CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 157,675	$ 100,115
Investments ($48.1 million and $48.5 million measured at fair value at September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, respectively)	76,627	50,524
Real estate and tangible water assets, net	246,255	212,300
Property, plant and equipment, net	126,453	128,654
Intangible water assets	124,305	130,038
Other assets	44,830	45,543
Total assets	776,145	667,174
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Debt	153,322	141,008
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	26,270	25,063
Deferred compensation	23,802	22,607
Total liabilities	203,394	188,678
Commitments and contingencies
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 100,000 shares, 25,818 issued and 22,745 outstanding at September 30, 2013, and 25,807 issued and 22,734 outstanding at December 31, 2012.	26	26
Additional paid-in capital	544,970	526,591
Retained (deficit) earnings	(9,303)	5,215
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	285	(2,014)
Treasury stock, at cost (common shares: 3,073 in 2013 and 2012)	(56,593)	(56,593)
Total PICO Holdings, Inc. shareholders’ equity	479,385	473,225
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	93,366	5,271
Total shareholders’ equity	572,751	478,496
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 776,145	$ 667,174