaries, net of tax	28,887	19,172
Treasury stock	(11,011)	(11,011)
Total stockholders' equity	263,108	248,042	219,884	209,132
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	1,174,948	1,079,512
Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Investment in subsidiary	197,059	190,003
Fixed maturities available-for-sale, at fair value	43,946	35,299
Fixed maturities held-to-maturity, at amortized cost	151	151
Equity securities	972	926
Mortgage loans on real estate	479	485
Real estate and other long-term investments	6,365	6,468
Cash and cash equivalents	16,489	16,494	23,508	21,202
Accrued investment income	598	384
Accounts receivable from subsidiaries	2,212	2,517
Other assets	526	763
Total assets	268,797	253,490
Accrued expenses and other liabilities	5,689	4,997
Liabilities for options and warrants	0	451
Total liabilities	5,689	5,448
Accumulated deficit	(17,335)	(21,851)
Unrealized investment gains on securities held by parent and subsidaries, net of tax	28,887	19,172
Treasury stock	(11,011)	(11,011)
Total stockholders' equity	263,108	248,042
Total liabilities and stockholders' equity	268,797	253,490
Common Class A [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Common Stock	259,383	258,548
Common Class A [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Common Stock	259,383	258,548
Common Class B [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Common Stock	3,184	3,184
Common Class B [Member] | Parent Company [Member]
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Common Stock	$ 3,184	$ 3,184