AmTrust Financial Services (AFSIP) 10-K 29 Feb 16 2015 FY Annual report Financial data

Document and Entity Information

Document and Entity Information - USD ($)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Feb. 11, 2016	Jun. 30, 2015
Document Documentand Entity Information [Abstract]
Document Type	10-K
Amendment Flag	false
Document Period End Date	Dec. 31, 2015
Document Fiscal Year Focus	2,015
Document Fiscal Period Focus	FY
Entity Well-known Seasoned Issuer	Yes
Entity Current Reporting Status	Yes
Entity Voluntary Filers	No
Trading Symbol	AFSI
Entity Registrant Name	AMTRUST FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC.
Entity Central Index Key	1,365,555
Current Fiscal Year End Date	--12-31
Entity Filer Category	Large Accelerated Filer
Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding		175,750,143
Entity Public Float			$ 2,622,599,316

Consolidated Balance Sheets

Consolidated Balance Sheets - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments:
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, at fair value (amortized cost $5,482,042; $4,137,146)	$ 5,433,797	$ 4,253,274
Equity securities, available-for-sale, at fair value (cost $109,346; $84,075)	104,497	81,044
Equity securities, trading, at fair value (cost $26,937; $25,407)	27,271	26,749
Short-term investments	84,266	63,916
Equity investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries – related parties	138,023	119,712
Other investments (related party $64,869; $0; recorded at fair value $30,309; $13,315)	99,012	31,186
Total investments	5,886,866	4,575,881
Cash and cash equivalents	931,970	902,750
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	380,699	186,225
Accrued interest and dividends	51,487	42,173
Premiums receivable, net	2,115,653	1,851,682
Reinsurance recoverable (related party $1,963,140; $1,517,499)	3,008,670	2,440,627
Prepaid reinsurance premium (related party $1,066,961; $918,505)	1,531,866	1,302,848
Other assets (related party $189,223; $136,516; recorded at fair value $264,001; $264,517)	1,418,677	1,094,943
Deferred policy acquisition costs	704,243	628,383
Property and equipment, net	281,456	154,175
Goodwill	432,700	352,685
Intangible assets	367,345	314,996
Total Assets	17,111,632	13,847,368
Liabilities:
Loss and loss expense reserves	7,208,367	5,664,205
Unearned premiums	4,014,728	3,447,203
Ceded reinsurance premiums payable (related party $379,988; $410,075)	651,051	683,421
Reinsurance payable on paid losses	9,789	3,947
Funds held under reinsurance treaties	23,336	10,653
Note payable on collateral loan – related party	167,975	167,975
Securities sold but not yet purchased, at market	38,618	13,052
Accrued expenses and other liabilities (recorded at fair value $93,940; $60,271)	901,112	795,877
Deferred income taxes	0	106,363
Debt	1,009,969	757,871
Total liabilities	$ 14,024,945	$ 11,650,567
Commitments and contingencies
Redeemable non-controlling interest	$ 1,172	$ 600
Stockholders' equity:
Common stock, $0.01 par value; 500,000 and 300,000 shares authorized, 196,455 and 196,422 issued in 2015 and 2014, respectively; 175,915 and 155,478 outstanding in 2015 and 2014, respectively	1,964	1,960
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 10,000 shares authorized, 4,968 and 4,785 issued and outstanding in 2015 and 2014, respectively, Aggregated liquidation preference $482,500, $300,000 in 2015 and 2014, respectively	482,500	300,000
Additional paid-in capital	1,383,492	1,021,789
Treasury stock at cost; 20,540 and 40,944 shares in 2015 and 2014, respectively	(162,867)	(297,586)
Accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	(130,262)	56,123
Retained earnings	1,334,233	954,734
Total AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. equity	2,909,060	2,037,020
Non-controlling interest	176,455	159,181
Total stockholders’ equity	3,085,515	2,196,201
Liabilities and Equity, Total	$ 17,111,632	$ 13,847,368

Condensed Consolidated Balance

Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fixed maturities, available-for-sale, amortized cost	$ 5,482,042	$ 4,137,146
Equity securities, available-for-sale, cost	109,346	84,075
Trading Securities, Cost	26,937	25,407
Other investments, fair value	30,309	13,315
Other investments	99,012	31,186
Prepaid expenses and other assets, fair value	264,001	264,517
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities, fair value	$ 93,940	$ 60,271
Common stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Common stock, shares authorized	500,000,000	300,000,000
Common stock, issued	196,455,000	196,422,000
Common stock, outstanding	175,915,000	155,478,000
Preferred stock, par value	$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Preferred stock, shares authorized	10,000,000	10,000,000
Preferred stock, shares issued	4,968,000	4,785,000
Preferred stock, aggregated liquidation preference	$ 482,500	$ 300,000
Treasury stock at cost, shares	20,540,000	40,944,000
Reinsurance recoverable	$ 3,008,670	$ 2,440,627
Prepaid reinsurance premium	1,531,866	1,302,848
Ceded reinsurance premiums payable	651,051	683,421
Other assets (related party $189,223; $136,516; recorded at fair value $264,001; $264,517)	1,418,677	1,094,943
Related Party Transactions
Other investments	64,869	0
Reinsurance recoverable	1,963,140	1,517,499
Prepaid reinsurance premium	1,066,961	918,505
Ceded reinsurance premiums payable	379,988	410,075
Other assets (related party $189,223; $136,516; recorded at fair value $264,001; $264,517)	$ 189,223	$ 136,516

Condensed Consolidated Statemen

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income - USD ($) shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Premium income:
Net written premium	$ 4,260,058	$ 3,956,618	$ 2,565,673
Change in unearned premium	(238,331)	(430,054)	(299,683)
Net earned premium	4,021,727	3,526,564	2,265,990
Service and fee income (related parties - $76,454, $58,428,and $51,545)	478,206	409,743	331,559
Net investment income	156,290	131,601	84,819
Net realized gain on investments	8,117	16,423	15,527
Total revenues	4,664,340	4,084,331	2,697,895
Expenses:
Loss and loss adjustment expense	2,682,208	2,342,619	1,517,361
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses (net of ceding commission - related party - $510,792; $405,071, and $276,556)	979,502	856,923	533,162
Other	466,759	436,350	291,617
Total expenses	4,128,469	3,635,892	2,342,140
Income before other income (expense), provision for income taxes, equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries and non-controlling interest	535,871	448,439	355,755
Other income (expenses):
Interest expense (net of interest income - related party - $8,701, $2,601, and $0)	(48,052)	(45,857)	(34,691)
Loss on extinguishment of debt	(5,271)	(9,831)	0
Gain on investment in life settlement contracts net of profit commission	19,844	12,306	3,800
Foreign currency gain (loss)	43,260	60,245	(6,533)
Gain on acquisition	5,826	0	48,715
Gain of sale of subsidiary	0	6,631	0
Total other income (expenses)	15,607	23,494	11,291
Income before income taxes, equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries and non-controlling interest	551,478	471,933	367,046
Provision for income taxes	66,341	53,686	98,019
Income before equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries	485,137	418,247	269,027
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiary – (related parties)	25,385	28,351	11,566
Net income	510,522	446,598	280,593
Net (income) loss attributable to non-controlling interests and redeemable non-controlling interests of subsidiaries	(6,928)	416	1,633
Net income attributable to AmTrust stockholders	503,594	447,014	282,226
Dividends on preferred stock	(31,590)	(12,738)	(3,989)
Net income attributable to AmTrust common shareholders	$ 472,004	$ 434,276	$ 278,237
Earnings per common share:
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 2.86	$ 2.89	$ 1.87
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	2.80	2.72	1.78
Dividends declared per common share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.55	$ 0.425	$ 0.28
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Basic (in shares)	165,042	149,866	148,326
Weighted average common shares outstanding - Diluted (in shares)	168,360	159,034	155,968
Total other-than-temporary impairment losses	$ (19,155)	$ (8,039)	$ (2,869)
Portion of loss recognized in other comprehensive income	0	0	0
Net impairment losses recognized in earnings	(19,155)	(8,039)	(2,869)
Net realized gain on available for sale securities	15,578	21,858	18,396
Net realized gain on trading securities and other investment	11,694	2,604	0
Net realized gain on investments	$ 8,117	$ 16,423	$ 15,527

Condensed Consolidated Stateme5

Condensed Consolidated Statements of Income (Parenthetical) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Service and fee income (related parties - $76,454, $58,428,and $51,545)	$ 478,206	$ 409,743	$ 331,559
Interest income	8,701	2,601	0
Related Party Transactions
Service and fee income (related parties - $76,454, $58,428,and $51,545)	76,454	58,428	51,545
Ceding commission earned	$ 510,792	$ 405,071	$ 276,556

Condensed Consolidated Stateme6

Condensed Consolidated Statement of Comprehensive Income - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Net income	$ 72,633	$ 193,008	$ 80,733	$ 164,148	$ 83,525	$ 157,156	$ 104,189	$ 101,728	$ 510,522	$ 446,598	$ 280,593
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments									(77,437)	(17,358)	12,943
Change in fair value of interest rate swap									621	664	1,028
Minimum pension liability									2,686	(1,055)	(1,738)
Unrealized gains on securities:
Gross unrealized holding (loss) gain									(177,618)	133,775	(138,902)
Less tax (benefit) expense									(62,166)	46,821	(48,616)
Net unrealized holding (loss) gain									(115,452)	86,954	(90,286)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss									4,315	0	0
Other net realized (loss) gain on investments									(1,118)	(4,918)	5,658
Reclassification adjustment for investment gain (loss) included in net income									3,197	(4,918)	5,658
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax									(186,385)	64,287	(72,395)
Comprehensive income									324,137	510,885	208,198
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling and redeemable non-controlling interest									6,928	(416)	(1,633)
Comprehensive income attributable to AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.	$ 3,501	$ 178,924	$ 33,190	$ 101,594	$ 63,551	$ 144,051	$ 161,272	$ 142,427	$ 317,209	$ 511,301	$ 209,831

Consolidated Statements of Chan

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Total	Common stock	Preferred stock	Additional Paid-in Capital	Treasury Stock	Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	Retained Earnings	Noncontrolling Interest	Common stock	Common stockAdditional Paid-in Capital	Common stockTreasury Stock	Preferred stock	Preferred stockPreferred stock	Preferred stockAdditional Paid-in Capital	5.5% Convertible senior notes due 2021 (the 2021 Notes)Convertible Senior Notes	5.5% Convertible senior notes due 2021 (the 2021 Notes)Convertible Senior NotesAdditional Paid-in Capital	5.5% Convertible senior notes due 2021 (the 2021 Notes)Convertible Senior NotesTreasury Stock	2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 (the 2044 Notes)Convertible Senior Notes	2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 (the 2044 Notes)Convertible Senior NotesAdditional Paid-in Capital
Beginning balance at Dec. 31, 2012	$ 1,144,121	$ 1,824		$ 760,193	$ (293,791)	$ 64,231	$ 611,664	$ 103,344
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	280,593						280,593
Foreign currency translation, net of tax	12,943					12,943
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax	1,028					1,028
Minimum pension liability, net of tax	(1,738)					(1,738)
Unrealized holding loss on investments, net of tax	(90,286)					(90,286)
Reclassification adjustment for securities sold during the year, net of tax	5,658					5,658
Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries	1,633						1,633	(1,633)
Share issuance	472		$ 115,000							$ 251	$ 221	$ 111,130		$ (3,870)
Issuance of restricted stock	0			(1,902)	1,902
Stock option compensation	11,186			11,186
Exercise of stock options, other including tax benefit of $5,109	8,062	4		1,281	6,777
Preferred stock dividend	(3,989)						(3,989)
Share dividend		132		264,965			(265,097)
Common stock dividend	(39,808)						(39,808)
Capital contributions to subsidiaries								36,149
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2013	1,441,005	1,960	115,000	1,032,104	(284,891)	(8,164)	584,996	137,860
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	446,598						446,598
Foreign currency translation, net of tax	(17,358)					(17,358)
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax	664					664
Minimum pension liability, net of tax	(1,055)					(1,055)
Unrealized holding loss on investments, net of tax	86,954					86,954
Reclassification adjustment for securities sold during the year, net of tax	(4,918)					(4,918)
Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries	910						910	(910)
Common stock repurchase									$ (59,154)		(59,154)
Equity component of convertible senior notes, net of income taxes and issues costs															$ (19,011)	$ (19,011)		$ 33,624	$ 33,624
Issuance of stock in convertible senior note exchange	0									(33,409)	33,409
Share issuance			185,000									178,641		(6,359)
Issuance of restricted stock	0			(6,444)	6,444
Stock option compensation	19,114			19,114
Exercise of stock options, other including tax benefit of $5,109	8,776			2,170	6,606
Income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest, net	(494)						(494)
Preferred stock dividend	(12,738)						(12,738)
Common stock dividend	(64,538)						(64,538)
Capital contributions to subsidiaries								25,359
Foreign currency translation								(3,128)
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2014	2,037,020	1,960	300,000	1,021,789	(297,586)	56,123	954,734	159,181
Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward]
Net income	510,522						510,522
Foreign currency translation, net of tax	(77,437)					(77,437)
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax	621					621
Minimum pension liability, net of tax	2,686					2,686
Unrealized holding loss on investments, net of tax	(115,452)					(115,452)
Reclassification adjustment for securities sold during the year, net of tax	3,197					3,197
Non-controlling interest in subsidiaries	(5,793)						(5,793)	5,793
Common stock repurchase	(578)				(578)
Equity component of convertible senior notes, net of income taxes and issues costs															$ (3,764)	$ (19,302)	$ 15,538
Share issuance	487,087									$ 366,712	$ 120,375	$ 176,529	$ 182,500	$ (5,971)
Issuance of restricted stock	(5,667)			(3,055)	(2,612)
Stock option compensation	22,763			22,763
Exercise of stock options, other including tax benefit of $5,109	2,556	4		556	1,996
Income attributable to redeemable non-controlling interest, net	(1,135)						(1,135)
Preferred stock dividend	(31,590)						(31,590)
Common stock dividend	(92,505)						(92,505)
Capital contributions to subsidiaries								11,475
Foreign currency translation								6
Ending balance at Dec. 31, 2015	$ 2,909,060	$ 1,964	$ 482,500	$ 1,383,492	$ (162,867)	$ (130,262)	$ 1,334,233	$ 176,455

Consolidated Statements of Cha8

Consolidated Statements of Changes in Stockholders' Equity (Parenthetical) - Convertible Senior Notes	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
5.5% Convertible senior notes due 2021 (the 2021 Notes)
Debt instrument, stated interest rate (percentage)	5.50%	5.50%
2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 (the 2044 Notes)
Debt instrument, stated interest rate (percentage)	2.75%	2.75%

Consolidated Statements of Cash

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net income	$ 510,522	$ 446,598	$ 280,593
Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash provided by operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	88,012	63,093	53,118
Net amortization of bond premium or discount	17,401	15,395	18,925
Equity earnings on investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries	(25,385)	(28,351)	(11,566)
Gain on investment in life settlement contracts, net	(19,844)	(12,306)	(3,800)
Realized gain on marketable securities	(27,272)	(24,463)	(18,396)
Non-cash write-down of marketable securities	19,155	8,039	2,869
Non-cash write-down of goodwill	55,304	62,898	10,226
Discount on notes payable	5,628	3,095	3,000
Stock based compensation	22,763	19,114	11,186
Loss on extinguishment of debt	5,271	9,831	0
Bad debt expense	18,339	24,294	24,334
Foreign currency (gain) loss	(43,260)	(60,245)	6,533
Gain on sale of subsidiary	0	(6,631)	0
Acquisition gain	(5,826)	0	(48,715)
Dividend received from equity investment	984	246	12,203
Changes in assets – (increase) decrease:
Premiums and notes receivable	(304,088)	(251,544)	(189,503)
Reinsurance recoverable	(570,163)	(503,926)	(547,578)
Deferred policy acquisition costs, net	(75,860)	(159,979)	(97,561)
Prepaid reinsurance premiums	(151,241)	(291,544)	(133,787)
Prepaid expenses and other assets	(273,096)	(123,867)	(310,177)
Changes in liabilities – increase (decrease):
Reinsurance premium payable	20,687	48,656	87,520
Loss and loss expense reserves	1,440,388	1,219,993	1,177,625
Unearned premiums	380,386	706,976	586,219
Funds held under reinsurance treaties	9,955	(10,397)	(6,372)
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	78,775	62,533	43,640
Deferred tax asset and liability, net	(186,757)	(75,024)	21,623
Net cash provided by operating activities	990,778	1,142,484	972,159
Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of fixed maturities, available-for-sale	(2,372,204)	(2,425,101)	(2,473,116)
Purchases of equity securities, available-for-sale	(87,190)	(293,554)	(41,374)
Purchases of equity securities, trading	(207,379)	(84,493)	0
Purchases of other investments	(72,554)	(20,207)	(17,228)
Sales of fixed maturities, available-for-sale	1,208,102	1,749,897	1,612,580
Sales of equity securities, available-for-sale	66,400	238,369	68,585
Sales of equity securities, trading	207,992	78,974	0
Sales of other investments	2,510	17,854	6,102
Net sales (purchases) of short term investments	4,224	50,286	9,550
Net sale (purchase) of securities sold but not purchased	25,566	13,052	(56,711)
Acquisition of and capitalized premiums for life settlement contracts	(1,065)	(25,419)	(51,070)
Receipt of life settlement contract proceeds	102,307	10,035	20,054
Loan to ACP Re	0	(125,000)	0
Acquisition of reinsurance entities, net of cash obtained	0	0	17,811
Acquisition of subsidiaries, net of cash obtained	(242,358)	(80,736)	(20,182)
Sale of subsidiary	0	20,059	0
Increase in restricted cash and cash equivalents, net	(194,532)	(85,786)	(21,677)
Purchase of property and equipment	(167,510)	(77,172)	(39,586)
Net cash used in investing activities	(1,727,691)	(1,038,942)	(986,262)
Cash flows from financing activities:
Revolving credit facility borrowings	430,000	220,000	0
Revolving credit facility payments	(420,000)	(100,000)	0
Repurchase agreements, net	0	(293,222)	58,311
Secured loan agreement borrowings	10,250	30,500	0
Secured loan agreement payments	(7,001)	(3,009)	(1,299)
Promissory note payments	0	(10,695)	0
2055 Subordinated notes proceeds	285,000	0	0
Senior notes proceeds	0	0	250,000
Convertible senior notes proceeds	0	68,400	0
Convertible senior notes payments	(62,079)
Financing fees	(9,451)	(5,188)	(2,740)
Common share issuance	487,087	0	472
Common share repurchase	(578)	(59,155)	0
Preferred share issuance	176,529	178,641	111,130
Non-controlling interest capital contributions (dividends) to consolidated subsidiaries, net	11,475	18,223	36,149
Stock option exercise and other	(2,556)	8,776	8,062
Dividends distributed on common stock	(85,296)	(55,599)	(29,236)
Dividends distributed on preferred stock	(31,590)	(12,738)	(3,989)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities	781,790	(15,066)	426,860
Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(15,657)	(15,748)	2,895
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents	29,220	72,728	415,652
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning year	902,750	830,022	414,370
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	931,970	902,750	830,022
Supplemental Cash Flow Information
Income tax payments	43,146	36,679	20,768
Interest payments on debt	234,455	85,619	65,652
Declared dividends on common stock	$ 92,505	$ 64,538	$ 39,808

Nature of Operations

Nature of Operations	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Nature of Operations	Nature of Operations AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. (the “Company”) is an insurance holding company formed under the laws of Delaware. Through its wholly-owned subsidiaries, the Company provides specialty property and casualty insurance focusing on workers’ compensation and commercial package coverage for small business, specialty risk and extended warranty coverage, and property and casualty coverage for middle market business. The Company also provides reinsurance, primarily on personal and commercial automotive business. The Company transacts business primarily through seventeen insurance subsidiaries domiciled in the United States and five major insurance subsidiaries domiciled outside of the United States. The Company's seventeen domestic insurance subsidiaries are: Company Abbreviation Domiciled in AmTrust Insurance Company of Kansas, Inc. AICK Kansas Associated Industries Insurance Company, Inc. AIIC Florida AmTrust Title Insurance Company ATIC New York Comp Options Insurance Company COIC Florida CorePointe Insurance Company CPIC Michigan Developers Surety and Indemnity Company DSIC Iowa First Nonprofit Insurance Company FNIC Delaware Heritage Indemnity Company HIC California Indemnity Company of California ICC California Milwaukee Casualty Insurance Company MCIC Wisconsin Rochdale Insurance Company RIC New York Sequoia Insurance Company SIC California Sequoia Indemnity Company SID Nevada Security National Insurance Company SNIC Delaware Springfield Insurance Company SPIC California Technology Insurance Company, Inc. TIC New Hampshire Wesco Insurance Company WIC Delaware The Company's five major foreign insurance subsidiaries are: Company Abbreviation Domiciled in AmTrust Europe, Ltd. AEL United Kingdom AmTrust International Insurance Ltd. AII Bermuda AmTrust International Underwriters Limited AIU Ireland AmTrust at Lloyd's Limited ATL United Kingdom Motors Insurance Company Ltd. MIC United Kingdom

Significant Accounting Polices

Significant Accounting Polices	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Significant Accounting Policies	Significant Accounting Policies Basis of Reporting — The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its domestic and foreign subsidiaries. The Company uses the equity method of accounting for its investment in National General Holding Corp. (“NGHC”) in which it owns an approximate 12% ownership interest. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements. Premiums — Insurance premiums, except for certain specialty risk and extended warranty programs, are recognized as earned on the straight-line basis over the contract period. Insurance premiums on specialty risk and extended warranty programs are earned based on an estimated program coverage period. These estimates are based on the expected distribution of coverage periods by contract at inception, and because a single contract may contain multiple coverage period options, these estimates are revised based on the actual coverage period selected by the insured. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written which is applicable to the unexpired term of the contract or policy in force. Premium adjustments on contracts and audit premiums are based on estimates made over the contract period. Premiums earned but not yet billed to insureds are estimated and accrued, net of related costs. These estimates are subject to the effects of trends in payroll audit adjustments. Although considerable variability is inherent in such estimates, management believes that the accrual for earned but unbilled premiums is reasonable. The estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as necessary as experience develops or new information becomes known; such adjustments are included in current operations. The Company historically has used a percentage of premium for establishing its allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company reviews its bad debt write-offs at least annually and adjusts its premium percentage as required. Allowance for doubtful accounts were approximately $74,563 and $45,024 at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses — Loss and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) represent the estimated ultimate net costs of all reported and unreported losses incurred through December 31, 2015 . The reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are estimated using individual case-basis valuations and statistical analysis and are not discounted. Although considerable variability is inherent in the estimates of reserves for losses and LAE, management believes that the reserves for losses and LAE are adequate. The estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as necessary as experience develops or new information becomes known. Such adjustments are included in current operations. Investments — The Company accounts for its investments in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 320 Investments — Debt and Equity Securities , which requires that fixed-maturity and equity securities that have readily determined fair values be segregated into categories based upon the Company’s intention for those securities. In accordance with ASC 320, the Company has classified its fixed-maturities and certain equity securities as available-for-sale. The Company may sell its available-for-sale securities in response to changes in interest rates, risk/reward characteristics, liquidity needs or other factors. Available for sale fixed-maturity securities and equity securities are reported at their estimated fair values based on quoted market prices or a recognized pricing service, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax effects, reported as a separate component of comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. Additionally, the Company classified certain equity securities as trading securities. Unrealized gains and losses on trading securities are reported within realized gains and losses. Realized gains and losses are determined on the specific identification method. Quarterly, the Company’s Investment Committee (“Committee”) evaluates each security that has an unrealized loss as of the end of the subject reporting period for other-than-temporary-impairment (“OTTI”). The Company generally considers an investment to be impaired when it has been in a significant unrealized loss position (in excess of 35% of cost if the issuer has a market capitalization of under $1 billion and in excess of 25% of cost if the issuer has a market capitalization of $ 1 billion or more) for over 24 months. In addition, the Committee uses a set of quantitative and qualitative criteria to review the Company's investment portfolio to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of our investments. The criteria the Committee primarily considers include: • the current fair value compared to amortized cost; • the length of time the security’s fair value has been below its amortized cost; • specific credit issues related to the issuer such as changes in credit rating, reduction or elimination of dividends or non-payment of scheduled interest payments; • whether management intends to sell the security and, if not, whether it is not more than likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; • the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer of the security, including any specific events that may affect its operations or earnings; • the occurrence of a discrete credit event resulting in the issuer defaulting on material outstanding obligations or the issuer seeking protection under bankruptcy laws; and • other items, including company management, media exposure, sponsors, marketing and advertising agreements, debt restructuring, regulatory changes, acquisitions and dispositions, pending litigation, distribution agreements and general industry trends. Impairment of investment securities results in a charge to operations when a market decline below cost is deemed to be other-than-temporary. The Company writes down investments immediately that it considers to be impaired based on the above criteria collectively. Based on guidance in FASB ASC 320-10-65, in the event of the decline in fair value of a debt security, a holder of that security that does not intend to sell the debt security and for whom it is not more than likely than not that such holder will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, is required to separate the decline in fair value into (a) the amount representing the credit loss and (b) the amount related to other factors. The amount of total decline in fair value related to the credit loss shall be recognized in earnings as an OTTI with the amount related to other factors recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss net loss, net of tax. OTTI credit losses result in a permanent reduction of the cost basis of the underlying investment. The determination of OTTI is a subjective process, and different judgments and assumptions could affect the timing of the loss realization. In 2014, the Company also classified certain of its equity securities as trading securities. Equity securities classified as trading securities are generally held for resale in anticipation of short-term market movement. Trading securities are stated at estimated fair market value. Gains and losses, both realized and unrealized, are included in the net realized gain or loss on investment on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company has the following major types of investments: (a) Short-term investments — Short term investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value, and include investments with maturities between 91 days and less than 1 year at date of acquisition. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , short term investments consisted primarily of money market investments. (b) Fixed maturities and equity securities, available-for-sale — Fixed maturities and equity securities (common stocks, mutual funds and non-redeemable preferred stock) are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value. Unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. (c) Equity securities, trading — Equity securities classified as trading are carried at estimated fair market value. Gains and losses, both realized and unrealized, are reported in the net realized gain or loss on investment. (d) Mortgage and asset backed securities — For mortgage and asset backed securities, the Company recognizes income using the retrospective adjustment method based on prepayments and the estimated economic life of the securities. The effective yield reflects actual payments to date plus anticipated future payments. (e) Limited partnerships — The Company's investments in limited partnership primarily includes investments in private equity limited partnerships and real estate partnerships. The Company applies the equity method of accounting for its investments in the majority of the limited partnerships in which its ownership interest of the limited partnership enables the Company to influence the operating or financial decisions of the investee company, but the Company’s interest in the limited partnership does not require consolidation. The Company’s proportionate share of equity in net income of these unconsolidated affiliates is reported in net investment income. (f) Derivatives and hedging activities — The Company from time to time invests in a limited amount of derivatives and other financial instruments as part of its investment portfolio. Derivatives are financial arrangements among two or more parties with returns linked to an underlying equity, debt, commodity, asset, liability, foreign exchange rate or other index. Unless subject to a scope exclusion, the Company carries all derivatives on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. For derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting, the changes in fair value of the derivative are presented as a component of operating income. The Company primarily utilizes interest rate swaps, which are valued in terms of the contract between the Company and the issuer of the swaps, are based on the difference between the stated floating rate of the underlying indebtedness, and a predetermined fixed rate for such indebtedness with the result that the indebtedness carries a net fixed interest rate. (g) Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value — The Company from time to time invests in securities sold under agreements to repurchase, which are accounted for as collateralized borrowing transactions and are recorded at their contracted repurchase amounts, plus accrued interest. The Company minimizes the credit risk that counterparties to transactions might be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations by monitoring exposure and collateral value and generally requiring additional collateral to be deposited with the Company when necessary. The Company had none of these securities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. Net investment income consists primarily of interest and dividends less expenses. Interest on fixed maturities, adjusted for any amortization of premium or discount, is recorded as income when earned. Investment expenses are accrued as incurred. Realized investment gains or losses are computed using the specific costs of securities sold, and, if applicable, include write-downs on investments having other-than-temporary declines in value. Fair Value of Financial Instruments — The Company’s estimates of fair value for financial assets and financial liabilities are based on the framework established in ASC 820 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures . The framework is based on the inputs used in valuation and gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and requires that observable inputs be used in the valuations when available. The disclosure of fair value estimates in the ASC 820 hierarchy is based on whether the significant inputs into the valuation are observable. In determining the level of the hierarchy in which the estimate is disclosed, the highest priority is given to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s significant market assumptions. Additionally, valuation of fixed maturity investments is more subjective when markets are less liquid due to lack of market based inputs, which may increase the potential that the estimated fair value of an investment is not reflective of the price at which an actual transaction could occur. Fair values of other financial instruments approximate their carrying values. For investments that have quoted market prices in active markets, the Company uses the quoted market prices as fair value and includes these prices in the amounts disclosed in the Level 1 hierarchy. The Company receives the quoted market prices from nationally recognized third-party pricing services (“pricing service”). When quoted market prices are unavailable, the Company utilizes a pricing service to determine an estimate of fair value. This pricing method is used, primarily, for fixed maturities. The fair value estimates provided by the pricing service are included in the Level 2 hierarchy. If the Company determines that the fair value estimate provided by the pricing service does not represent fair value or if quoted market prices and an estimate from pricing services are unavailable, the Company produces an estimate of fair value based on dealer quotations of the bid price for recent activity in positions with the same or similar characteristics to that being valued or through consensus pricing of a pricing service. Depending on the level of observable inputs, the Company will then determine if the estimate is Level 2 or Level 3 hierarchy. Fixed Maturities. The Company utilizes a pricing service to estimate fair value measurements for all of its fixed maturities. The pricing service utilizes market quotations for fixed maturity securities that have quoted market prices in active markets. Since fixed maturities other than U.S. treasury securities generally do not trade on a daily basis, the pricing service prepares estimates of fair value measurements using relevant market data, benchmark curves, sector groupings and matrix pricing. The pricing service utilized by the Company has indicated it will produce an estimate of fair value only if there is verifiable information to produce a valuation. As the fair value estimates of most fixed maturity investments are based on observable market information rather than market quotes, the estimates of fair value other than U.S. Treasury securities are included in Level 2 of the hierarchy. U.S. Treasury securities are included in the amount disclosed in Level 1 as the estimates are based on unadjusted prices. The Company’s Level 2 investments include obligations of U.S. government agencies, municipal bonds, corporate debt securities and other mortgage backed securities. Equity Securities. The Company utilizes a pricing service to estimate the fair value of the majority of its available-for-sale and trading equity securities. The pricing service utilizes market quotations for equity securities that have quoted market prices in active markets and their respective quoted prices are provided as fair value. The Company classifies the values of these equity securities as Level 1. The pricing service also provides fair value estimates for certain equity securities whose fair value is based on observable market information rather than market quotes. The Company classifies the value of these equity securities as Level 2. The Company also holds certain equity securities that are issued by privately-held entities or direct equity investments that do not have an active market. The Company estimates the fair value of these securities primarily based on inputs such as third party broker quotes, issuers' book value, market multiples, and other inputs. These equity securities are classified as Level 3 due to significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation. Other Investments. Other investments accounted for approximately 1.4% of the Company's investment portfolio as of December 31, 2015 , which the Company determines not material to its financial position or results of operations. Certain of the Company's other investments are reported at fair value. The Company estimates the fair value of those other investments based on significant unobservable inputs in the valuation process. As a result, the Company classified the fair value estimates as Level 3 in the financial hierarchy. Derivatives. The Company estimates fair value using information provided by a pricing service for interest rate swaps and classifies derivatives as Level 2 hierarchy. Investment in Life Settlements — When the Company becomes the owner of a life insurance policy either by direct purchase or following a default on a premium finance loan, the life insurance premium for such policy is accounted for as an investment in life settlements. Investments in life settlements are accounted for in accordance with ASC 325-30, Investments in Insurance Contracts , which states that an investor shall elect to account for its investments in life settlement contracts using either the investment method or the fair value method. The election is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable. The Company has elected to account for these investments using the fair value method. Fair value of the investment in policies is determined using unobservable Level 3 inputs and is calculated by performing a net present value calculation of the face amount of the life policies less premiums for the total portfolio. The unobservable Level 3 inputs use new or updated information that affects the Company's assumptions about remaining life expectancy, credit worthiness of the policy issuer, funds needed to maintain the asset until maturity, and discount rates. Life Settlement Profit Commission — Investments in life settlements are accounted for in accordance with ASC 325-30, Investments in Insurance Contracts , and the Company has elected to account for its investment in life settlements using the fair value method. The Company retains a third party service provider to perform certain administration functions to effectively manage the life settlement contracts held by Tiger Capital, LLC and AMT Capital Holdings II S.A. and a portion of their fee is contingent on the overall profitability of the life settlement contracts. The Company accrues the related profit commission on life settlements at fair value, in relation to life settlements purchased prior to December 31, 2010. This profit commission is calculated based on the discounted anticipated cash flows and the provisions of the underlying contract. In addition, the Company accrues a best estimate in relation to profit commission due on certain life settlement contracts acquired subsequent to December 31, 2010 as no contractual relationship currently exists. Warranty Fee Revenue — The Company promotes and markets extended service plans (“ESP”) to consumers through retailers and certain other marketing organizations usually with terms of coverage ranging from one to three years, commencing at the expiration of the manufacturers’ warranty, if applicable. The Company generally insures the obligations under ESPs through contractual liability insurance issued by one of its insurance company subsidiaries. Under the terms of service agreements with various retailers, the Company provides for marketing and administrative services related to ESP. These agreements are generally for one-year terms and can be canceled by either party with thirty days advance notice. The Company recognizes revenue related to promotion, marketing and administration services at the time of the sale of ESP. However, the Company defers a portion of service revenue based upon an estimate of administrative services to be provided in future periods. Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs — The Company defers commission expenses, premium taxes and assessments as well as underwriting and safety costs that vary with and are primarily related to the successful acquisition of insurance policies. These acquisition costs are capitalized and charged to expense ratably as premiums are earned. The Company may realize deferred policy acquisition costs only if the ratio of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (calculated on a discounted basis) to the premiums to be earned is less than 100%, as it historically has been. If, hypothetically, that ratio were to be above 100%, the Company could not continue to record deferred policy acquisition costs as an asset and may be required to establish a liability for a premium deficiency reserve. The Company considers anticipated investment income in determining whether a premium deficiency relating to short duration contracts exists. The change in net deferred acquisition costs was $75,860 , $159,979 and $97,561 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The amortization for deferred acquisition costs was approximately $668,247 $538,710 , and $367,288 in 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Deferred acquisition costs are presented in the financial statements net of ceded deferred acquisition costs. Reinsurance — Reinsurance premiums, losses and LAE ceded to other companies are accounted for on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and pursuant to the terms of the reinsurance contracts. The Company records premiums earned and losses and LAE incurred and ceded to other companies as reductions of premium revenue and losses and LAE. The Company accounts for commissions allowed by reinsurers on business ceded as ceding commission, which is a reduction of acquisition of costs and other underwriting expenses. The Company earns commissions on reinsurance premiums ceded in a manner consistent with the recognition of the earned premium on the underlying insurance policies, on a pro rata basis over the terms of the policies reinsured. Reinsurance recoverables relate to the portion of reserves and paid losses and LAE that are ceded to other companies. The Company remains contingently liable for all loss payments in the event of failure to collect from the reinsurer. Ceding Commissions on Reinsurance Transactions — Ceding commissions on reinsurance transactions are commissions the Company receives from ceding gross written premiums to third party reinsurers. In connection with the Maiden Quota Share, which is the Company's primary source of ceding commissions, the amount the Company receives is a blended rate based on a contractual formula contained in the individual reinsurance agreements, and the rate may not correlate specifically to the cost structure of the individual segments. The ceding commissions the Company receives cover a portion of its capitalized direct acquisition costs and a portion of other underwriting expenses. Ceding commissions received from reinsurance transactions that represent recovery of capitalized direct acquisition costs are recorded as a reduction of capitalized unamortized deferred acquisition costs and the net amount is charged to expense in proportion to net premium revenue recognized. Ceding commissions received from reinsurance transactions that represent the recovery of other underwriting expenses are recognized in the income statement over the insurance contract period in proportion to the insurance protection provided and classified as a reduction of acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses. Ceding commissions received, but not yet earned, that represent the recovery of other underwriting expenses are classified as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities. The Company allocates earned ceding commissions to its segments based on each segment’s proportionate share of total acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses recognized during the period. Assessments — Insurance related assessments are accrued in the period in which they have been incurred. A typical obligating event would be the issuance of an insurance policy or the occurrence of a claim. The Company is subject to a variety of assessments, such as assessments by state guaranty funds and workers’ compensation second injury funds. State guaranty funds assessments are used by state insurance regulators to cover losses of policyholders of insolvent insurance companies and for the operating expenses of such agencies. The Company uses estimated assessment rates in determining the appropriate assessment expense and accrual. The Company uses estimates derived from state regulators and/or National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) Tax and Assessments Guidelines. Assessment expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was approximately $25,866 , $23,205 and $33,772 , respectively. Business Combinations — The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting, which requires the Company to record assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at their respective fair values as of the acquisition date in the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company accounts for the insurance and reinsurance contracts under the acquisition method as new contracts, which requires the Company to record assets and liabilities at fair value. The Company adjusts the fair value loss and LAE reserves by recording the acquired loss reserves based on the Company’s existing accounting policies and then discounting them based on expected reserve payout patterns using a current risk-free rate of interest. This risk free interest rate is then adjusted based on different cash flow scenarios that use different payout and ultimate reserve assumptions deemed to be reasonably possible based upon the inherent uncertainties present in determining the amount and timing of payment of such reserves. The difference between the acquired loss and LAE reserves and the Company’s best estimate of the fair value of such reserves at the acquisition date is recorded either an an intangible asset or another liability, as applicable, and amortized proportionately to the decrease in the acquired loss and LAE reserves over the payout period for the acquired loss and LAE reserves. The Company records contingent consideration at fair value based on the terms of the purchase agreement with subsequent changes in fair value recorded through earnings. The determination of fair value may require management to make significant estimates and assumptions. The purchase price is the fair value of the total consideration conveyed to the seller and the Company records the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the acquired net assets, where applicable, as goodwill. The Company assigns fair values to intangible assets based on valuation techniques including the income and market approaches. The Company expenses costs associated with the acquisition of a business in the period incurred. The Company includes the results of operations of an acquired business in its consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition. Goodwill and Intangible Assets — The Company accounts for goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350 Intangibles — Goodwill and Other. Upon the completion of an acquisition, the Company completes purchase price accounting in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations , which requires an acquirer to assign values to the acquired assets and liabilities based on their fair value. In the event that a purchase price paid is in excess of the net assets acquired, any unidentified excess is deemed to be goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized. Additionally as a result of an acquisition, the Company may obtain identifiable intangible assets. Indefinite lived intangible assets are not amortized. Intangible assets with a finite life are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset. Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized. Goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are tested for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the goodwill or intangible asset is impaired, it is written down to its realizable value with a corresponding expense reflected in the consolidated statement of operations. The Company tests for impairment of goodwill at the reporting unit level. The Company generally combines reporting units, which are a component of an operating segment when they have similar economic characteristics, nature of services, types of customer, distribution methods and regulatory environment. The Company had seven reporting units as of December 31, 2015. Property and Equipment — Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows: Building 40 years Equipment 5 to 7 years Computer equipment and software 3 to 20 years (primarily 3 years) Leasehold improvements Lesser of lease term or 15 years The Company accounts for its internal use software under ASC 350 Intangibles — Goodwill and Other . Accordingly, the Company capitalizes costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use that is specifically identifiable, has determinable lives and relates to future use. Equalization reserves — The Company owns several Luxembourg-domiciled reinsurance entities. In connection with these entities, the Company acquires cash and equalization reserves of the reinsurance companies. An equalization reserve is a catastrophe reserve established in excess of required reserves as established by the laws of Luxembourg. The equalization reserves were originally established by the seller of the reinsurance entities, and under Luxembourg law allowed the reinsurance company to reduce its income tax paid. Income Taxes — The Company files a consolidated United States ("US") income tax return for its eligible domestic subsidiaries. The Company's non-domestic subsidiaries file income tax returns in their respective local jurisdictions. As part of the US consolidated income tax return filing, the Company is party to federal income tax allocation agreements amongst the includible entities. Under the tax allocation agreements, the Company pays to or receives from its subsidiaries the amount, if any, by which the group’s federal income tax liability was affected by virtue of inclusion of the subsidiary in the consolidated federal return. Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of “temporary differences” between the amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such amounts as measured by tax laws and regulations. The deferred tax asset primarily consists of book versus tax differences for premiums earned, loss and loss adjustment expense reserve discounting, policy acquisition costs, earned but unbilled premiums, and unrealized holding gains and losses on marketable equity securities. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with components of other comprehensive income, primarily unrealized investment gains and losses, are recorded directly to other comprehensive income. Otherwise, changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included as a component of income tax expense. In assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that the Company will generate future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning strategies and projected future taxable income in making this assessment. If necessary, the Company establishes a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amounts that are more likely than not to be realized. The Company recognizes tax benefits only for tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The Company’s policy is to prospectively classify accrued interest and penalties relate

Investments

Investments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Investments	Investments (a) Available-for-Sale Securities The amortized cost, estimated fair value and gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of fixed and equity securities are presented in the tables below: (Amounts in Thousands) Original or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Preferred stock $ 4,869 $ 150 $ (30 ) $ 4,989 Common stock 104,477 3,816 (8,785 ) 99,508 U.S. treasury securities 69,547 1,470 (258 ) 70,759 U.S. government agencies 45,586 235 (263 ) 45,558 Municipal bonds 530,004 11,952 (1,530 ) 540,426 Foreign government 109,645 4,912 (812 ) 113,745 Corporate bonds: Finance 1,358,765 38,058 (34,393 ) 1,362,430 Industrial 1,706,772 20,542 (80,251 ) 1,647,063 Utilities 157,067 1,548 (9,115 ) 149,500 Commercial mortgage backed securities 151,164 1,334 (1,180 ) 151,318 Residential mortgage backed securities: Agency backed 964,059 14,912 (4,133 ) 974,838 Non-agency backed 124,046 322 (4,139 ) 120,229 Collateralized loan / debt obligations 232,245 10 (6,161 ) 226,094 Asset backed securities 33,142 4 (1,309 ) 31,837 $ 5,591,388 $ 99,265 $ (152,359 ) $ 5,538,294 (Amounts in Thousands) Original or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Preferred stock $ 3,349 $ 158 $ (1 ) $ 3,506 Common stock 80,726 4,673 (7,861 ) 77,538 U.S. treasury securities 42,416 1,558 (104 ) 43,870 U.S. government agencies 12,968 575 (5 ) 13,538 Municipal bonds 469,646 13,950 (1,555 ) 482,041 Foreign government 106,054 6,760 (83 ) 112,731 Corporate bonds: Finance 1,167,011 60,322 (5,471 ) 1,221,862 Industrial 1,187,818 38,317 (23,275 ) 1,202,860 Utilities 137,169 3,200 (1,677 ) 138,692 Commercial mortgage backed securities 36,964 1,890 (169 ) 38,685 Residential mortgage backed securities: Agency backed 954,320 23,340 (1,878 ) 975,782 Non-agency backed 22,071 696 (264 ) 22,503 Asset backed securities 709 2 (1 ) 710 $ 4,221,221 $ 155,441 $ (42,344 ) $ 4,334,318 Investments in foreign government securities include securities issued by national entities as well as instruments that are unconditionally guaranteed by such entities. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company's foreign government securities were issued or guaranteed primarily by governments in Canada and Europe. Proceeds from the sale of investments in available-for-sale securities during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were approximately $1,274,502 , $1,988,266 and $1,681,165 , respectively. A summary of the Company’s available-for-sale fixed securities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , by contractual maturity, is shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 (Amounts in Thousands) Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Due in one year or less $ 125,563 $ 124,763 $ 106,041 $ 105,839 Due after one through five years 913,365 909,634 682,632 704,344 Due after five through ten years 2,586,061 2,537,734 1,998,740 2,062,942 Due after ten years 352,397 357,288 335,669 342,468 Mortgage and asset backed securities 1,504,656 1,504,378 1,014,064 1,037,681 Total fixed maturities $ 5,482,042 $ 5,433,797 $ 4,137,146 $ 4,253,274 OTTI charges of our fixed-maturities and equity securities for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are presented in the table below: (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Equity securities recognized in earnings $ 1,276 $ 2,646 $ 2,869 Fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings 17,879 5,393 — $ 19,155 $ 8,039 $ 2,869 The tables below summarize the gross unrealized losses of our fixed maturity and equity securities by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total (Amounts in Thousands) Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses No. of Positions Held Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses No. of Positions Held Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Common and preferred stock $ 59,302 $ (8,711 ) 67 $ 402 $ (104 ) 2 $ 59,704 $ (8,815 ) U.S. treasury securities 31,658 (232 ) 77 2,586 (26 ) 8 34,244 (258 ) U.S. government agencies 22,412 (262 ) 20 182 (1 ) 2 22,594 (263 ) Municipal bonds 121,550 (867 ) 111 17,163 (663 ) 30 138,713 (1,530 ) Foreign government 18,598 (688 ) 27 5,977 (124 ) 1 24,575 (812 ) Corporate bonds: Finance 604,898 (33,068 ) 349 59,020 (1,325 ) 22 663,918 (34,393 ) Industrial 858,632 (65,887 ) 633 82,495 (14,364 ) 55 941,127 (80,251 ) Utilities 79,358 (5,305 ) 113 7,712 (3,810 ) 5 87,070 (9,115 ) Commercial mortgage backed securities 35,405 (1,079 ) 100 2,870 (101 ) 6 38,275 (1,180 ) Residential mortgage backed securities: Agency backed 334,224 (2,788 ) 163 35,446 (1,345 ) 29 369,670 (4,133 ) Non-agency backed 95,001 (4,077 ) 39 4,023 (62 ) 4 99,024 (4,139 ) Collateralized loan / debt obligations 201,086 (6,161 ) 78 — — — 201,086 (6,161 ) Asset-backed securities 30,302 (1,309 ) 70 — — — 30,302 (1,309 ) $ 2,492,426 $ (130,434 ) 1,847 $ 217,876 $ (21,925 ) 164 $ 2,710,302 $ (152,359 ) Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total (Amounts in Thousands) Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses No. of Positions Held Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses No. of Positions Held Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Common and preferred stock $ 38,970 $ (7,764 ) 21 $ 400 $ (98 ) 2 $ 39,370 $ (7,862 ) U.S. treasury securities 1,030 (54 ) 7 3,219 (50 ) 9 4,249 (104 ) U.S. government agencies 1,736 (3 ) 3 222 (2 ) 1,958 (5 ) Municipal bonds 24,695 (240 ) 64 93,201 (1,315 ) 98 117,896 (1,555 ) Foreign government 7,644 (83 ) 4 — — — 7,644 (83 ) Corporate bonds: Finance 192,520 (4,297 ) 143 66,715 (1,174 ) 27 259,235 (5,471 ) Industrial 236,845 (17,230 ) 194 60,511 (6,045 ) 43 297,356 (23,275 ) Utilities 12,188 (490 ) 22 13,908 (1,187 ) 3 26,096 (1,677 ) Commercial mortgage backed securities 15 — 2 — (169 ) 8 15 (169 ) Residential mortgage backed securities: Agency backed 41,187 (101 ) 10 66,172 (1,777 ) 29 107,359 (1,878 ) Non-agency backed 5,092 (263 ) 3 28 (1 ) 2 5,120 (264 ) Asset-backed securities 148 — 1 110 (1 ) 2 258 (1 ) $ 562,070 $ (30,525 ) 474 $ 304,486 $ (11,819 ) 223 $ 866,556 $ (42,344 ) There are 2,011 and 701 securities at December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively that account for the gross unrealized loss, none of which is deemed by the Company to be OTTI. At December 31, 2015 , we have determined that the unrealized losses on fixed maturities were primarily due to market interest rate movements since their date of purchase. As of December 31, 2015 , for the $21,925 of unrealized losses related to securities in unrealized loss positions for a period of twelve or more consecutive months, $13,301 of those unrealized losses were related to securities in unrealized loss positions greater than or equal to 20% of amortized cost or cost. The net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities for for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Fixed maturity securities $ (48,245 ) $ 116,128 $ (11,165 ) Equity securities (4,849 ) (3,031 ) (862 ) Total net unrealized gain (loss) (53,094 ) 113,097 (12,027 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 18,583 (39,584 ) 4,209 Cumulative net unrealized (loss) gain, net of tax (34,511 ) 73,513 (7,818 ) Increase (decrease) in net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax $ (108,024 ) $ 81,331 $ (83,936 ) (b) Trading Securities The original or amortized cost, estimated market value and gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of trading securities as of December 31, 2015 are presented in the table below: (Amounts in Thousands) Original or amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Market value Common stock $ 26,937 $ 739 $ (405 ) $ 27,271 (Amounts in Thousands) Original or amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Market value Common stock $ 25,407 $ 1,614 $ (272 ) $ 26,749 Proceeds from the sale of investments in trading securities during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 were approximately $207,992 and $78,974 , respectively. As of December 31, 2013, the Company did not have any securities classified as trading securities. (c) Investment Income Net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was derived from the following sources: (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 152,663 $ 124,976 $ 82,392 Equity securities, available-for-sale 2,784 1,346 2,119 Equity securities, trading (982 ) 29 — Cash and short term investments 3,718 5,442 2,200 158,183 131,793 86,711 Investment expenses and interest expense on securities sold under agreement to repurchase (1,893 ) (192 ) (1,892 ) $ 156,290 131,601 $ 84,819 (d) Realized Gains and Losses The tables below summarize the gross realized gains and (losses) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 . (Amounts in Thousands) Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains and (Losses) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 17,828 $ (1,516 ) $ 16,312 Equity securities, available-for-sale 1,563 (2,297 ) (734 ) Equity securities, trading 22,602 (12,565 ) 10,037 Other invested assets 1,657 — 1,657 Write-down of fixed maturities, available-for-sale — (17,879 ) (17,879 ) Write-down of equity securities, available-for-sale — (1,276 ) (1,276 ) $ 43,650 $ (35,533 ) $ 8,117 (Amounts in Thousands) Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains and (Losses) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 16,611 $ (4,946 ) $ 11,665 Equity securities, available-for-sale 14,121 (3,928 ) 10,193 Equity securities, trading 10,475 (7,871 ) 2,604 Write-down of fixed maturities, available-for-sale — (5,393 ) (5,393 ) Write-down of equity securities, available-for-sale — (2,646 ) (2,646 ) $ 41,207 $ (24,784 ) $ 16,423 (Amounts in Thousands) Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains and (Losses) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 28,696 $ (18,066 ) $ 10,630 Equity securities, available-for-sale 11,264 (3,498 ) 7,766 Write-down of equity securities, available-for-sale — (2,869 ) (2,869 ) $ 39,960 $ (24,433 ) $ 15,527 (e) Derivatives The Company from time to time invests in a limited amount of derivatives and other financial instruments as part of its investment portfolio to manage interest rate changes or other exposures to a particular financial market. The Company records changes in valuation on its derivative positions not designated as a hedge as a component of net realized gains and losses. The Company records changes in valuation on its hedged positions as a component of other comprehensive income. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company had two interest rate swap agreements designated as a hedge and were recorded as a liability in the amount of $1,077 and $2,033 , respectively, and were included as a component of accrued expenses and other liabilities. The following table presents the notional amounts by remaining maturity of the Company’s Interest Rate Swaps as of December 31, 2015 : Remaining Life of Notional Amount(1) (Amounts in Thousands) One Year Two Through Five Years Six Through Ten Years After Ten Years Total Interest rate swaps $ 30,000 $ 40,000 $ — $ — $ 70,000 (1) Notional amount is not representative of either market risk or credit risk and is not recorded in the consolidated balance sheet. (f) Restricted Cash and Investments The Company, in order to conduct business in certain states, is required to maintain letters of credit or assets on deposit to support state mandated regulatory requirements and certain third party agreements. The Company also utilizes trust accounts to collateralize business with its reinsurance counterparties. These assets held are primarily in the form of cash or certain high grade securities. The fair values of our restricted assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 Restricted cash $ 380,699 $ 186,225 Restricted investments 1,490,547 734,271 Total restricted cash and investments $ 1,871,246 $ 920,496 (g) Other Securities sold but not yet purchased are securities that the Company has sold, but does not own, in anticipation of a decline in the market value of the security. The Company's risk is that the value of the security will increase rather than decline. Consequently, the settlement amount of the liability for securities sold, not yet purchased may exceed the amount recorded in the consolidated balance sheet as the Company is obligated to purchase the securities sold, not yet purchased in the market at prevailing prices to settle the obligations. To establish a position in security sold, not yet purchased, the Company needs to borrow the security for delivery to the buyer. When the transaction is open, the liability for the obligation to replace the borrowed security is marked to market and an unrealized gain or loss is recorded. At the time the transaction is closed, the Company realizes a gain or loss equal to the differences between the price at which the security was sold and the cost of replacing the borrowed security. While the transaction is open, the Company will also incur an expense for any dividends or interest which will be paid to the lender of the securities. The Company’s liability for securities to be delivered is measured at their fair value and was $38,618 and $13,052 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. The securities sold but not yet purchased consisted primarily of equity and fixed maturity securities.

Fair Value of Financial Instrum

Fair Value of Financial Instruments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments Fair Value Hierarchy The following tables present the level within the fair value hierarchy at which the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities are measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : (Amounts in Thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: U.S. treasury securities $ 70,759 $ 70,759 $ — $ — U.S. government securities 45,558 — 45,558 — Municipal bonds 540,426 — 540,426 — Foreign government 113,745 — 113,745 — Corporate bonds and other bonds: Finance 1,362,430 — 1,362,430 — Industrial 1,647,063 — 1,647,063 — Utilities 149,500 — 149,500 — Commercial mortgage backed securities 151,318 — 151,318 — Residential mortgage backed securities: Agency backed 974,838 — 974,838 — Non-agency backed 120,229 — 120,229 — Collateralized loan / debt obligations 226,094 — 226,094 — Asset-backed securities 31,837 — 31,837 — Equity securities, available-for-sale 104,497 38,563 28,723 37,211 Equity securities, trading 27,271 27,271 — — Short term investments 84,266 84,266 — — Other investments 30,309 — — 30,309 Life settlement contracts 264,001 — — 264,001 $ 5,944,141 $ 220,859 $ 5,391,761 $ 331,521 Liabilities: Equity securities sold but not yet purchased, market $ 18,163 $ 18,163 $ — $ — Fixed maturity securities sold but not yet purchased 20,455 — 20,455 — Life settlement contract profit commission 15,406 — — 15,406 Contingent consideration 77,457 — — 77,457 Derivatives 1,077 — 1,077 — $ 132,558 $ 18,163 $ 21,532 $ 92,863 (Amounts in Thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: U.S. treasury securities $ 43,870 $ 43,870 $ — $ — U.S. government securities 13,538 — 13,538 — Municipal bonds 482,041 — 482,041 — Foreign government 112,731 112,731 Corporate bonds and other bonds: Finance 1,221,862 — 1,221,862 — Industrial 1,202,860 — 1,202,860 — Utilities 138,692 — 138,692 — Commercial mortgage backed securities 38,685 — 38,685 — Residential mortgage backed securities: Agency backed 975,782 — 975,782 — Non-agency backed 22,503 — 22,503 — Asset-backed securities 710 — 710 — Equity securities, available-for-sale 81,044 24,484 21,674 34,886 Equity securities, trading 26,749 26,749 — Short term investments 63,916 63,916 — — Other investments 13,315 — — 13,315 Life settlement contracts 264,517 — — 264,517 $ 4,702,815 $ 159,019 $ 4,231,078 $ 312,718 Liabilities: Equity securities sold but not yet purchased, market $ 13,052 $ 13,052 $ — $ — Life settlement contract profit commission 16,534 — — 16,534 Contingent consideration 41,704 — — 41,704 Derivatives 2,033 — 2,033 — $ 73,323 $ 13,052 $ 2,033 $ 58,238 There were no transfers between Level 1 and Level 2 during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013. The following table provides a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 financial assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : (Amounts in Thousands) Balance as of January 1, 2015 Net income (loss) Other comprehensive income (loss) Purchases and issuances Sales and settlements Net transfers into (out of) Level 3 Balance as of December 31, 2015 Other investments $ 13,315 $ (232 ) $ (6,750 ) $ 9,122 $ (1,029 ) $ 15,883 30,309 Equity securities, available-for-sale 34,886 — 2,443 — (118 ) — 37,211 Life settlement contracts 264,517 63,727 — 1,065 (65,308 ) — 264,001 Life settlement contract profit commission (16,534 ) 1,128 — — — — (15,406 ) Contingent consideration (41,704 ) — — (51,087 ) 15,334 — (77,457 ) Total $ 254,480 $ 64,623 $ (4,307 ) $ (40,900 ) $ (51,121 ) $ 15,883 $ 238,658 (Amounts in Thousands) Balance as of January 1, 2014 Net income (loss) Other comprehensive income (loss) Purchases and issuances Sales and settlements Net transfers into (out of) Level 3 Balance as of December 31, 2014 Other investments $ 12,975 $ 1,127 $ — $ 677 $ (1,464 ) $ — $ 13,315 Equity securities, available-for-sale — — (7,079 ) 41,965 34,886 Life settlement contracts 233,024 61,110 — 25,418 (55,035 ) — 264,517 Life settlement contract profit commission (11,945 ) (4,589 ) — — — — (16,534 ) Contingent consideration (10,816 ) — — (35,113 ) 4,225 — (41,704 ) Total $ 223,238 $ 57,648 $ (7,079 ) $ 32,947 $ (52,274 ) $ — $ 254,480 The Company changed its valuation methodology from Level 2 to Level 3 in the fair value heirarchy for certain privately placed investments of approximately $15,883 in 2015. The Company's policy for transfers between fair value levels, transfer into the levels, and transfer out of the levels is to recognize such transfers as of the actual date of the event or change in circumstances that cause the transfer. The Company had no transfers among the levels of fair value hierarchy during 2014. A reconciliation of net income for life settlement contracts in the above table to (loss) gain on investment in life settlement contracts net of profit commission included in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 Net income $ 63,727 $ 61,110 Premium paid (45,244 ) (46,367 ) Profit commission 1,128 (4,589 ) Other expenses 233 2,152 Gain on investment in life settlement contracts $ 19,844 $ 12,306 The Company uses the following methods and assumptions in estimating its fair value disclosures for financial instruments: • Equity and Fixed Income Investments: Fair value disclosures for these investments are disclosed elsewhere in Note 2. “Significant Accounting Policies”. As of December 31, 2015, the Company's Level 3 equity securities consisted primarily of privately placed warrants of companies that have publicly traded common stock. The fair value of these equity securities as of December 31, 2015 was derived from the quoted price of the underlying common stock adjusted for other inputs that are not market observable. The carrying values of cash, short term investments and investment income accrued approximate their fair values and are classified as Level 1 in the financial hierarchy. • Premiums Receivable: The carrying values reported in the accompanying balance sheets for these financial instruments approximate their fair values due to the short term nature of the asset and are classified as Level 1 in the financial hierarchy. • Other investments: Other investments consisted primarily of investments in real estate partnerships, private limited partnerships, annuities, and other. Other investments accounted for approximately 1.4% of the Company's investment portfolio as of December 31, 2015 , which the Company believes is immaterial to its overall financial position or results of operations. The Company uses the equity method of accounting to account for a majority of its other investments. The financial statements prepared by the investee are received by the Company typically on a three-month lag basis. For its other investments reported at fair value, the Company estimates the fair value based on significant unobservable inputs in the valuation process. As a result, the Company classified the fair value estimates as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. • Equity Investment in Unconsolidated Subsidiaries - Related Party: The Company has an ownership percentage of approximately 12% in NGHC, a publicly-held insurance holding company (Nasdaq: NGHC). The Company accounts for this investment under the equity method of accounting as it has the ability to exert significant influence on NGHC. The fair value and the carrying value of the investment was approximately $268,778 and $138,023 , respectively, as of December 31, 2015 . • Debt: The current fair value of the Company's debt arrangements was as follows: Carrying Value Fair Value 7.25% Subordinated Notes due 2055 $ 150,000 $ 153,840 7.50% Subordinated Notes due 2055 135,000 139,698 2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 163,082 215,983 6.125% Senior notes due 2023 250,000 243,540 Junior subordinated debentures due 2035-2037 123,714 81,590 Revolving credit facility 130,000 130,000 Other 58,173 58,173 The 7.25% subordinated notes due 2055, the 7.50% subordinated notes due 2055, the 2.75% convertible senior notes due 2044, and the 6.125% senior notes due 2023 are publicly traded instruments and are classified as Level 1 in the fair value hierarchy. The fair value of the revolving credit facility approximates its carrying value due to the short period to maturity. The fair value of the junior subordinated debentures was determined using the Black-Derman-Toy interest rate lattice model and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The Company considers its other debt's carrying value to approximate fair value as their interest rates approximate current borrowing rates • Derivatives: The Company classifies interest rate swaps as Level 2 hierarchy. The Company uses these interest rate swaps to hedge floating interest rates on its debt, thereby changing the variable rate exposure to a fixed rate exposure for interest on these obligations. The estimated fair value of the interest rate swaps, which is obtained from a third party pricing service, is measured using discounted cash flow analysis that incorporates significant observable inputs, including the LIBOR forward curve and a measurement of volatility. • Contingent consideration : The fair value of contingent consideration is based on a discounted cash flow methodology and is classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. • Life settlement contracts and life settlement contract profit commission: The fair value of life settlement contracts as well as life settlement profit commission liability is based on information available to the Company at the end of the reporting period. These financial instruments are classified as Level 3 in the fair value hierarchy. The Company considers the following factors in its fair value estimates: cost at date of purchase, recent purchases and sales of similar investments (if available and applicable), financial standing of the issuer, changes in economic conditions affecting the issuer, maintenance cost, premiums, benefits, standard actuarially developed mortality tables and life expectancy reports prepared by nationally recognized and independent third party medical underwriters. The Company estimates the fair value of a life insurance policy by applying an investment discount rate based on the cost of funding the Company's life settlement contracts as compared to returns on investments in asset classes with comparable credit quality, which the Company has determined to be 7.5% , to the expected cash flow generated by the policies in the Company's life settlement portfolio (death benefits less premium payments), net of policy specific adjustments and reserves. In order to confirm the integrity of their calculation of fair value, the Company, quarterly, retains an independent third-party actuary to verify that the actuarial modeling used by the Company to determine fair value was performed correctly and that the valuation, as determined through the Company's actuarial modeling, is consistent with other methodologies. The Company considers this information in its assessment of the reasonableness of the life expectancy and discount rate inputs used in the valuation of these investments. The Company adjusts the standard mortality for each insured for the insured's life expectancy based on reviews of the insured's medical records and the independent life expectancy reports based thereon. The Company establishes policy specific reserves for the following uncertainties: improvements in mortality, the possibility that the high net worth individuals represented in its portfolio may have access to better health care, the volatility inherent in determining the life expectancy of insureds with significant reported health impairments, the possibility that the issuer of the policy or a third party will contest the payment of the death benefit payable to the Company, and the future expenses related to the administration of the portfolio, which incorporates current life expectancy assumptions, premium payments, the credit exposure to the insurance company that issued the life settlement contracts and the rate of return that a buyer would require on the contracts as no comparable market pricing is available. Prior to 2015, the Company established policy specific reserves for the possibility that the third party issuer of the policy would contest the payment of the death benefit payable to the Company. The Company determined that the contestability reserve was not necessary in 2015 due to historical experience. The application of the investment discount rate to the expected cash flow generated by the portfolio, net of the policy specific reserves, yields the fair value of the portfolio. The effective discount rate reflects the relationship between the fair value and the expected cash flow gross of these reserves. The following summarizes data utilized in estimating the fair value of the portfolio of life insurance policies as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and, as described in Note 6. “Investments in Life Settlements”, only includes data for policies to which the Company assigned value at those dates: 2015 2014 Average age of insured 82.0 81.1 Average life expectancy, months (1) 114 121 Average face amount per policy (Amounts in thousands) $ 6,564 $ 6,624 Effective discount rate (2) 13.7 % 14.0 % (1) Standard life expectancy as adjusted for specific circumstances. (2) Effective discount rate (“EDR”) is the Company's estimated internal rate of return on its life settlement contract portfolio and is determined from the gross expected cash flows and valuation of the portfolio. The valuation of the portfolio is calculated net of all reserves using a 7.5% discount rate. The EDR is inclusive of the reserves and the gross expected cash flows of the portfolio. The Company anticipates that the EDR's range is between 12.5% and 17.5% and reflects the uncertainty that exists surrounding the information available as of the reporting date. As the accuracy and reliability if information improves (declines), the EDR will decrease (increase). The change in the EDR from December 31, 2014 to December 31, 2015 resulted from routine updating of life expectancies and other factors relating to operational risk. The Company's assumptions are, by their nature, inherently uncertain and the effect of changes in estimates may be significant. The fair value measurements used in estimating the present value calculation are derived from valuation techniques generally used in the industry that include inputs for the asset that are not based on observable market data. The extent to which the fair value could reasonably vary in the near term has been quantified by evaluating the effect of changes in significant underlying assumptions used to estimate the fair value amount. If the life expectancies were increased or decreased by 4 months and the discount factors were increased or decreased by 1% while all other variables are held constant, the carrying value of the investment in life insurance policies would increase or (decrease) by the unaudited amounts summarized below for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Change in life expectancy Plus 4 Months Minus 4 Months Investment in life policies: December 31, 2015 $ (37,697 ) $ 40,997 December 31, 2014 $ (34,686 ) $ 36,486 Change in discount rate (1) Plus 1% Minus 1% Investment in life policies: December 31, 2015 $ (26,558 ) $ 29,644 December 31, 2014 $ (22,705 ) $ 25,456 (1) Discount rate is a present value calculation that considers legal risk, credit risk and liquidity risk and is a component of EDR. Non-recurring fair value measurements Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include intangible assets and goodwill, which are recognized at fair value during the period in which an acquisition is completed, from updated estimates and assumptions during the measurement period, or when they are considered to be impaired. These non-recurring fair value measurements, primarily for intangible assets acquired, were based on Level 3 unobservable inputs. In the event of an impairment, the Company determines the fair value of the goodwill and intangible assets using a discounted cash flow approach or price to invested assets multiple, which contain significant unobservable inputs and therefore is considered a Level 3 fair value measurement. The unobservable inputs in the analysis generally include future cash flow projections and a discount rate. See Note 8, Intangible Assets and Goodwill, for additional information on how the Company tests goodwill for impairment. There were non-recurring fair value adjustments related to impairment of intangible assets of $2,060 , $0 and $0 during 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and non-recurring adjustments related to impairment to goodwill of $55,304 , $62,898 , and $10,226 during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Additionally, there were certain adjustments to the initial fair value estimates of the assets and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date (as disclosed in Note 5 to these consolidated financial statements) from updated estimates and assumptions during the measurement period. The measurement period may be up to one year from the acquisition date. The Company records any measurement period adjustments to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill.

Acquisitions

Acquisitions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Combinations [Abstract]
Acquisitions	Acquisitions The Company accounts for acquisitions pursuant to the acquisition method. In applying the acquisition method, the Company records the identifiable assets acquired and liabilities assumed at fair value and records the excess of the consideration paid over the value of the identified net assets acquired as goodwill. The Company assigns fair values to intangible assets based on valuation techniques including the income and market approaches. The following significant acquisitions occurred during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Springfield On October 7, 2015 , the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding stock of Springfield Insurance Company and its affiliates, Springfield Insurance Company Ltd. and Unified Grocers Insurance Services (collectively "Springfield"). Springfield, domiciled in California, is an insurance carrier providing workers' compensation and commercial package insurance to Unified Grocers Inc., an association of independently owned grocery stores, its members and its customers. The purchase agreement required the Company to pay approximately $26,574 in cash on the acquisition date and contained an earn-out provision that is contingent on Springfield meeting certain performance conditions over a five -year period. The contingent consideration associated with the earn-out provision was initially valued at $5,000 as of the acquisition date. A summary of the preliminary assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Springfield are as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) Assets Cash and investments $ 93,837 Premium receivable, net 4,651 Accrued interest and dividends 470 Other assets 2,752 Deferred tax asset 1,905 Property and equipment 1,376 Goodwill and intangible assets 4,253 Total assets $ 109,244 Liabilities Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves $ 65,725 Unearned premiums 7,006 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 4,199 Reinsurance payable on paid losses 740 Total liabilities $ 77,670 Acquisition price $ 31,574 The goodwill and intangible assets associated with the acquisition were initially measured at $4,253 and is not taxable. The Company is in the process of completing its acquisition accounting and expects to have it completed in the first half of 2016. The goodwill and intangible assets as well as Springfield's results of operations will be included as a component of the Small Commercial Business segment. As a result of this acquisition, the Company recorded approximately $3,201 of gross written premium and $576 of service and fee income during the year ended December 31, 2015 . Warranty Solutions On September 25, 2015 , the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding stock of Warranty Solutions, a Wells Fargo business ("Warranty Solutions") for $156,247 in cash. Warranty Solutions designs, markets, administers and underwrites vehicle service contracts for new and used automobiles through a national network of more than 70 active agencies and 1,500 franchised and independent dealers. A summary of the preliminary assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Warranty Solutions are as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) Assets Cash and investments $ 192,015 Prepaid reinsurance premium 77,777 Deferred tax asset 50,399 Other assets 22,466 Goodwill and intangible assets 84,215 Total assets $ 426,872 Liabilities Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves $ 3,013 Unearned premiums 182,441 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 85,171 Total liabilities $ 270,625 Acquisition price $ 156,247 The goodwill and intangible assets associated with the acquisition were initially measured at $84,215 , which initially included customer relationships and licenses. The goodwill associated with the acquisition is not taxable. The Company is in the process of completing its acquisition accounting and expects to have it completed in the first half of 2016. The goodwill and intangible assets as well as Warranty Solutions' results of operations are included as a component of the Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty segment. As a result of this acquisition, the Company recorded approximately $22,810 of gross written premium and $24,312 of service and fee income during the year ended December 31, 2015 . CorePointe Insurance Company On March 2, 2015 , the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding stock of CorePointe Insurance Company ("CorePointe"). CorePointe, a Michigan-based specialty property and casualty insurance company, markets commercial package insurance products primarily to automobile and motorcycle dealerships and auto repair shops. The majority of CorePointe's insurance products and services are distributed through managing general agents ("MGAs") with whom it has long-standing relationships. A summary of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for CorePointe are as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) Assets Cash and investments $ 123,338 Premium receivable 20,441 Reinsurance recoverable 1,635 Other assets 1,703 Deferred tax asset 4,303 Property and equipment 226 Intangible assets 2,710 Total assets $ 154,356 Liabilities Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves $ 46,539 Unearned premiums 24,230 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 7,781 Deferred tax liability 1,206 Total liabilities $ 79,756 Acquisition price $ 68,774 Acquisition gain $ 5,826 The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting and, therefore, increased the acquired loss and loss adjustment expense reserves by approximately $10,107 to their fair value. The Company adjusted the acquired loss and loss adjustment expense reserves to fair value by recording the acquired loss reserves based on the Company’s existing accounting policies and then discounting them based on expected reserve payout patterns using a current risk-free interest rate. This risk-free interest rate was then adjusted based on different cash flow scenarios that use different payout and ultimate reserve assumptions deemed to be reasonably possible based upon the inherent uncertainties present in determining the amount and timing of payment of such reserves. The difference between the acquired loss and loss adjustment expense reserves and the Company’s best estimate of the fair value of such reserves at the acquisition date was recorded as an intangible asset in the amount of approximately $1,210 and will be amortized proportionately to the decrease in the acquired loss and loss adjustment expense reserves over the payout period for the acquired loss and loss adjustment expense reserves. Additionally, the Company recorded approximately $1,500 for state licenses that have an indefinite life. These intangible assets, as well as CorePointe's results of operations, are included as a component of the Specialty Program segment. The Company finalized its acquisition accounting for CorePointe in 2015, which resulted in a gain on acquisition of approximately $5,826 . In addition, the Company recorded approximately $39,418 of written premium related to CorePointe during the year ended December 31, 2015 . TMI Solutions, LLC On January 6, 2015 , the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding stock of TMI Solutions, LLC ("TMIS"). TMIS offers monthly billed warranty solutions for a variety of consumer electronics as well as consumer protection services. TMIS' warranties are primarily distributed in conjunction with large telecommunication monthly customer billing services and their customers include various Fortune 500 companies. The purchase agreement required the Company to pay approximately $29,503 in cash on the acquisition date and contained an earn-out provision that is contingent on TMIS meeting certain performance conditions over a three -year period. The contingent consideration associated with the earn-out provision was initially valued at $32,000 as of the acquisition date. A summary of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for TMIS are as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) Assets Cash and investments $ 749 Other assets 1,354 Property and equipment 53 Goodwill and intangible assets 70,791 Total assets $ 72,947 Liabilities Accrued expenses and other liabilities $ 69 Deferred tax liability 11,375 Total liabilities $ 11,444 Acquisition price $ 61,503 As part of the acquisition, the Company obtained identifiable intangible assets of approximately $32,500 , which included customer relationships of $28,000 and software of $1,000 with finite lives ranging from four to eight years and tradenames of $2,500 and licenses of $1,000 with indefinite lives. A remaining value of $38,291 was assigned to goodwill and is not taxable. The goodwill and intangible assets, as well as TMIS' results of operations, are included as a component of the Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty segment. As a result of this acquisition, the Company recorded approximately $13,650 of service and fee income related to TMIS during the year ended December 31, 2015 . Oryx Insurance Brokerage, Inc. On January 6, 2015 , the Company acquired all of the issued and outstanding stock of Oryx Insurance Brokerage, Inc. ("Oryx"). Oryx, established in 1996, is a managing general agent and wholesaler providing insurance products to the construction industry in upstate New York. For 2014, Oryx placed $80,000 in premiums through over 135 agencies with the majority of business underwritten by the Company. The purchase agreement required the Company to pay approximately $30,584 in cash on the acquisition date and contained an earn-out provision that is contingent on Oryx meeting certain performance conditions over a five -year period. The contingent consideration associated with the earn-out provision was valued at $7,000 as of the acquisition date. A summary of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Oryx are as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) Assets Cash and investments $ 4,669 Premium receivable 3,438 Other assets 1,774 Goodwill and intangible assets 42,915 Total assets $ 52,796 Liabilities Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves $ 1,405 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 7,353 Deferred tax liability 6,454 Total liabilities $ 15,212 Acquisition price $ 37,584 As part of the acquisition, the Company obtained customer relationships valued at $18,500 as identifiable intangible assets with a finite life of nine years. The goodwill and intangible assets, as well as Oryx's results of operations, are included as a component of the Specialty Program segment. The goodwill associated with the acquisition is not taxable. As a result of its underwriting relationship with Oryx, the Company had approximately $93,290 and $72,208 of written premium during the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Company recorded approximately $414 of service and fee income related to Oryx during the year ended December 31, 2015 . Additionally, the Company reduced its overall commission expense by approximately $3,832 during the year ended December 31, 2015 as a result of this acquisition. Comp Options Insurance Company, Inc. On October 1, 2014 , the Company acquired Comp Options Insurance Company, Inc. ("Comp Options"), a Florida-based workers' compensation insurer, from an affiliate of Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Florida, for approximately $34,291 in cash. Comp Options offers workers' compensation insurance to small businesses with low-hazard risk profiles in the state of Florida. A summary of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Comp Options are as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) Assets Cash and investments $ 80,051 Premium receivable 33,530 Other assets 6,642 Deferred tax asset 5,024 Goodwill and intangible assets 17,353 Total assets $ 142,600 Liabilities Loss and loss expense reserves $ 55,752 Unearned premiums 34,364 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 16,561 Deferred tax liability 1,632 Total liabilities $ 108,309 Acquisition price $ 34,291 The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting and, therefore, increased the acquired loss and loss adjustment expense reserves by approximately $6,590 to their fair value. The Company adjusted the acquired loss and loss adjustment expense reserves to fair value by recording the acquired loss reserves based on the Company’s existing accounting policies and then discounting them based on expected reserve payout patterns using a current risk-free interest rate. This risk-free interest rate was then adjusted based on different cash flow scenarios that use different payout and ultimate reserve assumptions deemed to be reasonably possible based upon the inherent uncertainties present in determining the amount and timing of payment of such reserves. The difference between the acquired loss and loss adjustment expense reserves and the Company’s best estimate of the fair value of such reserves at the acquisition date was recorded as an intangible asset in the amount of approximately $1,612 and will be amortized proportionately to the decrease in the acquired loss and loss adjustment expense reserves over the payout period for the acquired loss and loss adjustment expense reserves. Additionally, the Company recorded agency relationships of approximately $3,000 , with a life of nine years, and an indefinite lived license of $50 . The goodwill and intangible assets, as well as Comp Options' results of operations, are included as a component of the Small Commercial Business segment. The goodwill associated with the acquisition is not taxable. As a result of this acquisition, the Company recorded approximately $65,077 and $18,653 of written premium and approximately $3,212 and $951 of service and fee income during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The Insco Dico Group On January 3, 2014 , the Company completed the acquisition of Insco Insurance Services, Inc. ("Insco Dico") and its subsidiaries for an acquisition price of approximately $88,700 . Insco Dico's subsidiaries include Developers Surety and Indemnity Company and Indemnity Company of California, which offer surety insurance to developers and contractors in all 50 states with California as the largest state. In addition, Insco Dico's subsidiary, Builders Insurance Services, markets general liability insurance policies to contractors in several states in the western region of the U.S. A summary of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Insco Dico are as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) Assets Cash and investments $ 130,031 Premium receivables 8,684 Reinsurance recoverable 5,799 Other assets 1,783 Deferred tax asset 3,104 Property and equipment 1,190 Goodwill and intangible assets 17,765 Total assets $ 168,356 Liabilities Loss and loss expense reserves $ 25,210 Unearned premiums 25,715 Funds held for policyholders 5,864 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 10,210 Deferred tax liability 2,657 Notes payable 10,000 Total liabilities $ 79,656 Acquisition price $ 88,700 The goodwill and intangible assets, as well as Insco Dico's results of operations, are included as a component of the Small Commercial Business segment. The goodwill associated with the acquisition is not taxable. The identifiable intangible assets consist of agency relationships of $3,400 , which have a 20 year life, and licenses of $3,450 that have an indefinite life. As a result of this transaction, the Company recorded approximately $71,254 and $55,511 , respectively, of written premium and approximately $1,038 and $3,743 , respectively, of service and fee income during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. Other The Company had additional immaterial acquisitions totaling approximately $27,300 during the year ended December 31, 2015. No individual acquisition or acquisitions in the aggregate were significant and, therefore, the Company is not required to include any pro forma financial information in this report.

Investment in Life Settlements

Investment in Life Settlements	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Investment in Life Settlements	Investment in Life Settlements The Company has a 50% ownership interest in each of four entities (collectively, the “LSC Entities”) formed for the purpose of acquiring life settlement contracts, with a subsidiary of NGHC owning the remaining 50%. The LSC Entities are: Tiger Capital LLC (“Tiger”); AMT Capital Alpha, LLC (“AMT Alpha”); AMT Capital Holdings, S.A. (“AMTCH”); and AMT Capital Holdings II, S.A. (“AMTCH II”). A life settlement contract is a contract between the owner of a life insurance policy and a third-party who obtains the ownership and beneficiary rights of the underlying life insurance policy.The LSC Entities may also acquire premium finance loans made in connection with the borrowers’ purchase of life insurance policies that are secured by the policies. The LSC Entities acquire the underlying policies securing the loan through the borrowers’ voluntary surrender of the policy in satisfaction of the loan or foreclosure. A third party serves as the administrator of the Tiger and AMTCH II life settlement contract portfolios, for which it receives an administrative fee. The third party administrator is eligible to receive a percentage of profits after certain time and performance thresholds have been met. The Company provides certain actuarial and finance functions related to the LSC Entities. In conjunction with the Company’s approximate 12% ownership percentage of NGHC, the Company ultimately receives 56% of the profits and losses of the LSC Entities. As such, in accordance with ASC 810-10, Consolidation, the Company has been deemed the primary beneficiary and, therefore, consolidate the LSC Entities. The Company accounts for investments in life settlements in accordance with ASC 325-30, Investments in Insurance Contracts , which states that an investor shall elect to account for its investments in life settlement contracts by using either the investment method or the fair value method. The election is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable. The Company has elected to account for these policies using the fair value method. The Company determines fair value based upon its estimate of the discounted cash flow related to policies (net of the reserves for improvements in mortality, the possibility that the high net worth individuals represented in its portfolio may have access to better health care, the volatility inherent in determining the life expectancy of insureds with significant reported health impairments, the possibility that the issuer of the policy or a third party will contest the payment of the death benefit payable to the Company, and the future expenses related to the administration of the portfolio), which incorporates current life expectancy assumptions, premium payments, the credit exposure to the insurance company that issued the life settlement contracts and the rate of return that a buyer would require on the contracts as no comparable market pricing is available. Prior to 2015, the Company established policy specific reserves for the possibility that the third party issuer of the policy would contest the payment of the death benefit payable to the Company. The Company determined that the contestability reserve was not necessary in 2015 due to historical experience. The application of the investment discount rate to the expected cash flow generated by the portfolio, net of the policy specific reserves, yields the fair value of the portfolio. The effective discount rate reflects the relationship between the fair value and the expected cash flow gross of these reserves. Total capital contributions of $1,130 and $36,115 were made to the LSC Entities during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively, of which the Company contributed approximately $565 and $17,907 in those same periods. The LSC Entities used the contributed capital to pay premiums and purchase policies. The Company’s investments in life settlements are reported at fair value and are included in other assets on the Consolidated Balance Sheet. The Company recorded a gain on investment on investment in life settlement contracts net of profit commission of approximately $19,844 , $12,306 and $13,822 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, related to the life settlement contracts. The following tables describe the Company’s investment in life settlements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : (Amounts in thousands, except Life Settlement Contracts) Expected Maturity Term in Years Number of Life Settlement Contracts Fair Value (1) Face Value As of December 31, 2015 0 – 1 — $ — $ — 1 – 2 — — — 2 – 3 8 31,261 70,500 3 – 4 8 20,117 46,500 4 – 5 4 6,760 20,000 Thereafter 235 205,863 1,481,313 Total 255 $ 264,001 $ 1,618,313 As of December 31, 2014 0 – 1 — $ — $ — 1 – 2 — — — 2 – 3 8 43,593 70,500 3 – 4 5 10,081 22,500 4 – 5 7 14,335 49,000 Thereafter 254 196,508 1,596,209 Total 274 $ 264,517 $ 1,738,209 (1) The Company determined the fair value as of December 31, 2015 based on 213 policies out of 255 policies, as the Company assigned no value to 42 of the policies as of December 31, 2015 . The Company determined the fair value as of December 31, 2014 based on 218 policies out of 274 policies, as the Company assigned no value to 56 of the policies as of December 31, 2014 . The Company estimates the fair value of a life insurance policy using a cash flow model with an appropriate discount rate. In some cases, the cash flow model calculates the value of an individual policy to be negative, and therefore the fair value of the policy is zero as no liability exists when a negative value is calculated. The Company is not contractually bound to pay the premium on its life settlement contracts and, therefore, would not pay a willing buyer to assume title of these contracts. Additionally, certain of the Company’s acquired polices were structured to have low premium payments at inception of the policy term, which later escalate greatly towards the tail end of the policy term. At the current time, the Company expenses all premiums paid, even on policies with zero fair value. Once the premium payments escalate, the Company may allow the policies to lapse. In the event that death benefits are realized in the time frame between initial acquisition and premium escalation, it is a benefit to cash flow. For these contracts where the Company determined the fair value to be negative and therefore assigned a fair value of zero, the table below details the amount of premiums paid and the death benefits received for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : 2015 2014 Number of policies with a negative value from discounted cash flow model 42 56 Premiums paid for the year ended $ 4,971 $ 5,963 Death benefit received $ — $ 4,950 Premiums to be paid by the LSC Entities for each of the five succeeding fiscal years to keep the life insurance policies in force as of December 31, 2015 , are as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) Premiums Due on Life Settlement Contracts 2016 $ 54,540 2017 53,002 2018 41,409 2019 41,385 2020 38,627 Thereafter 487,107 $ 716,070

Deferred Policy Acquisition Cos

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs The following table reflects the amounts of policy acquisition costs deferred and amortized for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Balance, beginning of period $ 628,383 $ 468,404 $ 349,126 Acquisition costs deferred 744,107 698,689 486,566 Amortization (668,247 ) (538,710 ) (367,288 ) Balance, end of period $ 704,243 $ 628,383 $ 468,404

Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Intangible Assets and Goodwill	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Intangible Assets and Goodwill	Intangible Assets and Goodwill The composition of goodwill and intangible assets is summarized as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) Gross Balance Accumulated Amortization Net Value Useful Life Goodwill $ 432,700 $ — $ 432,700 Indefinite Life Renewal rights 67,617 26,274 41,343 7 to 17 years Distribution networks 115,147 45,497 69,650 6 to 20 years Software 4,535 3,186 1,349 3 to 20 years Customer relationships 219,181 50,023 169,158 9 to 18 years Trademarks 5,220 5,140 80 15 years Trademarks 7,826 — 7,826 Indefinite Life Licenses 12,608 8,599 4,009 5 to 50 years Licenses 29,055 — 29,055 Indefinite Life Use rights 39,230 — 39,230 Indefinite Life Other 17,558 11,913 5,645 4 to 10 years Total $ 950,677 $ 150,632 $ 800,045 12 years average (Amounts in Thousands) Gross Balance Accumulated Amortization Net Value Useful Life Goodwill $ 352,685 $ — $ 352,685 Indefinite Life Renewal rights 62,367 16,732 45,635 7 to 17 years Distribution networks 115,480 36,009 79,471 5 to 20 years Software 3,547 2,101 1,446 3 to 20 years Customer relationships 132,744 31,807 100,937 8 to 18 years Trademarks 5,220 5,132 88 15 years Trademarks 6,327 — 6,327 Indefinite Life Licenses 12,608 6,151 6,457 5 to 50 years Licenses 25,055 — 25,055 Indefinite Life Use rights 41,468 — 41,468 Indefinite Life Other 16,348 8,236 8,112 4 to 10 years Total $ 773,849 $ 106,168 $ 667,681 14 years average The Company identifies reporting units for goodwill impairment testing in accordance with ASC 350-20-35 Intangibles - Goodwill and Other . The Company generally combines reporting units, which are a component of an operating segment, when they have similar economic characteristics, nature of services, types of customer, distribution methods and regulatory environment. For the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company had seven reporting units that it tested for goodwill impairment, which is tested as of October 1 st . The Company had one reporting unit, Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty - Luxembourg reporting unit (“RU”), which was at risk of failing step 1 in the goodwill impairment test required under ASC 350 Intangibles - Goodwill and Other. This RU had $60,249 and $121,761 of goodwill as of the test date in 2015 and 2014, respectively. For the RU, a step 1 analysis was performed to determine whether an impairment existed using an October 1 st measurement date. Since Luxembourg reinsurance companies are regularly bought and sold between third parties and the transaction data information is available, the Guideline Transactions Method of the Market Approach (Fair value hierarchy Level 3) was utilized to determine the fair value of the RU. The Guideline Transactions Method is based on valuation multiples derived from actual transactions for comparable companies and was used to develop an estimate of value for the subject company. In applying this method, valuation multiples are derived from historical data of selected transactions, then evaluated and adjusted, if necessary, based on the strengths and weaknesses of the subject company relative to the derived market data. In the case of the RU, the most appropriate multiple to utilize was determined to be a Price to Invested Assets (“P/IA”) multiple, since invested assets and the corresponding regulatory reserves are metrics utilized by market participants to negotiate the purchase price of the transaction. These P/IA multiples are then applied to the appropriate invested assets of the subject company to arrive at an indication of fair value. Step 1 of the impairment test indicated that the RU’s carrying value exceeded its fair value in 2013 through 2015. Accordingly, the Company performed a Step 2 impairment test and recorded a non-cash goodwill impairment charge of $55,304 , $61,512 and $10,226 during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively, which is included in Other expenses on the Consolidated Statement of Income. Additionally, certain goodwill attributable to the Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty - Europe RU was impaired for $1,386 in 2014 due to deterioration in a subsidiary's operating performance with which the goodwill was associated. The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) Small Commercial Business Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty Specialty Program Total Balance as of January 1, 2014 $ 116,272 $ 239,378 $ 17,941 $ 373,591 Goodwill additions 24,304 18,617 — 42,921 Goodwill impairment — (62,898 ) — (62,898 ) Foreign currency translation — (929 ) — (929 ) Balance as of January 1, 2015 $ 140,576 $ 194,168 $ 17,941 $ 352,685 Goodwill additions 4,776 106,695 24,513 135,984 Goodwill impairment — (55,304 ) — (55,304 ) Foreign currency translation — (665 ) — (665 ) Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 145,352 $ 244,894 $ 42,454 $ 432,700 Goodwill added during 2015 resulted primarily from the acquisitions of TMIS and Warranty Solutions in the Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty segment and the acquisition of Oryx in the Specialty Program segment. Goodwill added during 2014 resulted primarily from the acquisitions of Insco Dico and Comp Options in the Small Commercial Business segment as well as certain insignificant acquisitions in the Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty segment. A roll forward of the changes in cumulative goodwill impairment losses, which are all included in Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty segment, is below: (Amounts in Thousands) Balance as of December 31, 2013: Goodwill $ 437,611 Accumulated impairment losses (64,020 ) 373,591 Goodwill acquired 42,921 Goodwill impairment (62,898 ) Foreign currency translation (929 ) Balance as of December 31, 2014: Goodwill 479,603 Accumulated impairment losses (126,918 ) 352,685 Goodwill acquired 135,984 Goodwill impairment (55,304 ) Foreign currency translation (665 ) Balance as of December 31, 2015: Goodwill 614,922 Accumulated impairment losses (182,222 ) $ 432,700 Finite lived intangible assets are generally amortized under the straight-line method, except for renewal rights, which the Company amortizes using a 125% accelerated method, and certain customer relationships, which are amortized based on cash flows associated with the respective customer relationships. Amortization expense for the years ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $46,524 , $33,543 and $31,667 , respectively. The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the next five years is: (Amounts in Thousands) 2016 $ 45,566 2017 40,996 2018 35,124 2019 33,166 2020 32,151 The Company has Luxembourg-domiciled reinsurance entities. In connection with acquiring these reinsurance entities, the Company acquires cash and equalization reserves of the reinsurance companies. Additionally, goodwill is recorded as the difference between the acquisition price and the fair value of the net assets acquired. An equalization reserve is a catastrophe reserve in excess of required reserves established pursuant to Luxembourg law. Equalization reserves are required to be established for Luxembourg statutory and tax purposes, but are not recognized under U.S. GAAP. The equalization reserves originally established by the seller under Luxembourg law allowed the reinsurer to offset any taxable income. Equalization reserves are calculated on a line of business basis and are subject to a theoretical maximum amount, or cap, based on the expected premium volume described in the business plan of the reinsurance company as approved by the Luxembourg regulators and is subject to reassessment every five years. Each year, the Luxembourg reinsurer is required to adjust its equalization reserves by an amount equal to its statutory net income or net loss, determined based on premiums and investment income less incurred losses and other operating expenses. The yearly adjustment of the equalization reserve generally results in zero pretax income on a Luxembourg statutory and tax basis, as follows: in a year in which the reinsurer’s operations result in a statutory loss, the equalization reserves are taken down in an amount to balance the income statement to zero pretax income, and in a year in which the operations result in a gain, the equalization reserves are increased in an amount to balance the income statement to zero pretax income. If the reinsurer were to produce underwriting income in excess of the equalization reserve cap, or if the cap were to be reduced below the amount of the carried equalization reserves, the reinsurer would incur Luxembourg tax on the amount of such excess income or the amount by which the reserves exceeded the reduced cap, as applicable. If a Luxembourg reinsurer can assume sufficient premium to maintain its equalization reserves or assume losses, which then reduce the equalization reserves, the reinsurer can permanently defer the income tax. Subsequent to the acquisition, the Company cedes premium and associated losses to the reinsurance companies through intercompany reinsurance arrangements. Provided the Company is able to cede business that generates a net loss to the reinsurance companies through intercompany reinsurance arrangements sufficient to offset the reinsurers’ required reductions of the equalization reserves, Luxembourg would not, under laws currently in effect, impose any income, corporation or profits tax on the reinsurance companies. However, if the reinsurance companies were to cease reinsuring business without exhausting the equalization reserves, they would be taxed by Luxembourg at a rate of approximately 30% . As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the Company had approximately $37,171 and $314,050 , respectively, of unutilized equalization reserves and associated deferred tax liability of approximately $11,151 and $94,215 , respectively. The reduction in equalization reserves in 2015 was due to a restructuring of the intercompany reinsurance agreements from three year contracts to single year contracts. During the year ended December 31, 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company (increased) reduced overall expenses by a net amount of approximately $(53,304) , $30,379 and $214 , respectively, to reflect the net reduction of the deferred tax liability offset by goodwill impairment charges related to the utilization of the equalization reserves, which was partially offset by a valuation allowance in 2015 that was established against Luxembourg net operating loss carryforwards. Under its business plans currently in effect, the Company expects that the ceded losses and expenses net of reinsurance premiums paid under the intercompany reinsurance agreements will cause the equalization reserves to be fully utilized in three to five years subsequent to the acquisition of the Luxembourg reinsurer, at which point the deferred tax liability relating to the equalization reserves will be extinguished. The effects of these intercompany reinsurance agreements are appropriately eliminated in consolidation and did not impact the Company's gross and net loss reserves or loss ratio.

Property and Equipment, Net

Property and Equipment, Net	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property and Equipment, Net	Property and Equipment, Net (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 Land $ 21,068 $ 7,593 Building 97,667 25,478 Software 144,920 92,211 Computer equipment 62,160 41,924 Other equipment 57,767 53,529 Leasehold improvements 31,613 25,691 415,195 246,426 Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (133,739 ) (92,251 ) $ 281,456 $ 154,175 Depreciation expense was $41,488 , $29,550 and $21,541 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 .

Loss and loss adjustment expens

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves	Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for loss and loss adjustment expense reserve ("Loss and LAE"), reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 : (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Loss and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverables at beginning of year $ 5,664,205 $ 4,368,234 $ 2,426,400 Less: Reinsurance recoverables at beginning of year 2,149,444 1,739,689 1,180,212 Net balance, beginning of year 3,514,761 2,628,545 1,246,188 Incurred related to: Current year 2,648,277 2,324,062 1,486,418 Prior year 33,931 18,557 30,943 Total incurred during the year 2,682,208 2,342,619 1,517,361 Paid related to: Current year (841,447 ) (886,724 ) (617,539 ) Prior year (1,018,931 ) (554,495 ) (335,621 ) Total paid during the year (1,860,378 ) (1,441,219 ) (953,160 ) Commuted loss reserves 129,377 — — Acquired outstanding loss and loss adjustment reserves 116,044 71,755 807,592 Effect of foreign exchange rates (38,832 ) (86,939 ) 10,564 Net balance, end of year 4,543,180 3,514,761 2,628,545 Plus reinsurance recoverables at end of year 2,665,187 2,149,444 1,739,689 Loss and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverables at end of year $ 7,208,367 $ 5,664,205 $ 4,368,234 In 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , the Company’s liabilities for unpaid losses and LAE attributable to prior years increased by $33,931 , $18,557 and $30,943 , respectively, primarily as a result of unfavorable loss development due to higher actuarial estimates based on actual losses. The percentage of the Company's unpaid losses and LAE related to IBNR was 53.3% , 49.6% and 42.4% as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. In setting its reserves, the Company utilizes a combination of Company loss development factors and industry-wide loss development factors. In the event that the Company’s losses develop more favorably than the industry, as a whole, the Company’s liabilities for unpaid losses and LAE should decrease. Management believes that its use of both its historical experience and industry-wide loss development factors provide a reasonable basis for estimating future losses. As the Company has written more business and developed more credible data, the Company has assigned more weight to its historical experience than to industry-wide results. In either case, future events beyond the control of management, such as changes in law, judicial interpretations of law, and inflation may favorably or unfavorably impact the ultimate settlement of the Company’s loss and LAE. The anticipated effect of inflation is implicitly considered when estimating liabilities for losses and LAE. While anticipated changes in claim costs due to inflation are considered in estimating the ultimate claim costs, the increase in average severity of claims is caused by a number of factors that vary with the individual type of policy written. Future average severities are projected based on historical trends adjusted for implemented changes in underwriting standards, policy provisions, and general economic trends. Those anticipated trends are monitored based on actual development and are modified if necessary.

Accrued Expenses and Other Liab

Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities	Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 Deferred warranty revenue $ 344,724 $ 138,592 Accounts and commission payable 213,843 157,232 Premium taxes, assessments and surcharges payable 161,083 171,512 Redeemable contractual obligations 95,316 111,748 Other accrued expenses and liabilities 86,146 116,383 Income tax payable — 100,410 $ 901,112 $ 795,877

Debt

Debt	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt	Debt The Company’s outstanding debt consisted of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 : (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 Revolving credit facility $ 130,000 $ 120,000 5.5% Convertible senior notes due 2021 (the "2021 Notes") 5,190 56,745 2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 (the "2044 Notes") 163,082 157,679 6.125% Notes due 2023 (the "2023 Notes") 250,000 250,000 Junior subordinated debentures (the "2035-2037 Notes") 123,714 123,714 7.25% Subordinated notes due 2055 (the "7.25% 2055 Notes") 150,000 — 7.50% Subordinated notes due 2055 (the "7.50% 2055 Notes") 135,000 — Secured loan agreements 38,483 35,233 Promissory notes 14,500 14,500 $ 1,009,969 $ 757,871 Aggregate scheduled maturities of the Company’s outstanding debt at December 31, 2015 are: (Amounts in Thousands) 2016 $ 7,186 2017 7,423 2018 9,590 2019 134,467 2020 205 Thereafter 851,098 (1) (1) Amount included debt outstanding under the 2021 Notes and the 2044 Notes, which is net of unamortized original issue discount of $851 and $50,069 , respectively. Revolving Credit Agreement On September 12, 2014 , the Company entered into a five -year, $350,000 credit agreement (the “Credit Agreement”), among JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, KeyBank National Association and SunTrust Bank, as Co-Syndication Agents, Lloyd's Bank PLC and Associated Bank, as Co-Documentation Agents and the various lending institutions party thereto. The credit facility is a revolving credit facility with a letter of credit sublimit of $175,000 and an expansion feature of not more than an additional $150,000 . The Credit Agreement has a maturity date of September 12, 2019 . In connection with entering into the Credit Agreement, the Company terminated its existing $200,000 credit agreement (the "Preceding Credit Agreement"), dated August 10, 2012 , with JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A., as Administrative Agent, KeyBank National Association and SunTrust Bank, as Co-Syndication Agents, Associated Bank, National Association and Lloyds Securities Inc., as Co-Documentation Agents, and the various lending institutions party thereto. Letters of credit issued and outstanding under the Preceding Credit Agreement were deemed issued and outstanding under the Credit Agreement. Deferred origination costs associated with the Credit Agreement were approximately $967 and are being amortized into interest expense over the term of the Credit Agreement. The Credit Agreement contains certain restrictive covenants customary for facilities of this type (subject to negotiated exceptions and baskets), including restrictions on indebtedness, liens, acquisitions and investments, restricted payments and dispositions. There are also financial covenants that require the Company to maintain a minimum consolidated net worth, a maximum consolidated leverage ratio, a minimum consolidated fixed charge coverage ratio, a minimum consolidated risk-based capital and a minimum consolidated statutory surplus. The Company was in compliance with all of its covenants as of December 31, 2015 . As of December 31, 2015 , the Company had $130,000 of borrowings and $117,779 letters of credit outstanding under this Credit Agreement, which reduced the availability for letters of credit to $57,221 , and the total aggregate availability under the facility to $102,221 . Borrowings under the Credit Agreement bear interest at either the Alternate Base Rate or the LIBO rate. Borrowings bearing interest at a rate determined by reference to the Alternate Base Rate will bear interest at (x) the greatest of (a) the administrative agent’s prime rate, (b) the federal funds effective rate plus 0.5% , or (c) the adjusted LIBO rate for a one-month interest period on such day plus 1.0% , plus (y) a margin ranging from 0.125% to 0.625% , adjusted on the basis of the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. Eurodollar borrowings will bear interest at the adjusted LIBO rate for the interest period in effect plus a margin ranging from 1.125% to 1.625% , adjusted on the basis of the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio. The interest rate on the outstanding borrowings under this credit facility as of December 31, 2015 range from 1.563% to 3.625% . Fees payable by the Company under the Credit Agreement include a letter of credit participation fee (equal to the margin applicable to Eurodollar borrowings), a letter of credit fronting fee with respect to each letter of credit ( 0.125% ) and a commitment fee on the available commitments of the lenders (a range of 25.00% to 30.00% based on the Company’s consolidated leverage ratio, which was 0.200% ). Interest expense, including amortization of the deferred origination costs and fees associated with the letters of credit under the Credit Agreement and the Preceding Credit Agreement, was approximately $3,726 , $1,662 , and $1,752 for the year ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Convertible Senior Notes 5.5% Convertible Senior Notes due 2021 In December 2011 and January 2012, the Company issued $200,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 2021 Notes. The 2021 Notes will mature on December 15, 2021 (the “Maturity Date”), unless earlier purchased by the Company or converted into shares of the Company’s common stock, par value $0.01 per share (the “Common Stock”). Prior to September 15, 2021 , the 2021 Notes will be convertible only in the following circumstances: (i) during any fiscal quarter, and only during any such fiscal quarter, if the last reported sale price of the Company’s Common Stock was greater than or equal to 130% of the applicable conversion price for at least 20 trading days (whether or not consecutive) during the 30 consecutive trading days ending on the last trading day of the previous fiscal quarter (the “Sale Price Condition”); (ii) during the five consecutive business day period following any five consecutive trading day period in which, for each day of that period, the trading price for the 2021 Notes was less than 98% of the product of the last reported sale price of the Company’s Common Stock and the applicable conversion rate on such trading day; or (iii) upon the occurrence of specified corporate transactions. On or after September 15, 2021, the 2021 Notes will be convertible at any time prior to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the Maturity Date. The conversion rate at December 31, 2015 is equal to 39.0769 shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of 2021 Notes, which corresponds to a conversion price of approximately $25.59 per share of Common Stock. The conversion rate is subject to adjustment upon the occurrence of certain events as set forth in the indenture governing the 2021 Notes. Upon conversion of the 2021 Notes, the Company will, at its election, pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of Common Stock, or a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock. As of December 31, 2015, the 2021 Notes were convertible under the Sale Price Condition. Upon the occurrence of a fundamental change (as defined in the indenture governing the notes) involving the Company, holders of the 2021 Notes will have the right to require the Company to repurchase their 2021 Notes for cash, in whole or in part, at 100% of the principal amount of the 2021 Notes to be repurchased, plus any accrued and unpaid interest, if any, to, but excluding, the fundamental change purchase date. During 2014, the Company entered into separate, privately negotiated exchange agreements under which the Company retired $131,881 in aggregate principal amount of its outstanding 2021 Notes in exchange for the issuance of 2044 Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $158,257 and the issuance of 2,731,727 shares (pre-split) of Common Stock. Please see the description of the 2044 Notes below. During 2015, $62,078 in aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Notes were converted under the Sales Price Condition for cash in the amount of $62,079 and the issuance of 1,270,539 shares (pre-split) of Common Stock. As a result of the conversion, the Company recorded a loss on extinguishment of debt in the amount of $5,271 during the year ended December 31, 2015 . As of December 31, 2015 , $6,041 in aggregate principal amount of the 2021 Notes remained outstanding. The Company separately allocated the proceeds for the issuance of the 2021 Notes to a liability component and an equity component, which is the embedded conversion option. The equity component was reported as an adjustment to paid-in-capital, net of tax, and is reflected as an original issue discount (“OID”). The OID of $41,679 and deferred origination costs relating to the liability component of $4,750 are being amortized into interest expense over the term of the 2021 Notes. After considering the contractual interest payments and amortization of the original discount, the effective interest rate of the 2021 Notes was 8.57% . Transaction costs of $1,250 associated with the equity component were netted in paid-in-capital. Interest expense, including amortization of OID and deferred origination costs, recognized on the 2021 Notes was $825 , $13,933 , and $14,476 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. 2.75% Convertible Senior Notes due 2044 As described above, during 2014, the Company entered into separate, privately negotiated exchange agreements under which the Company retired $131,881 in aggregate principal amount of the outstanding 2021 Notes in exchange for issuance of a new series of 2.75% 2044 Notes in an aggregate principal amount of $158,257 and the issuance of 2,731,727 shares (pre-split) of Common Stock. The Company also entered into separate, privately negotiated purchase agreements (the “Purchase Agreements”) to issue an additional $76,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2044 Notes for a price equal to 90% of their face value. The principal amount of the 2044 Notes accretes at a rate of 6% per year compounding on a semi-annual basis, until December 15, 2024. The accreted portion of the principal is payable in cash upon maturity but does not bear cash interest and is not convertible into shares of Common Stock. The 2044 Notes will mature on December 15, 2044 (the “Maturity Date”), unless earlier repurchased or redeemed by the Company or converted. On or before December 15, 2018, the 2044 Notes will be subject to redemption for cash, in whole or in part, at the Company’s option, provided the trading price of Common Stock equals or exceeds $97.50 (or 130% of the then applicable conversion price) for the required measurement period, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 2044 Notes to be redeemed, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. Thereafter, the 2044 Notes will be subject to redemption for cash, in whole or in part, at the Company’s option at a redemption price equal to 100% of the accreted amount of the 2044 Notes to be redeemed, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. In addition, holders of the 2044 Notes will have the right to require the Company to purchase their 2044 Notes for cash, in whole or in part, on December 15, 2024 or upon the occurrence of a fundamental change. In each such case, the repurchase price would be 100% of the principal amount of the 2044 Notes being repurchased, plus any accrued and unpaid interest. Prior to September 15, 2044, the 2044 Notes will be convertible only under the same circumstances described above for the 2021 Notes. On or after September 15, 2044, the 2044 Notes will be convertible at any time prior to the close of business on the second scheduled trading day immediately preceding the maturity date. The conversion rate at December 31, 2015 is equal to 13.3333 shares of Common Stock per one thousand principal amount of 2044 Notes, which corresponds to a conversion price of approximately $75.00 per share of Common Stock. Following certain corporate transactions that occur on or prior to December 15, 2018, or if the Company redeems the 2044 Notes on or prior to December 15, 2018, the Company will increase the conversion rate for a holder that elects to convert its 2044 Notes in connection with such corporate transaction or redemption. Upon conversion of the 2044 Notes, the Company will, at its election, pay or deliver, as the case may be, cash, shares of Common Stock or a combination of cash and shares of Common Stock. The 2044 Notes bear interest at a rate of 2.75% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrears on June 15th and December 15th of each year, beginning on June 15, 2015. Beginning with the six-month period starting December 15, 2021, holders of the 2044 Notes will receive contingent interest for certain periods if the trading price of the 2044 Notes is greater than or equal to 130% of the principal amount of the 2044 Notes. The amount of contingent interest payable per $1,000 principal amount of 2044 Notes in respect of any contingent interest period is equal to 0.25% of the average trading price of the 2044 Notes during the specified measurement period. Any contingent interest payable on the 2044 Notes will be in addition to the regular interest payable on the 2044 Notes. The 2044 Notes will rank pari passu with the Company’s existing and future senior unsecured debt, including the 2021 Notes that will remain outstanding. The 2044 Notes will be effectively subordinated to the existing and future secured indebtedness of the Company to the extent of the value of the collateral securing those obligations and structurally subordinated to the existing and future indebtedness of the Company’s subsidiaries. Each one thousand principal amount at maturity of 2044 Notes has an issue price of nine hundred for purposes of the indenture for the 2044 Notes. An amount equal to the difference between the issue price and the principal amount at maturity will accrue in accordance with a schedule set forth in the indenture. The issue price plus such accrued amount per one thousand principal amount at maturity of the 2044 Notes is referred to herein as the “accreted principal amount.” Pursuant to ASC 470-50 Debt - Modifications and Extinguishments , this exchange transaction is being accounted for as an extinguishment of debt because the terms of the two debt instruments are substantially different under the accounting rules. The Company retired $131,881 of the outstanding 2021 Notes with a carrying value of $110,346 and wrote-off unamortized debt issuance costs of $2,195 . The 2044 Notes issued as part of the exchange had a fair value of $117,982 , which resulted in a loss on the early extinguishment of debt of $9,831 in 2014. The Company separately accounts for the liability and equity components of its 2044 Notes in a manner that reflects the Company's nonconvertible debt borrowing rate when interest is recognized in subsequent periods. The Company measured the debt component of the 2044 Notes using an effective interest rate of 7.46% . Upon issuance of the 2044 Notes in December 2014, in accordance with accounting standards related to convertible debt instruments that may be settled in cash upon conversion, the Company recorded an OID of $53,374 , thereby reducing the initial carrying the value of the 2044 Notes from $210,831 to $157,457 and recorded an equity component net of tax of $34,693 . Interest expense, including amortization of OID and deferred origination costs, recognized on the 2044 Notes was $12,160 and $503 for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The following table shows the amounts recorded for the 2021 Notes and 2044 Notes as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : 2015 2014 (Amounts in Thousands) Outstanding Principal Unamortized OID Net Carrying Amount Outstanding Principal Unamortized OID Net Carrying Amount 2021 Notes $ 6,041 $ (851 ) $ 5,190 $ 68,119 $ (11,374 ) $ 56,745 2044 Notes 213,151 (50,069 ) 163,082 210,924 (53,245 ) 157,679 $ 219,192 $ (50,920 ) $ 168,272 $ 279,043 $ (64,619 ) $ 214,424 6.125% Notes due 2023 In August 2013, the Company issued $250,000 aggregate principal amount of its 2023 Notes to certain initial purchasers in a private placement. The 2023 Notes bear interest at a rate equal to 6.125% per year, payable semiannually in arrears on February 15th and August 15th of each year. The 2023 Notes will mature August 15, 2023 , unless earlier purchased by the Company. Fees associated with the Notes we approximately $2,740 . The indenture governing the Notes contains covenants whereby the interest rates will increase by 0.50% per year if the Company's consolidated leverage ratio exceeds 30% and does not exceed 35% and will increase an additional 1.00% per year (for an aggregate increase of 1.50% per year) if the consolidated leverage ratio exceeds 35% . The consolidated leverage ratio, as calculated under this agreement, was less than 30% as of December 31, 2015 . It is an event of default if the Company has a consolidated leverage ratio in excess of 35% for a period of 30 days, unless in connection with an acquisition, in which case the grace period is 18 months . The indenture governing the 2023 Notes also contains customary covenants, such as reporting of annual and quarterly financial results, and restrictions on certain mergers and consolidations, a limitation on liens, and a limitation on the disposition of stock of certain of the Company's subsidiaries. The 2023 Notes rank equally with existing and future unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness, including the Company's convertible senior notes and amounts under the Credit Agreement. Interest expense, including amortization of deferred origination costs, recognized on the 2023 Notes was approximately $15,587 , $15,587 , and $5,845 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Subordinated Debt 2035-2037 Notes The Company has established four special purpose trusts for the purpose of issuing trust preferred securities. The proceeds from such issuances, together with the proceeds of the related issuances of common securities of the trusts, were invested by the trusts in junior subordinated debentures issued by the Company. In accordance with FASB ASC 810-10-25, the Company does not consolidate such special purpose trusts, as the Company is not considered to be the primary beneficiary. The equity investment, totaling $3,714 as of December 31, 2015 on the Company’s consolidated balance sheet, represents the Company’s ownership of common securities issued by the trusts. The debentures require interest-only payments to be made on a quarterly basis, with principal due at maturity. The debentures contain covenants that restrict declaration of dividends on the Company’s common stock under certain circumstances, including default of payment. The Company incurred $2,605 of placement fees in connection with these issuances which is being amortized over thirty years . The Company recorded $6,641 , $8,100 and $8,099 of interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively, related to these trust preferred securities. The table below summarizes the Company’s trust preferred securities as of December 31, 2015 : (Amounts in Thousands) Name of Trust Aggregate Liquidation Amount of Trust Preferred Securities Aggregate Liquidation Amount of Common Securities Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Stated Maturity of Notes Per Annum Interest Rate of Notes AmTrust Capital Financing Trust I $ 25,000 $ 774 $ 25,774 3/17/2035 3.926 (1) AmTrust Capital Financing Trust II 25,000 774 25,774 6/15/2035 3.912 (1) AmTrust Capital Financing Trust III 30,000 928 30,928 9/15/2036 3.812 (2) AmTrust Capital Financing Trust IV 40,000 1,238 41,238 3/15/2037 3.512 (3) Total trust preferred securities $ 120,000 $ 3,714 $ 123,714 (1) The interest rate is three-month LIBOR plus 3.40% . (2) The interest rate is three-month LIBOR plus 3.30% . (3) The interest rate is three-month LIBOR plus 3.00% . The Company entered into two interest rate swap agreements related to these junior subordinated debentures, which effectively convert the interest rate on the trust preferred securities from a variable rate to a fixed rate. Each agreement is for a period of five years and commenced on September 15, 2011 for tranche III and March 15, 2012 for tranche IV. 7.25% 2055 Notes In June 2015, the Company issued $150,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 7.25% 2055 Notes through an underwritten public offering. The 7.25% 2055 Notes bear interest at an annual rate equal to 7.25% , payable quarterly in arrears on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing September 15, 2015. The 7.25% 2055 Notes mature on June 15, 2055 . The Company has the right to redeem the 7.25% 2055 Notes, in whole or in part, on June 18, 2020 , or on any interest payment date thereafter, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 7.25% 2055 Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of redemption. The 7.25% 2055 Notes are the Company’s subordinated unsecured obligations and rank (i) senior in right of payment to any existing and future junior subordinated debt, (ii) equal in right of payment with any unsecured, subordinated debt that the Company incurs in the future that ranks equally with the 7.25% 2055 Notes (including the 7.50% 2055 Notes discussed below), and (iii) subordinate in right of payment to any of the Company’s existing and future senior debt. In addition, the 7.25% 2055 Notes are structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness, liabilities and other obligations of the Company’s subsidiaries. The Company incurred $4,990 in deferred origination costs associated with the 7.25% 2055 Notes, which is being amortized over the term of the 7.25% 2055 Notes. Deferred origination costs are included in other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Interest expense, including amortization of deferred origination costs, recognized on the 7.25% 2055 Notes was $5,868 in 2015. 7.50% 2055 Notes In September 2015, the Company issued $135,000 in aggregate principal amount of its 7.50% 2055 Notes through an underwritten public offering. The 7.50% 2055 Notes bear interest at an annual rate equal to 7.50% , payable quarterly in arrears on March 15, June 15, September 15 and December 15 of each year, commencing December 15, 2015. The 7.50% 2055 Notes mature on September 15, 2055 . The Company has the right to redeem the 7.50% 2055 Notes, in whole or in part, on September 16, 2020 , or on any interest payment date thereafter, at a redemption price equal to 100% of the principal amount of the 7.50% 2055 Notes plus accrued and unpaid interest to, but not including, the date of redemption. The 7.50% 2055 Notes are the Company’s subordinated unsecured obligations and rank (i) senior in right of payment to any of the Company's existing and future junior subordinated debt, (ii) equal in right of payment with any of the Company's existing and future unsecured, subordinated debt that ranks equally with the 7.50% 2055 Notes (including the 7.25% 2055 Notes), and (iii) subordinate in right of payment to any of the Company’s existing and future senior debt. In addition, the 7.50% 2055 Notes are structurally subordinated to all existing and future indebtedness, liabilities and other obligations of the Company’s subsidiaries. The Company incurred $4,461 in deferred origination costs associated with the 7.50% 2055 Notes, which is being amortized over the term of the 7.50% 2055 Notes. Deferred origination costs are included in other assets on the accompanying consolidated balance sheet. Interest expense, including amortization of deferred origination costs, recognized on the 7.25% 2055 Notes was $2,939 in 2015. Secured Loan Agreements The Company, through a wholly-owned subsidiary, has a seven year secured loan agreement with Bank of America Leasing & Capital, LLC in the aggregate amount of $10,800 to finance the purchase of an aircraft. The loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 4.45% , requires monthly installment payments of approximately $117 through February 25, 2018 , and a balloon payment of $2,970 at the maturity date. The Company recorded interest expense of approximately $280 , $330 and $380 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively, related to this agreement. The loan is secured by the aircraft. The agreement contains certain covenants that are similar to the Credit Agreement. Additionally, subsequent to February 25, 2012 , but prior to payment in full, if the outstanding balance of this loan exceeds 90% of the fair value of the aircraft, the Company is required to pay the lender the entire amount necessary to reduce the outstanding principal balance to be equal to or less than 90% of the fair value of the aircraft. During 2013, the Company paid an additional $270 to reduce the outstanding principal balance as required by these terms. The agreement allows the Company, under certain conditions, to repay the entire outstanding principal balance of this loan without penalty. On August 29, 2014 , the Company entered into a five -year secured loan agreement with Key Equipment Finance, which was subsequently assigned to RBS Citizens Bank, in the aggregate amount of $30,500 to finance the purchase of an aircraft. The loan bears interest at a fixed rate of 2.27% per annum and requires monthly installment payments of approximately $538 through August 31, 2019 . The Company recorded interest expense of approximately $592 and $227 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The loan is secured by the aircraft. In September 2015, the Company, through a subsidiary, entered into a seven year mortgage agreement in the aggregate principal amount of $10,250 to finance the purchase of a building. The mortgage bears interest at an annual rate equal to 3.75% and matures on September 18, 2022 , with an option to extend the maturity date for an additional five years. The mortgage does not require monthly installments of principal until November 2017, but will require monthly principal payments thereafter. The final monthly payment will equal the then outstanding principal balance of the mortgage, together with all accrued and unpaid interest. The Company recorded interest expense of approximately $89 for the year ended December 31, 2015 . Promissory Notes In September 2012 , as part of its participation in the New Market Tax Credit Program discussed in Note 21. "New Market Tax Credit", the Company entered into two promissory notes totaling $8,000 . The loans are for a period of 15 years and have an average interest rate of 2.0% per annum. The Company recorded approximately $1,430 of deferred origination costs associated with the promissory notes. The Company recorded interest expense of approximately $344 , $312 , and $290 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively, related to the promissory notes. The Company assumed two promissory notes in 2013 totaling $6,500 as a result of its acquisition of Mutual Insurers Holding Company. The principal of these notes is due in 2034 and 2035. The notes require the payment of interest on a quarterly basis and have an interest rate of 3.8% plus the three months LIBOR per annum, which was 4.1% as of December 31, 2015 . The Company recorded $278 , $365 , and $210 of interest expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively, related to the promissory notes. Funds at Lloyd's Facility On November 24, 2015 , the Company and certain of its wholly-owned subsidiaries entered into an Amending and Restating Agreement ("Funds at Lloyd's Facility") relating to its existing £235,000 (or $346,296 ) credit facility agreement ("Preceding Credit Facility") dated November 25, 2014 with ING Bank N.V., London Branch and the Bank of Nova Scotia, London Branch. The amended and restated Funds at Lloyd's Facility increased the maximum amount of the letter of credit facility to £300,000 (or $442,080 ) to be used to support the Company’s capacity at Lloyd’s as a member and/or reinsurer of Syndicates 2526, 1206 and 44 for the 2016 underwriting year of account, as well as prior open years of account. ING Bank's commitment is £195,000 (or $287,352 ) and the Bank of Nova Scotia's commitment is £105,000 (or $154,728 ) under the Funds at Lloyd's Facility. Letters of credit issued and outstanding under the Preceding Credit Facility were deemed issued and outstanding under the amended and restated Funds at Lloyd's Facility. The terms and conditions under the Funds at Lloyd's Facility are substantially the same as those under the Preceding Credit Facility. The Funds at Lloyd's Facility contains customary covenants for facilities of this type, including restrictions on indebtedness and liens, limitations on mergers, transactions with affiliates and the sale of assets, and requirements to maintain certain consolidated net worth, statutory surplus, leverage and fixed charge coverage ratios. The Funds at Lloyd's Facility also provides for customary events of default, including, without limitation, failure to pay principal, interest or fees when due, failure to comply with certain covenants, any representation or warranty made by the Company being false or misleading in any material respect, default under certain other indebtedness, certain insolvency or receivership events affecting the Company and its subsidiaries, the occurrence of certain material judgments, or a change in control of the Company or its subsidiaries party to the Funds at Lloyd's Facility. Upon an event of default, the lender may immediately terminate its obligations to issue letters of credit, declare the Company’s obligations under the Funds at Lloyd's Facility to become immediately due and payable, and require the Company to deposit collateral with a value equal to 100% of the aggregate face amount of any outstanding letters of credit consisting of cash or other specified collateral including time deposits, certificates of deposit, money market deposits and U.S. government securities subject to varying advance rates. The facility is 35% secured by a pledge of a collateral account established in the United States pursuant to a pledge and security agreement and in the United Kingdom pursuant to a Deed of Charge dated as of November 26, 2013. In addition to upon an event of default as discussed above, the collateral account will be required to be 100% funded upon the occurrence of certain specified events, including the A.M. Best financial strength rating of the AII falling below A-, the forecast underwriting losses exceeding a certain level for any year supported by a letter of credit, or any non-extension notice is given with respect to any letter of credit. Fees payable by the Company under the Funds at Lloyd's Facility include a letter of credit issuance fee, payable quarterly in arrears, on the secured portion of the letters of credit at the rate of 0.50% and on the unsecured potion of the letters of credit determined based on the AII’s then-current financial strength rating issued by A.M. Best. As of December 31, 2015 , the applicable letter of credit fee rate on the unsecured portion was 1.15% based on the Company’s A.M. Best financial strength rating of “A”. The Company also pays a commitment fee of 0.35% per year on the aggregate unutilized and un-canceled amount of the facility, and a facility fee upon closing of 0.15% of the total aggregate commitment. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company had outstanding letters of credit of £295,365 (or $435,250 ) in place under the Funds at Lloyd's Facility. The aggregate unutilized amount under this facility was £4,635 (or $6,830 ) as of December 31, 2015 . The Company recorded total interest expense of $3,350 and $2,795 for the year ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, under the Funds at Lloyds Facility and Preceding Credit Facility. Interest expense recorded in 2013 was not material. Other Letters of Credit The Company, through one of its subsidiaries, has a secured letter of credit facility with Comerica Bank.The Company utilizes this letter of credit facility to comply with the deposit requirements of the State of California and the U.S. Department of Labor as security for the Company's obligations to workers' compensation and Federal Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act policyholders. The credit limit is for $75,000 , of which $48,467 was utilized as of December 31, 2015 . The Company is required to pay a letter of credit participation fee for each letter of credit in the amount of 0.40% . The Company, through certain subsidiaries, has additional existing stand-by letters of credit with various lenders in the amount

Reinsurance

Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Reinsurance	Reinsurance The Company structures its reinsurance programs by analyzing its tolerance for risk in each line of business and on an overall consolidated basis, based on a number of factors, including market conditions, pricing, competition and the inherent risks associated with each business type. The Company generally purchases reinsurance to reduce its net liability on individual risks and to protect against catastrophe losses and volatility. The Company retains underwriting risk in certain lines of business in order to capture a greater proportion of expected underwriting profits. The Company has chosen not to purchase any reinsurance on businesses where volatility or catastrophe risks are considered remote and policy limits are within its risk tolerance. The Company may purchase reinsurance on a proportional basis to cover loss frequency, individual risk severity and catastrophe exposure. The Company may also purchase reinsurance on an excess of loss basis to cover individual risk, severity and catastrophe exposure. Additionally, the Company may obtain facultative reinsurance protection on a single risk. The type and amount of reinsurance the Company purchases varies year to year based on its risk assessment, its desired retention levels based on profitability and other considerations, along with the market availability of quality reinsurance at prices the Company considers acceptable. Our reinsurance programs renew throughout the year, and the price changes in recent years have not been material to the Company's net underwriting results. The Company's reinsurance generally does not cover war or nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological terrorism risks. In its proportional reinsurance programs, the Company generally receives a commission on the premium ceded to reinsurers. This “ceding commission” compensates the Company's insurance companies for the direct costs associated with production of the business, the servicing of the business during the term of the policies ceded, and the costs associated with placement of reinsurance that benefits the proportional programs. In addition, certain of the Company's reinsurance treaties allow it to share in any net profits generated under such treaties with the reinsurers. Various reinsurance brokers may arrange for the placement of this reinsurance coverage on the Company's behalf and are compensated, directly or indirectly, by the reinsurers. The Company also places reinsurance with direct reinsurance markets and enters reinsurance relationships with third-party captives formed by agents and other business partners as a mechanism for sharing risk and profit. In order to reduce its exposure to reinsurance credit risk, the Company evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers and places its reinsurance with a diverse group of companies and syndicates that it believes to be financially sound. The Company carefully monitors the credit quality of its reinsurers when the Company places new and renewal reinsurance, as well as on an ongoing, current basis. The Company uses objective criteria to select and retain its reinsurers, including requiring minimum surplus of $500,000 and a financial strength rating of “A-” or better from A.M. Best Company, Inc. or Standard & Poor's Corporation. The Company approves exceptions to these criteria when warranted. The Company monitors its financial exposure to the reinsurance market and takes necessary actions in an attempt to mitigate its exposure to possible loss. The Company limits its liquidity exposure for uncollected recoverables by holding funds, letters of credit or other security, with the result that net balances due from reinsurers are significantly less than the gross balances shown in its consolidated balance sheets. The Company monitors the collectability of its reinsurance recoverables and records a reserve for uncollectible reinsurance when it determines an amount is potentially uncollectible. The Company's evaluation is based on its periodic reviews of its disputed and aged recoverables, as well as its assessment of recoverables due from reinsurers known to be in financial difficulty. In some cases, the Company makes estimates as to what portion of a recoverable may be uncollectible. The Company's estimates and judgment about the collectability of the recoverables and the financial condition of reinsurers can change, and these changes can affect the level of reserve required. Reinsurance Programs and Retentions The following tables provide a summary of the Company's primary reinsurance programs as of December 31, 2015 for the United States and internationally: (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 Domestic Reinsurance Programs Type of Reinsurance Retention Event Protection Coverage Workers’ Compensation, Excess of Loss $ 10,000 $ 570,000 100% of $560,000 Property, Quota Share $ 18,000 $ 20,000 10% of $20,000 Property, Per Risk Excess of Loss $ 2,000 $ 30,000 97% of $28,000 Property, Occurrence Excess of loss $ 20,000 $ 485,000 100% of $465,000 Surety, Excess of Loss $ 500 $ 20,000 70% of $19,500 Casualty/Professional, Excess of Loss $ 2,500 $ 40,000 92% of $38,500 Umbrella, Quota Share $ 1,500 $ 10,000 100% of $8,500 Equipment Breakdown, Quota Share $ — $ 100,000 100% of $100,000 (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 International Reinsurance Programs Type of Reinsurance Retention Event Protection Coverage Property, Per Risk Excess of Loss (AEL) $ 800 $ 4,800 100% of $4,000 Property, Occurrence Excess of Loss $ 7,500 $ 160,000 100% of $152,500 Property, Per Risk Excess of Loss (ATL) $ 800 $ 4,800 100% of 4,000 Surety, Excess of Loss and Quota Share $ 4,500 $ 45,000 100% of $41,500 Casualty, Excess of Loss $ 3,000 $ 20,000 100% of $17,000 Latent Defect, Excess of Loss $ 3,200 $ 40,000 100% of $36,800 Accident and Health, Excess of Loss $ 800 $ 32,000 100% of $31,200 Car Care, Excess of Loss $ 1,000 $ 105,000 97.5% of $104,000 Medical Malpractice, Quota Share $ 6,600 $ 11,000 40% of $11,000 Personal Accident, Excess of Loss $ 2,000 $ 50,000 100% of $48,000 Pecuniary Risks $ 5,000 $ 35,000 100% of $30,000 If the Company incurs catastrophe losses and loss settlement expenses that exceed the coverage limits of its reinsurance program, many of its property catastrophe programs have built in a fixed number of reinstatement of limits. For example, if the Company incurs a property catastrophe loss, it is required to pay the reinsurers a reinstatement premium equal to the percentage of the limit exhausted by the loss, multiplied by the amount of the original reinsurance premium. During the third quarter of 2007, the Company entered into a master agreement with Maiden, as amended, by which its Bermuda subsidiary, AII, and Maiden Reinsurance entered into a quota share reinsurance agreement, as amended (the “Maiden Quota Share”). For a description of this agreement, see Note 14. “Related Party Transactions.” The effect of reinsurance with related and unrelated companies on premiums and losses for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Amounts in Thousands) Written Earned Written Earned Written Earned Premiums: Direct $ 6,473,338 $ 5,994,848 $ 5,422,484 $ 4,816,607 $ 3,869,893 $ 3,308,136 Assumed 326,199 369,966 665,481 562,193 247,018 254,863 Ceded (2,539,479 ) (2,343,087 ) (2,131,347 ) (1,852,236 ) (1,551,238 ) (1,297,009 ) $ 4,260,058 $ 4,021,727 $ 3,956,618 $ 3,526,564 $ 2,565,673 $ 2,265,990 As of December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Amounts in Thousands) Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded Loss and LAE reserves $ 692,447 $ (2,643,443 ) $ 623,193 $ (2,149,444 ) $ 378,564 $ (1,739,689 ) Unearned premiums 167,409 (1,530,551 ) 211,177 (1,302,848 ) 103,878 (1,011,304 ) Loss and LAE expense incurred 352,362 (1,497,558 ) 424,754 (1,217,593 ) 91,109 (975,434 ) The Company continuously updates the reserves on these lines of business based on information available from the ceding insurers. During 2015 , the Company had $129,377 of commutations that were included in ceded reinsurance treaties. The commutation has no material impact on net income. During 2014 , the Company had no such commutations.

Related Party Transactions

Related Party Transactions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Text Block [Abstract]
Related Party Transactions	Related Party Transactions Significant Transactions with Maiden Holdings, Ltd. The Company has various reinsurance and service agreements with Maiden Holdings, Ltd. (“Maiden”). Maiden is a publicly-held Bermuda insurance holding company (Nasdaq: MHLD) formed by Michael Karfunkel, George Karfunkel and Barry Zyskind, principal stockholders, and, respectively, the Chairman of the Board of Directors, a Director, and the Chief Executive Officer and director of the Company. As of December 31, 2015 , our principal stockholders, Michael Karfunkel, Leah Karfunkel (wife of Michael Karfunkel and co-trustee of the Michael Karfunkel Family 2005 Trust (the "Trust")), George Karfunkel and Barry Zyskind, own or control approximately 6.1% , 7.5% , 2.3% and 4.4% , respectively, of the issued and outstanding capital stock of Maiden. Mr. Zyskind serves as the non-executive chairman of the board of Maiden’s board of directors. Maiden Reinsurance Ltd. ("Maiden Reinsurance"), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Maiden, is a Bermuda reinsurer. The following section describes the agreements in place between the Company and its subsidiaries and Maiden and its subsidiaries. Reinsurance Agreements with Maiden Holdings, Ltd. In 2007 , the Company and Maiden entered into a master agreement, as amended, by which the parties caused the Company’s Bermuda subsidiary, AII and Maiden Reinsurance to enter into a quota share reinsurance agreement (the “Maiden Quota Share”), as amended, by which AII retrocedes to Maiden Reinsurance an amount equal to 40% of the premium written for certain lines of business by the Company’s U.S., Irish and U.K. insurance companies (the “AmTrust Ceding Insurers”), net of the cost of unaffiliated inuring reinsurance (and in the case of the Company’s U.K. insurance subsidiary, AmTrust Europe Ltd. ("AEL"), net of commissions). AII also retrocedes 40% of losses. Certain business that the Company commenced writing after the effective date of the Maiden Quota Share, including the Company's European medical liability business discussed below, business assumed from Tower Group International, Ltd. ("Tower") pursuant to the cut-through quota share reinsurance agreement, and risks, other than workers’ compensation risks and certain business written by the Company’s Irish subsidiary, AmTrust International Underwriters Limited (“AIU”), for which the AmTrust Ceding Insurers’ net retention exceeds $5,000 is not ceded to Maiden Reinsurance under the Maiden Quota Share (ceded business defined as “Covered Business”). AII receives a ceding commission of 31% of ceded written premiums with respect to all Covered Business other than retail commercial package business, for which the ceding commission remains 34.375% . With regards to the Specialty Program portion of Covered Business only, the Company will be responsible for ultimate net loss otherwise recoverable from Maiden Reinsurance to the extent that the loss ratio to Maiden Reinsurance, which shall be determined on an inception to date basis from July 1, 2007 through the date of calculation, is between 81.5% and 95% (the “Specialty Program Loss Corridor”). For the purpose of determining whether the loss ratio falls within the Specialty Program Loss Corridor, workers' compensation business written in the Company's Specialty Program segment from July 1, 2007 through December 31, 2012 is excluded from the loss ratio calculation. The Maiden Quota Share was renewed through June 30, 2019 and will automatically renew for successive three -year terms unless either AII or Maiden Reinsurance notifies the other of its election not to renew no less than nine months prior to the end of any such three-year term. In addition, either party is entitled to terminate on thirty days’ notice or less upon the occurrence of certain early termination events, which include a default in payment, insolvency, change in control of AII or Maiden Reinsurance, run-off, or a reduction of 50% or more of the shareholders’ equity of Maiden Reinsurance or the combined shareholders’ equity of AII and the AmTrust Ceding Insurers. During 2015 , the Company had approximately $93,661 of commutations for ceded reinsurance treaties related to the Maiden Quota Share. The commutation has no material impact on net income. The Company, through its subsidiaries AEL and AIU, has a reinsurance agreement with Maiden Reinsurance by which the Company cedes to Maiden Reinsurance 40% of its European medical liability business, including business in force at April 1, 2011 . The quota share had an initial term of one year and was renewed through March 31, 2017. The agreement can be terminated by either party on four months’ prior written notice. Maiden Reinsurance pays the Company a 5% ceding commission, and the Company will earn a profit commission of 50% of the amount by which the ceded loss ratio is lower than 65% . The following is the effect on the Company’s results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 related to the Maiden Quota Share agreement: (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Results of operations: Premium written – ceded $ (1,899,148 ) $ (1,592,457 ) $ (1,150,394 ) Change in unearned premium – ceded 182,967 211,897 162,846 Earned premium – ceded $ (1,716,181 ) $ (1,380,560 ) $ (987,548 ) Ceding commission on premium written $ 564,156 $ 493,342 $ 330,186 Ceding commission – deferred (53,364 ) (88,271 ) (53,630 ) Ceding commission – earned $ 510,792 $ 405,071 $ 276,556 Incurred loss and loss adjustment expense – ceded $ 1,116,308 $ 885,362 $ 715,832 Note Payable to Maiden — Collateral for Proportionate Share of Reinsurance Obligations In conjunction with the Maiden Quota Share, as described above, the Company entered into a loan agreement with Maiden Reinsurance during the fourth quarter of 2007, whereby Maiden Reinsurance loaned to the Company the amount equal to AII's quota share of the obligations of the AmTrust Ceding Insurers that AII was then obligated to secure. The loan agreement provides for interest at a rate of LIBOR plus 90 basis points and is payable on a quarterly basis. Advances under the loan are secured by a promissory note and totaled $167,975 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . The Company recorded $1,865 , $1,797 and $1,852 of interest expense during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Effective December 1, 2008 , AII and Maiden Reinsurance entered into a Reinsurer Trust Assets Collateral agreement whereby Maiden Reinsurance is required to provide AII the assets required to secure Maiden’s proportional share of the Company’s obligations to its U.S. subsidiaries. The amount of this collateral as of December 31, 2015 was approximately $2,458,377 . Maiden retains ownership of the collateral in the trust account. Reinsurance Brokerage Agreement The Company, through a subsidiary, has a reinsurance brokerage agreement with Maiden. Pursuant to the brokerage agreement, the Company provides brokerage services relating to the Maiden Quota Share for a fee equal to 1.25% of reinsured premium. The Company recorded $24,130 , $19,896 and $17,498 of brokerage commission during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The brokerage commission was recorded as a component of service and fee income. Asset Management Agreement The Company, through a subsidiary, has an asset management agreement with Maiden Reinsurance, pursuant to which the Company provides investment management services to Maiden Reinsurance and certain of its affiliates. As of December 31, 2015 , the Company managed approximately $4,360,405 of assets related to this agreement. The asset management services fee is an annual rate of 0.20% for periods in which average invested assets are $1,000,000 or less and an annual rate of 0.15% for periods in which the average invested assets exceed $1,000,000 . As a result of this agreement, the Company recorded approximately $6,057 , $5,213 and $4,388 of asset management fees for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The asset management fees were recorded as a component of service and fee income. Significant Transactions with National General Holding Corp. The Company has an ownership interest in NGHC of approximately 12% . NGHC is a publicly-held specialty personal lines insurance holding company (Nasdaq: NGHC) that operates fifteen insurance companies in the United States and provides a variety of insurance products, including personal and commercial automobile, homeowners and umbrella, and supplemental health. NGHC's two largest stockholders are The Trust and Michael Karfunkel individually. Michael Karfunkel is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company and the father-in-law of Barry D. Zyskind, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company. The ultimate beneficiaries of the Trust include Michael Karfunkel’s children, one of whom is married to Mr. Zyskind. In addition, Michael Karfunkel is the chairman, president and chief executive officer of NGHC. In accordance with ASC 323-10-15, Investments-Equity Method and Joint Ventures , the Company accounts for its investment in NGHC under the equity method as it has the ability to exert significant influence on NGHC's operations. In August 2015, NGHC issued 11,500,000 common shares in a follow on public offering, which resulted in the Company reducing its ownership percentage in NGHC from approximately 13% to approximately 12% . As a result of the stock issuance, the Company recognized a gain on sale of its equity investment of approximately $9,271 , which is included in equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiary. Similarly in February 2014, NGHC issued approximately 13,600,000 common shares in a follow on Rule 144A offering, which resulted in the Company reducing its ownership percentage in NGHC from approximately 15% to 13 %. As a result of the stock issuance, the Company recognized a gain on sale of its equity investment of $14,712 , which is included in equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiary. In total, the Company recorded $25,385 , $28,351 and $11,566 of investment income during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively, related to its equity investment in NGHC. Master Services Agreement The Company provides NGHC and its affiliates information technology services in connection with the development and licensing of a policy management system. The Company provides the license at a cost that is currently 1.25% of gross premiums written of NGHC and its affiliates plus the Company’s costs for development and support services. The Company provides development services at a price of cost plus 20% . In addition, the Company provides NGHC and its affiliates printing and mailing services at a per piece cost for policy and policy related materials, such as invoices, quotes, notices and endorsements, associated with the policies the Company processes for NGHC and its affiliates on the policy management system. The Company recorded approximately $35,896 , $25,632 and $24,196 of fee income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively, related to this agreement. Additionally, the Company provided certain consulting services to NGHC related to Luxembourg-domiciled reinsurance entities in 2014, for which the Company received $1,057 for the year ended December 31, 2014. The fees for these services were recorded as a component of service and fee income. Asset Management Agreement A subsidiary of the Company manages the assets of certain of NGHC's subsidiaries, including the assets of reciprocal insurers managed by subsidiaries of NGHC, for an annual fee equal to 0.20% of the average aggregate value of the assets under management for the preceding quarter if the average aggregate value for the preceding quarter is $1,000,000 or less and 0.15% of the average aggregate value of the assets under management for the preceding quarter if the average aggregate value for that quarter is more than $1,000,000 . The Company managed approximately $2,383,391 of assets as of December 31, 2015 related to this agreement. As a result of this agreement, the Company earned approximately $2,676 , $2,006 and $1,725 of asset management fees for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The asset management fees were recorded as a component of service and fee income. 800 Superior, LLC The Company and NGHC each have a fifty percent ownership interest in 800 Superior, LLC ("800 Superior"), which owns an office building in Cleveland, Ohio. The cost of the building was approximately $7,500 . The Company has been appointed the managing member of 800 Superior. Additionally, in conjunction with the Company’s approximate 12% ownership percentage of NGHC, the Company ultimately receives 56% of the profits and losses of 800 Superior. As such, in accordance with ASC 810-10, Consolidation, the Company has been deemed the primary beneficiary and, therefore, consolidates this entity. NGHC has an office lease with 800 Superior under which it currently leases office space. The lease agreement is through 2027. NGHC paid 800 Superior approximately $2,593 , $2,056 , and $2,329 of rent for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. As discussed in Note 21. "New Market Tax Credit," 800 Superior, the Company and NGHC participated in a financing transaction related to capital improvements on the office building. As part of that transaction, NGHC and the Company entered into an agreement related to the payment and performance guaranties provided by the Company to the various parties to the financing transaction whereby NGHC has agreed to contribute 50% toward any payments the Company is required to make pursuant to the guaranties. 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC In 2015, the Company and NGHC each acquired a fifty percent ownership interest in 4455 LBJ Freeway, LLC ("4455 LBJ Freeway"), which owns an office building in Dallas, Texas. The cost of the building was approximately $21,050 . The Company has been appointed the managing member of 4455 LBJ Freeway. Additionally, in conjunction with the Company’s approximate 12% ownership percentage of NGHC, the Company ultimately receives 56% of the profits and losses of 4455 LBJ Freeway. As such, in accordance with ASC 810-10, Consolidation, the Company consolidates this entity. NGHC's portion of the net assets and earnings are recorded within non-controlling interest in the condensed consolidated financial statements. The Company recorded approximately $583 of service and fee income related to rent for the year ended December 31, 2015 . Significant Transactions with ACP Re, Ltd. ACP Re, Ltd. (“ACP Re”) is a privately-held Bermuda reinsurance holding company owned by the Trust. ACP Re operates 10 insurance companies in the United States and Bermuda as a result of its merger with Tower during the third quarter of 2014. The following section describes the agreements in place between the Company and its subsidiaries and ACP Re and its subsidiaries. Asset Management Agreement A subsidiary of the Company provides asset management services to ACP Re, Ltd. and certain of its subsidiaries at (i) an annual rate of 0.20% of the average value of the invested assets under management, excluding investment in AmTrust stock, for the preceding calendar quarter if the average value of such assets for the quarter was $1,000,000 or less, or (ii) an annual rate of 0.15% of the average value of invested assets under management, excluding investments in the Company's stock, for the preceding calendar quarter if the average value of such assets for the quarter was greater than $1,000,000 . The Company managed approximately $616,949 of assets as of December 31, 2015 . The Company recorded approximately $1,600 , $214 , and $238 for these services for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Agreements as a result of ACP Re / Tower Merger In January 2014, ACP Re, through a subsidiary, agreed to acquire 100% of the outstanding stock of Tower and merge with Tower on September 15, 2014 (the “Merger”). As a result of the Merger, the Company and ACP Re entered into the agreements and transactions described below, as well as an asset management agreement described above. Commercial Lines Master Agreement On July 23, 2014, the Company and ACP Re entered into the Amended and Restated Commercial Lines Master Agreement (the “Master Agreement”), which provides for the implementation of the various transactions associated with the acquisition of Tower by ACP Re pursuant to the Merger, including entering into the agreements described below, all of which became effective on September 15, 2014. In addition, the Master Agreement requires the Company to pay ACP Re contingent consideration in the form of a three year earn-out (the “Contingent Payments”), payable semi-annually on the last day of January and July, of 3% of gross written premium of the Tower commercial lines business written or assumed by the Company following the Merger. The Contingent Payments to be made by the Company are subject to a maximum of $30,000 , in the aggregate, over the three -year period. NGHC will pay contingent consideration to ACP Re on the same terms. As a result of entering into this agreement, the Company assigned a value of $25,200 to the renewal rights, $1,700 to goodwill, and $26,900 to the contingent consideration, which is recorded as a component of accrued expense and other liability. Commercial Lines Reinsurance Agreements TIC entered into the Commercial Lines Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement (the “CL Reinsurance Agreement”) with Tower’s ten statutory insurance companies (the “Tower Companies”) pursuant to which TIC will reinsure 100% of all losses under the Tower Companies’ new and renewal commercial lines business written after September 15, 2014. The ceding commission payable by TIC under the CL Reinsurance Agreement is equal to the sum of (i) reimbursement of the Tower Companies’ acquisition costs in respect of the business covered, including commission payable to AmTrust North America, Inc., a subsidiary of the Company (“ANA”), pursuant to the CL MGA Agreement described below, and premium taxes and (ii) 2% of gross written premium (net of cancellations and return premiums) collected pursuant to the CL MGA Agreement described below. The CL Reinsurance Agreement will remain in effect until termination of the CL MGA Agreement. As a result of the Master Agreement and CL Reinsurance Agreement, the Company generated approximately $397,545 and $133,424 of gross written premium during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, and, recorded approximately $376,199 and $41,429 of earned premium, and incurred approximately $244,000 and $27,000 of loss and loss adjustment expense during years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. In connection with the execution of the CL Reinsurance Agreement, the Commercial Lines Cut-Through Quota Share Reinsurance Agreement, dated January 3, 2014, between TIC and the Tower Companies whereby TIC, through a 100% quota share, reinsured at least 60% of the Tower Companies’ then in-force commercial lines policies and most new and renewal commercial lines business from January 3, 2014 forward, was terminated on a run-off basis, with the reinsurance of all policies reinsured under that agreement remaining in effect. During the year ended December 31, 2014 , the Company assumed approximately $475,038 of gross written premium, recorded approximately $386,609 of earned premium, and incurred approximately $224,961 of loss and loss adjustment expense related to the Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement. Additionally, the Company incurred approximately $91,502 of commission expense and $15,926 of unallocated claims expense during the year ended December 31, 2014 related to the Cut-Through Reinsurance Agreement. Commercial Lines MGA Agreement ANA produces and manages all new and renewal commercial lines business written by the Tower Companies pursuant to the Commercial Lines Managing General Agency Agreement (the “CL MGA Agreement”). As described above, all post-September 15, 2014 commercial lines business written by the Tower Companies will be reinsured by TIC pursuant to the CL Reinsurance Agreement. The Tower Companies pay ANA a 10% commission on all business written pursuant to the CL MGA Agreement and reimburse ANA for commissions payable to agents producing such business. All payments by the Tower Companies to ANA pursuant to the CL MGA Agreement will be netted out of the ceding commission payable by TIC to the Tower Companies pursuant to the CL Reinsurance Agreement. The CL MGA Agreement has a term of ten years. The Company recorded $3,210 and $1,751 of commission under the CL MGA Agreement during the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively. The commission income was recorded as a component of service and fee income. Commercial Lines Administrative Services Agreement ANA, the Tower Companies and CastlePoint Reinsurance Company, Ltd. (“CP Re”, a subsidiary of ACP Re) entered into the Commercial Lines LPTA Administrative Services Agreement (the “CL Administrative Agreement”) pursuant to which ANA administers the runoff of CP Re’s and the Tower Companies’ commercial lines business written prior to September 15, 2014 at cost. CP Re and the Tower Companies reimburse ANA for its actual costs, including costs incurred in connection with claims operations, out-of-pocket expenses, costs incurred in connection with any required modifications to ANA’s claims systems and an allocated portion of the claims service expenses paid by TIC to the Tower Companies pursuant to the CL Reinsurance Agreement. The CL Administrative Agreement will remain in effect until the first to occur of (i) the completed performance of all obligations and duties arising under the agreement, or (ii) mutual written consent. The Company charged ACP Re $34,869 for these services during the year ended December 31, 2015 , which were recorded as a reduction of salary and other expense. The charge to ACP Re in 2014 under this agreement was not material. Stop-Loss and Retrocession Agreements AII and National General Re, Ltd., a subsidiary of NGHC (“NG Re Ltd.”), as reinsurers, entered into a $250,000 Aggregate Stop Loss Reinsurance Agreement (the “Stop-Loss Agreement”) with CP Re. AII and NG Re Ltd. also entered into an Aggregate Stop Loss Retrocession Contract (the “Retrocession Agreement”) with ACP Re pursuant to which ACP Re will reinsure the full amount of any payments that AII and NG Re Ltd. are obligated to make to CP Re under the Stop-Loss Agreement. Pursuant to the Stop-Loss Agreement, each of the Company and NGHC will provide, severally, $125,000 of stop loss coverage with respect to the run-off of the Tower business written on or before September 15, 2014. The reinsurers’ obligation to indemnify CP Re under the Stop-Loss Agreement will be triggered only at such time as CP Re’s ultimate net loss related to the run-off of the pre-September 15, 2014 Tower business exceeds a retention equal to the Tower Companies’ loss and loss adjustment reserves and unearned premium reserves as of September 15, 2014, which the parties to the LPTA have agreed will be established upon reevalution as of December 31, 2015. CP Re will pay AII and NG Re Ltd. total premium of $56,000 on the five -year anniversary of the Stop-Loss Agreement. The premium payable by AII and NG Re Ltd. to ACP Re pursuant to the Retrocession Agreement will be $56,000 in the aggregate, less a ceding commission of 5.5% to be retained by AII and NG Re Ltd. The Stop-Loss Agreement and the Retrocession Agreement are accounted for under the deposit method of accounting. Credit Agreement The Company, AII, and NG Re Ltd. entered into a credit agreement (the “ACP Re Credit Agreement”) among the Company, as Administrative Agent, ACP Re and Tower, now a wholly-owned subsidiary of ACP Re, as the borrowers (collectively, the “Borrowers”), ACP Re Holdings, LLC, as Guarantor, and AII and NG Re Ltd., as Lenders, pursuant to which the Lenders made a $250,000 loan ( $125,000 made by each Lender) to the Borrowers. ACP Re used the proceeds of such loan to (i) finance the Merger, (ii) repay certain indebtedness of Tower and its related companies in connection with the Merger, and (iii) pay certain transaction costs and expenses incurred by the Borrowers in connection with the Merger. The loan issued pursuant to the ACP Re Credit Agreement has a maturity date of September 15, 2021 . Outstanding borrowings under the ACP Re Credit Agreement will bear interest at a fixed annual rate of 7% , payable semi-annually on the last day of January and July. Fees payable to the Company for its service as Administrative Agent include an annual fee equal to $30 , plus reimbursement of costs, expenses and certain other charges. The obligations of the Borrowers are secured by (i) a first-priority pledge of 100% of the stock of ACP Re and ACP Re’s U.S. subsidiaries and 65% of the stock of certain of ACP Re’s foreign subsidiaries, and (ii) a first-priority lien on all of the assets of the Borrowers and Guarantor and certain of the assets of ACP Re’s subsidiaries (other than the Tower Companies). The Borrowers have the right to prepay the amounts borrowed, in whole or in part. The Borrowers are required to prepay the amounts borrowed within thirty (30) days from the receipt of net cash proceeds received by ACP Re from (i) certain asset sales, (ii) the disposition of certain equity interests, (iii) the issuance or incurrence of certain debt, (iv) any dividend or distribution from Tower subsidiaries to ACP Re, (v) premiums and other payments received pursuant to the Retrocession Agreement, and (vi) any tax refunds, pension plan reversions, insurance proceeds, indemnity payments, purchase price adjustments (excluding working capital adjustments) under acquisition agreements, litigation proceeds and other similar receipts received by the Borrowers after the effective date of the ACP Re Credit Agreement, unless any of the foregoing proceeds (other than payments received pursuant to the Retrocession Agreement) are required for the ordinary course business operations of the Borrowers. The Borrowers are also required to deposit any excess cash flow (including payments under the Master Agreement) into a reserve account that also secures Borrowers’ obligations under the ACP Re Credit Agreement. Any funds in the reserve account after January 1, 2018 that exceed the amount of interest payable by the Borrowers for the remainder of the term of the ACP Re Credit Agreement must be applied by the Borrowers as a prepayment of principal under the ACP Re Credit Agreement. The ACP Re Credit Agreement contains certain customary restrictive covenants (subject to negotiated exceptions and baskets), including restrictions on indebtedness, liens, acquisitions and investments, dispositions, creation of subsidiaries and restricted payments. There are also financial covenants that require ACP Re to maintain minimum current assets, a maximum leverage ratio, and a minimum fixed charge coverage ratio. If ACP Re fails to comply with the leverage ratio or fixed charge coverage ratio covenants as of any measurement date, the Borrowers may cure such breach by making a capital contribution to ACP Re sufficient to bring the Borrowers into compliance. The ACP Re Credit Agreement also provides for customary events of default, with grace periods where appropriate, including failure to pay principal when due, failure to pay interest or fees within three business days after becoming due, failure to comply with covenants, breaches of representations and warranties, default under certain other indebtedness, certain insolvency, receivership or insurance regulatory events affecting the Borrowers, the occurrence of certain material judgments, certain amounts of reportable ERISA or foreign pension plan noncompliance events, a change in control of the Guarantor, any security interest created under the ACP Re Credit Agreement ceases to be in full force and effect, or if ACP Re defaults on its obligations under the Retrocession Agreement. Upon the occurrence and during the continuation of an event of default, the Company, as Administrative Agent, upon the request of any Lender, will declare the Borrowers’ obligations under the ACP Re Credit Agreement immediately due and payable and/or exercise any and all remedies and other rights under the ACP Re Credit Agreement. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014, the Company recorded $129,375 and $127,601 , respectively, of loan and related interest receivable as a component of other assets on the condensed consolidated balance sheet. The Company recorded total interest income of approximately $8,701 and $2,601 for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014, respectively, under the ACP Re Credit Agreement. Other Related Party Transactions Lease Agreements The Company leases office space at 59 Maiden Lane in New York, New York from 59 Maiden Lane Associates, LLC, an entity that is wholly-owned by Michael Karfunkel and George Karfunkel. The Company currently leases office space and the lease term is through May 2023. The Company paid approximately $1,894 , $1,880 and $730 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively, for this leased office space. The Company leases office space in Chicago, Illinois from 135 LaSalle Property, LLC, an entity that is wholly-owned by entities controlled by Michael Karfunkel and George Karfunkel. The lease term is through November 30, 2022. The Company paid approximately $597 , $444 and $480 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively, for this leased office space. Equity Investments In February 2015, the Company invested approximately $9,700 in North Dearborn Building Company, L.P. (“North Dearborn”), a limited partnership that owns an office building in Chicago, Illinois. NGHC is also a limited partner in North Dearborn, and the general partner is NA Advisors GP LLC (“NA Advisors”), an entity controlled by Michael Karfunkel and managed by an unrelated third party. The Company and NGHC each received a 45% limited partnership interest in North Dearborn for their respective $9,700 investments, while NA Advisors invested approximately $2,200 and holds a 10% general partnership interest and a 10% profit interest, which NA Advisors pays to the unrelated third party manager. North Dearborn appointed NA Advisors as the general manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the office building and pays NA Advisors an annual fee for these services. This investment is included within other investments and is accounted for using the equity method of accounting on a three month lag basis.The Company recorded $755 of income from this investment during the year ended December 31, 2015 . In August 2015, certain of the Company's subsidiaries invested approximately $53,715 in Illinois Center Building Company, L.P. ("Illinois Center"), a limited partnership that owns an office building complex in Chicago, Illinois. NGHC and ACP Re are also limited partners in Illinois Center, and the general partner is NA Advisors. The Company and NGHC each have a 37.5% limited partnership interest in Illinois Center, while ACP Re has a 15.0% limited partnership interest. NA Advisors holds a 10% general partnership interest and a 10% profit interest, which NA Advisors pays to the unrelated third party manager. Illinois Center appointed NA Advisors as the general manager to oversee the day-to-day operations of the office building and pays NA Advisors an annual fee for these services. This investment is included within other investments and is accounted for using the equity method of accounting on a three month lag basis. The Company recorded $1,292 of income from this investment during the year ended December 31, 2015 . These limited partnerships are considered variable interest entities ("VIEs"). Based on current accounting guidance, the Company is required to consolidate any VIEs in which it is deemed to be the primary beneficiary through having: (i) power over the significant activities of the entity, and (ii) having an obligation to absorb losses or the right to receive benefits from the VIE that are potentially significant to the VIE. The Company performed a primary beneficiary analysis on the aforementioned limited partnerships and determined the Company was not the primary beneficiary since it does not have power over the significant activities of the entity. The following table summarizes the Company's non-consolidated VIEs and presents the maximum exposure to los

Acquisition Costs and Other Und

Acquisition Costs and Other Underwriting Expenses	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Acquisition Costs and Other Underwriting Expenses	Acquisition Costs and Other Underwriting Expenses The following table summarizes the components of acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 : (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Policy acquisition expenses $ 457,943 $ 460,010 $ 244,461 Salaries and benefits 459,341 367,549 247,173 Other insurance general and administrative expense 62,218 29,364 41,528 $ 979,502 $ 856,923 $ 533,162

Share Based Compensation

Share Based Compensation	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Share Based Compensation	Share Based Compensation The Company's 2010 Omnibus Incentive Plan (the “Plan”), which permits the Company to grant to officers, employees and non-employee directors incentive compensation directly linked to the price of the Company’s stock, authorizes up to an aggregate of 14,630,136 shares of Company stock for awards of options to purchase shares of the Company’s common stock ("Stock Options"), restricted stock, restricted stock units (“RSU”), performance share units ("PSU") or appreciation rights. Shares used may be either newly issued shares or treasury shares or both. The aggregate number of shares of common stock for which awards may be issued may not exceed 14,630,136 shares, subject to the authority of the Company’s Board of Directors to adjust this amount in the event of a consolidation, reorganization, stock dividend, stock split, recapitalization or similar transaction affecting the Company’s common stock. As of December 31, 2015 , approximately 8,300,000 shares of Company common stock remained available for grants under the Plan. The Company recognizes compensation expense under FASB ASC 718-10-25 for its share-based payments based on the fair value of the awards. Compensation expense for all share-based payments under ASC 718-10-30 was approximately $22,763 , $19,114 and $11,186 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The Company has unrecognized compensation cost related to unvested stock options, restricted stock and non-vested RSU awards of approximately $39,111 , $36,882 and $23,857 as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. On December 15, 2015, the Company’s Board of Directors declared a two-for-one stock split on the Company’s common stock, payable in the form of a 100% stock dividend. On February 2, 2016, the dividend payment date, all options outstanding were adjusted by 100% and their respective exercise prices were reduced by 50% . The Company also adjusted outstanding RSUs, unvested restricted stock and PSUs for the split. Stock Options The Company grants stock options at prices equal to the closing stock price of the Company’s stock on the dates the options are granted. The options have a term of ten years from the date of grant and vest primarily in equal annual installments over the four years period following the date of grant for employee options. The Company uses the simplified method in determining the expected life. Employees have three months after the employment relationship ends to exercise all vested options. The fair value of each option grant is separately estimated for each vesting date. The fair value of each option is amortized into compensation expense on a straight-line basis between the grant date for the award and each vesting date. The Company has estimated the fair value of all stock option awards as of the date of the grant by applying the Black-Scholes-Merton multiple-option pricing valuation model. The application of this valuation model involves assumptions that are judgmental and highly sensitive in the determination of compensation expense. The following schedule shows all options granted, exercised, and expired under the Plan for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 : 2015 2014 2013 Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at beginning of year 3,868,740 $ 5.80 5,994,920 $ 5.25 7,351,552 $ 4.71 Granted 100,000 28.04 75,000 18.93 156,002 14.89 Exercised (1,109,712 ) 4.59 (2,184,240 ) 4.75 (1,494,544 ) 3.60 Forfeited (75,148 ) 9.17 (16,940 ) 3.52 (18,090 ) 4.45 Outstanding at end of year 2,783,880 $ 6.99 3,868,740 $ 5.80 5,994,920 $ 5.25 The weighted average grant date fair value of options granted was $11.31 , $8.07 and $4.35 during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , all option grants outstanding had an approximate weighted average remaining life of 3.0 and 3.4 years, respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , there were approximately 2,600,000 options and 3,600,000 options, respectively, with a weighted average exercise price of $5.86 and $5.24 , respectively, which were exercisable. The per share fair value of options was estimated at the date of grant based on the following weighted average assumptions for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 : 2015 2014 2013 Volatility 40.81 % 41.72 % 33.50 % Risk-free interest rate 1.97 % 2.62 % 1.01 % Weighted average expected lives in years 6.25 6.25 6.25 Dividend rate 1.84 % 1.77 % 1.67 % Forfeiture rate 0.50 % 0.50 % 0.50 % Expected Price Volatility - this is a measure of the amount by which a price has fluctuated or is expected to fluctuate. Risk-Free Interest Rate - this is the U.S. Treasury rate for the week of the grant having a term equal to the expected life of the option. An increase in the risk-free interest rate will increase compensation expense. Expected Lives - this is the period of time over which the options granted are expected to remain outstanding giving consideration to vesting schedules, historical exercise and forfeiture patterns. The Company uses the simplified method outlined in SEC Staff Accounting Bulletin No. 107 to estimate expected lives for options granted during the periods presented. Forfeiture Rate - this is the estimated percentage of options granted that are expected to be forfeited or canceled before becoming fully vested. An increase in the forfeiture rate will decrease compensation expense. Dividend Yield - this is calculated by dividing the expected annual dividend by the share price of the Company at the valuation date. An increase in the dividend yield will decrease compensation expense. The intrinsic value of stock options exercised during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 was $26,444 , $35,597 and $19,352 , respectively. The intrinsic value of stock options that were outstanding as December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $66,300 , $86,393 and $66,589 , respectively. The intrinsic value of stock options that were exercisable as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $64,705 , $83,371 and $64,730 , respectively. Cash received from options exercised was $4,907 , $10,589 and $5,387 during 2015 , 2014 and 2013 respectively. The excess tax benefit from award exercises was approximately $10,211 , $10,281 and $5,109 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively. Such benefits were recorded as a reduction of income tax payable and an increase in additional paid-in capital. Restricted stock, RSU and PSU The Company grants restricted shares, RSUs and PSUs with a grant date value equal to the closing stock price of the Company's stock on the dates the shares or units are granted. The restricted shares and RSUs vest over a period of one to four years, while PSUs vest based on the terms of the awards. A summary of the Company’s restricted stock and RSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is shown below: 2015 2014 2013 Shares or Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares or Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares or Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested at beginning of year 2,611,022 $ 16.70 1,834,030 $ 12.22 1,776,394 $ 10.43 Granted 476,942 29.27 1,804,716 19.60 582,860 15.59 Vested (1,200,800 ) 15.66 (995,068 ) 13.69 (524,062 ) 9.91 Forfeited (33,648 ) 20.95 (32,656 ) 16.60 (1,162 ) 14.65 Non-vested at end of year 1,853,516 $ 20.54 2,611,022 $ 16.70 1,834,030 $ 12.22 A summary of the Company's PSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is shown below: 2015 2014 2013 Shares or Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares or Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares or Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested at beginning of year 549,670 $ 19.42 318,906 $ 14.67 — $ — Granted 373,628 29.93 338,150 22.60 319,426 14.67 Vested (155,842 ) 18.86 (79,420 ) 14.67 — — Forfeited (14,990 ) 28.13 (27,966 ) 17.20 (520 ) 14.65 Non-vested at end of year 752,466 $ 24.58 549,670 $ 19.42 318,906 $ 14.67 PSUs are conditional grants of a specified maximum number of common shares. In general, grants are earned, subject to the attainment of pre-specified performance goals at the end of a pre-determined period. In addition, during the year ended December 31, 2014, 347,875 of pre-split PSUs were converted to restricted share awards based on achievement of certain performance targets.

Income Taxes

Income Taxes	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income Taxes	Income Taxes The provision for income taxes consists of the following for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 : (Amounts in Thousands) Income Tax Provision (Benefit) 2015 2014 2013 Current expense (benefit) Federal $ 84,581 $ 219,413 $ 49,565 Foreign 20,442 26,142 29,935 Total current tax expense 105,023 245,555 79,500 Deferred expense (benefit) Federal $ (55,029 ) $ (8,376 ) $ 13,741 Foreign 16,347 (183,493 ) 4,778 Total deferred tax expense (38,682 ) (191,869 ) 18,519 Total income tax expense $ 66,341 $ 53,686 $ 98,019 The following table is a reconciliation of the Company’s statutory income tax expense to its effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 : (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Income before equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries $ 551,478 $ 471,933 $ 367,046 Tax at federal statutory rate of 35% $ 193,017 $ 165,177 $ 128,466 Tax effects resulting from: Foreign rate differential Permanent adjustments (121,119 ) 9,171 (1,279 ) Tax rate differences (107,754 ) (115,513 ) (60,957 ) Adjustments to prior year taxes (80,089 ) (21,995 ) 28,494 Valuation allowance 170,043 — — Other, net 12,243 16,846 3,295 $ 66,341 $ 53,686 $ 98,019 Effective tax rate 12.0 % 11.4 % 26.7 % The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are shown below: (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carryforward $ 201,715 $ 101,230 Unearned premiums 138,751 117,922 Ceding commission 130,896 107,739 Loss and LAE reserves 100,545 49,583 Other 90,921 62,346 Unrealized loss on investments 35,943 — Bad debt 18,598 13,027 Deferred compensation 8,677 7,774 Total gross deferred tax assets 726,046 459,621 Valuation allowance (170,043 ) — $ 556,003 $ 459,621 Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred acquisition costs $ (317,606 ) $ (295,121 ) Equity results which cannot be liquidated tax free (52,305 ) (41,497 ) Intangible assets (51,724 ) (51,619 ) Depreciation (46,645 ) (31,350 ) Other (30,507 ) (16,790 ) Equalization reserves (11,151 ) (94,215 ) Accrual market discount (6,792 ) (3,123 ) Cash surrender value on insurance (2,106 ) (2,050 ) Unrealized gain on investments — (30,219 ) (518,836 ) (565,984 ) Deferred tax asset (liability), net $ 37,167 $ (106,363 ) The Company has U.S. Net Operating Losses (“NOLs”) of $24,356 that expire beginning in 2019 through 2033 . In addition, these NOLs are subject to certain limitations under Section 382 of the Internal Revenue Code due to changes in ownership of $1,723 per year. The Company also has foreign NOLs of $694,770 that currently have no expiration. The Company’s management believes that as of December 31, 2015, except for a portion of certain foreign NOLs, it will realize the benefits of its deferred tax assets, which are included as a component of the Company's net deferred income taxes on the consolidated balance sheets (net deferred tax asset is included in other assets on the consolidated balance sheets). The Company placed a valuation allowance on a significant portion of the foreign NOLs in 2015. The valuation allowance was the result of the current inability to generate sufficient future income in Luxembourg in order to fully utilize the NOLs incurred to date. Even though the NOLs do not have an expiration date, the Company determined that a valuation allowance should be placed on the portion that is unlikely to ever be utilized. As a result, the Company recorded a valuation allowance of $ 170,043 related to the foreign NOLs as of December 31, 2015. No valuation allowance was recorded as of December 31, 2014. The increase in the valuation allowance was primarily due to the decrease in equalization reserves attributable to the Company's Luxembourg reinsurance companies. Additionally, the Company had a return to provision during the third quarter of 2015 for approximately $80,000 , which resulted primarily from changes in permanent transfer pricing tax adjustments. The earnings of certain of the Company's foreign subsidiaries have been indefinitely reinvested in foreign operations. Therefore, no provision has been made for any U.S. taxes or foreign withholding taxes that may be applicable upon any repatriation or disposition. The determination of any unrecognized deferred tax liability for temporary differences related to investments in certain of the Company’s foreign subsidiaries is not practicable. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the financial reporting basis in excess of the tax basis for which no deferred taxes have been recognized was approximately $329,489 and $257,587 , respectively. The Company’s major taxing jurisdictions include the U.S. (federal and state), the United Kingdom and Ireland. The years subject to potential audit vary depending on the tax jurisdiction. Generally, the Company’s statute of limitation is open for tax years ended December 31, 2010 and forward. Listed below are the tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions: Open Tax Years United States 2012-2014 United Kingdom 2012-2014 Ireland 2010-2014 As permitted by FASB ASC 740-10 Income Taxes , the Company recognizes interest and penalties, if any, related to unrecognized tax benefits in its income tax provision. The Company does not have any unrecognized tax benefits and, therefore, has not recorded any unrecognized tax benefits, or any related interest and penalties, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 . No interest or penalties have been recorded by the Company for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 . The Company does not anticipate any significant changes to its total unrecognized tax benefits in the next 12 months.

Employee Benefit Plans

Employee Benefit Plans	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract]
Employee Benefit Plans	Employee Benefit Plans The Company sponsors multiple defined contribution pension plans, which are available to a majority of its employees. Contributions to these plans were based on a percentage of employee contributions or earnings. The cost of the Company's domestic plan was approximately $6,693 , $4,241 and $2,561 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The cost of the Company's European plans was approximately $5,167 , $6,167 , and $2,575 for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. The Company has a frozen defined benefit pension plan for one of its European subsidiaries, which covers approximately 300 participants and a defined benefit pension plan for one of its domestic subsidiaries, which covers less than 25 participants. The Company's obligation associated with these plans as well as the plans' impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity were immaterial for all periods presented.

Earnings Per Share

Earnings Per Share	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Earnings Per Share	Earnings per Share Effective January 1, 2009, the Company adopted ASC subtopic 260-10, Determining Whether Instruments Granted in Share-Based Payments Transactions Are Participating Securities . ASC 260-10 provides that unvested share-based payment awards that contain nonforfeitable rights to dividends or dividend equivalents, whether paid or unpaid, are participating securities and are to be included in the computation of earnings per share under the two-class method. The Company’s unvested restricted shares contain rights to receive nonforfeitable dividends and are participating securities, requiring the two-class method of computing earnings per share. The Company implemented a two-for-one stock split on February 2 , 2016. As such, the weighted average number of shares used for basic and diluted earnings per share have been adjusted retroactively in the periods presented. The following is a summary of the elements used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 : (Amounts in Thousands, except for earnings per share) 2015 2014 2013 Basics earnings per share: Net income attributable to AmTrust common stockholders $ 472,004 $ 434,276 $ 278,237 Less: Net income allocated to participating securities and redeemable non-controlling interest 352 1,217 431 Net income allocated to AmTrust common stockholders $ 471,652 $ 433,059 $ 277,806 Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic 165,166 150,288 148,556 Less: Weighted average participating shares outstanding 124 422 230 Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic 165,042 149,866 148,326 Net income per AmTrust common shares – basic $ 2.86 $ 2.89 $ 1.87 Diluted earnings per share: Net income attributable to AmTrust common stockholders $ 472,004 $ 434,276 $ 278,237 Less: Net income allocated to participating securities and redeemable non-controlling interest 352 1,217 431 Net income allocated to AmTrust common stockholders $ 471,652 $ 433,059 $ 277,806 Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic 165,042 149,866 148,326 Plus: Dilutive effect of stock options, convertible debt, other 3,318 9,168 7,642 Weighted average common shares outstanding – dilutive 168,360 159,034 155,968 Net income per AmTrust common shares – diluted $ 2.80 $ 2.72 $ 1.78 As of December 31, 2015 , there were less than 35,000 anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted earnings per share.

Stockholders' Equity

Stockholders' Equity	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Stockholders' Equity	Stockholders' Equity Issuances of Preferred Stock On June 10, 2013, the Company issued 4,600,000 shares of 6.75% Non-Cumulative Series A Preferred Stock (the “Preferred Stock”). Dividends on the Preferred Stock when, as and if declared by the Company’s Board of Directors or a duly authorized committee of the Board will accrue and be payable on the liquidation preference amount ( $25 ), on a non-cumulative basis, quarterly in arrears on the 15th day of March, June, September and December of each year (each, a “dividend payment date”), at an annual rate of 6.75% . During the year ended December 31, 2013, the Company paid dividends on the Preferred Stock in the amount of $3,989 . Dividends on the Preferred Stock are not cumulative. Accordingly, in the event dividends are not declared on the Preferred Stock for payment on any dividend payment date, then those dividends will not accumulate and will not be payable. If the Company has not declared a dividend before the dividend payment date for any dividend period, the Company will have no obligation to pay dividends for that dividend period, whether or not dividends on the Preferred Stock are declared for any future dividend payment. During any dividend period, so long as any shares of Preferred Stock remain outstanding, unless the full dividends for the latest completed dividend period on all outstanding shares of Preferred Stock have been declared and paid, no dividend shall be paid or declared on the shares of common stock. The shares of Preferred Stock have no stated maturity date and are redeemable in whole or in part at the Company’s option any time after June 10, 2018 at a redemption price of $25 per share plus any declared and unpaid dividends, without accumulation of any undeclared dividends. The holders of the Preferred Stock have no voting rights other than the right to elect up to two directors if dividends on the Preferred Stock are not declared and paid for six or more dividend periods. Holders of Preferred Stock have no right to convert the Preferred Stock into, or exchange Preferred Stock for, any other securities or property of the Company. Upon any dissolution, liquidation or “winding up” of the Company, holders of Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive out of the Company’s assets, whether from capital, surplus or earnings, and before any distribution of any assets is made on the Company’s common stock, the liquidation preference of $25 per share, plus unpaid dividends, if any, to the date fixed for distribution. Holders of Preferred Stock will be entitled to no further participation in any distribution made in conjunction with any dissolution, liquidation or “winding up.” On July 1, 2014 , the Company completed a public offering of 4,000,000 of its depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of its 7.25% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series B, $0.01 par value per share (the "Series B Preferred Stock"), with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share). Each depositary share entitles the holder to a proportional fractional interest in all rights and preferences of the Series B Preferred Stock represented thereby (including any dividend, liquidation, redemption and voting rights). Dividends on the Series B Preferred Stock represented by the depositary shares will be payable on the liquidation preference amount, on a non-cumulative basis, when, as and if declared by the Company’s Board of Directors, at a rate of 7.25% per annum, quarterly in arrears, on March 15 , June 15 , September 15 , and December 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2014 , from and including the date of original issuance. The Series B Preferred Stock represented by the depositary shares is not redeemable prior to July 1, 2019. After that date, the Company may redeem at its option, in whole or in part, the Series B Preferred Stock represented by the depositary shares at a redemption price of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share) plus any declared and unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods and accrued but unpaid dividends (whether or not declared) for the then current dividend period. On July 10, 2014 , the underwriters exercised, in part, their over-allotment option with respect to 200,000 additional depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of Series B Preferred Stock, on the same terms and conditions as the original issuance. A total of 4,200,000 depositary shares (equivalent to 105,000 shares of Series B Preferred Stock) were issued. Net proceeds from this offering, including the over-allotment, were $101,702 . In addition, the Company incurred $3,614 in underwriting discount and commissions and expenses, which were recognized as a reduction to additional paid-in capital. On September 16, 2014 , the Company completed a public offering of 3,200,000 of its depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of its 7.625% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series C, $0.01 par value per share (the "Series C Preferred Stock"), with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share). Each depositary share entitles the holder to a proportional fractional interest in all rights and preferences of the Series C Preferred Stock represented thereby (including any dividend, liquidation, redemption and voting rights). Dividends on the Series C Preferred Stock represented by the depositary shares will be payable on the liquidation preference amount, on a non-cumulative basis, when, as and if declared by the Company’s Board of Directors, at a rate of 7.625% per annum, quarterly in arrears, on March 15 , June 15 , September 15 , and December 15 of each year, beginning on December 15, 2014 , from and including the date of original issuance. The Series C Preferred Stock represented by the depositary shares is not redeemable prior to September 16, 2019. After that date, the Company may redeem at its option, in whole or in part, the Series C Preferred Stock represented by the depositary shares at a redemption price of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share) plus any declared and unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods and accrued but unpaid dividends (whether or not declared) for the then current dividend period. Net proceeds from this offering were $77,480 . In addition, the Company incurred $2,745 in underwriting discount and commissions and expenses, which were recognized as a reduction to additional paid-in capital. On March 19, 2015 , the Company completed a public offering of 6,600,000 of its depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of its 7.50% Non-Cumulative Preferred Stock, Series D, $0.01 par value per share (the "Series D Preferred Stock"), with a liquidation preference of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share). Each depositary share entitles the holder to a proportional fractional interest in all rights and preferences of the Series D Preferred Stock represented thereby (including any dividend, liquidation, redemption and voting rights). Dividends on the Series D Preferred Stock represented by the depositary shares will be payable on the liquidation preference amount, on a non-cumulative basis, when, as and if declared by the Company’s board of directors, at a rate of 7.50% per annum, quarterly in arrears, on March 15 , June 15 , September 15 , and December 15 of each year, beginning on June 15, 2015 , from and including the date of original issuance. The Series D Preferred Stock represented by the depositary shares is not redeemable prior to March 19, 2020. After that date, the Company may redeem at its option, in whole or in part, the Series D Preferred Stock represented by the depositary shares at a redemption price of $1,000 per share (equivalent to $25 per depositary share) plus any declared and unpaid dividends for prior dividend periods and accrued but unpaid dividends (whether or not declared) for the then current dividend period. On March 19, 2015 , the underwriters exercised, in part, their over-allotment option with respect to 700,000 additional depositary shares, each representing a 1/40th interest in a share of Series D Preferred Stock, on the same terms and conditions as the original issuance. A total of 7,300,000 depositary shares (equivalent to 182,500 shares of Series D Preferred Stock) were issued. Net proceeds from this offering, including the over-allotment, were $176,511 . In addition, the Company incurred $5,989 in underwriting discount and commissions and expenses, which were recognized as a reduction to additional paid-in capital. Issuance of Common Stock During 2015, the Company issued an aggregate of 8,450,000 of pre-split adjusted shares of common stock in two separate underwritten public offerings. Total proceeds received from these offerings were $487,087 . Fees and expenses related to the offerings were approximately $413 and was recorded as a reduction in additional paid-in capital. On December 15, 2015, the Company's stockholders approved an amendment to the Company's Amended and Restated Certificate of Incorporation to increase the Company's authorized number of shares of common stock from 150,000,000 shares (on a pre-split basis) to 500,000,000 shares. Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) The following tables summarize accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 : (Amounts in Thousands) Foreign Currency Items Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments Interest Rate Swap Hedge Net Benefit Plan Assets and Obligations Recognized in Stockholders' Equity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balance, December 31, 2012 $ (10,361 ) $ 77,605 $ (3,013 ) $ — $ 64,231 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 19,912 (138,902 ) 1,581 (2,257 ) (119,666 ) Amounts reclassed from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — 8,707 — — 8,707 Income tax benefit (expense) (6,969 ) 45,567 (553 ) 519 38,564 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 12,943 (84,628 ) 1,028 (1,738 ) (72,395 ) Balance, December 31, 2013 2,582 (7,023 ) (1,985 ) (1,738 ) (8,164 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification (26,706 ) 133,775 1,022 (1,623 ) 106,468 Amounts reclassed from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — (7,566 ) — — (7,566 ) Income tax benefit (expense) 9,348 (44,173 ) (358 ) 568 (34,615 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (17,358 ) 82,036 664 (1,055 ) 64,287 Balance, December 31, 2014 (14,776 ) 75,013 (1,321 ) (2,793 ) 56,123 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification (119,134 ) (177,618 ) 955 4,132 (291,665 ) Amounts reclassed from accumulated other comprehensive income — 4,918 — — 4,918 Income tax benefit (expense) 41,697 60,445 (334 ) (1,446 ) 100,362 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (77,437 ) (112,255 ) 621 2,686 (186,385 ) Balance, December 31, 2015 $ (92,213 ) $ (37,242 ) $ (700 ) $ (107 ) $ (130,262 ) During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , amounts reclassed from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) into net income were included in net realized gain on investment.

New Market Tax Credit

New Market Tax Credit	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
New Market Tax Credit [Abstract]
New Market Tax Credit	New Market Tax Credit In 2012, the Company's subsidiary, 800 Superior, LLC (an entity owned equally by the Company and NGHC), received $19,400 in net proceeds from a financing transaction the Company and NGHC entered into with Key Community Development Corporation (“KCDC”) related to a capital improvement project for an office building in Cleveland, Ohio owned by 800 Superior, LLC. The Company, NGHC and KCDC collectively made capital contributions (net of allocation fees) and loans to 800 Superior NMTC Investment Fund II and 800 Superior NMTC Investment Fund I LLC (collectively, the “Investment Funds”) under a qualified New Markets Tax Credit (“NMTC”) program. The NMTC program was provided for in the Community Renewal Tax Relief Act of 2000 (the “Act”) and is intended to induce capital investment in qualified lower income communities. The Act permits taxpayers to claim credits against their federal income taxes for up to 39% of qualified investments in the equity of community development entities (“CDEs”). CDEs are privately managed investment institutions that are certified to make qualified low-income community investments (“QLICIs”). In addition to the capital contributions and loans from the Company, NGHC and KCDC, as part of the transaction, the Investment Funds received, directly and indirectly, proceeds of approximately $8,000 through two loans originating from state and local governments of Ohio. These loans are each for a period of 15 years and have an average interest rate of 2.0% per annum. The Investment Funds then contributed the loan proceeds and capital contributions of $19,400 to two CDEs, which, in turn, loaned the funds on similar terms to 800 Superior, LLC. The proceeds of the loans from the CDEs (including loans representing the capital contribution made by KCDC, net of allocation fees) will be used to fund the capital improvement project. As collateral for these loans, the Company has granted a security interest in the assets acquired with the loan proceeds. The Company and NGHC are each entitled to receive an equal portion of 49% of the benefits derived from the NMTCs generated by 800 Superior Investment Fund II LLC, while KCDC is entitled to the remaining 51% . The NMTC is subject to 100% recapture for a period of seven years as provided in the Internal Revenue Code. During this seven years compliance period, the entities involved are required to be in compliance with various regulations and contractual provisions that apply to the NMTC arrangement. Non-compliance with applicable requirements could result in the projected tax benefits not being realized and, therefore, could require the Company to indemnify KCDC for any loss or recapture of NMTCs related to the financing until such time as the obligation to deliver tax benefits is relieved. The Company does not anticipate any credit recaptures will be required in connection with this arrangement. In addition, this transaction includes a put/call provision whereby the Company may be obligated or entitled to repurchase KCDC's interest in the Investment Funds in September 2019 at the end of the recapture period. The Company believes that KCDC will exercise its put option and, therefore, attributed an insignificant value to the put/call. The Company has determined that the Investment Funds are variable interest entities (“VIEs”). The ongoing activities of the Investment Funds - collecting and remitting interest and fees and NMTC compliance - were all considered in the initial design and are not expected to significantly affect economic performance throughout the life of the Investment Funds. When determining whether to consolidate the Investment Funds, Company management considered the contractual arrangements that obligate it to deliver tax benefits and provide various other guarantees to the structure, KCDC's lack of a material interest in the underlying economics of the project, and the fact that the Company is obligated to absorb losses of the Investment Funds. Also, the Company has an approximate 12% ownership interest in NGHC. The Company concluded that it was the primary beneficiary and consolidated the Investment Funds, as VIEs, in accordance with the accounting standard for consolidation. KCDC's contribution, net of syndication fees, is included as an accrued liability in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets. Direct costs incurred in structuring the financing arrangement are deferred and will be recognized as expense over the term of the loans. Incremental costs to maintain the structure during the compliance period are recognized as incurred.

Commitment and Contingencies

Commitment and Contingencies	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Commitments and Contingencies	Commitments and Contingencies Litigation The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are named as defendants in various legal actions arising principally from claims made under insurance policies and contracts. Those actions are considered by the Company in estimating the loss and LAE reserves. The Company’s management believes the resolution of those actions will not have a material adverse effect on the Company’s financial position or results of operations. Pending Acquisitions ARI Mutual Insurance Company In March 2015, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire ARI Mutual Insurance Company ("ARI") following the completion of the conversion of ARI to a stock company from a mutual company, which required regulatory and policyholder approval. ARI is an underwriter of commercial automobile insurance in New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Maryland. The acquisition closed in January 2016, at which time Company paid an aggregate purchase price of $23,800 for the stock of ARI. N.V. Nationale Borg-Maatschappij In August 2015, the Company entered into a definitive agreement to acquire N.V. Nationale Borg-Maatschappij and its affiliates ("Nationale Borg") from Egeria and HAL Investments for approximately €154,000 (or $167,275 as of December 31, 2015 ). Nationale Borg is a 120-year old, Amsterdam-based international direct writer and reinsurer of surety and trade credit insurance with business in over 70 countries. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the first half of 2016. Republic Companies, Inc In September 2015, the Company entered into agreements to acquire Republic Companies, Inc. and its affiliates ("Republic") from Delek Group Ltd. and Republic Insurance Holdings, LLC, for approximately $233,000 , which is subject to purchase price adjustments. The purchase price consisted of $112,000 in cash at closing, $16,000 in cash to be paid over five years and $105,000 in a note to be issued by the Company to Delek Group Ltd. bearing annual interest of 5.75% with a four year maturity and scheduled principal payments to be made over the term of the note. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in the first half of 2016. Genworth Financial Mortgage Insurance Limited In October 2015, the Company entered into an agreement to acquire Genworth Financial Mortgage Insurance Limited ("GFMI") for approximately $60,000 in cash. Based in the U.K., GFMI operates in the European mortgage insurance market, currently providing products in the U.K., Finland, Italy and Germany. The acquisition is subject to regulatory approval and customary closing conditions and is expected to close during the first quarter of 2016. Lease Commitments The Company is obligated under approximately 103 leases for office space expiring at various dates through 2023 . Future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2015 under non-cancellable operating leases for each of the next five years are approximately as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) 2016 $ 19,926 2017 17,145 2018 14,214 2019 11,765 2020 10,690 2021 and Thereafter 18,169 $ 91,909 Rent expense for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was $20,336 , $16,314 and $15,568 , respectively. Employment Agreements The Company has employment agreements with approximately 40 of its key executives and employees. The agreements terminate on varying dates through 2019 , contain annual minimum levels of compensation, and contain bonuses based on the Company’s achieving certain financial targets. The annual future minimums in the aggregate are as follows through 2019 : (Amounts in Thousands) 2016 $ 12,378 2017 5,497 2018 1,760 2019 225 $ 19,860

Statutory Financial Data, Risk

Statutory Financial Data, Risk Based Capital and Dividend Restrictions	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Statutory Financial Data, Risk Based Capital and Dividend Restrictions	Statutory Financial Data, Risk Based Capital and Dividend Restrictions The Company’s insurance subsidiaries file financial statements in accordance with statutory accounting practices (“SAP”) prescribed or permitted by domestic or foreign insurance regulatory authorities. The differences between statutory financial statements and financial statements prepared in accordance with GAAP vary between domestic and foreign jurisdictions. The principal differences relate to (1) acquisition costs incurred in connection with acquiring new business which are charged to expense under SAP but under GAAP are deferred and amortized as the related premiums are earned; (2) limitation on net deferred tax assets created by the tax effects of temporary differences; (3) unpaid losses and loss expense, and unearned premium reserves are presented gross of reinsurance with a corresponding asset recorded; and (4) fixed maturity portfolios that are carried at fair value and changes in fair value are reflected directly in unassigned surplus, net of related deferred taxes. Property and casualty insurance companies in the United States are subject to certain Risk-Based Capital (“RBC”) requirements as specified by the National Association of Insurance Commissioners ("NAIC"). Under such requirements, the amount of statutory capital and surplus maintained by a property and casualty insurance company is to be determined on various risk factors. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the statutory capital and surplus of all of the Company’s insurance subsidiaries domiciled in the United States exceeded the RBC requirements. Statutory capital and surplus and required statutory capital and surplus for the Company's seventeen insurance subsidiaries domiciled in the United States and five major foreign insurance subsidiaries as reported to respective regulatory authorities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were approximately as follows: 2015 2014 (Amounts in Thousands) Statutory Capital and Surplus Required Statutory Capital and Surplus (1) Statutory Capital and Surplus Required Statutory Capital and Surplus (1) TIC (domestic) $ 478,727 $ 246,708 $ 479,437 $ 178,941 RIC (domestic) 86,730 41,568 82,350 31,082 WIC (domestic) 333,516 178,904 215,530 125,810 AIIC (domestic) 69,423 24,905 74,014 17,416 SNIC (domestic) 149,542 67,481 125,735 50,824 MCIC (domestic) 22,227 7,201 17,713 5,287 AICK (domestic) 24,692 8,057 19,304 6,752 SIC (domestic) 70,765 13,774 79,475 15,231 SID (domestic) 9,907 776 9,799 665 SPIC (domestic) (2) 27,965 12,611 FNIC (domestic) 22,712 6,996 36,104 7,736 DSIC (domestic) 90,008 9,077 82,243 11,361 ICC (domestic) 15,543 1,430 20,699 528 ATIC (domestic) 10,025 500 10,538 500 COIC (domestic) 39,588 8,604 29,010 8,424 CPIC (domestic) (2) 56,828 4,640 HIC (domestic) (2) 38,936 5,960 AEL (United Kingdom) 284,673 68,944 290,916 62,925 AIU (Ireland) 200,340 58,542 195,208 37,865 AII (Bermuda) 574,150 345,103 679,967 244,509 AILSA (Luxembourg) 5,396 3,700 6,874 6,526 MIC (United Kingdom) 132,373 21,245 130,169 20,122 (1) For the Company's U.S. insurance companies and AIU, except ATIC, the amount is equal to the Regulatory Action Level ("RAL") as defined by NAIC or the minimum amount required to avoid regulatory oversight. For AEL, MIC, AII and AISLA, the amount is equal to the minimum capital required by their respective country's regulatory authority. For ATIC, the amount is equal to the minimum capital required by the regulatory authority in its state of domicile. (2) As these entities were acquired in 2015, the 2014 information is not presented. Statutory net income for the Company's seventeen insurance subsidiaries domiciled in the United States and five major foreign insurance subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 as reported to respective regulatory authorities were approximately as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 2013 TIC (domestic) $ 278 $ 21,418 $ 16,614 RIC (domestic) 1,856 9,440 8,158 WIC (domestic) 13,095 14,150 21,447 AIIC (domestic) 5,610 8,297 12,810 SNIC (domestic) (1) 40,527 30,668 14,368 MCIC (domestic) 5,861 3,226 1,671 AICK (domestic) 5,562 4,081 3,413 SIC (domestic) 872 9,535 4,464 SID (domestic) 95 35 634 SPIC (domestic) (2) (1,959 ) FNIC (domestic) (287 ) (1,186 ) (4,596 ) DSIC (domestic) (2) 17,445 4,124 ICC (domestic) (2) (315 ) 1,565 ATIC (domestic) (2) (488 ) (664 ) COIC (domestic) (2) 11,265 (946 ) CPIC (domestic) (2) 5,864 HIC (domestic) (2) 219 AEL (United Kingdom) 18,583 56,766 50,452 AIU (Ireland) 25,572 50,697 34,223 AII (Bermuda) (16,019 ) 78,142 5,282 AILSA (Luxembourg) 2 207 (27 ) MIC (United Kingdom) 13,068 28,856 7,515 (1) In December 2015, AmTrust Lloyd's Insurance Company of Texas ("ALIC") merged into SNIC. As a result, the statutory net income of SNIC reported for 2014 and 2013 included the respective statutory net income of ALIC. (2) Information is presented only for years the subsidiaries were owned by the Company. The amounts reported in year of acquisition are for the entire year and do not represent the statutory net income for the period of ownership. The Company’s insurance subsidiaries are subject to statutory and regulatory restrictions applicable to insurance companies, and imposed by the states of domicile, which limit the amount of cash dividends or distributions that they may pay to approximately $621,606 and $844,037 as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , respectively. During 2015, 2014 and 2013, the Company received a dividend of approximately $63,649 , $7,400 and $6,900 , respectively, from one of its subsidiaries. In addition to the restrictions on the insurance subsidiaries, there are also restrictions in the parent company's debt instruments, which require dividends to be limited to an amount that, after giving immediate effect to such dividend payments on a pro forma basis, would allow the Company to remain in compliance with its debt covenants. There were no other material restrictions on net assets in place as of December 31, 2015. Accordingly, the total amount of unrestricted net assets for consolidated subsidiaries as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 was $621,606 and $844,037 , respectively.

Geographic Information

Geographic Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Geographic Information	Geographic Information Five of the Company’s major insurance subsidiaries (AEL, AII, AIU, ATL and MIC) operate outside the United States. Their assets and liabilities are located principally in the countries where the insurance risks are written or assumed. For 2015 , 19% of the Company’s gross written premiums related to foreign risks, of which 44% were written from the United Kingdom. For 2014 and 2013 , 21% and 27% , respectively, of the Company's gross written premiums related to foreign risks, of which 43% and 42% , respectively, were written from the United Kingdom, respectively. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , approximately 38% and 45% , respectively, of the Company's consolidated assets were located outside the United States. For the years ended 2015 , 2014 and 2013 , approximately 58% , 66% and 83% , respectively, of the consolidated revenues earned by the Company were located in or derived from foreign countries. The domestic and foreign components of Income before income tax and equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Domestic $ 507,874 $ 267,486 $ 243,566 Foreign 43,604 204,447 123,480 $ 551,478 $ 471,933 $ 367,046 The following table summarizes the Company’s operations by major geographic segment: (Amounts in Thousands) Domestic Bermuda Other Foreign December 31, 2015: Revenue $ 1,981,770 $ 1,649,144 $ 1,033,426 Property and equipment 249,123 23 32,310 December 31, 2014: Revenue $ 1,394,497 $ 1,417,781 $ 1,272,053 Property and equipment 143,027 — 11,148 December 31, 2013: Revenue $ 468,980 $ 1,600,809 $ 628,106 Property and equipment 95,689 — 8,610

Segments

Segments	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Segments	Segments The Company currently operates three business segments, Small Commercial Business; Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty; and Specialty Program. The “Corporate & Other” segment represents the activities of the holding company as well as a portion of service and fee revenue. In determining total assets (excluding cash and invested assets) by segment, the Company identifies those assets that are attributable to a particular segment such as deferred acquisition cost, reinsurance recoverable, goodwill, intangible assets and prepaid reinsurance while the remaining assets are allocated based on gross written premium by segment. In determining cash and invested assets by segment, the Company matches certain identifiable liabilities such as unearned premium and loss and loss adjustment expense reserves by segment. The remaining cash and invested assets are then allocated based on gross written premium by segment. Investment income and realized gains (losses) are determined by calculating an overall annual return on cash and invested assets and applying that overall return to the cash and invested assets by segment. Ceding commission revenue is allocated to each segment based on that segment’s proportionate share of the Company’s overall acquisition costs. Interest expense is allocated based on gross written premium by segment. Income taxes are allocated on a pro-rata basis based on the Company’s effective tax rate. Additionally, management reviews the performance of underwriting income in assessing the performance of and making decisions regarding the allocation of resources to the segments. Underwriting income excludes, primarily, service and fee revenue, investment income and other revenues, other expenses, interest expense and income taxes. Management believes that providing this information in this manner is essential to providing Company’s stockholders with an understanding of the Company’s business and operating performance. During the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , the Company’s Specialty Program segment derived over ten percent of its total revenue from one broker. In addition, during the years ended December 31, 2014 and 2013, the Company’s Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty segment derived over ten percent of its total revenue from one broker. The following tables summarize business segments as follows for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : (Amounts in Thousands) Small Commercial Business Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty Specialty Program Corporate and Other Total Year Ended December 31, 2015: Gross written premium $ 3,320,650 $ 2,158,921 $ 1,319,966 $ — $ 6,799,537 Net written premium $ 1,932,100 $ 1,450,817 $ 877,141 $ — $ 4,260,058 Change in unearned premium (45,220 ) (145,781 ) (47,330 ) — (238,331 ) Net earned premium 1,886,880 1,305,036 829,811 — 4,021,727 Loss and loss adjustment expense (1,234,089 ) (882,306 ) (565,813 ) — (2,682,208 ) Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses (485,909 ) (265,154 ) (228,439 ) — (979,502 ) (1,719,998 ) (1,147,460 ) (794,252 ) — (3,661,710 ) Underwriting income 166,882 157,576 35,559 — 360,017 Service and fee income 101,302 294,546 2,023 80,335 478,206 Investment income and realized gain 72,796 59,035 32,521 55 164,407 Other expenses (227,948 ) (148,201 ) (90,610 ) — (466,759 ) Interest expense including loss on extinguishment of debt (26,041 ) (16,931 ) (10,351 ) — (53,323 ) Foreign currency gain — 43,260 — — 43,260 Gain on investment in life settlement contracts net of profit commission 9,691 6,301 3,852 — 19,844 Acquisition gain on purchase 5,826 — — — 5,826 (Provision) benefit for income taxes (11,790 ) (45,493 ) 3,106 (12,164 ) (66,341 ) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries – related party — — — 25,385 25,385 Net income $ 90,718 $ 350,093 $ (23,900 ) $ 93,611 $ 510,522 (Amounts in Thousands) Small Commercial Business Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty Specialty Program Corporate and Other Total Year Ended December 31, 2014: Gross written premium $ 2,999,714 $ 1,983,052 $ 1,105,199 $ — $ 6,087,965 Net written premium $ 1,882,383 $ 1,333,747 $ 740,488 $ — $ 3,956,618 Change in unearned premium (275,578 ) (101,509 ) (61,876 ) 8,909 (430,054 ) Net earned premium 1,606,805 1,232,238 678,612 8,909 3,526,564 Loss and loss adjustment expense (1,055,521 ) (817,780 ) (456,422 ) (12,896 ) (2,342,619 ) Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses (416,965 ) (253,794 ) (183,541 ) (2,623 ) (856,923 ) (1,472,486 ) (1,071,574 ) (639,963 ) (15,519 ) (3,199,542 ) Underwriting income 134,319 160,664 38,649 (6,610 ) 327,022 Service and fee income 95,430 253,220 428 60,665 409,743 Investment income and realized gain 62,810 56,852 27,994 368 148,024 Other expenses (215,002 ) (142,134 ) (79,214 ) — (436,350 ) Interest expense (27,439 ) (18,139 ) (10,110 ) — (55,688 ) Foreign currency loss — 60,245 — — 60,245 Gain on investment in life settlement contracts net of profit commission 6,064 4,008 2,234 — 12,306 Gain on sale of subsidiary 6,631 — — — 6,631 Acquisition gain on purchase — — — — — (Provision) benefit for income taxes (6,741 ) (40,211 ) 2,148 (8,882 ) (53,686 ) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries – related party — — — 28,351 28,351 Net income $ 56,072 $ 334,505 $ (17,871 ) $ 73,892 $ 446,598 (Amounts in Thousands) Small Commercial Business Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty Specialty Program Corporate and Other Total Year Ended December 31, 2013: Total gross written premium $ 1,659,980 $ 1,511,649 $ 879,455 $ 65,827 $ 4,116,911 Net written premium $ 935,313 $ 944,081 $ 620,452 $ 65,827 $ 2,565,673 Change in unearned premium (101,501 ) (132,244 ) (100,081 ) 34,143 (299,683 ) Net earned premium 833,812 811,837 520,371 99,970 2,265,990 Loss and loss adjustment expense (548,598 ) (545,516 ) (355,067 ) (68,180 ) (1,517,361 ) Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses (212,824 ) (151,188 ) (138,650 ) (30,500 ) (533,162 ) (761,422 ) (696,704 ) (493,717 ) (98,680 ) (2,050,523 ) Underwriting income 72,390 115,133 26,654 1,290 215,467 Service and fee income 87,519 191,941 114 51,985 331,559 Investment income and realized gain 34,665 46,304 18,464 913 100,346 Other expenses (117,583 ) (107,076 ) (62,295 ) (4,663 ) (291,617 ) Interest expense (13,987 ) (12,738 ) (7,411 ) (555 ) (34,691 ) Foreign currency loss — (6,533 ) — — (6,533 ) Gain on investment in life settlement contracts net of profit commission 1,532 1,395 812 61 3,800 Acquisition gain on purchase 23,183 25,532 — — 48,715 Provision (benefit) for income taxes (24,389 ) (64,281 ) 5,989 (15,338 ) (98,019 ) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries – related party $ — $ — $ — $ 11,566 $ 11,566 Net income $ 63,330 $ 189,677 $ (17,673 ) $ 45,259 $ 280,593 The following tables summarize net earned premium by major line of business, by segment, for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : (Amounts in Thousands) Small Commercial Business Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty Specialty Program Corporate and Other Total Year Ended December 31, 2015: Workers' compensation $ 1,278,509 $ — $ 337,279 $ — $ 1,615,788 Warranty — 623,432 — — 623,432 Other liability 50,578 139,463 196,379 — 386,420 Commercial auto and liability, physical damage 282,593 17,248 141,075 — 440,916 Medical malpractice — 161,767 — — 161,767 Other 275,200 363,126 155,078 — 793,404 Total net earned premium $ 1,886,880 $ 1,305,036 $ 829,811 $ — $ 4,021,727 Year Ended December 31, 2014: Workers' compensation $ 1,061,130 $ — $ 260,756 $ — $ 1,321,886 Warranty — 433,710 234 — 433,944 Other liability 98,846 198,505 127,364 — 424,715 Commercial auto and liability, physical damage 162,377 25,255 116,528 1,563 305,723 Medical malpractice — 176,608 — — 176,608 Other 284,452 398,160 173,730 7,346 863,688 Total net earned premium $ 1,606,805 $ 1,232,238 $ 678,612 $ 8,909 $ 3,526,564 Year Ended December 31, 2013: Workers' compensation $ 665,087 $ — $ 166,071 $ — $ 831,158 Warranty — 397,978 1,952 — 399,930 Other liability 37,308 108,018 125,827 7 271,160 Commercial auto and liability, physical damage 51,623 13,631 108,962 8,612 182,828 Medical malpractice — 191,217 — — 191,217 Other 79,794 100,993 117,559 91,351 389,697 Total net earned premium $ 833,812 $ 811,837 $ 520,371 $ 99,970 $ 2,265,990 The following tables summarize total assets and long lived assets, by segment, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : (Amounts in Thousands) Small Commercial Business Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty Specialty Program Corporate and other Total As of December 31, 2015: Fixed assets $ 137,453 $ 89,365 $ 54,638 $ — $ 281,456 Goodwill and intangible assets 277,237 447,055 75,753 — 800,045 Total assets 7,790,429 6,378,545 2,940,252 2,406 17,111,632 As of December 31, 2014: Fixed assets $ 75,966 $ 50,220 $ 27,989 $ — $ 154,175 Goodwill and intangible assets 285,583 348,216 33,882 — 667,681 Total assets 6,142,645 5,441,378 2,248,901 14,444 13,847,368

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaud

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)	Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations: 2015 (Amounts in Thousands) March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, Earned premium $ 949,377 $ 968,970 $ 1,045,408 $ 1,057,972 Investment income 34,573 36,283 40,425 45,009 Total revenue 1,112,489 1,110,348 1,229,658 1,211,845 Loss and loss adjustment expense 613,283 638,475 709,604 720,846 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expense 231,676 238,710 258,016 251,100 Other expense 98,457 98,130 116,900 153,272 Provision for income taxes 46,812 4,472 (12,649 ) 27,706 Net income 164,148 80,733 193,008 72,633 Income attributable to Common Stockholders 154,696 70,748 182,708 63,852 Comprehensive income 101,594 33,190 178,924 3,501 Basic EPS $0.95 $0.43 $1.11 $0.38 Diluted EPS $0.93 $0.42 $1.09 $0.37 2014 (Amounts in Thousands) March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, Earned premium $ 829,051 $ 874,937 $ 914,413 $ 908,163 Investment income 28,527 32,594 34,552 35,928 Total revenue 953,975 1,010,979 1,071,634 1,047,743 Loss and loss adjustment expense 558,570 587,233 609,352 587,464 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expense 186,609 208,060 225,512 236,742 Other expense 87,591 87,588 103,493 157,678 Provision for income taxes 27,444 17,966 (7,664 ) 15,940 Net income 101,728 104,189 157,156 83,525 Income attributable to Common Stockholders 99,851 106,274 156,590 71,561 Comprehensive income 142,427 161,272 144,051 63,551 Basic EPS $0.67 $0.71 $1.05 $0.47 Diluted EPS $0.64 $0.67 $0.99 $0.44 Due to changes in number of shares outstanding from quarter to quarter, the total earnings per share of the four quarters may not necessarily equal the earnings per share for the year.

Subsequent Events

Subsequent Events	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Subsequent Events [Abstract]
Subsequent Events	Subsequent Events Acquisition of ARI Insurance Company (f/k/a ARI Mutual Insurance Company) On January 22, 2016, the Company completed its previously announced acquisition of ARI, following a special meeting of members of ARI, where members approved, among other matters, the conversion of ARI from a mutual holding company to stock form. As required by the ARI plan of conversion and applicable law, the Company offered shares of its common stock, at a discount to the market price, to the members of ARI who held policies as of March 17, 2015 and non-employee directors of ARI. The Company commenced the offering on December 14, 2015 and the offering expired on January 20, 2016. The Company received subscriptions for approximately $276 , resulting in the issuance by the Company of 12,347 (on a post-split basis) shares of its common stock. The Company sold the shares at a purchase price of $22.3494 (on a post-split basis), which represented a 20% discount to the volume-weighted average trading price of a share of its common stock, as reported on the NASDAQ Global Select Market, for the ten -trading day period ending Wednesday, January 20, 2016. The Company used the gross proceeds of the offering of approximately $276 plus a payment to ARI of approximately $23,500 to purchase the shares of ARI common stock upon its conversion.

Schedule I - Summary of Investm

Schedule I - Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties [Abstract]
Schedule I - Summary of Investments Other than Investments in Related Parties	SUMMARY OF INVESTMENTS OTHER THAN INVESTMENTS IN RELATED PARTIES At December 31, 2015 Type of Investment Cost (1) Value Amount at which Shown in the Balance Sheet (In Thousands) Fixed Maturities: Bonds: United States government and government agencies & authorities $ 1,079,192 $ 1,091,155 $ 1,091,155 States, municipalities and political subdivisions 530,004 540,426 540,426 Foreign governments 109,645 113,745 113,745 Public utilities 157,067 149,500 149,500 All other corporate bonds 3,606,134 3,538,971 3,538,971 Total fixed maturities 5,482,042 5,433,797 5,433,797 Equity securities: Common stocks: Public utilities, Banks, trust and insurance companies 48,646 48,689 48,689 Industrial, miscellaneous and all other nonredeemable preferred stocks 87,637 83,079 83,079 Total equity securities 136,283 131,768 131,768 Short-term investments, at cost (approximates market value) 84,266 84,266 84,266 Other invested assets (approximates market value) 99,012 99,012 99,012 Total investments $ 5,801,603 $ 5,748,843 $ 5,748,843 (1) Original cost of equity securities and, as to fixed maturities, original cost reduced by repayments and adjusted for amortization of premiums or accrual of discounts.

Schedule II -Condensed Financia

Schedule II -Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule II - Condensed Financial Information of Registrant	AMTRUST FINANCIAL SERVICES CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT BALANCE SHEET — PARENT COMPANY ONLY December 31, 2015 2014 (In Thousands) Assets: Cash $ 12,157 $ 7,690 Invested assets 2,057 1,353 Carrying value of subsidiaries, at equity 3,595,418 2,826,090 Other assets 802,842 549,780 Total Assets 4,412,474 3,384,913 Liabilities: Due to affiliates – net 250,176 322,243 Revolving credit facility borrowing 130,000 120,000 5.5% due 2021 Convertible senior notes 5,190 56,745 6.125% Notes due 2023 250,000 250,000 Junior subordinated debt 123,714 123,714 2.75% due 2044 Convertible senior notes 163,082 157,679 7.25% due 2055 Subordinated notes 150,000 — 7.50% due 2055 Subordinated notes 135,000 — Secured loan 22,701 28,572 Other liabilities 273,551 288,940 Total Liabilities 1,503,414 1,347,893 Stockholders’ Equity Common stock 1,964 1,960 Preferred stock 482,500 300,000 Paid-in and contributed capital 1,383,492 1,021,789 Treasury shares (162,867 ) (297,586 ) Accumulated other comprehensive (loss) income (130,262 ) 56,123 Retained earnings 1,334,233 954,734 Total Stockholders’ Equity 2,909,060 2,037,020 Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity $ 4,412,474 $ 3,384,913 Schedule II STATEMENT OF INCOME — PARENT COMPANY ONLY Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In Thousands) Income: Investment income $ 249 $ 183 $ 207 Equity in undistributed net income of consolidated subsidiaries and partially-owned companies 619,707 539,915 319,738 Acquisition gain on purchase 5,826 — 23,183 Miscellaneous income 4,239 641 6 Total Income 630,021 540,739 343,134 Expenses: Interest expense 44,401 32,016 22,178 Loss on extinguishment of debt 5,271 9,831 — Federal tax (benefit) expense (2,827 ) (4,800 ) 10,087 Other expenses from operations 72,654 57,094 30,276 Total Expenses 119,499 94,141 62,541 Net Income $ 510,522 $ 446,598 $ 280,593 Schedule II STATEMENT OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME — PARENT COMPANY ONLY Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In Thousands) Net income $ 510,522 $ 446,598 $ 280,593 Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax: Foreign currency translation adjustments (77,437 ) (17,358 ) 12,943 Change in fair value of interest rate swap 621 664 1,028 Minimum pension liability 2,686 (1,055 ) (1,738 ) Unrealized (loss) gain on securities: Gross unrealized holding (loss) gain (177,618 ) 133,775 (138,902 ) Less tax (benefit) expense (62,166 ) 46,821 (48,616 ) Net unrealized holding (loss) gain (115,452 ) 86,954 (90,286 ) Reclassification adjustment for investment gain (loss) included in net income, net of tax: Other-than-temporary impairment loss 4,315 — — Other net realized (loss) gain on investments (1,118 ) (4,918 ) 5,658 Reclassification adjustment for investment gain (loss) included in net income 3,197 (4,918 ) 5,658 Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax $ (186,385 ) $ 64,287 $ (72,395 ) Comprehensive income 324,137 510,885 208,198 Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling and redeemable non-controlling interest 6,928 (416 ) (1,633 ) Comprehensive income attributable to AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. $ 317,209 $ 511,301 $ 209,831 Schedule II AMTRUST FINANCIAL SERVICES CONDENSED FINANCIAL INFORMATION OF REGISTRANT STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS — PARENT COMPANY ONLY December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (In Thousands) Cash flows from operating activities: Net income $ 510,522 $ 446,598 $ 280,593 Depreciation and amortization 10,738 6,678 3,593 Stock option compensation 22,763 19,114 11,186 Discount on note 5,628 3,095 3,000 Dividend from equity investment 984 246 12,203 Acquisition gain (5,826 ) — — Loss on extinguishment of debt 5,271 9,831 — Adjustments to reconcile net income to net cash changes in assets (increase) decrease: Carrying value of equity interest in subsidiaries (704,324 ) (421,668 ) (456,107 ) Equity (earnings) losses, gain on investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and dividend from subsidiaries, net 45,513 (20,950 ) (4,635 ) Other assets (125,600 ) (128,866 ) (135,799 ) Changes in liabilities increase (decrease): Due (from) to affiliates (72,067 ) 114,703 (14,636 ) Other liabilities (54,389 ) 146,715 64,774 Net cash (used in) provided by operating activities (360,787 ) 175,496 (235,828 ) Cash flows from investing activities: Capital expenditures (7 ) (31,097 ) (2,455 ) Investment purchased (704 ) (1,286 ) — Investment in subsidiary (112,877 ) (285,783 ) (22,605 ) Acquisition of subsidiary companies, net of cash acquired (281,799 ) (123,887 ) (78,193 ) Net cash used in investing activities (395,387 ) (442,053 ) (103,253 ) Cash flows from financing activities: Issuance of debt 745,500 318,900 250,000 Payment of debt (518,450 ) (101,928 ) — Financing fees (9,451 ) (4,143 ) (2,740 ) Common stock issuance (repurchase), net 483,399 (50,379 ) 8,534 Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock 176,529 178,641 111,130 Dividends paid on common stock (85,296 ) (55,601 ) (29,236 ) Dividends paid on preferred stock (31,590 ) (12,738 ) (3,989 ) Net cash provided by financing activities 760,641 272,752 333,699 Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents 4,467 6,195 (5,382 ) Cash and cash equivalents, beginning of the year 7,690 1,495 6,877 Cash and cash equivalents, end of period $ 12,157 $ 7,690 $ 1,495

Schedule III - Supplementary In

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplementary Insurance Information [Abstract]
Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information	AMTRUST FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES SUPPLEMENTARY INSURANCE INFORMATION At December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 and for the years then ended: Segment Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses, Future Policy Benefits Reserves for Unearned Premiums Premium Revenue Net Investment Income Losses and Loss Expenses Incurred, Benefits Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs Other Operating Expenses Net Premiums Written (In Thousands) 2015 Small Commercial Business $ 203,495 $ 3,934,696 $ 1,374,482 $ 1,886,880 $ 69,207 1,234,089 $ 361,107 $ 124,802 $ 1,932,100 Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty 434,953 1,674,006 2,143,060 1,305,036 56,116 882,306 187,084 78,070 1,450,817 Specialty Program 65,795 1,597,259 497,186 829,811 30,915 565,813 120,056 108,383 877,141 Corporate and Other — 2,406 — — 52 — — — — Total $ 704,243 $ 7,208,367 $ 4,014,728 $ 4,021,727 $ 156,290 $ 2,682,208 $ 668,247 $ 311,255 $ 4,260,058 2014 Small Commercial Business $ 179,771 $ 2,854,379 $ 1,193,628 $ 1,606,805 $ 55,842 1,055,521 $ 276,876 $ 140,089 $ 1,882,383 Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty 389,763 1,669,293 1,832,560 1,232,238 50,544 817,780 152,141 101,653 1,333,747 Specialty Program 58,502 1,126,436 421,015 678,612 24,888 456,422 107,074 76,467 740,488 Corporate and Other 347 14,097 — 8,909 327 12,896 2,619 4 — Total $ 628,383 $ 5,664,205 $ 3,447,203 $ 3,526,564 $ 131,601 $ 2,342,619 $ 538,710 $ 318,213 $ 3,956,618 2013 Small Commercial Business $ 98,275 $ 1,982,977 $ 704,234 $ 833,812 $ 29,301 $ 548,598 $ 143,036 $ 69,788 $ 935,313 Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty 310,230 1,537,887 1,599,167 811,837 39,139 545,516 114,662 36,526 944,081 Specialty Program 56,949 817,272 368,673 520,371 15,607 355,067 86,317 52,333 620,452 Corporate and Other 2,950 30,098 8,908 99,970 772 68,180 23,273 7,227 65,827 Total $ 468,404 $ 4,368,234 $ 2,680,982 $ 2,265,990 $ 84,819 $ 1,517,361 $ 367,288 $ 165,874 $ 2,565,673

Schedule IV - Reinsurance

Schedule IV - Reinsurance	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Schedule of Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies [Abstract]
Schedule IV - Reinsurance	AMTRUST FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. AND SUBSIDIARIES REINSURANCE For the year ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 : Gross Amount Ceded to Other Companies Amount from Other Companies Net Amount Percent of Amount Assumed to Net (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 Premiums: General Insurance $ 6,473,338 $ 2,539,479 $ 326,199 $ 4,260,058 7.7 % 2014 Premiums: General Insurance $ 5,422,484 $ 2,131,347 $ 665,481 $ 3,956,618 16.8 % 2013 Premiums: General Insurance $ 3,869,893 $ 1,551,238 $ 247,018 $ 2,565,673 9.6 %

Schedule V - Consolidated Suppl

Schedule V - Consolidated Supplementary Property and Casulty Insurance Information	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract]
Schedule V - Consolidated Supplementary Property and Casualty Insurance Information	AMTRUST FINANCIAL SERVICES, INC. CONSOLIDATED SUPPLEMENTARY PROPERTY AND CASUALTY INSURANCE INFORMATION (In Thousands) Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Incurred Related to Paid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses Year Ended December 31, Current Year Prior Years 2015 $ 2,648,277 $ 33,931 $ 1,860,378 2014 $ 2,324,062 $ 18,557 $ 1,441,219 2013 $ 1,486,418 $ 30,943 $ 953,160

Significant Accounting Policies

Significant Accounting Policies (Policies)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounting Policies [Abstract]
Basis of Reporting	Basis of Reporting — The consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. The consolidated financial statements include the accounts of the Company and its domestic and foreign subsidiaries. The Company uses the equity method of accounting for its investment in National General Holding Corp. (“NGHC”) in which it owns an approximate 12% ownership interest. All significant intercompany transactions and accounts have been eliminated in the consolidated financial statements.
Premiums	Premiums — Insurance premiums, except for certain specialty risk and extended warranty programs, are recognized as earned on the straight-line basis over the contract period. Insurance premiums on specialty risk and extended warranty programs are earned based on an estimated program coverage period. These estimates are based on the expected distribution of coverage periods by contract at inception, and because a single contract may contain multiple coverage period options, these estimates are revised based on the actual coverage period selected by the insured. Unearned premiums represent the portion of premiums written which is applicable to the unexpired term of the contract or policy in force. Premium adjustments on contracts and audit premiums are based on estimates made over the contract period. Premiums earned but not yet billed to insureds are estimated and accrued, net of related costs. These estimates are subject to the effects of trends in payroll audit adjustments. Although considerable variability is inherent in such estimates, management believes that the accrual for earned but unbilled premiums is reasonable. The estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as necessary as experience develops or new information becomes known; such adjustments are included in current operations. The Company historically has used a percentage of premium for establishing its allowance for doubtful accounts. The Company reviews its bad debt write-offs at least annually and adjusts its premium percentage as required.
Loss and Loss Adjustment Expense	Loss and Loss Adjustment Expenses — Loss and loss adjustment expenses (“LAE”) represent the estimated ultimate net costs of all reported and unreported losses incurred through December 31, 2015 . The reserves for unpaid losses and LAE are estimated using individual case-basis valuations and statistical analysis and are not discounted. Although considerable variability is inherent in the estimates of reserves for losses and LAE, management believes that the reserves for losses and LAE are adequate. The estimates are continually reviewed and adjusted as necessary as experience develops or new information becomes known. Such adjustments are included in current operations.
Investments	Investments — The Company accounts for its investments in accordance with the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) Accounting Standards Codification (“ASC”) 320 Investments — Debt and Equity Securities , which requires that fixed-maturity and equity securities that have readily determined fair values be segregated into categories based upon the Company’s intention for those securities. In accordance with ASC 320, the Company has classified its fixed-maturities and certain equity securities as available-for-sale. The Company may sell its available-for-sale securities in response to changes in interest rates, risk/reward characteristics, liquidity needs or other factors. Available for sale fixed-maturity securities and equity securities are reported at their estimated fair values based on quoted market prices or a recognized pricing service, with unrealized gains and losses, net of tax effects, reported as a separate component of comprehensive income in stockholders’ equity. Additionally, the Company classified certain equity securities as trading securities. Unrealized gains and losses on trading securities are reported within realized gains and losses. Realized gains and losses are determined on the specific identification method. Quarterly, the Company’s Investment Committee (“Committee”) evaluates each security that has an unrealized loss as of the end of the subject reporting period for other-than-temporary-impairment (“OTTI”). The Company generally considers an investment to be impaired when it has been in a significant unrealized loss position (in excess of 35% of cost if the issuer has a market capitalization of under $1 billion and in excess of 25% of cost if the issuer has a market capitalization of $ 1 billion or more) for over 24 months. In addition, the Committee uses a set of quantitative and qualitative criteria to review the Company's investment portfolio to evaluate the necessity of recording impairment losses for other-than-temporary declines in the fair value of our investments. The criteria the Committee primarily considers include: • the current fair value compared to amortized cost; • the length of time the security’s fair value has been below its amortized cost; • specific credit issues related to the issuer such as changes in credit rating, reduction or elimination of dividends or non-payment of scheduled interest payments; • whether management intends to sell the security and, if not, whether it is not more than likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the security before recovery of its amortized cost basis; • the financial condition and near-term prospects of the issuer of the security, including any specific events that may affect its operations or earnings; • the occurrence of a discrete credit event resulting in the issuer defaulting on material outstanding obligations or the issuer seeking protection under bankruptcy laws; and • other items, including company management, media exposure, sponsors, marketing and advertising agreements, debt restructuring, regulatory changes, acquisitions and dispositions, pending litigation, distribution agreements and general industry trends. Impairment of investment securities results in a charge to operations when a market decline below cost is deemed to be other-than-temporary. The Company writes down investments immediately that it considers to be impaired based on the above criteria collectively. Based on guidance in FASB ASC 320-10-65, in the event of the decline in fair value of a debt security, a holder of that security that does not intend to sell the debt security and for whom it is not more than likely than not that such holder will be required to sell the debt security before recovery of its amortized cost basis, is required to separate the decline in fair value into (a) the amount representing the credit loss and (b) the amount related to other factors. The amount of total decline in fair value related to the credit loss shall be recognized in earnings as an OTTI with the amount related to other factors recognized in accumulated other comprehensive loss net loss, net of tax. OTTI credit losses result in a permanent reduction of the cost basis of the underlying investment. The determination of OTTI is a subjective process, and different judgments and assumptions could affect the timing of the loss realization. In 2014, the Company also classified certain of its equity securities as trading securities. Equity securities classified as trading securities are generally held for resale in anticipation of short-term market movement. Trading securities are stated at estimated fair market value. Gains and losses, both realized and unrealized, are included in the net realized gain or loss on investment on the Consolidated Statements of Income. The Company has the following major types of investments: (a) Short-term investments — Short term investments are carried at cost, which approximates fair value, and include investments with maturities between 91 days and less than 1 year at date of acquisition. As of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , short term investments consisted primarily of money market investments. (b) Fixed maturities and equity securities, available-for-sale — Fixed maturities and equity securities (common stocks, mutual funds and non-redeemable preferred stock) are classified as available-for-sale and carried at fair value. Unrealized gains or losses on available-for-sale securities are reported as a component of accumulated other comprehensive income. (c) Equity securities, trading — Equity securities classified as trading are carried at estimated fair market value. Gains and losses, both realized and unrealized, are reported in the net realized gain or loss on investment. (d) Mortgage and asset backed securities — For mortgage and asset backed securities, the Company recognizes income using the retrospective adjustment method based on prepayments and the estimated economic life of the securities. The effective yield reflects actual payments to date plus anticipated future payments. (e) Limited partnerships — The Company's investments in limited partnership primarily includes investments in private equity limited partnerships and real estate partnerships. The Company applies the equity method of accounting for its investments in the majority of the limited partnerships in which its ownership interest of the limited partnership enables the Company to influence the operating or financial decisions of the investee company, but the Company’s interest in the limited partnership does not require consolidation. The Company’s proportionate share of equity in net income of these unconsolidated affiliates is reported in net investment income. (f) Derivatives and hedging activities — The Company from time to time invests in a limited amount of derivatives and other financial instruments as part of its investment portfolio. Derivatives are financial arrangements among two or more parties with returns linked to an underlying equity, debt, commodity, asset, liability, foreign exchange rate or other index. Unless subject to a scope exclusion, the Company carries all derivatives on the consolidated balance sheet at fair value. For derivatives that do not qualify for hedge accounting, the changes in fair value of the derivative are presented as a component of operating income. The Company primarily utilizes interest rate swaps, which are valued in terms of the contract between the Company and the issuer of the swaps, are based on the difference between the stated floating rate of the underlying indebtedness, and a predetermined fixed rate for such indebtedness with the result that the indebtedness carries a net fixed interest rate. (g) Securities sold under agreements to repurchase, at contract value — The Company from time to time invests in securities sold under agreements to repurchase, which are accounted for as collateralized borrowing transactions and are recorded at their contracted repurchase amounts, plus accrued interest. The Company minimizes the credit risk that counterparties to transactions might be unable to fulfill their contractual obligations by monitoring exposure and collateral value and generally requiring additional collateral to be deposited with the Company when necessary. The Company had none of these securities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014. Net investment income consists primarily of interest and dividends less expenses. Interest on fixed maturities, adjusted for any amortization of premium or discount, is recorded as income when earned. Investment expenses are accrued as incurred. Realized investment gains or losses are computed using the specific costs of securities sold, and, if applicable, include write-downs on investments having other-than-temporary declines in value.
Fair Value of Financial Instruments	Fair Value of Financial Instruments — The Company’s estimates of fair value for financial assets and financial liabilities are based on the framework established in ASC 820 Fair Value Measurements and Disclosures . The framework is based on the inputs used in valuation and gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets and requires that observable inputs be used in the valuations when available. The disclosure of fair value estimates in the ASC 820 hierarchy is based on whether the significant inputs into the valuation are observable. In determining the level of the hierarchy in which the estimate is disclosed, the highest priority is given to unadjusted quoted prices in active markets and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs that reflect the Company’s significant market assumptions. Additionally, valuation of fixed maturity investments is more subjective when markets are less liquid due to lack of market based inputs, which may increase the potential that the estimated fair value of an investment is not reflective of the price at which an actual transaction could occur. Fair values of other financial instruments approximate their carrying values. For investments that have quoted market prices in active markets, the Company uses the quoted market prices as fair value and includes these prices in the amounts disclosed in the Level 1 hierarchy. The Company receives the quoted market prices from nationally recognized third-party pricing services (“pricing service”). When quoted market prices are unavailable, the Company utilizes a pricing service to determine an estimate of fair value. This pricing method is used, primarily, for fixed maturities. The fair value estimates provided by the pricing service are included in the Level 2 hierarchy. If the Company determines that the fair value estimate provided by the pricing service does not represent fair value or if quoted market prices and an estimate from pricing services are unavailable, the Company produces an estimate of fair value based on dealer quotations of the bid price for recent activity in positions with the same or similar characteristics to that being valued or through consensus pricing of a pricing service. Depending on the level of observable inputs, the Company will then determine if the estimate is Level 2 or Level 3 hierarchy. Fixed Maturities. The Company utilizes a pricing service to estimate fair value measurements for all of its fixed maturities. The pricing service utilizes market quotations for fixed maturity securities that have quoted market prices in active markets. Since fixed maturities other than U.S. treasury securities generally do not trade on a daily basis, the pricing service prepares estimates of fair value measurements using relevant market data, benchmark curves, sector groupings and matrix pricing. The pricing service utilized by the Company has indicated it will produce an estimate of fair value only if there is verifiable information to produce a valuation. As the fair value estimates of most fixed maturity investments are based on observable market information rather than market quotes, the estimates of fair value other than U.S. Treasury securities are included in Level 2 of the hierarchy. U.S. Treasury securities are included in the amount disclosed in Level 1 as the estimates are based on unadjusted prices. The Company’s Level 2 investments include obligations of U.S. government agencies, municipal bonds, corporate debt securities and other mortgage backed securities. Equity Securities. The Company utilizes a pricing service to estimate the fair value of the majority of its available-for-sale and trading equity securities. The pricing service utilizes market quotations for equity securities that have quoted market prices in active markets and their respective quoted prices are provided as fair value. The Company classifies the values of these equity securities as Level 1. The pricing service also provides fair value estimates for certain equity securities whose fair value is based on observable market information rather than market quotes. The Company classifies the value of these equity securities as Level 2. The Company also holds certain equity securities that are issued by privately-held entities or direct equity investments that do not have an active market. The Company estimates the fair value of these securities primarily based on inputs such as third party broker quotes, issuers' book value, market multiples, and other inputs. These equity securities are classified as Level 3 due to significant unobservable inputs used in the valuation. Other Investments. Other investments accounted for approximately 1.4% of the Company's investment portfolio as of December 31, 2015 , which the Company determines not material to its financial position or results of operations. Certain of the Company's other investments are reported at fair value. The Company estimates the fair value of those other investments based on significant unobservable inputs in the valuation process. As a result, the Company classified the fair value estimates as Level 3 in the financial hierarchy. Derivatives. The Company estimates fair value using information provided by a pricing service for interest rate swaps and classifies derivatives as Level 2 hierarchy.
Derivatives	Derivatives. The Company estimates fair value using information provided by a pricing service for interest rate swaps and classifies derivatives as Level 2 hierarchy.
Investment in Life Settlement	Investment in Life Settlements — When the Company becomes the owner of a life insurance policy either by direct purchase or following a default on a premium finance loan, the life insurance premium for such policy is accounted for as an investment in life settlements. Investments in life settlements are accounted for in accordance with ASC 325-30, Investments in Insurance Contracts , which states that an investor shall elect to account for its investments in life settlement contracts using either the investment method or the fair value method. The election is made on an instrument-by-instrument basis and is irrevocable. The Company has elected to account for these investments using the fair value method. Fair value of the investment in policies is determined using unobservable Level 3 inputs and is calculated by performing a net present value calculation of the face amount of the life policies less premiums for the total portfolio. The unobservable Level 3 inputs use new or updated information that affects the Company's assumptions about remaining life expectancy, credit worthiness of the policy issuer, funds needed to maintain the asset until maturity, and discount rates. Life Settlement Profit Commission — Investments in life settlements are accounted for in accordance with ASC 325-30, Investments in Insurance Contracts , and the Company has elected to account for its investment in life settlements using the fair value method. The Company retains a third party service provider to perform certain administration functions to effectively manage the life settlement contracts held by Tiger Capital, LLC and AMT Capital Holdings II S.A. and a portion of their fee is contingent on the overall profitability of the life settlement contracts. The Company accrues the related profit commission on life settlements at fair value, in relation to life settlements purchased prior to December 31, 2010. This profit commission is calculated based on the discounted anticipated cash flows and the provisions of the underlying contract. In addition, the Company accrues a best estimate in relation to profit commission due on certain life settlement contracts acquired subsequent to December 31, 2010 as no contractual relationship currently exists.
Warranty Fee Revenue	Warranty Fee Revenue — The Company promotes and markets extended service plans (“ESP”) to consumers through retailers and certain other marketing organizations usually with terms of coverage ranging from one to three years, commencing at the expiration of the manufacturers’ warranty, if applicable. The Company generally insures the obligations under ESPs through contractual liability insurance issued by one of its insurance company subsidiaries. Under the terms of service agreements with various retailers, the Company provides for marketing and administrative services related to ESP. These agreements are generally for one-year terms and can be canceled by either party with thirty days advance notice. The Company recognizes revenue related to promotion, marketing and administration services at the time of the sale of ESP. However, the Company defers a portion of service revenue based upon an estimate of administrative services to be provided in future periods.
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs — The Company defers commission expenses, premium taxes and assessments as well as underwriting and safety costs that vary with and are primarily related to the successful acquisition of insurance policies. These acquisition costs are capitalized and charged to expense ratably as premiums are earned. The Company may realize deferred policy acquisition costs only if the ratio of loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (calculated on a discounted basis) to the premiums to be earned is less than 100%, as it historically has been. If, hypothetically, that ratio were to be above 100%, the Company could not continue to record deferred policy acquisition costs as an asset and may be required to establish a liability for a premium deficiency reserve. The Company considers anticipated investment income in determining whether a premium deficiency relating to short duration contracts exists.
Reinsurance	Reinsurance — Reinsurance premiums, losses and LAE ceded to other companies are accounted for on a basis consistent with those used in accounting for the original policies issued and pursuant to the terms of the reinsurance contracts. The Company records premiums earned and losses and LAE incurred and ceded to other companies as reductions of premium revenue and losses and LAE. The Company accounts for commissions allowed by reinsurers on business ceded as ceding commission, which is a reduction of acquisition of costs and other underwriting expenses. The Company earns commissions on reinsurance premiums ceded in a manner consistent with the recognition of the earned premium on the underlying insurance policies, on a pro rata basis over the terms of the policies reinsured. Reinsurance recoverables relate to the portion of reserves and paid losses and LAE that are ceded to other companies. The Company remains contingently liable for all loss payments in the event of failure to collect from the reinsurer. Ceding Commissions on Reinsurance Transactions — Ceding commissions on reinsurance transactions are commissions the Company receives from ceding gross written premiums to third party reinsurers. In connection with the Maiden Quota Share, which is the Company's primary source of ceding commissions, the amount the Company receives is a blended rate based on a contractual formula contained in the individual reinsurance agreements, and the rate may not correlate specifically to the cost structure of the individual segments. The ceding commissions the Company receives cover a portion of its capitalized direct acquisition costs and a portion of other underwriting expenses. Ceding commissions received from reinsurance transactions that represent recovery of capitalized direct acquisition costs are recorded as a reduction of capitalized unamortized deferred acquisition costs and the net amount is charged to expense in proportion to net premium revenue recognized. Ceding commissions received from reinsurance transactions that represent the recovery of other underwriting expenses are recognized in the income statement over the insurance contract period in proportion to the insurance protection provided and classified as a reduction of acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses. Ceding commissions received, but not yet earned, that represent the recovery of other underwriting expenses are classified as a component of accrued expenses and other current liabilities. The Company allocates earned ceding commissions to its segments based on each segment’s proportionate share of total acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses recognized during the period.
Assessments	Assessments — Insurance related assessments are accrued in the period in which they have been incurred. A typical obligating event would be the issuance of an insurance policy or the occurrence of a claim. The Company is subject to a variety of assessments, such as assessments by state guaranty funds and workers’ compensation second injury funds. State guaranty funds assessments are used by state insurance regulators to cover losses of policyholders of insolvent insurance companies and for the operating expenses of such agencies. The Company uses estimated assessment rates in determining the appropriate assessment expense and accrual. The Company uses estimates derived from state regulators and/or National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) Tax and Assessments Guidelines.
Business Combinations	Business Combinations — The Company accounts for business combinations under the acquisition method of accounting, which requires the Company to record assets acquired, liabilities assumed and any non-controlling interest in the acquiree at their respective fair values as of the acquisition date in the Company's consolidated financial statements. The Company accounts for the insurance and reinsurance contracts under the acquisition method as new contracts, which requires the Company to record assets and liabilities at fair value. The Company adjusts the fair value loss and LAE reserves by recording the acquired loss reserves based on the Company’s existing accounting policies and then discounting them based on expected reserve payout patterns using a current risk-free rate of interest. This risk free interest rate is then adjusted based on different cash flow scenarios that use different payout and ultimate reserve assumptions deemed to be reasonably possible based upon the inherent uncertainties present in determining the amount and timing of payment of such reserves. The difference between the acquired loss and LAE reserves and the Company’s best estimate of the fair value of such reserves at the acquisition date is recorded either an an intangible asset or another liability, as applicable, and amortized proportionately to the decrease in the acquired loss and LAE reserves over the payout period for the acquired loss and LAE reserves. The Company records contingent consideration at fair value based on the terms of the purchase agreement with subsequent changes in fair value recorded through earnings. The determination of fair value may require management to make significant estimates and assumptions. The purchase price is the fair value of the total consideration conveyed to the seller and the Company records the excess of the purchase price over the fair value of the acquired net assets, where applicable, as goodwill. The Company assigns fair values to intangible assets based on valuation techniques including the income and market approaches. The Company expenses costs associated with the acquisition of a business in the period incurred. The Company includes the results of operations of an acquired business in its consolidated financial statements from the date of the acquisition.
Goodwill and Intangible Assets	Goodwill and Intangible Assets — The Company accounts for goodwill and intangible assets in accordance with ASC 350 Intangibles — Goodwill and Other. Upon the completion of an acquisition, the Company completes purchase price accounting in accordance with ASC 805, Business Combinations , which requires an acquirer to assign values to the acquired assets and liabilities based on their fair value. In the event that a purchase price paid is in excess of the net assets acquired, any unidentified excess is deemed to be goodwill. Goodwill is not amortized. Additionally as a result of an acquisition, the Company may obtain identifiable intangible assets. Indefinite lived intangible assets are not amortized. Intangible assets with a finite life are amortized over the estimated useful life of the asset. Intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are not amortized. Goodwill and intangible assets with an indefinite useful life are tested for impairment on an annual basis or more frequently if changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount may not be recoverable. If the goodwill or intangible asset is impaired, it is written down to its realizable value with a corresponding expense reflected in the consolidated statement of operations. The Company tests for impairment of goodwill at the reporting unit level. The Company generally combines reporting units, which are a component of an operating segment when they have similar economic characteristics, nature of services, types of customer, distribution methods and regulatory environment
Property and Equipment	Property and Equipment — Property and equipment are recorded at cost. Maintenance and repairs are charged to operations as incurred. Depreciation is computed on a straight-line basis over the estimated useful lives of the assets, as follows: Building 40 years Equipment 5 to 7 years Computer equipment and software 3 to 20 years (primarily 3 years) Leasehold improvements Lesser of lease term or 15 years The Company accounts for its internal use software under ASC 350 Intangibles — Goodwill and Other . Accordingly, the Company capitalizes costs of computer software developed or obtained for internal use that is specifically identifiable, has determinable lives and relates to future use.
Income Taxes	Income Taxes — The Company files a consolidated United States ("US") income tax return for its eligible domestic subsidiaries. The Company's non-domestic subsidiaries file income tax returns in their respective local jurisdictions. As part of the US consolidated income tax return filing, the Company is party to federal income tax allocation agreements amongst the includible entities. Under the tax allocation agreements, the Company pays to or receives from its subsidiaries the amount, if any, by which the group’s federal income tax liability was affected by virtue of inclusion of the subsidiary in the consolidated federal return. Deferred income taxes reflect the impact of “temporary differences” between the amount of assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and such amounts as measured by tax laws and regulations. The deferred tax asset primarily consists of book versus tax differences for premiums earned, loss and loss adjustment expense reserve discounting, policy acquisition costs, earned but unbilled premiums, and unrealized holding gains and losses on marketable equity securities. Changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities that are associated with components of other comprehensive income, primarily unrealized investment gains and losses, are recorded directly to other comprehensive income. Otherwise, changes in deferred income tax assets and liabilities are included as a component of income tax expense. In assessing the recoverability of deferred tax assets, management considers whether it is more likely than not that the Company will generate future taxable income during the periods in which those temporary differences become deductible. Management considers the scheduled reversal of deferred tax liabilities, tax planning strategies and projected future taxable income in making this assessment. If necessary, the Company establishes a valuation allowance to reduce the deferred tax assets to the amounts that are more likely than not to be realized. The Company recognizes tax benefits only for tax positions that are more likely than not to be sustained upon examination by taxing authorities. The Company’s policy is to prospectively classify accrued interest and penalties related to any unrecognized tax benefits in its income tax provision. The Company files its tax returns as prescribed by the tax laws of the jurisdictions in which it operates.
Foreign Currency	Foreign Currency — The Company assigns functional currencies to its foreign operations, which are generally the currencies of the local operating environment. Foreign currency amounts are remeasured to the functional currency and the resulting foreign exchange gains and losses are reflected in earnings. Functional currency amounts from the Company’s foreign operations are then translated into U.S. dollars. The change in unrealized foreign currency translation gain or loss during the year, net of tax, is a component of accumulated other changes in equity from nonowner sources. The foreign currency remeasurement and translation are calculated using current exchange rates for the items reported on the balance sheets and average exchange rates for items recorded in earnings.
Stock Compensation Expense	Stock Compensation Expense — The Company follows ASC 720 Compensation — Stock Compensation and recognizes compensation expense for its share-based payments based on the fair value of the awards. Share-based payments include restricted stock, restricted stock units, performance share units and stock option grants under the Company’s 2005 Equity Incentive Plan and 2010 Omnibus Incentive Plan. ASC 720 requires share-based compensation expense recognized to be based on estimated grant date fair value.
Earnings Per Share	Earnings Per Share — The Company accounts for earnings per share under the two-class method, as described in ASC 260, Earnings Per Share . Under the two-class method, earnings for the period are allocated between common stockholders and other stockholders based on their respective rights to receive dividends. Restricted stock awards granted to employees under the Company’s 2005 Equity Incentive Plan and 2010 Omnibus Incentive Plan are considered participating securities as they receive dividends on this stock. Additionally, the Company follows the treasury stock method related to its contingently convertible debt, as the Company has the ability to settle the conversion premium in either cash or stock.
Treasury Stock	Treasury Stock — The Company accounts for the treasury stock at the repurchase price as a reduction to stockholders’ equity.
Concentration and Credit Risk	Concentration and Credit Risk — Financial instruments that potentially subject the Company to concentration of credit risk are primarily cash and cash equivalents, investments and premium receivable. Investments are diversified through the types of investments, industry sectors and geographic regions. The Company limits the amount of credit exposure with any one financial institution and believes that no significant concentration of credit risk exists with respect to cash and investments. At December 31, 2015 and 2014 , the outstanding premium receivable balance is generally diversified due to the number of entities composing the Company’s customer base. To reduce credit risk, the Company performs ongoing evaluations of its customers’ financial condition. The Company also has receivables from its reinsurers. Reinsurance contracts do not relieve the Company from its obligations to policyholders. Failure of reinsurers to honor their obligations could result in losses to the Company. The Company periodically evaluates the financial condition of its reinsurers to minimize its exposure to significant losses from reinsurer insolvencies. It is the policy of management to review all outstanding receivables at period end as well as the bad debt write-offs experienced in the past and establish an allowance for doubtful accounts, if deemed necessary.
Non-Controlling Interest	Non-controlling Interest — The ownership interest in consolidated subsidiaries of non-controlling interests is reflected as non-controlling interest. The Company’s consolidation principles would also consolidate any entity in which the Company would be deemed a primary beneficiary. Non-controlling interest expense represents such non-controlling interests’ in the earnings of that entity. All significant transactions and account balances between the Company and its subsidiaries were eliminated during consolidation.
Use of Estimates	Use of Estimates — The preparation of financial statements in conformity with generally accepted accounting principles requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Such estimates and assumptions, which include the reserves for losses and loss adjustment expenses, are subject to considerable estimation error due to the inherent uncertainty in projecting ultimate claim amounts that will be reported and settled over a period of many years. In addition, estimates and assumptions associated with the recognition and amortization of deferred policy acquisition costs, the determination of fair value of invested assets and related impairments, and the determination of goodwill and intangible impairments require considerable judgment by management. On an on-going basis, management reevaluates its assumptions and the methods of calculating its estimates. Actual results may differ from the estimates and assumptions used in preparing the consolidated financial statements.
Reclassification	Reclassifications — On December 15, 2015, the Company's Board of Directors declared a two-for-one stock split of the Company's common stock, in the form of a 100% stock dividend. All shareholders of record at the close of business on January 19, 2016 received one additional share of the Company's common stock for each share held on that date. The additional share of common stock was distributed to shareholders of record in the form of a stock dividend on February 2, 2016. As a result, the Company retrospectively adjusted all share and per share amounts in the accompanying consolidated financial statements and notes to the consolidated financial statements to apply the effect of the stock split. Certain accounts in the prior years’ consolidated financial statements have been reclassified for comparative purposes to conform to the current year’s presentation. The effect of these reclassifications had no impact on previously reported shareholders' equity or net income. Securities sold but not yet purchased had been previously reported within “Accrued expenses and other liabilities” in the consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2014 and 2013 and consolidated statements of cash flows for the years then ended.
Recent Accounting Literature	Recent Accounting Literature In February 2016, the Financial Accounting Standards Board ("FASB") issued Accounting Standards Update ("ASU") 2016-02, Leases (Topic 842) , which requires a lessee to recognize a right of use asset and a lease liability on the balance sheet for leases with terms longer than 12 months. Leases will be classified as either finance or operating, with classification affecting the pattern of expense recognition in the income statement. The updated guidance is effective for fiscal years beginning after December 31, 2018, including interim periods within those fiscal years. A modified retrospective transition approach is required for lessees for capital and operating leases existing at, or entered into after, the beginning of the earliest comparative period presented in the financial statements, with certain practical expedients available. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In January 2016, the FASB issued ASU 2016-01, Financial Instruments - Overall (Subtopic 825-10): Recognition and Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities , which address certain aspects of recognition, measurement, presentation, and disclosure of financial instruments. Specifically, the guidance (a) requires equity investments to be measured at fair value with changes in fair value recognized in earnings. However, an entity may choose to measure equity investments that do not have readily determinable fair value at cost minus impairment, if any, plus or minus changes resulted from observable price changes in orderly transactions for identical or similar investments of the same issuer, (b) simplifies the impairment assessment of equity investments without readily determinable fair values by requiring a qualitative assessment to identify impairment, (c) eliminates the requirement to disclose the methods and significant assumptions used to estimate the fair value that is required to be disclosed for financial instruments measured at amortized cost, (d) requires the use of the exit price notion when measuring the fair value of financial instruments for disclosure purposes, (e) requires an entity to present separately in other comprehensive income the portion of the total change in fair value of a liability resulting from a change in the instrument-specific credit risk when the entity has elected to measure the liability at fair value in accordance with the fair value option, (f) requires separate presentation of financial assets and liabilities by measurement category and form on the balance sheet or the notes to the financial statements, and (g) clarifies that the need for a valuation allowance on a deferred tax asset related to an available for sale security should be evaluated with other deferred tax assets. The updated guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2017. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In September 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-16, Business Combinations (Topic 805): Simplifying the Accounting for Measurement-Period Adjustments , which requires that an acquirer in a business combination transaction recognize adjustments to provisional amounts that are identified during the measurement period in the reporting period in which the adjustment amounts are determined. The ASU requires that the acquirer record, in the same period's financial statements, the effect on earnings of changes in depreciation, amortization, or other income effects, if any, as a result of the change to the provisional amounts, calculated as if the accounting had been completed at the acquisition date. It also requires an entity to present separately on the face of the income statement or disclose in the notes to the financial statements the portion of the amount recorded in current-period earnings by line item that would have been recorded in previous reporting periods if the adjustment to the provisional amounts had been recognized as of the acquisition date. The updated guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and should be applied prospectively to adjustments to provisional amounts that occur after the effective date of this ASU with earlier application permitted for financial statements that have not been issued. The Company elected to early adopt this ASU on September 30, 2015. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-09, Financial Services - Insurance (Topic 944): Disclosure about Short-Duration Contracts , which provides certain new and additional disclosure requirements about the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses associated with short-duration contracts as defined in Topic 944. Pursuant to the updated guidance, all insurance entities that issue short-duration contracts are required to disclose, among other things, incurred and paid claims development information, a reconciliation of such information to the aggregate carrying amount of the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, and significant changes in methodologies and assumptions used to calculate the liability for unpaid claims and claim adjustment expenses, including the reasons for the change and the effects on the financial statements. The updated guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and should be applied retrospectively by providing comparative disclosures for each period presented, except for those requirements that apply only to the current period. The adoption of this guidance is limited to disclosure requirements and will not have a material impact on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In May 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-07, Fair Value Measurement (Topic 820): Disclosure for Investments in Certain Entities That Calculate Net Asset Value per Share (or Its Equivalent) , which provides guidance that removes the requirement to categorize within the fair value hierarchy all investments for which fair value is measured using the net asset value per share practical expedient as well as limits certain disclosure requirements only to investments for which the entity elects to measure the fair value using that practical expedient. The updated guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and should be applied retrospectively for all periods presented. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-05, Intangibles - Goodwill and Other - Internal-Use Software (Subtopic 350-40): Customer's Accounting for Fees Paid in a Cloud Computing Arrangement , which provides guidance to determine whether a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license. If a cloud computing arrangement includes a software license, then the customer should account for the software license element of the arrangement consistent with the acquisition of other software licenses. If a cloud computing arrangement does not include a software license, the customer should account for the arrangement as a service contract. The updated guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015, and can be adopted either prospectively to all arrangements entered into or materially modified after the effective date, or retrospectively. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In April 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-03, Interest - Imputation of Interest (Subtopic 835-30): Simplifying the Presentation of Debt Issuance Costs , which provides updated guidance to clarify the required presentation of debt issuance costs. The amended guidance requires that debt issuance costs be presented in the balance sheet as a direct reduction from the carrying amount of the recognized debt liability, consistent with the treatment of debt discounts. Amortization of debt issuance costs is to be reported as interest expense. The recognition and measurement guidance for debt issuance costs are not affected by the updated guidance. The updated guidance is effective for reporting periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In February 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-02, Consolidation (Topic 810): Amendments to the Consolidation Analysis , which provides amended guidance on a reporting entity's evaluation whether to consolidate certain legal entities. Specifically, the amendments will modify the evaluation of whether limited partnerships and similar legal entities are variable interest entities ("VIEs") or voting entities, eliminate the presumption that a general partner should consolidate a limited partnership, affect the consolidation analysis of reporting entities with interests in VIEs, particularly those that have fee arrangements and related party relationships, and provide a scope exception from consolidation guidance for reporting entities with interests in legal entities that are required to comply with or operate in accordance with requirements that are similar to those in Rule 2a-7 of the Investment Company Act of 1940 for registered money market funds. The updated guidance is effective for periods beginning after December 15, 2015. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In November 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-16, Derivative and Hedging (Topic 815): Determining Whether the Host Contract in a Hybrid Financial Instrument Issued in the Form of a Share Is More Akin to Debt or to Equity, which requires an entity (an issuer or an investor) of hybrid financial instruments to determine the nature of the host contract by considering the economic characteristics and risks of the entire hybrid financial instrument, including the embedded derivative feature that is being evaluated for separate accounting from the host contract. The updated guidance is effective for the period ending March 15, 2016. The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have a material effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-11, Transfers and Serving (Topic 860): Repurchase-to-Maturity Transactions, Repurchase Financings, and Disclosures, which amends accounting for repurchase-to-maturity transactions and associated repurchase financing to secured borrowing. The revised guidance also requires expanded disclosure for certain transactions comprising (1) a transfer of a financial asset accounted for as a sale and (2) an agreement with the same transferee entered into in contemplation of the initial transfer that results in the transferor retaining substantially all of the exposure to the economic return on the transferred financial asset throughout the term of the transaction, as well as expands disclosure for repurchase agreements, securities lending transactions, and repurchase-to-maturity transactions that are accounted for as secured borrowings. The updated guidance was effective for the period ending March 31, 2015. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company's results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In June 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-12, Compensation-Stock Compensation (Topic 718): Accounting for Share-Based Payments When the Terms of an Award Provide That a Performance Target Could Be Achieved after the Requisite Service Period, to clarify how entities should treat performance targets that can be met after the requisite service period of a share-based payment award. The ASU states that the share-based payment award should be treated as a performance condition that affects vesting and, therefore, an entity would not record compensation expense (measured as of the grant date without taking into account the effect of the performance target) related to an award for which transfer to the employee is contingent on the entity’s satisfaction of a performance target until it becomes probable that the performance target will be met. No new disclosures are required under this ASU. ASU 2014-12 is effective beginning after December 15, 2015. In addition, all entities will have the option of applying the guidance either prospectively (i.e., only to awards granted or modified on or after the effective date of the issue) or retrospectively. Retrospective application would only apply to awards with performance targets outstanding at or after the beginning of the first annual period presented (i.e., the earliest presented comparative period). The adoption of this guidance is not expected to have an impact on the Company's results of operations, financial condition or liquidity. In May 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-09, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606), to clarify the principles for recognizing revenue. While insurance contracts are not within the scope of this updated guidance, the Company’s service and fee income will be subject to this updated guidance. The updated guidance requires an entity to recognize revenue as performance obligations are met, in order to reflect the transfer of promised goods or services to customers in an amount that reflects the consideration the entity is entitled to receive for those goods or services. The following steps are applied in the updated guidance: (1) identify the contract(s) with a customer; (2) identify the performance obligations in the contract; (3) determine the transaction price; (4) allocate the transaction price to the performance obligations in the contract; and (5) recognize revenue when, or as, the entity satisfies a performance obligation. In August 2015, the FASB issued ASU 2015-14, Revenue from Contracts with Customers (Topic 606): Deferral of the Effective Date, which deferred the effective date of ASU 2014-09 to the quarter ending March 31, 2018. The Company is currently evaluating the impact this guidance will have on its results of operations, financial position or liquidity. In April 2014, the FASB issued ASU 2014-08, Presentation of Financial Statement (Topic 205) and Property, Plant, and Equipment (Topic 360): Reporting Discontinued Operations and Disclosure of Disposals of Components of an Entity , which provides revised guidance to reduce diversity in practice for reporting discontinued operations. Under the previous guidance, any component of an entity that was a reportable segment, an operating segment, a reporting unit, a subsidiary, or an asset group was eligible for discontinued operations presentation. The revised guidance only allows disposals of components of an entity that represent a strategic shift (e.g., disposal of a major geographical area, a major line of business, a major equity method investment, or other major parts of an entity) and that have a major effect on a reporting entity’s operations and financial results to be reported as discontinued operations. The revised guidance also requires expanded disclosure in the financial statements for discontinued operations as well as for disposals of significant components of an entity that do not qualify for discontinued operations presentation. The updated guidance was effective for the period ending March 31, 2015. The adoption of this guidance did not have a material effect on the Company’s results of operations, financial position or liquidity.

Nature of Operations (Tables)

Nature of Operations (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Schedule of Subsidiary	The Company transacts business primarily through seventeen insurance subsidiaries domiciled in the United States and five major insurance subsidiaries domiciled outside of the United States. The Company's seventeen domestic insurance subsidiaries are: Company Abbreviation Domiciled in AmTrust Insurance Company of Kansas, Inc. AICK Kansas Associated Industries Insurance Company, Inc. AIIC Florida AmTrust Title Insurance Company ATIC New York Comp Options Insurance Company COIC Florida CorePointe Insurance Company CPIC Michigan Developers Surety and Indemnity Company DSIC Iowa First Nonprofit Insurance Company FNIC Delaware Heritage Indemnity Company HIC California Indemnity Company of California ICC California Milwaukee Casualty Insurance Company MCIC Wisconsin Rochdale Insurance Company RIC New York Sequoia Insurance Company SIC California Sequoia Indemnity Company SID Nevada Security National Insurance Company SNIC Delaware Springfield Insurance Company SPIC California Technology Insurance Company, Inc. TIC New Hampshire Wesco Insurance Company WIC Delaware The Company's five major foreign insurance subsidiaries are: Company Abbreviation Domiciled in AmTrust Europe, Ltd. AEL United Kingdom AmTrust International Insurance Ltd. AII Bermuda AmTrust International Underwriters Limited AIU Ireland AmTrust at Lloyd's Limited ATL United Kingdom Motors Insurance Company Ltd. MIC United Kingdom

Investments (Tables)

Investments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Amortized Cost, Estimated Market Value and Gross Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation of Available-for-sale Securities	The amortized cost, estimated fair value and gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of fixed and equity securities are presented in the tables below: (Amounts in Thousands) Original or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Preferred stock $ 4,869 $ 150 $ (30 ) $ 4,989 Common stock 104,477 3,816 (8,785 ) 99,508 U.S. treasury securities 69,547 1,470 (258 ) 70,759 U.S. government agencies 45,586 235 (263 ) 45,558 Municipal bonds 530,004 11,952 (1,530 ) 540,426 Foreign government 109,645 4,912 (812 ) 113,745 Corporate bonds: Finance 1,358,765 38,058 (34,393 ) 1,362,430 Industrial 1,706,772 20,542 (80,251 ) 1,647,063 Utilities 157,067 1,548 (9,115 ) 149,500 Commercial mortgage backed securities 151,164 1,334 (1,180 ) 151,318 Residential mortgage backed securities: Agency backed 964,059 14,912 (4,133 ) 974,838 Non-agency backed 124,046 322 (4,139 ) 120,229 Collateralized loan / debt obligations 232,245 10 (6,161 ) 226,094 Asset backed securities 33,142 4 (1,309 ) 31,837 $ 5,591,388 $ 99,265 $ (152,359 ) $ 5,538,294 (Amounts in Thousands) Original or Amortized Cost Gross Unrealized Gains Gross Unrealized Losses Fair Value Preferred stock $ 3,349 $ 158 $ (1 ) $ 3,506 Common stock 80,726 4,673 (7,861 ) 77,538 U.S. treasury securities 42,416 1,558 (104 ) 43,870 U.S. government agencies 12,968 575 (5 ) 13,538 Municipal bonds 469,646 13,950 (1,555 ) 482,041 Foreign government 106,054 6,760 (83 ) 112,731 Corporate bonds: Finance 1,167,011 60,322 (5,471 ) 1,221,862 Industrial 1,187,818 38,317 (23,275 ) 1,202,860 Utilities 137,169 3,200 (1,677 ) 138,692 Commercial mortgage backed securities 36,964 1,890 (169 ) 38,685 Residential mortgage backed securities: Agency backed 954,320 23,340 (1,878 ) 975,782 Non-agency backed 22,071 696 (264 ) 22,503 Asset backed securities 709 2 (1 ) 710 $ 4,221,221 $ 155,441 $ (42,344 ) $ 4,334,318
Summary of Available for Sale Fixed Securities by Contractual Maturity	A summary of the Company’s available-for-sale fixed securities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 , by contractual maturity, is shown below. Expected maturities may differ from contractual maturities because borrowers may have the right to call or prepay obligations with or without call or prepayment penalties. December 31, 2015 December 31, 2014 (Amounts in Thousands) Amortized Cost Fair Value Amortized Cost Fair Value Due in one year or less $ 125,563 $ 124,763 $ 106,041 $ 105,839 Due after one through five years 913,365 909,634 682,632 704,344 Due after five through ten years 2,586,061 2,537,734 1,998,740 2,062,942 Due after ten years 352,397 357,288 335,669 342,468 Mortgage and asset backed securities 1,504,656 1,504,378 1,014,064 1,037,681 Total fixed maturities $ 5,482,042 $ 5,433,797 $ 4,137,146 $ 4,253,274
Other than Temporary Impairment, Credit Losses Recognized in Earnings	OTTI charges of our fixed-maturities and equity securities for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are presented in the table below: (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Equity securities recognized in earnings $ 1,276 $ 2,646 $ 2,869 Fixed maturity securities recognized in earnings 17,879 5,393 — $ 19,155 $ 8,039 $ 2,869
Summary of Gross Unrealized Losses of Fixed-maturities and Equity Securities	The tables below summarize the gross unrealized losses of our fixed maturity and equity securities by length of time the security has continuously been in an unrealized loss position as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total (Amounts in Thousands) Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses No. of Positions Held Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses No. of Positions Held Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Common and preferred stock $ 59,302 $ (8,711 ) 67 $ 402 $ (104 ) 2 $ 59,704 $ (8,815 ) U.S. treasury securities 31,658 (232 ) 77 2,586 (26 ) 8 34,244 (258 ) U.S. government agencies 22,412 (262 ) 20 182 (1 ) 2 22,594 (263 ) Municipal bonds 121,550 (867 ) 111 17,163 (663 ) 30 138,713 (1,530 ) Foreign government 18,598 (688 ) 27 5,977 (124 ) 1 24,575 (812 ) Corporate bonds: Finance 604,898 (33,068 ) 349 59,020 (1,325 ) 22 663,918 (34,393 ) Industrial 858,632 (65,887 ) 633 82,495 (14,364 ) 55 941,127 (80,251 ) Utilities 79,358 (5,305 ) 113 7,712 (3,810 ) 5 87,070 (9,115 ) Commercial mortgage backed securities 35,405 (1,079 ) 100 2,870 (101 ) 6 38,275 (1,180 ) Residential mortgage backed securities: Agency backed 334,224 (2,788 ) 163 35,446 (1,345 ) 29 369,670 (4,133 ) Non-agency backed 95,001 (4,077 ) 39 4,023 (62 ) 4 99,024 (4,139 ) Collateralized loan / debt obligations 201,086 (6,161 ) 78 — — — 201,086 (6,161 ) Asset-backed securities 30,302 (1,309 ) 70 — — — 30,302 (1,309 ) $ 2,492,426 $ (130,434 ) 1,847 $ 217,876 $ (21,925 ) 164 $ 2,710,302 $ (152,359 ) Less Than 12 Months 12 Months or More Total (Amounts in Thousands) Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses No. of Positions Held Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses No. of Positions Held Fair Market Value Unrealized Losses Common and preferred stock $ 38,970 $ (7,764 ) 21 $ 400 $ (98 ) 2 $ 39,370 $ (7,862 ) U.S. treasury securities 1,030 (54 ) 7 3,219 (50 ) 9 4,249 (104 ) U.S. government agencies 1,736 (3 ) 3 222 (2 ) 1,958 (5 ) Municipal bonds 24,695 (240 ) 64 93,201 (1,315 ) 98 117,896 (1,555 ) Foreign government 7,644 (83 ) 4 — — — 7,644 (83 ) Corporate bonds: Finance 192,520 (4,297 ) 143 66,715 (1,174 ) 27 259,235 (5,471 ) Industrial 236,845 (17,230 ) 194 60,511 (6,045 ) 43 297,356 (23,275 ) Utilities 12,188 (490 ) 22 13,908 (1,187 ) 3 26,096 (1,677 ) Commercial mortgage backed securities 15 — 2 — (169 ) 8 15 (169 ) Residential mortgage backed securities: Agency backed 41,187 (101 ) 10 66,172 (1,777 ) 29 107,359 (1,878 ) Non-agency backed 5,092 (263 ) 3 28 (1 ) 2 5,120 (264 ) Asset-backed securities 148 — 1 110 (1 ) 2 258 (1 ) $ 562,070 $ (30,525 ) 474 $ 304,486 $ (11,819 ) 223 $ 866,556 $ (42,344 )
Unrealized Gain (Loss) on Investments	The net unrealized gains (losses) on available-for-sale securities for for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 were as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Fixed maturity securities $ (48,245 ) $ 116,128 $ (11,165 ) Equity securities (4,849 ) (3,031 ) (862 ) Total net unrealized gain (loss) (53,094 ) 113,097 (12,027 ) Deferred income tax benefit (expense) 18,583 (39,584 ) 4,209 Cumulative net unrealized (loss) gain, net of tax (34,511 ) 73,513 (7,818 ) Increase (decrease) in net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax $ (108,024 ) $ 81,331 $ (83,936 )
Trading Securities	The original or amortized cost, estimated market value and gross unrealized appreciation and depreciation of trading securities as of December 31, 2015 are presented in the table below: (Amounts in Thousands) Original or amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Market value Common stock $ 26,937 $ 739 $ (405 ) $ 27,271 (Amounts in Thousands) Original or amortized cost Gross unrealized gains Gross unrealized losses Market value Common stock $ 25,407 $ 1,614 $ (272 ) $ 26,749
Net Investment Income	Net investment income for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 was derived from the following sources: (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 152,663 $ 124,976 $ 82,392 Equity securities, available-for-sale 2,784 1,346 2,119 Equity securities, trading (982 ) 29 — Cash and short term investments 3,718 5,442 2,200 158,183 131,793 86,711 Investment expenses and interest expense on securities sold under agreement to repurchase (1,893 ) (192 ) (1,892 ) $ 156,290 131,601 $ 84,819
Realized Gain (Loss) on Investments	The tables below summarize the gross realized gains and (losses) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 . (Amounts in Thousands) Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains and (Losses) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 17,828 $ (1,516 ) $ 16,312 Equity securities, available-for-sale 1,563 (2,297 ) (734 ) Equity securities, trading 22,602 (12,565 ) 10,037 Other invested assets 1,657 — 1,657 Write-down of fixed maturities, available-for-sale — (17,879 ) (17,879 ) Write-down of equity securities, available-for-sale — (1,276 ) (1,276 ) $ 43,650 $ (35,533 ) $ 8,117 (Amounts in Thousands) Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains and (Losses) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 16,611 $ (4,946 ) $ 11,665 Equity securities, available-for-sale 14,121 (3,928 ) 10,193 Equity securities, trading 10,475 (7,871 ) 2,604 Write-down of fixed maturities, available-for-sale — (5,393 ) (5,393 ) Write-down of equity securities, available-for-sale — (2,646 ) (2,646 ) $ 41,207 $ (24,784 ) $ 16,423 (Amounts in Thousands) Gross Gains Gross Losses Net Gains and (Losses) Fixed maturities, available-for-sale $ 28,696 $ (18,066 ) $ 10,630 Equity securities, available-for-sale 11,264 (3,498 ) 7,766 Write-down of equity securities, available-for-sale — (2,869 ) (2,869 ) $ 39,960 $ (24,433 ) $ 15,527
Notional Amounts of Interest Rate Swaps by Remaining Maturity	The following table presents the notional amounts by remaining maturity of the Company’s Interest Rate Swaps as of December 31, 2015 : Remaining Life of Notional Amount(1) (Amounts in Thousands) One Year Two Through Five Years Six Through Ten Years After Ten Years Total Interest rate swaps $ 30,000 $ 40,000 $ — $ — $ 70,000 (1) Notional amount is not representative of either market risk or credit risk and is not recorded in the consolidated balance sheet.
Fair Values of Restricted Assets	The fair values of our restricted assets as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 Restricted cash $ 380,699 $ 186,225 Restricted investments 1,490,547 734,271 Total restricted cash and investments $ 1,871,246 $ 920,496

Fair Value of Financial Instr45

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Fair Value Measurement of Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities on Recurring Basis	The following tables present the level within the fair value hierarchy at which the Company’s financial assets and financial liabilities are measured on a recurring basis as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : (Amounts in Thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: U.S. treasury securities $ 70,759 $ 70,759 $ — $ — U.S. government securities 45,558 — 45,558 — Municipal bonds 540,426 — 540,426 — Foreign government 113,745 — 113,745 — Corporate bonds and other bonds: Finance 1,362,430 — 1,362,430 — Industrial 1,647,063 — 1,647,063 — Utilities 149,500 — 149,500 — Commercial mortgage backed securities 151,318 — 151,318 — Residential mortgage backed securities: Agency backed 974,838 — 974,838 — Non-agency backed 120,229 — 120,229 — Collateralized loan / debt obligations 226,094 — 226,094 — Asset-backed securities 31,837 — 31,837 — Equity securities, available-for-sale 104,497 38,563 28,723 37,211 Equity securities, trading 27,271 27,271 — — Short term investments 84,266 84,266 — — Other investments 30,309 — — 30,309 Life settlement contracts 264,001 — — 264,001 $ 5,944,141 $ 220,859 $ 5,391,761 $ 331,521 Liabilities: Equity securities sold but not yet purchased, market $ 18,163 $ 18,163 $ — $ — Fixed maturity securities sold but not yet purchased 20,455 — 20,455 — Life settlement contract profit commission 15,406 — — 15,406 Contingent consideration 77,457 — — 77,457 Derivatives 1,077 — 1,077 — $ 132,558 $ 18,163 $ 21,532 $ 92,863 (Amounts in Thousands) Total Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Assets: U.S. treasury securities $ 43,870 $ 43,870 $ — $ — U.S. government securities 13,538 — 13,538 — Municipal bonds 482,041 — 482,041 — Foreign government 112,731 112,731 Corporate bonds and other bonds: Finance 1,221,862 — 1,221,862 — Industrial 1,202,860 — 1,202,860 — Utilities 138,692 — 138,692 — Commercial mortgage backed securities 38,685 — 38,685 — Residential mortgage backed securities: Agency backed 975,782 — 975,782 — Non-agency backed 22,503 — 22,503 — Asset-backed securities 710 — 710 — Equity securities, available-for-sale 81,044 24,484 21,674 34,886 Equity securities, trading 26,749 26,749 — Short term investments 63,916 63,916 — — Other investments 13,315 — — 13,315 Life settlement contracts 264,517 — — 264,517 $ 4,702,815 $ 159,019 $ 4,231,078 $ 312,718 Liabilities: Equity securities sold but not yet purchased, market $ 13,052 $ 13,052 $ — $ — Life settlement contract profit commission 16,534 — — 16,534 Contingent consideration 41,704 — — 41,704 Derivatives 2,033 — 2,033 — $ 73,323 $ 13,052 $ 2,033 $ 58,238
Schedule of Life Settlement Contracts Gain (Loss)	A reconciliation of net income for life settlement contracts in the above table to (loss) gain on investment in life settlement contracts net of profit commission included in the Consolidated Statements of Income for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 is as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 Net income $ 63,727 $ 61,110 Premium paid (45,244 ) (46,367 ) Profit commission 1,128 (4,589 ) Other expenses 233 2,152 Gain on investment in life settlement contracts $ 19,844 $ 12,306
Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Financial Assets And Liabilities	The following table provides a summary of changes in fair value of the Company’s Level 3 financial assets and liabilities for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : (Amounts in Thousands) Balance as of January 1, 2015 Net income (loss) Other comprehensive income (loss) Purchases and issuances Sales and settlements Net transfers into (out of) Level 3 Balance as of December 31, 2015 Other investments $ 13,315 $ (232 ) $ (6,750 ) $ 9,122 $ (1,029 ) $ 15,883 30,309 Equity securities, available-for-sale 34,886 — 2,443 — (118 ) — 37,211 Life settlement contracts 264,517 63,727 — 1,065 (65,308 ) — 264,001 Life settlement contract profit commission (16,534 ) 1,128 — — — — (15,406 ) Contingent consideration (41,704 ) — — (51,087 ) 15,334 — (77,457 ) Total $ 254,480 $ 64,623 $ (4,307 ) $ (40,900 ) $ (51,121 ) $ 15,883 $ 238,658 (Amounts in Thousands) Balance as of January 1, 2014 Net income (loss) Other comprehensive income (loss) Purchases and issuances Sales and settlements Net transfers into (out of) Level 3 Balance as of December 31, 2014 Other investments $ 12,975 $ 1,127 $ — $ 677 $ (1,464 ) $ — $ 13,315 Equity securities, available-for-sale — — (7,079 ) 41,965 34,886 Life settlement contracts 233,024 61,110 — 25,418 (55,035 ) — 264,517 Life settlement contract profit commission (11,945 ) (4,589 ) — — — — (16,534 ) Contingent consideration (10,816 ) — — (35,113 ) 4,225 — (41,704 ) Total $ 223,238 $ 57,648 $ (7,079 ) $ 32,947 $ (52,274 ) $ — $ 254,480
Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring	The current fair value of the Company's debt arrangements was as follows: Carrying Value Fair Value 7.25% Subordinated Notes due 2055 $ 150,000 $ 153,840 7.50% Subordinated Notes due 2055 135,000 139,698 2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 163,082 215,983 6.125% Senior notes due 2023 250,000 243,540 Junior subordinated debentures due 2035-2037 123,714 81,590 Revolving credit facility 130,000 130,000 Other 58,173 58,173
Fair Value of Portfolio of Life Insurance Policies	The following summarizes data utilized in estimating the fair value of the portfolio of life insurance policies as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 and, as described in Note 6. “Investments in Life Settlements”, only includes data for policies to which the Company assigned value at those dates: 2015 2014 Average age of insured 82.0 81.1 Average life expectancy, months (1) 114 121 Average face amount per policy (Amounts in thousands) $ 6,564 $ 6,624 Effective discount rate (2) 13.7 % 14.0 % (1) Standard life expectancy as adjusted for specific circumstances. (2) Effective discount rate (“EDR”) is the Company's estimated internal rate of return on its life settlement contract portfolio and is determined from the gross expected cash flows and valuation of the portfolio. The valuation of the portfolio is calculated net of all reserves using a 7.5% discount rate. The EDR is inclusive of the reserves and the gross expected cash flows of the portfolio. The Company anticipates that the EDR's range is between 12.5% and 17.5% and reflects the uncertainty that exists surrounding the information available as of the reporting date. As the accuracy and reliability if information improves (declines), the EDR will decrease (increase). The change in the EDR from December 31, 2014 to December 31, 2015 resulted from routine updating of life expectancies and other factors relating to operational risk.
Increase or (Decrease) in Carrying Value of Investment in Life Insurance Policies	The Company's assumptions are, by their nature, inherently uncertain and the effect of changes in estimates may be significant. The fair value measurements used in estimating the present value calculation are derived from valuation techniques generally used in the industry that include inputs for the asset that are not based on observable market data. The extent to which the fair value could reasonably vary in the near term has been quantified by evaluating the effect of changes in significant underlying assumptions used to estimate the fair value amount. If the life expectancies were increased or decreased by 4 months and the discount factors were increased or decreased by 1% while all other variables are held constant, the carrying value of the investment in life insurance policies would increase or (decrease) by the unaudited amounts summarized below for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : Change in life expectancy Plus 4 Months Minus 4 Months Investment in life policies: December 31, 2015 $ (37,697 ) $ 40,997 December 31, 2014 $ (34,686 ) $ 36,486 Change in discount rate (1) Plus 1% Minus 1% Investment in life policies: December 31, 2015 $ (26,558 ) $ 29,644 December 31, 2014 $ (22,705 ) $ 25,456 (1) Discount rate is a present value calculation that considers legal risk, credit risk and liquidity risk and is a component of EDR. Non-recurring fair value measurements Assets and liabilities that are measured at fair value on a non-recurring basis include intangible assets and goodwill, which are recognized at fair value during the period in which an acquisition is completed, from updated estimates and assumptions during the measurement period, or when they are considered to be impaired. These non-recurring fair value measurements, primarily for intangible assets acquired, were based on Level 3 unobservable inputs. In the event of an impairment, the Company determines the fair value of the goodwill and intangible assets using a discounted cash flow approach or price to invested assets multiple, which contain significant unobservable inputs and therefore is considered a Level 3 fair value measurement. The unobservable inputs in the analysis generally include future cash flow projections and a discount rate. See Note 8, Intangible Assets and Goodwill, for additional information on how the Company tests goodwill for impairment. There were non-recurring fair value adjustments related to impairment of intangible assets of $2,060 , $0 and $0 during 2015, 2014 and 2013, respectively, and non-recurring adjustments related to impairment to goodwill of $55,304 , $62,898 , and $10,226 during the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 , respectively. Additionally, there were certain adjustments to the initial fair value estimates of the assets and liabilities assumed at the acquisition date (as disclosed in Note 5 to these consolidated financial statements) from updated estimates and assumptions during the measurement period. The measurement period may be up to one year from the acquisition date. The Company records any measurement period adjustments to the fair value of assets acquired and liabilities assumed, with the corresponding offset to goodwill.

Acquisitions (Tables)

Acquisitions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Summary of assets acquired and liabilities assumed	A summary of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Insco Dico are as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) Assets Cash and investments $ 130,031 Premium receivables 8,684 Reinsurance recoverable 5,799 Other assets 1,783 Deferred tax asset 3,104 Property and equipment 1,190 Goodwill and intangible assets 17,765 Total assets $ 168,356 Liabilities Loss and loss expense reserves $ 25,210 Unearned premiums 25,715 Funds held for policyholders 5,864 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 10,210 Deferred tax liability 2,657 Notes payable 10,000 Total liabilities $ 79,656 Acquisition price $ 88,700 A summary of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for CorePointe are as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) Assets Cash and investments $ 123,338 Premium receivable 20,441 Reinsurance recoverable 1,635 Other assets 1,703 Deferred tax asset 4,303 Property and equipment 226 Intangible assets 2,710 Total assets $ 154,356 Liabilities Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves $ 46,539 Unearned premiums 24,230 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 7,781 Deferred tax liability 1,206 Total liabilities $ 79,756 Acquisition price $ 68,774 Acquisition gain $ 5,826 A summary of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Oryx are as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) Assets Cash and investments $ 4,669 Premium receivable 3,438 Other assets 1,774 Goodwill and intangible assets 42,915 Total assets $ 52,796 Liabilities Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves $ 1,405 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 7,353 Deferred tax liability 6,454 Total liabilities $ 15,212 Acquisition price $ 37,584 A summary of the preliminary assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Warranty Solutions are as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) Assets Cash and investments $ 192,015 Prepaid reinsurance premium 77,777 Deferred tax asset 50,399 Other assets 22,466 Goodwill and intangible assets 84,215 Total assets $ 426,872 Liabilities Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves $ 3,013 Unearned premiums 182,441 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 85,171 Total liabilities $ 270,625 Acquisition price $ 156,247 A summary of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Comp Options are as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) Assets Cash and investments $ 80,051 Premium receivable 33,530 Other assets 6,642 Deferred tax asset 5,024 Goodwill and intangible assets 17,353 Total assets $ 142,600 Liabilities Loss and loss expense reserves $ 55,752 Unearned premiums 34,364 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 16,561 Deferred tax liability 1,632 Total liabilities $ 108,309 Acquisition price $ 34,291 A summary of the assets acquired and liabilities assumed for TMIS are as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) Assets Cash and investments $ 749 Other assets 1,354 Property and equipment 53 Goodwill and intangible assets 70,791 Total assets $ 72,947 Liabilities Accrued expenses and other liabilities $ 69 Deferred tax liability 11,375 Total liabilities $ 11,444 Acquisition price $ 61,503 A summary of the preliminary assets acquired and liabilities assumed for Springfield are as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) Assets Cash and investments $ 93,837 Premium receivable, net 4,651 Accrued interest and dividends 470 Other assets 2,752 Deferred tax asset 1,905 Property and equipment 1,376 Goodwill and intangible assets 4,253 Total assets $ 109,244 Liabilities Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves $ 65,725 Unearned premiums 7,006 Accrued expenses and other liabilities 4,199 Reinsurance payable on paid losses 740 Total liabilities $ 77,670 Acquisition price $ 31,574

Investment in Life Settlements

Investment in Life Settlements (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Investments, All Other Investments [Abstract]
Investment in Life Settlements	The following tables describe the Company’s investment in life settlements as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : (Amounts in thousands, except Life Settlement Contracts) Expected Maturity Term in Years Number of Life Settlement Contracts Fair Value (1) Face Value As of December 31, 2015 0 – 1 — $ — $ — 1 – 2 — — — 2 – 3 8 31,261 70,500 3 – 4 8 20,117 46,500 4 – 5 4 6,760 20,000 Thereafter 235 205,863 1,481,313 Total 255 $ 264,001 $ 1,618,313 As of December 31, 2014 0 – 1 — $ — $ — 1 – 2 — — — 2 – 3 8 43,593 70,500 3 – 4 5 10,081 22,500 4 – 5 7 14,335 49,000 Thereafter 254 196,508 1,596,209 Total 274 $ 264,517 $ 1,738,209 (1) The Company determined the fair value as of December 31, 2015 based on 213 policies out of 255 policies, as the Company assigned no value to 42 of the policies as of December 31, 2015 . The Company determined the fair value as of December 31, 2014 based on 218 policies out of 274 policies, as the Company assigned no value to 56 of the policies as of December 31, 2014 . The Company estimates the fair value of a life insurance policy using a cash flow model with an appropriate discount rate. In some cases, the cash flow model calculates the value of an individual policy to be negative, and therefore the fair value of the policy is zero as no liability exists when a negative value is calculated. The Company is not contractually bound to pay the premium on its life settlement contracts and, therefore, would not pay a willing buyer to assume title of these contracts. Additionally, certain of the Company’s acquired polices were structured to have low premium payments at inception of the policy term, which later escalate greatly towards the tail end of the policy term. At the current time, the Company expenses all premiums paid, even on policies with zero fair value. Once the premium payments escalate, the Company may allow the policies to lapse. In the event that death benefits are realized in the time frame between initial acquisition and premium escalation, it is a benefit to cash flow. For these contracts where the Company determined the fair value to be negative and therefore assigned a fair value of zero, the table below details the amount of premiums paid and the death benefits received for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 : 2015 2014 Number of policies with a negative value from discounted cash flow model 42 56 Premiums paid for the year ended $ 4,971 $ 5,963 Death benefit received $ — $ 4,950
Premiums to be Paid for Each of Five Succeeding Fiscal Years to keep Life Insurance Policies in Force	Premiums to be paid by the LSC Entities for each of the five succeeding fiscal years to keep the life insurance policies in force as of December 31, 2015 , are as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) Premiums Due on Life Settlement Contracts 2016 $ 54,540 2017 53,002 2018 41,409 2019 41,385 2020 38,627 Thereafter 487,107 $ 716,070

Deferred Policy Acquisition C48

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	The following table reflects the amounts of policy acquisition costs deferred and amortized for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Balance, beginning of period $ 628,383 $ 468,404 $ 349,126 Acquisition costs deferred 744,107 698,689 486,566 Amortization (668,247 ) (538,710 ) (367,288 ) Balance, end of period $ 704,243 $ 628,383 $ 468,404

Intangible Assets and Goodwill

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets by Major Class	The composition of goodwill and intangible assets is summarized as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) Gross Balance Accumulated Amortization Net Value Useful Life Goodwill $ 432,700 $ — $ 432,700 Indefinite Life Renewal rights 67,617 26,274 41,343 7 to 17 years Distribution networks 115,147 45,497 69,650 6 to 20 years Software 4,535 3,186 1,349 3 to 20 years Customer relationships 219,181 50,023 169,158 9 to 18 years Trademarks 5,220 5,140 80 15 years Trademarks 7,826 — 7,826 Indefinite Life Licenses 12,608 8,599 4,009 5 to 50 years Licenses 29,055 — 29,055 Indefinite Life Use rights 39,230 — 39,230 Indefinite Life Other 17,558 11,913 5,645 4 to 10 years Total $ 950,677 $ 150,632 $ 800,045 12 years average (Amounts in Thousands) Gross Balance Accumulated Amortization Net Value Useful Life Goodwill $ 352,685 $ — $ 352,685 Indefinite Life Renewal rights 62,367 16,732 45,635 7 to 17 years Distribution networks 115,480 36,009 79,471 5 to 20 years Software 3,547 2,101 1,446 3 to 20 years Customer relationships 132,744 31,807 100,937 8 to 18 years Trademarks 5,220 5,132 88 15 years Trademarks 6,327 — 6,327 Indefinite Life Licenses 12,608 6,151 6,457 5 to 50 years Licenses 25,055 — 25,055 Indefinite Life Use rights 41,468 — 41,468 Indefinite Life Other 16,348 8,236 8,112 4 to 10 years Total $ 773,849 $ 106,168 $ 667,681 14 years average
Schedule of Goodwill	The changes in the carrying amount of goodwill by segment for the years ended December 31, 2015 and 2014 are as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) Small Commercial Business Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty Specialty Program Total Balance as of January 1, 2014 $ 116,272 $ 239,378 $ 17,941 $ 373,591 Goodwill additions 24,304 18,617 — 42,921 Goodwill impairment — (62,898 ) — (62,898 ) Foreign currency translation — (929 ) — (929 ) Balance as of January 1, 2015 $ 140,576 $ 194,168 $ 17,941 $ 352,685 Goodwill additions 4,776 106,695 24,513 135,984 Goodwill impairment — (55,304 ) — (55,304 ) Foreign currency translation — (665 ) — (665 ) Balance as of December 31, 2015 $ 145,352 $ 244,894 $ 42,454 $ 432,700
Schedule of Expected Amortization Expense	The estimated aggregate amortization expense for each of the next five years is: (Amounts in Thousands) 2016 $ 45,566 2017 40,996 2018 35,124 2019 33,166 2020 32,151

Property and Equipment, Net (Ta

Property and Equipment, Net (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Property, Plant and Equipment [Abstract]
Property, Plant and Equipment	(Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 Land $ 21,068 $ 7,593 Building 97,667 25,478 Software 144,920 92,211 Computer equipment 62,160 41,924 Other equipment 57,767 53,529 Leasehold improvements 31,613 25,691 415,195 246,426 Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization (133,739 ) (92,251 ) $ 281,456 $ 154,175

Loss and loss adjustment expe51

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Schedule of Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense	The following table provides a reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for loss and loss adjustment expense reserve ("Loss and LAE"), reported in the accompanying consolidated balance sheets as of December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 : (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Loss and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverables at beginning of year $ 5,664,205 $ 4,368,234 $ 2,426,400 Less: Reinsurance recoverables at beginning of year 2,149,444 1,739,689 1,180,212 Net balance, beginning of year 3,514,761 2,628,545 1,246,188 Incurred related to: Current year 2,648,277 2,324,062 1,486,418 Prior year 33,931 18,557 30,943 Total incurred during the year 2,682,208 2,342,619 1,517,361 Paid related to: Current year (841,447 ) (886,724 ) (617,539 ) Prior year (1,018,931 ) (554,495 ) (335,621 ) Total paid during the year (1,860,378 ) (1,441,219 ) (953,160 ) Commuted loss reserves 129,377 — — Acquired outstanding loss and loss adjustment reserves 116,044 71,755 807,592 Effect of foreign exchange rates (38,832 ) (86,939 ) 10,564 Net balance, end of year 4,543,180 3,514,761 2,628,545 Plus reinsurance recoverables at end of year 2,665,187 2,149,444 1,739,689 Loss and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverables at end of year $ 7,208,367 $ 5,664,205 $ 4,368,234

Accrued Expenses and Other Li52

Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Schedule of Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities	(Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 Deferred warranty revenue $ 344,724 $ 138,592 Accounts and commission payable 213,843 157,232 Premium taxes, assessments and surcharges payable 161,083 171,512 Redeemable contractual obligations 95,316 111,748 Other accrued expenses and liabilities 86,146 116,383 Income tax payable — 100,410 $ 901,112 $ 795,877

Debt (Tables)

Debt (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
Borrowings	The Company’s outstanding debt consisted of the following at December 31, 2015 and 2014 : (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 Revolving credit facility $ 130,000 $ 120,000 5.5% Convertible senior notes due 2021 (the "2021 Notes") 5,190 56,745 2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 (the "2044 Notes") 163,082 157,679 6.125% Notes due 2023 (the "2023 Notes") 250,000 250,000 Junior subordinated debentures (the "2035-2037 Notes") 123,714 123,714 7.25% Subordinated notes due 2055 (the "7.25% 2055 Notes") 150,000 — 7.50% Subordinated notes due 2055 (the "7.50% 2055 Notes") 135,000 — Secured loan agreements 38,483 35,233 Promissory notes 14,500 14,500 $ 1,009,969 $ 757,871
Aggregate Scheduled Maturities of Borrowings	Aggregate scheduled maturities of the Company’s outstanding debt at December 31, 2015 are: (Amounts in Thousands) 2016 $ 7,186 2017 7,423 2018 9,590 2019 134,467 2020 205 Thereafter 851,098 (1) (1) Amount included debt outstanding under the 2021 Notes and the 2044 Notes, which is net of unamortized original issue discount of $851 and $50,069 , respectively. The annual future minimums in the aggregate are as follows through 2019 : (Amounts in Thousands) 2016 $ 12,378 2017 5,497 2018 1,760 2019 225 $ 19,860
Amounts Recorded for Notes	The following table shows the amounts recorded for the 2021 Notes and 2044 Notes as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : 2015 2014 (Amounts in Thousands) Outstanding Principal Unamortized OID Net Carrying Amount Outstanding Principal Unamortized OID Net Carrying Amount 2021 Notes $ 6,041 $ (851 ) $ 5,190 $ 68,119 $ (11,374 ) $ 56,745 2044 Notes 213,151 (50,069 ) 163,082 210,924 (53,245 ) 157,679 $ 219,192 $ (50,920 ) $ 168,272 $ 279,043 $ (64,619 ) $ 214,424
Trust Preferred Securities	The table below summarizes the Company’s trust preferred securities as of December 31, 2015 : (Amounts in Thousands) Name of Trust Aggregate Liquidation Amount of Trust Preferred Securities Aggregate Liquidation Amount of Common Securities Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes Stated Maturity of Notes Per Annum Interest Rate of Notes AmTrust Capital Financing Trust I $ 25,000 $ 774 $ 25,774 3/17/2035 3.926 (1) AmTrust Capital Financing Trust II 25,000 774 25,774 6/15/2035 3.912 (1) AmTrust Capital Financing Trust III 30,000 928 30,928 9/15/2036 3.812 (2) AmTrust Capital Financing Trust IV 40,000 1,238 41,238 3/15/2037 3.512 (3) Total trust preferred securities $ 120,000 $ 3,714 $ 123,714 (1) The interest rate is three-month LIBOR plus 3.40% . (2) The interest rate is three-month LIBOR plus 3.30% . (3) The interest rate is three-month LIBOR plus 3.00% .

Reinsurance (Tables)

Reinsurance (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Reinsurance Disclosures [Abstract]
Schedule of Primary Reinsurance Programs	The following tables provide a summary of the Company's primary reinsurance programs as of December 31, 2015 for the United States and internationally: (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 Domestic Reinsurance Programs Type of Reinsurance Retention Event Protection Coverage Workers’ Compensation, Excess of Loss $ 10,000 $ 570,000 100% of $560,000 Property, Quota Share $ 18,000 $ 20,000 10% of $20,000 Property, Per Risk Excess of Loss $ 2,000 $ 30,000 97% of $28,000 Property, Occurrence Excess of loss $ 20,000 $ 485,000 100% of $465,000 Surety, Excess of Loss $ 500 $ 20,000 70% of $19,500 Casualty/Professional, Excess of Loss $ 2,500 $ 40,000 92% of $38,500 Umbrella, Quota Share $ 1,500 $ 10,000 100% of $8,500 Equipment Breakdown, Quota Share $ — $ 100,000 100% of $100,000 (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 International Reinsurance Programs Type of Reinsurance Retention Event Protection Coverage Property, Per Risk Excess of Loss (AEL) $ 800 $ 4,800 100% of $4,000 Property, Occurrence Excess of Loss $ 7,500 $ 160,000 100% of $152,500 Property, Per Risk Excess of Loss (ATL) $ 800 $ 4,800 100% of 4,000 Surety, Excess of Loss and Quota Share $ 4,500 $ 45,000 100% of $41,500 Casualty, Excess of Loss $ 3,000 $ 20,000 100% of $17,000 Latent Defect, Excess of Loss $ 3,200 $ 40,000 100% of $36,800 Accident and Health, Excess of Loss $ 800 $ 32,000 100% of $31,200 Car Care, Excess of Loss $ 1,000 $ 105,000 97.5% of $104,000 Medical Malpractice, Quota Share $ 6,600 $ 11,000 40% of $11,000 Personal Accident, Excess of Loss $ 2,000 $ 50,000 100% of $48,000 Pecuniary Risks $ 5,000 $ 35,000 100% of $30,000
Schedule of Effect of Reinsurance with Unrelated Companies on Premiums and Losses	The effect of reinsurance with related and unrelated companies on premiums and losses for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 are as follows: Year Ended December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Amounts in Thousands) Written Earned Written Earned Written Earned Premiums: Direct $ 6,473,338 $ 5,994,848 $ 5,422,484 $ 4,816,607 $ 3,869,893 $ 3,308,136 Assumed 326,199 369,966 665,481 562,193 247,018 254,863 Ceded (2,539,479 ) (2,343,087 ) (2,131,347 ) (1,852,236 ) (1,551,238 ) (1,297,009 ) $ 4,260,058 $ 4,021,727 $ 3,956,618 $ 3,526,564 $ 2,565,673 $ 2,265,990 As of December 31, 2015 2014 2013 (Amounts in Thousands) Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded Assumed Ceded Loss and LAE reserves $ 692,447 $ (2,643,443 ) $ 623,193 $ (2,149,444 ) $ 378,564 $ (1,739,689 ) Unearned premiums 167,409 (1,530,551 ) 211,177 (1,302,848 ) 103,878 (1,011,304 ) Loss and LAE expense incurred 352,362 (1,497,558 ) 424,754 (1,217,593 ) 91,109 (975,434 )

Related Party Transactions (Tab

Related Party Transactions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Text Block [Abstract]
Results of Operations Related to Reinsurance Agreements	The following is the effect on the Company’s results of operations for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 related to the Maiden Quota Share agreement: (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Results of operations: Premium written – ceded $ (1,899,148 ) $ (1,592,457 ) $ (1,150,394 ) Change in unearned premium – ceded 182,967 211,897 162,846 Earned premium – ceded $ (1,716,181 ) $ (1,380,560 ) $ (987,548 ) Ceding commission on premium written $ 564,156 $ 493,342 $ 330,186 Ceding commission – deferred (53,364 ) (88,271 ) (53,630 ) Ceding commission – earned $ 510,792 $ 405,071 $ 276,556 Incurred loss and loss adjustment expense – ceded $ 1,116,308 $ 885,362 $ 715,832
Schedule of Variable Interest Entities	The following table summarizes the Company's non-consolidated VIEs and presents the maximum exposure to loss that would be incurred under severe, hypothetical circumstances, for which the possibility of occurrence is remote, for periods indicated. (Amounts in thousands) December 31, 2015 Carrying amount Other investments: North Dearborn $ 9,862 Illinois Center 55,007 Maximum exposure to loss (1) Other investments: North Dearborn $ 9,862 Illinois Center 55,007 (1) Maximum exposure to loss is a required disclosure under GAAP and requires the estimated loss that would be incurred under severe, hypothetical circumstances, for which the possibility of occurrence is remote, such as where the value of the Company's interests declines to zero, without any consideration of recovery or offset from any economic hedges. Accordingly, this required disclosure is not an indication of expected loss.

Acquisition Costs and Other U56

Acquisition Costs and Other Underwriting Expenses (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Components of acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	The following table summarizes the components of acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 : (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Policy acquisition expenses $ 457,943 $ 460,010 $ 244,461 Salaries and benefits 459,341 367,549 247,173 Other insurance general and administrative expense 62,218 29,364 41,528 $ 979,502 $ 856,923 $ 533,162

Share Based Compensation (Table

Share Based Compensation (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Schedule of Option Granted, Exercised and Expired	The following schedule shows all options granted, exercised, and expired under the Plan for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 : 2015 2014 2013 Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Shares Weighted Average Exercise Price Outstanding at beginning of year 3,868,740 $ 5.80 5,994,920 $ 5.25 7,351,552 $ 4.71 Granted 100,000 28.04 75,000 18.93 156,002 14.89 Exercised (1,109,712 ) 4.59 (2,184,240 ) 4.75 (1,494,544 ) 3.60 Forfeited (75,148 ) 9.17 (16,940 ) 3.52 (18,090 ) 4.45 Outstanding at end of year 2,783,880 $ 6.99 3,868,740 $ 5.80 5,994,920 $ 5.25
Schedule of Share-based Payment Award, Stock Options, Valuation Assumptions	The per share fair value of options was estimated at the date of grant based on the following weighted average assumptions for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 : 2015 2014 2013 Volatility 40.81 % 41.72 % 33.50 % Risk-free interest rate 1.97 % 2.62 % 1.01 % Weighted average expected lives in years 6.25 6.25 6.25 Dividend rate 1.84 % 1.77 % 1.67 % Forfeiture rate 0.50 % 0.50 % 0.50 %
Summary of Restricted Stock and RSU Activity	A summary of the Company’s restricted stock and RSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is shown below: 2015 2014 2013 Shares or Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares or Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares or Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested at beginning of year 2,611,022 $ 16.70 1,834,030 $ 12.22 1,776,394 $ 10.43 Granted 476,942 29.27 1,804,716 19.60 582,860 15.59 Vested (1,200,800 ) 15.66 (995,068 ) 13.69 (524,062 ) 9.91 Forfeited (33,648 ) 20.95 (32,656 ) 16.60 (1,162 ) 14.65 Non-vested at end of year 1,853,516 $ 20.54 2,611,022 $ 16.70 1,834,030 $ 12.22 A summary of the Company's PSU activity for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 is shown below: 2015 2014 2013 Shares or Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares or Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Shares or Units Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value Non-vested at beginning of year 549,670 $ 19.42 318,906 $ 14.67 — $ — Granted 373,628 29.93 338,150 22.60 319,426 14.67 Vested (155,842 ) 18.86 (79,420 ) 14.67 — — Forfeited (14,990 ) 28.13 (27,966 ) 17.20 (520 ) 14.65 Non-vested at end of year 752,466 $ 24.58 549,670 $ 19.42 318,906 $ 14.67

Income Taxes (Tables)

Income Taxes (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Components of Income Tax Expense (Benefit)	The provision for income taxes consists of the following for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 : (Amounts in Thousands) Income Tax Provision (Benefit) 2015 2014 2013 Current expense (benefit) Federal $ 84,581 $ 219,413 $ 49,565 Foreign 20,442 26,142 29,935 Total current tax expense 105,023 245,555 79,500 Deferred expense (benefit) Federal $ (55,029 ) $ (8,376 ) $ 13,741 Foreign 16,347 (183,493 ) 4,778 Total deferred tax expense (38,682 ) (191,869 ) 18,519 Total income tax expense $ 66,341 $ 53,686 $ 98,019
Reconciliation of Statutory Income Tax Rate to Effective Tax Rate	The following table is a reconciliation of the Company’s statutory income tax expense to its effective tax rate for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 : (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Income before equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries $ 551,478 $ 471,933 $ 367,046 Tax at federal statutory rate of 35% $ 193,017 $ 165,177 $ 128,466 Tax effects resulting from: Foreign rate differential Permanent adjustments (121,119 ) 9,171 (1,279 ) Tax rate differences (107,754 ) (115,513 ) (60,957 ) Adjustments to prior year taxes (80,089 ) (21,995 ) 28,494 Valuation allowance 170,043 — — Other, net 12,243 16,846 3,295 $ 66,341 $ 53,686 $ 98,019 Effective tax rate 12.0 % 11.4 % 26.7 %
Schedule of Deferred Tax Assets and Liabilities	The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of deferred tax assets and liabilities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 are shown below: (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 Deferred tax assets: Net operating loss carryforward $ 201,715 $ 101,230 Unearned premiums 138,751 117,922 Ceding commission 130,896 107,739 Loss and LAE reserves 100,545 49,583 Other 90,921 62,346 Unrealized loss on investments 35,943 — Bad debt 18,598 13,027 Deferred compensation 8,677 7,774 Total gross deferred tax assets 726,046 459,621 Valuation allowance (170,043 ) — $ 556,003 $ 459,621 Deferred tax liabilities: Deferred acquisition costs $ (317,606 ) $ (295,121 ) Equity results which cannot be liquidated tax free (52,305 ) (41,497 ) Intangible assets (51,724 ) (51,619 ) Depreciation (46,645 ) (31,350 ) Other (30,507 ) (16,790 ) Equalization reserves (11,151 ) (94,215 ) Accrual market discount (6,792 ) (3,123 ) Cash surrender value on insurance (2,106 ) (2,050 ) Unrealized gain on investments — (30,219 ) (518,836 ) (565,984 ) Deferred tax asset (liability), net $ 37,167 $ (106,363 )
Summary of Income Tax Examinations	Listed below are the tax years that remain subject to examination by major tax jurisdictions: Open Tax Years United States 2012-2014 United Kingdom 2012-2014 Ireland 2010-2014

Earnings Per Share (Tables)

Earnings Per Share (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Summary of Elements Used in Calculating Basic and Diluted Earnings Per Share	The following is a summary of the elements used in calculating basic and diluted earnings per share for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 : (Amounts in Thousands, except for earnings per share) 2015 2014 2013 Basics earnings per share: Net income attributable to AmTrust common stockholders $ 472,004 $ 434,276 $ 278,237 Less: Net income allocated to participating securities and redeemable non-controlling interest 352 1,217 431 Net income allocated to AmTrust common stockholders $ 471,652 $ 433,059 $ 277,806 Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic 165,166 150,288 148,556 Less: Weighted average participating shares outstanding 124 422 230 Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic 165,042 149,866 148,326 Net income per AmTrust common shares – basic $ 2.86 $ 2.89 $ 1.87 Diluted earnings per share: Net income attributable to AmTrust common stockholders $ 472,004 $ 434,276 $ 278,237 Less: Net income allocated to participating securities and redeemable non-controlling interest 352 1,217 431 Net income allocated to AmTrust common stockholders $ 471,652 $ 433,059 $ 277,806 Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic 165,042 149,866 148,326 Plus: Dilutive effect of stock options, convertible debt, other 3,318 9,168 7,642 Weighted average common shares outstanding – dilutive 168,360 159,034 155,968 Net income per AmTrust common shares – diluted $ 2.80 $ 2.72 $ 1.78

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)

Stockholders' Equity (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract]
Schedule of Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss)	The following tables summarize accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 : (Amounts in Thousands) Foreign Currency Items Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments Interest Rate Swap Hedge Net Benefit Plan Assets and Obligations Recognized in Stockholders' Equity Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) Balance, December 31, 2012 $ (10,361 ) $ 77,605 $ (3,013 ) $ — $ 64,231 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications 19,912 (138,902 ) 1,581 (2,257 ) (119,666 ) Amounts reclassed from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — 8,707 — — 8,707 Income tax benefit (expense) (6,969 ) 45,567 (553 ) 519 38,564 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) 12,943 (84,628 ) 1,028 (1,738 ) (72,395 ) Balance, December 31, 2013 2,582 (7,023 ) (1,985 ) (1,738 ) (8,164 ) Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification (26,706 ) 133,775 1,022 (1,623 ) 106,468 Amounts reclassed from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) — (7,566 ) — — (7,566 ) Income tax benefit (expense) 9,348 (44,173 ) (358 ) 568 (34,615 ) Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (17,358 ) 82,036 664 (1,055 ) 64,287 Balance, December 31, 2014 (14,776 ) 75,013 (1,321 ) (2,793 ) 56,123 Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassification (119,134 ) (177,618 ) 955 4,132 (291,665 ) Amounts reclassed from accumulated other comprehensive income — 4,918 — — 4,918 Income tax benefit (expense) 41,697 60,445 (334 ) (1,446 ) 100,362 Net current-period other comprehensive income (loss) (77,437 ) (112,255 ) 621 2,686 (186,385 ) Balance, December 31, 2015 $ (92,213 ) $ (37,242 ) $ (700 ) $ (107 ) $ (130,262 )

Commitment and Contingencies (T

Commitment and Contingencies (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Future Minimum Rental Payments for Operating Leases	Future minimum lease payments as of December 31, 2015 under non-cancellable operating leases for each of the next five years are approximately as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) 2016 $ 19,926 2017 17,145 2018 14,214 2019 11,765 2020 10,690 2021 and Thereafter 18,169 $ 91,909
Annual Future Minimum Payments as per Employee Agreements	Aggregate scheduled maturities of the Company’s outstanding debt at December 31, 2015 are: (Amounts in Thousands) 2016 $ 7,186 2017 7,423 2018 9,590 2019 134,467 2020 205 Thereafter 851,098 (1) (1) Amount included debt outstanding under the 2021 Notes and the 2044 Notes, which is net of unamortized original issue discount of $851 and $50,069 , respectively. The annual future minimums in the aggregate are as follows through 2019 : (Amounts in Thousands) 2016 $ 12,378 2017 5,497 2018 1,760 2019 225 $ 19,860

Statutory Financial Data, Ris62

Statutory Financial Data, Risk Based Capital and Dividend Restrictions (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Insurance [Abstract]
Statutory Accounting Practices Disclosure	Statutory capital and surplus and required statutory capital and surplus for the Company's seventeen insurance subsidiaries domiciled in the United States and five major foreign insurance subsidiaries as reported to respective regulatory authorities as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 were approximately as follows: 2015 2014 (Amounts in Thousands) Statutory Capital and Surplus Required Statutory Capital and Surplus (1) Statutory Capital and Surplus Required Statutory Capital and Surplus (1) TIC (domestic) $ 478,727 $ 246,708 $ 479,437 $ 178,941 RIC (domestic) 86,730 41,568 82,350 31,082 WIC (domestic) 333,516 178,904 215,530 125,810 AIIC (domestic) 69,423 24,905 74,014 17,416 SNIC (domestic) 149,542 67,481 125,735 50,824 MCIC (domestic) 22,227 7,201 17,713 5,287 AICK (domestic) 24,692 8,057 19,304 6,752 SIC (domestic) 70,765 13,774 79,475 15,231 SID (domestic) 9,907 776 9,799 665 SPIC (domestic) (2) 27,965 12,611 FNIC (domestic) 22,712 6,996 36,104 7,736 DSIC (domestic) 90,008 9,077 82,243 11,361 ICC (domestic) 15,543 1,430 20,699 528 ATIC (domestic) 10,025 500 10,538 500 COIC (domestic) 39,588 8,604 29,010 8,424 CPIC (domestic) (2) 56,828 4,640 HIC (domestic) (2) 38,936 5,960 AEL (United Kingdom) 284,673 68,944 290,916 62,925 AIU (Ireland) 200,340 58,542 195,208 37,865 AII (Bermuda) 574,150 345,103 679,967 244,509 AILSA (Luxembourg) 5,396 3,700 6,874 6,526 MIC (United Kingdom) 132,373 21,245 130,169 20,122 (1) For the Company's U.S. insurance companies and AIU, except ATIC, the amount is equal to the Regulatory Action Level ("RAL") as defined by NAIC or the minimum amount required to avoid regulatory oversight. For AEL, MIC, AII and AISLA, the amount is equal to the minimum capital required by their respective country's regulatory authority. For ATIC, the amount is equal to the minimum capital required by the regulatory authority in its state of domicile. (2) As these entities were acquired in 2015, the 2014 information is not presented. Statutory net income for the Company's seventeen insurance subsidiaries domiciled in the United States and five major foreign insurance subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 as reported to respective regulatory authorities were approximately as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 2013 TIC (domestic) $ 278 $ 21,418 $ 16,614 RIC (domestic) 1,856 9,440 8,158 WIC (domestic) 13,095 14,150 21,447 AIIC (domestic) 5,610 8,297 12,810 SNIC (domestic) (1) 40,527 30,668 14,368 MCIC (domestic) 5,861 3,226 1,671 AICK (domestic) 5,562 4,081 3,413 SIC (domestic) 872 9,535 4,464 SID (domestic) 95 35 634 SPIC (domestic) (2) (1,959 ) FNIC (domestic) (287 ) (1,186 ) (4,596 ) DSIC (domestic) (2) 17,445 4,124 ICC (domestic) (2) (315 ) 1,565 ATIC (domestic) (2) (488 ) (664 ) COIC (domestic) (2) 11,265 (946 ) CPIC (domestic) (2) 5,864 HIC (domestic) (2) 219 AEL (United Kingdom) 18,583 56,766 50,452 AIU (Ireland) 25,572 50,697 34,223 AII (Bermuda) (16,019 ) 78,142 5,282 AILSA (Luxembourg) 2 207 (27 ) MIC (United Kingdom) 13,068 28,856 7,515 (1) In December 2015, AmTrust Lloyd's Insurance Company of Texas ("ALIC") merged into SNIC. As a result, the statutory net income of SNIC reported for 2014 and 2013 included the respective statutory net income of ALIC. (2) Information is presented only for years the subsidiaries were owned by the Company. The amounts reported in year of acquisition are for the entire year and do not represent the statutory net income for the period of ownership.

Geographic Information (Tables)

Geographic Information (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Condensed Financial Information of Parent Company Only Disclosure [Abstract]
Schedule of Income before Equity Earnings, Domestic and Foreign	The domestic and foreign components of Income before income tax and equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries for the years ended December 31, 2015, 2014 and 2013 are as follows: (Amounts in Thousands) 2015 2014 2013 Domestic $ 507,874 $ 267,486 $ 243,566 Foreign 43,604 204,447 123,480 $ 551,478 $ 471,933 $ 367,046
Schedule of Operations, by Geographical Segment	The following table summarizes the Company’s operations by major geographic segment: (Amounts in Thousands) Domestic Bermuda Other Foreign December 31, 2015: Revenue $ 1,981,770 $ 1,649,144 $ 1,033,426 Property and equipment 249,123 23 32,310 December 31, 2014: Revenue $ 1,394,497 $ 1,417,781 $ 1,272,053 Property and equipment 143,027 — 11,148 December 31, 2013: Revenue $ 468,980 $ 1,600,809 $ 628,106 Property and equipment 95,689 — 8,610

Segments (Tables)

Segments (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Segment Reporting [Abstract]
Results of Operations of Business Segments	The following tables summarize business segments as follows for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : (Amounts in Thousands) Small Commercial Business Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty Specialty Program Corporate and Other Total Year Ended December 31, 2015: Gross written premium $ 3,320,650 $ 2,158,921 $ 1,319,966 $ — $ 6,799,537 Net written premium $ 1,932,100 $ 1,450,817 $ 877,141 $ — $ 4,260,058 Change in unearned premium (45,220 ) (145,781 ) (47,330 ) — (238,331 ) Net earned premium 1,886,880 1,305,036 829,811 — 4,021,727 Loss and loss adjustment expense (1,234,089 ) (882,306 ) (565,813 ) — (2,682,208 ) Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses (485,909 ) (265,154 ) (228,439 ) — (979,502 ) (1,719,998 ) (1,147,460 ) (794,252 ) — (3,661,710 ) Underwriting income 166,882 157,576 35,559 — 360,017 Service and fee income 101,302 294,546 2,023 80,335 478,206 Investment income and realized gain 72,796 59,035 32,521 55 164,407 Other expenses (227,948 ) (148,201 ) (90,610 ) — (466,759 ) Interest expense including loss on extinguishment of debt (26,041 ) (16,931 ) (10,351 ) — (53,323 ) Foreign currency gain — 43,260 — — 43,260 Gain on investment in life settlement contracts net of profit commission 9,691 6,301 3,852 — 19,844 Acquisition gain on purchase 5,826 — — — 5,826 (Provision) benefit for income taxes (11,790 ) (45,493 ) 3,106 (12,164 ) (66,341 ) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries – related party — — — 25,385 25,385 Net income $ 90,718 $ 350,093 $ (23,900 ) $ 93,611 $ 510,522 (Amounts in Thousands) Small Commercial Business Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty Specialty Program Corporate and Other Total Year Ended December 31, 2014: Gross written premium $ 2,999,714 $ 1,983,052 $ 1,105,199 $ — $ 6,087,965 Net written premium $ 1,882,383 $ 1,333,747 $ 740,488 $ — $ 3,956,618 Change in unearned premium (275,578 ) (101,509 ) (61,876 ) 8,909 (430,054 ) Net earned premium 1,606,805 1,232,238 678,612 8,909 3,526,564 Loss and loss adjustment expense (1,055,521 ) (817,780 ) (456,422 ) (12,896 ) (2,342,619 ) Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses (416,965 ) (253,794 ) (183,541 ) (2,623 ) (856,923 ) (1,472,486 ) (1,071,574 ) (639,963 ) (15,519 ) (3,199,542 ) Underwriting income 134,319 160,664 38,649 (6,610 ) 327,022 Service and fee income 95,430 253,220 428 60,665 409,743 Investment income and realized gain 62,810 56,852 27,994 368 148,024 Other expenses (215,002 ) (142,134 ) (79,214 ) — (436,350 ) Interest expense (27,439 ) (18,139 ) (10,110 ) — (55,688 ) Foreign currency loss — 60,245 — — 60,245 Gain on investment in life settlement contracts net of profit commission 6,064 4,008 2,234 — 12,306 Gain on sale of subsidiary 6,631 — — — 6,631 Acquisition gain on purchase — — — — — (Provision) benefit for income taxes (6,741 ) (40,211 ) 2,148 (8,882 ) (53,686 ) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries – related party — — — 28,351 28,351 Net income $ 56,072 $ 334,505 $ (17,871 ) $ 73,892 $ 446,598 (Amounts in Thousands) Small Commercial Business Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty Specialty Program Corporate and Other Total Year Ended December 31, 2013: Total gross written premium $ 1,659,980 $ 1,511,649 $ 879,455 $ 65,827 $ 4,116,911 Net written premium $ 935,313 $ 944,081 $ 620,452 $ 65,827 $ 2,565,673 Change in unearned premium (101,501 ) (132,244 ) (100,081 ) 34,143 (299,683 ) Net earned premium 833,812 811,837 520,371 99,970 2,265,990 Loss and loss adjustment expense (548,598 ) (545,516 ) (355,067 ) (68,180 ) (1,517,361 ) Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses (212,824 ) (151,188 ) (138,650 ) (30,500 ) (533,162 ) (761,422 ) (696,704 ) (493,717 ) (98,680 ) (2,050,523 ) Underwriting income 72,390 115,133 26,654 1,290 215,467 Service and fee income 87,519 191,941 114 51,985 331,559 Investment income and realized gain 34,665 46,304 18,464 913 100,346 Other expenses (117,583 ) (107,076 ) (62,295 ) (4,663 ) (291,617 ) Interest expense (13,987 ) (12,738 ) (7,411 ) (555 ) (34,691 ) Foreign currency loss — (6,533 ) — — (6,533 ) Gain on investment in life settlement contracts net of profit commission 1,532 1,395 812 61 3,800 Acquisition gain on purchase 23,183 25,532 — — 48,715 Provision (benefit) for income taxes (24,389 ) (64,281 ) 5,989 (15,338 ) (98,019 ) Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiaries – related party $ — $ — $ — $ 11,566 $ 11,566 Net income $ 63,330 $ 189,677 $ (17,673 ) $ 45,259 $ 280,593 The following tables summarize net earned premium by major line of business, by segment, for 2015 , 2014 and 2013 : (Amounts in Thousands) Small Commercial Business Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty Specialty Program Corporate and Other Total Year Ended December 31, 2015: Workers' compensation $ 1,278,509 $ — $ 337,279 $ — $ 1,615,788 Warranty — 623,432 — — 623,432 Other liability 50,578 139,463 196,379 — 386,420 Commercial auto and liability, physical damage 282,593 17,248 141,075 — 440,916 Medical malpractice — 161,767 — — 161,767 Other 275,200 363,126 155,078 — 793,404 Total net earned premium $ 1,886,880 $ 1,305,036 $ 829,811 $ — $ 4,021,727 Year Ended December 31, 2014: Workers' compensation $ 1,061,130 $ — $ 260,756 $ — $ 1,321,886 Warranty — 433,710 234 — 433,944 Other liability 98,846 198,505 127,364 — 424,715 Commercial auto and liability, physical damage 162,377 25,255 116,528 1,563 305,723 Medical malpractice — 176,608 — — 176,608 Other 284,452 398,160 173,730 7,346 863,688 Total net earned premium $ 1,606,805 $ 1,232,238 $ 678,612 $ 8,909 $ 3,526,564 Year Ended December 31, 2013: Workers' compensation $ 665,087 $ — $ 166,071 $ — $ 831,158 Warranty — 397,978 1,952 — 399,930 Other liability 37,308 108,018 125,827 7 271,160 Commercial auto and liability, physical damage 51,623 13,631 108,962 8,612 182,828 Medical malpractice — 191,217 — — 191,217 Other 79,794 100,993 117,559 91,351 389,697 Total net earned premium $ 833,812 $ 811,837 $ 520,371 $ 99,970 $ 2,265,990 The following tables summarize total assets and long lived assets, by segment, as of December 31, 2015 and 2014 : (Amounts in Thousands) Small Commercial Business Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty Specialty Program Corporate and other Total As of December 31, 2015: Fixed assets $ 137,453 $ 89,365 $ 54,638 $ — $ 281,456 Goodwill and intangible assets 277,237 447,055 75,753 — 800,045 Total assets 7,790,429 6,378,545 2,940,252 2,406 17,111,632 As of December 31, 2014: Fixed assets $ 75,966 $ 50,220 $ 27,989 $ — $ 154,175 Goodwill and intangible assets 285,583 348,216 33,882 — 667,681 Total assets 6,142,645 5,441,378 2,248,901 14,444 13,847,368

Quarterly Financial Data (Una65

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Tables)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Summary of Quarterly Financial Information	The following is a summary of the unaudited quarterly results of operations: 2015 (Amounts in Thousands) March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, Earned premium $ 949,377 $ 968,970 $ 1,045,408 $ 1,057,972 Investment income 34,573 36,283 40,425 45,009 Total revenue 1,112,489 1,110,348 1,229,658 1,211,845 Loss and loss adjustment expense 613,283 638,475 709,604 720,846 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expense 231,676 238,710 258,016 251,100 Other expense 98,457 98,130 116,900 153,272 Provision for income taxes 46,812 4,472 (12,649 ) 27,706 Net income 164,148 80,733 193,008 72,633 Income attributable to Common Stockholders 154,696 70,748 182,708 63,852 Comprehensive income 101,594 33,190 178,924 3,501 Basic EPS $0.95 $0.43 $1.11 $0.38 Diluted EPS $0.93 $0.42 $1.09 $0.37 2014 (Amounts in Thousands) March 31, June 30, September 30, December 31, Earned premium $ 829,051 $ 874,937 $ 914,413 $ 908,163 Investment income 28,527 32,594 34,552 35,928 Total revenue 953,975 1,010,979 1,071,634 1,047,743 Loss and loss adjustment expense 558,570 587,233 609,352 587,464 Acquisition costs and other underwriting expense 186,609 208,060 225,512 236,742 Other expense 87,591 87,588 103,493 157,678 Provision for income taxes 27,444 17,966 (7,664 ) 15,940 Net income 101,728 104,189 157,156 83,525 Income attributable to Common Stockholders 99,851 106,274 156,590 71,561 Comprehensive income 142,427 161,272 144,051 63,551 Basic EPS $0.67 $0.71 $1.05 $0.47 Diluted EPS $0.64 $0.67 $0.99 $0.44

Nature of Operations Nature of

Nature of Operations Nature of Operations (Details)	Dec. 31, 2015subsidiary
Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract]
Number of subsidiaries	17
Number of foreign subsidiaries	5

Significant Accounting Polici67

Significant Accounting Policies (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)company	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Allowance for doubtful accounts	$ 74,563	$ 45,024
Percentage of investments in portfolio ( percentage)	1.40%
Increase in deferred policy acquisition costs	$ 75,860	159,979	$ 97,561
Amortization	(668,247)	(538,710)	(367,288)
Assessment expenses	$ 25,866	$ 23,205	$ 33,772
Number of reportable entities | company	7
Minimum
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Investment maturity (duration)	91 days
Maximum
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Investment maturity (duration)	1 year
Market Capitalization under $1 billion
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Percentage of Cost	35.00%
Market Capitalization	$ 1,000,000
Market Capitalization over $1 billion
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Percentage of Cost	25.00%
Market Capitalization	$ 1,000,000
Building
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	40 years
Equipment | Minimum
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	5 years
Equipment | Maximum
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	7 years
Computer Equipment | Minimum
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	3 years
Computer Equipment | Maximum
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	20 years
Leasehold Improvements
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	15 years
NGHC
Change in Accounting Estimate [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interests	12.00%			12.00%	13.00%	13.00%	15.00%
5.5% Convertible senior notes due 2021 (the 2021 Notes) | Convertible Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated interest rate (percentage)	5.50%	5.50%

Investments (Amortized Cost, E

Investments (Amortized Cost, Estimated Market Value and Gross Unrealized Appreciation and Depreciation of Available-for-sale Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Original or amortized cost	$ 5,591,388	$ 4,221,221
Gross unrealized gains	99,265	155,441
Gross unrealized losses	(152,359)	(42,344)
Fair value	5,538,294	4,334,318
Preferred stock
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Original or amortized cost	4,869	3,349
Gross unrealized gains	150	158
Gross unrealized losses	(30)	(1)
Fair value	4,989	3,506
Common stock
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Original or amortized cost	104,477	80,726
Gross unrealized gains	3,816	4,673
Gross unrealized losses	(8,785)	(7,861)
Fair value	99,508	77,538
U.S. treasury securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Original or amortized cost	69,547	42,416
Gross unrealized gains	1,470	1,558
Gross unrealized losses	(258)	(104)
Fair value	70,759	43,870
U.S. government agencies
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Original or amortized cost	45,586	12,968
Gross unrealized gains	235	575
Gross unrealized losses	(263)	(5)
Fair value	45,558	13,538
Municipal bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Original or amortized cost	530,004	469,646
Gross unrealized gains	11,952	13,950
Gross unrealized losses	(1,530)	(1,555)
Fair value	540,426	482,041
Foreign government
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Original or amortized cost	109,645	106,054
Gross unrealized gains	4,912	6,760
Gross unrealized losses	(812)	(83)
Fair value	113,745	112,731
Commercial mortgage backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Original or amortized cost	151,164	36,964
Gross unrealized gains	1,334	1,890
Gross unrealized losses	(1,180)	(169)
Fair value	151,318	38,685
Agency backed
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Original or amortized cost	964,059	954,320
Gross unrealized gains	14,912	23,340
Gross unrealized losses	(4,133)	(1,878)
Fair value	974,838	975,782
Non-agency backed
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Original or amortized cost	124,046	22,071
Gross unrealized gains	322	696
Gross unrealized losses	(4,139)	(264)
Fair value	120,229	22,503
Collateralized loan / debt obligations
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Original or amortized cost	232,245
Gross unrealized gains	10
Gross unrealized losses	(6,161)
Fair value	226,094
Asset-backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Original or amortized cost	33,142	709
Gross unrealized gains	4	2
Gross unrealized losses	(1,309)	(1)
Fair value	31,837	710
Corporate bonds | Finance
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Original or amortized cost	1,358,765	1,167,011
Gross unrealized gains	38,058	60,322
Gross unrealized losses	(34,393)	(5,471)
Fair value	1,362,430	1,221,862
Corporate bonds | Industrial
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Original or amortized cost	1,706,772	1,187,818
Gross unrealized gains	20,542	38,317
Gross unrealized losses	(80,251)	(23,275)
Fair value	1,647,063	1,202,860
Corporate bonds | Utilities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Original or amortized cost	157,067	137,169
Gross unrealized gains	1,548	3,200
Gross unrealized losses	(9,115)	(1,677)
Fair value	$ 149,500	$ 138,692

Investments (Summary of Availab

Investments (Summary of Available for Sale Fixed Securities by Contractual Maturity) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total fixed maturities	$ 5,482,042	$ 4,137,146
Total fixed maturities	5,433,797	4,253,274
Fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Due in one year or less	125,563	106,041
Due after one through five years	913,365	682,632
Due after five through ten years	2,586,061	1,998,740
Due after ten years	352,397	335,669
Mortgage and asset backed securities	1,504,656	1,014,064
Total fixed maturities	5,482,042	4,137,146
Due in one year or less	124,763	105,839
Due after one through five years	909,634	704,344
Due after five through ten years	2,537,734	2,062,942
Due after ten years	357,288	342,468
Mortgage and asset backed securities	1,504,378	1,037,681
Total fixed maturities	$ 5,433,797	$ 4,253,274

Investments (Other Than Tempora

Investments (Other Than Temporary Investment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment charges	$ 19,155	$ 8,039	$ 2,869
Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment charges	1,276	2,646	2,869
Fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Other-than-temporary impairment charges	$ 17,879	$ 5,393	$ 0

Investments (Summary of Gross U

Investments (Summary of Gross Unrealized Losses of Fixed-maturities and Equity Securities) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Contract	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)Contract
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Market Value, Less than 12 Months	$ 2,492,426	$ 562,070
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	$ (130,434)	$ (30,525)
No. of Positions Held, Less than 12 Months | Contract	1,847	474
Fair Market Value, 12 Months or More	$ 217,876	$ 304,486
Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or More	$ (21,925)	$ (11,819)
No. of Positions Held, 12 Months or More | Contract	164	223
Total Fair Market Value	$ 2,710,302	$ 866,556
Total Unrealized Losses	(152,359)	(42,344)
Common and Preferred stock
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Market Value, Less than 12 Months	59,302	38,970
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	$ (8,711)	$ (7,764)
No. of Positions Held, Less than 12 Months | Contract	67	21
Fair Market Value, 12 Months or More	$ 402	$ 400
Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or More	$ (104)	$ (98)
No. of Positions Held, 12 Months or More | Contract	2	2
Total Fair Market Value	$ 59,704	$ 39,370
Total Unrealized Losses	(8,815)	(7,862)
U.S. treasury securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Market Value, Less than 12 Months	31,658	1,030
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	$ (232)	$ (54)
No. of Positions Held, Less than 12 Months | Contract	77	7
Fair Market Value, 12 Months or More	$ 2,586	$ 3,219
Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or More	$ (26)	$ (50)
No. of Positions Held, 12 Months or More | Contract	8	9
Total Fair Market Value	$ 34,244	$ 4,249
Total Unrealized Losses	(258)	(104)
U.S. government agencies
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Market Value, Less than 12 Months	22,412	1,736
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	$ (262)	$ (3)
No. of Positions Held, Less than 12 Months | Contract	20	3
Fair Market Value, 12 Months or More	$ 182	$ 222
Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or More	$ (1)	(2)
No. of Positions Held, 12 Months or More | Contract	2
Total Fair Market Value	$ 22,594	1,958
Total Unrealized Losses	(263)	(5)
Municipal bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Market Value, Less than 12 Months	121,550	24,695
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	$ (867)	$ (240)
No. of Positions Held, Less than 12 Months | Contract	111	64
Fair Market Value, 12 Months or More	$ 17,163	$ 93,201
Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or More	$ (663)	$ (1,315)
No. of Positions Held, 12 Months or More | Contract	30	98
Total Fair Market Value	$ 138,713	$ 117,896
Total Unrealized Losses	(1,530)	(1,555)
Foreign government
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Market Value, Less than 12 Months	18,598	7,644
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	$ (688)	$ (83)
No. of Positions Held, Less than 12 Months | Contract	27	4
Fair Market Value, 12 Months or More	$ 5,977	$ 0
Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or More	$ (124)	$ 0
No. of Positions Held, 12 Months or More | Contract	1	0
Total Fair Market Value	$ 24,575	$ 7,644
Total Unrealized Losses	(812)	(83)
Finance | Corporate bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Market Value, Less than 12 Months	604,898	192,520
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	$ (33,068)	$ (4,297)
No. of Positions Held, Less than 12 Months | Contract	349	143
Fair Market Value, 12 Months or More	$ 59,020	$ 66,715
Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or More	$ (1,325)	$ (1,174)
No. of Positions Held, 12 Months or More | Contract	22	27
Total Fair Market Value	$ 663,918	$ 259,235
Total Unrealized Losses	(34,393)	(5,471)
Industrial | Corporate bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Market Value, Less than 12 Months	858,632	236,845
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	$ (65,887)	$ (17,230)
No. of Positions Held, Less than 12 Months | Contract	633	194
Fair Market Value, 12 Months or More	$ 82,495	$ 60,511
Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or More	$ (14,364)	$ (6,045)
No. of Positions Held, 12 Months or More | Contract	55	43
Total Fair Market Value	$ 941,127	$ 297,356
Total Unrealized Losses	(80,251)	(23,275)
Utilities | Corporate bonds
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Market Value, Less than 12 Months	79,358	12,188
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	$ (5,305)	$ (490)
No. of Positions Held, Less than 12 Months | Contract	113	22
Fair Market Value, 12 Months or More	$ 7,712	$ 13,908
Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or More	$ (3,810)	$ (1,187)
No. of Positions Held, 12 Months or More | Contract	5	3
Total Fair Market Value	$ 87,070	$ 26,096
Total Unrealized Losses	(9,115)	(1,677)
Commercial mortgage backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Market Value, Less than 12 Months	35,405	15
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	$ (1,079)	$ 0
No. of Positions Held, Less than 12 Months | Contract	100	2
Fair Market Value, 12 Months or More	$ 2,870	$ 0
Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or More	$ (101)	$ (169)
No. of Positions Held, 12 Months or More | Contract	6	8
Total Fair Market Value	$ 38,275	$ 15
Total Unrealized Losses	(1,180)	(169)
Agency backed
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Market Value, Less than 12 Months	334,224	41,187
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	$ (2,788)	$ (101)
No. of Positions Held, Less than 12 Months | Contract	163	10
Fair Market Value, 12 Months or More	$ 35,446	$ 66,172
Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or More	$ (1,345)	$ (1,777)
No. of Positions Held, 12 Months or More | Contract	29	29
Total Fair Market Value	$ 369,670	$ 107,359
Total Unrealized Losses	(4,133)	(1,878)
Non-agency backed
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Market Value, Less than 12 Months	95,001	5,092
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	$ (4,077)	$ (263)
No. of Positions Held, Less than 12 Months | Contract	39	3
Fair Market Value, 12 Months or More	$ 4,023	$ 28
Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or More	$ (62)	$ (1)
No. of Positions Held, 12 Months or More | Contract	4	2
Total Fair Market Value	$ 99,024	$ 5,120
Total Unrealized Losses	(4,139)	(264)
Collateralized loan / debt obligations
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Market Value, Less than 12 Months	201,086
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	$ (6,161)
No. of Positions Held, Less than 12 Months | Contract	78
Fair Market Value, 12 Months or More	$ 0
Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or More	$ 0
No. of Positions Held, 12 Months or More | Contract	0
Total Fair Market Value	$ 201,086
Total Unrealized Losses	(6,161)
Asset-backed securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Fair Market Value, Less than 12 Months	30,302	148
Unrealized Losses, Less than 12 Months	$ (1,309)	$ 0
No. of Positions Held, Less than 12 Months | Contract	70	1
Fair Market Value, 12 Months or More	$ 0	$ 110
Unrealized Losses, 12 Months or More	$ 0	$ (1)
No. of Positions Held, 12 Months or More | Contract	0	2
Total Fair Market Value	$ 30,302	$ 258
Total Unrealized Losses	$ (1,309)	$ (1)

Investments (Unrealized Gain an

Investments (Unrealized Gain and Losses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total net unrealized gain (loss)	$ (53,094)	$ 113,097	$ (12,027)
Deferred income tax benefit (expense)	18,583	(39,584)	4,209
Cumulative net unrealized (loss) gain, net of tax	(34,511)	73,513	(7,818)
Increase (decrease) in net unrealized gains, net of deferred income tax	(108,024)	81,331	(83,936)
Fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total net unrealized gain (loss)	(48,245)	116,128	(11,165)
Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Total net unrealized gain (loss)	$ (4,849)	$ (3,031)	$ (862)

Investments (Trading Securities

Investments (Trading Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Original or amortized cost	$ 26,937	$ 25,407
Market value	27,271	26,749
Common stock
Schedule of Trading Securities and Other Trading Assets [Line Items]
Original or amortized cost	26,937	25,407
Gross unrealized gains	739	1,614
Gross unrealized losses	(405)	(272)
Market value	$ 27,271	$ 26,749

Investments (Net Investment Inc

Investments (Net Investment Income) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating									$ 158,183	$ 131,793	$ 86,711
Less: Investment expenses and interest expense on securities sold under agreement to repurchase									(1,893)	(192)	(1,892)
Net investment income	$ 45,009	$ 40,425	$ 36,283	$ 34,573	$ 35,928	$ 34,552	$ 32,594	$ 28,527	156,290	131,601	84,819
Fixed maturities
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating									152,663	124,976	82,392
Equity securities
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating									2,784	1,346	2,119
Trading Securities
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating									(982)	29
Cash and cash equivalents
Schedule of Investment Income, Reported Amounts, by Category [Line Items]
Gross Investment Income, Operating									$ 3,718	$ 5,442	$ 2,200

Investments (Summary of Realize

Investments (Summary of Realized Gain and Loss) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross Gains	$ 43,650
Net Gain and Losses	15,578	$ 21,858	$ 18,396
Write-down	(19,155)	(8,039)	(2,869)
Total of gross loss and write-downs	(35,533)
Net gain and losses, including write-down	8,117
Fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Write-down	(17,879)	(5,393)	0
Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Write-down	(1,276)	(2,646)	(2,869)
Available-for-sale Securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross Gains		41,207	39,960
Total of gross loss and write-downs		(24,784)	(24,433)
Net gain and losses, including write-down		16,423	15,527
Available-for-sale Securities | Fixed maturities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross Gains	17,828	16,611	28,696
Gross Losses	(1,516)	(4,946)	(18,066)
Net Gain and Losses	16,312	11,665	10,630
Write-down	(17,879)	(5,393)	(2,869)
Available-for-sale Securities | Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross Gains	1,563	14,121	11,264
Gross Losses	(2,297)	(3,928)	(3,498)
Net Gain and Losses	(734)	10,193	$ 7,766
Write-down	(1,276)	(2,646)
Trading Securities | Equity securities
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross Gains	22,602	10,475
Gross Losses	(12,565)	(7,871)
Net Gain and Losses	10,037	$ 2,604
Other invested assets
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
Gross Gains	1,657
Gross Losses	0
Net Gain and Losses	$ 1,657

Investments (Notional Amounts o

Investments (Notional Amounts of Interest Rate Swaps by Remaining Maturity) (Details) - Interest Rate Swap $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Schedule of Available-for-sale Securities [Line Items]
One Year	$ 30,000
Two Through Five Years	40,000
Six Through Ten Years	0
After Ten years	0
Total	$ 70,000

Investments (Fair Values of Res

Investments (Fair Values of Restricted Assets) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Investments, Debt and Equity Securities [Abstract]
Restricted cash and cash equivalents	$ 380,699	$ 186,225
Restricted investments	1,490,547	734,271
Total restricted cash and investments	$ 1,871,246	$ 920,496

Investments (Additional Informa

Investments (Additional Information) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)DerivativeInvestment	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)Investment	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Investment [Line Items]
Proceeds from the sale of investments in available-for-sale securities	$ 1,274,502	$ 1,988,266	$ 1,681,165
Number of securities account for gross unrealized loss | Investment	2,011	701
Available-for-sale Securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate loss	$ (21,925)
Available-for-sale securities, continuous unrealized loss position, 12 months or longer, aggregate loss, greater or equal to 20% of amortized costs	$ (13,301)
Available-for-sale securities in unrealized loss positions, percentage of amortized cost	20.00%
Proceeds from sale of investment in trading securities	$ 207,992	$ 78,974
Number of interest rate swaps | Derivative	2
Interest rate swaps liability	$ 1,077	2,033
Fair value of securities sold but not yet purchased	38,618	13,052
Equity securities
Investment [Line Items]
Fair value of securities sold but not yet purchased	$ 38,618	$ 13,052

Fair Value of Financial Instr79

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Financial Assets and Financial Liabilities on Recurring Basis) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	$ 5,944,141	$ 4,702,815
Fair Value of liabilities	132,558	73,323
Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	220,859	159,019
Fair Value of liabilities	18,163	13,052
Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	5,391,761	4,231,078
Fair Value of liabilities	21,532	2,033
Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	331,521	312,718
Fair Value of liabilities	92,863	58,238
U.S. treasury securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	70,759	43,870
U.S. treasury securities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	70,759	43,870
U.S. treasury securities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
U.S. treasury securities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
U.S. government agencies
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	45,558	13,538
U.S. government agencies | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
U.S. government agencies | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	45,558	13,538
U.S. government agencies | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Municipal bonds
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	540,426	482,041
Municipal bonds | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Municipal bonds | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	540,426	482,041
Municipal bonds | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Foreign government
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	113,745	112,731
Foreign government | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0
Foreign government | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	113,745	112,731
Foreign government | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0
Commercial mortgage backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	151,318	38,685
Commercial mortgage backed securities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Commercial mortgage backed securities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	151,318	38,685
Commercial mortgage backed securities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Agency backed
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	974,838	975,782
Agency backed | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Agency backed | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	974,838	975,782
Agency backed | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Non-agency backed
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	120,229	22,503
Non-agency backed | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Non-agency backed | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	120,229	22,503
Non-agency backed | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Collateralized loan / debt obligations
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	226,094
Collateralized loan / debt obligations | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0
Collateralized loan / debt obligations | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	226,094
Collateralized loan / debt obligations | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0
Asset-backed securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	31,837	710
Asset-backed securities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0
Asset-backed securities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	31,837	710
Asset-backed securities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0
Short term investments
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	84,266	63,916
Short term investments | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	84,266	63,916
Short term investments | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Short term investments | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Other investments:
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	30,309	13,315
Other investments: | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Other investments: | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Other investments: | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	30,309	13,315
Life settlement contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	264,001	264,517
Life settlement contracts | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Life settlement contracts | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Life settlement contracts | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	264,001	264,517
Corporate bonds | Finance
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	1,362,430	1,221,862
Corporate bonds | Finance | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Corporate bonds | Finance | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	1,362,430	1,221,862
Corporate bonds | Finance | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Corporate bonds | Industrial
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	1,647,063	1,202,860
Corporate bonds | Industrial | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Corporate bonds | Industrial | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	1,647,063	1,202,860
Corporate bonds | Industrial | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Corporate bonds | Utilities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	149,500	138,692
Corporate bonds | Utilities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Corporate bonds | Utilities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	149,500	138,692
Corporate bonds | Utilities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	0
Securities sold but not yet purchased, market
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of liabilities		13,052
Securities sold but not yet purchased, market | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of liabilities		13,052
Securities sold but not yet purchased, market | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of liabilities		0
Securities sold but not yet purchased, market | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of liabilities		0
Securities sold but not yet purchased, market | Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of liabilities	18,163
Securities sold but not yet purchased, market | Equity securities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of liabilities	18,163
Securities sold but not yet purchased, market | Equity securities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of liabilities	0
Securities sold but not yet purchased, market | Equity securities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of liabilities	0
Securities sold but not yet purchased, market | Fixed maturities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of liabilities	20,455
Securities sold but not yet purchased, market | Fixed maturities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of liabilities	0
Securities sold but not yet purchased, market | Fixed maturities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of liabilities	20,455
Securities sold but not yet purchased, market | Fixed maturities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of liabilities	0
Life settlement contract profit commission
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of liabilities	15,406	16,534
Life settlement contract profit commission | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of liabilities	0	0
Life settlement contract profit commission | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of liabilities	0	0
Life settlement contract profit commission | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of liabilities	15,406	16,534
Contingent Consideration [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of liabilities	77,457	41,704
Contingent Consideration [Member] | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of liabilities	0	0
Contingent Consideration [Member] | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of liabilities	0	0
Contingent Consideration [Member] | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of liabilities	77,457	41,704
Derivatives
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of liabilities	1,077	2,033
Derivatives | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of liabilities	0	0
Derivatives | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of liabilities	1,077	2,033
Derivatives | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair Value of liabilities	0	0
Available-for-sale Securities | Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	104,497	81,044
Available-for-sale Securities | Equity securities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	38,563	24,484
Available-for-sale Securities | Equity securities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	28,723	21,674
Available-for-sale Securities | Equity securities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	37,211	34,886
Trading Securities | Equity securities
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	27,271	26,749
Trading Securities | Equity securities | Level 1
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	27,271	26,749
Trading Securities | Equity securities | Level 2
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	0	$ 0
Trading Securities | Equity securities | Level 3
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Fair value of assets	$ 0

Fair Value of Financial Instr80

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Changes in Fair Value of Level 3 Financial Assets And Liabilities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 254,480	$ 223,238
Net income (loss)	64,623	57,648
Other comprehensive income (loss)	4,307	7,079
Purchases and issuances	(40,900)	32,947
Sales and settlements	(51,121)	(52,274)
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	15,883	0
Ending Balance	238,658	254,480
Other investments:
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	13,315	12,975
Net income (loss)	(232)	1,127
Other comprehensive income (loss)	6,750	0
Purchases and issuances	9,122	677
Sales and settlements	(1,029)	(1,464)
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	15,883	0
Ending Balance	30,309	13,315
Equity securities
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	34,886	0
Net income (loss)	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	(2,443)	7,079
Purchases and issuances	0	$ 41,965
Sales and settlements	(118)
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	0
Ending Balance	37,211	$ 34,886
Life settlement contracts
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	264,517	233,024
Net income (loss)	63,727	61,110
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Purchases and issuances	1,065	25,418
Sales and settlements	(65,308)	(55,035)
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0
Ending Balance	264,001	264,517
Life settlement contract profit commission
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(16,534)	(11,945)
Net income (loss)	1,128	(4,589)
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Purchases and issuances	0	0
Sales and settlements	0	0
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0
Ending Balance	(15,406)	(16,534)
Contingent Consideration [Member]
Fair Value, Net Derivative Asset (Liability) Measured on Recurring Basis, Unobservable Input Reconciliation [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(41,704)	(10,816)
Net income (loss)	0	0
Other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0
Purchases and issuances	(51,087)	(35,113)
Sales and settlements	15,334	4,225
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	0	0
Ending Balance	$ (77,457)	$ (41,704)

Fair Value of Financial Instr81

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Reconciliation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	$ 64,623	$ 57,648
Gain on investment in life settlement contracts net of profit commission	19,844	12,306	$ 13,822
Life settlement contracts
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	63,727	61,110
Premium paid	(45,244)	(46,367)
Other expenses	233	2,152
Gain on investment in life settlement contracts net of profit commission	19,844	12,306
Life settlement contract profit commission
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Net income (loss)	$ 1,128	$ (4,589)

Fair Value of Financial Instr82

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Portfolio of Life Insurance Policies) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Assets, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Average age of insured	82 years 1 day	81 years 1 month 6 days
Average life expectancy, months	114 months	121 months
Average face amount per policy	$ 6,564	$ 6,624
Fair value discount rate	7.50%
Internal rate of return	13.70%	14.00%

Fair Value of Financial Instr83

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Increase or (Decrease) in Carrying Value of Investment in Life Insurance Policies) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value Disclosures [Abstract]
Life expectancy Plus 4 Months	$ (37,697)	$ (34,686)
Life expectancy Minus 4 Months	40,997	36,486
Discount Plus 1%	(26,558)	(22,705)
Discount Minus 1%	$ 29,644	$ 25,456

Fair Value of Financial Instr84

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Additional Information) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 30, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Jan. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Impairment of Intangible Assets (Excluding Goodwill)	$ 2,060	$ 0	$ 0
Net transfers into (out of) Level 3	$ 15,883	$ 0
Percentage of investments in portfolio ( percentage)	1.40%
Internal rate of return	13.70%	14.00%
Non-cash write-down of goodwill	$ (55,304)	$ (62,898)	$ (10,226)
NGHC
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interests	12.00%				12.00%	13.00%	13.00%	15.00%
Minimum
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Internal rate of return	12.50%
Maximum
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Internal rate of return	17.50%
7.25% Subordinated notes due 2055 (the 7.25% 2055 Notes) | Senior Subordinated Notes [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated interest rate (percentage)	7.25%
7.50% Subordinated notes due 2055 (the 7.50% 2055 Notes)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated interest rate (percentage)	7.50%			7.50%
6.125% Notes due 2023 (the 2023 Notes) | Senior Notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated interest rate (percentage)	6.125%
2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 (the 2044 Notes) | Convertible Senior Notes
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated interest rate (percentage)	2.75%	2.75%
Reported Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity method investments, fair value disclosure	$ 138,023
Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member]
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Equity method investments, fair value disclosure	$ 268,778

Fair Value of Financial Instr85

Fair Value of Financial Instruments (Fair Value of Debt) (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
Junior subordinated debentures due 2035-2037	$ 123,714,000	$ 123,714,000
Other	58,173,000
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Notes Payable	14,500,000	14,500,000
Revolving credit facility	130,000,000
Other	58,173,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Subordinated Notes	153,840,000
6.125% Senior notes due 2023	243,540,000
Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 3
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Junior subordinated debentures due 2035-2037	81,590,000
7.50% Subordinated notes due 2055 (the 7.50% 2055 Notes)
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Debt instrument, face amount	135,000,000
7.50% Subordinated notes due 2055 (the 7.50% 2055 Notes) | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
Subordinated Notes	139,698,000
2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 (the 2044 Notes)
Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items]
2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044	163,082,000	$ 157,679,000
2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 (the 2044 Notes) | Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] | Level 1
Liabilities, Fair Value Disclosure [Abstract]
2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044	$ 215,983,000

Acquisitions (Additional Inform

Acquisitions (Additional Information) (Details) $ in Thousands

Oct. 07, 2015USD ($)

Sep. 25, 2015USD ($)agencydealer

Mar. 02, 2015USD ($)

Jan. 06, 2015USD ($)

Oct. 01, 2014USD ($)

Jan. 03, 2014USD ($)State

Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)

Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)

Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)

Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)

Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)agency

Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash paid

$ 156,247

Gross written premium

$ 6,799,537

$ 6,087,965

$ 4,116,911

Service, fee and other revenues

478,206

409,743

331,559

Adjustment to LAE reserves

6,590

Acquisition gain

5,826

0

48,715

Net written premium

4,260,058

3,956,618

2,565,673

Earned premium

$ 1,057,972

$ 1,045,408

$ 968,970

$ 949,377

$ 908,163

$ 914,413

$ 874,937

$ 829,051

4,021,727

3,526,564

2,265,990

Goodwill

432,700

352,685

432,700

$ 352,685

373,591

Aggregate purchase price

$ 37,584

$ 21,050

Minimum | Customer Relationships

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Useful life (in years)

9 years

8 years

Minimum | Renewal Rights

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life

5 years

Useful life (in years)

7 years

7 years

Maximum | Customer Relationships

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Useful life (in years)

18 years

18 years

Maximum | Renewal Rights

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Finite-Lived Intangible Asset, Useful Life

5 years

Useful life (in years)

17 years

17 years

Springfield [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash paid

$ 26,574

Period to pay cash (in years)

5 years

Contingent consideration

$ 5,000

Goodwill and intangible assets

4,253

Gross written premium

$ 3,201

Service, fee and other revenues

576

Acquisition gain

$ 31,574

Warranty Solutions [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Goodwill and intangible assets

$ 84,215

Gross written premium

22,810

Service, fee and other revenues

24,312

Number of agencies, over | agency

70

Number of franchised and independent dealers Acquired | dealer

1,500

Comp Options Insurance Company, Inc.

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash paid

$ 34,291

Goodwill and intangible assets

17,353

Service, fee and other revenues

3,212

$ 951

Net written premium

65,077

18,653

Amortization of Intangible Assets

1,612

Comp Options Insurance Company, Inc. | Agency Relationships [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Assigned to intangible assets

3,000

Indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired

$ 50

Useful life (in years)

9 years

Insco Dico Group

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash paid

$ 88,700

Goodwill and intangible assets

$ 17,765

Service, fee and other revenues

1,038

3,743

Net written premium

71,254

55,511

Number of states in which entity operates | State

50

Insco Dico Group | Agency Relationships [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Assigned to intangible assets

$ 3,400

Indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired

$ 3,450

CorePointe Insurance Company [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Adjustment to LAE reserves

$ 10,107

Assigned to intangible assets

2,710

Acquisition gain

5,826

Net written premium

39,418

Aggregate purchase price

68,774

CorePointe Insurance Company [Member] | LAE Reserve [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Assigned to intangible assets

1,210

CorePointe Insurance Company [Member] | Licenses

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Assigned to intangible assets

$ 1,500

TMI Solutions

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash paid

$ 29,503

Period to pay cash (in years)

3 years

Contingent consideration

$ 32,000

Goodwill and intangible assets

70,791

Service, fee and other revenues

13,650

Assigned to intangible assets

32,500

Goodwill

38,291

Aggregate purchase price

61,503

TMI Solutions | Customer Relationships

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Assigned to intangible assets

28,000

Indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired

1,000

TMI Solutions | Software Development [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Assigned to intangible assets

1,000

TMI Solutions | Trademarks and Trade Names [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Assigned to intangible assets

$ 2,500

TMI Solutions | Minimum | Software Development [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Useful life (in years)

4 years

TMI Solutions | Maximum | Software Development [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Useful life (in years)

8 years

Oryx Insurance Brokerage Inc.

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Cash paid

$ 30,584

Period to pay cash (in years)

5 years

Goodwill and intangible assets

$ 42,915

Service, fee and other revenues

414

Net written premium

93,290

72,208

Noninterest expense commission expense

3,832

Aggregate purchase price

7,000

Oryx Insurance Brokerage Inc. | Customer Relationships

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Indefinite-lived intangible assets acquired

$ 18,500

Oryx Insurance Brokerage Inc. | Minimum | Customer Relationships

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Useful life (in years)

9 years

Other Acquisitions [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Aggregate purchase price

27,300

Small Commercial Business

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Goodwill

$ 145,352

$ 140,576

$ 145,352

$ 140,576

$ 116,272

Small Commercial Business | Insco Dico Group | Agency Relationships [Member]

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Useful life (in years)

20 years

Oryx Insurance Brokerage Inc. | Oryx Insurance Brokerage Inc.

Business Acquisition [Line Items]

Number of agencies, over | agency

135

Earned premium

$ 80,000

Acquisitions (Purchase Price Al

Acquisitions (Purchase Price Allocation) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Oct. 07, 2015	Sep. 25, 2015	Mar. 02, 2015	Jan. 06, 2015	Oct. 01, 2014	Jan. 03, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash paid				$ 37,584			$ 21,050
Cash paid		$ 156,247
Acquisition gain							$ 5,826	$ 0	$ 48,715
TMI Solutions
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and investments				749
Other assets				1,354
Property and equipment				53
Goodwill and intangible assets				70,791
Intangible assets				32,500
Total assets				72,947
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities				69
Deferred tax liability				11,375
Total liabilities				11,444
Cash paid				61,503
Cash paid				29,503
Oryx Insurance Brokerage Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and investments				4,669
Premium receivable				3,438
Other assets				1,774
Goodwill and intangible assets				42,915
Total assets				52,796
Loss and loss expense reserves				1,405
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities				7,353
Deferred tax liability				6,454
Total liabilities				15,212
Cash paid				7,000
Cash paid				$ 30,584
CorePointe Insurance Company [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and investments			$ 123,338
Premium receivable			20,441
Reinsurance recoverables			1,635
Other assets			1,703
Deferred tax asset			4,303
Property and equipment			226
Intangible assets			2,710
Total assets			154,356
Loss and loss expense reserves			46,539
Unearned premium			24,230
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities			7,781
Deferred tax liability			1,206
Total liabilities			79,756
Cash paid			68,774
Acquisition gain			$ 5,826
Warranty Solutions [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and investments		192,015
Premium receivable		77,777
Other assets		50,399
Deferred tax asset		22,466
Goodwill and intangible assets		84,215
Total assets		426,872
Loss and loss expense reserves		3,013
Unearned premium		182,441
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities		85,171
Total liabilities		$ 270,625
Springfield [Member]
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and investments	$ 93,837
Premium receivable	4,651
Accrued interest and dividends	470
Other assets	2,752
Deferred tax asset	1,905
Property and equipment	1,376
Goodwill and intangible assets	4,253
Total assets	109,244
Loss and loss expense reserves	65,725
Unearned premium	7,006
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities	4,199
Reinsurance payable on paid losses	740
Total liabilities	77,670
Cash paid	26,574
Acquisition gain	$ 31,574
Comp Options Insurance Company, Inc.
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and investments					$ 80,051
Premium receivable					33,530
Other assets					6,642
Deferred tax asset					5,024
Goodwill and intangible assets					17,353
Total assets					142,600
Loss and loss expense reserves					34,364
Unearned premium					55,752
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities					16,561
Deferred tax liability					1,632
Total liabilities					108,309
Cash paid					$ 34,291
Insco Dico Group
Business Acquisition [Line Items]
Cash and investments						$ 130,031
Premium receivable						8,684
Reinsurance recoverables						5,799
Other assets						1,783
Deferred tax asset						3,104
Property and equipment						1,190
Goodwill and intangible assets						17,765
Total assets						168,356
Loss and loss expense reserves						25,210
Unearned premium						25,715
Accrued expenses and other current liabilities						10,210
Deferred tax liability						2,657
Notes payable						10,000
Funds held for policyholders						5,864
Total liabilities						79,656
Cash paid						$ 88,700

Investment in Life Settlement88

Investment in Life Settlements (Additional Information) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)company	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Aug. 31, 2011
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Number of entities with ownership interest | company	4
Gain on investment in life settlement contracts net of profit commission	$ 19,844	$ 12,306	$ 13,822
NGHC
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest (percentage)	12.00%			12.00%
LSC Entities
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest (percentage)	50.00%
AMTCH
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest (percentage)	50.00%
AMT Alpha
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest (percentage)	50.00%
Tiger
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest (percentage)	50.00%
AMTCH II
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest (percentage)	50.00%
LSC
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Profits and losses of investment in life insurance policies and premium finance loans	56.00%
Capital contribution for LSC	$ 1,130	36,115
LSC | Parent
Schedule of Cost-method Investments [Line Items]
Investments in life settlements and cash value loans	$ 565	$ 17,907

Investment in Life Settlement89

Investment in Life Settlements (Investments in Life Settlements) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015Contract	Dec. 31, 2015policy	Dec. 31, 2014Contract	Dec. 31, 2014policy
Number of Life Settlement Contracts
Expected Maturity Term in Years, 0-1 | Contract			0		0
Expected Maturity Term in Years, 1-2 | Contract			0		0
Expected Maturity Term in Years, 2-3 | Contract			8		8
Expected Maturity Term in Years, 3-4 | Contract			8		5
Expected Maturity Term in Years, 4-5 | Contract			4		7
Thereafter | Contract			235		254
Total			255		274	274
Fair Value
Expected Maturity Term in Years, 0-1	$ 0	$ 0
Expected Maturity Term in Years, 1-2	0	0
Expected Maturity Term in Years, 2-3	31,261	43,593
Expected Maturity Term in Years, 3-4	20,117	10,081
Expected Maturity Term in Years, 4-5	6,760	14,335
Thereafter	205,863	196,508
Total	264,001	264,517
Face Value
Expected Maturity Term in Years, 0-1	0	0
Expected Maturity Term in Years, 1-2	0	0
Expected Maturity Term in Years, 2-3	70,500	70,500
Expected Maturity Term in Years, 3-4	46,500	22,500
Expected Maturity Term in Years, 4-5	20,000	49,000
Thereafter	1,481,313	1,596,209
Total	1,618,313	1,738,209
Life settlement contracts, number of contracts with fair value			213			218
Number of policies with a negative value from discounted cash flow model			42	42		56
Premiums paid for the year ended	4,971	5,963
Death benefit received	$ 0	$ 4,950

Investment in Life Settlement90

Investment in Life Settlements (Premiums to be Paid) (Details) - Premiums Due On Life Settlement Contracts $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Life Insurance Premiums and Related Investment Income [Line Items]
2,016	$ 54,540
2,017	53,002
2,018	41,409
2,019	41,385
2,020	38,627
Thereafter	487,107
Total	$ 716,070

Deferred Policy Acquisition C91

Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Movement Analysis of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	$ 628,383	$ 468,404	$ 349,126
Acquisition costs deferred	744,107	698,689	486,566
Amortization	(668,247)	(538,710)	(367,288)
Ending balance	$ 704,243	$ 628,383	$ 468,404

Intangible Assets and Goodwil92

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Schedule of Finite lived and Indefinite-lived Intangible Assets, Including Goodwill) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 432,700	$ 352,685	$ 373,591
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	150,632	106,168
Indefinite-lived and finite-lived intangibles, including goodwill, Gross	950,677	773,849
Goodwill and intangible assets, Net Value	800,045	667,681
Trademarks
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	7,826	6,327
Licenses
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Indefinite-lived intangible assets	29,055	25,055
Use rights
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Balance	39,230
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	0
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net Value	39,230
Indefinite-lived intangible assets		41,468
Renewal Rights
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Balance	67,617	62,367
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	26,274	16,732
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net Value	$ 41,343	$ 45,635
Renewal Rights | Minimum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	7 years	7 years
Renewal Rights | Maximum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	17 years	17 years
Distribution Networks
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Balance	$ 115,147	$ 115,480
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	45,497	36,009
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net Value	$ 69,650	$ 79,471
Distribution Networks | Minimum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	6 years	5 years
Distribution Networks | Maximum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	20 years	20 years
Software
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Balance	$ 4,535	$ 3,547
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	3,186	2,101
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net Value	$ 1,349	$ 1,446
Software | Minimum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	3 years	3 years
Software | Maximum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	20 years	20 years
Customer Relationships
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Balance	$ 219,181	$ 132,744
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	50,023	31,807
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net Value	$ 169,158	$ 100,937
Customer Relationships | Minimum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	9 years	8 years
Customer Relationships | Maximum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	18 years	18 years
Trademarks
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Balance	$ 5,220	$ 5,220
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	5,140	5,132
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net Value	$ 80	$ 88
Useful life (in years)	15 years	15 years
Licenses
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Balance	$ 12,608	$ 12,608
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	8,599	6,151
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net Value	$ 4,009	$ 6,457
Licenses | Minimum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	5 years	5 years
Licenses | Maximum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	50 years	50 years
Other
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Finite-lived intangible assets, Gross Balance	$ 17,558	$ 16,348
Finite-lived intangible assets, Accumulated Amortization	11,913	8,236
Finite-lived intangible assets, Net Value	$ 5,645	$ 8,112
Other | Minimum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	4 years	4 years
Other | Maximum
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Useful life (in years)	10 years	10 years

Intangible Assets and Goodwil93

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Goodwill Rollforward) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Goodwill [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 614,922	$ 479,603	$ 437,611
Accumulated impairment losses	(182,222)	(126,918)	(64,020)
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	352,685	373,591
Goodwill acquired	135,984	42,921
Impairment of goodwill	(55,304)	(62,898)	(10,226)
Foreign currency translation	(665)	(929)
Ending balance	432,700	352,685	373,591
Small Commercial Business
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	140,576	116,272
Goodwill acquired	4,776	24,304
Foreign currency translation		0
Ending balance	145,352	140,576	116,272
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	194,168	239,378
Goodwill acquired	106,695	18,617
Impairment of goodwill	(55,304)	(62,898)
Foreign currency translation	(665)	(929)
Ending balance	244,894	194,168	239,378
Specialty Program
Goodwill [Roll Forward]
Beginning balance	17,941	17,941
Goodwill acquired	24,513	0
Ending balance	$ 42,454	$ 17,941	$ 17,941

Intangible Assets and Goodwil94

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Amortization Expense) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Goodwill and Intangible Assets Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 45,566
2,017	40,996
2,018	35,124
2,019	33,166
2,020	$ 32,151

Intangible Assets and Goodwil95

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Impairment Charge and Amortization Expense) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Amortization expense	$ 46,524	$ 33,543	$ 31,667
Renewal Rights
Acquired Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Percentage used for amortization of renewal rights	125.00%

Intangible Assets and Goodwil96

Intangible Assets and Goodwill (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 432,700	$ 352,685	$ 373,591
Impairment of goodwill	$ 55,304	62,898	10,226
Equalization reserve, reassessment, period	5 years
Tax rate, If company cease reinsurance business without exhausting the equalization reserves	30.00%
Deferred tax liability for equalization reserve	$ 11,151	94,215
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	244,894	194,168	239,378
Impairment of goodwill	55,304	62,898
LUXEMBOURG | Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Goodwill	60,249	121,761
Impairment of goodwill	55,304	61,512	10,226
Europe | Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Impairment of goodwill	1,386
AmTrust Holdings Luxembourg [Member]
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Unutilized equalization reserve	37,171	11,151
Deferred tax liability for equalization reserve	314,050	94,215
Increase (decrease) in overall expenses	$ 53,304	$ (30,379)	$ (214)
Minimum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Equalization reserve utilization, in years	3 years
Maximum
Finite-Lived Intangible Assets [Line Items]
Equalization reserve utilization, in years		5 years

Property and Equipment, Net (De

Property and Equipment, Net (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 415,195	$ 246,426
Less: Accumulated depreciation and amortization	(133,739)	(92,251)
Property and equipment, net	281,456	154,175
Depreciation expense	41,488	29,550	$ 21,541
Land
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	21,068	7,593
Building
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	97,667	25,478
Software
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	144,920	92,211
Computer Equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	62,160	41,924
Other equipment
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	57,767	53,529
Leasehold Improvements
Property, Plant and Equipment [Line Items]
Property and equipment, gross	$ 31,613	$ 25,691

Loss and loss adjustment expe98

Loss and loss adjustment expense reserves (Reconciliation of the beginning and ending balances for unpaid losses and LAE) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Liability for Unpaid Claims and Claims Adjustment Expense [Roll Forward]
Loss and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverables at beginning of year	$ 5,664,205	$ 4,368,234	$ 2,426,400
Less: Reinsurance recoverables at beginning of year	2,665,187	2,149,444	1,739,689	$ 1,180,212
Net balance, beginning of year		3,514,761	2,628,545	1,246,188
Incurred related to:
Current year	2,648,277	2,324,062	1,486,418
Prior year	33,931	18,557	30,943
Total incurred during the year	2,682,208	2,342,619	1,517,361
Paid related to:
Current year	(841,447)	(886,724)	(617,539)
Prior year	(1,018,931)	(554,495)	(335,621)
Total paid during the year	(1,860,378)	(1,441,219)	(953,160)
Commuted loss reserves	129,377	0	0
Acquired outstanding loss and loss adjustment reserves	116,044	71,755	807,592
Effect of foreign exchange rates	(38,832)	(86,939)	10,564
Net balance, end of year	4,543,180	3,514,761	2,628,545
Plus reinsurance recoverables at end of year	2,665,187	2,149,444	1,739,689	$ 1,180,212
Loss and LAE, gross of related reinsurance recoverables at end of year	$ 7,208,367	$ 5,664,205	$ 4,368,234
Unpaid losses and LAE related to IBNR, percentage	53.30%	49.60%	42.40%

Accrued Expenses and Other Li99

Accrued Expenses and Other Liabilities (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Accounts Payable and Accrued Liabilities [Abstract]
Deferred warranty revenue	$ 344,724	$ 138,592
Accounts and commission payable	213,843	157,232
Premium taxes, assessments and surcharges payable	161,083	171,512
Redeemable contractual obligations	95,316	111,748
Other accrued expenses and liabilities	86,146	116,383
Income tax payable	0	100,410
Other Liabilities	$ 901,112	$ 795,877

Debt (Borrowings) (Details)

Debt (Borrowings) (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Aug. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Junior subordinated debentures due 2035-2037	$ 123,714,000			$ 123,714,000
Secured loan	38,483,000			35,233,000
Promissory notes	14,500,000			14,500,000
Debt, Long-term and Short-term, Combined Amount, Total	1,009,969,000			757,871,000
5.5% Convertible senior notes due 2021 (the 2021 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044	5,190,000			56,745,000
2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 (the 2044 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044	163,082,000			157,679,000
7.50% Subordinated notes due 2055 (the 7.50% 2055 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 135,000,000
Per annum interest rate of notes (percentage)	7.50%	7.50%
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044	$ 168,272,000			214,424,000
Senior Notes | 5.5% Convertible senior notes due 2021 (the 2021 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044	$ 5,190,000			56,745,000
Senior Notes | 6.125% Notes due 2023 (the 2023 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount					$ 250,000,000
Per annum interest rate of notes (percentage)	6.125%
Senior Notes | 2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 (the 2044 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044	$ 163,082,000			$ 157,679,000
Convertible Senior Notes | 5.5% Convertible senior notes due 2021 (the 2021 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount						$ 200,000,000
Per annum interest rate of notes (percentage)	5.50%			5.50%
Convertible Senior Notes | 2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 (the 2044 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044	$ 157,457,000
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 158,257,000
Per annum interest rate of notes (percentage)	2.75%			2.75%
Subordinate Debenture | 7.25% Subordinated notes due 2055 (the 7.25% 2055 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount			$ 150,000,000
Per annum interest rate of notes (percentage)	7.25%		7.25%
Subordinate Debenture | 7.50% Subordinated notes due 2055 (the 7.50% 2055 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Per annum interest rate of notes (percentage)	7.50%

Debt (Aggregate Scheduled Matur

Debt (Aggregate Scheduled Maturities of Borrowings) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Debt Disclosure [Abstract]
2,016	$ 7,186
2,017	7,423
2,018	9,590
2,019	134,467
2,020	205
Thereafter	$ 851,098

Debt (Amounts Recorded for Note

Debt (Amounts Recorded for Notes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
5.5% Convertible senior notes due 2021 (the 2021 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Liability component	$ 5,190	$ 56,745
2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 (the 2044 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Liability component	163,082	157,679
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding principal	219,192	279,043
Unamortized OID	(50,920)	(64,619)
Liability component	168,272	214,424
Senior Notes | 5.5% Convertible senior notes due 2021 (the 2021 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding principal	6,041	68,119
Unamortized OID	(851)	(11,374)
Liability component	5,190	56,745
Senior Notes | 2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 (the 2044 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Outstanding principal	213,151	210,924
Unamortized OID	(50,069)	(53,245)
Liability component	$ 163,082	$ 157,679

Debt (Trust Preferred Securitie

Debt (Trust Preferred Securities) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate Liquidation Amount of Trust Preferred Securities	$ 120,000
Aggregate Liquidation Amount of Common Securities	3,714
Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes	123,714	$ 123,714
AmTrust Capital Financing Trust I
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate Liquidation Amount of Trust Preferred Securities	25,000
Aggregate Liquidation Amount of Common Securities	774
Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes	$ 25,774
Stated Maturity of Notes	Mar. 17, 2035
Per annum interest rate of notes (percentage)	392.60%
AmTrust Capital Financing Trust II
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate Liquidation Amount of Trust Preferred Securities	$ 25,000
Aggregate Liquidation Amount of Common Securities	774
Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes	$ 25,774
Stated Maturity of Notes	Jun. 15, 2035
Per annum interest rate of notes (percentage)	391.20%
AmTrust Capital Financing Trust III
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate Liquidation Amount of Trust Preferred Securities	$ 30,000
Aggregate Liquidation Amount of Common Securities	928
Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes	$ 30,928
Stated Maturity of Notes	Sep. 15, 2036
Per annum interest rate of notes (percentage)	381.20%
AmTrust Capital Financing Trust IV
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Aggregate Liquidation Amount of Trust Preferred Securities	$ 40,000
Aggregate Liquidation Amount of Common Securities	1,238
Aggregate Principal Amount of Notes	$ 41,238
Stated Maturity of Notes	Mar. 15, 2037
Per annum interest rate of notes (percentage)	351.20%
Three Month LIBOR | AmTrust Capital Financing Trust I
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate, margin	3.40%
Three Month LIBOR | AmTrust Capital Financing Trust III
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate, margin	3.30%
Three Month LIBOR | AmTrust Capital Financing Trust IV
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument interest rate, margin	3.00%

Debt (Revolving Credit Agreemen

Debt (Revolving Credit Agreement) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 12, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Sep. 11, 2014
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Term of debt instrument (in years)		5 years
Interest income (expense)		$ (48,052,000)	$ (45,857,000)	$ (34,691,000)
Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest income (expense)				$ (1,752,000)
LIBOR
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate (percentage)		4.10%
Sagicor Europe Limited | Letter of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage		0.15%
Line of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Term of debt instrument (in years)	5 years
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity	$ 350,000,000	$ 175,000,000
Letters of credit, outstanding amount		117,779,000
Credit agreement, remaining borrowing capacity		102,221,000			$ 200,000,000
Deferred finance costs					$ 967,000
Revolving credit facility		$ 130,000,000
Commitment fee percentage	0.20%
Effective interest rate, minimum, percentage		1.5625%
Effective interest rate, maximum, percentage		3.625%
Interest income (expense)		$ (3,726,000)	$ (1,662,000)
Line of Credit | Letter of Credit
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Additional borrowing capacity	$ 150,000,000
Line of Credit | Maximum | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage	30.00%
Line of Credit | Minimum | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage	25.00%
Line of Credit | Federal Funds Effective Swap Rate | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate, variable, percentage	0.50%
Line of Credit | LIBOR | Maximum | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate, variable, percentage	1.625%
Line of Credit | LIBOR | Minimum | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate, variable, percentage	1.125%
Line of Credit | One Month London Interbank Offered Rate | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate, variable, percentage	1.00%
Line of Credit | Base Rate | Maximum | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate, variable, percentage	0.625%
Line of Credit | Base Rate | Minimum | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Interest rate, variable, percentage	0.125%
Letter of Credit | Revolving Credit Facility
Line of Credit Facility [Line Items]
Credit agreement, remaining borrowing capacity		$ 57,221,000

Debt (Convertible Senior Notes)

Debt (Convertible Senior Notes) (Details)	1 Months Ended	2 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2013USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2012USD ($)day	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)debt_instrument$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Common stock, par value (per share) | $ / shares			$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Conversion rate for conversion of convertible senior notes | shares			1,270,539
Loss on extinguishment of debt			$ (5,271,000)	$ (9,831,000)	$ 0
Interest income (expense)			(48,052,000)	(45,857,000)	(34,691,000)
5.5% Convertible senior notes due 2021 (the 2021 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044			5,190,000	56,745,000
2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 (the 2044 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044			$ 163,082,000	157,679,000
Convertible Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Convertible senior notes effective interest rate			7.46%
Interest income (expense)			$ (12,160,000)	(503,000)
Number of debt instruments | debt_instrument			2
Equity component, net of tax			$ 34,693,000
Convertible Senior Notes | 5.5% Convertible senior notes due 2021 (the 2021 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		$ 200,000,000
Common stock, par value (per share) | $ / shares			$ 0.01
Debt conversion earlier date			Sep. 15, 2021
Threshold percentage of stock price trigger		130.00%
Threshold consecutive trading days | day		20
Threshold consecutive trading days		30 years
Threshold business days		5 days
Threshold trading days, following the consecutive threshold business days		5 days
Converted instrument, shares issued per thousand dollars of principal amount | shares			39.0769
Converted instrument, conversion rate, amount			$ 1,000
Initial conversion price of per share of Common Stock | $ / shares			$ 25.5905662936
Unamortized OID			$ 41,679,000
Deferred origination costs relating to the liability component			$ 4,750,000
Convertible senior notes effective interest rate			8.57%
Transaction costs associated with the equity component			$ 1,250,000
Interest income (expense)			$ (825,000)	$ (13,933,000)	14,476,000
Per annum interest rate of notes (percentage)			5.50%	5.50%
Redemption price, percentage of principal amount redeemed			100.00%
Convertible Senior Notes | 2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 (the 2044 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount			$ 158,257,000
Converted instrument, shares issued per thousand dollars of principal amount | shares			13.3333
Converted instrument, conversion rate, amount			$ 1,000
Initial conversion price of per share of Common Stock | $ / shares			$ 75
Conversion rate for conversion of convertible senior notes | shares			2,731,727
Unamortized OID			$ 53,374,000
Per annum interest rate of notes (percentage)			2.75%	2.75%
Issuance of additional convertible senior notes			$ 76,000,000
Percentage of face amount			0.9
Rate of accretion, percentage			0.06
Contingent interest, percentage of principal amount			130.00%
Contingent payment of principal or interest, amount			$ 1,000
Average trading price, percentage			0.25%
Principal amount at maturity			$ 1,000
Issue price for indenture at maturity			900
2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044			157,457,000
Outstanding principal			210,831,000
Convertible Debt [Member] | Twenty Twenty One Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original debt, amount			62,078,000
Long-term debt			6,041,000
Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044			168,272,000	$ 214,424,000
Outstanding principal			219,192,000	279,043,000
Senior Notes | 5.5% Convertible senior notes due 2021 (the 2021 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044			5,190,000	56,745,000
Outstanding principal			6,041,000	68,119,000
Senior Notes | 2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 (the 2044 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044			163,082,000	157,679,000
Outstanding principal			213,151,000	210,924,000
Senior Notes | 6.125% Notes due 2023 (the 2023 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 250,000,000
Interest income (expense)			$ (15,587,000)	$ (15,587,000)	$ (5,845,000)
Per annum interest rate of notes (percentage)			6.125%
Commitment fees and debt issuance costs	$ 2,740,000
Minimum | Senior Notes | 6.125% Notes due 2023 (the 2023 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in interest rate	1.00%
Ratio of indebtedness to net capital	0.3
Maximum | Convertible Senior Notes | 5.5% Convertible senior notes due 2021 (the 2021 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Threshold percentage of stock price trigger		98.00%
Maximum | Senior Notes | 6.125% Notes due 2023 (the 2023 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Ratio of indebtedness to net capital	0.35
Increase in Leveraged Ratio by More than 35 Percent [Member] | Minimum | Senior Notes | 6.125% Notes due 2023 (the 2023 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in interest rate	0.50%
Increase in Leveraged Ratio by 30 Percent to 35 Percent | Minimum | Senior Notes | 6.125% Notes due 2023 (the 2023 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Increase (decrease) in interest rate	1.50%
Event of Default | Maximum | Senior Notes | 6.125% Notes due 2023 (the 2023 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Grace period in case of acquisition	18 months
On or before December 15, 2018 | Convertible Senior Notes | 2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 (the 2044 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Threshold percentage of stock price trigger			130.00%
On or before December 15, 2018 | Minimum | Convertible Senior Notes | 2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 (the 2044 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Stock price trigger | $ / shares			$ 97.50
After December 15, 2024 | Convertible Senior Notes | 2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 (the 2044 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage of principal amount redeemed			100.00%
On or Before December Fifteen Twenty Eighteen [Member] | Convertible Senior Notes | 2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 (the 2044 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage of principal amount redeemed			100.00%
After December Fifteen Twenty Eighteen [Member] | Convertible Senior Notes | 2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 (the 2044 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Redemption price, percentage of principal amount redeemed			100.00%
5.5% Convertible senior notes due 2021 (the 2021 Notes) | Convertible Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Notes retired, amount			$ 131,881,000
Loss on extinguishment of debt			(5,271,000)
2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 (the 2044 Notes) | Convertible Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Loss on extinguishment of debt			9,831,000
2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044			110,346,000
Write off of issuance cost			2,195,000
2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044			117,982,000
Sales Price Condition for Cash [Member] | Convertible Debt [Member] | Twenty Twenty One Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Original debt, amount			$ 62,079,000

Debt (Subordinate Debt) (Detail

Debt (Subordinate Debt) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Entity	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of special purpose trusts established | Entity	4
Trust equity investment	$ 3,714
Term of debt instrument (in years)	5 years
Subordinate Debenture | Twenty Thirty Five to Twenty Thirty Seven Notes [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Placement fees	$ 2,605
Term of debt instrument (in years)	30 years
Interest expense related to trust preferred securities	$ 6,641	$ 8,100	$ 8,099

Debt (Subordinate Notes) (Detai

Debt (Subordinate Notes) (Details) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest income (expense)			$ (48,052,000)	$ (45,857,000)	$ (34,691,000)
7.50% Subordinated notes due 2055 (the 7.50% 2055 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount			$ 135,000,000
Debt instrument, stated interest rate (percentage)	7.50%		7.50%
Redemption Price, percentage of principal amount redeemed	100.00%
Unamortized loan commitment and origination fees and unamortized discounts or premiums			$ 4,461,000
Subordinate Debenture | 7.25% Subordinated notes due 2055 (the 7.25% 2055 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, face amount		$ 150,000,000
Debt instrument, stated interest rate (percentage)		7.25%	7.25%
Redemption Price, percentage of principal amount redeemed		100.00%
Unamortized loan commitment and origination fees and unamortized discounts or premiums			$ 4,990,000
Interest income (expense)			$ (5,868,000)
Subordinate Debenture | 7.50% Subordinated notes due 2055 (the 7.50% 2055 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated interest rate (percentage)			7.50%
Interest income (expense)			$ (2,939,000)

Debt (Secured Loan Agreement) (

Debt (Secured Loan Agreement) (Details) - USD ($)	Aug. 29, 2014	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Feb. 26, 2012
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan, maturity period (in years)			5 years
Aircraft | Secured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan, maturity period (in years)			7 years
Debt instrument, face amount			$ 10,800,000
Debt instrument, stated interest rate (percentage)			4.45%
Monthly installment payment			$ 117,000
Balloon payment at maturity date			2,970,000
Interest expense			280,000	$ 330,000	$ 380,000
Percentage of outstanding balance of loan in excess of fair value of aircraft						90.00%
Repayments of debt				270,000
Aircraft | KEY Equipment Finance [Member] | Secured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan, maturity period (in years)	5 years
Debt instrument, face amount	$ 30,500,000
Debt instrument, stated interest rate (percentage)	2.27%
Monthly installment payment	$ 538,000
Interest expense			592,000	$ 227,000
Building | Secured Debt
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term loan, maturity period (in years)		7 years
Debt instrument, face amount			$ 10,250,000
Debt instrument, stated interest rate (percentage)			3.75%
Debt instrument, term, extension (in years)		5 years
Interest expense			$ 89,000

Debt (Additional Information) (

Debt (Additional Information) (Details)	1 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2012USD ($)promissory_note	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Derivativedebt_instrument	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)debt_instrument	Dec. 31, 2012	Dec. 31, 2015GBP (£)Derivative	Sep. 30, 2015	Jul. 31, 2015USD ($)	Jul. 31, 2015GBP (£)	Nov. 25, 2014USD ($)	Nov. 25, 2014GBP (£)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of derivative instruments held | Derivative		2				2
Promissory notes		$ 14,500,000	$ 14,500,000
Term of debt instrument (in years)		5 years
7.50% Subordinated notes due 2055 (the 7.50% 2055 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated interest rate (percentage)		7.50%				7.50%	7.50%
Line of Credit | Other Letters of Credit [Member]
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 1,755,000
Convertible Senior Notes
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of debt instruments | debt_instrument		2
Debt instrument, interest rate (percentage)		7.46%				7.46%
Convertible Senior Notes | 5.5% Convertible senior notes due 2021 (the 2021 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Unamortized original issue discount		$ 851,000
Debt instrument, stated interest rate (percentage)		5.50%	5.50%			5.50%
Debt instrument, interest rate (percentage)		8.57%				8.57%
Convertible Senior Notes | 2.75% Convertible senior notes due 2044 (the 2044 Notes)
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Long-term Debt, Gross		$ 210,831,000
Debt instrument, stated interest rate (percentage)		2.75%	2.75%			2.75%
Percentage of face amount		0.9				0.9
MIHC
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of debt instruments | debt_instrument				2
Promissory notes				$ 6,500,000
Interest expense		$ 278,000	$ 365,000	210,000
MIHC | Notes Payable, Other Payables
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, stated interest rate (percentage)		3.80%				3.80%
LIBOR
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Debt instrument, interest rate (percentage)		4.10%				4.10%
State and Local Government of Ohio
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Number of debt instruments | promissory_note	2
Promissory notes	$ 8,000,000
State and Local Government of Ohio | Notes Payable, Other Payables
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Deferred costs	$ 1,430,000
Interest expense		$ 344,000	312,000	$ 290,000
State and Local Government of Ohio | 800 Superior LLC
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term of debt instrument (in years)				15 years
State and Local Government of Ohio | 800 Superior LLC | Notes Payable, Other Payables
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Term of debt instrument (in years)					15 years
Interest rate					2.00%
Sagicor Europe Limited | Comerica Letter of Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Commitment fee percentage		0.15%
ING Bank, N.V.
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Percentage of face amount		1				1
Funding percentage of collateral account		35.00%				35.00%
Funding Percentage Required of Collateral Account Upon Occurrence of Events		100.00%				100.00%
ING Bank, N.V. | Comerica Letter of Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity										$ 346,296,000	£ 235,000,000
Fee payable on secured portion of debt, percentage		0.50%
Fee payable on unsecured portion of debt, percentage		1.15%
Unused capacity, commitment fee percentage		0.35%
Credit agreement, remaining borrowing capacity | £						£ 4,635,000
ING Bank, N.V. | Line of Credit | Comerica Letter of Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 287,352,000				195,000,000
Lloyds [Member] | Line of Credit | Comerica Letter of Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Interest expense		3,350,000	$ 2,795,000
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity		442,080,000				300,000,000
Letters of credit, outstanding amount		435,250,000				£ 295,365,000
Credit agreement, remaining borrowing capacity		6,830,000
Bank of Nova Scotia [Member] | Line of Credit | Comerica Letter of Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity								$ 154,728,000	£ 105,000,000
Comerica Bank | Comerica Letter of Credit Facility
Debt Instrument [Line Items]
Line of credit, maximum borrowing capacity		$ 75,000,000
Commitment fee percentage		0.40%
Letters of credit, outstanding amount		$ 48,467,000

Reinsurance (Details)

Reinsurance (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Reinsurance Retention Policy [Line Items]
Minimum surplus required to retain reinsurer	$ 500,000,000								$ 500,000,000
Effect of reinsurance with unrelated companies
Direct Premiums Written									6,473,338,000	$ 5,422,484,000	$ 3,869,893,000
Direct Premiums Earned									5,994,848,000	4,816,607,000	3,308,136,000
Assumed Premiums Written									326,199,000	665,481,000	247,018,000
Assumed Premiums Earned									369,966,000	562,193,000	254,863,000
Ceded Premiums Written									(2,539,479,000)	(2,131,347,000)	(1,551,238,000)
Ceded Premiums Earned									(2,343,087,000)	(1,852,236,000)	(1,297,009,000)
Premiums Written, Net									4,260,058,000	3,956,618,000	2,565,673,000
Net earned premium	1,057,972,000	$ 1,045,408,000	$ 968,970,000	$ 949,377,000	$ 908,163,000	$ 914,413,000	$ 874,937,000	$ 829,051,000	4,021,727,000	3,526,564,000	2,265,990,000
Losses and LAE reserves	7,208,367,000				5,664,205,000				7,208,367,000	5,664,205,000	4,368,234,000	$ 2,426,400,000
Unearned premiums	4,014,728,000				3,447,203,000				4,014,728,000	3,447,203,000
Loss and LAE expense incurred										224,961,000
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Reinsurance, commutations included in ceded reinsurance treaties									129,377,000	0
Assumed
Effect of reinsurance with unrelated companies
Losses and LAE reserves	692,447,000				623,193,000				692,447,000	623,193,000	378,564,000
Unearned premiums	167,409,000				211,177,000				167,409,000	211,177,000	103,878,000
Loss and LAE expense incurred									352,362,000	424,754,000	91,109,000
Ceded
Effect of reinsurance with unrelated companies
Losses and LAE reserves	(2,643,443,000)				(2,149,444,000)				(2,643,443,000)	(2,149,444,000)	(1,739,689,000)
Unearned premiums	$ (1,530,551,000)				$ (1,302,848,000)				(1,530,551,000)	(1,302,848,000)	(1,011,304,000)
Loss and LAE expense incurred									(1,497,558,000)	$ (1,217,593,000)	$ (975,434,000)
2015 International Reinsurance Programs | Property, Per Risk Excess of Loss | Maximum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									4,800,000
2015 International Reinsurance Programs | Property, Per Risk Excess of Loss | Minimum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									800,000
Coverage, amounts									$ 4,000,000
Coverage, percentage									100.00%
2015 International Reinsurance Programs | Property, Occurrence Excess of Loss | Maximum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									$ 160,000,000
2015 International Reinsurance Programs | Property, Occurrence Excess of Loss | Minimum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									7,500,000
Coverage, amounts									$ 152,000,000
Coverage, percentage									100.00%
2015 International Reinsurance Programs | Property, Per Risk Excess of Loss (ATL) | Maximum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									$ 4,800,000
2015 International Reinsurance Programs | Property, Per Risk Excess of Loss (ATL) | Minimum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									800,000
Coverage, amounts									$ 4,000,000
Coverage, percentage									100.00%
2015 International Reinsurance Programs | Surety, Excess of Loss and Quota Share | Maximum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									$ 45,000,000
2015 International Reinsurance Programs | Surety, Excess of Loss and Quota Share | Minimum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									4,500,000
Coverage, amounts									$ 41,500,000
Coverage, percentage									100.00%
2015 International Reinsurance Programs | Casualty/Professional, Excess of Loss | Maximum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									$ 20,000,000
2015 International Reinsurance Programs | Casualty/Professional, Excess of Loss | Minimum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									3,000,000
Coverage, amounts									$ 17,000,000
Coverage, percentage									100.00%
2015 International Reinsurance Programs | Latent Defect, Excess of Loss | Maximum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									$ 40,000,000
2015 International Reinsurance Programs | Latent Defect, Excess of Loss | Minimum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									3,200,000
Coverage, amounts									$ 36,800,000
Coverage, percentage									100.00%
2015 International Reinsurance Programs | Accident and Health, Excess of Loss | Maximum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									$ 32,000,000
2015 International Reinsurance Programs | Accident and Health, Excess of Loss | Minimum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									800,000
Coverage, amounts									$ 31,200,000
Coverage, percentage									100.00%
2015 International Reinsurance Programs | Car Care, Excess of Loss | Maximum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									$ 105,000,000
2015 International Reinsurance Programs | Car Care, Excess of Loss | Minimum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									1,000,000
Coverage, amounts									$ 104,000,000
Coverage, percentage									97.50%
2015 International Reinsurance Programs | Medical Malpractice, Quota Share | Maximum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									$ 11,000,000
2015 International Reinsurance Programs | Medical Malpractice, Quota Share | Minimum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									6,600,000
Coverage, amounts									$ 11,000,000
Coverage, percentage									40.00%
2015 International Reinsurance Programs | Personal Accident, Excess of Loss | Maximum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									$ 50,000,000
2015 International Reinsurance Programs | Personal Accident, Excess of Loss | Minimum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									2,000,000
Coverage, amounts									$ 48,000,000
Coverage, percentage									100.00%
2015 International Reinsurance Programs | Pecuniary Risks | Maximum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									$ 35,000,000
2015 International Reinsurance Programs | Pecuniary Risks | Minimum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									5,000,000
Coverage, amounts									$ 30,000,000
Coverage, percentage									100.00%
2015 AmTrust at Lloyds Reinsurance Programs | Property, Per Risk Excess of Loss
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Coverage, amounts									$ 6,400,000
Coverage, percentage									100.00%
2015 AmTrust at Lloyds Reinsurance Programs | Property, Occurrence Excess of Loss
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Coverage, amounts									$ 90,000,000
Coverage, percentage									98.00%
2015 AmTrust at Lloyds Reinsurance Programs | Casualty/Professional, Excess of Loss
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Coverage, amounts									$ 16,000,000
Coverage, percentage									100.00%
2015 AmTrust at Lloyds Reinsurance Programs | Personal Accident, Excess of Loss
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Coverage, amounts									$ 48,000,000
Coverage, percentage									100.00%
2015 AmTrust at Lloyds Reinsurance Programs | Pecuniary Risks
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Coverage, amounts									$ 30,000,000
Coverage, percentage									100.00%
2015 Domestic Reinsurance Programs | Workers’ Compensation, Excess of Loss | Maximum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									$ 570,000,000
Coverage, amounts									$ 560,000,000
Coverage, percentage									100.00%
2015 Domestic Reinsurance Programs | Workers’ Compensation, Excess of Loss | Minimum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									$ 10,000,000
2015 Domestic Reinsurance Programs | Property, Quota Share | Maximum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									20,000,000
Coverage, amounts									$ 20,000,000
Coverage, percentage									20.00%
2015 Domestic Reinsurance Programs | Property, Quota Share | Minimum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									$ 18,000,000
2015 Domestic Reinsurance Programs | Property, Per Risk Excess of Loss | Maximum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									30,000,000
Coverage, amounts									$ 28,000,000
Coverage, percentage									97.00%
2015 Domestic Reinsurance Programs | Property, Per Risk Excess of Loss | Minimum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									$ 2,000,000
2015 Domestic Reinsurance Programs | Surety, Excess of Loss and Quota Share | Maximum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									20,000,000
Coverage, amounts									$ 19,500,000
Coverage, percentage									70.00%
2015 Domestic Reinsurance Programs | Surety, Excess of Loss and Quota Share | Minimum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									$ 500,000
2015 Domestic Reinsurance Programs | Casualty/Professional, Excess of Loss | Maximum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									40,000,000
Coverage, amounts									$ 38,500,000
Coverage, percentage									92.00%
2015 Domestic Reinsurance Programs | Casualty/Professional, Excess of Loss | Minimum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									$ 2,500,000
2015 Domestic Reinsurance Programs | Property, Occurrence Excess of Loss | Maximum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									485,000,000
Coverage, amounts									$ 465,000,000
Coverage, percentage									100.00%
2015 Domestic Reinsurance Programs | Property, Occurrence Excess of Loss | Minimum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									$ 20,000,000
2015 Domestic Reinsurance Programs | Umbrella, Quota Share | Maximum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									10,000,000
Coverage, amounts									$ 8,500,000
Coverage, percentage									100.00%
2015 Domestic Reinsurance Programs | Umbrella, Quota Share | Minimum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									$ 1,500,000
2015 Domestic Reinsurance Programs | Equipment Breakdown, Quota Share | Maximum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									100,000,000
Coverage, amounts									$ 100,000,000
Coverage, percentage									100.00%
2015 Domestic Reinsurance Programs | Equipment Breakdown, Quota Share | Minimum
Reinsurance Retention Program [Abstract]
Stated and Limits									$ 0

Related Party Transactions (Mai

Related Party Transactions (Maiden) (Detail) - USD ($)	1 Months Ended	3 Months Ended		12 Months Ended
	Apr. 30, 2011	Dec. 31, 2007	Sep. 30, 2007	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverable				$ 3,008,670,000	$ 2,440,627,000
Reinsurance, commutations included in ceded reinsurance treaties				129,377,000	0
Note payable				167,975,000	167,975,000
Service, fee and other revenues				478,206,000	409,743,000	$ 331,559,000
Assumed premiums written				$ 326,199,000	665,481,000	247,018,000
Technology Insurance Company Inc [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ceding commission percentage of ceded written premiums				5.00%
NGHC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Service, fee and other revenues				$ 583,000	1,057,000
Assets managed under asset management agreement				2,383,391,000
Investment management fee				$ 2,676,000	2,006,000	1,725,000
NGHC | Minimum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Asset management services fee percentage				0.15%
Average value of assets under management				$ 1,000,000,000
NGHC | Maximum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Asset management services fee percentage				0.20%
Average value of assets under management				$ 1,000,000,000
Maiden Reinsurance Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of capital stock				7.50%
Ceding commission percentage of ceded written premiums	5.00%
Percentage of premiums	40.00%
Term of reinsurance agreement	1 year
Reinsurance ceded profit ratio	50.00%
Assets managed under asset management agreement				$ 4,360,405,000
Investment management fee				$ 6,057,000	5,213,000	4,388,000
Maiden Reinsurance Company | Minimum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Asset management services fee percentage				0.15%
Average value of assets under management				$ 1,000,000,000
Maiden Reinsurance Company | Maximum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded loss ratio	65.00%
Asset management services fee percentage				0.20%
Average value of assets under management				$ 1,000,000,000
Maiden Reinsurance Company | Board of Directors Chairman
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of capital stock				6.10%
Maiden Reinsurance Company | Director
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of capital stock				2.30%
Maiden Reinsurance Company | Chief Executive Officer
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of capital stock				4.40%
Maiden
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of reinsurance brokerage commissions				1.25%
Service, fee and other revenues				$ 24,130,000	19,896,000	17,498,000
AII
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Premiums, percentage assumed to net			40.00%
Percentage of reinsurance related losses assumed			40.00%
Ceding commission percentage of ceded written premiums				31.00%
Extended service agreement term				3 years
Termination notice period				30 days
Increase (decrease) in stockholders equity, percentage				(50.00%)
Reinsurance, commutations included in ceded reinsurance treaties				$ 93,661,000
Related party transaction, rate		0.90%
AII | Retail Business [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ceding commission percentage of ceded written premiums	34.375%
AII | Minimum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Reinsurance recoverable			$ 5,000,000
AII | Maiden | Minimum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded loss ratio				81.50%
AII | Maiden | Maximum
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Reinsurance ceded loss ratio				95.00%
Maiden Reinsurance Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Note payable				$ 167,975,000
Maiden Reinsurance Company | AII
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Interest expense on collateral loan				1,865,000	$ 1,797,000	$ 1,852,000
Collateralized Agreements				$ 2,458,377,000

Results of Operations Related t

Results of Operations Related to Reinsurance Agreements (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Premium written - ceded									$ (2,539,479)	$ (2,131,347)	$ (1,551,238)
Change in unearned premium - ceded									(238,331)	(430,054)	(299,683)
Earned premium - ceded									(2,343,087)	(1,852,236)	(1,297,009)
Loss and loss adjustment expense	$ 720,846	$ 709,604	$ 638,475	$ 613,283	$ 587,464	$ 609,352	$ 587,233	$ 558,570	2,682,208	2,342,619	1,517,361
Maiden
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Premium written - ceded									(1,899,148)	(1,592,457)	(1,150,394)
Change in unearned premium - ceded									182,967	211,897	162,846
Earned premium - ceded									(1,716,181)	(1,380,560)	(987,548)
Ceding commission on premium written									564,156	493,342	330,186
Ceding commission - deferred									(53,364)	(88,271)	(53,630)
Ceding commission earned									510,792	405,071	276,556
Loss and loss adjustment expense									$ 1,116,308	$ 885,362	$ 715,832

Related Party Transactions (NGH

Related Party Transactions (NGHC) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Jan. 06, 2015	Aug. 31, 2015	Feb. 28, 2014	Aug. 31, 2011	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jun. 30, 2015	Jan. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Gain on sale of investments		$ 9,271
Equity earnings on investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries					$ (25,385)	$ (28,351)	$ (11,566)
Service, fee and other revenues					478,206	409,743	331,559
Aggregate purchase price	$ 37,584				$ 21,050
NGHC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interests		12.00%	13.00%		12.00%			13.00%	15.00%
Shares issued during the period		11,500,000	13,600,000
License fee percentage					1.25%
Information technology development service fee, above cost percentage					20.00%
Technology services fee income					$ 35,896	25,632	24,196
Service, fee and other revenues					583	1,057
Assets managed under asset management agreement					2,383,391
Investment management fee					$ 2,676	2,006	1,725
Aggregate purchase price				$ 7,500
Percentage of ownership interest (percentage)				12.00%	12.00%
Contribution towards payment for guaranties, percentage					50.00%
Private Placement | NGHC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Realized gain (loss) on disposal		$ 14,712
Maximum | NGHC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Asset management services fee percentage					0.20%
Average value of assets under management					$ 1,000,000
Minimum | NGHC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Asset management services fee percentage					0.15%
Average value of assets under management					$ 1,000,000
800 Superior LLC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest (percentage)				50.00%
800 Superior LLC | NGHC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest (percentage)				50.00%
Collaborative arrangement profit share percentage				56.00%
Proceeds from collection of lease receivables					$ 2,593	$ 2,056	$ 2,329
Common stock
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Shares issued during the period					8,450,000

Related Party Transactions (Sig

Related Party Transactions (Significant transaction with ACP) (Details) - USD ($)	Sep. 15, 2014	Jul. 23, 2014	Jan. 03, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Jan. 31, 2014
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Goodwill					$ 432,700,000				$ 352,685,000				$ 432,700,000	$ 352,685,000	$ 373,591,000
Minimum reinsured, percentage				10.00%
Ceded reinsurance premiums payable					651,051,000				683,421,000				651,051,000	683,421,000
Earned premium					1,057,972,000	$ 1,045,408,000	$ 968,970,000	$ 949,377,000	908,163,000	$ 914,413,000	$ 874,937,000	$ 829,051,000	4,021,727,000	3,526,564,000	2,265,990,000
Loss and loss adjustment expense					720,846,000	$ 709,604,000	$ 638,475,000	$ 613,283,000	587,464,000	$ 609,352,000	$ 587,233,000	$ 558,570,000	2,682,208,000	2,342,619,000	1,517,361,000
Assumed premiums written													326,199,000	665,481,000	247,018,000
Loss and LAE Expense Incurred														224,961,000
Service, fee and other revenues													478,206,000	409,743,000	331,559,000
Interest income													8,701,000	2,601,000	0
AmTrust North America
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Related Party , term of agreement	10 years
Service, fee and other revenues													3,210,000	1,751,000
NGHC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Assets managed under asset management agreement					2,383,391,000								2,383,391,000
Service, fee and other revenues													583,000	1,057,000
Acp Re Ltd
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Assets managed under asset management agreement					616,949,000								616,949,000
Asset management fees													1,600,000	214,000	$ 238,000
Loan and related interest receivable					$ 129,375,000				127,601,000				129,375,000	127,601,000
Interest income													8,701,000	2,601,000
Acp Re Ltd | Commercial Lines Administrative Service Agreement [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Service, fee and other revenues													$ 34,869,000
Scenario 1 | Acp Re Ltd
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Asset management services fee percentage					0.20%								0.20%
Scenario 3 | Acp Re Ltd
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Asset management services fee percentage					0.15%								0.15%
Minimum | NGHC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Asset management services fee percentage					0.15%								0.15%
Average value of assets under management													$ 1,000,000,000
Minimum | Scenario 3 | Acp Re Ltd
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Average value of assets under management													$ 1,000,000,000
Maximum | NGHC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Asset management services fee percentage					0.20%								0.20%
Average value of assets under management													$ 1,000,000,000
Maximum | Scenario 2 | Acp Re Ltd
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Average value of assets under management													1,000,000,000
Tower Companies
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Goodwill	$ 1,700,000
Contingent consideration	$ 26,900,000
Tower Companies | Acp Re Ltd
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Voting interests acquired, percentage																100.00%
Period to pay cash (in years)	3 years
Contingent payment, maximum																$ 30,000,000
Percentage of Gross Written Premium | Parent Company | Tower Companies | Acp Re Ltd
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Contingent consideration arrangements, percentage		3.00%
Number of payments		3 years
Renewal Rights | Tower Companies
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Assigned to intangible assets	$ 25,200,000
AII | NGHC | Aggregate Stop Loss Retrocession Contract
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Percentage of ceding commission	5.50%
AII | Acp Re Ltd
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility	$ 125,000,000
AII | NG Re Ltd. | Acp Re Ltd
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility	$ 250,000,000
Debt instrument, stated interest rate (percentage)	7.00%
AII | CP Re | NGHC | Aggregate Stop Loss Reinsurance Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ceded reinsurance premiums payable	$ 56,000,000
Funds held under reinsurance agreements, asset	$ 250,000,000
Reinsurance agreement, term, in years	5 years
AII | CP Re | NGHC | Aggregate Stop Loss Retrocession Contract
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ceded reinsurance premiums payable	$ 56,000,000
AII | Acp Re Ltd | NGHC | Aggregate Stop Loss Reinsurance Agreement
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Funds held under reinsurance agreements, asset	125,000,000
Parent Company
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Revolving credit facility					$ 130,000,000				120,000,000				130,000,000	120,000,000
Parent Company | Acp Re Ltd
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Fees and commissions	$ 30,000
TIC | Tower Companies
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Reinsured risk, percentage				100.00%
Gross premium written, percentage				2.00%
Ceded reinsurance premiums payable					$ 397,545,000				$ 133,424,000				397,545,000	133,424,000
Earned premium													376,199,000	41,429,000
Loss and loss adjustment expense													$ 244,000,000	27,000,000
TIC | Tower Companies | CL Reinsurance Agreement [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Reinsured risk, percentage			100.00%
Minimum reinsured, percentage			60.00%
Earned premium														386,609,000
Assumed premiums written														475,038,000
Insurance commissions														91,502,000
Other expenses														$ 15,926,000
Domestic | AII | NG Re Ltd. | Acp Re Ltd
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Stock pledged as collateral, percentage	100.00%
Foreign Subsidiaries | AII | NG Re Ltd. | Acp Re Ltd
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Stock pledged as collateral, percentage	65.00%

Related Party Transactions (Oth

Related Party Transactions (Other Related Party Transactions) (Details) $ in Thousands	1 Months Ended		3 Months Ended	12 Months Ended
	Aug. 31, 2015USD ($)	Feb. 28, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Lease payments				$ 20,336	$ 16,314	$ 15,568
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiary – (related parties)				25,385	28,351	11,566
Service, fee and other revenues				478,206	409,743	331,559
Fifty Nine Maiden Lane Associates Llc [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Lease payments				1,894	1,880	730
Thirty Three West Monroe Associates Llc [Member]
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Lease payments				597	444	480
North Dearborn
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments to acquire LP interests		$ 9,700
Ownership interest		45.00%
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiary – (related parties)				755
Maiden
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Service, fee and other revenues				24,130	19,896	17,498
Aircraft rental and landing fees				89	52	38
NGHC
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Service, fee and other revenues				583	1,057
Aircraft rental and landing fees				201	133	140
NGHC | North Dearborn
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments to acquire LP interests		$ 9,700
NGHC | Illinois Center
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership interest	37.50%
Acp Re Ltd | Illinois Center
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Ownership interest	15.00%
NA Advisors GP LLC [Member] | North Dearborn
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments to acquire LP interests		$ 2,200
NA Advisors GP LLC [Member] | Illinois Center
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Payments to acquire LP interests	$ 53,715
General partner, ownership interest	10.00%
Profit interest, percentage	0.10
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiary – (related parties)				1,292
CEO | Maiden
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Aircraft rental and landing fees				531	$ 235	$ 74
Board of Directors Chairman | Maiden
Related Party Transaction [Line Items]
Aircraft rental and landing fees			$ 55	$ 223

Related Party Transactions (VIE

Related Party Transactions (VIE's) (Details) - Variable Interest Entity, Primary Beneficiary, Aggregated Disclosure [Member] - Other investments: $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
North Dearborn
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying amount	$ 9,862
Maximum exposure to loss	9,862
Illinois Center
Variable Interest Entity [Line Items]
Carrying amount	55,007
Maximum exposure to loss	$ 55,007

Acquisition Costs and Other 117

Acquisition Costs and Other Underwriting Expenses (Summary of Components of Acquisition Costs and Other Underwriting Expenses) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Insurance [Abstract]
Policy acquisition expenses									$ 457,943	$ 460,010	$ 244,461
Salaries and benefits									459,341	367,549	247,173
Other insurance general and administrative expense									62,218	29,364	41,528
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	$ 251,100	$ 258,016	$ 238,710	$ 231,676	$ 236,742	$ 225,512	$ 208,060	$ 186,609	$ 979,502	$ 856,923	$ 533,162

Share Based Compensation (Textu

Share Based Compensation (Textual) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Feb. 02, 2016	Dec. 15, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2010
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Stock based compensation			$ 22,763	$ 19,114	$ 11,186
Total unrecognized compensation cost related to non-vested share-based compensation arrangements			$ 39,111	$ 36,882	$ 23,857
Stock split, conversion ratio		0.5
Percentage of stock dividend paid, percentage		100.00%
Weighted average grant date fair value of options granted			$ 11.31	$ 8.07	$ 4.35
Weighted average remaining life for options grants outstanding			3 years 9 days	3 years 4 months 24 days
Shares exercisable			2,600,000	3,600,000
Weighted average exercise price for the exercisable shares			$ 5.86	$ 5.24
Intrinsic value of stock options exercised			$ 26,444	$ 35,597	$ 19,352
Intrinsic value of stock options outstanding			66,300	86,393	66,589
Intrinsic value of stock options exercisable			64,705	83,371	64,730
Stock option exercise and other			4,907	10,589	5,387
Excess tax benefit from award			$ 10,211	$ 10,281	$ 5,109
Minimum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based award, vesting period (in years)			1 year
Maximum
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Share based award, vesting period (in years)			4 years
Performance Shares (PSU)
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted during the period			373,628	338,150	319,426
Restricted Stock [Member]
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Granted during the period			347,875
Omnibus Incentive Plan
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Number of shares authorized for stock award, maximum						14,630,136
Common stock remaining shares available for grants			8,300,000
Omnibus Incentive Plan | Stock Options
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Expiration period			10 years
Share based award, vesting period (in years)			4 years
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award, Period to Exercise Vested Options Upon Termination of Employment			3 months
Subsequent Event
Share-based Compensation Arrangement by Share-based Payment Award [Line Items]
Adjustment to common stock outstanding due to stock split, percentage	100.00%
Decrease in exercise price due to stock split, percentage	50.00%

Share Based Compensation (Sched

Share Based Compensation (Schedule of Option Activity) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Shares
Outstanding at beginning of period	3,868,740	5,994,920	7,351,552
Granted	100,000	75,000	156,002
Exercised	(1,109,712)	(2,184,240)	(1,494,544)
Forfeited	(75,148)	(16,940)	(18,090)
Outstanding end of period	2,783,880	3,868,740	5,994,920
Weighted Average Exercise Price
Outstanding at beginning of period	$ 5.80	$ 5.25	$ 4.71
Granted	28.04	18.93	14.89
Exercised	4.59	4.75	3.60
Forfeited	9.17	3.52	4.45
Outstanding end of period	$ 6.99	$ 5.80	$ 5.25

Share Based Compensation (Fair

Share Based Compensation (Fair Value Assumptions) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Share-based Compensation [Abstract]
Volatility	40.81%	41.72%	33.50%
Risk-free interest rate	1.97%	2.62%	1.01%
Weighted average expected lives in years	6 years 3 months	6 years 3 months	6 years 3 months
Dividend rate	1.84%	1.77%	1.67%
Forfeiture rate	0.50%	0.50%	0.50%

Share Based Compensation (Summa

Share Based Compensation (Summary of Restricted Stock and RSU Activity) (Details) - $ / shares	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Performance Shares (PSU)
Shares or Units
Non-vested at beginning of period	549,670	318,906	0
Granted	373,628	338,150	319,426
Vested	(155,842)	(79,420)	0
Forfeited	(14,990)	(27,966)	(520)
Non-vested at end of period	752,466	549,670	318,906
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at beginning of period	$ 19.42	$ 14.67	$ 0
Granted	29.93	22.60	14.67
Vested	18.86	14.67	0
Forfeited	28.13	17.20	14.65
Non-vested at end of period	$ 24.58	$ 19.42	$ 14.67
Restricted Stock and Restricted Stock Unit [Member]
Shares or Units
Non-vested at beginning of period	2,611,022	1,834,030	1,776,394
Granted	476,942	1,804,716	582,860
Vested	(1,200,800)	(995,068)	(524,062)
Forfeited	(33,648)	(32,656)	(1,162)
Non-vested at end of period	1,853,516	2,611,022	1,834,030
Weighted Average Grant Date Fair Value
Non-vested at beginning of period	$ 16.70	$ 12.22	$ 10.43
Granted	29.27	19.60	15.59
Vested	15.66	13.69	9.91
Forfeited	20.95	16.60	14.65
Non-vested at end of period	$ 20.54	$ 16.70	$ 12.22

Income Taxes (Components of Inc

Income Taxes (Components of Income Taxes) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Current federal tax expense (benefit)									$ 84,581	$ 219,413	$ 49,565
Current foreign tax expense (benefit)									20,442	26,142	29,935
Current income tax expense (benefit)									105,023	245,555	79,500
Deferred federal income tax expense (benefit)									(55,029)	(8,376)	13,741
Deferred foreign income tax expense (benefit)									16,347	(183,493)	4,778
Deferred income tax expense (benefit)									(38,682)	(191,869)	18,519
Provision for income taxes	$ 27,706	$ (12,649)	$ 4,472	$ 46,812	$ 15,940	$ (7,664)	$ 17,966	$ 27,444	$ 66,341	$ 53,686	$ 98,019

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Reco

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Reconciliation of Effective Tax Rate) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Income before equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries									$ 551,478	$ 471,933	$ 367,046
Tax at federal statutory rate of 35%									193,017	165,177	128,466
Permanent adjustments									(121,119)	9,171	(1,279)
Tax rate differences									(107,754)	(115,513)	(60,957)
Adjustments to prior year taxes									(80,089)	(21,995)	28,494
Valuation allowance									170,043	0	0
Other, net									12,243	16,846	3,295
Provision for income taxes	$ 27,706	$ (12,649)	$ 4,472	$ 46,812	$ 15,940	$ (7,664)	$ 17,966	$ 27,444	$ 66,341	$ 53,686	$ 98,019
Effective tax rate									12.00%	11.40%	26.70%
Federal statutory rate									35.00%	35.00%

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Defe

Income Taxes Income Taxes (Deferred Tax Assets and Liability) (Details) - USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract]
Unearned premiums	$ 138,751,000	$ 117,922,000
Ceding commission	130,896,000	107,739,000
Loss and LAE reserves	100,545,000	49,583,000
Other	90,921,000	62,346,000
Unrealized loss on investments	35,943,000	0
Bad debt	18,598,000	13,027,000
Deferred compensation	8,677,000	7,774,000
Net operating loss carryforward	201,715,000	101,230,000
Total gross deferred tax assets	726,046,000	459,621,000
Valuation allowance	(170,043,000)	0
Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance	556,003,000	459,621,000
Deferred acquisition costs	(317,606,000)	(295,121,000)
Intangible assets	(51,724,000)	(51,619,000)
Unrealized gain on investments	0	(30,219,000)
Depreciation	(46,645,000)	(31,350,000)
Other	(30,507,000)	(16,790,000)
Equalization reserves	(11,151,000)	(94,215,000)
Equity results which cannot be liquidated tax free	(52,305,000)	(41,497,000)
Accrual market discount	(6,792,000)	(3,123,000)
Cash surrender value on insurance	(2,106,000)	(2,050,000)
Deferred tax liabilities, gross	(518,836,000)	(565,984,000)
Deferred tax assets, net	37,167,000
Deferred tax liabilities, net	$ 0	$ 106,363,000

Income Taxes (Open Tax Years) (

Income Taxes (Open Tax Years) (Details)	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015
2010 | Ireland
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Tax Years	2,010
2011 | Ireland
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Tax Years	2,011
2012 | USA
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Tax Years	2,012
2012 | United Kingdom
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Tax Years	2,012
2012 | Ireland
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Tax Years	2,012
2013 | USA
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Tax Years	2,013
2013 | United Kingdom
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Tax Years	2,013
2013 | Ireland
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Tax Years	2,013
2014 | USA
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Tax Years	2,014
2014 | United Kingdom
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Tax Years	2,014
2014 | Ireland
Income Tax Examination [Line Items]
Open Tax Years	2,014

Income Taxes (Additional Inform

Income Taxes (Additional Information) (Details) - USD ($)	3 Months Ended
	Sep. 30, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards, Limitation on Use Per Year		$ 1,723,000
Deferred Tax Assets, Valuation Allowance		170,043,000	$ 0
Tax Adjustments, Settlements, and Unusual Provisions	$ 80,000
Amount of unrecognized deferred tax liability, undistributed earnings		329,489,000	257,587,000
Loss and LAE reserves		100,545,000	49,583,000
Deferred tax liability for equalization reserve		11,151,000	94,215,000
Domestic Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards		$ 24,356,000
Foreign Tax Authority [Member]
Operating Loss Carryforwards [Line Items]
Operating Loss Carryforwards			$ 694,770,000

Employee Benefit Plans (Details

Employee Benefit Plans (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)subsidiaryparticipant	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Domestic
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Cost of plan for the company | $	$ 6,693	$ 4,241	$ 2,561
Number of participants | participant	25
Subsidiaries with frozen defined benefit plan | subsidiary	1
Europe
Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items]
Cost of plan for the company | $	$ 5,167	$ 6,167	$ 2,575
Number of participants | participant	300
Subsidiaries with frozen defined benefit plan | subsidiary	1

Earnings Per Share (Details)

Earnings Per Share (Details) $ / shares in Units, shares in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Dec. 15, 2015	Dec. 31, 2015$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2015$ / shares	Jun. 30, 2015$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2015$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2014$ / shares	Sep. 30, 2014$ / shares	Jun. 30, 2014$ / shares	Mar. 31, 2014$ / shares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)$ / sharesshares
Earnings Per Share [Abstract]
Stock split, conversion ratio	0.5
Basic earnings per share:
Net income attributable to AmTrust common shareholders | $										$ 472,004	$ 434,276	$ 278,237
Less: Net income allocated to participating securities and redeemable non-controlling interest | $										352	1,217	431
Net income allocated to AmTrust common shareholders | $										$ 471,652	$ 433,059	$ 277,806
Weighted average common shares outstanding - basic (in shares)										165,166	150,288	148,556
Less: Weighted average participating shares outstanding (in shares)										124	422	230
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic										165,042	149,866	148,326
Net income per AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. common share - basic (usd per share) | $ / shares		$ 0.38	$ 1.11	$ 0.43	$ 0.95	$ 0.47	$ 1.05	$ 0.71	$ 0.67	$ 2.86	$ 2.89	$ 1.87
Diluted earnings per share:
Net income allocated to AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. common shareholders | $										$ 472,004	$ 434,276	$ 278,237
Less: Net income allocated to participating securities and redeemable non-controlling interest | $										352	1,217	431
Net income allocated to AmTrust common shareholders | $										$ 471,652	$ 433,059	$ 277,806
Weighted average common shares outstanding – basic										165,042	149,866	148,326
Plus: Dilutive effect of stock options, other (in shares)										3,318	9,168	7,642
Weighted average common shares outstanding - dilutive (in shares)										168,360	159,034	155,968
Net income per AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. common shares - diluted (usd per share) | $ / shares		$ 0.37	$ 1.09	$ 0.42	$ 0.93	$ 0.44	$ 0.99	$ 0.67	$ 0.64	$ 2.80	$ 2.72	$ 1.78
Anti-dilutive securities excluded from diluted earnings per share, less than										35

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Iss

Stockholders' Equity (Stock Issuance) (Details) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Mar. 19, 2015USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Sep. 16, 2014$ / sharesshares	Jul. 10, 2014USD ($)shares	Jul. 10, 2014shares	Jul. 02, 2014$ / sharesshares	Jun. 10, 2013$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)directorDividend_periodunderwritten_offering$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)$ / sharesshares	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)	Dec. 15, 2015shares	Dec. 14, 2015shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares issued							4,968,000	4,785,000
Dividend rate, percentage						6.75%
Preferred stock, par value | $ / shares		$ 0.01					$ 0.01	$ 0.01
Liquidation per share | $ / shares	$ 25					$ 25	$ 25
Dividend received by the company | $							$ 63,649	$ 7,400	$ 6,900
Number of directors stockholders can elect if dividends are not declared | director							2
Number of dividend periods | Dividend_period							6
Number of Underwritten Public Offering | underwritten_offering							2
Underwriting discount and commissions | $	$ 5,989		$ 3,614				$ 2,745
Common stock, shares authorized							500,000,000	300,000,000		500,000,000	150,000,000
Noncumulative Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Preferred stock, shares issued						4,600,000
Dividend rate, percentage	7.50%	7.625%			7.25%
Preferred stock, par value | $ / shares	$ 0.01				$ 0.01
Liquidation per share | $ / shares	$ 1,000	$ 1,000			1,000
Redemption price per share | $ / shares						$ 25
Shares issued during the period, shares	182,500		105,000
Series D Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued during the period, shares	700,000
American Depository Shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Liquidation per share | $ / shares		$ 25			$ 25
Shares issued during the period, shares	6,600,000	3,200,000	200,000	4,200,000	4,000,000
Percentage of preferred share, per share | $ / shares	$ 0.025
Net proceeds from this offering, including over allotment | $	$ 176,511		$ 101,702				$ 77,480
Series A Preferred Stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Dividend received by the company | $								$ 3,989
Common stock
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued during the period, shares							8,450,000
Net proceeds from this offering, including over allotment | $							$ 487,087
Underwriting discount and commissions | $							$ 413
Preferred stock | American Depository Shares
Class of Stock [Line Items]
Shares issued during the period, shares	7,300,000

Stockholders' Equity (Details)

Stockholders' Equity (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	$ 56,123	$ (8,164)	$ 64,231
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(291,665)	106,468	(119,666)
Amounts reclassed from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	4,918	(7,566)	8,707
Income tax benefit (expense)	100,362	(34,615)	38,564
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(186,385)	64,287	(72,395)
Ending Balance	(130,262)	56,123	(8,164)
Foreign Currency Items
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(14,776)	2,582	(10,361)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(119,134)	(26,706)	19,912
Amounts reclassed from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0
Income tax benefit (expense)	41,697	9,348	(6,969)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(77,437)	(17,358)	12,943
Ending Balance	(92,213)	(14,776)	2,582
Unrealized Gains (Losses) on Investments
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	75,013	(7,023)	77,605
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	(177,618)	133,775	(138,902)
Amounts reclassed from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	4,918	(7,566)	8,707
Income tax benefit (expense)	60,445	(44,173)	45,567
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	(112,255)	82,036	(84,628)
Ending Balance	(37,242)	75,013	(7,023)
Interest Rate Swap Hedge
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(1,321)	(1,985)	(3,013)
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	955	1,022	1,581
Amounts reclassed from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0
Income tax benefit (expense)	(334)	(358)	(553)
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	621	664	1,028
Ending Balance	(700)	(1,321)	(1,985)
Net Benefit Plan Assets and Obligations Recognized in Stockholders' Equity
Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax [Roll Forward]
Beginning Balance	(2,793)	(1,738)	0
Other comprehensive income (loss) before reclassifications	4,132	(1,623)	(2,257)
Amounts reclassed from accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)	0	0	0
Income tax benefit (expense)	(1,446)	568	519
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax	2,686	(1,055)	(1,738)
Ending Balance	$ (107)	$ (2,793)	$ (1,738)

New Market Tax Credit (Details)

New Market Tax Credit (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)Loans	Dec. 31, 2012USD ($)
Schedule of Tax Credit [Line Items]
Proceeds from financing transaction	$ 0	$ (293,222)	$ 58,311
Percentage of qualified investment income that can be claimed at tax credit against their federal income taxes				39.00%
Term of debt instrument (in years)	5 years
Parent, NGHC, KCDC and State and Local Government of Ohio [Member] | 800 Superior LLC
Schedule of Tax Credit [Line Items]
Proceeds from financing transaction				$ 19,400
State and Local Government of Ohio | 800 Superior LLC
Schedule of Tax Credit [Line Items]
Proceeds from financing transaction				$ 8,000
Number of loans | Loans			2
Term of debt instrument (in years)			15 years
Community Development Entities (CDE) | 800 Superior LLC
Schedule of Tax Credit [Line Items]
Number of CDE | Loans			2
Period to recapture				7 years
Key Community Development Corporation (KCDC) | 800 Superior LLC
Schedule of Tax Credit [Line Items]
Total benefit a company is entitled to receive				51.00%
NGHC
Schedule of Tax Credit [Line Items]
Percentage of ownership interest				12.00%
NGHC | 800 Superior LLC
Schedule of Tax Credit [Line Items]
Total benefit a company is entitled to receive				49.00%
Notes Payable, Other Payables | State and Local Government of Ohio | 800 Superior LLC
Schedule of Tax Credit [Line Items]
Term of debt instrument (in years)				15 years
Interest rate				2.00%

Commitment and Contingencies (L

Commitment and Contingencies (Lease Commitments) (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)Leases	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Lease payments	$ 20,336	$ 16,314	$ 15,568
Lease Commitment
2,016	19,926
2,017	17,145
2,018	14,214
2,019	11,765
2,020	10,690
2021 and Thereafter	18,169
Future Minimum Payments Due	$ 91,909
Number of Leases | Leases	103

Commitment and Contingencies (E

Commitment and Contingencies (Employment Agreements) (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)employee
Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract]
Number of key executives and employees | employee	40
2,016	$ 12,378
2,017	5,497
2,018	1,760
2,019	225
Other Commitment	$ 19,860

Commitment and Contingencies (A

Commitment and Contingencies (Acquisition commitment) (Details) € in Thousands, $ in Thousands	Jan. 22, 2016USD ($)	Sep. 25, 2015USD ($)	Jan. 06, 2015USD ($)	Jan. 31, 2016USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2016EUR (€)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)country
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price			$ 37,584					$ 21,050
Cash paid		$ 156,247
Term of debt instrument (in years)								5 years
N.V. Nationale Borg-Maatschappij and Affiliates [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Number of countries in which entity operates | country								70
N.V. Nationale Borg-Maatschappij and Affiliates [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price						$ 167,275	€ 154,000
Republic Companies [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price						233,000
Cash paid						112,000
Liabilities incurred						$ 16,000
Period to pay cash (in years)						5 years	5 years
Genworth Financial Insurance Limited [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price					$ 60,000
Notes Payable, Other Payables | Republic Companies [Member] | Scenario, Forecast [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Liabilities incurred						$ 105
Debt instrument, stated interest rate (percentage)						5.75%	5.75%
Term of debt instrument (in years)						4 years	4 years
Subsequent Event | ARI Mutual Insurance Company [Member]
Loss Contingencies [Line Items]
Aggregate purchase price				$ 23,800
Cash paid	$ 23,500

Statutory Financial Data, Ri135

Statutory Financial Data, Risk Based Capital and Dividend Restrictions (Details) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)subsidiary	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Number of subsidiaries | subsidiary	17
Number of foreign subsidiaries | subsidiary	5
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	$ 500,000
Limit for cash dividends or distribution	621,606	$ 844,037
Dividend received by the company	63,649	7,400	$ 6,900
Unrestricted net assets	621,606	844,037
Domestic | TIC
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Capital and Surplus	478,727	479,437
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	246,708	178,941
Net income from insurance subsidiaries	278	21,418	16,614
Domestic | RIC
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Capital and Surplus	86,730	82,350
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	41,568	31,082
Net income from insurance subsidiaries	1,856	9,440	8,158
Domestic | WIC [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Capital and Surplus	333,516	215,530
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	178,904	125,810
Net income from insurance subsidiaries	13,095	14,150	21,447
Domestic | AIIC [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Capital and Surplus	69,423	74,014
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	24,905	17,416
Net income from insurance subsidiaries	5,610	8,297	12,810
Domestic | SNIC [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Capital and Surplus	149,542	125,735
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	67,481	50,824
Net income from insurance subsidiaries	40,527	30,668	14,368
Domestic | MCIC [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Capital and Surplus	22,227	17,713
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	7,201	5,287
Net income from insurance subsidiaries	5,861	3,226	1,671
Domestic | AICK [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Capital and Surplus	24,692	19,304
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	8,057	6,752
Net income from insurance subsidiaries	5,562	4,081	3,413
Domestic | SIC [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Capital and Surplus	70,765	79,475
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	13,774	15,231
Net income from insurance subsidiaries	872	9,535	4,464
Domestic | SID [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Capital and Surplus	9,907	9,799
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	776	665
Net income from insurance subsidiaries	95	$ 35	$ 634
Domestic | PEI [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Net income from insurance subsidiaries	(1,959)
Domestic | SPIC [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Capital and Surplus	27,965
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	12,611
Domestic | FNIC
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Capital and Surplus	22,712	$ 36,104
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	6,996	7,736
Net income from insurance subsidiaries	(287)	(1,186)	$ (4,596)
Domestic | DSIC [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Capital and Surplus	90,008	82,243
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	9,077	11,361
Net income from insurance subsidiaries	17,445	4,124
Domestic | ICC [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Capital and Surplus	15,543	20,699
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	1,430	528
Net income from insurance subsidiaries	(315)	1,565
Domestic | ATIC [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Capital and Surplus	10,025	10,538
Domestic | COIC [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Capital and Surplus	39,588	29,010
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	8,604	8,424
Net income from insurance subsidiaries	11,265	(946)
Domestic | FATIC [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Net income from insurance subsidiaries	(488)	$ (664)
Domestic | CPIC [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Capital and Surplus	56,828
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	4,640
Net income from insurance subsidiaries	5,864
Domestic | HIC [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Capital and Surplus	38,936
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	5,960
Net income from insurance subsidiaries	219
United Kingdom | AEL [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Capital and Surplus	284,673	$ 290,916
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	68,944	62,925
Net income from insurance subsidiaries	18,583	56,766	$ 50,452
United Kingdom | MIC [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Capital and Surplus	132,373	130,169
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	21,245	20,122
Net income from insurance subsidiaries	13,068	28,856	7,515
Ireland | AIU [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Capital and Surplus	200,340	195,208
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	58,542	37,865
Net income from insurance subsidiaries	25,572	50,697	34,223
Bermuda | AII [Member]
Statutory Accounting Practices [Line Items]
Statutory Capital and Surplus	574,150	679,967
Required Statutory Capital and Surplus	345,103	244,509
Net income from insurance subsidiaries	$ (16,019)	$ 78,142	$ 5,282

Geographic Information (Narrati

Geographic Information (Narrative) (Details) - subsidiary	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Number of major foreign subsidiaries	5
Written Premiums | Geographic Concentration Risk | United Kingdom
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk	44.00%		42.00%
Written Premiums | Geographic Concentration Risk | Foreign
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk	19.00%	21.00%	27.00%
Written Premiums | Geographic Concentration Risk | ITALY
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk		43.00%
Assets, Total | Geographic Concentration Risk | Foreign
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk	38.00%	45.00%
Revenue | Geographic Concentration Risk | Foreign
Concentration Risk [Line Items]
Concentration risk	58.00%	66.00%	83.00%

Geographic Information (Compone

Geographic Information (Components of Income Before Equity in Earnings) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Income before equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 551,478	$ 471,933	$ 367,046
Domestic
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Income before equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries	507,874	267,486	243,566
Foreign
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Income before equity in earnings (loss) of unconsolidated subsidiaries	$ 43,604	$ 204,447	$ 123,480

Geographic Information (Operati

Geographic Information (Operations by Geographic Segment) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	$ 4,664,340	$ 4,084,331	$ 2,697,895
Property and equipment	281,456	154,175
Domestic
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	1,981,770	1,394,497	468,980
Property and equipment	249,123	143,027	95,689
Bermuda
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	1,649,144	1,417,781	1,600,809
Property and equipment	23	0	0
Other Foreign
Revenues from External Customers and Long-Lived Assets [Line Items]
Revenues	1,033,426	1,272,053	628,106
Property and equipment	$ 32,310	$ 11,148	$ 8,610

Segments (Results of Operations

Segments (Results of Operations of Business Segments) (Detail) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2015USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2015USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2015USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Sep. 30, 2014USD ($)	Jun. 30, 2014USD ($)	Mar. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)segment	Dec. 31, 2014USD ($)	Dec. 31, 2013USD ($)
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Number of operating segments | segment									3
Gross written premium									$ 6,799,537	$ 6,087,965	$ 4,116,911
Net written premium									4,260,058	3,956,618	2,565,673
Change in unearned premium									(238,331)	(430,054)	(299,683)
Net earned premium	$ 1,057,972	$ 1,045,408	$ 968,970	$ 949,377	$ 908,163	$ 914,413	$ 874,937	$ 829,051	4,021,727	3,526,564	2,265,990
Loss and loss adjustment expense	(720,846)	(709,604)	(638,475)	(613,283)	(587,464)	(609,352)	(587,233)	(558,570)	(2,682,208)	(2,342,619)	(1,517,361)
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses	(251,100)	(258,016)	(238,710)	(231,676)	(236,742)	(225,512)	(208,060)	(186,609)	(979,502)	(856,923)	(533,162)
Operating Expenses									(3,661,710)	(3,199,542)	(2,050,523)
Underwriting income									360,017	327,022	215,467
Service, fee and other revenues									478,206	409,743	331,559
Investment income and realized gain									164,407	148,024	100,346
Other expenses	(153,272)	(116,900)	(98,130)	(98,457)	(157,678)	(103,493)	(87,588)	(87,591)	(466,759)	(436,350)	(291,617)
Interest expense including loss on extinguishment of debt									(53,323)	(55,688)	(34,691)
Foreign currency gain									43,260	60,245	(6,533)
Gain on life settlement contracts									19,844	12,306	3,800
Acquisition gain									5,826	0	48,715
Gain on sale of subsidiary									0	6,631	0
(Provision) benefit for income taxes	(27,706)	12,649	(4,472)	(46,812)	(15,940)	7,664	(17,966)	(27,444)	(66,341)	(53,686)	(98,019)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiary – (related parties)									25,385	28,351	11,566
Net income	$ 72,633	$ 193,008	$ 80,733	$ 164,148	$ 83,525	$ 157,156	$ 104,189	$ 101,728	510,522	446,598	280,593
Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									4,021,727	3,526,564	2,265,990
Operating Segments [Member] | Small Commercial Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross written premium									3,320,650	2,999,714	1,659,980
Net written premium									1,932,100	1,882,383	935,313
Change in unearned premium									(45,220)	(275,578)	(101,501)
Net earned premium									1,886,880	1,606,805	833,812
Loss and loss adjustment expense									(1,234,089)	(1,055,521)	(548,598)
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses									(485,909)	(416,965)	(212,824)
Operating Expenses									(1,719,998)	(1,472,486)	(761,422)
Underwriting income									166,882	134,319	72,390
Service, fee and other revenues									101,302	95,430	87,519
Investment income and realized gain									72,796	62,810	34,665
Other expenses									(227,948)	(215,002)	(117,583)
Interest expense including loss on extinguishment of debt									(26,041)	(27,439)	(13,987)
Foreign currency gain									0	0	0
Gain on life settlement contracts									9,691	6,064	1,532
Acquisition gain									5,826	0	23,183
Gain on sale of subsidiary										6,631
(Provision) benefit for income taxes									(11,790)	(6,741)	(24,389)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiary – (related parties)									0	0	0
Net income									90,718	56,072	63,330
Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross written premium									2,158,921	1,983,052	1,511,649
Net written premium									1,450,817	1,333,747	944,081
Change in unearned premium									(145,781)	(101,509)	(132,244)
Net earned premium									1,305,036	1,232,238	811,837
Loss and loss adjustment expense									(882,306)	(817,780)	(545,516)
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses									(265,154)	(253,794)	(151,188)
Operating Expenses									(1,147,460)	(1,071,574)	(696,704)
Underwriting income									157,576	160,664	115,133
Service, fee and other revenues									294,546	253,220	191,941
Investment income and realized gain									59,035	56,852	46,304
Other expenses									(148,201)	(142,134)	(107,076)
Interest expense including loss on extinguishment of debt									(16,931)	(18,139)	(12,738)
Foreign currency gain									43,260	60,245	(6,533)
Gain on life settlement contracts									6,301	4,008	1,395
Acquisition gain									0	0	25,532
Gain on sale of subsidiary										0
(Provision) benefit for income taxes									(45,493)	(40,211)	(64,281)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiary – (related parties)									0	0	0
Net income									350,093	334,505	189,677
Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Program
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross written premium									1,319,966	1,105,199	879,455
Net written premium									877,141	740,488	620,452
Change in unearned premium									(47,330)	(61,876)	(100,081)
Net earned premium									829,811	678,612	520,371
Loss and loss adjustment expense									(565,813)	(456,422)	(355,067)
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses									(228,439)	(183,541)	(138,650)
Operating Expenses									(794,252)	(639,963)	(493,717)
Underwriting income									35,559	38,649	26,654
Service, fee and other revenues									2,023	428	114
Investment income and realized gain									32,521	27,994	18,464
Other expenses									(90,610)	(79,214)	(62,295)
Interest expense including loss on extinguishment of debt									(10,351)	(10,110)	(7,411)
Foreign currency gain									0	0	0
Gain on life settlement contracts									3,852	2,234	812
Acquisition gain									0	0	0
Gain on sale of subsidiary										0
(Provision) benefit for income taxes									3,106	2,148	5,989
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiary – (related parties)									0	0	0
Net income									(23,900)	(17,871)	(17,673)
Operating Segments [Member] | Personal Lines Reinsurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									0	8,909	99,970
Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Gross written premium									0	0	65,827
Net written premium									0	0	65,827
Change in unearned premium									0	8,909	34,143
Net earned premium									0	8,909	99,970
Loss and loss adjustment expense									0	(12,896)	(68,180)
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expenses									0	(2,623)	(30,500)
Operating Expenses									0	(15,519)	(98,680)
Underwriting income									0	(6,610)	1,290
Service, fee and other revenues									80,335	60,665	51,985
Investment income and realized gain									55	368	913
Other expenses									0	0	(4,663)
Interest expense including loss on extinguishment of debt									0	0	(555)
Foreign currency gain									0	0	0
Gain on life settlement contracts									0	0	61
Acquisition gain									0	0	0
Gain on sale of subsidiary										0
(Provision) benefit for income taxes									(12,164)	(8,882)	(15,338)
Equity in earnings of unconsolidated subsidiary – (related parties)									25,385	28,351	11,566
Net income									93,611	73,892	45,259
Workers' compensation | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									1,615,788	1,321,886	831,158
Workers' compensation | Operating Segments [Member] | Small Commercial Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									1,278,509	1,061,130	665,087
Workers' compensation | Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									0	0	0
Workers' compensation | Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Program
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									337,279	260,756	166,071
Workers' compensation | Operating Segments [Member] | Personal Lines Reinsurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium											0
Workers' compensation | Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									0	0
Warranty | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									623,432	433,944	399,930
Warranty | Operating Segments [Member] | Small Commercial Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									0	0	0
Warranty | Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									623,432	433,710	397,978
Warranty | Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Program
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									0	234	1,952
Warranty | Operating Segments [Member] | Personal Lines Reinsurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium											0
Warranty | Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									0	0
Other liability | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									386,420	424,715	271,160
Other liability | Operating Segments [Member] | Small Commercial Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									50,578	98,846	37,308
Other liability | Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									139,463	198,505	108,018
Other liability | Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Program
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									196,379	127,364	125,827
Other liability | Operating Segments [Member] | Personal Lines Reinsurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium											7
Other liability | Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									0	0
Commercial auto and liability, physical damage | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									440,916	305,723	182,828
Commercial auto and liability, physical damage | Operating Segments [Member] | Small Commercial Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									282,593	162,377	51,623
Commercial auto and liability, physical damage | Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									17,248	25,255	13,631
Commercial auto and liability, physical damage | Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Program
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									141,075	116,528	108,962
Commercial auto and liability, physical damage | Operating Segments [Member] | Personal Lines Reinsurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium											8,612
Commercial auto and liability, physical damage | Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									0	1,563
Medical malpractice | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									161,767	176,608	191,217
Medical malpractice | Operating Segments [Member] | Small Commercial Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									0	0	0
Medical malpractice | Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									161,767	176,608	191,217
Medical malpractice | Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Program
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									0	0	0
Medical malpractice | Operating Segments [Member] | Personal Lines Reinsurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium											0
Medical malpractice | Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									0	0
Other | Operating Segments [Member]
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									793,404	863,688	389,697
Other | Operating Segments [Member] | Small Commercial Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									275,200	284,452	79,794
Other | Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									363,126	398,160	100,993
Other | Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Program
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									155,078	173,730	117,559
Other | Operating Segments [Member] | Personal Lines Reinsurance
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium											$ 91,351
Other | Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Net earned premium									$ 0	$ 7,346

Segments (Long Lived Assets and

Segments (Long Lived Assets and Total Assets of Business Segments) (Detail) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed assets	$ 281,456	$ 154,175
Goodwill and intangible assets	800,045	667,681
Total assets	17,111,632	13,847,368
Operating Segments [Member] | Small Commercial Business
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed assets	137,453	75,966
Goodwill and intangible assets	277,237	285,583
Total assets	7,790,429	6,142,645
Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed assets	89,365	50,220
Goodwill and intangible assets	447,055	348,216
Total assets	6,378,545	5,441,378
Operating Segments [Member] | Specialty Program
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed assets	54,638	27,989
Goodwill and intangible assets	75,753	33,882
Total assets	2,940,252	2,248,901
Operating Segments [Member] | Corporate and Other
Segment Reporting Information [Line Items]
Fixed assets	0	0
Goodwill and intangible assets	0	0
Total assets	$ 2,406	$ 14,444

Quarterly Financial Data (Un141

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Details) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Quarterly Financial Data [Abstract]
Earned premium	$ 1,057,972	$ 1,045,408	$ 968,970	$ 949,377	$ 908,163	$ 914,413	$ 874,937	$ 829,051	$ 4,021,727	$ 3,526,564	$ 2,265,990
Investment income	45,009	40,425	36,283	34,573	35,928	34,552	32,594	28,527	156,290	131,601	84,819
Revenue, Net	1,211,845	1,229,658	1,110,348	1,112,489	1,047,743	1,071,634	1,010,979	953,975
Loss and loss adjustment expense	720,846	709,604	638,475	613,283	587,464	609,352	587,233	558,570	2,682,208	2,342,619	1,517,361
Acquisition costs and other underwriting expense	251,100	258,016	238,710	231,676	236,742	225,512	208,060	186,609	979,502	856,923	533,162
Other	153,272	116,900	98,130	98,457	157,678	103,493	87,588	87,591	466,759	436,350	291,617
Provision for income taxes	27,706	(12,649)	4,472	46,812	15,940	(7,664)	17,966	27,444	66,341	53,686	98,019
Net income	72,633	193,008	80,733	164,148	83,525	157,156	104,189	101,728	510,522	446,598	280,593
Net income attributable to Common Shareholders	63,852	182,708	70,748	154,696	71,561	156,590	106,274	99,851	503,594	447,014	282,226
Comprehensive income	$ 3,501	$ 178,924	$ 33,190	$ 101,594	$ 63,551	$ 144,051	$ 161,272	$ 142,427	$ 317,209	$ 511,301	$ 209,831
Basic earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.38	$ 1.11	$ 0.43	$ 0.95	$ 0.47	$ 1.05	$ 0.71	$ 0.67	$ 2.86	$ 2.89	$ 1.87
Diluted earnings per share (in dollars per share)	$ 0.37	$ 1.09	$ 0.42	$ 0.93	$ 0.44	$ 0.99	$ 0.67	$ 0.64	$ 2.80	$ 2.72	$ 1.78

Quarterly Financial Data (Un142

Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited) (Narrative) (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Error Corrections and Prior Period Adjustments Restatement [Line Items]
Acquisition gain	$ 5,826	$ 0	$ 48,715

Subsequent Events - Additional

Subsequent Events - Additional Information (Detail) - USD ($) $ / shares in Units, $ in Thousands	Jan. 22, 2016	Sep. 25, 2015
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Cash paid to acquire shares		$ 156,247
ARI Mutual Insurance Company [Member] | Subsequent Event
Subsequent Event [Line Items]
Value of subscription	$ 276
Number of shares sold	12,347
Price per share	$ 22.3494
Price per share, discount	20.00%
Proceeds from issuance of common stock	$ 276
Cash paid to acquire shares	$ 23,500

Schedule I - Summary of Inve144

Schedule I - Summary of Investments Other Than Investments in Related Parties (Details) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015USD ($)
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	$ 5,801,603
Value	5,748,843
Amount at which Shown in Balance Sheet	5,748,843
U.S. government agencies
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	1,079,192
Value	1,091,155
Amount at which Shown in Balance Sheet	1,091,155
States, municipalities and political subdivisions
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	530,004
Value	540,426
Amount at which Shown in Balance Sheet	540,426
Foreign governments
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	109,645
Value	113,745
Amount at which Shown in Balance Sheet	113,745
Utilities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	157,067
Value	149,500
Amount at which Shown in Balance Sheet	149,500
All other corporate bonds
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	3,606,134
Value	3,538,971
Amount at which Shown in Balance Sheet	3,538,971
Fixed Maturities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	5,482,042
Value	5,433,797
Amount at which Shown in Balance Sheet	5,433,797
Public utilities Banks, trust and insurance companies
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	48,646
Value	48,689
Amount at which Shown in Balance Sheet	48,689
Industrial, miscellaneous and all other Nonredeemable preferred stocks
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	87,637
Value	83,079
Amount at which Shown in Balance Sheet	83,079
Equity Securities
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Cost	136,283
Value	131,768
Amount at which Shown in Balance Sheet	131,768
Short-term investments
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Value	84,266
Amount at which Shown in Balance Sheet	84,266
Other invested assets
Summary of Investments, Other than Investments in Related Parties, Reportable Data [Line Items]
Value	99,012
Amount at which Shown in Balance Sheet	$ 99,012

Schedule II -Condensed Finan145

Schedule II -Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Balance Sheet (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013	Dec. 31, 2012
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash	$ 931,970	$ 902,750	$ 830,022	$ 414,370
Invested assets	5,886,866	4,575,881
Total Assets	17,111,632	13,847,368
Junior subordinated debentures due 2035-2037	123,714	123,714
6.125% Notes due 2023	14,500	14,500
Secured loan	38,483	35,233
Other liabilities	901,112	795,877
Total liabilities	14,024,945	11,650,567
Common stock	1,964	1,960
Preferred stock, $0.01 par value; 10,000 shares authorized, 4,968 and 4,785 issued and outstanding in 2015 and 2014, respectively, Aggregated liquidation preference $482,500, $300,000 in 2015 and 2014, respectively	482,500	300,000
Paid-in and contributed capital	1,383,492	1,021,789
Treasury shares	(162,867)	(297,586)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(130,262)	56,123
Retained earnings	1,334,233	954,734
Total AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. equity	2,909,060	2,037,020	1,441,005	1,144,121
Liabilities and Equity, Total	17,111,632	13,847,368
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Cash	12,157	7,690	$ 1,495	$ 6,877
Invested assets	2,057	1,353
Carrying value of subsidiaries, at equity	3,595,418	2,826,090
Other assets	802,842	549,780
Total Assets	4,412,474	3,384,913
Due to Affiliate, Net	250,176	322,243
Revolving credit facility	130,000	120,000
5.5% due 2021 Convertible senior notes	5,190	56,745
2.75% due 2044 Convertible senior notes	163,082	157,679
Junior subordinated debentures due 2035-2037	123,714	123,714
6.125% Notes due 2023	250,000	250,000
Subordinated debt	150,000	0
Secured loan	22,701	28,572
Other liabilities	273,551	288,940
Total liabilities	1,503,414	1,347,893
Common stock	1,964	1,960
Paid-in and contributed capital	1,383,492	1,021,789
Treasury shares	(162,867)	(297,586)
Accumulated other comprehensive income	(130,262)	56,123
Retained earnings	1,334,233	954,734
Total AmTrust Financial Services, Inc. equity	2,909,060	2,037,020
Liabilities and Equity, Total	4,412,474	3,384,913
7.25% Subordinated notes due 2055 (the 7.25% 2055 Notes) | Parent
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Subordinated debt	150,000	0
7.50% Subordinated notes due 2055 (the 7.50% 2055 Notes) | Parent
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Subordinated debt	$ 135,000	$ 0

Schedule II -Condensed Finan146

Schedule II -Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Income Statement (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Acquisition gain on purchase									$ 5,826	$ 0	$ 48,715
Total revenues									4,664,340	4,084,331	2,697,895
Loss on extinguishment of debt									5,271	9,831	0
Federal tax (benefit) expense	$ 27,706	$ (12,649)	$ 4,472	$ 46,812	$ 15,940	$ (7,664)	$ 17,966	$ 27,444	66,341	53,686	98,019
Other expenses from operations	153,272	116,900	98,130	98,457	157,678	103,493	87,588	87,591	466,759	436,350	291,617
Net income	$ 72,633	$ 193,008	$ 80,733	$ 164,148	$ 83,525	$ 157,156	$ 104,189	$ 101,728	510,522	446,598	280,593
Parent
Investment income									249	183	207
Equity in undistributed net income of consolidated subsidiaries and partially-owned companies									619,707	539,915	319,738
Acquisition gain on purchase									5,826	0	23,183
Miscellaneous income (expense)									4,239	641	6
Total revenues									630,021	540,739	343,134
Interest expense									44,401	32,016	22,178
Loss on extinguishment of debt									5,271	9,831	0
Federal tax (benefit) expense									(2,827)	(4,800)	10,087
Other expenses from operations									72,654	57,094	30,276
Total Expenses									119,499	94,141	62,541
Net income									$ 510,522	$ 446,598	$ 280,593

Schedule II -Condensed Finan147

Schedule II -Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Comprehensive Income (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income	$ 72,633	$ 193,008	$ 80,733	$ 164,148	$ 83,525	$ 157,156	$ 104,189	$ 101,728	$ 510,522	$ 446,598	$ 280,593
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments									(77,437)	(17,358)	12,943
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax									621	664	1,028
Minimum pension liability									2,686	(1,055)	(1,738)
Unrealized (loss) gain on securities:
Gross unrealized holding (loss) gain									(177,618)	133,775	(138,902)
Less tax (benefit) expense									(62,166)	46,821	(48,616)
Net unrealized holding (loss) gain									(115,452)	86,954	(90,286)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss									4,315	0	0
Other net realized (loss) gain on investments									(1,118)	(4,918)	5,658
Reclassification adjustment for securities sold during the year, net of tax									3,197	(4,918)	5,658
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax									(186,385)	64,287	(72,395)
Comprehensive income									324,137	510,885	208,198
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling and redeemable non-controlling interest									6,928	(416)	(1,633)
Comprehensive income attributable to AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.	$ 3,501	$ 178,924	$ 33,190	$ 101,594	$ 63,551	$ 144,051	$ 161,272	$ 142,427	317,209	511,301	209,831
Parent
Condensed Financial Statements, Captions [Line Items]
Net income									510,522	446,598	280,593
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax:
Foreign currency translation adjustments									(77,437)	(17,358)	12,943
Change in fair value of derivatives, net of tax									621	664	1,028
Minimum pension liability									2,686	(1,055)	(1,738)
Unrealized (loss) gain on securities:
Gross unrealized holding (loss) gain									(177,618)	133,775	(138,902)
Less tax (benefit) expense									(62,166)	46,821	(48,616)
Net unrealized holding (loss) gain									(115,452)	86,954	(90,286)
Other-than-temporary impairment loss									4,315	0	0
Other net realized (loss) gain on investments									(1,118)	(4,918)	5,658
Reclassification adjustment for securities sold during the year, net of tax									3,197	(4,918)	5,658
Other comprehensive (loss) income, net of tax									(186,385)	64,287	(72,395)
Comprehensive income									324,137	510,885	208,198
Less: Comprehensive income (loss) attributable to non-controlling and redeemable non-controlling interest									6,928	(416)	(1,633)
Comprehensive income attributable to AmTrust Financial Services, Inc.									$ 317,209	$ 511,301	$ 209,831

Schedule II -Condensed Finan148

Schedule II -Condensed Financial Information of Registrant Cash Flow (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Net income	$ 72,633	$ 193,008	$ 80,733	$ 164,148	$ 83,525	$ 157,156	$ 104,189	$ 101,728	$ 510,522	$ 446,598	$ 280,593
Stock based compensation									22,763	19,114	11,186
Discount on note									5,628	3,095	3,000
Dividend received from equity investment									984	246	12,203
Loss on extinguishment of debt									5,271	9,831	0
Equity (earnings) losses, gain on investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and dividend from subsidiaries, net									(25,385)	(28,351)	(11,566)
Other assets									(273,096)	(123,867)	(310,177)
Net cash provided by operating activities									990,778	1,142,484	972,159
Acquisition of subsidiary companies, net of cash acquired									(242,358)	(80,736)	(20,182)
Net cash used in investing activities									(1,727,691)	(1,038,942)	(986,262)
Financing fees									(9,451)	(5,188)	(2,740)
Common stock issuance (repurchase), net									4,907	10,589	5,387
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock									176,529	178,641	111,130
Dividends paid									(85,296)	(55,599)	(29,236)
Dividends distributed on preferred stock									(31,590)	(12,738)	(3,989)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities									781,790	(15,066)	426,860
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents									29,220	72,728	415,652
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning year				902,750				830,022	902,750	830,022	414,370
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	931,970				902,750				931,970	902,750	830,022
Parent
Net income									510,522	446,598	280,593
Depreciation and amortization									10,738	6,678	3,593
Stock based compensation									22,763	19,114	11,186
Discount on note									5,628	3,095	3,000
Dividend received from equity investment									984	246	12,203
Loss on extinguishment of debt									5,271	9,831	0
Carrying value of equity interest in subsidiaries									(704,324)	(421,668)	(456,107)
Equity (earnings) losses, gain on investments in unconsolidated subsidiaries and dividend from subsidiaries, net									45,513	(20,950)	(4,635)
Other assets									(125,600)	(128,866)	(135,799)
Due (from) to affiliates									(72,067)	114,703	(14,636)
Other liabilities									(54,389)	146,715	64,774
Net cash provided by operating activities									(360,787)	175,496	(235,828)
Capital expenditures									(7)	(31,097)	(2,455)
Investment purchased									(704)	(1,286)	0
Investment in subsidiary									(112,877)	(285,783)	(22,605)
Acquisition of subsidiary companies, net of cash acquired									(281,799)	(123,887)	(78,193)
Net cash used in investing activities									(395,387)	(442,053)	(103,253)
Issuance of debt									745,500	318,900	250,000
Payment of debt									(518,450)	(101,928)	0
Financing fees									(9,451)	(4,143)	(2,740)
Common stock issuance (repurchase), net									483,399	(50,379)	8,534
Net proceeds from issuance of preferred stock									176,529	178,641	111,130
Dividends paid									(85,296)	(55,601)	(29,236)
Dividends distributed on preferred stock									(31,590)	(12,738)	(3,989)
Net cash provided by (used in) financing activities									760,641	272,752	333,699
Net increase in cash and cash equivalents									4,467	6,195	(5,382)
Cash and cash equivalents, beginning year				$ 7,690				$ 1,495	7,690	1,495	6,877
Cash and cash equivalents, end of year	$ 12,157				$ 7,690				$ 12,157	$ 7,690	$ 1,495

Schedule III - Supplementary149

Schedule III - Supplementary Insurance Information (Details) - Operating Segments [Member] - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	$ 704,243	$ 628,383	$ 468,404
Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses, Future Policy Benefits	7,208,367	5,664,205	4,368,234
Reserves for Unearned Premiums	4,014,728	3,447,203	2,680,982
Premium Revenue	4,021,727	3,526,564	2,265,990
Net Investment Income	156,290	131,601	84,819
Losses and Loss Expenses Incurred, Benefits	2,682,208	2,342,619	1,517,361
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	668,247	538,710	367,288
Other Operating Expenses	311,255	318,213	165,874
Net Premiums Written	4,260,058	3,956,618	2,565,673
Small Commercial Business
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	203,495	179,771	98,275
Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses, Future Policy Benefits	3,934,696	2,854,379	1,982,977
Reserves for Unearned Premiums	1,374,482	1,193,628	704,234
Premium Revenue	1,886,880	1,606,805	833,812
Net Investment Income	69,207	55,842	29,301
Losses and Loss Expenses Incurred, Benefits	1,234,089	1,055,521	548,598
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	361,107	276,876	143,036
Other Operating Expenses	124,802	140,089	69,788
Net Premiums Written	1,932,100	1,882,383	935,313
Specialty Risk and Extended Warranty
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	434,953	389,763	310,230
Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses, Future Policy Benefits	1,674,006	1,669,293	1,537,887
Reserves for Unearned Premiums	2,143,060	1,832,560	1,599,167
Premium Revenue	1,305,036	1,232,238	811,837
Net Investment Income	56,116	50,544	39,139
Losses and Loss Expenses Incurred, Benefits	882,306	817,780	545,516
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	187,084	152,141	114,662
Other Operating Expenses	78,070	101,653	36,526
Net Premiums Written	1,450,817	1,333,747	944,081
Specialty Program
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	65,795	58,502	56,949
Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses, Future Policy Benefits	1,597,259	1,126,436	817,272
Reserves for Unearned Premiums	497,186	421,015	368,673
Premium Revenue	829,811	678,612	520,371
Net Investment Income	30,915	24,888	15,607
Losses and Loss Expenses Incurred, Benefits	565,813	456,422	355,067
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	120,056	107,074	86,317
Other Operating Expenses	108,383	76,467	52,333
Net Premiums Written	877,141	740,488	620,452
Personal Lines Reinsurance
Supplementary Insurance Information, by Segment [Line Items]
Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	0	347	2,950
Reserves for Losses and Loss Expenses, Future Policy Benefits	2,406	14,097	30,098
Reserves for Unearned Premiums	0	0	8,908
Premium Revenue	0	8,909	99,970
Net Investment Income	52	327	772
Losses and Loss Expenses Incurred, Benefits	0	12,896	68,180
Amortization of Deferred Policy Acquisition Costs	0	2,619	23,273
Other Operating Expenses	0	4	7,227
Net Premiums Written	$ 0	$ 0	$ 65,827

Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Deta

Schedule IV - Reinsurance (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	3 Months Ended								12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Sep. 30, 2015	Jun. 30, 2015	Mar. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Sep. 30, 2014	Jun. 30, 2014	Mar. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Gross Amount									$ 5,994,848	$ 4,816,607	$ 3,308,136
Ceded to Other Companies									2,343,087	1,852,236	1,297,009
Amount from Other Companies									369,966	562,193	254,863
Net earned premium	$ 1,057,972	$ 1,045,408	$ 968,970	$ 949,377	$ 908,163	$ 914,413	$ 874,937	$ 829,051	4,021,727	3,526,564	2,265,990
General Insurance
Reinsurance Premiums for Insurance Companies, by Product Segment [Line Items]
Gross Amount									6,473,338	5,422,484	3,869,893
Ceded to Other Companies									2,539,479	2,131,347	1,551,238
Amount from Other Companies									326,199	665,481	247,018
Net earned premium									$ 4,260,058	$ 3,956,618	$ 2,565,673
Premiums, percentage assumed to net									7.70%	16.80%	9.60%

Schedule V - Consolidated Su151

Schedule V - Consolidated Supplementary Property and Casulty Insurance Information (Details) - USD ($) $ in Thousands	12 Months Ended
	Dec. 31, 2015	Dec. 31, 2014	Dec. 31, 2013
Supplemental Information for Property, Casualty Insurance Underwriters [Abstract]
Current Year	$ 2,648,277	$ 2,324,062	$ 1,486,418
Prior year	33,931	18,557	30,943
Paid Losses and Loss Adjustment Expenses	$ 1,860,378	$ 1,441,219	$ 953,160