Recent Accounting Pronouncements | 9 Months Ended |
|---|---|
Sep. 30, 2011 | |
| Recent Accounting Pronouncements [Abstract] | |
| Recent Accounting Pronouncements | 12. Recent Accounting Pronouncements In October 2010, the FASB issued Accounting Standards Update (ASU) No. 2010-26, Accounting for Costs Associated with Acquiring or Renewing Insurance Contracts, to address diversity in practice within the insurance industry regarding the interpretation of which costs relating to the acquisition of new or renewal insurance contracts qualify for deferral. This guidance modifies the definition of the types of costs incurred by insurance companies that can be capitalized in the acquisition of new or renewal contracts. This guidance specifies that a cost must be directly related to the successful acquisition of a new or renewal insurance contract in order to be capitalized. ASU No. 2010-26 becomes effective for the Company beginning January 1, 2012, and would allow, but not require, retrospective application. The Company is currently evaluating ASU No. 2010-26 to determine the impact that adopting this standard will have on its consolidated financial statements. The Company expects to defer fewer costs upon adoption of this guidance. |