Reinsurance (Details 3) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Reserve for potentially uncollectible amounts
Balance at beginning of year	$ 2,493	$ 2,945	$ 8,427
Provision recovery	(618)	(452)	(4,552)
Amounts written off	-	-	(930)
Balance at end of year	$ 1,875	$ 2,493	$ 2,945

Description of the facts and circumstances pertaining to a loss recognized in the period on a previously recorded receivable from a reinsurer, which may include the nature of the receivable (such as premium or claims recovery), identification of the defaulting party, and whether a dispute exists.

Reference 1: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Statement of Financial Accounting Standard (FAS)

-Number 5

-Paragraph 9

-LegacyDoc This reference is SUPERSEDED by the Accounting Standards Codification effective for interim and annual periods ending after September 15, 2009. This reference is included to help users transition from the previous accounting hierarchy and will be removed from future versions of this taxonomy.

Reference 2: http://www.xbrl.org/2003/role/presentationRef

-Publisher FASB

-Name Accounting Standards Codification

-Topic 450

-SubTopic 20

-Section 50

-Paragraph 1

-URI http://asc.fasb.org/extlink&oid=6952336&loc=d3e14326-108349

Name:	us-gaap_ReinsuranceLossOnUncollectibleAccountsInPeriodDescription
Namespace Prefix:	us-gaap_
Data Type:	xbrli:stringItemType
Balance Type:	na
Period Type:	duration