Policy Liabilities (Details 9) (USD $) In Thousands, unless otherwise specified	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2010
Favorable claims liability development experience reserve
Total favorable development	$ (1,694)	$ (13,855)	$ (77,617)
Development in the most recent incurral months [Member]
Favorable claims liability development experience reserve
Total favorable development	18,881	(1,934)	(20,318)
Development in completion factors [Member]
Favorable claims liability development experience reserve
Total favorable development	(1,783)	(8,921)	(33,809)
Development in reserves for regulatory and legal matters [Member]
Favorable claims liability development experience reserve
Total favorable development	372	(2,454)	(23,577)
Development in the ACE rider [Member]
Favorable claims liability development experience reserve
Total favorable development	(1,360)	393	2,596
Other [Member]
Favorable claims liability development experience reserve
Total favorable development	118	(216)	606
Commercial Health Division [Member]
Favorable claims liability development experience reserve
Total favorable development	$ (772)	$ (13,132)	$ (74,502)

HealthMarkets, Inc. 10-K