Segment Information (Details) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 6 Months Ended
Jun. 30, 2012
Jun. 30, 2011
Jun. 30, 2012
Jun. 30, 2011
Schedule of financial performance of reportable segments        
Insurance revenues $ 59,795 $ 54,553 $ 117,632 $ 114,412
Net investment income 43,435 44,893 87,644 90,284
Net Income (loss) 8,397 11,173 27,838 15,964
Individual Insurance [Member]
       
Schedule of financial performance of reportable segments        
Insurance revenues 30,032 25,542 58,601 56,274
Net investment income 40,334 41,654 81,455 83,767
Net Income (loss) 6,704 10,937 26,191 17,042
Group Insurance [Member]
       
Schedule of financial performance of reportable segments        
Insurance revenues 12,197 12,246 24,264 24,800
Net investment income 132 142 260 287
Net Income (loss) 121 (152) (214) (552)
Old American [Member]
       
Schedule of financial performance of reportable segments        
Insurance revenues 17,664 16,899 34,964 33,607
Net investment income 2,969 3,097 5,929 6,230
Net Income (loss) 1,572 388 1,861 (526)
Intercompany Eliminations [Member]
       
Schedule of financial performance of reportable segments        
Insurance revenues (98) (134) (197) (269)
Net investment income            
Net Income (loss)