CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 62,368	$ 100,115
Investments ($48.4 million and $48.5 million measured at fair value at March 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012, respectively)	50,450	50,524
Notes and other receivables, net	15,297	10,487
Real estate and water assets, net	361,178	342,338
Property and equipment, net	127,896	128,654
Other assets	58,703	35,056
Total assets	675,892	667,174
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY
Accounts payable and accrued expenses	30,215	25,063
Deferred compensation	22,964	22,607
Debt	158,810	141,008
Total liabilities	211,989	188,678
Commitments and contingencies
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 100,000 shares, 25,807 issued and 22,734 outstanding at March 31, 2013, and December 31, 2012.	26	26
Additional paid-in capital	527,537	526,591
Retained earnings (deficit)	(9,760)	5,215
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(1,026)	(2,014)
Treasury stock, at cost (common shares: 3,073 in 2013 and 2012)	(56,593)	(56,593)
Total PICO Holdings, Inc. shareholders’ equity	460,184	473,225
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	3,719	5,271
Total shareholders’ equity	463,903	478,496
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 675,892	$ 667,174