Consolidated Condensed Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) (USD $) In Thousands, except Share data	Sep. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Securities available for sale --
Cost of fixed maturities, at fair value	$ 408,533	$ 644,661
Accumulated depreciation on property and equipment	$ 154,599	$ 147,493
Stockholders' equity:
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued
Class A-1
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	90,000,000	90,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	28,276,279	28,281,859
Common stock, shares outstanding	28,169,475	28,256,028
Treasury stock, shares	106,804	25,831
Class A-2
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	20,000,000	20,000,000
Common stock, shares issued	4,026,104	4,026,104
Common stock, shares outstanding	2,882,616	2,762,100
Treasury stock, shares	1,143,488	1,264,004