Vidler Water Resources (VWTR) 10-Q 12 Nov 13 2013 Q3 Quarterly report Financial data

Document_and_Entity_Informatio

Document and Entity Information	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Nov. 12, 2013
Entity Information [Line Items]	'	'
Entity Registrant Name	'PICO HOLDINGS INC /NEW	'
Entity Central Index Key	'0000830122	'
Current Fiscal Year End Date	'--12-31	'
Entity Filer Category	'Accelerated Filer	'
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding	'	22,745,079
Document Fiscal Year Focus	'2013	'
Document Fiscal Period Focus	'Q3	'
Document Type	'10-Q	'
Amendment Flag	'false	'
Document Period End Date	30-Sep-13	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
ASSETS	'	'
Cash and cash equivalents	$157,675	$100,115
Investments ($48.1 million and $48.5 million measured at fair value at September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, respectively)	76,627	50,524
Real estate and tangible water assets, net	246,255	212,300
Property, plant and equipment, net	126,453	128,654
Intangible water assets	124,305	130,038
Other assets	44,830	45,543
Total assets	776,145	667,174
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	'	'
Debt	153,322	141,008
Accounts payable, accrued expenses and other liabilities	26,270	25,063
Deferred compensation	23,802	22,607
Total liabilities	203,394	188,678
Commitments and contingencies	'	'
Common stock, $0.001 par value; authorized 100,000 shares, 25,818 issued and 22,745 outstanding at September 30, 2013, and 25,807 issued and 22,734 outstanding at December 31, 2012.	26	26
Additional paid-in capital	544,970	526,591
Retained (deficit) earnings	-9,303	5,215
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	285	-2,014
Treasury stock, at cost (common shares: 3,073 in 2013 and 2012)	-56,593	-56,593
Total PICO Holdings, Inc. shareholders’ equity	479,385	473,225
Noncontrolling interest in subsidiaries	93,366	5,271
Total shareholders’ equity	572,751	478,496
Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$776,145	$667,174

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_BALANCE1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (Parentheticals) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified
LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY	'	'
Investments, fair value	$48.10	$48.50
Common stock, par value (in dollars per share)	$0.00	$0.00
Common stock, shares authorized (in shares)	100,000,000	100,000,000
Common stock, shares issued (in shares)	25,818,000	25,807,000
Common stock, shares outstanding (in shares)	22,745,000	22,734,000
Treasury stock, common shares held (in shares)	3,073,000	3,073,000

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS AND COMPREHENSIVE INCOME OR LOSS - UNAUDITED (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, except Per Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
REVENUES AND OTHER INCOME:	'	'	'	'
Sale of real estate and water assets	$23,766	$24,172	$86,957	$29,157
Sale of canola oil and meal	55,306	42,079	139,775	51,718
Sale of software	4,402	'	13,649	'
Other income	23,312	1,115	28,419	4,726
Total revenues and other income	106,786	67,366	268,800	85,601
COST OF SALES:	'	'	'	'
Cost of real estate and water assets sold	18,060	17,488	64,331	20,858
Cost of canola oil and meal sold	48,859	40,193	134,599	47,955
Cost of software sold	1,100	'	3,033	'
Total cost of sales	68,019	57,681	201,963	68,813
EXPENSES:	'	'	'	'
Operating and other costs	23,365	15,062	68,422	36,566
Impairment loss on real estate and water assets	'	'	1,410	'
Interest	1,886	1,546	5,304	3,850
Depreciation and amortization	2,670	1,811	8,027	2,643
Total costs and expenses	95,940	76,100	285,126	111,872
Income (loss) from continuing operations before income taxes and equity in loss of unconsolidated affiliates	10,846	-8,734	-16,326	-26,271
Provision (benefit) for federal, foreign, and state income taxes	3,637	-403	2,739	-1,477
Equity in loss of unconsolidated affiliate	-89	'	-89	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations	7,120	-8,331	-19,154	-24,794
Income (loss) from discontinued operations, net of income taxes	'	1,939	'	-2,668
Net income (loss)	7,120	-6,392	-19,154	-27,462
Loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,046	1,127	4,636	1,869
Net income (loss) attributable to PICO Holdings, Inc.	8,166	-5,265	-14,518	-25,593
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):	'	'	'	'
Unrealized appreciation (depreciation) on available-for-sale investments	864	-949	2,407	-54
Foreign currency translation	-65	-400	-108	-295
Total other comprehensive income (loss), net of tax	799	-1,349	2,299	-349
Comprehensive income (loss)	7,919	-7,741	-16,855	-27,811
Comprehensive loss attributable to noncontrolling interests	1,046	1,127	4,636	1,869
Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to PICO Holdings, Inc.	$8,965	($6,614)	($12,219)	($25,942)
Net income (loss) per common share – basic:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.36	($0.32)	($0.64)	($1.01)
Loss from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	'	$0.09	'	($0.12)
Net (income) loss per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.36	($0.23)	($0.64)	($1.13)
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	22,747	22,769	22,739	22,755
Net income (loss) per common share – diluted:	'	'	'	'
Income (loss) from continuing operations (in dollars per share)	$0.36	($0.32)	($0.64)	($1.01)
Loss from discontinued operations (in dollars per share)	'	$0.09	'	($0.12)
Net income (loss) per common share (in dollars per share)	$0.36	($0.23)	($0.64)	($1.13)
Weighted average shares outstanding (in shares)	23,000	22,769	22,739	22,755

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME1

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY - UNAUDITED (USD $)	Total	Common Stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Retained Earnings (Deficit)	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Treasury Stock	Noncontrolling Interest
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2011	$509,662	$27	$546,608	$34,288	($959)	($78,152)	$7,850
Beginning balance, treasury stock, shares at Dec. 31, 2011	'	'	'	'	'	4,417	'
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2011	'	27,122	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense, value	2,927	'	2,927	'	'	'	'
Exercise of restricted stock units, shares	'	94	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of restricted stock units, value	-1,687	'	-1,020	'	'	-667	'
Exercise of restricted stock units	'	'	'	'	'	30	'
Retirement of PICO common stock, shares	'	-1,409	'	'	'	-1,409	'
Retirement of PICO common stock, value	'	-1	-22,870	'	'	22,871	'
Net loss	-27,462	'	'	-25,593	'	'	-1,869
Unrealized depreciation on investments	-54	'	'	'	-54	'	'
Foreign currency translation	-295	'	'	'	-295	'	'
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2012	483,091	26	525,645	8,695	-1,308	-55,948	5,981
Ending balance, treasury stock, shares at Sep. 30, 2012	'	'	'	'	'	3,038	'
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2012	'	25,807	'	'	'	'	'
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012	478,496	26	526,591	5,215	-2,014	-56,593	5,271
Beginning balance, treasury stock, shares at Dec. 31, 2012	3,073	'	'	'	'	3,073	'
Beginning balance, shares at Dec. 31, 2012	25,807	25,807	'	'	'	'	'
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense, value	3,789	'	3,394	'	'	'	395
Exercise of restricted stock units, shares	'	11	'	'	'	'	'
Exercise of restricted stock units, value	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Changes in ownership of noncontrolling interest	107,321	'	14,985	'	'	'	92,336
Exercise of restricted stock units	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Net loss	-19,154	'	'	-14,518	'	'	-4,636
Unrealized depreciation on investments	2,407	'	'	'	2,407	'	'
Foreign currency translation	-108	'	'	'	-108	'	'
Ending balance at Sep. 30, 2013	$572,751	$26	$544,970	($9,303)	$285	($56,593)	$93,366
Ending balance, treasury stock, shares at Sep. 30, 2013	3,073	'	'	'	'	3,073	'
Ending balance, shares at Sep. 30, 2013	25,818	25,818	'	'	'	'	'

CONDENSED_CONSOLIDATED_STATEME2

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS - UNAUDITED (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
OPERATING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Cash used in operating activities - continuing operations	($50,932)	($44,570)
Cash used in operating activities - discontinued operations	'	-3,514
Net cash used in operating activities	-50,932	-48,084
INVESTING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Purchases of investments	-16,112	-8,914
Proceeds from sale of investments	20,282	9,875
Proceeds from maturity of investments	1,798	831
Purchases of property and equipment	-4,345	-31,522
Cash acquired in connection with purchase of Spigit, net of cash paid	174	'
Decrease (increase) in restricted deposits	2,460	-1,598
Other investing activities, net	14	53
Cash used in investing activities - continuing operations	4,271	-31,275
Cash provided by investing activities - discontinued operations	'	11,051
Net cash used in investing activities	4,271	-20,224
FINANCING ACTIVITIES:	'	'
Proceeds from subsidiary stock offering, net	105,454	'
Repayment of debt	-50,955	-8,012
Proceeds from debt	49,911	51,139
Proceeds from debt	'	-1,020
Net cash provided by financing activities - continuing operations	104,410	42,107
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	-189	42
Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	57,560	-26,159
Cash and cash equivalents beginning of the period	100,115	125,547
Cash and cash equivalents end of the period	157,675	99,388
Less: cash and cash equivalents of discontinued operations at the end of the period	'	14,179
Cash and cash equivalents of continuing operations at the end of the period	157,675	85,209
SUPPLEMENTAL CASH FLOW INFORMATION:	'	'
Payment for federal, foreign, and state income taxes	118	3,026
Interest paid, net of amounts capitalized	4,124	2,569
Non-cash investing and financing activities:	'	'
Mortgage incurred to purchase real estate	13,153	11,058
Increase in assets from business combination	21,432	'
Increase in liabilities from business combination	20,377	'
Decrease in assets from disposition of subsidiary	24,800	'
Decrease in liabilities from disposition of subsidiary	18,900	'
Conversion of note receivable to common stock in Spigit	$820	'

Basis_of_Presentation

Basis of Presentation	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Basis of Presentation	'
	Basis of Presentation
	The accompanying unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements of PICO Holdings, Inc. and subsidiaries (collectively, the “Company” or “PICO”) have been prepared in accordance with the interim reporting requirements of Form 10-Q, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”).  Accordingly, they do not include all of the information and notes required by accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (“U.S. GAAP”) for complete consolidated financial statements.
	In the opinion of management, all adjustments and reclassifications considered necessary for a fair and comparable presentation of the financial statements presented have been included and are of a normal recurring nature. Operating results presented are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the year ending December 31, 2013.
	These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the Company’s audited consolidated financial statements and notes thereto contained in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2012 filed with the SEC.
	The preparation of condensed consolidated financial statements in accordance with U.S. GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent liabilities at the date of the condensed consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses for each reporting period. The significant estimates made in the preparation of the Company’s condensed consolidated financial statements relate to the assessment of other-than-temporary impairments, the application of the equity method of accounting, goodwill and intangibles, real estate and water assets, deferred income taxes, stock-based compensation, fair value of derivatives, purchase price allocation, and contingent liabilities. While management believes that the carrying value of such assets and liabilities are appropriate as of September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, it is reasonably possible that actual results could differ from the estimates upon which the carrying values were based.
	Investment in Unconsolidated Affiliate:
	Investments where the Company owns at least 20% but not more than 50% of the voting interest and has the ability to exercise significant influence, but not control, over the investee are accounted for under the equity method of accounting. Accordingly, the Company’s share of the income or loss of the affiliate is included in the Company’s consolidated results.
	During the three months ended September 30, 2013, the Company’s 73% owned consolidated subsidiary, Spigit, was merged with Mindjet Inc., a privately held company that develops social productivity software (“Mindjet”). As a result of the merger, the Company owns common and preferred stock of Mindjet which represents 29% of the currently outstanding voting interest of Mindjet. The Company accounts for its investment in common stock using the equity method of accounting, and holds the investment in preferred stock at cost (See Note 8, Business Combinations, for additional information).
	Noncontrolling Interests:
	The Company reports the share of the results of operations that are attributable to other owners of its consolidated subsidiaries that are less than wholly-owned as noncontrolling interest in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. In the statements of operations, the income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest is reported separately and the accumulated income or loss attributable to the noncontrolling interest, along with any changes in
	ownership of the subsidiary, are reported within shareholders’ equity. At September 30, 2013, noncontrolling interest reported in the consolidated financial statements includes the owners of 42.3% of UCP Inc. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, noncontrolling interest increased primarily due to the decrease in the Company’s ownership of UCP Inc. as a result of the initial public offering that occurred during the period (see Note 10, Noncontrolling Interest in UCP, Inc., for additional information). The Company’s consolidated noncontrolling interest also includes the results of operations allocated to the owners of the 12% interest in Northstar.
	Real Estate and Tangible Water Assets:
	Real estate and tangible water assets include the cost of certain tangible water assets, water storage credits and related storage facilities, real estate, including raw land and real estate being developed, and any real estate improvements. The Company capitalizes pre-acquisition costs, the purchase price of real estate, development costs and other allocated costs, including interest, during development and home construction. Applicable costs incurred after development or construction is substantially complete are charged to sales and marketing or general and administrative as appropriate. Pre-acquisition costs, including non-refundable land deposits, are expensed to cost of sales when the Company determines continuation of the related project is not probable.
	Additional costs to develop or otherwise get real estate and water assets ready for their intended use are capitalized. These costs typically include direct home construction costs, legal fees, engineering, consulting, direct cost of well drilling or related construction and any interest cost capitalized on qualifying assets during the development period. The Company expenses all maintenance and repair costs on real estate and water assets. The types of costs capitalized are consistent across periods presented; however, real estate development costs continue to increase from increased construction and development activities. Tangible water rights consist of various water interests currently in development or awaiting permitting. Water storage typically includes the cost of the real estate and direct construction costs to build the site. Amortization of real estate improvements is computed on the straight-line method over the estimated useful lives of the improvements ranging from 5 to 15 years.
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded an impairment loss on real estate with a carrying value of $4.1 million that was written down to its estimated fair value of $3.7 million resulting in an impairment charge of $417,000, which was included in earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The impairment was recorded based on the estimated sales price the Company expects to receive upon the sale of this real estate.
	All real estate and tangible water assets are classified as held and used until management commits to a plan to sell the asset, the asset can be sold in its present condition, the asset is being actively marketed for sale, and it is probable that the asset will be sold within the next 12 months.  At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had real estate of $3.7 million and $2.9 million, respectively, classified as held for sale.
	The costs assigned to the various components of real estate and water assets was as follows (in thousands):
		September 30, 2013				31-Dec-12
	Real estate	$	201,152			$	170,704
	Tangible water assets	45,103				41,596
		$	246,255			$	212,300
	Intangible Water Assets:
	Intangible water assets includes the costs of indefinite-lived intangible assets and is comprised of water rights and the exclusive right to use two water transportation pipelines. The Company capitalizes development and entitlement costs and other allocated costs, including interest, during the development period of the assets and transfers the costs to intangible water assets when water rights are permitted. Water rights consist of various water interests acquired or developed independently or in conjunction with the acquisition of real estate. When the Company purchases intangible water assets that are attached to real estate, an allocation of the total purchase price, including any direct costs of the acquisition, is made at the date of acquisition based on the estimated relative fair values of the water rights and the real estate. Intangible assets with indefinite useful lives are not amortized but are tested for impairment at least annually, or more frequently if events or changes in circumstances indicate that the asset may be impaired, by comparing the fair value of the assets to their carrying amounts.
	Stock-Based Compensation:
	Stock-based compensation expense is measured at the grant date based on the fair values of the awards and is recognized as expense over the period in which the share-based compensation vests.
	At September 30, 2013, the Company had one stock-based payment arrangement outstanding:
	The PICO Holdings, Inc. 2005 Long Term Incentive Plan (the “Plan”). The Plan provides for the grant or award of various equity incentives to PICO employees, non-employee directors, and consultants.  A total of 2,654,000 shares of common stock are issuable under the Plan and it provides for the issuance of incentive stock options, non-statutory stock options, free-standing, stock-settled stock appreciation rights (“SAR”), restricted stock awards, performance shares, performance units, restricted stock units (“RSU”), deferred compensation awards, and other stock-based awards.  The Plan allows for broker assisted cashless exercises and net-settlement of income taxes and employee withholding taxes.  Upon exercise of a SAR and RSU, the employee will receive newly issued shares of PICO Holdings common stock with a fair value equal to the in-the-money value of the award, less applicable federal, state and local withholding and income taxes (however, the holder of an RSU can elect to pay withholding taxes in cash).
	Restricted Stock Units (RSU):
	A summary of activity of the RSU is as follows:
		RSU
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013	467,716
	Granted	15,435
	Vested	(13,716		)
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	469,435
	Unrecognized compensation cost (in thousands)	$	4,007
	The Company recorded stock based compensation expense of $958,000 and $946,000 during the three months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012 respectively, and $2.9 million and $2.9 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, respectively for the RSU outstanding during the period.
	Stock-Settled Stock Appreciation Rights (SAR):
	There were no SAR granted or exercised during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 or 2012. There was no stock-based compensation expense recognized for SAR during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 or 2012 as there were no unvested SAR in those periods.
	A summary of SAR activity is as follows:
		SAR			Weighted Average				Weighted Average
					Exercise Price				Contractual Term in Years
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013	1,812,079			$	36.16			3.5 years
	Expired	(195,454	)
	Outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2013	1,616,625			$	36.45			2.7 years
	At September 30, 2013, none of the outstanding SAR were in-the-money.
	Deferred Compensation:
	The Company reports the investment returns generated in the deferred compensation accounts in other income with a corresponding increase in the trust assets (except in the case of PICO stock, which is reported as treasury stock, at cost). There is an increase in the deferred compensation liability when there is appreciation in the market value of the assets held, with a corresponding expense recognized in operating and other costs. In the event the trust assets decline in value, the Company reverses previously expensed compensation. The assets of the plan are held in rabbi trust accounts. Such accounts hold various investments that are consistent with the Company’s investment policy and are accounted for and reported as available-for-sale securities in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets. Assets of the trust are distributed according to predetermined payout elections established by each participant.
	At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had $23.8 million and $22.6 million, respectively, recorded as deferred compensation payable to various members of management and certain non-employee members of the board of directors of the Company.
	The deferred compensation liability increased by $1.2 million during the nine months ended September 30, 2013 primarily due to an increase in the fair value of the assets of $1.5 million, offset by payments to participants. Included in operating and other costs in the accompanying condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 is compensation expense of $589,000 and $1.5 million, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, operating and other costs included compensation expense of $880,000 and $2.3 million, respectively.
	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss):
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows (in thousands):
		September 30,				December 31,
		2013				2012
	Net unrealized appreciation on available-for-sale investments	$	6,862			$	4,455
	Foreign currency translation	(6,577		)		(6,469		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	285			$	(2,014	)
	The unrealized appreciation on available-for-sale investments is net of a deferred income tax liability of $3.7 million at September 30, 2013 and $2.4 million at December 31, 2012. The foreign currency translation is net of a deferred income tax asset of $3.4 million at September 30, 2013 and $3.3 million at December 31, 2012. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the change in unrealized appreciation on available-for-sale investments was net of deferred income tax of $334,000 and $1.2 million, respectively, and net of reclassification adjustments of $346,000, and $893,000, respectively.
	Inventory:
	The Company classifies its canola seed as raw material inventory and canola oil and meal as finished goods inventory. Such inventory is carried at net realizable value as it is considered a readily marketable agricultural commodity that is readily convertible to cash because of its commodity characteristics, widely available markets, and international pricing mechanisms. This agricultural commodity inventory has quoted market prices in active markets or is directly correlated to an active market, may be sold without significant further processing and has predictable and insignificant disposal costs. Changes in the fair value of agricultural commodity inventories are recognized in earnings as a component of cost of canola oil and meal sold.
	At September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the Company had $10.4 million and $8.1 million, respectively, in inventory, the majority of which is considered readily marketable, included within other assets in the consolidated balance sheets.
	Derivatives:
	In the normal course of business, the Company uses derivative instruments to manage its exposure to movements associated with agricultural commodity prices. The Company generally uses exchange traded futures to minimize the effects of changes in the prices of agricultural commodities in its agricultural commodity inventories and forward purchase and sale contracts. The Company recognizes each of its derivative instruments as either assets or liabilities at fair value in its condensed consolidated balance sheets. While the Company considers exchange traded futures and forward purchase and sale contracts to be effective economic hedges, the Company does not designate or account for its commodity contracts as hedges. Changes in the fair value of these contracts and related readily marketable agricultural commodity inventories are included in cost of canola oil and meal sold in the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss.
	Related Party Receivables
As of September 30, 2013, the Company had loaned $1 million to Northstar Agri Industries, LLC, the owner of the 12% interest in PICO Northstar Hallock, LLC (“Northstar”), which was used to finance certain of their operating expenses.  Interest was charged at approximately 10% per annum.  The loan was repaid on October 1, 2013.
Accounting for Income Taxes:
The Company's provision for income tax expense includes federal, foreign and state income taxes currently payable and those deferred because of temporary differences between the income tax and financial reporting bases of the assets and liabilities.  The liability method of accounting for income taxes also requires the Company to reflect the effect of a tax rate change on accumulated deferred income taxes in income in the period in which the change is enacted.
In assessing the realization of deferred income taxes, management considers whether it is more likely than not that any deferred income tax assets will be realized.  The ultimate realization of deferred income tax assets is dependent upon the generation of future taxable income during the period in which temporary differences become deductible.  If it is more likely than not that some or all of the deferred income tax assets will not be realized, a valuation allowance is recorded.
The Company recognizes any uncertain income tax positions on income tax returns at the largest amount that is more-likely-than-not to be sustained upon audit by the relevant taxing authority.  An uncertain income tax position will not be recognized unless it has a greater than 50% likelihood of being sustained. The Company recognizes any interest and penalties related to uncertain tax positions in income tax expense.
The Company reported an income tax provision of $3.6 million and $2.7 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, respectively, and an income tax benefit of $403,000 and $1.5 million for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. The effective income tax rate for continuing operations was 34% and 17% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, and 5% and 6% for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively. For the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, the effective rate differs from the statutory rate of 35% primarily due to recording a full valuation allowance on the net deferred tax assets, and in 2013, a $3.8 million income tax provision for the taxable temporary difference related to the Company’s investment in Mindjet which is not expected to reverse within a period that would allow it to be offset by existing deductible temporary differences. Consequently, the Company has recorded a net deferred tax liability for such temporary difference, which is included in other liabilities at September 30, 2013.
Sale of Software:
Sale of software consists of fixed subscription fees for the Company’s software and services. The Company commences revenue recognition when all of the following conditions are met: (1) Persuasive evidence of an arrangement exists; (2) Subscription or services have been delivered to the customer; (3) Collection of related fees is reasonably assured; and (4) Related fees are fixed or determinable.
The Company’s customers do not have the contractual right to take possession of the software in substantially all transactions. Instead, the software is delivered through the internet from the Company’s hosting facilities. Fixed fee subscription services include access to the hosted software, set-up assistance and customer support, which are exclusively provided to direct customers by Spigit and considered non-separable deliverables. The Company recognizes the subscription fee ratably over the contracted term of the subscription agreement, generally one year. Revenue recognition commences on the later of the start date specified in the subscription arrangement, the date the customer’s first module is set-up and access is granted to the customer, and when all of the revenue recognition criteria have been met, including when any acceptance period lapses.
The Company’s consulting services consist of certain professional services, business process consulting and training services that are short-term in nature. Consulting services may be purchased separately at any time to complement or enhance the customers' experience in Spigit products and services.
The Company accounts for subscription and consulting services revenue as separate units of account. Subscription services are routinely sold separately by the Company as the consulting services are not essential to the functionality of the hosted application and customers renew their subscription without additional services. The Company allocates revenue to each unit of account based on a selling price hierarchy. The selling price for a deliverable is based on its vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE), if available, third-party evidence (TPE), if VSOE is not available, or estimated selling price (ESP), if neither VSOE nor TPE are available. Since VSOE and TPE are not available for the Company’s subscription or consulting services, the Company uses ESP to allocate revenue. The Company establishes ESP within a range of selling prices considering multiple factors including, but not limited to, standalone sales, price list adjusted for discounting practices, and margin objectives.
Cost of Software Sold:
Cost of software sold primarily consists of costs related to hosting of the Company’s application suite and expenses related to its hosting facility, plus the cost of providing consulting services to our customers.
Software Development Costs
The Company accounts for costs related to the development of software products in accordance with the applicable authoritative guidance. For software products to be sold, leased, or otherwise marketed, the Company expenses all costs incurred to establish the technological feasibility of the software product and capitalizes qualifying costs incurred after technological feasibility is achieved. For software products developed or obtained for internal use, the Company capitalizes all related costs, beginning when it is determined that certain factors are present including, among others, that technology exists to achieve performance requirements. All costs that relate to the planning and post implementation phases of software developed for internal use are expensed as incurred.
Recent Accounting Pronouncements
In March 2013, the FASB issued accounting guidance which amends previous accounting guidance on foreign currency matters. This amendment provides guidance on foreign currency translation adjustments when a parent entity ceases to have a controlling interest on a previously consolidated subsidiary or group of assets. The guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning on or after December 15, 2013. The Company does not believe the adoption of this guidance will have a material impact on the consolidated financial condition, results of operations, cash flows or financial disclosures.

Net_Income_or_Loss_Per_Share

Net Income or Loss Per Share	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]	'
Net Income or Loss Per Share	'
	Net Income or Loss Per Share
	Basic earnings or loss per share is computed by dividing net earnings by the weighted average number of shares outstanding during the period. Diluted earnings or loss per share is computed similarly to basic earnings or loss per share except the weighted average shares outstanding are increased to include additional shares from the assumed exercise of any common stock equivalents using the treasury method, if dilutive. The Company’s stock-settled SAR and RSU are considered common stock equivalents for this purpose.  The number of additional shares related to these common stock equivalents is calculated using the treasury stock method.
	For the three months ended September 30, 2013, approximately 253,000 shares of common stock from the assumed exercise of RSU were added to average shares outstanding for the computation of diluted earnings per share, however no SAR were included because their effect was anti-dilutive. For the nine months ended September 30, 2013 and the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company’s stock-settled SAR and RSU were excluded from the diluted per share calculation because their effect on the loss per share from continuing operations was anti-dilutive.

Investments

Investments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Investments	'
	Investments
	The following tables report the cost and carrying value of available-for-sale investments at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
	September 30, 2013	Cost		Gross		Gross			Carrying
				Unrealized		Unrealized			Value
				Gains		Losses
	Debt securities:
	Corporate bonds	$	6,289	$	210	$	(31	)	$	6,468
	Marketable equity securities	31,223		10,703		(320		)	41,606
	Total	$	37,512	$	10,913	$	(351	)	$	48,074
	December 31, 2012	Cost		Gross		Gross			Carrying
				Unrealized		Unrealized			Value
				Gains		Losses
	Debt securities:
	Corporate bonds	$	7,758	$	324	$	(56	)	$	8,026
	Marketable equity securities	33,847		7,212		(621		)	40,438
	Total	$	41,605	$	7,536	$	(677	)	$	48,464
	The following tables summarize the market value of those investments in an unrealized loss position for periods less than or greater than 12 months (in thousands):
		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Less than 12 months	Fair Value		Gross		Fair Value			Gross
				Unrealized					Unrealized
				Loss					Loss
	Debt securities:
	Corporate bonds					$	768		$	12
	Marketable equity securities	$	963	$	154	5,193			615
	Total	$	963	$	154	$	5,961		$	627
		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Greater than 12 months	Fair Value		Gross		Fair Value			Gross
				Unrealized					Unrealized
				Loss					Loss
	Debt securities:
	Corporate bonds	$	4,964	$	31	$	2,204		$	44
	Marketable equity securities	2,363		166		45			6
	Total	$	7,327	$	197	$	2,249		$	50
	Marketable Equity Securities: The Company’s investment in marketable equity securities was $41.6 million at September 30, 2013, and principally consisted of common stock of publicly traded small-capitalization companies in the U.S. and select foreign markets.  At September 30, 2013, the Company reviewed its equity securities in an unrealized loss position and concluded certain of such securities were not other-than-temporarily impaired as the declines were not of sufficient duration and severity, and publicly-available financial information, collectively, did not indicate impairment.  The primary cause of the loss on those securities was normal market volatility. The securities that were deemed other-than-temporarily impaired were recorded as an impairment loss in the period. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, the Company recorded impairment losses of $162,000 and $201,000, respectively. During the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, the Company recorded impairment losses of $917,000.
	Debt Securities: The Company owns corporate bonds in its fixed maturity portfolio, which are purchased based on the maturity and yield-to-maturity of the bond and an analysis of the fundamental characteristics of the issuer.  At September 30, 2013, there were unrealized losses on certain bonds in the portfolio. The Company does not consider those bonds to be other-than-temporarily impaired because the Company expects to hold, and will not be required to sell, these particular bonds, and it expects to recover the entire amortized cost basis at maturity. There were no impairment losses recorded on debt securities during the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, and 2012.

Disclosures_About_Fair_Value_o

Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments:
	Recurring Fair Value Measurements:
	The following tables set forth the Company’s financial assets and liabilities that were measured at fair value on a recurring basis at September 30, 2013, and December 31, 2012, by level within the fair value hierarchy. Assets and liabilities measured at fair value are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset or liability.
	At September 30, 2013, the Company classified $26.2 million of its marketable securities as Level 2 due to the trading volumes being lower than normal, coupled with wide bid/ask spreads, lack of current publicly available information, or few recent transactions. There were two securities, which accounted for $11 million of the September 30, 2013 Level 2 balance, that were transferred during the period from Level 1 to Level 2 classification because of low trading volumes, and bid/ask spreads greater than 10%.
	At September 30, 2013 (in thousands):
	Assets	Quoted Prices In				Significant Other				Significant		Balance at
		Active Markets				Observable Inputs				Unobservable Inputs		30-Sep-13
		for Identical Assets				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
		(Level 1)
	Available-for-sale equity securities (1)	$	15,403			$	26,203					$	41,606
	Available-for-sale debt securities (1)	$	6,468									$	6,468
	Readily marketable inventory (2)	$	6,655			$	3,595					$	10,250
	Derivative instruments (3)	$	873			$	2,693					$	3,566
	Liabilities
	Derivative instruments (3)	$	1,357			$	341					$	1,698
	At December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
	Assets	Quoted Prices In				Significant Other				Significant		Balance at
		Active Markets				Observable Inputs				Unobservable Inputs		December 31,
		for Identical Assets				(Level 2)				(Level 3)		2012
		(Level 1)
	Available-for-sale equity securities (1)	$	27,977			$	12,461					$	40,438
	Available-for-sale debt securities (1)	$	8,026									$	8,026
	Readily marketable inventory (2)	$	2,603			$	5,327					$	7,930
	Derivative instruments (3)	$	96			$	2,257					$	2,353
	Liabilities
	Derivative instruments (3)	$	459			$	104					$	563
	(1) Where there are quoted market prices that are readily available in an active market, securities are classified as Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 available-for-sale investments are valued using quoted market prices multiplied by the number of shares owned and debt securities are valued using a market quote in an active market. All Level 2 available-for-sale securities are one class because they all contain similar risks and are valued using market prices and include securities where the markets are not active, that is where there are few transactions, or the prices are not current or the prices vary considerably over time. Inputs include directly or indirectly observable inputs such as quoted prices. Level 3 available-for-sale securities would include securities where valuation is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
	(2) Readily marketable inventory are commodity inventories that are reported at fair value based on commodity exchange quotations. Canola seed inventories are valued based on the quoted market price multiplied by the quantity of inventory and are classified as Level 1. Canola oil and meal inventories are classified as Level 2 because the inputs are directly observable, such as the quoted market price of the corresponding soybean commodity.
	(3) Included in this caption are three types of agricultural commodity derivative contracts: swaps, exchange traded futures, and forward commodity purchase and sale contracts. The exchange traded futures contracts are valued based on quoted prices in active markets multiplied by the number of contracts and are classified as Level 1. The swaps are classified as Level 2 because the inputs are directly observable, such as the quoted market prices for relevant commodity futures contracts. The swaps are valued based on the difference of the arithmetic average of the quoted market price of the relevant underlying multiplied by the notional quantities, and the arithmetic average of the prices specified in the instrument multiplied by the notional quantities.
	Forward commodity purchase and sale contracts classified as derivatives are valued using quantitative models that require the use of multiple inputs including quoted market prices and various other assumptions including time value. These contracts are categorized as Level 2 and are valued based on the difference between the quoted market price and the price in the contract multiplied by the undelivered notional quantity deliverable under the contract.
	Non-Recurring Fair Value Measurements:
	The following table sets forth the Company’s non-financial assets that were measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis for the nine months ended September 30, 2013, by level within the fair value hierarchy.
	Assets measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis are classified in their entirety based on the lowest level of input that is significant to the fair value measurement. The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset.
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 (in thousands):
	Asset Description	Quoted Prices In Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)				Total Gain (Loss)
	Intangible asset (exclusive right to use infrastructure and associated water credits) (1)					$	83,897			$	(993	)
	Real estate (2)					$	3,674			$	(417	)
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliate (3)					$	28,679			$	21,181
	(1) The Company had a non-recurring fair value measurement for an intangible asset with a carrying amount of $84.9 million that was written down to its estimated fair value of $83.9 million resulting in an impairment charge of $993,000, which was included in earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The implied fair value was calculated using a discounted cash flow model that incorporated a wide range of assumptions including current asset pricing, price escalation, discount rates, absorption rates, timing of sales, and costs. Given the decline in market prices for similar assets, increases in interest rates, and extended timing of expected absorptions, the Company adjusted its assumptions and judgments in the model from prior projections for the Fish Springs water credits and pipeline rights and Carson Lyon water assets.
	(2) The Company had a non-recurring fair value measurement of real estate assets with a carrying value of $4.1 million that was written down to its estimated fair value of $3.7 million resulting in an impairment charge of $417,000, which was included in earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The impairment was recorded based on the estimated sales price the Company expects to receive upon the sale of this real estate.
	(3) The Company had a non-recurring fair value measurement as a result of the merger transaction between Spigit and Mindjet. The transaction resulted in the deconsolidation of Spigit, and the recording of the Company’s common and preferred stock investment in Mindjet at fair value, on the date of the transaction. The transaction resulted in a gain of approximately $21.2 million before income taxes. The fair value of the investment in Mindjet was based on analysis of the financial and operational aspects of the company, including consideration of a discounted cash flow analysis which incorporated a contemporary forecast of the merged Mindjet/Spigit entity going forward.  Also considered was a guideline public company analysis which compared business enterprise value-to-revenue ratios for comparable public companies to current revenue metrics for the company.  Determination of the business enterprise value based on the foregoing was then considered in an analysis of the distribution of equity value to the various classes of equity held by PICO in order to reflect differences in value due to differing liquidation, dividend and voting rights. The fair value approach relied primarily on Level 3 unobservable inputs, whereby expected future cash flows are discounted using a rate that includes assumptions regarding an entity’s average cost of debt and equity, incorporates expected future cash flows based on internal business plans, and applies certain assumptions about risk and uncertainties. The estimates are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which by nature are uncertain and unpredictable. See Note 8, Business Combinations, for additional information.
	Measurements for the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2012:
	During the nine months ended September 30, 2012 the Company had a non-recurring fair value measurement for its insurance segment assets with a carrying amount of $21.1 million that was written down to its implied fair value of $15.5 million, resulting in an impairment charge of $5.7 million, which was included in the loss from discontinued operations for the nine months ended September 30, 2012.  The implied fair value was calculated using the assumed proceeds less selling costs from the pending sale of the insurance segment companies.
	Estimated Fair Value of Financial Instruments Not Carried at Fair Value:
	The following table presents the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments which are not carried at fair value at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements are classified include measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active (Level 2), and significant valuation assumptions that are not readily observable in the market (Level 3). As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and receivable approximated their carrying values because of the short-term nature of these assets or liabilities. The estimated fair value of the Company's debt is based on cash flow models discounted at the then-current interest rates and an estimate of the then-current spread above those rates at which the Company could borrow, which are level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. The estimated fair value of certain of the Company’s other investments, which included an investment in preferred stock of a private company, cannot be reasonably estimated.
	(In thousands)	September 30, 2013								December 31, 2012
		Carrying				Estimated				Carrying				Estimated
		Amount				Fair Value				Amount				Fair Value
	Financial liabilities:
	Debt	$	153,322			$	163,142			$	141,008			$	137,024
	Derivatives:
	The table below summarizes the notional amount of open derivative positions.
		September 30, 2013
		Exchange Traded						Non-Exchange Traded
		(Short)(1)			Long(1)			(Short)(1)			Long(1)			Unit of Measure
	Futures
	Agricultural Commodities	(28,704	)		32,630									Tons
	Natural Gas				260,000									MMBtus
	Forwards							(39,195	)		43,049			Tons
	Swaps										20,000			Tons
	(1) Exchange and non-exchange traded futures, forwards, and swaps are presented on a gross (short) and long position basis.
	The gross derivative asset or liability is included within its respective other assets or liabilities account balance in the accompanying condensed consolidated balance sheets.
	The table below summarizes the effect of derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss (in thousands).
	Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives
			Nine Months Ended
			September 30,
	Location		2013				2012
Futures(1)	Cost of canola oil and meal sold		$	(2,458	)		$	(1,337	)
Forwards(1)	Cost of canola oil and meal sold		329				(298		)
Swaps(1)	Cost of canola oil and meal sold		(353		)		671
			$	(2,482	)		$	(964	)
Futures(2)	Operating and other costs						$	(708	)
Forwards(2)	Operating and other costs						707
Swaps(2)	Operating and other costs						1,884
							$	1,883
(1) Represents the activity post-completion of the Company’s canola processing plant.
(2) Represents the activity pre-completion of the Company’s canola processing plant.

Intangible_Water_Assets

Intangible Water Assets	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Intangible Water Assets	'
	Intangible Water Assets
	The Company has indefinite-lived intangible water assets primarily within its water resource and water storage operations segment. These assets consist primarily of certain water rights, and the exclusive right to use two pipelines that the Company constructed and dedicated to various municipalities. The dedicated pipeline assets are Fish Springs Ranch, which is south of Reno, Nevada, where the Company owns pipeline rights and water credits, and Carson-Lyon, which is in Dayton and Lyon County, Nevada where the Company owns pipeline rights and water rights.
	The following details the Company’s carrying amounts of its indefinite-lived intangible assets (in thousands):
		30-Sep-13		31-Dec-12
	Pipeline rights and water credits at Fish Springs Ranch	$	83,897	$	84,890
	Pipeline rights and water rights at Carson-Lyon	24,076		24,076
	Other	16,332		21,072
		$	124,305	$	130,038
	In response to specific events and changes in circumstances during the second quarter of 2013, the Company completed impairment testing of its indefinite-lived intangible water assets. The fair value of these assets was calculated using discounted cash flow models that incorporated a wide range of assumptions including asset pricing, price escalation, discount rates, absorption rates, timing of sales, and costs. These models are sensitive to minor changes in any of the input variables. Given the decline in market prices for similar assets, increases in interest rates, and extended timing of expected absorptions, the Company adjusted its assumptions and judgments in the model from prior projections for the intangible assets at Fish Springs and Carson-Lyon. The changes in assumptions and judgments resulted in a fair value of the intangible asset at Fish Springs of approximately $83.9 million compared to its carrying value of $84.9 million resulting in an impairment loss of $993,000 which is reported in the statements of operations within impairment loss on real estate and water assets. The loss was also included in the water resource and water storage operations segment results. This was the second such impairment loss recorded on this asset during the last three years. There were no other impairment losses on any other intangible assets recorded in the period.
	Subsequent to the issuance of the Company’s unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements for the quarterly period ended June 30, 2013, the Company discovered that indefinite-lived intangible assets, which should have been presented on a separate line, were inappropriately aggregated and presented within real estate and water assets, net on the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2012.  The Company also identified that indefinite-lived intangible assets not subject to amortization were incorrectly disclosed in the footnotes to the consolidated financial statements as of December 31, 2012 as $111.6 million instead of $130 million. At September 30, 2013, the assets have been properly presented as indefinite-lived intangible assets on the consolidated balance sheets for the current period and the December 31, 2012 presentation has been corrected.  These errors did not affect consolidated shareholders’ equity, the consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss, or consolidated cash flows and are not considered to be material to the Company’s previously issued consolidated financial statements.

Debt

Debt	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Debt	'
	Debt
	The Company has debt outstanding primarily within its real estate and agribusiness operations. As of September 30, 2013, the Company was in compliance with all debt covenants. However, if the Company’s canola business continues to report losses, it is possible the Company could breach one or more of the debt covenants which would require obtaining a waiver from the lenders, or it could require the Company to invest additional capital into the business. As of September 30, 2013, the Company had approximately $19.8 million of unused lines of credit within the real estate operations and $21.3 million in agribusiness operations.
	The following details the Company’s consolidated debt (in thousands):
		September 30, 2013		31-Dec-12
	Agribusiness Term Loan:
	4.75% payments through 2017	$	85,025	$	89,500
	Agribusiness Working Capital:
	6% payments through 2017	5,750		5,000
	Swiss Debt:
	3.7% payments through 2014	13,821		13,655
	3.8% payments through 2014	3,317		3,277
	Mortgages:
	3.9% to 4.75% payments through 2014	16,270		5,551
	5% to 5.5% payments due from 2014 - 2016	12,893		425
	6% to 6.5% payments through 2036	8,662		15,531
	8% payments through 2013	464		464
	10% payments through 2013	7,120		7,605
		$	153,322	$	141,008

Segment_Reporting

Segment Reporting	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Segment Reporting	'
	Segment Reporting
	PICO is a diversified holding company engaged in the following operating and reportable segments: Water Resource and Water Storage Operations, Real Estate Operations, Agribusiness Operations, Enterprise Software, and Corporate. The Enterprise Software segment, which started during 2013 due to the acquisition of a controlling interest in Spigit, will continue to be presented in historical periods as a segment. However, as Spigit had been deconsolidated from the Company’s consolidated financial statements as of September 10, 2013, the carrying value of the investment in Mindjet is reported within total assets of the corporate segment beginning on September 10, 2013.
	The accounting policies of the reportable segments are the same as those described in the Company’s 2012 Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC, and in Note 1, Basis of Presentation.
	Management analyzes segments using the following information:
	Segment assets (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Total Assets:
	Water resource and water storage operations	$	193,245		$	210,189
	Real estate operations	228,244			145,978
	Agribusiness operations	159,414			165,961
	Corporate	195,242			145,046
		$	776,145		$	667,174
	Segment revenues and income or loss before taxes (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenue:
	Water resource and water storage operations	$	510		$	1,089		$	25,542		$	2,900
	Real estate operations	23,712			23,585			63,641			28,998
	Agribusiness operations	55,308			42,084			139,788			51,768
	Enterprise software	4,402						13,649
	Corporate	22,854			608			26,180			1,935
	Total revenue	$	106,786		$	67,366		$	268,800		$	85,601
	Income (loss) before income taxes:
	Water resource and water storage operations	$	(1,799	)	$	(1,559	)	$	737		$	(4,537	)
	Real estate operations	(231		)	2,237			(2,701		)	(1,519		)
	Agribusiness operations	(2,216		)	(6,105		)	(20,691		)	(9,159		)
	Enterprise software	(2,572		)				(5,281		)
	Corporate	17,664			(3,307		)	11,610			(11,056		)
	Total income (loss) before income taxes	$	10,846		$	(8,734	)	$	(16,326	)	$	(26,271	)

Business_Combinations_and_Subs

Business Combinations and Subsequent Deconsolidation of Spigit	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Business Combination and Subsequent Deconsolidation of Spigit	'
	Business Combination and Subsequent Deconsolidation of Spigit
	At December 31, 2012, the Company owned 27% of the voting stock in Spigit and accordingly, recorded its investment as an unconsolidated affiliate using the equity method of accounting. However, the Company had not recorded any losses reported by Spigit since 2011, as previous losses had reduced the carrying value of the Company’s investment in Spigit to zero at December 31, 2011.
	Business Combination with Spigit:
	On January 31, 2013, the Company acquired additional common stock and series F voting preferred stock in Spigit in an initial transaction by obtaining newly issued shares directly from Spigit for $5 million and converting outstanding loans. Subsequent to the initial transaction, the Company invested an additional $5 million. As a result of these transactions, the Company increased its voting ownership in Spigit from 27% at December 31, 2012 to 73% during 2013. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the initial acquisition was accounted for using the acquisition method of accounting and as such, the results of Spigit were included in the Company’s consolidated statement of operations starting on the date of acquisition.
	The major classes of assets to which the Company preliminarily allocated the purchase price were goodwill of $5.1 million and identifiable intangible assets of $11 million.
	The following table summarizes the consideration transferred and the estimated fair values of net assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in thousands):
	Consideration transferred:
	Cash paid and other consideration	$	6,156
	Net assets acquired:
	Cash	$	5,174
	Goodwill	5,101
	Intangible assets	10,976
	Other assets	6,009
	Total assets	27,260
	Debt	(8,038		)
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(13,066		)
	Total liabilities	(21,104		)
	Net assets acquired	$	6,156
	Deconsolidation of Spigit and Investment in Mindjet:
	On September 10, 2013, Spigit was merged with Mindjet, another privately held enterprise software developer. Under the terms of the agreement, the Company exchanged its common and preferred shares in Spigit for common and preferred shares of Mindjet based on an agreed-upon exchange ratio. As a result of the merger transaction, the Company no longer owns a direct financial interest in Spigit and the Company’s investment in Mindjet is not a controlling interest. Therefore the Company deconsolidated the assets and liabilities of Spigit, and simultaneously recorded its investment in Mindjet at fair value, on the date of the merger.
	Collectively, the Company’s investment in Mindjet controls 28.8% of the voting interest of the company comprised of 15.2% and 13.6% from the common shares and preferred shares, respectively. The preferred shares are entitled to 1.5 votes per share, are noncumulative, nonparticipating (with certain exceptions), entitled to dividends at a rate of 6% when declared, convertible into 1.5 shares of common stock of Mindjet at the Company’s discretion (and automatically upon certain events), and provide a $7 million liquidation preference. The Company is also contractually entitled to one of the six board seats on Mindjet’s board of directors.
	The collective attributes of the Company’s common and preferred stock investment in Mindjet enable the Company to exert significant influence over the operating and financial decisions of Mindjet. Consequently, the Company accounts for the investment in common stock using the equity method of accounting which resulted in recording a loss of $89,000 in the statement of operations within equity in loss of affiliate representing 15.2% of Mindjet’s loss for the period September 11, 2013 to September 30, 2013. The investment in preferred stock is held at its initial carrying value in the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. The total carrying value of the investment is subject to impairment testing, at least annually or more frequently if facts and circumstances indicate the investment may be impaired.
	The fair value of the Company’s investment in Mindjet was $28.7 million on the date of the merger which resulted in a $21.2 million gain before income taxes on the deconsolidation of Spigit that is reported in other income in the consolidation statements of operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013. The Company recorded a deferred tax expense of $3.8 million related to the taxable temporary difference of the Company’s tax basis in its investment in Mindjet which is not expected to reverse within a period that would allow it to be offset by existing deductible temporary differences. Consequently, the Company has recorded a net deferred tax liability which is included in other liabilities at September 30, 2013.
	The calculation of the gain is as follows:
	Fair value of total investment in Mindjet	$	28,679
	Less: carrying amount of the Company’s investment in Spigit	(7,498		)
	Gain on deconsolidation	$	21,181
	Concurrent with the closing of the transaction, the Company recorded $2.2 million in compensation expense which reflects the fair value of Mindjet common shares, from the Company’s allocation of Mindjet common shares under the terms of the merger, which were provided by Mindjet as compensation to certain members of Spigit management. Such expense is included in operating and other costs in the consolidated statements of operations for the three months ended September 30, 2013. The resulting carrying value of the Company’s investment in Mindjet is $26.4 million, which is included in investments in the consolidated balance sheet as follows:
		Carrying Value at September 30, 2013			Voting Interest
	Investment in common stock, equity method	$	9,173		15.2	%
	Investment in preferred stock, cost method	17,210			13.6	%
		$	26,383		28.8	%

Commitments_and_Contingencies

Commitments and Contingencies	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Commitments and Contingencies	'
	Commitments and Contingencies
	Neither PICO nor its subsidiaries are parties to any potentially material pending legal proceedings other than the following.
	PICO Holdings, Inc:
	On August 16, 2011 and August 26, 2011, Ronald Dennis and George Assad, respectively, each filed a shareholder derivative complaint, purportedly on behalf of the Company, against the Company's directors in the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego, (the “Derivative Actions”).  The Derivative Actions allege a combination of claims for breach of fiduciary duty, gross mismanagement, contribution and indemnification, abuse of control, waste of corporate assets and unjust enrichment in connection with the May 13, 2011 shareholder advisory vote on the Company's 2010 executive compensation pursuant to the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act and the 2010 executive compensation underlying the vote.  The complaints seek monetary damages, equitable relief in the form of disgorgement, attachment, impoundment or imposition of a constructive trust over portions of the 2010 executive compensation, the implementation and administration of certain internal control procedures related to executive compensation, and costs and attorney's fees.  The Dennis complaint seeks a declaration that the May 13, 2011 advisory vote rebutted the business judgment regarding the Company's Board of Directors' approval of the 2010 executive compensation.
	The Company removed each of the Derivative Actions to the United States District Court, Southern District of California and filed motions to dismiss each of the Derivative Actions.  The plaintiff in each of the Derivative Actions filed a motion to remand the Derivative Actions to the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego.
	On January 6, 2012, the District Court granted in part the Company's motion to dismiss and granted in part plaintiffs' motions to remand, remanding certain claims to the Superior Court of the State of California.  The plaintiffs appealed, and the Company cross-appealed, the federal district courts rulings. On March 29, 2012, the Superior Court of California stayed the Derivative Actions pending the appeal and cross-appeal in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.  Briefing on the appeal and cross-appeal is complete.  The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals had scheduled oral argument on the appeals and cross-appeals for June 4, 2013.  On July 31, 2013, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals held that the United States District Court, Southern District of California lacked jurisdiction over the case and, as a result, reversed the partial dismissal ordered by the district court.  As a result of the order from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, the case was remanded to the Superior Court of California, County of San Diego for further proceedings.  On September 27, 2013, the Superior Court held a status conference and lifted the stay.  On October, 25, 2013, the plaintiffs designated the action filed by George Assad as the operative complaint.  On October 28, 2013, the Company filed a demurrer.  The plaintiffs opposition to the demurrer is due on November 25, 2013 and the Company’s reply brief in support of the demurrer will be due on December 5, 2013.  The Court has scheduled a hearing on the Company’s demurrer for December 13, 2013.  An estimate of the possible range or outcome of this litigation cannot be made.  However, the Company does not believe this litigation will result in a material impact to the condensed consolidated financial statements.
	Fish Springs Ranch, LLC:
	In September 2007, the Company reached a $7.3 million financial settlement with the Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe of Indians relating to the exportation of water from the properties owned by Fish Springs Ranch, LLC. The settlement is pending ratification by the United States Congress, but we cannot be certain as to when the United States Congress will act on this matter. The Company has paid $3.7 million to the Tribe and accrued $3.6 million for the balance owed. No material developments occurred relating to this dispute or the settlement agreement during the first nine months of 2013.
	The Company is subject to various other litigation matters that arise in the ordinary course of its business. Because litigation is inherently unpredictable and unfavorable resolutions could occur, assessing contingencies is highly subjective and requires judgments about future events. When evaluating contingencies, we may be unable to provide a meaningful estimate due to a number of factors, including the procedural status of the matter in question, the presence of complex or novel legal theories, and/or the ongoing discovery and development of information important to the matters. In addition, damage amounts claimed in litigation against us may be unsupported, exaggerated or unrelated to possible outcomes, and as such are not meaningful indicators of our potential liability. We regularly review contingencies to determine the adequacy of our accruals and related disclosures. The amount of ultimate loss may differ from these estimates, and it is possible that cash flows or results of operations could be materially affected in any particular period by the unfavorable resolution of one or more of these contingencies.
	Whether any losses finally determined in any claim, action, investigation or proceeding could reasonably have a material effect on our business, financial condition, results of operations or cash flows will depend on a number of variables, including: the timing and amount of such losses; the structure and type of any remedies; the significance of the impact any such losses, damages or remedies may have on our condensed consolidated financial statements; and the unique facts and circumstances of the particular matter that may give rise to additional factors.

Noncontrolling_Interest_in_UCP

Noncontrolling Interest in UCP, Inc.	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Noncontrolling Interest in UCP, Inc.	'
	Noncontrolling Interest in UCP, Inc.
	In May 2013, the Company formed a new holding company, UCP, Inc., to become the sole managing member of UCP, LLC. During the three months ended September 30, 2013, UCP, Inc., completed an initial public offering of its common stock, raising net proceeds of $105.6 million by selling 7,750,000 shares of its Class A common stock at $15 per share to outside investors. As a result of the transaction, the Company’s voting ownership in UCP, Inc. decreased to 57.7% but maintained its controlling financial interest. Consequently, the Company will continue to consolidate UCP, Inc. in its financial statements with a corresponding noncontrolling interest for the remaining 42.3%. In accordance with applicable accounting guidance, the Company recorded an initial carrying value for the noncontrolling interest of $90.7 million and a $14.7 million increase in shareholders’ equity during the three months ended September 30, 2013. The increase in the Company’s shareholders’ equity represented the difference between the fair value of the net proceeds raised in the public offering, and the initial carrying value of the noncontrolling interest.
	The initial carrying value and ending balance at September 30, 2013 of the noncontrolling interest was calculated as follows (in thousands):
	Carrying value of UCP Inc. (includes net proceeds raised in the public offering)	$	214,790
	Voting ownership percentage of noncontrolling interest	42.25		%
	Initial carrying value of noncontrolling interest	90,749
	Income of UCP attributable to noncontrolling interest	23
	Other equity transactions	395
	Ending balance of noncontrolling interest at September 30, 2013	$	91,167
	Prior to the public offering, UCP, LLC amended its operating agreement to, among other things, designate UCP, Inc. as the sole managing member, establish UCP, LLC Series B Units (owned by UCP, Inc.), and to reclassify PICO's existing membership interests into UCP, LLC Series A Units (which represent 57.7% of the economic interest in UCP, LLC). The UCP, LLC Series B Units rank on a parity with the UCP, LLC Series A Units as to distribution rights and rights upon liquidation, winding up or dissolution.
	As a result of the public offering, UCP, Inc. has two classes of securities outstanding including a Class B common stock issued to the Company that entitles PICO to one vote per Series A Unit in UCP, LLC held, and a Class A common stock that was sold in the public offering which controls 42.3% of the vote. In addition to voting, the Class A common stock also entitles the holder to 42.3% of the economic interest of UCP, LLC.
	Concurrent with the public offering, PICO entered into various agreements with UCP, Inc. including an investor rights agreement, an exchange agreement, and a tax receivable agreement.
	Tax Receivable Agreement
	The tax receivable agreement entered into by PICO and UCP, Inc. provides for a sharing of the value of the tax benefits between PICO and UCP, Inc. generated from a step-up in tax basis when and if the Company decides to exchange its series B units in UCP, LLC. for Class A common stock of UCP, Inc. The future reductions in UCP, Inc.’s income taxes payable as a consequence of this tax basis step-up are split, with 85% of the amount of UCP, Inc.’s cash savings, if any, in U.S. federal, state and local income tax allocated to PICO and 15% of the benefit allocated to UCP, Inc. Cash savings in income tax will be computed by comparing the actual income tax liability to the amount of such taxes that would have been paid had there been no increase in the tax basis of the tangible and intangible assets of UCP, LLC as a result of the exchanges. The term of the tax receivable agreement will continue until all such tax benefits have been utilized or expired.
	Investor Rights Agreement
	The investor rights agreement provides PICO the right to nominate two individuals for election to the UCP, Inc. board of directors for as long as PICO owns 25% or more of the combined voting power of the outstanding Class A and Class B common stock and one individual for as long as it owns at least 10%. The agreement will terminate when PICO owns less than 10% of the combined voting power of the outstanding Class A and Class B common stock or when PICO is no longer required to consolidate UCP, Inc.'s financial condition and results of operations in its condensed consolidated financial statements, whichever is later.
	Exchange Agreement
	The exchange agreement grants PICO the right to exchange its UCP, LLC Series A Units for shares of Class A common stock of UCP, Inc. on a one-for-one basis. As PICO exchanges its UCP, LLC Series A Units, PICO's interest in UCP, LLC will be correspondingly decreased. UCP, LLC will make an election under Section 754 of the Internal Revenue Code effective for each taxable year in which an exchange of UCP, LLC Series A Units for shares of UCP, Inc. Class A common stock occurs, which may result in an adjustment to the tax basis of the assets owned by UCP, LLC at the time of an exchange of Series A Units. The increases in tax basis may also decrease gains (or increase losses) on future dispositions of certain assets to the extent tax basis is allocated to those assets.

Basis_of_Presentation_Tables

Basis of Presentation (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]	'
Components of Real Estate and Water Assets	'
	The costs assigned to the various components of real estate and water assets was as follows (in thousands):
		September 30, 2013				31-Dec-12
	Real estate	$	201,152			$	170,704
	Tangible water assets	45,103				41,596
		$	246,255			$	212,300
Summary of RSU and RSA Activity	'
	Restricted Stock Units (RSU):
	A summary of activity of the RSU is as follows:
		RSU
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013	467,716
	Granted	15,435
	Vested	(13,716		)
	Outstanding at September 30, 2013	469,435
	Unrecognized compensation cost (in thousands)	$	4,007
Summary of SAR Activity	'
	A summary of SAR activity is as follows:
		SAR			Weighted Average				Weighted Average
					Exercise Price				Contractual Term in Years
	Outstanding at January 1, 2013	1,812,079			$	36.16			3.5 years
	Expired	(195,454	)
	Outstanding and exercisable at September 30, 2013	1,616,625			$	36.45			2.7 years
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	'
	The components of accumulated other comprehensive loss are as follows (in thousands):
		September 30,				December 31,
		2013				2012
	Net unrealized appreciation on available-for-sale investments	$	6,862			$	4,455
	Foreign currency translation	(6,577		)		(6,469		)
	Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	$	285			$	(2,014	)

Investments_Tables

Investments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]	'
Available-for-sale Securities	'
	The following tables report the cost and carrying value of available-for-sale investments at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
	September 30, 2013	Cost		Gross		Gross			Carrying
				Unrealized		Unrealized			Value
				Gains		Losses
	Debt securities:
	Corporate bonds	$	6,289	$	210	$	(31	)	$	6,468
	Marketable equity securities	31,223		10,703		(320		)	41,606
	Total	$	37,512	$	10,913	$	(351	)	$	48,074
	December 31, 2012	Cost		Gross		Gross			Carrying
				Unrealized		Unrealized			Value
				Gains		Losses
	Debt securities:
	Corporate bonds	$	7,758	$	324	$	(56	)	$	8,026
	Marketable equity securities	33,847		7,212		(621		)	40,438
	Total	$	41,605	$	7,536	$	(677	)	$	48,464
Schedule of Unrealized Loss on Investments	'
	The following tables summarize the market value of those investments in an unrealized loss position for periods less than or greater than 12 months (in thousands):
		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Less than 12 months	Fair Value		Gross		Fair Value			Gross
				Unrealized					Unrealized
				Loss					Loss
	Debt securities:
	Corporate bonds					$	768		$	12
	Marketable equity securities	$	963	$	154	5,193			615
	Total	$	963	$	154	$	5,961		$	627
		September 30, 2013				December 31, 2012
	Greater than 12 months	Fair Value		Gross		Fair Value			Gross
				Unrealized					Unrealized
				Loss					Loss
	Debt securities:
	Corporate bonds	$	4,964	$	31	$	2,204		$	44
	Marketable equity securities	2,363		166		45			6
	Total	$	7,327	$	197	$	2,249		$	50

Disclosures_About_Fair_Value_o1

Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring Basis	'
	At September 30, 2013 (in thousands):
	Assets	Quoted Prices In				Significant Other				Significant		Balance at
		Active Markets				Observable Inputs				Unobservable Inputs		30-Sep-13
		for Identical Assets				(Level 2)				(Level 3)
		(Level 1)
	Available-for-sale equity securities (1)	$	15,403			$	26,203					$	41,606
	Available-for-sale debt securities (1)	$	6,468									$	6,468
	Readily marketable inventory (2)	$	6,655			$	3,595					$	10,250
	Derivative instruments (3)	$	873			$	2,693					$	3,566
	Liabilities
	Derivative instruments (3)	$	1,357			$	341					$	1,698
	At December 31, 2012 (in thousands):
	Assets	Quoted Prices In				Significant Other				Significant		Balance at
		Active Markets				Observable Inputs				Unobservable Inputs		December 31,
		for Identical Assets				(Level 2)				(Level 3)		2012
		(Level 1)
	Available-for-sale equity securities (1)	$	27,977			$	12,461					$	40,438
	Available-for-sale debt securities (1)	$	8,026									$	8,026
	Readily marketable inventory (2)	$	2,603			$	5,327					$	7,930
	Derivative instruments (3)	$	96			$	2,257					$	2,353
	Liabilities
	Derivative instruments (3)	$	459			$	104					$	563
	(1) Where there are quoted market prices that are readily available in an active market, securities are classified as Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 available-for-sale investments are valued using quoted market prices multiplied by the number of shares owned and debt securities are valued using a market quote in an active market. All Level 2 available-for-sale securities are one class because they all contain similar risks and are valued using market prices and include securities where the markets are not active, that is where there are few transactions, or the prices are not current or the prices vary considerably over time. Inputs include directly or indirectly observable inputs such as quoted prices. Level 3 available-for-sale securities would include securities where valuation is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
	(2) Readily marketable inventory are commodity inventories that are reported at fair value based on commodity exchange quotations. Canola seed inventories are valued based on the quoted market price multiplied by the quantity of inventory and are classified as Level 1. Canola oil and meal inventories are classified as Level 2 because the inputs are directly observable, such as the quoted market price of the corresponding soybean commodity.
	(3) Included in this caption are three types of agricultural commodity derivative contracts: swaps, exchange traded futures, and forward commodity purchase and sale contracts. The exchange traded futures contracts are valued based on quoted prices in active markets multiplied by the number of contracts and are classified as Level 1. The swaps are classified as Level 2 because the inputs are directly observable, such as the quoted market prices for relevant commodity futures contracts. The swaps are valued based on the difference of the arithmetic average of the quoted market price of the relevant underlying multiplied by the notional quantities, and the arithmetic average of the prices specified in the instrument multiplied by the notional quantities.
Fair Value Measurements on a Non-Recurring Basis	'
	The Company’s assessment of the significance of a particular input to the fair value measurement in its entirety requires judgment and considers factors specific to the asset.
	Nine Months Ended September 30, 2013 (in thousands):
	Asset Description	Quoted Prices In Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)		Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)		Significant Unobservable Inputs (Level 3)				Total Gain (Loss)
	Intangible asset (exclusive right to use infrastructure and associated water credits) (1)					$	83,897			$	(993	)
	Real estate (2)					$	3,674			$	(417	)
	Investment in unconsolidated affiliate (3)					$	28,679			$	21,181
	(1) The Company had a non-recurring fair value measurement for an intangible asset with a carrying amount of $84.9 million that was written down to its estimated fair value of $83.9 million resulting in an impairment charge of $993,000, which was included in earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The implied fair value was calculated using a discounted cash flow model that incorporated a wide range of assumptions including current asset pricing, price escalation, discount rates, absorption rates, timing of sales, and costs. Given the decline in market prices for similar assets, increases in interest rates, and extended timing of expected absorptions, the Company adjusted its assumptions and judgments in the model from prior projections for the Fish Springs water credits and pipeline rights and Carson Lyon water assets.
	(2) The Company had a non-recurring fair value measurement of real estate assets with a carrying value of $4.1 million that was written down to its estimated fair value of $3.7 million resulting in an impairment charge of $417,000, which was included in earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The impairment was recorded based on the estimated sales price the Company expects to receive upon the sale of this real estate.
	(3) The Company had a non-recurring fair value measurement as a result of the merger transaction between Spigit and Mindjet. The transaction resulted in the deconsolidation of Spigit, and the recording of the Company’s common and preferred stock investment in Mindjet at fair value, on the date of the transaction. The transaction resulted in a gain of approximately $21.2 million before income taxes. The fair value of the investment in Mindjet was based on analysis of the financial and operational aspects of the company, including consideration of a discounted cash flow analysis which incorporated a contemporary forecast of the merged Mindjet/Spigit entity going forward.  Also considered was a guideline public company analysis which compared business enterprise value-to-revenue ratios for comparable public companies to current revenue metrics for the company.  Determination of the business enterprise value based on the foregoing was then considered in an analysis of the distribution of equity value to the various classes of equity held by PICO in order to reflect differences in value due to differing liquidation, dividend and voting rights. The fair value approach relied primarily on Level 3 unobservable inputs, whereby expected future cash flows are discounted using a rate that includes assumptions regarding an entity’s average cost of debt and equity, incorporates expected future cash flows based on internal business plans, and applies certain assumptions about risk and uncertainties. The estimates are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which by nature are uncertain and unpredictable. See Note 8, Business Combinations, for additional information.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	'
	The following table presents the carrying value and fair value of the Company’s financial instruments which are not carried at fair value at September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012. Fair value is defined as the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date. The level within the fair value hierarchy in which the fair value measurements are classified include measurements using quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1), quoted prices for similar instruments in active markets or quoted prices for identical or similar instruments in markets that are not active (Level 2), and significant valuation assumptions that are not readily observable in the market (Level 3). As of September 30, 2013 and December 31, 2012, the fair values of cash and cash equivalents, accounts payable and receivable approximated their carrying values because of the short-term nature of these assets or liabilities. The estimated fair value of the Company's debt is based on cash flow models discounted at the then-current interest rates and an estimate of the then-current spread above those rates at which the Company could borrow, which are level 3 inputs in the fair value hierarchy. The estimated fair value of certain of the Company’s other investments, which included an investment in preferred stock of a private company, cannot be reasonably estimated.
	(In thousands)	September 30, 2013								December 31, 2012
		Carrying				Estimated				Carrying				Estimated
		Amount				Fair Value				Amount				Fair Value
	Financial liabilities:
	Debt	$	153,322			$	163,142			$	141,008			$	137,024
Notional Amounts of Open Derivative Positions	'
	The table below summarizes the notional amount of open derivative positions.
		September 30, 2013
		Exchange Traded						Non-Exchange Traded
		(Short)(1)			Long(1)			(Short)(1)			Long(1)			Unit of Measure
	Futures
	Agricultural Commodities	(28,704	)		32,630									Tons
	Natural Gas				260,000									MMBtus
	Forwards							(39,195	)		43,049			Tons
	Swaps										20,000			Tons
	(1) Exchange and non-exchange traded futures, forwards, and swaps are presented on a gross (short) and long position basis.
Effect of Derivative Instruments on the Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Income or Loss	'
	The table below summarizes the effect of derivative instruments on the condensed consolidated statements of operations and comprehensive income or loss (in thousands).
		Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivatives
				Nine Months Ended
				September 30,
		Location		2013				2012
	Futures(1)	Cost of canola oil and meal sold		$	(2,458	)		$	(1,337	)
	Forwards(1)	Cost of canola oil and meal sold		329				(298		)
	Swaps(1)	Cost of canola oil and meal sold		(353		)		671
				$	(2,482	)		$	(964	)
	Futures(2)	Operating and other costs						$	(708	)
	Forwards(2)	Operating and other costs						707
	Swaps(2)	Operating and other costs						1,884
								$	1,883
	(1) Represents the activity post-completion of the Company’s canola processing plant.
	(2) Represents the activity pre-completion of the Company’s canola processing plant.

Intangible_Water_Assets_Tables

Intangible Water Assets (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Indefinite-Lived Intangible Assets	'
	The following details the Company’s carrying amounts of its indefinite-lived intangible assets (in thousands):
		30-Sep-13		31-Dec-12
	Pipeline rights and water credits at Fish Springs Ranch	$	83,897	$	84,890
	Pipeline rights and water rights at Carson-Lyon	24,076		24,076
	Other	16,332		21,072
		$	124,305	$	130,038

Debt_Tables

Debt (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Company's Consolidated Debt	'
	The following details the Company’s consolidated debt (in thousands):
		September 30, 2013		31-Dec-12
	Agribusiness Term Loan:
	4.75% payments through 2017	$	85,025	$	89,500
	Agribusiness Working Capital:
	6% payments through 2017	5,750		5,000
	Swiss Debt:
	3.7% payments through 2014	13,821		13,655
	3.8% payments through 2014	3,317		3,277
	Mortgages:
	3.9% to 4.75% payments through 2014	16,270		5,551
	5% to 5.5% payments due from 2014 - 2016	12,893		425
	6% to 6.5% payments through 2036	8,662		15,531
	8% payments through 2013	464		464
	10% payments through 2013	7,120		7,605
		$	153,322	$	141,008

Segment_Reporting_Tables

Segment Reporting (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Segment Reporting [Abstract]	'
Reconciliation of Assets from Segment to Consolidated	'
	Management analyzes segments using the following information:
	Segment assets (in thousands):
		September 30,			December 31,
		2013			2012
	Total Assets:
	Water resource and water storage operations	$	193,245		$	210,189
	Real estate operations	228,244			145,978
	Agribusiness operations	159,414			165,961
	Corporate	195,242			145,046
		$	776,145		$	667,174
Reconciliation of Operating Profit (Loss) from Segments to Consolidated	'
	Segment revenues and income or loss before taxes (in thousands):
		Three Months Ended						Nine Months Ended
		September 30,						September 30,
		2013			2012			2013			2012
	Revenue:
	Water resource and water storage operations	$	510		$	1,089		$	25,542		$	2,900
	Real estate operations	23,712			23,585			63,641			28,998
	Agribusiness operations	55,308			42,084			139,788			51,768
	Enterprise software	4,402						13,649
	Corporate	22,854			608			26,180			1,935
	Total revenue	$	106,786		$	67,366		$	268,800		$	85,601
	Income (loss) before income taxes:
	Water resource and water storage operations	$	(1,799	)	$	(1,559	)	$	737		$	(4,537	)
	Real estate operations	(231		)	2,237			(2,701		)	(1,519		)
	Agribusiness operations	(2,216		)	(6,105		)	(20,691		)	(9,159		)
	Enterprise software	(2,572		)				(5,281		)
	Corporate	17,664			(3,307		)	11,610			(11,056		)
	Total income (loss) before income taxes	$	10,846		$	(8,734	)	$	(16,326	)	$	(26,271	)

Business_Combinations_and_Subs1

Business Combinations and Subsequent Deconsolidation of Spigit (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Business Combinations [Abstract]	'
Schedule of Business Acquisitions	'
	The following table summarizes the consideration transferred and the estimated fair values of net assets acquired and liabilities assumed (in thousands):
	Consideration transferred:
	Cash paid and other consideration	$	6,156
	Net assets acquired:
	Cash	$	5,174
	Goodwill	5,101
	Intangible assets	10,976
	Other assets	6,009
	Total assets	27,260
	Debt	(8,038		)
	Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	(13,066		)
	Total liabilities	(21,104		)
	Net assets acquired	$	6,156
Schedule of Deconsolidation of Noncontrolling Interest	'
	The calculation of the gain is as follows:
	Fair value of total investment in Mindjet	$	28,679
	Less: carrying amount of the Company’s investment in Spigit	(7,498		)
	Gain on deconsolidation	$	21,181
Schedule of Equity Method and Cost Method Investments	'
	The resulting carrying value of the Company’s investment in Mindjet is $26.4 million, which is included in investments in the consolidated balance sheet as follows:
		Carrying Value at September 30, 2013			Voting Interest
	Investment in common stock, equity method	$	9,173		15.2	%
	Investment in preferred stock, cost method	17,210			13.6	%
		$	26,383		28.8	%

Noncontrolling_Interest_in_UCP1

Noncontrolling Interest in UCP, Inc. (Tables)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract]	'
Schedule of carrying value of Noncontrolling Interest	'
	The initial carrying value and ending balance at September 30, 2013 of the noncontrolling interest was calculated as follows (in thousands):
	Carrying value of UCP Inc. (includes net proceeds raised in the public offering)	$	214,790
	Voting ownership percentage of noncontrolling interest	42.25		%
	Initial carrying value of noncontrolling interest	90,749
	Income of UCP attributable to noncontrolling interest	23
	Other equity transactions	395
	Ending balance of noncontrolling interest at September 30, 2013	$	91,167

Basis_of_Presentation_Details_

Basis of Presentation (Details) Real Estate and Water Assets, Impairment Losses (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Real estate carrying value	$4,100,000		'
Impairment loss on real estate and water assets	417,000	[1]	'
Real Estate and Water Assets:	'		'
Real estate held-for-sale	3,700,000		2,900,000
Real estate	201,152,000		170,704,000
Water and water rights	45,103,000		41,596,000
Real estate and water assets, net	$246,255,000		$212,300,000
Real Estate Improvements | Minimum	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Estimated useful lives	'5 years		'
Real Estate Improvements | Maximum	'		'
Real Estate Properties [Line Items]	'		'
Estimated useful lives	'15 years		'
[1]	The Company had a non-recurring fair value measurement of real estate assets with a carrying value of $4.1 million that was written down to its estimated fair value of $3.7 million resulting in an impairment charge of $417,000, which was included in earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The impairment was recorded based on the estimated sales price the Company expects to receive upon the sale of this real estate.

Basis_of_Presentation_Details_1

Basis of Presentation (Details) Share Based Compensation (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
	plan		plan
Share-based Compensation	'	'	'	'	'
Number of stock-based compensation plans in effect	1	'	1	'	'
Number of shares of issuable common shares (in shares)	2,654,000	'	2,654,000	'	'
Summary of SAR Activity, Other Data:	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding, weighted average contractual term	'	'	'2 years 8 months 12 days	'	'3 years 6 months
Outstanding and exercisable, weighted average contractual term	'	'	'2 years 8 months 12 days	'	'3 years 6 months
Deferred Compensation:	'	'	'	'	'
Deferred compensation payable	$23,802,000	'	$23,802,000	'	$22,607,000
Increase in deferred compensation liability	1,200,000	'	'	'	'
Increase in fair value of plan assets	'	'	1,500,000	'	'
Deferred compensation expense	589,000	880,000	1,500,000	2,300,000	'
RSUs	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	958,000	946,000	2,900,000	2,900,000	'
Summary of RSU Activity:	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	'	'	467,716	'	'
Granted (in shares)	'	'	15,435	'	'
Vested (in shares)	'	'	-13,716	'	'
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	469,435	'	469,435	'	'
Unrecognized compensation cost	4,007,000	'	4,007,000	'	'
Summary of SAR Activity:	'	'	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	'	'	15,435	'	'
SARs	'	'	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation	'	'	'	'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	'	'	$0	$0	'
Number of outstanding awards in-the-money (in shares)	0	'	0	'	'
Summary of RSU Activity:	'	'	'	'	'
Granted (in shares)	'	'	0	0	'
Outstanding, end of period (in shares)	0	0	0	0	'
Summary of SAR Activity:	'	'	'	'	'
Outstanding, beginning of period (in shares)	'	'	1,812,079	'	'
Granted (in shares)	'	'	0	0	'
Expired (in shares)	'	'	-195,454	'	'
Exercised in period (in shares)	253,000	'	0	0	'
Outstanding and exercisable, end of period (in shares)	1,616,625	'	1,616,625	'	'
Summary of SAR Activity, Other Data:	'	'	'	'	'
Weighted average exercise price, outstanding (in dollars per share)	'	'	$36.16	'	'
Weighted average exercise price, outstanding and exercisable (in dollars per share)	$36.45	'	$36.45	'	'

Basis_of_Presentation_Details_2

Basis of Presentation (Details) Other Balance Sheet and Income Statement Items (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Other Balance Sheet and Income Statement Items [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Software subscription agreements, term	'	'	'1 year	'	'
Inventory, Raw Materials:	'	'	'	'	'
Raw materials inventory	$10,400,000	'	$10,400,000	'	$8,100,000
Provision for Income Taxes:	'	'	'	'	'
Income tax provision (benefit)	-3,637,000	403,000	-2,739,000	1,477,000	'
Effective income tax rate	34.00%	5.00%	-17.00%	6.00%	'
Statutory income tax rate	'	'	35.00%	'	'
Deferred income tax expense related to disposition	$3,800,000	'	'	'	'
Maximum	'	'	'	'	'
Provision for Income Taxes:	'	'	'	'	'
Likelihood uncertain tax percentage will be sustained	'	'	50.00%	'	'

Basis_of_Presentation_Details_3

Basis of Presentation (Details) Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (USD $)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	'	'	'
Net unrealized appreciation on available-for-sale investments	$6,862,000	$6,862,000	$4,455,000
Foreign currency translation	-6,577,000	-6,577,000	-6,469,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	285,000	285,000	-2,014,000
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Derivatives Arising During Period, Tax	334,000	1,200,000	'
Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment for Sale of Securities Included in Net Income, Net of Tax	346,000	893,000	'
Accumulated Net Unrealized Investment Gain (Loss)	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	'	'	'
Deferred tax liability on other comprehensive income	3,700,000	3,700,000	2,400,000
Accumulated Translation Adjustment	'	'	'
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax	'	'	'
Deferred income tax asset on other comprehensive loss	$3,400,000	$3,400,000	$3,300,000

Basis_of_Presentation_Details_4

Basis of Presentation (Details) Related Party Receivable (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
UCP	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'
Subsidiary ownership interest held by related party	42.30%
Northstar Agri Industries	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'
Subsidiary ownership interest held by related party	12.00%
Interest rate for related party receivable	10.00%
Loan to related party	$1,000,000
Mindjet	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'
Voting interest Percentage	28.80%
Spigit	'
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]	'
Subsidiary ownership interest held by related party	73.00%

Net_Income_or_Loss_Per_Share_D

Net Income or Loss Per Share (Details) (SARs)	3 Months Ended	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
SARs	'	'	'
Share-based Compensation	'	'	'
Exercised in period (in shares)	253,000	0	0

Investments_Details

Investments (Details) (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	'	'	'	'	'
Total, cost	$37,512	'	$37,512	'	$41,605
Gross unrealized gains	10,913	'	10,913	'	7,536
Gross unrealized losses	-351	'	-351	'	-677
Marketable equity securities, carrying value	41,600	'	41,600	'	'
Total available-for-sale investments, carrying value	48,074	'	48,074	'	48,464
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months, fair value	963	'	963	'	5,961
Less than 12 months, gross unrealized loss	154	'	154	'	627
Greater than 12 months, fair value	7,327	'	7,327	'	2,249
Greater than 12 months, gross unrealized loss	197	'	197	'	50
Corporate Bonds	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	'	'	'	'	'
Fixed maturities, cost	6,289	'	6,289	'	7,758
Gross unrealized gains	210	'	210	'	324
Gross unrealized losses	-31	'	-31	'	-56
Fixed maturities, carrying value	6,468	'	6,468	'	8,026
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months, fair value	'	'	'	'	768
Less than 12 months, gross unrealized loss	'	'	'	'	12
Greater than 12 months, fair value	4,964	'	4,964	'	2,204
Greater than 12 months, gross unrealized loss	31	'	31	'	44
Marketable Equity Securities	'	'	'	'	'
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities	'	'	'	'	'
Marketable equity securities, cost	31,223	'	31,223	'	33,847
Gross unrealized gains	10,703	'	10,703	'	7,212
Gross unrealized losses	-320	'	-320	'	-621
Marketable equity securities, carrying value	41,606	'	41,606	'	40,438
Available-for-sale Securities, Continuous Unrealized Loss Position	'	'	'	'	'
Less than 12 months, fair value	963	'	963	'	5,193
Less than 12 months, gross unrealized loss	154	'	154	'	615
Greater than 12 months, fair value	2,363	'	2,363	'	45
Greater than 12 months, gross unrealized loss	166	'	166	'	6
Impairment losses, available-for-sale securities	$162	$917	$201	$917	'

Disclosures_About_Fair_Value_o2

Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) Narrative (USD $)

9 Months Ended

9 Months Ended

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Dec. 31, 2012

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

Sep. 30, 2013

security

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring

Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring

Insurance

Insurance

Insurance

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)

Carrying Amount

Portion at Other than Fair Value, Fair Value Disclosure

Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring

Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring

Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Available-for-sale equity securities

'

$41,606,000

[1]

$40,438,000

[1]

$26,203,000

[1]

$12,461,000

[1]

'

'

'

Number of securities transferred from Level 1 to Level 2

2

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Amount transferred

11,000,000

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Investment in unconsolidated affilitate Total Gain (Loss)

21,181,000

[2]

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Minimum width of bid-ask spread, percentage

10.00%

'

'

'

'

'

'

'

Fair value

'

'

'

'

'

'

21,100,000

15,500,000

Asset Impairment Charges

'

'

'

'

'

$5,700,000

'

'

[1]

Where there are quoted market prices that are readily available in an active market, securities are classified as Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 available-for-sale investments are valued using quoted market prices multiplied by the number of shares owned and debt securities are valued using a market quote in an active market. All Level 2 available-for-sale securities are one class because they all contain similar risks and are valued using market prices and include securities where the markets are not active, that is where there are few transactions, or the prices are not current or the prices vary considerably over time. Inputs include directly or indirectly observable inputs such as quoted prices. Level 3 available-for-sale securities would include securities where valuation is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.

[2]

The Company had a non-recurring fair value measurement as a result of the merger transaction between Spigit and Mindjet. The transaction resulted in the deconsolidation of Spigit, and the recording of the Company’s common and preferred stock investment in Mindjet at fair value, on the date of the transaction. The transaction resulted in a gain of approximately $21.2 million before income taxes. The fair value of the investment in Mindjet was based on analysis of the financial and operational aspects of the company, including consideration of a discounted cash flow analysis which incorporated a contemporary forecast of the merged Mindjet/Spigit entity going forward. Also considered was a guideline public company analysis which compared business enterprise value-to-revenue ratios for comparable public companies to current revenue metrics for the company. Determination of the business enterprise value based on the foregoing was then considered in an analysis of the distribution of equity value to the various classes of equity held by PICO in order to reflect differences in value due to differing liquidation, dividend and voting rights. The fair value approach relied primarily on Level 3 unobservable inputs, whereby expected future cash flows are discounted using a rate that includes assumptions regarding an entity’s average cost of debt and equity, incorporates expected future cash flows based on internal business plans, and applies certain assumptions about risk and uncertainties. The estimates are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which by nature are uncertain and unpredictable. See Note 8, Business Combinations, for additional information.

Disclosures_About_Fair_Value_o3

Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) Fair Value of Assets and Liabilities on a Recurring Basis (Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring, USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013		Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Assets	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	$41,606	[1]	$40,438	[1]
Available-for-sale debt maturities	6,468	[1]	8,026	[1]
Readily marketable inventory	10,250	[2]	7,930	[2]
Derivative instruments	3,566	[3]	2,353	[3]
Liabilities	'		'
Derivative instruments	1,698	[3]	563	[3]
Quoted Prices In Active Markets for Identical Assets (Level 1)	'		'
Assets	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	15,403	[1]	27,977	[1]
Available-for-sale debt maturities	6,468	[1]	8,026	[1]
Readily marketable inventory	6,655	[2]	2,603	[2]
Derivative instruments	873	[3]	96	[3]
Liabilities	'		'
Derivative instruments	1,357	[3]	459	[3]
Significant Other Observable Inputs (Level 2)	'		'
Assets	'		'
Available-for-sale securities	26,203	[1]	12,461	[1]
Readily marketable inventory	3,595	[2]	5,327	[2]
Derivative instruments	2,693	[3]	2,257	[3]
Liabilities	'		'
Derivative instruments	$341	[3]	$104	[3]
[1]	Where there are quoted market prices that are readily available in an active market, securities are classified as Level 1 of the valuation hierarchy. Level 1 available-for-sale investments are valued using quoted market prices multiplied by the number of shares owned and debt securities are valued using a market quote in an active market. All Level 2 available-for-sale securities are one class because they all contain similar risks and are valued using market prices and include securities where the markets are not active, that is where there are few transactions, or the prices are not current or the prices vary considerably over time. Inputs include directly or indirectly observable inputs such as quoted prices. Level 3 available-for-sale securities would include securities where valuation is based on unobservable inputs that are supported by little or no market activity and that are significant to the fair value of the assets. This includes certain pricing models, discounted cash flow methodologies and similar techniques that use significant unobservable inputs.
[2]	Readily marketable inventory are commodity inventories that are reported at fair value based on commodity exchange quotations. Canola seed inventories are valued based on the quoted market price multiplied by the quantity of inventory and are classified as Level 1. Canola oil and meal inventories are classified as Level 2 because the inputs are directly observable, such as the quoted market price of the corresponding soybean commodity.
[3]	Included in this caption are three types of agricultural commodity derivative contracts: swaps, exchange traded futures, and forward commodity purchase and sale contracts. The exchange traded futures contracts are valued based on quoted prices in active markets multiplied by the number of contracts and are classified as Level 1. The swaps are classified as Level 2 because the inputs are directly observable, such as the quoted market prices for relevant commodity futures contracts. The swaps are valued based on the difference of the arithmetic average of the quoted market price of the relevant underlying multiplied by the notional quantities, and the arithmetic average of the prices specified in the instrument multiplied by the notional quantities.

Disclosures_About_Fair_Value_o4

Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) Fair Value Measurements on a Non-Recurring Basis (USD $)	9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'
Impairment of real estate	$417,000	[1]
Investment in unconsolidated affilitate Total Gain (Loss)	21,181,000	[2]
Intangible asset carrying amount	84,900,000
Real estate carrying value	4,100,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'
Intangible asset (exclusive right to use infrastructure and associated water credits)	83,897,000	[3]
Real estate	3,674,000	[1]
Equity Method and Cost Method Investments	28,679,000	[2]
Fish Springs Ranch | Pipeline and Water Rights	'
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring, Valuation Techniques [Line Items]	'
Intangible asset (exclusive right to use infrastructure and associated water credits)	83,900,000
Intangible asset carrying amount	$84,900,000
[1]	The Company had a non-recurring fair value measurement of real estate assets with a carrying value of $4.1 million that was written down to its estimated fair value of $3.7 million resulting in an impairment charge of $417,000, which was included in earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The impairment was recorded based on the estimated sales price the Company expects to receive upon the sale of this real estate.
[2]	The Company had a non-recurring fair value measurement as a result of the merger transaction between Spigit and Mindjet. The transaction resulted in the deconsolidation of Spigit, and the recording of the Company’s common and preferred stock investment in Mindjet at fair value, on the date of the transaction. The transaction resulted in a gain of approximately $21.2 million before income taxes. The fair value of the investment in Mindjet was based on analysis of the financial and operational aspects of the company, including consideration of a discounted cash flow analysis which incorporated a contemporary forecast of the merged Mindjet/Spigit entity going forward. Also considered was a guideline public company analysis which compared business enterprise value-to-revenue ratios for comparable public companies to current revenue metrics for the company. Determination of the business enterprise value based on the foregoing was then considered in an analysis of the distribution of equity value to the various classes of equity held by PICO in order to reflect differences in value due to differing liquidation, dividend and voting rights. The fair value approach relied primarily on Level 3 unobservable inputs, whereby expected future cash flows are discounted using a rate that includes assumptions regarding an entity’s average cost of debt and equity, incorporates expected future cash flows based on internal business plans, and applies certain assumptions about risk and uncertainties. The estimates are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which by nature are uncertain and unpredictable. See Note 8, Business Combinations, for additional information.
[3]	The Company had a non-recurring fair value measurement for an intangible asset with a carrying amount of $84.9 million that was written down to its estimated fair value of $83.9 million resulting in an impairment charge of $993,000, which was included in earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The implied fair value was calculated using a discounted cash flow model that incorporated a wide range of assumptions including current asset pricing, price escalation, discount rates, absorption rates, timing of sales, and costs. Given the decline in market prices for similar assets, increases in interest rates, and extended timing of expected absorptions, the Company adjusted its assumptions and judgments in the model from prior projections for the Fish Springs water credits and pipeline rights and Carson Lyon water assets.

Disclosures_About_Fair_Value_o5

Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Carrying Amount	'	'
Financial liabilities:	'	'
Debt	$153,322	$141,008
Estimated Fair Value	'	'
Financial liabilities:	'	'
Debt	$163,142	$137,024

Disclosures_About_Fair_Value_o6

Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) Notional Amounts of Derivatives	Sep. 30, 2013
	T
Exchange Traded | Agricultural Commodities Futures | Short	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'
Notional amount of nonmonetary derivative	28,704	[1]
Exchange Traded | Agricultural Commodities Futures | Long	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'
Notional amount of nonmonetary derivative	32,630	[1]
Exchange Traded | Natural Gas Futures | Long	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'
Notional amount of nonmonetary derivative	260,000	[1]
Non-Exchange Traded | Forwards | Short	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'
Notional amount of nonmonetary derivative	39,195	[1]
Non-Exchange Traded | Forwards | Long	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'
Notional amount of nonmonetary derivative	43,049	[1]
Non-Exchange Traded | Swaps | Long	'
Derivatives, Fair Value [Line Items]	'
Notional amount of nonmonetary derivative	20,000	[1]
[1]	Exchange and non-exchange traded futures, forwards, and swaps are presented on a gross (short) and long position basis.

Disclosures_About_Fair_Value_o7

Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Details) Gain (Loss) Recognized in Income on Derivative (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'
Gain (loss) on derivatives	'		$1,883
Cost of Sales, Canola Oil and Meal	'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'
Gain (loss) on derivatives	-2,482		-964
Futures | Cost of Sales, Canola Oil and Meal	'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'
Gain (loss) on derivatives	-2,458	[1]	-1,337	[1]
Futures | Operating and Other Costs	'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'
Gain (loss) on derivatives	'		-708	[2]
Forwards | Cost of Sales, Canola Oil and Meal	'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'
Gain (loss) on derivatives	329	[1]	-298	[1]
Forwards | Operating and Other Costs	'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'
Gain (loss) on derivatives	'		707	[2]
Swaps | Cost of Sales, Canola Oil and Meal	'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'
Gain (loss) on derivatives	-353	[1]	671	[1]
Swaps | Operating and Other Costs	'		'
Derivative Instruments, Gain (Loss) [Line Items]	'		'
Gain (loss) on derivatives	'		$1,884	[2]
[1]	Represents the activity post-completion of the Company’s canola processing plant.
[2]	Represents the activity pre-completion of the Company’s canola processing plant.

Intangible_Water_Assets_Detail

Intangible Water Assets (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013
			Carson-Lyon	Carson-Lyon	Fish Springs Ranch	Fish Springs Ranch	Other Properties	Other Properties	Scenario, Previously Reported	Impairment Loss on Real Estate and Water Assets
					Pipeline and Water Rights	Pipeline and Water Rights				Fish Springs Ranch
										Pipeline and Water Rights
Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible asset, fair value	'	'	'	'	$83,900,000	'	'	'	'	'
Intangible asset carrying amount	84,900,000	'	'	'	84,900,000	'	'	'	'	'
Loss on Intangible assets	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	'	993,000	[1]
Intangible water assets	$124,305,000	$130,038,000	$24,076,000	$24,076,000	$83,897,000	$84,890,000	$16,332,000	$21,072,000	$111,600,000	'
[1]	The Company had a non-recurring fair value measurement for an intangible asset with a carrying amount of $84.9 million that was written down to its estimated fair value of $83.9 million resulting in an impairment charge of $993,000, which was included in earnings for the nine months ended September 30, 2013. The implied fair value was calculated using a discounted cash flow model that incorporated a wide range of assumptions including current asset pricing, price escalation, discount rates, absorption rates, timing of sales, and costs. Given the decline in market prices for similar assets, increases in interest rates, and extended timing of expected absorptions, the Company adjusted its assumptions and judgments in the model from prior projections for the Fish Springs water credits and pipeline rights and Carson Lyon water assets.

Debt_Details

Debt (Details) (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt	$153,322,000	$141,008,000
Construction Loans	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.75%	'
Line of credit, amount outstanding	85,025,000	89,500,000
Construction Loans for Working Capital	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.00%	'
Line of credit, amount outstanding	5,750,000	5,000,000
Swiss Bank Loan | 3.7% Loan Due in 2014	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.70%	'
Line of credit, amount outstanding	13,821,000	13,655,000
Swiss Bank Loan | 3.8% Loan Due in 2014	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.80%	'
Line of credit, amount outstanding	3,317,000	3,277,000
Mortgages | 3.9% to 4.75% Loan Due Through 2014	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgages	16,270,000	5,551,000
Mortgages | 5% to 5.5% Loan Due from 2014 to 2016	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgages	12,893,000	425,000
Mortgages | 6% to 6.5% Loan Due Through 2036	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Mortgages	8,662,000	15,531,000
Mortgages | 8% Loan Due Through 2013	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	8.00%	'
Mortgages	464,000	464,000
Mortgages | 10% Loan Due Through 2013	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	10.00%	'
Mortgages	7,120,000	7,605,000
Subsidiaries, Spigit | Line of Credit	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Basis spread on prime rate	2.50%	'
Subsidiaries, Spigit | Revolving Credit Facility [Member]	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.75%	'
Real Estate Operations	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Unused borrowing capacity	19,800,000	'
Agribusiness Operations	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Unused borrowing capacity	$21,300,000	'
Minimum | Mortgages | 3.9% to 4.75% Loan Due Through 2014	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	3.90%	'
Minimum | Mortgages | 5% to 5.5% Loan Due from 2014 to 2016	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.00%	'
Minimum | Mortgages | 6% to 6.5% Loan Due Through 2036	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.00%	'
Maximum | Mortgages | 3.9% to 4.75% Loan Due Through 2014	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	4.75%	'
Maximum | Mortgages | 5% to 5.5% Loan Due from 2014 to 2016	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	5.50%	'
Maximum | Mortgages | 6% to 6.5% Loan Due Through 2036	'	'
Debt Instrument [Line Items]	'	'
Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage	6.50%	'

Segment_Reporting_Details_Asse

Segment Reporting (Details) Assets and Liabilities (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item	'	'
Assets	$776,145	$667,174
Water Resource and Water Storage Operations	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item	'	'
Assets	193,245	210,189
Real Estate Operations	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item	'	'
Assets	228,244	145,978
Agribusiness Operations	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item	'	'
Assets	159,414	165,961
Corporate	'	'
Segment Reporting, Asset Reconciling Item	'	'
Assets	$195,242	$145,046

Segment_Reporting_Details_Reve

Segment Reporting (Details) Revenue (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item	'	'	'	'
Revenues	$106,786	$67,366	$268,800	$85,601
Total income (loss) before income taxes	10,846	-8,734	-16,326	-26,271
Water Resource and Water Storage Operations	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item	'	'	'	'
Revenues	510	1,089	25,542	2,900
Total income (loss) before income taxes	-1,799	-1,559	737	-4,537
Real Estate Operations	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item	'	'	'	'
Revenues	23,712	23,585	63,641	28,998
Total income (loss) before income taxes	-231	2,237	-2,701	-1,519
Agribusiness Operations	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item	'	'	'	'
Revenues	55,308	42,084	139,788	51,768
Total income (loss) before income taxes	-2,216	-6,105	-20,691	-9,159
Enterprise Software	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item	'	'	'	'
Revenues	4,402	'	13,649	'
Total income (loss) before income taxes	-2,572	'	-5,281	'
Corporate	'	'	'	'
Segment Reporting, Revenue Reconciling Item	'	'	'	'
Revenues	22,854	608	26,180	1,935
Total income (loss) before income taxes	$17,664	($3,307)	$11,610	($11,056)

Business_Combinations_and_Subs2

Business Combinations and Subsequent Deconsolidation of Spigit (Details) Business Combination (USD $)	9 Months Ended		0 Months Ended	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Jan. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013	Jun. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2011
			Spigit	Spigit	Spigit	Equity Method Investee, Spigit [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'		'	'	'	'
Ownership percent, equity method	'		'	'	27.00%	'
Investment in unconsolidated affiliate	'		'	'	'	$0
Payments to acquire additional voting preferred stock	'		5,000,000	'	'	'
Expected future payments to acquire additional interest in subsidiaries	'		'	5,000,000	'	'
Goodwill	'		'	5,101,000	'	'
Intangible assets	'		'	10,976,000	'	'
Investment in unconsolidated affilitate Total Gain (Loss)	$21,181,000	[1]	'	'	'	'
[1]	The Company had a non-recurring fair value measurement as a result of the merger transaction between Spigit and Mindjet. The transaction resulted in the deconsolidation of Spigit, and the recording of the Company’s common and preferred stock investment in Mindjet at fair value, on the date of the transaction. The transaction resulted in a gain of approximately $21.2 million before income taxes. The fair value of the investment in Mindjet was based on analysis of the financial and operational aspects of the company, including consideration of a discounted cash flow analysis which incorporated a contemporary forecast of the merged Mindjet/Spigit entity going forward. Also considered was a guideline public company analysis which compared business enterprise value-to-revenue ratios for comparable public companies to current revenue metrics for the company. Determination of the business enterprise value based on the foregoing was then considered in an analysis of the distribution of equity value to the various classes of equity held by PICO in order to reflect differences in value due to differing liquidation, dividend and voting rights. The fair value approach relied primarily on Level 3 unobservable inputs, whereby expected future cash flows are discounted using a rate that includes assumptions regarding an entity’s average cost of debt and equity, incorporates expected future cash flows based on internal business plans, and applies certain assumptions about risk and uncertainties. The estimates are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which by nature are uncertain and unpredictable. See Note 8, Business Combinations, for additional information.

Business_Combinations_and_Subs3

Business Combinations and Subsequent Deconsolidation of Spigit (Details) Consideration Transferred (Spigit, USD $)	0 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Jan. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2013
Spigit	'	'
Business Acquisition [Line Items]	'	'
Cash paid	$6,156	'
Cash	'	5,174
Goodwill	'	5,101
Intangible assets	'	10,976
Other assets	'	6,009
Total assets	'	27,260
Debt	'	-8,038
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities	'	-13,066
Total liabilities	'	-21,104
Net assets acquired	'	$6,156

Business_Combinations_and_Subs4

Business Combinations and Subsequent Deconsolidation of Spigit (Details) Deconsolidation of Spigit (USD $)	3 Months Ended			9 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013		Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'
Equity in loss of unconsolidated affiliate	$89,000		'	$89,000		'	'
Carrying Value	76,627,000		'	76,627,000		'	50,524,000
Gain on deconsolidation	'		'	21,181,000	[1]	'	'
Mindjet	'		'	'		'	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'
Voting interest Percentage	28.80%		'	28.80%		'	'
Ownership percent, equity method	15.20%		'	15.20%		'	'
Cost method ownership percentage	13.60%		'	13.60%		'	'
Number of seats on the board of directors	1		'	1		'	'
Total number of individuals on board of directors	6		'	6		'	'
Equity in loss of unconsolidated affiliate	89,000		'	'		'	'
Carrying Value	26,383,000		'	26,383,000		'	'
Equity Method and Cost Method Investments	28,679,000	[1]	'	28,679,000	[1]	'	'
Preferred Stock | Mindjet	'		'	'		'	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'
Share conversion ratio	1.5		'	1.5		'	'
Dividend rate	'		'	6.00%		'	'
Votes per share	1.5		'	1.5		'	'
Liquidation preference	6,961,775		'	6,961,775		'	'
Restricted Stock | Mindjet	'		'	'		'	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'		'	'		'	'
Stock-based compensation expense	'		'	$2,200,000		'	'
[1]	The Company had a non-recurring fair value measurement as a result of the merger transaction between Spigit and Mindjet. The transaction resulted in the deconsolidation of Spigit, and the recording of the Company’s common and preferred stock investment in Mindjet at fair value, on the date of the transaction. The transaction resulted in a gain of approximately $21.2 million before income taxes. The fair value of the investment in Mindjet was based on analysis of the financial and operational aspects of the company, including consideration of a discounted cash flow analysis which incorporated a contemporary forecast of the merged Mindjet/Spigit entity going forward. Also considered was a guideline public company analysis which compared business enterprise value-to-revenue ratios for comparable public companies to current revenue metrics for the company. Determination of the business enterprise value based on the foregoing was then considered in an analysis of the distribution of equity value to the various classes of equity held by PICO in order to reflect differences in value due to differing liquidation, dividend and voting rights. The fair value approach relied primarily on Level 3 unobservable inputs, whereby expected future cash flows are discounted using a rate that includes assumptions regarding an entity’s average cost of debt and equity, incorporates expected future cash flows based on internal business plans, and applies certain assumptions about risk and uncertainties. The estimates are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which by nature are uncertain and unpredictable. See Note 8, Business Combinations, for additional information.

Business_Combinations_and_Subs5

Business Combinations and Subsequent Deconsolidation of Spigit (Details) Calculation of Gain (USD $)	9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Gain on deconsolidation	$21,181	[1]
Spigit	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Carrying Value Equity Method Investments Owner in Sub	-7,498
Fair Value, Measurements, Nonrecurring | Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Equity Method and Cost Method Investments	$28,679	[1]
[1]	The Company had a non-recurring fair value measurement as a result of the merger transaction between Spigit and Mindjet. The transaction resulted in the deconsolidation of Spigit, and the recording of the Company’s common and preferred stock investment in Mindjet at fair value, on the date of the transaction. The transaction resulted in a gain of approximately $21.2 million before income taxes. The fair value of the investment in Mindjet was based on analysis of the financial and operational aspects of the company, including consideration of a discounted cash flow analysis which incorporated a contemporary forecast of the merged Mindjet/Spigit entity going forward. Also considered was a guideline public company analysis which compared business enterprise value-to-revenue ratios for comparable public companies to current revenue metrics for the company. Determination of the business enterprise value based on the foregoing was then considered in an analysis of the distribution of equity value to the various classes of equity held by PICO in order to reflect differences in value due to differing liquidation, dividend and voting rights. The fair value approach relied primarily on Level 3 unobservable inputs, whereby expected future cash flows are discounted using a rate that includes assumptions regarding an entity’s average cost of debt and equity, incorporates expected future cash flows based on internal business plans, and applies certain assumptions about risk and uncertainties. The estimates are based upon assumptions believed to be reasonable, but which by nature are uncertain and unpredictable. See Note 8, Business Combinations, for additional information.

Business_Combinations_and_Subs6

Business Combinations and Subsequent Deconsolidation of Spigit (Details) Investment in Mindjet (USD $)	Sep. 30, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'
Carrying Value	$76,627,000	$50,524,000
Mindjet	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'
Investment in common stock equity method, Carrying Value	9,173,000	'
Investment in common stock, equity method, Voting Interest	15.20%	'
Investment in preferred stock, cost method, Carrying Value	17,210,000	'
Investment in preferred stock, cost method, Voting Interest	13.60%	'
Carrying Value	$26,383,000	'
Voting interest Percentage	28.80%	'

Commitments_and_Contingencies_

Commitments and Contingencies (Details) (USD $)	1 Months Ended
In Millions, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2007	Sep. 30, 2013
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]	'	'
Litigation settlement, gross	$7.30	'
Payments for litigation settlements	3.7	'
Accrual for remaining litigation settlement	'	$3.60

Noncontrolling_Interest_in_UCP2

Noncontrolling Interest in UCP, Inc. (Details) Narrative (USD $)	3 Months Ended
In Millions, except Share data, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Proceeds from IPO	$105.60
Increase in stockholders equity	$14.70
Percentage of cash savings realized from increase in tax basis	15.00%
UCP	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Subsidiary ownership interest held by related party	57.70%
Voting ownership percentage of noncontrolling interest	42.25%
Number of seats on the board of directors	2
Percentage ownership required to maintain right to elect two members to board of directors	25.00%
Percentage ownership required to maintain right to elect a members to board of directors	10.00%
Percentage of cash payment from subsidiary for increases in tax basis	85.00%
IPO | Common Class A	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'
Shares issued during the period (in shares)	7,750,000
Share Price (in dollars per share)	$15

Noncontrolling_Interest_in_UCP3

Noncontrolling Interest in UCP, Inc. (Details) Carrying Value of Noncontrolling Interest (USD $)	3 Months Ended		9 Months Ended
In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Sep. 30, 2013	Sep. 30, 2012	Dec. 31, 2012
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Income of UCP attributable to noncontrolling interest	($1,046)	($1,127)	($4,636)	($1,869)	'
Ending balance of noncontrolling interest at September 30, 2013	93,366	'	93,366	'	5,271
UCP	'	'	'	'	'
Noncontrolling Interest [Line Items]	'	'	'	'	'
Carrying value of UCP Inc. (includes net proceeds raised in the public offering)	214,790	'	214,790	'	'
Voting ownership percentage of noncontrolling interest	42.25%	'	42.25%	'	'
Initial carrying value of noncontrolling interest	90,749	'	90,749	'	'
Income of UCP attributable to noncontrolling interest	'	'	23	'	'
Other equity transactions	'	'	395	'	'
Ending balance of noncontrolling interest at September 30, 2013	$91,167	'	$91,167	'	'