Schedule of Changes in Level 3 Assets and Liabilities Measured at Fair Value on Recurring Basis (Detail) (USD $)
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
3 Months Ended 9 Months Ended 12 Months Ended
Sep. 30, 2012
Sep. 30, 2012
Dec. 31, 2011
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]      
Beginning balance $ 46,148 $ 44,882 $ 56,981
Included in earnings (340) (333) 103
Included in other comprehensive income (47) (60) 1,436
Beginning balance      
Purchases         
Issuances         
Sales         
Other dispositions (697) (3,239) (3,177)
Transfers into Level 3 7,990 11,804 8,640
Transfers out of Level 3 (53) (53) (19,101)
Ending balance 53,001 53,001 44,882
Net unrealized gains (376) (72) 1,506
Liabilities, Beginning balance 278 (187) (2,799)
Liabilities, Included in earnings (978) (295) 2,500
Liabilities, Included in other comprehensive income         
Purchases, issuances, sales and other dispositions:      
Liabilities, Purchases         
Liabilities, Issuances 807 1,003 163
Liabilities, Sales         
Liabilities, Other dispositions (516) (930) (51)
Liabilities, Transfers into Level 3         
Liabilities, Transfers out of Level 3         
Liabilities, Ending balance (409) (409) (187)
Fixed maturity securities available for sale
     
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]      
Beginning balance 44,999 43,759 55,801
Included in earnings (340) (333) 11
Included in other comprehensive income (107) (146) 1,385
Beginning balance      
Purchases         
Issuances         
Sales         
Other dispositions (697) (3,239) (2,977)
Transfers into Level 3 7,990 11,804 8,640
Transfers out of Level 3 (53) (53) (19,101)
Ending balance 51,792 51,792 43,759
Net unrealized gains (406) (158) 1,401
Equity securities
     
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]      
Beginning balance 1,149 1,123 1,180
Included in earnings     92
Included in other comprehensive income 60 86 51
Beginning balance      
Purchases         
Issuances         
Sales         
Other dispositions     (200)
Ending balance 1,209 1,209 1,123
Net unrealized gains $ 30 $ 86 $ 105