Funds Held - Directly Managed (Details - Realized and Unrealized Gains and Investment Income) ([FundsHeldDirectlyManagedMember], USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010	Dec. 31, 2009
Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Investments, Including Marketable Securities and Investments Held at Cost, Income Statement, Reported Amounts, Summary [Line Items]
Net realized and unrealized investment gains (losses)	$ 11,211	$ 27,352	$ (1,700)
[FixedMaturitiesAndShortTermInvestmentsMember]
Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Investments, Including Marketable Securities and Investments Held at Cost, Income Statement, Reported Amounts, Summary [Line Items]
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)	12,314	27,568	1,920
Net realized gains (losses) on trading securities	5,369	1,041	(2,200)
[OtherInvestedAssetsFundsHeldDirectlyManagedMember]
Schedule of Gain (Loss) on Investments, Including Marketable Securities and Investments Held at Cost, Income Statement, Reported Amounts, Summary [Line Items]
Change in net unrealized investment gains (losses)	(6,430)	(2,892)	(1,420)
Net realized gains (losses) on trading securities	$ (42)	$ 1,635	$ 0