CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS - UNAUDITED (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
ASSETS
Cash and cash equivalents	$ 92,408	$ 138,039
Investments ($50,000 and $50,060 measured at fair value at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively)	77,696	78,657
Real estate and tangible water assets, net of $10,239 and $10,019 of accumulated depreciation at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively	289,529	254,208
Property, plant and equipment, net of $18,988 and $16,631 of accumulated depreciation at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013, respectively	123,439	123,444
Intangible water assets	124,904	124,880
Other assets	43,714	43,324
Total assets	751,690	762,552
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Debt	135,536	136,767
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	40,969	36,780
Deferred compensation	24,559	24,160
Total liabilities	201,064	197,707
Commitments and contingencies
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 100,000 shares, 25,821 issued and 22,747 outstanding at March 31, 2014, and December 31, 2013.	26	26
Additional paid-in capital	547,579	546,307
Retained deficit	(30,330)	(17,083)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	759	232
Treasury stock, at cost (common shares: 3,073 in 2014 and 2013)	(56,593)	(56,593)
Total PICO Holdings, Inc. shareholders’ equity	461,441	472,889
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	89,185	91,956
Total shareholders’ equity	550,626	564,845
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$ 751,690	$ 762,552