NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Equity Method Investments, Policy	Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate: Investments where the Company owns at least 20% but not more than 50% of the voting interest and, or has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the investee are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, the Company’s share of the income or loss of the affiliate is included in PICO’s consolidated results.
Consolidation, Policy	Principles of Consolidation: The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned, majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries, and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.
Consolidation, Subsidiaries or Other Investments, Consolidated Entities, Policy	Noncontrolling Interests: The Company reports the results of its consolidated subsidiaries that are less than wholly-owned as noncontrolling interest in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. In the statement of operations, the income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest is reported separately and the accumulated income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest, along with any changes in ownership of the subsidiary, is reported within shareholders’ equity. For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the noncontrolling interest reported on the statement of operations is primarily from the business combination with Northstar, whereby the Company recorded $8.4 million as the fair value of Northstar’s 12% interest in the newly formed entity. Due to the impairment charge recorded on the Fish Springs water asset, the Company reassessed the previous method of attributing the 49% partner's share of the losses at Fish Springs. Accordingly, in 2011 the Company reversed previously attributed losses amounting to $5.9 million such that the 49% partner's noncontrolling interest balance is now zero.
Use of Estimates, Policy	Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements: The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for each reporting period. The significant estimates made in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements relate to the assessment of other-than-temporary impairments, and the application of the equity method of accounting, unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, real estate and water assets, deferred income taxes, stock-based compensation, fair value of derivatives, and contingent liabilities. While management believes that the carrying value of such assets and liabilities are appropriate as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, it is reasonably possible that actual results could differ from the estimates upon which the carrying values were based.
Revenue Recognition, Policy	Revenue Recognition: Sale of Real Estate and Water Assets Revenue recognition on the sale of real estate and water assets conforms with accounting literature related to the sale of real estate, and is recognized in full when (a) there is a legally binding sale contract; (b) the profit is determinable (the collectability of the sales price is reasonably assured, or any amount that will not be collectible can be estimated); (c) the earnings process is virtually complete (the Company is not obligated to perform significant activities after the sale to earn the profit, meaning the Company has transferred all risks and rewards to the buyer); and (d) the buyer’s initial and continuing investment is adequate to demonstrate a commitment to pay for the property. If these conditions are not met, the Company records the cash received as deferred revenue until the conditions to recognize full profit are met. Sale of Finished Homes Revenues from sales of finished homes are recognized when the sales are closed and title passes to the new homeowner, the new homeowners initial and continuing investment is adequate to demonstrate a commitment to pay for the home, the new homeowners receivable is not subject to future subordination and the Company does not have a substantial continuing involvement with the new home. Other Revenues: Included in other revenues are various transactional results from sources not considered to be the core focus of the existing operating entities within the group.
Cost of Sales, Policy	Cost of Real Estate and Water Assets: Cost of real estate and water assets sold includes direct costs of the acquisition of the asset less any impairment charges previously recorded against the asset, any development costs incurred to get the asset ready for use and any capitalized interest costs incurred during the development period. Cost of Homes Sold Cost of homes sold includes direct home construction costs, closing costs, real estate acquisition and development costs, development period interest and common costs. Direct construction and development costs are accumulated during the period of construction and charged to cost of homes sold under specific identification methods, as are closing costs. Estimates of costs incurred or to be incurred but not paid are accrued and expensed at the time of closing. Real estate development for common costs are allocated to each lot based on a relative fair value of the lots under development.
Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities, Policy	Available-for-Sale Investments: The Company’s investment portfolio at December 31, 2011 and 2010 is comprised of investments with fixed maturities, including U.S. government bonds, government sponsored enterprise bonds, and domestic and foreign corporate bonds and marketable equity securities. The Company classifies all investments, notwithstanding investments in unconsolidated affiliates, as available-for-sale. Such investments are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax effects, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income. Net investment income includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on the level yield method relating to bonds acquired at other than par value. Realized investment gains and losses are included in revenues. The cost of any equity security sold is determined using an average cost basis and specific identification for bond cost. Sales and purchases of investments are recorded on the trade date. The Company purchases debt and equity securities in the U.S. and abroad. Approximately $20.5 million and $62.7 million of the Company’s available-for-sale investments at December 31, 2011, and 2010, respectively, were invested internationally. The Company’s most significant foreign currency exposure is in Swiss Francs.
Cost Method Investments, Policy	Other-than-Temporary Impairment: All of the Company’s investments are subject to a periodic impairment review. The Company recognizes an impairment charge when a decline in the fair value of its investments below the cost basis is judged to be other-than-temporary. Factors considered in determining whether a loss is temporary on an equity security included the length of time and extent to which the investments fair value has been less than the cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee, extent of the loss related to credit of the issuer, the expected cash flows from the security, the Company’s intent to sell the security and whether or not the Company will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost. If a security is impaired and continues to decline in value, additional impairment charges are recorded in the period of the decline if deemed other-than-temporary. Subsequent recoveries of the value are reported as an unrealized gains and are part of other comprehensive results in future periods.
Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy	Cash and Cash Equivalents: Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less.
Real Estate and Water Assets	Real Estate and Water Assets: Real estate and water assets include the cost of water rights, water storage, real estate, including raw land and real estate being developed and any real estate improvements. Additional costs to develop or otherwise get real estate and water assets ready for their intended use are capitalized. These costs typically include legal fees, engineering, consulting, direct cost of drilling or construction and any interest cost capitalized on qualifying assets during the development period. The Company expenses all maintenance and repair costs on real estate and water assets. The types of costs capitalized are consistent across periods presented; however, real estate development costs continue to increase from increased development activities. Water rights consist of various water interests acquired or developed independently or in conjunction with the acquisition of real estate. When applicable, water rights and real estate consist of an allocation of the original purchase price based on their relative fair values and include costs directly related to the acquisition. Water storage typically includes the cost of the real estate and direct construction costs to build the site. Real estate being developed includes the original purchase price of the land and any development costs incurred to get the asset ready for its intended use. Amortization of real estate improvements is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the improvements ranging from 5 to 15 years. All real estate and tangible water assets are classified as held and used until management commits to a plan to sell the asset, the asset can be sold in its present condition, is being actively marketed for sale, and it is probable that the asset will be sold within the next 12 months.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy	Intangible Assets: The Company's intangible assets consist primarily of certain water rights, water credits, and the exclusive right to use assets that the Company constructed and later dedicated to various municipalities located in select markets in Nevada, primarily in Washoe and Lyon counties. The rights have indefinite useful lives and are therefore not amortized. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired, by comparing the fair value of the assets to their carrying amounts. In response to specific events and changes in circumstances during the third quarter of 2011, the Company completed impairment testing for its intangible assets. The fair value of the intangible assets was calculated using discounted cash flow models that incorporate a wide range of assumptions including current asset pricing, price escalation, discount rates, absorption rates, and timing of sales, and costs. These models are sensitive to minor changes in any of the input variables. Given the dramatic and prolonged slow-down in housing starts and sales in the North Valleys of Reno, Nevada, and the recent decline in market prices for similar assets, the Company adjusted its assumptions and judgments in the cash flow model for the price, timing and absorption of water sales from prior fair value estimates for the Fish Springs water credits and pipeline rights and Carson Lyon water assets.
Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Intangible Assets, Impairment, Policy	Impairment of Long-Lived Assets: The Company records an impairment charge when the condition exists where the carrying amount of a long-lived asset (asset group) is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. Impairment of long-lived assets is triggered when the estimated future undiscounted cash flows, excluding interest charges, for the lowest level for which there is identifiable cash flows that are independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets do not exceed the carrying amount. The Company prepares and analyzes cash flows at appropriate levels of grouped assets. If the events or circumstances indicate that the remaining balance may be impaired, such impairment will be measured based upon the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of such assets determined using the estimated future discounted cash flows, excluding interest charges, generated from the use and ultimate disposition of the respective long-lived asset.
Receivables, Policy	Notes and Other Receivables: Notes and other receivables include installment notes from the sale of real estate and water assets. These notes generally have terms ranging from three to ten years and interest rates from 8% to 10%. The Company records a provision for doubtful accounts to allow for any specific accounts which may be unrecoverable and is based upon an analysis of the Company's prior collection experience, customer creditworthiness, current economic trends and underlying value of the real estate. The notes are typically secured by the assets which allows the Company to recover the underlying property if and when a buyer defaults.
Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy	Property and Equipment: Property and equipment are carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated lives of the assets. Buildings and leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the useful life or lease term and range from 15 to 20 years, office furniture and fixtures are generally depreciated over seven years, and computer equipment is depreciated over three years. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, while significant improvements are capitalized. Gains or losses on the sale of property and equipment are included in other revenues. Included within the property and equipment balance is approximately $105 million of capitalized construction costs related to Northstar. Capitalized construction costs include all development costs incurred to get the plant ready for its intended use and primarily consists of design plans, canola crush equipment, engineering, mechanical, and electrical work, certain legal and consulting fees, construction contractor fees, and capitalized interest on qualifying assets during the development period. Amortization of plant assets will be computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from 5 to 20 years.
Reinsurance Accounting Policy	Reinsurance: The Company records all reinsurance assets and liabilities on a gross basis, including amounts due from reinsurers and amounts paid to reinsurers relating to the unexpired portion of reinsured contracts.
Unpaid Policy Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Policy	Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses: Reserves for MPL and property and casualty and workers’ compensation insurance unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses include amounts determined on the basis of actuarial estimates of ultimate claim settlements, which include estimates of individual reported claims and estimates of incurred but not reported claims. The methods of making such estimates and for establishing the resulting liabilities are continually reviewed and updated based on current circumstances, and any adjustments are reflected in current operations.
Income Tax, Policy	Accounting for Income Taxes: The Company's provision for income tax expense includes federal, foreign and state income taxes currently payable and those deferred because of temporary differences between the income tax and financial reporting bases of the assets and liabilities. The liability method of accounting for income taxes also requires the Company to reflect the effect of a tax rate change on accumulated deferred income taxes in income in the period in which the change is enacted. In assessing the realization of deferred income taxes, management considers whether it is more likely than not that any deferred income tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the period in which temporary differences become deductible. If it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized a valuation allowance is recorded. As a result of the analysis of all available evidence the Company concluded that it was more likely than not that the deferred tax assets would not be realized and accordingly a full valuation allowance was established in the amount of $43.7 million. The Company recognizes any uncertain income tax positions on income tax returns at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained. The Company recognizes any interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2011, the Company has no uncertain tax positions or any related accrued interest, and during the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recognized $246,000 of tax benefit related to the reversal of prior accrued interest. The decrease in balance of unrecognized tax benefits was primarily as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations for various state income tax positions.
Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy	Stock-Based Compensation: Stock-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date based on the fair values of the awards and is recognized as expense over the period in which the share-based compensation vests. At December 31, 2011, the Company had one stock-based payment arrangement outstanding: The PICO Holdings, Inc. 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”). The 2005 Plan provides for the grant or award of various equity incentives to PICO employees, non-employee directors and consultants. A total of 2,654,000 shares of common stock were issuable under the Plan and it provides for the issuance of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, free-standing stock-settled stock appreciation rights (“SAR”), restricted stock awards (“RSA”), performance shares, performance units, restricted stock units (“RSU”), deferred compensation awards, and other stock-based awards. The Plan allows for broker assisted cashless exercises and net-settlement of income taxes and employee withholding taxes. Upon exercise of a SAR and RSU, the employee will receive newly issued shares of PICO Holdings common stock with a fair value equal to the in-the-money value of the award, less applicable federal, state and local withholding and income taxes (however, the holder of an RSU can elect to pay withholding taxes in cash).
Compensation Related Costs, Policy	Deferred Compensation: The Company reports the investment returns generated in the deferred compensation accounts in revenues with a corresponding increase in the trust assets and records the increase in the market value of the assets held as an expense in operating and other costs with a corresponding increase in the deferred compensation liability (except in the case of PICO stock, which is reported as treasury stock, at cost). In the event the trust assets decline in value, the Company reverses previously expensed compensation. The assets of the plan are held in Rabbi Trust accounts. Such accounts hold various investments that are consistent with the Company’s investment policy, and accounted and reported for as available-for-sale securities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Assets of the trust will be distributed according to predetermined payout elections established by each participant.
Earnings Per Share, Policy	Loss per Share: Basic earnings or loss per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings or loss per share is computed similarly to basic earnings or loss per share except the weighted average shares outstanding are increased to include additional shares from the assumed exercise of any common stock equivalents using the treasury method, if dilutive. The Company’s free-standing SAR and RSU are considered common stock equivalents for this purpose. The number of additional shares related to these common stock equivalents is calculated using the treasury stock method.
Standard Product Warranty, Policy	Warranty Costs Estimated future direct warranty costs on finished homes are accrued and charged to cost of sales in the period when the related homebuilding revenues are recognized. Amounts accrued are based upon historical experience. The Company assesses the adequacy of the warranty accrual on a quarterly basis and adjust the amounts recorded if necessary. The warranty accrual is included in accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and was not significant at December 31, 2011 or 2010.
Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy	Translation of Foreign Currency: Financial statements of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using average rates of exchange in effect during the year for revenues, expenses, realized gains and losses, and the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date for assets and liabilities. Unrealized exchange gains and losses arising on translation are reflected within accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. Realized foreign currency gains or losses are reported within total costs and expenses in the statement of operations.

NATURE OF OPERATIONS AND SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES (Policies)

12 Months Ended

Dec. 31, 2011

Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate:

Investments where the Company owns at least 20% but not more than 50% of the voting interest and, or has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the investee are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, the Company’s share of the income or loss of the affiliate is included in PICO’s consolidated results.

Consolidation, Policy

Principles of Consolidation:

The accompanying consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned, majority-owned and controlled subsidiaries, and have been prepared in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”). Intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated in consolidation.

Consolidation, Subsidiaries or Other Investments, Consolidated Entities, Policy

Noncontrolling Interests:

The Company reports the results of its consolidated subsidiaries that are less than wholly-owned as noncontrolling interest in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. In the statement of operations, the income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest is reported separately and the accumulated income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest, along with any changes in ownership of the subsidiary, is reported within shareholders’ equity. For the years ended December 31, 2011 and 2010, the noncontrolling interest reported on the statement of operations is primarily from the business combination with Northstar, whereby the Company recorded $8.4 million as the fair value of Northstar’s 12% interest in the newly formed entity.

Due to the impairment charge recorded on the Fish Springs water asset, the Company reassessed the previous method of attributing the 49% partner's share of the losses at Fish Springs. Accordingly, in 2011 the Company reversed previously attributed losses amounting to $5.9 million such that the 49% partner's noncontrolling interest balance is now zero.

Use of Estimates, Policy

Use of Estimates in Preparation of Financial Statements:

The preparation of financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for each reporting period. The significant estimates made in the preparation of the Company’s consolidated financial statements relate to the assessment of other-than-temporary impairments, and the application of the equity method of accounting, unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses, real estate and water assets, deferred income taxes, stock-based compensation, fair value of derivatives, and contingent liabilities. While management believes that the carrying value of such assets and liabilities are appropriate as of December 31, 2011 and December 31, 2010, it is reasonably possible that actual results could differ from the estimates upon which the carrying values were based.

Revenue Recognition, Policy

Revenue Recognition:

Sale of Real Estate and Water Assets

Revenue recognition on the sale of real estate and water assets conforms with accounting literature related to the sale of real estate, and is recognized in full when (a) there is a legally binding sale contract; (b) the profit is determinable (the collectability of the sales price is reasonably assured, or any amount that will not be collectible can be estimated); (c) the earnings process is virtually complete (the Company is not obligated to perform significant activities after the sale to earn the profit, meaning the Company has transferred all risks and rewards to the buyer); and (d) the buyer’s initial and continuing investment is adequate to demonstrate a commitment to pay for the property. If these conditions are not met, the Company records the cash received as deferred revenue until the conditions to recognize full profit are met.

Sale of Finished Homes

Revenues from sales of finished homes are recognized when the sales are closed and title passes to the new homeowner, the new homeowners initial and continuing investment is adequate to demonstrate a commitment to pay for the home, the new homeowners receivable is not subject to future subordination and the Company does not have a substantial continuing involvement with the new home.

Other Revenues:

Included in other revenues are various transactional results from sources not considered to be the core focus of the existing operating entities within the group.

Cost of Sales, Policy

Cost of Real Estate and Water Assets:

Cost of real estate and water assets sold includes direct costs of the acquisition of the asset less any impairment charges previously recorded against the asset, any development costs incurred to get the asset ready for use and any capitalized interest costs incurred during the development period.

Cost of Homes Sold

Cost of homes sold includes direct home construction costs, closing costs, real estate acquisition and development costs, development period interest and common costs. Direct construction and development costs are accumulated during the period of construction and charged to cost of homes sold under specific identification methods, as are closing costs. Estimates of costs incurred or to be incurred but not paid are accrued and expensed at the time of closing. Real estate development for common costs are allocated to each lot based on a relative fair value of the lots under development.

Marketable Securities, Available-for-sale Securities, Policy

Available-for-Sale Investments:

The Company’s investment portfolio at December 31, 2011 and 2010 is comprised of investments with fixed maturities, including U.S. government bonds, government sponsored enterprise bonds, and domestic and foreign corporate bonds and marketable equity securities. The Company classifies all investments, notwithstanding investments in unconsolidated affiliates, as available-for-sale. Such investments are reported at fair value, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax effects, recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income.

Net investment income includes amortization of premium and accretion of discount on the level yield method relating to bonds acquired at other than par value. Realized investment gains and losses are included in revenues. The cost of any equity security sold is determined using an average cost basis and specific identification for bond cost. Sales and purchases of investments are recorded on the trade date.

The Company purchases debt and equity securities in the U.S. and abroad. Approximately $20.5 million and $62.7 million of the Company’s available-for-sale investments at December 31, 2011, and 2010, respectively, were invested internationally. The Company’s most significant foreign currency exposure is in Swiss Francs.

Cost Method Investments, Policy

Other-than-Temporary Impairment:

All of the Company’s investments are subject to a periodic impairment review. The Company recognizes an impairment charge when a decline in the fair value of its investments below the cost basis is judged to be other-than-temporary. Factors considered in determining whether a loss is temporary on an equity security included the length of time and extent to which the investments fair value has been less than the cost basis, the financial condition and near-term prospects of the investee, extent of the loss related to credit of the issuer, the expected cash flows from the security, the Company’s intent to sell the security and whether or not the Company will be required to sell the security before the recovery of its amortized cost. If a security is impaired and continues to decline in value, additional impairment charges are recorded in the period of the decline if deemed other-than-temporary. Subsequent recoveries of the value are reported as an unrealized gains and are part of other comprehensive results in future periods.

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Policy

Cash and Cash Equivalents:

Cash and cash equivalents include highly liquid instruments purchased with original maturities of three months or less.

Real Estate and Water Assets

Real Estate and Water Assets:

Real estate and water assets include the cost of water rights, water storage, real estate, including raw land and real estate being developed and any real estate improvements. Additional costs to develop or otherwise get real estate and water assets ready for their intended use are capitalized. These costs typically include legal fees, engineering, consulting, direct cost of drilling or construction and any interest cost capitalized on qualifying assets during the development period. The Company expenses all maintenance and repair costs on real estate and water assets. The types of costs capitalized are consistent across periods presented; however, real estate development costs continue to increase from increased development activities. Water rights consist of various water interests acquired or developed independently or in conjunction with the acquisition of real estate. When applicable, water rights and real estate consist of an allocation of the original purchase price based on their relative fair values and include costs directly related to the acquisition. Water storage typically includes the cost of the real estate and direct construction costs to build the site. Real estate being developed includes the original purchase price of the land and any development costs incurred to get the asset ready for its intended use. Amortization of real estate improvements is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the improvements ranging from 5 to 15 years.

All real estate and tangible water assets are classified as held and used until management commits to a plan to sell the asset, the asset can be sold in its present condition, is being actively marketed for sale, and it is probable that the asset will be sold within the next 12 months.

Goodwill and Intangible Assets, Intangible Assets, Policy

Intangible Assets:

The Company's intangible assets consist primarily of certain water rights, water credits, and the exclusive right to use assets that the Company constructed and later dedicated to various municipalities located in select markets in Nevada, primarily in Washoe and Lyon counties. The rights have indefinite useful lives and are therefore not amortized. Intangible assets with indefinite lives are tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired, by comparing the fair value of the assets to their carrying amounts.

In response to specific events and changes in circumstances during the third quarter of 2011, the Company completed impairment testing for its intangible assets. The fair value of the intangible assets was calculated using discounted cash flow models that incorporate a wide range of assumptions including current asset pricing, price escalation, discount rates, absorption rates, and timing of sales, and costs. These models are sensitive to minor changes in any of the input variables. Given the dramatic and prolonged slow-down in housing starts and sales in the North Valleys of Reno, Nevada, and the recent decline in market prices for similar assets, the Company adjusted its assumptions and judgments in the cash flow model for the price, timing and absorption of water sales from prior fair value estimates for the Fish Springs water credits and pipeline rights and Carson Lyon water assets.

Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Intangible Assets, Impairment, Policy

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets:

The Company records an impairment charge when the condition exists where the carrying amount of a long-lived asset (asset group) is not recoverable and exceeds its fair value. Impairment of long-lived assets is triggered when the estimated future undiscounted cash flows, excluding interest charges, for the lowest level for which there is identifiable cash flows that are independent of the cash flows of other groups of assets do not exceed the carrying amount. The Company prepares and analyzes cash flows at appropriate levels of grouped assets. If the events or circumstances indicate that the remaining balance may be impaired, such impairment will be measured based upon the difference between the carrying amount and the fair value of such assets determined using the estimated future discounted cash flows, excluding interest charges, generated from the use and ultimate disposition of the respective long-lived asset.

Receivables, Policy

Notes and Other Receivables:

Notes and other receivables include installment notes from the sale of real estate and water assets. These notes generally have terms ranging from three to ten years and interest rates from 8% to 10%. The Company records a provision for doubtful accounts to allow for any specific accounts which may be unrecoverable and is based upon an analysis of the Company's prior collection experience, customer creditworthiness, current economic trends and underlying value of the real estate. The notes are typically secured by the assets which allows the Company to recover the underlying property if and when a buyer defaults.

Property, Plant and Equipment, Policy

Property and Equipment:

Property and equipment are carried at cost, net of accumulated depreciation. Depreciation is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated lives of the assets. Buildings and leasehold improvements are depreciated over the shorter of the useful life or lease term and range from 15 to 20 years, office furniture and fixtures are generally depreciated over seven years, and computer equipment is depreciated over three years. Maintenance and repairs are charged to expense as incurred, while significant improvements are capitalized. Gains or losses on the sale of property and equipment are included in other revenues.

Included within the property and equipment balance is approximately $105 million of capitalized construction costs related to Northstar. Capitalized construction costs include all development costs incurred to get the plant ready for its intended use and primarily consists of design plans, canola crush equipment, engineering, mechanical, and electrical work, certain legal and consulting fees, construction contractor fees, and capitalized interest on qualifying assets during the development period. Amortization of plant assets will be computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the assets ranging from 5 to 20 years.

Reinsurance Accounting Policy

Reinsurance:

The Company records all reinsurance assets and liabilities on a gross basis, including amounts due from reinsurers and amounts paid to reinsurers relating to the unexpired portion of reinsured contracts.

Unpaid Policy Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense, Policy

Unpaid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses:

Reserves for MPL and property and casualty and workers’ compensation insurance unpaid losses and loss adjustment expenses include amounts determined on the basis of actuarial estimates of ultimate claim settlements, which include estimates of individual reported claims and estimates of incurred but not reported claims. The methods of making such estimates and for establishing the resulting liabilities are continually reviewed and updated based on current circumstances, and any adjustments are reflected in current operations.

Income Tax, Policy

Accounting for Income Taxes:

The Company's provision for income tax expense includes federal, foreign and state income taxes currently payable and those deferred because of temporary differences between the income tax and financial reporting bases of the assets and liabilities. The liability method of accounting for income taxes also requires the Company to reflect the effect of a tax rate change on accumulated deferred income taxes in income in the period in which the change is enacted.

In assessing the realization of deferred income taxes, management considers whether it is more likely than not that any deferred income tax assets will be realized. The ultimate realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the period in which temporary differences become deductible. If it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized a valuation allowance is recorded. As a result of the analysis of all available evidence the Company concluded that it was more likely than not that the deferred tax assets would not be realized and accordingly a full valuation allowance was established in the amount of $43.7 million.

The Company recognizes any uncertain income tax positions on income tax returns at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority. An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized if it has less than a 50% likelihood of being sustained.

The Company recognizes any interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense. As of December 31, 2011, the Company has no uncertain tax positions or any related accrued interest, and during the year ended December 31, 2011, the Company recognized $246,000 of tax benefit related to the reversal of prior accrued interest. The decrease in balance of unrecognized tax benefits was primarily as a result of the expiration of the statute of limitations for various state income tax positions.

Share-based Compensation, Option and Incentive Plans Policy

Stock-Based Compensation:

Stock-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date based on the fair values of the awards and is recognized as expense over the period in which the share-based compensation vests.

At December 31, 2011, the Company had one stock-based payment arrangement outstanding:

The PICO Holdings, Inc. 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “2005 Plan”). The 2005 Plan provides for the grant or award of various equity incentives to PICO employees, non-employee directors and consultants. A total of 2,654,000 shares of common stock were issuable under the Plan and it provides for the issuance of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, free-standing stock-settled stock appreciation rights (“SAR”), restricted stock awards (“RSA”), performance shares, performance units, restricted stock units (“RSU”), deferred compensation awards, and other stock-based awards. The Plan allows for broker assisted cashless exercises and net-settlement of income taxes and employee withholding taxes. Upon exercise of a SAR and RSU, the employee will receive newly issued shares of PICO Holdings common stock with a fair value equal to the in-the-money value of the award, less applicable federal, state and local withholding and income taxes (however, the holder of an RSU can elect to pay withholding taxes in cash).

Compensation Related Costs, Policy

Deferred Compensation:

The Company reports the investment returns generated in the deferred compensation accounts in revenues with a corresponding increase in the trust assets and records the increase in the market value of the assets held as an expense in operating and other costs with a corresponding increase in the deferred compensation liability (except in the case of PICO stock, which is reported as treasury stock, at cost). In the event the trust assets decline in value, the Company reverses previously expensed compensation. The assets of the plan are held in Rabbi Trust accounts. Such accounts hold various investments that are consistent with the Company’s investment policy, and accounted and reported for as available-for-sale securities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Assets of the trust will be distributed according to predetermined payout elections established by each participant.

Earnings Per Share, Policy

Loss per Share:

Basic earnings or loss per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings or loss per share is computed similarly to basic earnings or loss per share except the weighted average shares outstanding are increased to include additional shares from the assumed exercise of any common stock equivalents using the treasury method, if dilutive. The Company’s free-standing SAR and RSU are considered common stock equivalents for this purpose. The number of additional shares related to these common stock equivalents is calculated using the treasury stock method.

Standard Product Warranty, Policy

Warranty Costs

Estimated future direct warranty costs on finished homes are accrued and charged to cost of sales in the period when the related homebuilding revenues are recognized. Amounts accrued are based upon historical experience. The Company assesses the adequacy of the warranty accrual on a quarterly basis and adjust the amounts recorded if necessary. The warranty accrual is included in accrued liabilities in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets and was not significant at December 31, 2011 or 2010.

Foreign Currency Transactions and Translations Policy

Translation of Foreign Currency:

Financial statements of foreign operations are translated into U.S. dollars using average rates of exchange in effect during the year for revenues, expenses, realized gains and losses, and the exchange rate in effect at the balance sheet date for assets and liabilities. Unrealized exchange gains and losses arising on translation are reflected within accumulated other comprehensive income or loss. Realized foreign currency gains or losses are reported within total costs and expenses in the statement of operations.