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Risks And Uncertainties | 12 Months Ended
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Dec. 31, 2011
Risks And Uncertainties [Abstract] |
Risks And Uncertainties | 18. Risks and Uncertainties Though many businesses are still experiencing the slow recovery from the severe economic recession, the recent sovereign debt crisis in Europe is leading to weaker global economic growth, heightened financial vulnerabilities and some negative rating actions. The Company is unable to predict the duration and severity of the current disruption in the financial markets in the United States, and in California, where the majority of the Company's business is produced. The Company believes that the recession, with continuing high unemployment rates, has negatively affected premium revenues and could continue to affect premium revenue in the future. If economic conditions do not show improvement, there could be an adverse impact on the Company's financial condition, results of operations, and liquidity. The Company applies the fair value option to its investment portfolio. Rapidly changing and unprecedented credit and equity market conditions could materially impact the valuation of securities as reported within the Company's financial statements, and the period-to-period changes in value could vary significantly. Decreases in market value may have a material adverse effect on the Company's financial condition or results of operations. The Company is taking steps to align expenses with revenues; however, not all expenses can be effectively reduced and if premium volumes decline, it could lead to higher expense ratios. The impact from the recession would also affect the capital and surplus of the Insurance Companies, which could indirectly impact the ability and capacity to pay shareholder dividends.

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